3 years ago in Sept 2020, the world was wrapped up with Covid while the EPG Baskets were starting a new adventure in the Pro B. 3 years later, they are starting a new journey in the Pro A. How quickly things change in the basketball world. I can remember then my first time watching a game in the Karthause gym in 2020 with maybe 40 fans, mind you it was Covid with many restrictions and the Pro A at that time as far away as the Nile river. I remember hearing this man dressed in black screaming all through out the game about calls and plays. I had no idea at that moment that that was the heart and soul of the organization CEO Thomas Klein. I guess at that time the only one who would have predicted his club being in the Pro A 3 years later was him. “That was my plan. I also would of said a part of our roster then was already Mission Next Level. Our goal BBL is latest for the 2028-2029 season”, stressed Thomas Klein. The transformation and development of the club has been amazing in the last 3 years on and off the court. Many people were eyeing this and it wasn´t really a surprise that the EPG Baskets were able to reel in highly respected coach Patrick Elzie in 2022. Elzie successfully led the club to the Pro A and for the first time in his career came to a place where he had incredible conditions to work in. “There is a great infrastructure in Koblenz. You have a great arena, sponsors and the potential budget. With all the other clubs that I ever worked for, I had to come in and handle the ground work and set everything up. Here it is different”, warned Patrick Elzie .

If you carefully study how the rosters have changed each season, you easily see that it has gotten better every season. Patrick Elzie and Thomas Klein did an incredible job holding key players with captain Marvin Heckel (14/3/5), ex BBL player Dominique Johnson (11/4), sniper Leon Friderici (15/3/2), inside out weapon Moritz Huebner (7/2/1), top pro B big man Moses Poelking (11/6), energy guy Niclas Sperber (6/3) and promising big man Leo Saffer (5/4). Those are 6 talented and more than qualified players for the Pro A. You lose 2 key players with Alani Moore and Brian Butler and then you go into the summer and haul in 6 more players of the same calibur is in my eyes “Insane”, but that’s what you get from the duo of Klein and Elzie. These are 2 guys that love basketball and especially the EPG Baskets Koblenz. They picked up American Trey Hall who has a chip on his shoulder coming from NCAA 2 school Cameron after beginning in JUCO. He made a name for himself in Finland winning the title last season with Helsinki. “He has been the leader of all his teams from high school until now. He began at the bottom and fought his way to the top. He was the point guard last season for the title team. He is a great defender”, stated Patrick Elzie . Delante Jones who balled at Seattle (NCAA) is an incredible shooter that has proven Pro A experience. “He showed he could score in Schwenningen and even when he came mid season to Tuebingen still found his role. He can put ball in the hole, is a good defender and great teammate”, warned Patrick Elzie . They brought in the next great shooter with rookie AJ Plitzuweit who averaged 33,0ppg at Vermillion high school and shot better than 40% from the parking lot in 2 of 3 seasons at South Dakota (NCAA). “Key will be for him to get used to Euro ball. He is also a great defender. He will be fine”, warned Patrick Elzie . For me personally the best pick up was Lithuanian forward Rytis Pipiras. He showed in Wurzburg in the Pro B and in the Pro A with Schwenningen that his middle name could be Mr versatility. He was a bit off the radar the lest 2 seasons playing in Hungary and Belgium. “He is quiet, but very intense on the court. He is a total professional. He is a 3-4 guy and your typical Lithuanian player with that inside out game”, said Patrick Elzie . Maurice Pluskota could be the other top pick up of the season. He definitely has the most experience in Germany having played 6 Pro A seasons and 201 games and parts of 6 BBL seasons and 71 games. “He was the best center in the Pro A last season. If you ask me he could play in the BBL right now. Getting a player like that speaks for the EPG Baskets Koblenz”, stressed Patrick Elzie . The last signing was an interesting one with big man Gabriel De Oliveira. He played parts of 3 seasons in the BBL with Bonn and Rostock and 2 seasons in the Pro A with Rostock and Leverkusen. At age 25, he is a player that isn´t fully developed skill-wise. “He can really shoot the ball. He has improved a lot since Iserlohn. He has a great body and is still learning. He brings a lot of tools with quickness and athleticism”, added Patrick Elzie .

Patrick Elzie who sees other strong teams in the Pro A with Frankfurt, Trier, Bremerhaven and Nurnberg is one of those guys that isn´t a fan about giving the team´s playing style a certain name. Last season he described the play of the EPG Baskets Koblenz as a winning style. Nothing has changed this season. “We will play aggressive defense and produce offense. In the set play we will be smart, move the ball and play team basketball”, warned Patrick Elzie . Last season the team was deep and averaged 91 points on offense. It is scary to think what the club will be capable of this season. “We obviously have a very talented roster. We want to get everyone involved and satisfied with their role. If you look back in history, my teams have always been top 3 to top 5 in scoring. I like to play fast and get up shots. Nothing has changed. It is a matter of getting the ball to all the different players and to the right guys in certain points of the game. Everyone understands this and there are no selfish players. No one is worried about who will score”, warned Patrick Elzie . Last season the club took a lot of pride on the defensive end and that shouldn´t change this season. “I hope we remain strong on defense. As a player I was more of a defender and my teams have always reflected that. The new players are all athletic and aggressive defenders. Nobody is slow. You need good defenders in the Pro A. The Pro A is a tough league. That is why we will work diligently on defense each day”, stressed Patrick Elzie . An interesting aspect this season will be the how Elzie splits up the minutes especially with the big men. You have Pluskota, De Oliveira, Leo Saffer and Moses Poelking who would all start for other teams. “This team isn´t about the minutes, but winning. Every player will be ready no matter if he plays 20 or 2 minutes. The guys that deserve the minutes will get it. Having so many talented big men increases the competition level in practice”, expressed Patrick Elzie .

The ambitions of the EPG Baskets Koblenz are massive each season. The expectations have been huge each new season since 2020 and keeps rising. Usually when you reach a new level, the goal is to stay in the league. Thomas Klein wants the best for the EPG Baskets Koblenz and sees this team as a easyCredit BBL team one day. The goals still have to be realistic. “Nobody is looking us to be mediocre because of our success. When you have success, people want to see it again. Personally for me, I don´t feel pressure this season. Last season was different in that the pressure to get to the Pro A was higher because of not getting there the season before. Now we are in the Pro A. The next step is to consolidate the club. We have more people working in crucial areas to help get the organization ready for the BBL one day. I feel no pressure. Maybe when I was younger. As a coach you don´t go into a season just to stay in the league. Each team has that idea to win. Our goal is to stay in the league. Our second goal is to reach the playoffs. From there anything is possible”, commented Patrick Elzie . It will be interesting to see what Patrick Elzie can do with his enormous talent in the Pro A. The guy has been around the coaching block for 25 years and nothing rattles him anymore. Is there anything he learned last season that he can take into this season? “You never stop learning. I learned last season to stay cool. You always have ups and downs. I remember everyone being shaken when we lost to Schwelm. It happened again when we lost to Erfurt, everyone got nervous. You may begin bad, but it depends what the score is at the end. I just stick to the concept, work hard each day and get to the goal”, warned Patrick Elzie . So where will the journey end in 2024 with the EPG Baskets Koblenz. On paper, the talent is there to reach the easyCredit BBL. I see this team reaching the playoffs. The question will be, how good will the team chemistry be? The mix is great between the old and new players and in general good character guys. Another interesting question will be how long will Marvin Heckel be out and can Marcus Anderson replace him? Anderson played at top school Carelton and has Pro A experience with Paderborn and is another super defender and team orientated guy. He never has averaged 10,0 points in a season, but he doesn´t have to with Koblenz because they have enough scorers. The first 3 games are on the road and will be a big test for the team and how they do could be crucial for the rest of the season. It will be another interesting season. One thing is for sure. Every trip to the CGM arena is an incredible experience. It never gets dull no matter if your sitting next to Thomas Klein or not.

Bryan Battle (196-SG-1999, college: FHU) is a 24 year old 196cm guard from Arizona playing his fourth professional season and first with the RheinStars Koln. Last season he played with Ammerud Basket Oslo (Norway-BLNO) averaging 15.0ppg, 6.5rpg, 2.6apg, Steals-2 (2.8spg), FGP: 52.9%, 3PT: 27.9%, FT: 72.0%. In 21-22 he balled for U.M.F. Skallagrimur Borganes (Iceland-D1) averaging 23.1ppg, 7.5rpg, 5.4apg, Steals-2 (2.8spg), FGP: 45.2%, 3PT: 34.5%, FT: 76.6%. he split his rookie season with KK Promo Donji Vakuf (Bosnia-Division I) averaging 2.0ppg, 1.7rpg, in Jan.’21 moved to Urartu V-bet Yerevan (Armenia-League A) averaging 11.0ppg, 5.8rpg, 3.2apg, 2.0spg, FGP: 46.5%, 3PT: 28.0%, FT: 41.7%. He began his basketball career at South Mountain Community College (JUCO) and then played a season at Rogers State University (NCAA2) averaging 2.2ppg, 1.5rpg. he finished at Freed-Hardeman University (NAIA) averaging 16.2ppg, 7.3rpg, 3.2apg, 1.7spg, FGP: 52.1%, 3PT: 40.7%, FT: 62.6%. he spoke to germanhoops.com about basketball.

Thanks Bryan for talking to germanhoops.com.  How easy was it making the decision to join the Rheinstars? 

It was an easy decision for me to join the Rheinstars because I’d like to continue to move up levels of basketball in Europe and I heard that Cologne is a beautiful city. Another reason it was an easy decision was because of how talented my coach was as a player when he played.

Have you done your research yet on Stephan Beck? What impressed you most in talks with the coach?

Yes, I know who my coach is. We talked recently about what it was like for him to play against Michael Jordan and for me to play against LeBron James. I am most impressed with his basketball IQ.

You say you want to visit the Berlin Wall, what was your first impression of the Cologne Cathedral?

It was really cool to see, I saw a glimpse of it driving into the city for the first time. I am excited to visit one day when I have some free time.

The Rheinstars have had potent Americans over the last few seasons. How confident are you that you can uphold the tradition of imports?

I am extremely confident, first of all. However, I add my own dynamic by being taller and more versatile. I hope to be the first import to bring the first championship to the Rheinstars.

You fill the stat sheet like Russell Westbrook. If you had to compare your game to one NBA player, who would you pick?

Dejounte Murray.

How big is versatility in your game? Is that your biggest strength?

Yes, versatility is my biggest strength. I enjoy being a chameleon, or someone that can do whatever the team needs from me to win.

You’re a really good rebounder. Has that always been in your DNA or has it come with experience?

In high school, I played position four. So I learned to rebound at a young age. However, my ability to track the ball has improved.

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

Becoming a more consistent shooter.

Last season, you played with Ammerud. How tough was losing the playoff series to Kongsberg where you lost the game by 37 points? What did you learn from this series?

I learned that having a killer mentality against no matter who you’re playing will give you an edge when you are not favored to win. Being connected as a team towards the end of the season is the most important thing in the playoffs. It is important to peak as a team at the right time.

You had some huge games for Skallagrimur in Iceland, and you exploded for 41 points against Hottur. Are you aware you could have had 50 points if you would have made your free throws?

I am aware. Forty-one points is still my career high. That game was dedicated to my grandmother, who passed away two days beforehand. I felt like this was the first time she could really see me play.

In Bosnia/Armenia, what do you remember being your wake up call to being overseas when you knew you were far away from home?

The culture shock of going from America to Bosnia was a lot. I remember performing better in Armenia being given more playing time.

. How tough was this season? Covid was around and you had to move teams. Did you gain anything positive from this experience?

This season was tough because of playing with no fans and limited gym time due to the pandemic. I learned how to live on the other side of the world on my own, that’s what I would say I gained as a positive experience.

You began your career at SMCC. Every guy I have interviewed that went to junior college said it was tough, but an experience they never regretted. How was this process for you?

I graduated high school at seventeen years old, so I began my junior college career at seventeen. Playing against grown men was a tough experience at a young age but I figured it out. Only the strong survive in junior college.

You were then rewarded by playing at RSU. How tough was this season? Did you gain anything positive from it?

This season was very tough as RSU kind of took my love for the game away. They made me play position five and the only thing that was positive out of this situation was that it made me realize I never wanted to experience that feeling again.

You then had a breakout season at FHU, becoming an All-American. How did your game grow in this period?

I really put the work in, I became obsessed with the game. I was sleeping in the gym to workout even before morning workouts and putting the extra work in film study to become a great wing player.

How did head coach Drew Stutts prepare you for your professional career?

He prepared me by being honest with me about what I needed to work on. He could tell I was a great player, but he was really focused on getting me to believe in myself. And I thank him for that.

Who won in one-on-one in practice – you or Anthony Yarbrough?

I won for sure. But I owe Anthony a lot for helping me become a great player that year. Iron sharpens iron, and he for sure made me work to beat him every day.

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

I have not played against any player in college who made the NBA, I hope to be the first of those colleges that makes it to the NBA.

Please name your five best teammates of all time.

Chris Wright (Higley High School), Chris Buccannan (Marcos de Niza High School), Jacob Inclan (SMCC), CJ Wilson (KK Promo), and Simun Kovac (Skallagrimur).

Please name your personal NBA Mount Rushmore.

Kyrie Irving, LeBron James, Michael Jordan, and Kobe Bean Bryant.

Who is your GOAT and why?

My mom. She was always there to support me at every game, whether I was good at basketball or not. I didn’t realize at the time how much having her at those games meant to me until I started playing overseas.

Did you see the sequel to the classic Coming to America? Should they have left it alone?

I didn’t see the movie, Coming to America: The Sequel.

Thanks Bryan for the chat.

A positive Debut in Frankfurt For Predrag Krunic

After a long summer, it was time for Skyliner diehard basketball fans to trek back into the arena in Hoechst to witness basketball again. There were many new faces around like Aiden Warnholtz, Cameron Henry and David Muenkat, but the opponent wasn´t any different as MBC was in the house led by well known head coach Predrag Krunic. The only difference that many had to get used to was that the easyCredit BBL was history at least for this season. The Fraport Skyliners began a new adventure in the Pro A and were tested right away in cup action with the BBL team from Weissenfels. The eastern Germany team also had produced a face lift, but at least one well known BBL player was still there with 3 time BBL rebound leader John Bryant. Anytime a Bryant is in town, it´s worth a trip to the Skyliners living room. Unfortunately he only witnessed 9 minutes and scored 1 point. The Fraport Skyliners wanted to start the season with a bang showing their special qualities against the BBL team while MBC wanted to remain in the Cup competition and not get upset by a Pro A team. The Fraport Skyliners blased off in the first quarter unveiling an offensive party, but that fizzled in the last 3 quarters as the Fraport Skyliners had difficulty overall with the on ball pressure and just couldn´t withstand the opponents annoying guard athleticism losing 81-73 in cup action. “We are still trying to find our identity as a team. I felt that we played hard. They play fast paced and hit big shots. Baldwin annoyed us a lot with his timely baskets. Today better offense beat great defense”, stressed Fraport Skyliner guard Cameron Henry. The Syntanics MBC played a solid game and lived off their guard play and got huge support from Baldwin especially in crunch-time when Frankfurt staged a late comeback. “I felt we played a good game. We had our ups and downs. We knew it would be a tough game, because they are a team that want to get back to the BBL. Our defense and guard play carried us. We had the advantage with our quickness and length”, said MBC guard Johnathan Stove.

Chris-Ebou Ndow at the FT line

Both teams got their offenses rolling in the first quarter as MBC got baskets from Norwegian forward Chris-Edou Ndow as he supplied two while ex Ludwigsburg center Martin Breunig also connected on an off balance shot while Frankfurt was led by a one man wrecking crew with ex Carleton standout Aiden Warnholtz who was left a lot of room and didn´t hesitate scoring 9 of Frankfurt´s first 11 points in the first few minutes to lead 11-7. Frankfurt was demonstrating pretty team basketball and made good decisions while sprouting a lot of self-confidence. Frankfurt was playing good defense, but MBC was hitting tough contested shots that kept them in the game early. Frankfurt got a lot of production from everyone as young German big man Jordan Samare scored twice as he was put in good scoring position by the dimes from David Muenkat and Booker Coplin as Frankfurt led 26-19. But MBC always had an answer as Stephon Jelks scored getting a loose ball and German Kostja Mushidi made a lay in on transition. Aiden Warnholtz may have supplied the first ohhs and ahhs with Buckets but he showed on the last score that his passing my be his most beautiful asset as he supplied Samare with the perfect shovel pass and lay in for the 28-23 lead after 10 minutes. “Coach has told us since day one to always be aggressive at both ends. But we didn´t come out like that, but came out on our heels. We had to many turnovers and weren´t aggressive enough”, stated ex Louisiana (NCAA) guard Johnathan Stove.

David Muenkat for 3

The game took a turn in the second quarter as the Fraport Skyliners were unable to keep their powerful scoring from the first quarter as they dipped down to 11 points while MBC continued to stay consistent on offense living off their guard play scoring 25 points. The guests totally upped their defensive intensity on ball and Frankfurt was unable to come to terms with that. Their lead started to dwindle. German Alvin Onyia made a nice runner for the 30-25 advantage, but MBC began to slowly crawl back and before anybody knew it, the score was dead locked at 32-32 as MBC got baskets from Jelks and Stove on the drive as Frankfurt´s 1-1 defense was too lax. It also didn´t help Frankfurt´s cause when they suffered their 5th foul at the 4,50 minute mark. MBC went on a lethal 16-7 run to lead 48-39 at the break. In the run of MBC, it was Diante Baldwin (180-PG-1994, college: UNCG) who had played in Germany back in the 2019-2020 season for Tuebingen scored 3 times, while they also mixed it up getting Breunig touches that led to a running hook shot and dunk. Frankfurt continued to get beat 1-1 and also had problems with transition defense. A good sign were the many extra passes by Frankfurt, but in a game with so much pressure, not always the best idea as they did get many turnovers because of that. “Our on ball pressure really helped us get the lead. Our athleticism and ability to disrupt plays and timing was important for us. Our up tempo play is one of our biggest strengths. That allowed us get easy baskets”, stated Johnathan Stove.

Courtney Ramy for 3

In the third quarter, both teams were unable to score much, but MBC still kept the comfortable lead going into the last frame. The Fraport Skyliners came out of half-time refocused and struck the guests with a swift 6-0 run to get back into the game trailing only 48-45. In the run, Frankfurt continued to display their unselfish game and spread the love around against the not so aggressive MBC defense as ex NCAA 3 player Booker Coplin made an off balance shot, German big Lorenz Brennecke made a lay in on the pick and roll with Henry and Marco Voeller drilled home an open three pointer. Frankfurt did a good job playing their game in the half court and not the up tempo game of MBC and they made good decisions on offense. After 5 stops by Frankfurt, MBC finally got on the board with their first field goal of the third quarter at the 6,32 minute mark with a trey by Jelks to lead 51-45. After a Brennecke turnover, It was Jelks again who dropped a three pointer for the 54-44 advantage. Frankfurt had problems executing their offense once again against the on ball pressure, but at the same time defended well, but couldn´t come back. The offensive scoring of Aiden Warnholtz had stopped abruptly after his explosion in the first quarter as he got no more good looks and had to concentrate on playmaking. David Muenkat sparkled with a three pointer and acrobatic lay in, but MBC retaliated with a Baldwin lay in and Breunig free throws to keep the 59-51 lead after 30 minutes. “ We knew that Warnholtz was their engine. We were more aggressive on him. We knew that if we could stay in front of him that we would be ok. They had good ball movement the whole game. That will help them in the second division. We have to tighten that up on defense and not allow as many extra passes”, commented Johnathan Stove. “We had to fight adversary for the first time in the second quarter. We knew we had to come back in the third quarter and keep our head up. Our mentality is all about that next play. We fought hard and stayed in the game. We want our fans to know that we won´t roll over and work hard 24/7”, warned ex Indiana State (NCAA) guard Cameron Henry.

Marco Voeller at the FT line

Diante Baldwin saved his best for last as he scored 4 buckets in the fourth quarter securing the cup win for the 2004 Fiba Europe Cup winner. It actually seemed like the Syntainics MBC would decide the game early as they came out on a 12-4 run to register their biggest lead of the game at 71-55. The guests executed well sharing the love as they got many guys into the action. Stefan Birecevic who has won 7 career titles and 2 silver medals with Serbia made a runner, Breunig a lay in, Baldwin scored twice and Stove made a three pointer. Stove who finished with 13 points, 5 rebounds and 4 dimes is a guy who has had to pay his dues the last 2 years after starting his professional career 3 years after he finished in the NCAA. So far he is making the most of his arrival in the easyCredit BBL the highest league that he has ever been in in his career. “I´m playing more combo guard this season then the 2/3. Coach wants me more to control the team and distribute this season. I can still take the three, but take the shots when my team needs it most”, stated Johnathan Stove. But the Fraport Skyliners didn´t hang their heads, but staged one last comeback going on a 15-4 run to trail only 75-70 with a little more than a minute to play. In the run, Frankfurt was living on adrenaline and let it rain three´s and had the momentum on their side. Muenkat, Coplin (twice) and Warnholtz connected from the parking lot while the guests couldn´t muster any proper offense. Suddenly there was new life in the arena, but step in Diante Baldwin. He was able to switch his switch on to unstoppable as he nailed 2 back to back off balance shots for the 79-71 lead that would have had Kemba Walker paying attention. “Baldwin hit big shots. He is really tough and a real baller. I have to guard him each day so I know. I remember telling him that we are going to give you the ball and you just do your thing. He is our engine. We wouldn´t have won the game without him”, warned Johnathan Stove. Edow and Muenkat closed out the game with lay in´s. “We picked up our intensity at the end the way it was in the first quarter. We were desperate at the end hitting big shots and getting steals and stops. We have to play like that for 40 minutes. I know it´s tough, but if we can do that then we will win a lot of games”, stressed Cameron Henry. The Syntainics MBC were led by Diante Baldwin with 17 points. Martin Breunig contributed 16 points while Stephon Jelks had 15 points. Johnathan Stove and Chris-Ebou Ndow added 13 points a piece while the Fraport Skyliners were led by Booker Coplin with 18 points while David Muenkat had 17 points and Aiden Warnholtz added 15 points. The Syntainics MBC shot 56% from the field and 27% from outside and had 31 rebounds and 17 turnovers while the Fraport Skyliners shot 45% from the field and 29% from outside and had 27 rebounds and 18

The pre-season of the EPG baskets Koblenz continues to roll along smoothly as despite having a walking wounded list as high as the empire state building, the club continues to play impressive basketball. Their next foe were BBC Herford a team that will be playing their second season in a row in the Pro B this season. With only a week before the new season began, both teams wanted to continue to tweak their plays as well as test how well their team chemistry was developing. On a cool friday evening, the CGM arena had the die hard fans in attendance as it wasn´t even half full, but those that were there were treated with good EPG baskets basketball and many spectacular plays. The team also had to get used to playing almost 3 quarters without their heart and soul point guard Marvin Heckel who suffered a brutal foot injury in the second quarter. It looked bad at first, but at the end of the game, the good news was that it wasn´t a fracture. Despite this blow, the team regrouped and played well until the end disposing of BBC Herford 78-60. “We played well, but still have plenty to learn and grow from this game. We played hard and good defense. We are starting to click on offense better. Guys are still figuring each other out. It is a growing process”, stated EPG Baskets guard AJ Plitzuweit (188-G, college: S.Dakota). BBC Herford fought hard, but had problems with the aggressive Koblenz defense and constant pressure and disadvantage under the basket. “We didn´t find well into the game. In the second quarter one could see we had real difficulty. They were more physical, were faster and hit way more shots. They all defend so well. It was hard getting the ball. Still this was a good test for us. It is ok to lose by 20 points in Koblenz”, stressed ex FC Schalke forward Shawn Gulley.

Moses Poelking at the FT line

Both teams had difficulty finding an offensive rhythm at first, but the guests did get on the board first with a three pointer by 38 year old ex Missouri (NCAA) forward Vaidotas Volkus. But the EPG Baskets did a good job using their inside out game and exploiting the mismatches and being able to get some open looks for ex South Dakota (NCAA) guard AJ Plitzuweit and German Nicolas Sperber as they took the 5-3 lead and would never trail again. Koblenz also got easy baskets off their pressure defense as steals by ex Cameron (NCAA2) guard Trey Hall and ex Wurzburg forward Rytis Pipiras led to 2 big dunks by Pipiras. Despite a in your face trey by Gulley, Koblenz also got easy buckets inside by German Moses Poelking as he scored twice with a lay in and a dunk for the 13-8 advantage. BBC Herford was able to stay in the game mainly because they made wild shots despite constant pressure and aggressive defense by Koblenz. Koblenz continued to execute their offense in a fine fashion spreading the love around. Ex Rhondorf big man Gabriel De Olveira also got into the action and Plitzuweit continued to play at a high intensity on offense making 2 lay in´s while Hall also scored. Young German Ivksa Sola of BBC Herford connected on a deep three pointer at the buzzer as the EPG Baskets Koblenz were only ahead 26-23 after 10 minutes. “I felt our defense was exceptional by our guards. Our bigs weren´t as good. Herford made many contested shots. But I´m sure their luck will run out as the game goes on”, commented EPG Baskets Koblenz CEO Thomas Klein.

Shawn Gulley at the FT line

The turning point of the game occurred in the second quarter as the EPG Baskets Koblenz took full control of the game outscoring BBC Herford 23-4 to have the overwhelming 49-27 advantage at the break. The second quarter began well for the Koblenz as Marvin Heckel dished out a sweet kick out pass to German Moritz Huebner who saw nothing but net from the parking lot. But then Heckle went down and wouldn´t return. Now the team had to perform without the team identity figure and did. They had no idea if his injury was severe. The EPG Baskets Koblenz continued to defend with passion and intensity as BBC Herford couldn´t run any good plays and had to live on tough desperation shots. Koblenz offense continued to execute as Pipiras made a runner and three pointer and De Olveira a lay in for the 36-23 advantage. After 8 Koblenz stops, the guests finally achieved their first field goal by Ivksa Sola at the 5,07 minute mark. Koblenz continued to sparkle on offense as German Leo Saffer also got into the action with an easy lay in as they dominated the paint area and Pipiras nailed another three pointer to lead 41-25. BBC Herford then scored their last bucket of the second quarter with a lay in by American Tristan Harper who played at Langston University, OK (NAIA) last season. The incredible pressure by Hall and Plitzuweit really set the tone and hurt BBC Herford. “Trey, Marvin and I are all really good offensive players, but we really pride ourselves on defense. We take it personally. We just try to help our bigs protect the paint area”, warned AJ Plitzuweit. The EPG Baskets then closed out the second quarter with a 8-0 run to lead comfortably at half-time. In the run, Koblenz continued to get easy baskets in the paint area as Poelking and Saffer scored and Moritz Huebner connected twice for easy scores. “We played very dynamic and athletic. We did a good job getting out on transition and our bigs also played better defense. Herford also got no more lucky shots”, stated Thomas Klein.

Moritz Huebner from outside

In the third quarter the EPG Baskets weren´t able to find to their dominating play of the first half. Perhaps the players had their minds more on Marvin Heckel and his injury. Koblenz actually began pretty well going on a 8-2 run as AJ Plitzuweit continues to prove that he is a sniper and could be that first option from down town this season as he delivered twice from the parking lot while Poelking made free throws and led 57-29. Koblenz continued to keep up the pressure at both ends as Plitzuweit continued to be red hot from outside hitting another trey and Leo Saffer made a tip in dunk and the EPG Baskets had their biggest lead of the contest at 63-33. But the EPG Baskets then let up a bit allowing a 10-4 run by BBC Herford to trail only 67-43 after 30 minutes. In the run the guests got a 3 point play by Harper and just good all around team support. Ex Dragons Rhondorf German Lars Brodisch made a lay in, Michil Margaritis made a left handed hook shot and Luca Michels a trey. “Our level of intensity dropped. I believe that Marvin was on our mind. His loss was a tough pill to swallow”, said AJ Plitzuweit. “We hit our shots better, but overall our inability to shoot better has hurt us this pre-season”, stated Shawn Gulley.

Luca Michels from down town

Inthe fourth quarter the EPG Baskets Koblenz gave extended minutes to Oluwadamilola Ade Eri and Tevin Schnable and overall the team was already in relax mode as their execution was off as they mustered only 11 points while BBC Herford scored 17 points. BBC Herford began well getting 5 points in a row by Shawn Gulley as the ex JUCO player executed a hard 2 handed dunk off his steal and a lay in and free throw to trail only 67-48.”I will be one of the go to guys this season together with Tristan Harper. But I do try to help get everyone involved”, stressed Shawn Gulley. Nothing was really working on offense for the EPG Baskets, but when all else fails, they can always still get the ball inside and let the bigs do their thing as Poelking drew 2 fouls and made easy work of an offensive rebound for the put back to lead 71-48. It was obvious that BBC Herford weren´t going to achieve a miraculous comeback, but they did fight to the end getting some baskets from Volkus and Gulley, but youngster Ade-Eru made a fine put back and later a big dunk as Plitzuweit made a steal and instead of finishing himself allowed the young kid the stage for the finish. Harper did score the last 4 Herford points, but it was too little too late. “I felt like we still did finish strong. We compete each possession. Our motto is always next man up”, warned AJ Plitzweit. “Koblenz had some of their young guys in, but they still closed out game strong”, stated Shawn Gulley. The EPG Baskets Koblenz were led by AJ Plitzuweit with 18 points. Moses Poelking added 12 points and Moritz Huebner had 10 points while BBC Herford was led by Tristan Harper with 18 points while Shawn Gulley contributed 14 points. The EPG Baskets shot 48% from the field and 28% from outside and had 43 rebounds and 16 turnovers while BBC Herford shot 32% from the field and 27% from outside and had 33 rebounds and 21 turnovers.

Unique McLean (188-G, college: SFC) is a 188cm guard from Brooklyn, New York that is playing his third professional season and first with the Starwings Basket Regio Basel (Switzerland-SBL). Last season he played with Deba (Saudi Arabia-SBL) averaging24.8ppg, 8.0rpg, 2.4apg, 1.8spg, FGP: 62.4%, 3PT: 35.0%, FT: 65.0%. He split his rookie season with Korihait Uusikaupunki (Finland-Korisliiga) averaging 14.8ppg, 4.8rpg, 1.8apg, 2FGP: 45.3%, 3FGP: 34.0%, FT: 70.0%, in Mar.’22 moved to BBC Sparta Bertrange (Luxembourg-LBBL) averaging 7.5ppg, 3.5rpg, 1.0apg, 1.5spg. He began his NCAA career with the University of Massachusetts (NCAA) playing 2 seasons and a total of 55 games. He then finished at St Francis College NY (NCAA) averaging 11.4ppg, 8.0rpg, 1.9apg, 1.0spg, FGP: 51.6%, 3PT: 28.1%, FT: 67.2%, and 13.1ppg, 7.3rpg, 2.2apg, 1.3spg, FGP: 49.4%, 3PT: 31.8%, FT: 77.2%. He spoke to germanhoops.com about basketball.

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

I’m currently playing with Starwings in Basel, Switzerland, and it’s been a fantastic experience thus far. This preseason, the team is progressing really well.

You have a very unique name with unique. What is the story behind the name? Why did your parents call you that?

My mother heard my name as a child from someone else and remembered it since it matched hers, which is Monique.

What is the coolist thing you have heard about your name from others?

I generally just hear the same joke about my name, which is “that’s a Unique name.” I expect it now when telling someone.

Your playing your third pro season and first with the Starwings Basket Regio Basel (Switzerland-SBL). What kind of an experience has it been? What have you enjoyed most about being is Basel?

So far, playing with the Starwings has been a fantastic experience. The location and team make it very easy to be away from home and to play basketball.

The club last won the cup in 2010 and reached the league final in 2021. How big are the ambitions of the organization?

The team did not perform well last year, but with new coaches and players, we aim to establish that we still belong. We practice and compete with a chip on our shoulder, knowing we are capable of more.

This is an important season for you? You had a solid rookie season in Finland and last season played in Saudi Arabia. Your back in Europe now. What are your goals as a player? I can imagine to be a top player in the league?

My personal goals for this season are to demonstrate to everyone that I am capable of battling on both sides of the ball, and to perhaps establish myself as one of the league’s top players. Leading by example and being a vocal leader will hopefully help our team along the journey. Winning is my primary objective this year, and if we do what we’re intended to do, my personal aspirations will follow.

Let´s talk about your game. To what NBA player would you compare your game to?

I never compare my game to anyone else’s in the NBA. I simply strive to be the best version of myself.

You can score and rebound. Is rebounding your biggest strength? You averaged 8 as a 183cm guard. That´s quite impressive.

Rebounding has always been a big part of my game since I was kid, and because of my athletic abilities, I’ve been put in positions to play bigger roles as a result, so I’ve studied where the ball may fall off the rim and how to position myself in certain areas. For me, scoring is the same anywhere, and it all comes down to confidence. The work I put in on my game will always prepare me for those occasions.

Your three point shooting is still a work in progress, but you have found more consistency. What do you want to achieve this season with your three pointer?

I’ve put in a lot of work on my outside, shooting last and this summer, and I hope the effort will eventually pay off, and my percentages will climb as a result.

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

This preseason, I’ve focused on getting into passing lanes and forcing offensive players to work with my length and effort. I have the potential to be an excellent defender.

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

Improving my outside percentage is something I need to work on and will with the work I put in.

Last season you played with Deba (Saudi Arabia-SBL) averaging 24.8ppg), 8.0rpg, 2.4apg, 1.8spg, FGP: 62.4%, 3PT: 35.0%, FT: 65.0%. What kind of an experience was that? I can imagine you had some cool off court experiences? Did you visit any palaces?

It was an incredible experience to play in Saudi Arabia. People were very kind, and in my spare time, I would usually try to go on walks to just explore the different places where we played, or I would ask questions to learn a little history about different aspects of their culture.

You split your rookie season with Korihait Uusikaupunki (Finland-Korisliiga) .8ppg, 4.8rpg, 1.8apg, 2FGP: 45.3%, 3FGP: 34.0%, FT: 70.0%, in Mar.’22 moved to BBC Sparta Bertrange (Luxembourg-LBBL). What do you remember being your wake up call to be a rookie overseas where you knew you were far away from home?

My rookie season was a little bumpy because I thought I performed well in Finland, but we weren’t winning, so I knew they were going to make adjustments. I immediately learnt that it’s a business and that you can’t take it personally; you just have to be better and move forward.

You began your college career at UMass. You then m St. Francis College (NY) (NCAA) averaging 11.4ppg, 8.0rpg, 1.9apg, 1.0spg, FGP: 51.6%, 3PT: 28.1%, FT: 67.2% and as a senior averaged 13.1ppg, 7.3rpg, 2.2apg, 1.3spg, FGP: 49.4%, 3PT: 31.8%, FT: 77.2%. How did your game grow at St Francis NY?

Going to Saint Francis was a terrific move for me because Glenn Braica, the head coach, trusted me and let me figure out the game for myself, which helped me improve as a player and person

You had many great games at ST Francis NY against FDU and Mount St Mary´s. What was your best game there?

I believe one of my best games at Saint Francis was against FDU. I worked hard on my game that week, and I felt refreshed and played well on both sides of the ball.

How did head coach Glenn Braica groom and prepare you for a professional career?

Glenn Braica helped me find my confidence back after leaving a bigger school of UMass. His belief in me helped get to the place I’m in now as player.

Who won a 1-1 in practice you or Chauncy Hawkins?

Chauncey Hawkins was a productive scorer in college who could make difficult shots, but I was a little bigger, so if we played one on one, I’d go straight to the post.

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

My freshman year at UMass we played Dayton and was under man that, and I had to play the four slot for the first time, and Obi Toppin was a rising star, and I feel he was the best player I’d played with in college that went to the NBA.

Please name your 5 best teammates of all-time?

My best teammates of all time is not only great basketball players, but great men, which are – Bryce Aiken – Travis Atson – Hasahn French – Omari Spellman – Tremont Waters – Deondre Bourne

Who is your GOAT and why?

My GOAT is LeBron James. He was the best basketball player from the time he was a child untill the end of his career. It was no surprise how good he was when he first entered the NBA, like Michael Jordan. He had to deal with scrutiny and still exceeded expectations.

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

Coming to America is a classic and it should’ve been left alone. The new movie was not as good or even close.

Thanks Unique for the chat

Quintin Dove (200-F-1998, college: UT Martin, agency: Elevate Sports Alliance) is a 25 year old 200cm forward from Cleveland, Ohio that last played down under with Joondalup City Wanneroo Wolves (Australia-NBL One West) averaging (28.6ppg, 7.6rpg, 1.2apg, 1.1spg, FGP: 69.4%, 3PT: 36.8%, FT: 81.6%. In 22-23 he played for Club Atletico Olimpia Montevideo (Uruguay-LUB) averaging 16.0ppg, 6.2rpg, 2FGP: 69.2%, 3FGP: 28.6%, FT: 73.7%. In 21-22 he split time with T71 Dudelange (Luxembourg-LBBL) averaging 23.5ppg, 7.5rpg, 1.5apg, 1.3spg, 2FGP: 64.4%, 3FGP: 36.4%, FT: 77.3%, and in Dec.’21 moved to BBC Sparta Bertrange (Luxembourg-LBBL) averaging 25.6ppg, 7.6rpg, 1.4apg, 1.0spg, FGP: 66.7%, 3PT: 30.4%, FT: 81.8%. He played his rookie season with Tbilisi State University (Georgia-Superleague) averaging 17.1ppg, 8.3rpg, FGP: 58.1%, 3PT: 16.1%, FT: 69.3%. He began his basketball career at Cuyahoga Community College (JUCO) averaging 13.1ppg, 7.6rpg, FGP: 64.3%, FT: 76.2% and in his second season averaged 18.9ppg, 8.4rpg, FGP: 65.5%, 3FGP: 55.6%, FT: 87.4%. He then played 2 seasons with the University of Tennessee at Martin (NCAA) averaging 13.3ppg, 5.2rpg, FGP: 62.5%, 3PT: 35.7%, FT: 81.0% and as a senior averaged 20.2ppg, 7.9rpg, FGP: 61.3%, 3PT: 32.3%, FT: 78.2%. He spoke to germanhoops.com about basketball.

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

I am in Perth, Western Australia and basketball is treating me great ! Just came off of a very strong season lost in the grand final.

You are entering your fourth pro season and have played for 5 clubs in your first 3 seasons. Is it fair to say you’re a guy that just loves basketball and loves to play around the clock?

Yes you can say that I love basketball this is my life my career and it’s amazing when you can travel the world doing something that you love !

You had an incredible senior year at the University of Tennessee at Martin averaging 20,0ppg. How could a guy like you not land in higher leagues than Luxemburg, Georgia and Uruguay? That is a total mystery for me. Do you have an explanation?

I don’t have an explanation for that besides whoever gives me a chance they can best believe they will get a show and a hard worker as well as a great teammate!

Explosive guards are like apples on trees. How much of a factor is it that there are simply too many talented guards in the world and too little roster spots open in high leagues?

I have no idea besides coaches I guess like what they like and like I said any league that gives me a contract is going to get a very competitive winner and certified Bucket getter!

After a NCAA season like that, you must have the biggest chip on your shoulder? How much has that weight affected you in having explosive seasons everywhere as a pro?

Absolutely I have so much weight on my shoulder because I work too hard for this and it has gotten me in a great position as we speak and also coming of a season like I did in division 1 and not getting any NBA G league workouts or high leagues looking at me made me more hungrier and stay in the gym consistently

You must have a real big urge to prove yourself in a higher league. How much do you feel would your game profit just from getting an opportunity from a club playing first division in say like Germany, Italy or France?

That would be amazing and my game would profit tremendously because I would be playing alongside some great basketball players and I don’t have a problem playing any role that the coach and my teammates need me to play to win!

You are a flat out walking bucket. You already had these scoring qualities in JUCO. I´m sure you know you can play at high levels, but what do you still want to do with your scoring so you can be even more lethal?

Ive been working on my defense and that’s the main thing honestly that I feel once I maximize that it will be very difficult for others playing against me and I’m also going to keep working and getting better with putting it on the floor as well I’ve been very versatile everywhere I’ve been.

You’re a guy that can fill the stat sheet and are a great rebounder. Talk a little about your game and what else you bring to the table at both ends of the court.



My competitiveness and eager to win. I’ll do anything to win! I’ll crash the glass like my life depends on it and get those easy offensive rebound points or defensive rebounds to help put away a possessions! Also I’m a great teammate any coach would love me.

You recently played for Joondalup City Wanneroo Wolves (Australia-NBL One West) averaging Score-4 (28.6ppg), 7.6rpg, 1.2apg, 1.1spg, FGP: 69.4%, 3PT: 36.8%, FT: 81.6%.. You set that league on fire. Did it feel like you were a man among boys on the court?

I just really came in and played my game and showed people that I’m getting better each year. I stay in the gym when I’m home. I’m in the gym even if that’s watching basketball and when I’m out I’m in the gym for 3 hrs a day getting better and that’s not including weight lifting.

You had a 40 and 43 point game. How big is that desire to get to that 50 point mark? Does a guy like you who takes many shots have to take even more or is it just better execution?

I would say it’s better execution my teammates trust me and I feel like I take very high percentage shots that I know I can make and that I work on!

Last season you played with Club Atletico Olimpia Montevideo (Uruguay-LUB) averaging 16.0ppg, 6.2rpg, 2FGP: 69.2%, 3FGP: 28.6%, FT: 73.7%. You had a short season. What kind of an experience was it getting a taste of South America?

It was great played against some high level players and also had some on my team as well That league was great and really bettered me as a player I would say so I thank them for the opportunity!

In 2021-2022 you split time with T71 Dudelange (Luxembourg-LBBL) averaging 23.5ppg, 7.5rpg, 1.5apg, 1.3spg, 2FGP: 64.4%, 3FGP: 36.4%, FT: 77.3%, in Dec.’21 moved to BBC Sparta Bertrange (Luxembourg-LBBL) averaging 25.6ppg, 7.6rpg, 1.4apg, 1.0spg, FGP: 66.7%, 3PT: 30.4%, FT: 81.8%. You really exploded for both teams. How vital was this season for getting your name out there in Europe?

It was huge like I said before I have a chip on my shoulder and I’m out here to prove everyone wrong and get what I worked for and wherever god takes me !

You played your rookie season with Tbilisi State University (Georgia-Superleague) averaging 17.1ppg, 8.3rpg, FGP: 58.1%, 3PT: 16.1%, FT: 69.3%. What do you remember being your wake up call to being overseas where you knew that you were far away from home?

Just knew that this was my first step in my career and I had to leave a mark on the court !

How vital was a guy like Brandon Sly in your rookie season? What was the most important thing he taught you?

He was a good teammate.

You began your college career at Cuyahoga Community College (JUCO). Every guy I have interviewed that played JUCO have said, it was a tough experience, but one that they wouldn´t have exchanged for anything? How was it for you? What kind of player did you become?

That made my basketball career. I would say I wouldn’t change it for anything. I had a great coach named Michael Duncan and he taught me a lot and how to be more of a man as well. He was very hard on us a players and especially me that’s why we only lost less than 5 games in 2 years.

You then finished at the University of Tennessee at Martin (NCAA) averaging 13.3ppg, 5.2rpg, FGP: 62.5%, 3PT: 35.7%, FT: 81.0% and as a senior averaged 20.2ppg, 7.9rpg, FGP: 61.3%, 3PT: 32.3%, FT: 78.2%. How did your game grow in these 2 years?

Tremendously. It made me understand that now I have to take each year and take it to the next step in my career and keep going.

You had 30 plus points against Jacksonville State and EKU, but in loses. Was your 32 point explosion in the exciting 80-79 win over EIU one of your most fondest games there?

You can say that I never get caught in the hype because I know I can score at a high level and honestly it wasn’t anything that I’m not capable of doing !

How did head coach Anthony Parker groom and prepare you best for a professional career?

Man he groomed me into a man. I love that man. He was an amazing coach and he wanted the best for me gave me my first division 1 scholarship after I lost my scholarships in high school. I couldn’t ask for a better division 1 coach at all and I always do something every game I play to remember him he’s with me for life !

Who won a 1-1 in practice you or Parker Stewart?

 Lol man that’s my guy when I say he’s one of the best shooters I’ve ever seen I’m not kidding but I’ll beat him best out of 3 2-1!

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

I would have to say ja Morant and forget the dunk he did even though it was great check the stat. I had about 27 points 9 rebounds very efficient during that game.

Please name your 5 best teammates of all-time?

Parker Stewart, Craig Randal, Devon Robinson who was my teammate in Juco, Marcus Thomas, Wade Loman from Juco not in any order I name these because there all winners who care for the game of basketball.

Please list your personal NBA Mount Rushmore?

Kevin Durant

Who is your GOAT and why?

My mom and my dad and my aunt I have 3 because they all did so much for me in my life !

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

Man I think it was great I loved it. It was an amazing movie!

Thanks Quintin for the chat.

Miles Schmidt-Scheuber and Ivan Kharchenkov´s first meeting in Frankfurt in 2021

For some reason, it never interested me to do a google search to see what other famous people had their birthdays with me until now where names like Sophia Loren, Scarlet Johannson, Britney Spears, Lindsay Lohan, David Hasselhoff, and Robert Downey Jr popped up. I actually found out at a young age which famous person shared the same birthday as me. When you buy Ice Hockey cards and studied stats as much as I did, it was no surprise that I learned somewhere around the age of 7 or 8 years old that legendary Montreal Canadian Guy Lafleur shared the same birthday with me on September 20th. I remember him being my favorite player as a kid even if I was a Boston Bruins fan, Peter McNabb was a close second. I remember wearing a Red like Canadians jersey and having written Lafleur on the back of his jersey. My favorite birthday memory as a young kid had to be when I met Franz Beckenbauer. My God father Aleko who was a Greek business man that lived in New York city and knew much of the high society including football legends Pele and Franz Beckenbauer who were at the end of their careers and were playing for the New York Cosmos. After school, My mom said let´s go we are taking the Eastern airlines shuttle to New York and there will be your birthday surprise. I was 11 and had no idea. We went to a high rise apartment building on 5th avenue and entered a room and there he was the “Kaiser”. In 1980, I knew little about world football, but knew that Germany had won the World Cup in 1974 and Beckenbauer was the best Libero in the world. He was very polite and signed many autographs and took pictures with me. It is definitely a moment I will never forget. It then took me many more years to discover that ex Georgetown guard Ashanti Cook also had the same birthday as me in 2006 when he played with Braunschweig and some years later after covering ex Fraport Skyliner and world cup champion Johannes Voigtmann that he also blew out the candles on the 20th of September. I found another person in 2021 that also shared my birthday and that is current FC Bayern Munich guard Ivan Kharchenkov (198-SG-2006). He is without a doubt one of the most talented and best German players from the birth year 2006. He recently won the Bronze medal at the Euro U-20 and last season became the youngest player to play in an easyCredit BBL game. I have watched his basketball journey since he turned 15 years old 2 years ago. He like me also has a favorite childhood memory around the same time as me. “I remember when I turned 10 that my parents got me a Steph Curry package that included a back pack, jersey, long sleeve and shorts”, said Ivan Kharchenkov.

Miles Schmidt-Scheuber and Franz Beckenbauer in New York city in 1980

I reach Ivan Kharchenkov who is proud of Germany having won the World Cup, but wouldn´t necessarily have predicted they would win before the tournament started at 10:30 in the morning 2 days before his birthday and the day after FC Bayern Munich won the Magenta Cup having beat Euroleague teams Bologna and Belgrad. He is in a good mood and always prepared to talk basketball with me. The roster that FC Bayern Munich have produced this season is simply incredible. The pick ups of ex NBA players Carsen Edwards and Leandro Bolmaro as well as guys like Dino Radoncic has shown that they want to get back to their winning ways. Keeping guys like Andi Obst, Isaac Bonga, Freddie Gillespie and Nick Weiler-Babb demonstrates they want to keep some continuity and chemistry from last season. But the icing on the cake was hauling in ex NBA player Serge Ibaka. Is there a sense of urgency to win titles and blow everyone away in the easyCredit BBL? “I wouldn´t necessarily say urgency. I mean we always want to win. We have a great coach and great new players. We feel no pressure”, warned Ivan Kharchenkov. Making crazy comparisons don´t always seem logical especially when you want to compare Germany´s chemistry that helped them win the World Cup to what FC Bayern Munich could develop this season, but in basketball anything is possible. “Germany had a great team, but why not develop a special chemistry like that? We have many good individual players. These new players are prepared to play for the team. We have unselfish players”, stressed Ivan Kharchenkov.

The young kid who once scored 84 points against Bamberg when he was 12 and is a 3 level scorer has had a remarkable pre-season. He scored 11 points against Real Madrid and got substantial minutes every time and played against many Euroleague teams. “My self-confidence continues to grow. Coach Laslo is testing a lot and also isn´t playing the main guys too much. That has allowed me and Martin Kalu to play more. I have realized that this is a lot different level than the Pro B”, stated Ivan Kharchenkov. Despite being out for 4 months last season, his game progressed. This season it would be beneficial if he could stay healthy. Already in pre-season he has realized that the Euroleague is tough, but one he will be able to adjust to with time. “I wanted to see where I stood at that level. I noticed that I don´t have the experience yet and can´t stand out yet, but it´s getting better. I feel like I will be good in the Euroleague in some years”, stressed Ivan Kharchenkov. Last weekend in the Magenta Cup, he battled against top Euroleague point guard Milos Teodosic and found out that his IQ is at an incredible level. “I played against him on pick and roll and he is still a good player despite not being the youngest anymore. He always had a high IQ, but it seems like with age it´s even better now. He doesn´t have many moves, but just uses what he needs to be successful with. It is difficult to stop him”, warned Ivan Kharchenkov. He obviously has profited by having daily battles in practice with Carsen Edwards and Nick Weiler-Babb so he will be best prepared when the season commences. “They don´t care how old I am. They just treat me like a regular BBL player. They answer all my questions. Communication is important. They give me vital tips and tricks about how to defend and movement. It´s the little things”, added Ivan Kharchenkov. Soon when world champion Andi Obst is back from doing the promotion rounds, the young 17 year old will hear the constant swish of Obst three´s from the parking lot. Could that help give him added confidence with his own three? “We will see. Maybe I will get less confidence. When you see how much he hits, you realize that you still have to do a lot of work in the shooting department. But I do look forward to guarding him”, commented Ivan Kharchenkov.

Now that Ivan Kharchenkov is 17 how does he in general feel about getting a year older? “To tell you the truth, I´m not really as excited about getting presents despite my young age. I know it´s a special day for everyone, but for me it just means I´m a year older”, commented Ivan Kharchenkov. It is interesting to note that he can´t really remember any great birthday parties as a kid. I can remember so many. I can remember having horses in my back yard or going mini golfing and perhaps the highlight was inviting my friends to a Redsox game where a bigger kid stole the foul ball I had grabbed. It isn´t too surprising to note that he was instilled with that normal basketball routine already as a kid. “My birthday is during the pre-season. I have school and practice. It was difficult having a kid´s party during school and practice. I really don´t remember having a birthday party as a kid”, said Ivan Kharchenkov. He had many solid games as a 16 year old recently against Euroleague teams. Were those performances by him like a birthday gift for him? “No not really. If I didn´t play well, then I got no gift. I had to earn my gifts”, warned Ivan Kharchenkov. I don´t really have any serious birthday wishes anymore. I mean if I would have to choose, I would ask for a life long supply of pop overs from my favorite Boston restaurant. It´s no surprise that for the young Bayern Phenom any gift have to do with basketball. “I would like to have a dinner or training with Michael Jordan or Steph Curry”, smiled Ivan Kharchenkov. One thing is for sure gifts or not, one thing that Ivan and I will forever be linked and share a birthday on the same day. And nobody can take that from us.

Miles Schmidt-Scheuber and Braydon Hobbs during their first encounter in Giessen in 2015

Getting that first impression of someone can last a life time. I have covered thousands of professional ball players during the last 3 decades and some guys just stick in my mind forever especially that first time I met them. I definitely will never forget where I met Pau Gasol for the first time or even a Kevin McHale or a Malcolm Delaney, but there are also other less known players that I will never forget where I saw them for the first time. That special player is Braydon Hobbs (196-PG-1989, college: Bellarmine). A guy that never reached the NBA like the previous 3, but still made the Euroleague which many can´t say they ever did. The thing that makes Hobbs´s story so charming is that he had to pay his dues for many years already starting at division 2 school Bellarmine before making the big show overseas. I will never forget that first meeting in Giessen in 2015 when he was playing for Nurnberg and I interviewed him after a game I had done play by play for during the pro A playoffs. His smile and warm and comfortable way by which he presented himself was so positive. It felt like I had known him for years. Having that inviting and positive character surely helped him in his career and his chances with landing at top teams. “ Having a positive attitude was always a part of me. Even when I was younger, I would always try to stay positive. It was not always easy but that was just who I tried to be. I think that definitely played a part of why I was able to play so long. I wanted to have a positive effect on everyone I played with”, said Braydon Hobbs. He has decided to call it quits after a stellar 11 year career that saw him win titles with FC Bayern Munich and also reach the Euroleague and ACB, the best league overseas. For the first time in 11 years, he didn´t return back to overseas as the retired life has set in. “ It’s definitely been a bit strange being home this long. It’s the longest I have been home, in 12 years, so it’s a bit foreign in that regard. Playing for more than a decade sounds crazy. It goes fast. The main reason for stepping away from basketball was my family. I have three awesome kids and they are getting a bit older now. They are starting school so it felt right to hang it up and keep them in school stateside. I definitely could have played a couple more years. The shoulder surgery I had in March did not help my situation though. Contracts were hard to come by after that surgery. I am fully recovered from the surgery and my body feels great”, stressed Braydon Hobbs. One could politely say that after reaching the Euroleague and ACB, not bad for a guy coming from the NCCA 2 ? Even if he had a great NCAA 2 career, he would have had difficulty believing someone telling him in 2012 that he would play until 2023. “I would have never thought that I would have survived in Europe for 11 years. I was a homebody and never imagined living abroad for that long. I’m glad I did it but this was not my intentions. I just wanted to give it a shot and I ended up loving it. I accomplished several goals in my 11 year career. A goal was to win a championship overseas and to play in the best competitions that Europe has to offer. The best two leagues, to play in, are Euroleague and the ACB. It was a great experience and I wouldn’t change it for anything”, said Braydon Hobbs.

Miles Schmidt-Scheuber and Pau Gasol in Boston in 2019

Braydon Hobbs was born on May 17 th , 1989 in New Albany, Indiana where he attended New Albany high school. He was coached by Jim Shannon and left the school as the all-time assists leader and also became the first player in school history to record a triple double. He then played at Bellarmine University from 2008-2012 playing every game with a total of 133 and winning 2 GLVC titles and the NCAA 2 title in 2011. He showed rapidly that you could of given him the middle name Mr consistency as he averaged 12,0ppg, 4,0rpg and 5,0apg in his 4 year career and shot over 40% from outside twice. Head coach Scott Davenport helped him get prepared for the pro grind. “Playing for Coach Davenport was a blessing. He showed me so much on the court but even more off the court. I grew up a bit in college and he was one of the main reasons. He showed me that hard work and preparation will have you ready for anything”, said Braydon Hobbs. He got his first professional experience with the Mackay Meteors (Australia-ABA) averaging 13.9ppg , 6.2rpg , 5.1apg , 1.9spg , 2FGP: 52.3%, 3PT: 44.0%, FT: 84.2% and winning the league title. He played his rookie season with Caceres Basket (Spain-LEB Gold) averaging 7.1ppg , 2.8rpg , 1.9apg , 1.6spg , FGP: 41.9%, 3PT: 34.7%, FT: 87.9% and in his second season played with Alba Fehervar (Hungary-division) averaging 11.9ppg , 3.1rpg , 3.6apg , 1.7spg , FGP: 40.4%, 3PT: 52.3% in the Eurocup and ; 9.1ppg , 4.2rpg , 3.4apg , Steals-2 ( 2.3spg ), FGP: 52.8%, 3PT: 32.7%, FT: 72.7% in the Hungarian league. The beginning is never easy for Americans and some make it and some don´t. He just stuck with it. ““ I had to grind out some seasons in the early stages of my career. It wasn’t easy but my wife and I made the most of it. I don’t remember a specific situation as a wake up call but I do remember struggling like crazy that first year in Spain. I had a couple chats with my agent about the situation we were in. They were great conversations and I never looked back from there”, remembered Braydon Hobbs. Perhaps his season in Hungary was one of his most important as it showed him that he could stick with top players in the Eurocup. “The season in Hungary was extremely valuable. It was so valuable because I got European competition exposure and I had a huge role on that team. I was comfortable there because I had the same coach as the year before in Spain. I think it was a huge confidence booster for me because I knew I could play at a high level in Europe after that”, stressed Braydon Hobbs. He was teammates with ex NCAA champion with Florida Lee Humphrey who also shot out the lights in Germany with ratiopharm Ulm and will never forget his shooting. “Having Lee Humphrey as a teammate was pretty cool. I loved following him in the NCAA tourney as well. Having him on my team, after that, made it that much better. He was one of the best shooters I have ever played with. We had some battles in practice but I know I beat him, at least once, at some stage”, smiled Braydon Hobbs.

The Indiana native who lists Sam Bartolo (Australia) Karsten Tadda (Germany) Dan Oppland (Germany) Nathan Boothe (Germany) and Rickey Paulding (Germany) as his 5 best teammates of all-time then made the trek to Germany in the season of 2014-2015 and would call Nurnberg his new home. Once again he had to pay his dues as he played in the second league called Pro A, but didn´t disappoint averaging 11.9ppg , 4.1rpg , Assists-4 ( 5.9apg ), Steals-2 ( 1.9spg ), FGP: 55.8%, 3PT: 40.8%, FT: 82.4%. “ The season in Nurnberg was great. I knew we were going to have a good team with the roster they had together. I was hungry to open up a new market in Europe, so that is what was motivating me to new heights. I played well there and it helped me land a spot in the BBL”, remembered Braydon Hobbs. In the summer of 2015, he won his second title down under with the Mackay Meteors (Australia-QBL, averaging 14.7ppg , 5.8rpg , 4.8apg , 1.2spg , FGP: 51.4%, 3PT: 36.0%, FT: 87.5% . This league was a good place to get in extra competition while staying in shape for the upcoming season. After 3 seasons as a pro, he finally made the next jump moving to first division team Giessen. Once again he took on the challenge and had a solid first season in the easyCredit BBL averaging 10.5ppg , 5.2rpg , 4.8apg , Steals-3 ( 1.7spg ), FGP: 49.1%, 3PT: 42.2%, FT: 86.8%. There he was able to showcase his talent under young head coach Denis Wucherer. “ That jump to the BBL was huge for me. Denis gave me that opportunity and I can’t thank him enough. He helped me a lot during that season. My best memory with him is probably when we came back against Hagen. I made a couple solid plays and I would keep looking over at him and he would give me a fist pump. We had similar demeanors. We were never too high or too low”, stated Braydon Hobbs. That was Wucherer´s first season in the BBL with Giessen after helping them move back from the Pro A. After 24 years in the BBL, Wucherer wants to lead his new team Fraport Skyliners back to the BBL this season. “I think they definitely have a chance to make it back to the BBL. It is hard to play in Frankfurt so I think they will be just fine”, warned Braydon Hobbs. He had potent games against all the top teams like Alba Berlin, FC Bayern Munich and ratiopharm and the BBL was slowly getting to know him.

Miles Schmidt-Scheuber and Braydon Hobbs in Frankfurt in 2015

The ex Bellarmine guard then made another jump in his career signing with ratiopharm Ulm that was always a tough playoff foe to play, but still was 7 seasons away from that first chip. He once again showed he can play well with top players averaging 7.1ppg , 3.0rpg , Assists-4 ( 5.4apg ), 1.3spg , FGP: 46.3%, 3PT: 41.4%, FT: 87.2%; and in the Eurocup averaged 7.3ppg , 2.8rpg , 4.7apg , 1.0spg , FGP: 39.3%, 3PT: 43.4%, FT: 91.7%. Even if he played with top team Munich after this season, there is a reason why he won´t forget his Ulm season. “ The Ulm season was my favorite season of my career. We won 27 straight games. Winning cures everything so there were a lot of laughs that year. We had a blast. My teammates were awesome and I knew we were going to be solid when I signed there. I wish we would have finished the season better but injuries played a huge role. That is how things unfold sometimes though”, remembered Braydon Hobbs. He was lucky to have played with some real BBL legends in his time and it wasn´t any different with Per Guenther. “Per was great to be around. His knowledge and experience helped me more than he would ever know. He took me under his wing and showed me how to play at the top level. When I think of Per, golfing will always come to mind. We went out several times to play and it was awesome every time”, expressed Braydon Hobbs. Then came surely his 2 most memorable seasons with FC Bayern Munich where he racked up 3 titles. In two seasons he played a total of 113 games including 74 BBL games and 18 Euroleague games. He also shot the ball as good as he ever did in his career shooting over 40% from outside in the BBL and Eurocup in his first season and in his second season shot a crazy 53% in the BBL. “Winning 3 championships was great in Munich. That was a goal of mine when I started playing there. Another memory I will always have is, my second child was born 3 days after we won the first championship. I got to take the trophies into the delivery room with me and take pictures with my son. I will never forget those memories”, said Braydon Hobbs. It was also no surprise that in his 2 years, he would meet many types of celebrities, but his favorite encounter didn´t involve a football player like Manuel Neuer or Thomas Muller. “The soccer stars were at a lot of our games. A couple times they would come into our locker room for pictures as well. I have some cool memories with that but the most famous athlete I saw was Usain Bolt. I met him one time at my doctor´s office in downtown Munich”, remembered Braydon Hobbs.

The seemingly always smiling player who lists Maodo Lo, Per Gunther, and Rickey Paulding as his 3 toughest opponents in the easyCredit BBL then made another jump in his career playing with playoff team EWE Baskets Oldenburg and remained for 2 seasons. In his first season he averaged 7.8ppg , 3.5rpg , 4.0apg , 1.2spg , FGP: 57.8%, 3PT: 34.1%, FT: 92.6% in the BBL and in the Eurocup averaged 8.7ppg , 2.3rpg , 3.5apg , 1.4spg , FGP: 50.0%, 3PT: 45.5% while in his second season averaged 7.7ppg , 2.5rpg , 4.2apg , 1.3spg , FGP: 52.4%, 3PT: 43.4%, FT: 80.0%. In Oldenburg he was teammates with BBL legend Rickey Paulding. Every teammate and even some opponents have their special story with him and one word that never is missing is his humbleness. “ Rickey was a legend for sure but you would never know it. He is extremely humble and that’s what I liked so much about him. I loved going on the road trips with him because he always hooked me up with homemade cookies from his wife Kara. They were a great family and always treated us like we were their family”, stressed Braydon Hobbs. Late in his career, he made the trek to the best country league in Europe in Spain called the ACB with Monbus Obradoiro CAB Santiago de Compostela (Spain ACB) averaging 7.2ppg , 3.1rpg , 4.4apg , 1.0spg , FGP: 57.1%, 3PT: 39.6%. He held his own against some of the best players in the world and scored in double figures 12 times. Even if he lost to Real Madrid in a tight affair 89-88, he scored 17 points and showed he belongs to the best. “ The ACB was an unforgettable experience. Every night was a battle. If we would relax one second, then we would get killed. It’s the most competitive league I have ever played in. The intensity was off the charts as well. The one player I enjoyed matching up with was Sergio Llull. He hit some awesome shots against us. Playing Barcelona and Real Madrid was a cool experience”, remembered Braydon Hobbs. He returned back to Germany to play his last season with the Basketball Loewen Braunschweig (Germany-BBL) averaging 12.2ppg , 3.8rpg , 6.0apg , Steals-3 ( 1.9spg ), FGP: 46.9%, 3PT: 38.0%, FT: 90.3%. Even if injuries played a role for him, he still sparkled when he was fit and was instrumental in the team remaining in the BBL that had a very young team. “Playing in Braunschweig was a great way to end my career. I had a huge leadership role. I tried my best to keep everyone on the same page, and to be an extension of the coach. It didn’t always work but we tried our best. I really enjoyed helping the younger players out and I hope I had at-least some positive influences on them”, expressed Braydon Hobbs. He can look back on a great career that spanned 500 plus professional games in countries like Spain, Australia, Húngary and Germany and he played a total of 236 easyCredit BBL games.

Miles Schmidt-Scheuber and Braydon Hobbs in 2019 in Frankfurt

The family man who has a house in Indiana and has played a lot of golf since retiring will continue his life working in Louisville, Kentucky and also keep basketball in his life in some form. I like with so many pro players had a professional working relationship with him interviewing him every now and then since he arrived in Germany in 2014. I did most interviews with him when he was with Giessen. I put him to the test when I asked him about how many times I interviewed him. “I would guess that you interviewed me around 7-8 times”, said Braydon Hobbs. It was actually 14 interviews ( https://germanhoops.com/?s=braydon+hobbs . ) and he even got 2 titles for articles concerning ex Bellarmine player Adam Eberhard and for a Munich win. “I had no idea it was 14. Those 11 seasons went super fast. They went so fast some of the years just blur together. Having my whole family with me overseas, has made it go twice as fast as well”, said Braydon Hobbs. One game I remember vividly happened in 2018 when he helped FC Bayern Munich escape on the road in Frankfurt. With the title “ Braydon Hobbs plays game changer saving FC Bayern Munich from 18 points down in defeating the Fraport Skyliners 87-83”. “ I definitely remember the comeback win against Frankfurt. I was upset at halftime because I wasn’t getting to play much or even getting to play at all. All I remember was telling myself, if I get in this game, we will have a chance. I’m the end we had a chance and came out with a win”, stressed Braydon Hobbs. The American played an important role wherever he played in his career and fans everywhere will never forget him. “I hope the fans can remember some of my no look passes that I had along the way. I hope they remember how I always tried to play solid and smart team basketball”, added Braydon Hobbs. I will always remember him as a great team player that did it all at both ends. You were a spontaneous, gregarious guy that always had patience with my interviews and did them when I asked. “ Thanks for the kind words. I will always remember you as one of the first people to interview me in Germany. You were always working hard to cover basketball and you always put out great interviews. I never saw you without a pen and paper writing notes down about players. Continue the great work”, said Braydon Hobbs. All the best in your life for you and your family and perhaps our paths will cross again some day most likely in a gym somewhere.

Emanuel Littles (201-F-1999, college: Nicholls St.) is a 24 year old 201cm forward from New Jersey that is playing his rookie season overseas with BC Raiffeisen Flyers Wels (Austria-BSL). He began his basketball career at Lanett high school and then played 3 seasons at the University of North Alabama (NCAA) playing a total of 80 games. He then finished at Nicholls State (NCAA) playing a total of 45 games averaging 9.0ppg , 8.1rpg , FGP: 57.4%, 3PT: 25.0%, FT: 47.5% and 7.7ppg , 6.9rpg , FGP: 49.7%, 3PT: 7.1%, FT: 64.6%. He spoke to germanhoops.com about basketball.

Thanks Emanuel for talking to germanhoops.com. Your playing your rookie season in Austria with BC Raiffeisen Flyers Wels (Austria-BSL). What kind of an experience has it been for you so far?

It’s been a pretty cool experience so far. The environment is nice and I enjoy playing with my new teammates as I’m learning some new things

You live in Austria. Has it been a culture shock? What has been the toughest adjustment for you off the court?

I’m from New Jersey and moved to Alabama at 14 then did my last 2 years in the US in Louisiana so I’ve traveled a lot so I wouldn’t say it’s a shock knowing the cultures change when traveling but it’s very different yes. My toughest adjustment would probably be getting used to having no A/C in the houses.

What has been the biggest adjustment for you on the court? Has it ben a tough adjustment coming from the NCAA?

On court the toughest thing for me so far is probably setting my screens. Sprinting in and out of screens and setting them in the right angles. The adjustment from here to the NCAA has been tough but things are a little different but it’s nothing unexpected.

The team is fairly young at the moment. What kind of an experience has it been sharing the court with German Raidi Casin?

I actually like playing with Raidi. Yea he’s young but he has a lot of experience in the basketball over here and is pretty good. He can score and defend and doesn’t mind sharing his knowledge with his teammates.

Let´s talk about your game. You’re a 201cm forward that played the 3-5 in high school. If you had to compare your game to an NBA player who would best fit the description?

Honestly I don’t know who I would compare my game to. A lot of people tell me it’s close to Gerald Wallace though.

You never averaged 10,0ppg in college but always had high rebound stats. What is your biggest strength in your game?

I basically average 10 and 10 my junior year but it’s not because I’m not capable to but I’ve always played with ball dominant guards, so I notice if you really want to be something in this game you have to find something other than scoring to be good at because everybody wants to be that scorer but scoring is not all the answers to winning. My strengths is probably rebounding, energy, and leadership.

You never shot many three´s in the NCAA. Are you looking to trying to incorporate the three more into your game?

I would love to shoot more threes because I can shoot the three ball but I just do what’s needed for my team to win.

You still have a lot of upside to your defensive game. What kind of a defender are you now and what kind of a defender do you still want to become?

I feel like I’m a good defender. I can guard the 3-5 and keep up with the 1 and 2 spot but I want to be able to be a lock down defender for the 1-5 and be able to protect the inside at all times.

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

I’ve been getting up a lot of shots to make sure my shot is consistent. Also been making sure my handles are tight because I would love to be able to move away from the 5 spot in the future.

You won 3 state titles at Lanet high school. Which title was the sweetest?

My senior year, the road to a championship is tough regardless but the fact I was leaving out on top accomplishing something a lot of people never have done made you feel great inside.

You played for Richard Carter. How did he help you most in young years with your game?

He was kind of the one who made me like rebounding because whoever got the rebound was allowed to push the ball up the floor and I wanted to push it every time. From there I found one of my strengths in the game.

You played 80 NCAA games at North Alabama from 2018-2021. How vital was Tony Pujol in your basketball development? You made strides in your game each season.

The system at north Al was good. I actually developed a low post game with coach smith and was able to learn how to use every part of my body on offense to mark it hard for any defender in front of. They made my touch amazing.

You had some very memorial games in your last season there. You hauled down 19 rebounds against CRW. What was your fondest moment at North Alabama?

Probably making it to the conference championship my junior year. Being it was only our 3rd year in the Asun a lot of people doubted us. We probably should’ve made the NIT that year but Covid had everything so crazy. Just the run was so amazing and being able to lead my team that far with Mervin James and Payton Youngblood. We all had our time to shine that tournament, I opened up the first round with a 20pt 13 or 11rb game it was fun.

You finished at Nicholls State (NCAA) playing 65 games. How did head coach Austin Claunch help groom and prepare you for a professional career?

Coach Austin let me get my feel back at the 4 spot and I loved it. Coming into college I played the 4 for UNA and started my first few games at the 4 spot but Tony didn’t trust none of our 5 men nor can they rebound like me so he made me make that transition. I had got used to guarding guys back to the basket or slower than me so being able to play the 4 for claunch meant a lot a getting back mobile and making sure my feet was on point. He also allowed me to shoot from wherever which made me very comfortable because he didn’t try to put me in a box. I shot pretty decent that year. My last year I went back to the 5 after losing our 7ft but he allowed me to play the same but a week maybe before the season started I dislocated my shoulder and wasn’t as comfortable with my shot after that due to a lack of reps and that’s why I didn’t shot the jump shot as much or as good my last year.

You had a stellar 13/13 game in a 83-80 win over TAMUCC. Was this one of those games you won´t forget?

Yes but the game I honestly wouldn’t forget as a colonel is my senior year against New Orleans at home. The environment was different and it was the championship for the regular season. We won a ring that game and put on a great show. I finished with 14pts, 13rbs, and 3asst while only missing one shot.

Who won a 1-1 in practice you or Marek Nelson?

Me. Marek is a good player but he wasn’t as physical as me and I would use it to my advantage every time.

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

I’m honestly not sure. I’ve played a tone of guys in the league I think one of the toughest guards I’ve faced is Darius from Liberty and one of the better bigs would be Zach from Purdue. I know Zach is still in school but he’ll be a pro soon if he keep working and I’m not sure where Darius is now

Please name your 5 best teammates of all-time?

Anquaevious Pollard (Lanett) Mervin James (UNA) Kendall Stafford (UNA) Rhygee Lyons (Nicholls) Tyrese Terrell (Nicholls) I had relationship with each of those guys on and off the court. They’re like my brothers we still talk regularly.

Who is your NBA Mount Rushmore of past or present heads?

Micheal Jordan, Kareem, Kobe, KD,

Who is your GOAT and why?

KD. Just to see a guy move and shoot the ball the way he does at his size is amazing. It’s players like him who actually started to change the game around.

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

Yes I have a no I think they’re all pretty good.

Thanks Emanuel for the chat.

Drago Crnjac (196-SG-2002) is a 20 year old 196cm shooter guard that is playing his third season with the Fraport Skyliners (Pro B) team and also has a double license to play for the Bona Baskets Limburg. He began his career with MTV Kronberg. He spoke to germanhoops.com after dropping 24 points in his debut for the Bona Baskets Limburg in a 99-85 win.

Thanks Drago for talking to germanhoops.com. Congrats on the 99-85 win over TuS Makkabi Frankfurt. What was the key to the win?

We played very well as a team. I was a little surprised at first that we played so well together simply because I only practice once a week with the team.

The Bona Baskets led 51-39 at the break but Frankfurt came back in the third quarter to cut the lead down to 70-67. What were the reasons for the team coming back?

They upped their intensity and we got lazy.

As a shooter what is it like playing together with top playmaker Matej Kljaic? He must feed you all night long?

It´s like a dream. We understand each other on and off the court. He gets me open so easily. I promised him to help him win the Regionalliga assist crown. He is so unselfish.
What is it like being teammates with Milton Heckel who added 21 points in his Limburg debut?

He stepped up big when we needed it most. He just knows when to step up. In the second half, I was denied more and Kljaic was defended well so he took over. He made big shots and made big passes.

What were the main reasons for taking a double license contract to play for the Bona Baskets Limburg?

Last season, I had little playing time in the Pro B. I feel like I have improved and I want a chance to develop better here and get more minutes.

What has it been like playing for head coach Danny Stallbohm? What have you appreciated most about the experience?

It is a lot different here. He has a lot of confidence in me. I have a lot of freedom here. I feel like I can be that go to guy.

How do you feel will your game grow best in the Regionalliga?

I think I can show my drive and creating more here. I also will get more of those 1-1 opportunities instead of just standing in the corner and shooting like I do in the Pro B.I also have the green light to shoot my three. I also have to be prepared to play 40 minutes.

How does the Fraport Skyliners Juniors team look like this season?

We will mostly have the same team, but be younger. Our team chemistry is already good.

What will be your role in the Pro B this season?

I will have a bigger role than last season. I will be the back up guard.

What is your biggest goal in the Pro B this season?

I want to continue to improve and become a better defender. I think then everything else will fall into place. I just need a chance to show my game.

Who will make the biggest surprise in the Pro B team this season?

I think my brother Ivan will. He is already very physical for his age. He will be able to hold his own in the Pro B. I think he will have a good role. He already showed that with the national team.

What was your reaction to the upset win by Germany over USA at the World Cup?

It wasn’t a surprise for me. I think when I realized what had happened, it then hit me. I was so happy for Germany.

Will USA get revenge at the 2024 Olympics?

They will be able to hold their own against Andi Obst.

Thanks Drago for the chat.