Miles Schmidt-Scheuber and Chris Carter in the Fraport arena in 2022

Chris Carter (190-SG-1992, college: Florida Tech) is a 30 year old 195cm guard that was born in Brooklyn, New York and is from Port St. Lucie, Florida that is playing his 8th professional season and third with the Rostock SeaWolves. He recently was granted the German citizenship. Last season he averaged 8.3ppg, 3.0rpg, 5.2apg, 1.5spg, FGP: 54.3%, 3PT: 32.8%, FT: 65.9%. In 2019-2020 he played with the Niners Chemnitz averaging 9.6ppg, 2.0rpg, 5.1apg, 1.7spg, FGP: 53.3%, 3PT: 39.4%, FT: 66.7%. He also played two seasons with Rasta Vechta. In 2018-2019in the BBL he averaged 4.0ppg, 1.1rpg, 1.4apg. In his first season with Rasta Vechta he helped the club move from the Pro A to the easyCredit BBL winning the Pro A title averaging 11,0ppg,3,4rpg and 5,3apg and shot 40% from outside. In 2016-2017 he played for BV Chemnitz 99 (Germany-ProA) playing 40 games averaging 12.4ppg, 4.2rpg, Assists-4 (5.7apg), Steals-4 (2.1spg), FGP: 53.0%, 3PT: 34.5%, FT: 73.4%. As a rookie he played for Bipa Basket Odessa (Ukraine-SL Favorit Sport) playing 32 games averaging 14.0ppg, 4.7rpg, 5.0apg, Steals-1 (2.2spg), FGP: 44.1%, 3PT: 27.4%, FT: 77.3%. He started his basketball career at Air Force (NCAA) and then played the last three years of school at Florida Tech (NCAA2) and as a senior played 21 games averaging 14.0ppg, 4.9rpg, 3.8apg, 1.8spg, FGP: 46.9%, 3PT: 38.4%, FT: 75.8%. He spoke to germanhoops.com after the tough 99-77 loss to the Fraport Skyliners.

The Rostock Seawolves suffered a tough 99-77 loss to the Fraport Skyliners. Rostock SeaWolves entered the game having won 3 of 4 games. Did the SeaWolves underestimate the Fraport Skyliners?

No we didn’t.

After 40 minutes is it fair to say they don’t look anything like a last placed team?

They are a strong team.

You were a rookie in the Ukraine when Jordan Thoeodre last played in Germany in the BBL for the Fraport Skyliners helping them win the Fiba Europe Cup. What did you know about him and how did the team prepare for him?

He is a really good point guard and controlled the offense.

Did his game fill up a good majority of the scouting report.

Yes it did.

The Fraport Skyliners came out quickly leading 24-16 after 10 minutes and Rostock had to play pick up basketball the whole afternoon. Frankfurt’s three pointer was falling early. The 15 three’s Frankfurt made in the first game against Rostock must have been on the scouting report for this game.

Yes they shot it well.

The Rostock Seawolves trailed only 42-38 at the break. What was key for Rostock staying in the game besides showing those impressive fighting qualities?


We just tried to stay together on both sides.

The Fraport Skyliners exploded in the third quarter for 33 points. What did head coach Christian Held tell the team to do going in the third quarter and why couldn’t the team execute defensively?

They made some tough shots and we did not have a good defensive quarter.

What adjustments did you see the Fraport Skyliners make on the defensive end in this game in comparison to the first game in December in Frankfurt where you scored 6 points more? Did you see a different defensive identity under new head coach Klaus Perwas?

Not really , they played a really solid game.

In the fourth quarter the Fraport Skyliners continued to play their game and the Rostock Seawolves couldn’t get over the hump. Of course Jordan Theodore was a huge factor, but did you see a different kind of Frankfurt mentality under new general Jordan Theodore?

Sure, he is a veteran.

What was your impression of Jordan Theodore? How crazy is it to come in and just dominate as if he had always been there?

Great player and really knows how to run the show.

Did you sense a special chemistry between Jordan Theodore and Quantez Robertson. If Frankfurt keeps this up, do you think that Frankfurt could go on a late season run and not have to worry about moving down?


Who knows. It will be interesting.

The Rostock SeaWolves still have every chance of reaching the playoffs. How confident are you that the team will turn it around in the next game against Heidelberg?

We will have a good week of practice and shake it off.

How motivated will the guys be for Alba Berlin and FC Bayern Munich? You lost both games easily at home? What are you most looking forward to in these games?

Just looking forward to putting together a good 40 mins both games.

Roy Krupnikas played his 4th BBL game of season. What has he improved most this season?

He is a great talent and has a bright future. He is learning fast.

Now that you have the German citizenship, what has given you the most gratification this season as a veteran playing with so many American players?

I’m not sure but it’s fun playing and I don’t take it for granted.

Now that Lebron James dethroned Kareem Abdul Jabbar as the NBA all-time leading scorer, is he now the real GOAT?

Sure.

Who will reach the NBA final and win it all this year?

Lakers vs Celtics Lakers in 6.

Thanks Chris for the chat.

Tags : CHRIS CARTER, ROSTOCK SEAWOLVES, GERMAN BASKETBALL

I don’t know how it is for other spectators but for me the first thing I look for when covering overseas basketball when I visit a game is how many NBA players are on the court. I guess those 3 magical letters NBA have this force that just engulfs people more than actually noticing other players first. Recently I visited a Basketball Champions League game between the Telekom Baskets Bonn and French club SIG Strasburg where they had 2 ex NBA players with American guard Tim Frazier and Latvian forward Rodions Kurucs. Combined they had had 11 years in the NBA and now were overseas continuing their basketball journey. Of course these 2 players are very talented and deserved to be in the NBA. But it isn’t always about those former NBA players. There are enough other great players playing overseas and hundreds and probably even more that could play in the big show, but can’t because there just aren’t enough roster spots. But in this game there were 2 other players that were without a doubt the 2 best players on the floor for their respective teams. And both only measured to 175cm. I’m talking about TJ Shorts who has made waves ever since turning professional some years ago and is on MVP course in Germany and Marcus Keene (178-PG-1995, college: CMU) who like Shorts is a bundle of energy who is third in scoring in France and top 10 in the Basketball Champions League. Both guys dueled in game 1 as Keene got the best of Shorts with 26-24 points and won round one in a classic nail bitter 77-76 win. After the loss TJ Shorts tipped his hat to Keene. ”He is a scoring machine at all 3 levels. We watched a lot of film on him and will watch even more film now. You have to make it as tough as possible against guys like that’, stated TJ Shorts. The respect for the diminutive Shorts is mutual. ‘It is always motivating for me to play against very good guards. He has made a name for himself in Europe. It’s exciting for me to battle the possible MVP of Germany’, stressed Marcus Keene. The American knows small guards like them will always get underappreciated and their chips will never leave their shoulders. ‘The game keeps changing. You see bigger guards in the NBA and overseas and everyone is switching. You see teams like Monaco, Olympiakos and Partizan going this route. Teams in Europe pay more attention to defense. Smaller guards get overlooked. We are effective on offense, but aren’t bad defenders. My chip will always be there even when I get to where I want to it I was never highly ranked. I hope to reach the Euroleague. Then my chip will be even bigger. It is all about proving people wrong’, warned Marcus Keene.

Miles Schmidt-Scheuber and TJ Shorts in the BCM in Frankfurt, Germany in pre season 22-23

Marcus Keene who lists current Boston Celtic Marcus Smart as his toughest opponent ever was born on May 6, 1995 on a military base in Germany. He grew up in Texas and played at east Warren high school in San Antonio. He averaged 25/4/4 stats as a senior and amassed 1600 points there and was the all-time leading scorer. He was named to the all-state, all-city, and Super-City teams. Despite his stellar career he was offered only one Division 1 scholarship from Youngstown State and accepted it. He played 2 seasons at Youngstown State. In his freshman season he played 22 games and averaged only 13 minutes averaging 6.5ppg, 1.9rpg, 2.2apg, FGP: 43.1%, 3PT: 32.4%, FT: 75.7%. In his second season his minutes exploded to 34 and he averaged 15.3ppg, 3.5rpg, 2.7apg, 1.1spg, FGP: 49.1%, 3PT: 40.9%, FT: 78.7%. It isn’t always easy as a freshman to break through. ‘I played behind Kendrick Perkins and coach didn’t trust freshmen. In my second season he let me be me’, said Marcus Keene. But overall he wasn’t content at Youngstown as he wasn’t allowed to play point guard and was mainly used as a spot up shooter. He fell in love with Central Michigan’s up tempo game and then would transfer. ‘Central Michigan was perfect for me. I needed to play point guard. I sat out a year to get my body strong and right’, remembered Marcus Keene. He scored in double figures in 28 of 33 games including stellar games against Illinois State netting 29 points and hitting UNC Greensboro with 28 points. The basketball community at Eastern Washington knew they had something special in Keene when he was ruling practices the season and letting eyes pop out as he was showing his massive abilities. He didn’t disappoint as he exceeded all expectations averaging a ridiculous 30.0ppg, 4.5rpg, 4.9apg, FGP: 52.2%, 3PT: 36.7%, FT: 81.9%. He led the NCAA in scoring and was the first one to do it since Charles Jones in the 1996-1997 season. ‘That season was crazy for me even if my record got broken the next season. Just thinking I was scoring 30 points or more each night was crazy. Getting a lot of recognition and being able to score the ball at a high level helped me a lot’, remembered Marcus Keene. It is no surprise that his favorite moment was rocking Miami at Ohio with 50 points. ‘I had no idea I would score so much. I only had had 13 points at half-time’, commented Marcus Keene. He scored in double figures in all 33 games and scored 20 points or more 29 times. He scored 30 points or more 16 times and cracked the 40 points or more 6 times including 44 points against Montana State. He knows that he wouldn’t of had all that success without the proper guidance from head coach Keno Davis. ‘He groomed me well and taught me how to be a pro. He told me that if you want to be the best, you need to do even more work. You will have even more eyes on you when you do well. You need to work more even if your doing well’, remembered Marcus Keene who remembers teammate Braylon Rayson winning more 1-1 matches back in the day. He was an All-MAC first team selection.

The Texas native who lists Taurean Prince, Braylon Rayson, 226cm giant Sim Bhular, Tim Frazier and Kendrick Perkins as his best teammates of all-time turned professional in 2017. He got a taste of the NBA playing NBA Summer League with the Washington Wizards averaging 11.3ppg, 1.3rpg, 1.3apg, FGP: 50.0%. ‘That was a great experience. I wish I could of played more and had more of an opportunity. I remember my boy Brad Break (Bradley Beal) telling me to be myself and they have to accept it or not!, said Marcus Keene. The American played his rookie season with Cagliari Dinamo Academy (Italy-Serie A2) playing 30 games and averaging 18.9ppg, 4.5rpg, 2.9apg, 1.1spg, FGP: 46.3%, 3PT: 34.8%, FT: 81.0%. One big adjustment he had to make was not necessarily getting a pay check every month. ‘I hadn’t seen that before not getting paid on time. It doesn’t matter if your in the G-League or at Walmart, you get paid on time. I had to learn to stay focused at all times when playing at a high level. Veteran teammate Deshawn Stephens was a big help. He told me not to act up, but just do what your told even if you don’t like it’, remembered Marcus Keene. In his second professional he split time with Mono Vampire Bangkok (Thailand-TBL) averaging 8.2ppg, 2.3rpg, 2.8apg, 2FGP: 50.0%, 3FGP: 27.1%, FT: 77.8%, led the FIBA Asia Champions Cup in scoring at 28.2ppg), 4.6rpg, Assists-2 (6.0apg), 1.2spg, FGP: 54.1%, 3PT: 34.0%, FT: 80.8%, played with the Memphis Hustle (NBA G League) averaging 8.2ppg, 2.3rpg, 2.8apg, FGP: 50.0%, 3PT: 27.1%, FT: 77.8%, and finished the season with KCC Egis (South Korea-KBL) averaging 16.4ppg, 2.8rpg, 3.1apg, FGP: 50.0%, 3PT: 38.4%, FT: 83.3%. For me it was a riddle why a guy with his talent level would have to play in Asia. But sometimes the money is more important than the status. ‘I had agent issues that season. I fired one and got another. He got 2 good deals in Asia in Thailand and in South Korea that I couldn’t pass up. I chased the money more than the dreams’, added Marcus Keene. He was also blessed that he was able to get experience in the G-League playing with the Memphis Hustle. ‘This was a great experience. I proved I could play with and against NBA guys. I know getting to the NBA is about timing, but just knowing that I could compete with NBA guys was exciting. But ultimately I knew that my ticket was overseas where the money is’, stated Marcus Keene. He knows now that his future is in Europe, because he has proven he is worth every penny and wants to keep climbing the basketball ladder. ‘Now I’m in the mode that I want to get better and better overseas. My goal is the Euroleague and to get to the highest level. You see something like 3 small guards in the NBA now while in the Euroleague it’s so much more’, commented Marcus Keene. He scored in double figures in 10 games including scoring 22 points against South Bay and 21 points against Delaware.

The shifty guard who lists Jordan, Lebron, Magic and Allen Iverson on his personal NBA Mount Rushmore played his third professional season back in Asia. Once again he dominated in 2 countries playing with KCC Egis (Korea-KBL) averaging 19.1ppg), Reb-1 (11.5rpg), 2.3apg, FGP: 59.3%, FT: 70.3% and with Yulon Luxgen (Taiwan-SBL) averaging 25.2ppg, 6.4rpg, 6.5apg, 1.2spg, FGP: 54.5%, 3PT: 37.5%, FT: 81.3% and led the league in scoring and assists while playing 37 games. ‘Once again the 2 deasl were too good to pass up. The money was so good. At that time I felt that I could play anywhere. I was thinking I could play in the CBA in China. But then I did find my way back to Europe’, said Marcus Keene. He had some massive games against Taiwan Beer netting 46 points and hit Pauian for 41 points. In Korea he was in beast mode getting 18 rebounds in 2 games. He then made the jump to Estonia playing with BC Kalev/Cramo Tallinn and then his career really took off in Europe. Despite COVID being in full action and having to put up with all that drama, he still was able to focus and help his team win 2 titles and lead the VTB in scoring which is a top 10 league in Europe. ‘That was technically my first season playing at a high level in Europe. I was battling high level guys like Jordan Theodore, Isaiah Canaan and Mike James. I always knew I could play with those guys. I just had to prove it and did’, warned Marcus Keene. He had 3 special teammates with Maurice Kemp, Devin Thomas and Chavaughn Lewis and having that bond helped achieve the success they wanted on the court. ‘They are all my brothers. We were always together that season. We would go out to the beach or kick it at our houses. It was a great season for me leading the VTB in scoring but the best was being able to call myself a champion’, remembered Marcus Keene. He scored 20 points or more 13 times and had huge games scoring 31 points twice against N.Novgorod and 30 points against Enea Zastal. He was 1-1 against top Euroleague team CSKA Moscow scoring 21 points in a loss, but exploded for 26 points in a 107-102 loss where he outdueled ex NBA player Mike James who only had 19 points and is considered one of best Euroleague players since many years. ‘I was super stoked for that game. I knew what he had done in his career and that game showed that I can play against anyone in the world. He is one of my favorite players in Europe. I always try to watch him on TV. It was a fun game. He congratulated me after the game and told me to keep going’, remembered Marcus Keene. Last season he continued his rise playing solid in Slovenia with averaging with KK Cedevita Olimpija Ljubljana (Slovenia-Liga Nova KBM) averaging 13.1ppg, 1.6rpg, 4.0apg, 1.1spg, FGP: 59.4%, 3PT: 40.0%, FT: 85.7%, but then taking off in Italy with to Openjobmetis Varese (Italy-Serie A) averaging 18.7ppg), 2.5rpg, 4.5apg, 1.1spg, FGP: 45.9%, 3PT: 33.3%, FT: 89.0% and leading another league in scoring. ‘Leading the Serie A in scoring was a big accomplishment for me. Being able to do well there helped me get to France’, stated Marcus Keene. He had big games against Sassari with 33 and 31 points and executed 31 points against Trento. It is easy to comprehend that his self-confidence grew and having a teammate like ultimate veteran Jacob Pullen helped him as well. ‘I grew a lot on the court. That was the best league I had played in up to that point. To see myself excel against good teams and players was amazing. That proved to me that I could play in any league, but I did put in a lot of work. ‘Jacob is my guy and we talk to each other to this day. When I first met him I told him I was a big fan of his when he was at Kansas State. I looked up to him as a kid and then being able to be teammates with him was amazing. He taught me so much about the business’, said Marcus Keene.

Miles Schmidt-Scheuber meeting Marcus Keene in Bonn before game 1 of the Basketball Champions League quaterfinals

The veteran guard who lists Michael Jordan as his GOAT and believes that the classic Coming To America movie should have been left alone just continues to chug up the basketball ladder this season playing with SIG Strasburg. The team continues to battle for the Pro A playoffs, but are moving closer to the final 4 in the Basketball Champions League. ‘Consistency has been our problem all year long. We can’t make excuses but we have had injuries or things not going our way. But currently we are on a good way. We have to figure this out and just continue to do our best’, warned Marcus Keene. Recently he got ex NBA player Tim Frazier on board who played 8 seasons in the NBA. Naming him to his best teammates of all-time after such a short time has to mean something. ‘Tim has helped me a lot and brings experience and leadership. I keep telling him that him coming off the bench is like a blessing for us. It is only a plus for us. NBA players that come overseas often need a year to adjust. But I can already say that Tim has led me in ways that I have never been led before’, warned Marcus Keene. It will be interesting to see where the basketball journey of Marcus Keene will continue to go in the next years. The next address can only be the Euroleague. And who knows with a BCL title, he may just get that wish. But for now all he is thinking about is giving his team in France in Success. When your as small as he is and toiled around in Asia, you take nothing for granted. ‘I am so blessed for this opportunity with SIG Strasburg and to just to be able to be who I am for the team’, stressed Marcus Keene But that BCL title is still a ways away, because SIG Strasburg has to first take care of business first in game 2 at home against the Telekom Baskets Bonn of the BCL quarters. I won’t make any bets, but whoever does win this series, you can be sure it will be Marcus Keene or TJ Shorts who will have been most instrumental in helping their team to the series win. You just have to love those small guards.

Tags : MARCUS KEENE, SIG STRASBOURG, GERMAN BASKETBALL

Miles Schmidt-Scheuber and Derrick Alston in the Fraport arena in Frankfurt december 2022

Derrick Alston Jr. (206-SF-1997, college: Boise St.) is a 25 year old 206cm forward from Houston, Texas playing his second professional season and first with the Rostock Seawolves. He played his rookie season with the Salt Lake City Stars (NBA G League) averaging 16.6ppg, 5.4rpg, 2.1apg, FGP: 52.2%, 3PT: 28.4%, FT: 81.4%. He began his basketball career at Strake Jesuit High School and then played at Boise State (NCAA) from 2017-2021 playing a total of 104 games averaged 17,0ppg in his last 2 NCAA seasons. He spoke to germanhoops.com after the 99-77 loss to the Fraport Skyliners.

Thanks Derrick for talking to germanhoops.com. The Rostock Seawolves suffered a tough 99-77 loss to the Fraport Skyliners. Rostock SeaWolves entered the game having won 3 of 4 games. Did the SeaWolves underestimate the Fraport Skyliners

Personally no. Were both different teams from December when we last played. We are better and more efficient at running our stuff now. Seeing what Frankfurt did was different from what we prepared for. They shot the ball well and made right plays and had us in rotations.

After 40 minutes is it fair to say they don’t look anything like a last placed team?

I think that Frankfurt is fighting for their lives. Each game is do or die for them. You sense this in how they play. Jordan Theodore is huge and will be important for getting over the hump. They shoot the ball very well.

You were a senior in high school when Jordan Theoodre last played in Germany in the BBL for the Fraport Skyliners helping them win the Fiba Europe Cup. What did you know about him and how did the team prepare for him?

We prepared for them as a team. We had no film on him with Frankfurt because he was new. We had no game plan for him. We just knew that he had played well in Russia. We weren’t sure how what kind of pace they would play with him. Credit to him for having a hell of a game.

The Fraport Skyliners came out quickly leading 24-16 after 10 minutes and Rostock had to play pick up basketball the whole afternoon. Frankfurt’s three pointer was falling early. The 15 three’s Frankfurt made in the first game against Rostock must have been on the scouting report for this game.

We prepared for their three. But credit to them for how they played the pick and roll and short roll. They had us moving from side to side and had the ball hopping. They got open shots and made them.

The Rostock Seawolves trailed only 42-38 at the break. What was key for Rostock staying in the game besides showing those impressive fighting qualities?

Basketball is always a game of runs. The first quarter was tough for us. We settled in in the second quarter and got a couple of stops and got a rhythm. We builded a rhythm on offense off our defense.

The Fraport Skyliners exploded in the third quarter for 33 points. What did head coach Christian Held tell the team to do going in the third quarter and why couldn’t the team execute defensively?

He told us to come out with energy and keep working, but we didn’t do that. We came out slow and Frankfurt ran the pick and roll well and got in a flow. They felt comfortable and we had problems combating it. Plus we didn’t have one of our better days offensively.

What adjustments did you see the Fraport Skyliners make on the defensive end in this game in comparison to the first game where you scored 6 points more? Did you see a different defensive identity under new head coach Klaus Perwas?

I didn’t see anything really different from December. They did 2 things really well which was collapsing the paint on drives and playing the passing lanes well and being aggressive. Those 2 things bothered us. When you have problems combating that then it’s tough for our offense.

In the fourth quarter the Fraport Skyliners continued to play their game and the Rostock SeaWolves couldn’t get over the hump. Of course Jordan Theodore was a huge factor, but did you see a different kind of Frankfurt mentality under new general Jordan Theodore?

I would say so. Theodore did a really good job controlling the game and getting the team into their stuff. They read our defense really well and played really smart on offense. They took advantage of our mistakes on offense and defense.

Did you sense a special chemistry between Jordan Theodore and Quantez Robertson. If Frankfurt keeps this up, do you think that Frankfurt could go on a late season run and not have to worry about moving down?

Those are 2 veteran guys that have been with the team and in the league for a long time. They know what it takes to win. It is more vital for Frankfurt with those guys to capitalize and control their destiny as much as possible than letting other teams to control their destiny. They will do all they can to keep Frankfurt in the BBL.

The Rostock SeaWolves still have every chance of reaching the playoffs. How confident are you that the team will turn it around in the next game against Heidelberg?

We don’t have to dwell on this loss. This was a tough loss but we have winnable games coming up at home. It won’t be easy but were in the thick of it. We will continue to take it day by day and game by game and just continue to focus on working hard and getting better.

How motivated will the guys be for Alba Berlin and FC Bayern Munich? You lost both games easily at home? What are you most looking forward to in these games?

Those are 2 of the top teams in Germany and play Euroleague. For me personally it will be exciting to see what kind of improvement we have made since the first time we played them. It will be exciting to play in their arena’s and see what kind of improvement we have made. Playing them so late in the season will be a good final mark to see where we are at at the moment.

Roy Krupnikas played his 4th BBL game of season. What has he improved most this season?

He is looking more and more comfortable playing with us. He was gone at times playing ANGT, but for him it has been great just having the opportunity to gain experience and get more reps against really good competition. I have enjoyed his development from the start until now.

Your having a very good season in the easyCredit BBL averaging 16,3ppg, 4,1rpg and 1,7. Your scoring has been down since we last spoke in December but till consistent. Have you noticed that teams have scouted you better the second time around?

Oh for sure. It has been like night and day from the first month where I exploded. It has been a real challenge for me being able to react to the defense and see how I play has really helped my game. I had an ankle problem and I’m still working my way back. In the States you can have something like 3-4 games in a week whereas overseas may only have 3-4 games in a month. I feel I have had a solid season with Rostock and continue to build off that.

You were 0/11 coming into the game from outside and presently shooting 29% from outside. You finally made a three pointer again. How much of a challenge is it with being able to execute the three in this league?

It’s tough with the shrunken court. I haven’t got as many open three’s but more contested shots that I know I can make. I’m not getting as much daylight and room. I have to let the game come to me while still being aggressive and watching and finding gaps in the defense. I have been very grateful to be in this position with Rostock. I am thankful that I have been allowed to find my footing and play through mistakes. We as a collective team can be very proud of how far we have come this season. We want to finish the season right.

What was your best experience in Germany on the court and off the court?

Off the court I have enjoyed the bakeries the most. I have enjoyed having that in my routine each day. On the court my best experience has been the crowd and support. Seeing how the fans supported us at home against Alba Berlin and what it meant to the city was great. Seeing so many fans come to Frankfurt was great also. The fan experience has been amazing.

Now that Lebron James dethroned Kareem Abdul Jabbar as the NBA all-time leading scorer, is he now the real GOAT?

I’m still going with Jordan. But Lebron has cemented himself. It was cool to see that in my lifetime.

Who will reach the NBA final and win it all this year?

I see Boston winning the east and this is the time for Denver. I see Boston winning it all.

Thanks Derrick for the chat.

Tags : DERRICK ALSTON JR., ROSTOCK SEAWOLVES, GERMAN BASKETBALL

A week before the start of the Pro B playoffs, there was still one last regular season game between number one team EPG Baskets Koblenz with a record of 22-1 and Bavarian team Oberaching with a record of 12-11, but it was a game that had no real ramifications, because both knew their playoff begin fate in that Koblenz had home court advantage while Oberaching had to begin on the road. Even if the game might have seemed meaningless, it wasn’t because both teams obviously wanted to end the regular season with a bang and have the needed self confidence to go into the post season ready. The EPG Baskets came into the game with an incredible 13 game winning streak while Oberaching had won 2 of the last 3 games and had their defense ready as they had only allowed 63 points in the last win over Ehingen. The game also had another special side note in that EPG Baskets Koblenz manager Thomas Klein and Oberaching head coach Mario Matic are good friends and had another test to see who has bragging rights for the post season. On a mild Easter weekend, fans saw a wild game as there was an influx of over 50 team fouls. It wasn’t a pretty game, but after an average first half, the EPG Baskets Koblenz were able to play their game better in the second half and prevail 88-72. ‘This didn’t feel like a dominating win. It was an up and down game for us. We threw the ball away too much in the first half. We managed the game better in the second half. We have to know that we can’t play like this in the playoffs. This was a good test for us’, warned EPG Baskets Koblenz guard Dominique Johnson. The TSV Oberaching Tropics played without American star Omari Knox who was being rested for the playoffs and gave all they had, but just couldn’t keep up with Koblenz for 40 minutes and coughed up the ball too much. ‘We fought hard, but anytime you give up 27 turnovers you won’t have a chance to win. They had too much pressure and we turned over the ball too much. But at times we stayed with them well’, stressed TSV Oberaching tropics head coach Mario Matic.

Alani Moore at the FT line

The first quarter was a hard fought battle where no team could get away from the other. The EPG Baskets Koblenz looked like they were playing at 60%-70% while the TSV Oberaching Tropics were at full throttle. The EPG Baskets Koblenz had difficulty getting their offense going while the Bavarian squad were able to execute well getting some three’s from Germans Bernhard Benke and Moritz Noeres for the 11-8 advantage while Koblenz got production from Alani Moore and a couple of buckets from ex Ehingen center Brian Butler. The guests were fortunate getting some 50/50 balls, but still lost the lead with an offensive rebound and put back from German big man Moses Poelking for the 12-11 advantage. But the guests stole the lead back with a lay in from German Jorg Dippold and a three from German sniper Janosch Kogler. German Nicolas Sperber gave the EPG Baskets some energy from the bench nailing a trey to cut the guests lead to 17-16, but Oberaching kept the lead getting to the free throw line getting points from ex IBAM big man Fynn Fischer to lead 21-19 after 10 minutes. ‘That was a bad quarter for us. We were unconcentrated and inconsistent. We missed too many open shots and had bad decisions. We did play aggressive defense’, stressed EPG Baskets Koblenz manager Thomas Klein.

Janosch Kogler with the lay in

In the second quarter the EPG Baskets could steal the lead back, but still let the TSV Oberaching Tropics hang around as they led only by 7 points at the break. Ex Heidelberg sniper Leon Friederici (190-SG-1995) began the second quarter with a trey to give Koblenz the 22-21 lead, but Fynn Fischer struck back with a lay in to get Oberaching the lead back at 23-22. Then came some instant spark from ex Temple (NCAA) lightening bolt Alani Moore as he produced 6 unanswered points for the 29-23 Koblenz lead. He struck for 3 free throws and then dropped a three pointer. ‘He controls the speed in the game. He is without a doubt our most important player. He can score and facilitate, but he is such a great shooter. When you have a guy that is so fast coupled with his precise shooting then he is hard to stop. He reads the game so well. He is a joy to watch’, warned Thomas Klein. Koblenz then got some baskets from Brian Butler and Moses Poelking to keep the commanding 34-25 lead. The EPG Baskets Koblenz had increased their intensity at both ends and were simply hitting shots better. But the guests kept chipping away getting some baskets from Fischer and Kogler to trail only 35-33. But the EPG Baskets Koblenz simply had too much instant scoring punch as Leon Friederici nailed 2 bombs from the parking lot to give Koblenz the 44-37 advantage at the break. ‘Friederici saved the second quarter for us. This quarter was more shadow than light. The refs dominated the game and made it harder for us than for the guests because we had problems with all the delays’, commented Thomas Klein.

Moses Poelking with the lay in

The EPG Baskets Koblenz finally made their move in the third quarter being able to lead in double figures and by 17 points after 30 minutes. The EPG Baskets had their most consistent spurt up to that point going on a 12-3 run to lead 56-40. In the run Koblenz was led by Alani Moore with 5 points, but also spread the ball around showing love for many as ex BBL player Marvin Heckel scored, , Sperber connected on a left handed hook shot and Leo Saffer made a tap in. The EPG Baskets Koblenz were showing more effort and moving the ball around better. They also stepped up their physicality on defense that Oberaching couldn’t come to terms with. The EPG Baskets continued to control the game despite Oberaching getting baskets from ex BBL player Peter Zeis and Kogler, but couldn’t get over the hump. Marvin Heckel showed that he can score in bunches scoring 3 in a row and Butler made a thunderous one handed dunk for the 68-47 lead. ‘That dunk was a 10. He jumped from very far away’, said Thomas Klein. The guests did close out the third quarter with a bang with a 7-3 run as Dippold made a trey and Benke scored twice in the paint, but the EPG Baskets Koblenz still led 71-54. ‘That was our best quarter of the game. We had a few lows. We played our game and gave some spectacular plays for the fans’, said Thomas Klein. ‘We couldn’t handle their pressure and had too many turnovers. They took advantage of our turnovers and got easy baskets. Friederici made big shots and we had bad 1-1 penetration defense’, commented Mario Matic. ‘We were more aggressive on defense and got more lay ups which we couldn’t do as well in the first half. We played transition and slowed them down on transition’, added Dominique Johnson.

Fynn Fischer at the FT line

The TSV Oberaching Tropics won the fourth quarter 18-17, but it didn’t matter because the EPG Baskets Koblenz had had a big lead which the guests couldn’t put a big dent into. Leon Friederici continued to show his consistent outside shooting making 2 more three’s and also added 2 free throws to keep the EPG Baskets Koblenz with the massive 80-61 lead. The guests were tired and had numerous guys in foul trouble so getting over the hump got more and more difficult. They did find some added energy down the stretch going on a 9-4 run to trail only 84-70. They got some added support from young German Benjamin Voit who added 5 points and Kogler made an off balance shot. The EPG Baskets Koblenz closed out the game with baskets from Saffer with a tip and Heckel with a pull up jumper at the buzzer. ‘A win is a win. Even if it wasn’t our best game, we won. We let our bench play. There were so many fouls which was crazy’, stressed Thomas Klein. ‘We knew the game was over. Koblenz shifted down a few gears. We gave our best. Sandersdorf is strong. Donte Nicholas is a machine. I feel we have a chance’, warned Mario Matic. ‘We knew the game was over. We didn’t want to get hurt. We didn’t play with the right mentality. We have to always give 100%. Schwelm will be a tough opponent. I’m looking forward to playing against Chris Frazier. I think that if we play our game, be aggressive and play fast then we will have good chances to win’, warned Dominique Johnson. The EPG Baskets Koblenz were led by Leon Friederici with 24 points. Alani Moore added 15 points and Marvin Heckel 13 points while the TSV Oberaching Tropics were led by Fynn Fischer with 18 points while Janosch Kogler and Bernhard Benke added 12 points a piece. The EPG Baskets Koblenz shot 41% from the field and 32% from outside and had 35 rebounds and 12 turnovers while the TSV Oberaching Tropics shot 41% from the field and 29% from outside and had 39 rebounds and 27 turnovers.

It was 20 minutes after the Telekom Baskets Bonn-SIG Strasburg Basketball Champions League game 48 hours ago and like so often this season, I was talking to TJ Shorts. Usually we have talked about positive things this season, because his team out of the eyes of the opponents lIke James Bond in the famous Octopussy movie who had a nasty habit of surviving have actually had a nasty habit of winning. It never fails looking at Maud Adams as she is easy on the eyes. But this time TJ Shorts had to talk about losing a real tough 77-76 nail bitter to SIG Strasburg that has put Bonn in the hole in the best of three quarter finals series. As always the 2023 easyCredit BBL MVP candidate was well spoken, to the point and had a lot of class despite losing and missing the last shot for the possible win. ‘You win some and you lose some’, stated TJ Shorts.

Miles Schmidt-Scheuber and TJ Shorts in the Telekom Dome in Bonn in 2022

This is a phrase that a Quantez Robertson and Jordan Theodore (182-PG-1989, college: Seton Hall) could just as well have told me on May 31st, 2016 as the Fraport Skyliners season ended after a brutal 3-1 semi-final loss to ratiopharm Ulm after they had disposed of the mighty Alba Berlin. That season a month earlier the 2000 BBL cup winner had masterfully won the Fiba Europe Cup, but couldn’t finish the job and win their second league title after 2004. ‘That was a tough fought series. We were put in the hole early and had to fight back. Usually when your down 2-0 you have slim chances to come back. They made many free throws and we weren’t able to supply punches earlier in games’, remembered Quantez Robertson. Jordan Theodore did all he could with 23 points, but who could forget the clutch three’s from German Per Guenther? 5 months ago when the Fraport Skyliners were experiencing their first crisis, I proclaimed to bring back Jordan Theoodore right away and then Quantez Roberston was still a bit more diplomatic answering how important Jordan Theodore was for the Fiba Europe Cup title. ‘He definitely was a key player down the stretch as he made big shots. But it was also a collective team effort. John Little played some great defense on Chris Wright and the big guys with Joe Voigtmann, Danilo Barthel and Mike Morrison also did a good job. They also got good effort from Brandon Davies and Malik Wayans, but we all stepped up as a team and buckled down on defense’, remembered Quantez Robertson. But now on April 7th, 2023 he has changed his opinion a bit. I don’t think we would have won it without him. He played such a big role. But of course we had so many other important players as well that brought different things to the table. We had so many guys that could score, but Jordan kept us together with his strong personality’, stressed Quantez Robertson. The connection between then head coach Gordon Herbert and Jordan Theodore was also key. ‘Jordan was an extension of coach on the court. When he called a play, we had to execute. He was vocal and always held guys accountable’, remembered Quantez Robertson. The Fraport Skyliners pulled a coup bring Jordan Theodore back in hopes of saving the season. ‘It is great news that the Skyliners could bring Jordan Theodore back. Having the combination of him and Tez together is very special. The 2015-2016 season was one of the most successful season’s in their history. Getting Jordan back was a really good statement from the club’, expressed German national coach Gordon Herbert. Almost 7 years after Jordan Theodore played his last game in a Fraport Skyliners jersey, will we see the old Jordan Theodore?

Quantez Robertson reaches me on an early Thursday night. He calls me at dinner time. It is 5 minutes to feeding time for me and my family, but for Tez I find the time and let my food get a little cold. He is in good spirits and why shouldn’t he be. His old buddy from the good old days is back on his team ready to bark the plays of Klaus Perwas. It may have been more than 2,500 days since Tez and Theodore were teammates, but their days together doesn’t seem like a blur. ‘It was long ago, but then again not so long ago. We have never lost contact and he visited Frankfurt a few years ago. I think I saw him like 4-5 times in the last 7 years’, stated Quantez Robertson. So what has Jordan Theodore been doing since his Skyliner days? He definitely has seen the world. He has played 230 games for 7 organizations in countries like Turkey, Italy, Greece and Russia and lived in exotic locations like Istanbul and Venice. Along the way he kept up his winning ways winning 4 titles and racking up some MVP awards. He also settled down and married a Turkish woman who was also a basketball player. It really didn’t matter where he played, he was able to be consistent where ever he played and in most seasons averaged scoring in double figures and averaged 5 assists in a season in the VTB league and led the Turkish BSL league in assists with 7,2apg. He had a great season with Milan winning 2 titles and averaging 11.6ppg, 2.0rpg, 4.3apg, FGP: 49.1%, 3PT: 29.4%, FT: 86.5% in the Euroleague. After that season, I was hoping he could establish himself as a Euroleague player, but it didn’t happen. ‘I think that the opportunity to play longer in the Euroleague didn’t present it’s self for Jordan. I believe that he could of played longer in the Euroleague. But sometimes as a player you go for the sure thing instead of chasing things that won’t present it’s self’, warned Quantez Robertson.

Miles Schmidt-Scheuber and Jordan Theodore in Bonn in 2019

Jordan Theodore was able to return to the Fraport Skyliners mainly because his season in Russia had ended. He laced up his sneakers for BC Samara (Russia-VTB United League) and averaged 11,3ppg, 3,0rpg, 5,2apg and 1,2spg. He continues to show consistency with age and will have to bring his A game again. He is in a tough situation with the Fraport Skyliners, a team that isn’t winning like the first time he was here, but losing. Now at 33 is Jordan Theodore in his prime or past it? How was that first impression live after 7 years for Tez? ‘He isn’t past his prime. I feel like he still has some good years ahead of him. He has always taken good care of his body and stayed healthy’, warned Quantez Robertson. His biggest strength with his abilities on the court was getting to the rim. Often as players get older they lose a step or two. ‘Jordan is still pretty fast. He can still get to the rim. He still has the first step off the dribble. He is still crafty and can pick his stops. He hasn’t lost a step’, stressed Quantez Robertson. But it isn’t just his play on the court that the Fraport Skyliners will need, but also other vital components that Theodore still has in his bag. ‘His veteran leadership has grown. He is still a good defender. If you remember he came to Frankfurt in 2015 not known as a defender. He didn’t understand certain defensive concepts, but Gordie and Klaus helped him become a good defender and I feel that really helped him over his career after. He is still pesky on ball and tough to post up’, warned Quantez Robertson. ‘When Jordan came to Frankfurt in 2015, he had a lot to prove and was very motivated. He had an outstanding season. He is a tremendous competitor and a closer. Whenever the game was on the line, he wanted the ball. He became more of a complete player’, stressed Gordon Herbert. It will be interesting to see how Theodore functions under Klaus Perwas. ‘He will be that scorer and playmaker under Klaus. I think it is great they can work together again. They may bump heads at times, but they both know the game’, commented Quantez Robertson.

Miles Schmidt-Scheuber and Quantez Robertson at the Fiba Europe Cup parade in Frankfurt in 2016

As usual the Fraport Skyliners have a must win scenario on Easter Sunday in Rostock. One always stated that it was tough to play in Freak City, but over the years other places have popped up that are nasty with Chemnitz, but also Rostock is a annoying place for teams. For many Rostock have the best fans in the league and the Fraport Skyliners will definitely feel that energy and passion. ‘We as players live for the crowds. Having a noisy crowd is what some shine in. Fans like Rostock’s brings out the competitive edge in players. We want to silence the crowd on Sunday’, warned Quantez Robertson. The Fraport Skyliners have good memories of the first game against Rostock as they had one of their best scoring explosions of the season letting it rain 15 three’s. They know they will have to be more alert on the glass as they allowed 14 offensive rebounds in the crushing victory in Frankfurt. ‘We have to play our brand. We have to be physical, execute, knock down open shots, keep them off the offensive glass, not allow second chances and limit them to one shot’, warned Quantez Robertson. It continues to be a tough season for the 38 year old veteran in his 14th season with the Fraport Skyliner. Is his role a bit different with the arrival of Theodore? ‘No my role is the same. I continue to be vocal, get defensive rebounds, push the ball and be aggressive knocking down shots’, said Quantez Robertson. One thing is always certain, there is no game where he doesn’t give 180%. ‘I want to close out the season and try to do all I can to help win as many games as possible. I will play hard and be there for my team until the end and always lead by example’, warned Quantez Robertson. We have to enjoy every game until the end with Jordan Theodore and Quantez Robertson as it might be the last time we ever see them play together again. ‘I don’t know if I have only 3 more homes games. It might be. When the time comes to make that decision, I’ll let you know’, warned Quantez Robertson. The game against new BBL team Rostock with possibly the best fans in the league and the return of Jordan Theodore could be one of the most anticipated games in many years for the Fraport Skyliners considering they are playing for their lives. Getting a win would be so vital for the Fraport Skyliners. ‘I coached against Jordan twice in Russia. He is in good shape. He gives the Skyliners someone who make plays for himself and others. If you have to coach effort then your in trouble, because you don’t have to do that with Jordan He is a winner’, warned Gordon Herbert. There were many times in the 2015-2016 season where Jordan Theodore got Frankfurt out of holes. If there is one guy who can help the Fraport Skyliners most now it’s Jordan Theodore. The Fraport Skyliners will need his strong personality again now in keeping everyone together in the stretch run to remain in the easyCredit BBL.

Tags : JORDAN THEODORE, BC SAMARA, GERMAN BASKETBALL

Xeyrius Williams (206-PF-1997, college: Akron) is a 25 year old 206cm forward from Ohio that played his third professional season and first in Germany with s.Oliver Wurzburg averaging 9,2ppg, 3,8rpg, 1,0apg and 1,0spg. Last season he played with Aris Thessaloniki (Greece-GBL) averaging 10.1ppg, 4.8rpg, FGP: 45.4%, 3PT: 33.8%, FT: 60.9%. He played his rookie season with Egis Kormend (Hungary-A Division) averaging 8.9ppg, 5.2rpg, 1.0spg, 2FGP: 47.9%, 3FGP: 34.1%, FT: 83.3%, in Dec.’20 moved to JP-Auto Jaszbereny KSE (Hungary-A Division) averaging 14.8ppg, 6.8rpg, 1.4apg, 1.0spg, FGP: 56.5%, 3PT: 43.4%, FT: 80.6%. He began his basketball career at Wayne high school and then played at the University of Dayton (NCAA) ( from 2015-2018 playing 75 games. He finished his NCAA career at The University of Akron (NCAA) averaging 13.9ppg, 9.5rpg, 1.3apg, FGP: 48.0%, 3PT: 29.9%, FT: 90.8%. He spoke to germanhoops.com about basketball.

Thanks Xeyrius for talking to germanhoops.com. Before we get to basketball, I want to find out more about your unique name. It is a name that I have never heard before. Was there a special reason why your parents gave you that name?

My name actually came from a combination of a few things, first my parents liked the Greek mythology so they loved the name Zeus and then they also knew of a Persian king named xerxes and they somehow came up with my name

You played with easyCredit BBL team s.Oliver Wurzburg. What do you know in general about the country Germany and it’s basketball? Did you seek advice from ex teammate Tyler Cheese who played in Germany last season?

I just know that the country is beautiful place to live and he also shared with me about some of the restaurants and what to expect living wise.

Two Akron legends Dru Joyce and Romeo Travis who won 3 Ohio high school titles with St Marys and Lebron James played in Germany. Did you ever reach out to them or meet them before?

I did not reach out to them prior to signing

After playing in Hungary and Greece, you then came to Germany. What were the main reasons why you chose this organization?

I chose this organization because I think it will be a great opportunity for me to continue winning like we did in Greece, and showcase my skills in a very competitive league.

The club was very confident in your abilities. You had a very solid season in Greece. Do you feel like you were ready to become an impact player in a top league in Europe?

I had a very productive and successful summer where I improved a lot on my game to make sure I am in the best spot physically and mentally to tackle the obstacles this season will throw my way.

Let’s talk a bit about your game. You’re a 206cm forward. If you had to compare your game to an NBA player who would best fit the description?

I feel that I am similar to a KD especially with my body type and my ability to face up in the post is similar to Carmello

You can shoot the ball, score, rebound and defend. Are you the classic definition of a modern day forward?

I don’t think there are certain definitions I just do what the game needs and try to do it to the best of my abilities.

You’re a guy that can do a lot at both ends of the court. What other strengths does your game incorporate?

My ability to be a leader to lead by example on and off the court with my work ethic and commitment to doing the little things.

Your also a talented shot blocker. How would you define your defensive game now and where do you still want to go with it?

I can always improve defensively. It’s something that I think takes heart and will to do it. It is not the prettiest part of the game but it is a very important part of the game.

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

Mid range pull up has to become deadly still building on my faceup and footwork in the post. I got to continue to be crafty and smart when playing offensively and defensively making reads and creating more. finishing, everything in my game can be improved upon.

Last season you had a solid season with Aris Thessaloniki (Greece-GBL) averaging 10.1ppg, 4.8rpg, FGP: 45.4%, 3PT: 33.8%, FT: 60.9%. You played against top Euroleague team Panathinaikos 4 times and won the first game against them. You had solid games. When you look back at those games what do you believe is still missing from your game to be a Euroleague player?

Just doing these things consistently. Scoring at all 3 levels. no matter what the defense does. I have to find a way to be effective whether that be scoring or creating for my teammates.

What do you remember from your battles in those games with Okaro White? How much did a guy like that motivate and elevate your game?

It was really fun to match with him he is a really good and smart defender so it was fun to watch some of the little things he does and incorporate them in my game.

You split your rookie season with Egis Kormend (Hungary-A Division) averaging 8.9ppg, 5.2rpg, 1.0spg, 2FGP: 47.9%, 3FGP: 34.1%, FT: 83.3%, in Dec.’20 moved to JP-Auto Jaszbereny KSE (Hungary-A Division) averaging 14.8ppg, 6.8rpg, 1.4apg, 1.0spg, FGP: 56.5%, 3PT: 43.4%, FT: 80.6%. What do you remember being your wake up call to being overseas where you knew that you were very far away from home?

There was no wake up call, I was just in a position where I was put inside of a box could not play my game so I was less productive than what I was capable of.

You played 3 seasons at Dayton (NCAA). It was kind of an up and down affair. Do you sometimes wonder if you would have finished there had you not suffered that injury in your junior season?

I just didn’t like the plan that the new coaching staff had for me. I felt that my best choice was to go elsewhere

You really had some good games at Dayton (NCAA). Despite leaving after 3 years what benefits do you still think did you get out of the experience?

Definitely knowing how to play in front of a crowd and I learned a lot about improvement knowing how to work and develop my game when I was playing under Archie Miller.

In your junior year you were teammates with Giannis brother Kostas. What kind of an experience was it battling him in practice?

It was good. He has elite level length with his wingspan and ability to block shots it was great to play against that pro level height and wingspan.

You then moved to the University of Akron and after sitting out a season had a superb senior year averaging 13.9ppg, 9.5rpg, 1.3apg, FGP: 48.0%, 3PT: 29.9%, FT: 90.8%. How did your game grow in your senior year?

it was a lot of confidence from being healthy and the confidence John Groce had in me. I am happy I intrusted him with my senior year

What kind of an experience was it being teammates with Tyler Cheese. He had a lot of misfortune winning just 1 game in Germany last season? The guy definitely has game. Do you feel like one day your paths will meet again on the court somewhere in the world?

With this pro game the possibilites are endless but being teammates with Cheese was a great experience. We were able to win together and he is a very good player.

I can imagine your favorite game was your buzzer beater win over Eastern Michigan. How often do you think have you watched that in the last years?

My favorite game was actually our final game against Kent state with that being our rival it was nice to send them home with a L.

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

He emphasizes a lot of little things that pro’s are expected to do on and off the court with work ethic and how we carry ourselves it keeps me grounded thinking back to these things.

Who won a 1-1 in practice you or Jaden Sayles?

I still win to this day when me and Jaden Sayles play one on one but he is a very good player who is looking to start his pro career here this season so excited to see where ball takes him

Who was the toughest player that you battled in the NCAA that went to the NBA?

I think it was Ben Simmons. I played him in high school. He is a very good player to no surprise he is an nba all star

Please name your 5 best teammates of all-time?

I have had great teammates over the years too many to count they all are hall of famers in my eyes

Please list your personal NBA Mount Rushmore?

Lebron, Jordan, Steph, Kobe and Shaq

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

I don’t really get into that debate I just like to hear people’s opinions.

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

I never saw the sequel but I know the first was hilarious that’s why it is what it is a “classic”

Thanks Xeyrius for the chat.

Tags : XEYRIUS WILLIAMS, S.OLIVER WUERZBURG, GERMAN BASKETBALL

Even if the easyCredit BBL has arrived in the very exciting stretch run for the battle of the top spot between the Telekom Baskets Bonn and Alba Berlin is very exciting as well as the fight to stay in the league at the bottom of the standings, there is also another gripping part of the season for Bonn with the Basketball Champions League. The Telekom Baskets Bonn have had a great BCL season and arrived into the quarterfinals with an incredible 6-0 record and now faced the always annoying SIG Strasburg who had had a 4-2 record in the last round. Bonn have ripped through the BCL team like a freight train and with their momentum from the easyCredit BBL season have a very legitimate shot of not only reaching the final 4 but winning the whole thing. But before reaching the final 4, they had to get by SIG Strasburg who had played a solid BCL season, but have been struggling in the France pro A season currently battling to get into the playoffs. Fans in Bonn were able to witness some real talent with the likes of ex NBA players Tim Frazier and Rodions Kurucs as well as ex easyCredit BBL player Deandre Lansdowne and electrifying 175cm player Marcus Keene (178-PG-1995, college: CMU). On a mild spring evening a few days before the Easter madness in Germany fans weren’t disappointed as they saw a hard fought game from start to end with the better end going to SIG Strasburg who were able to escape with a grind out 77-76 win stopping BCL MVP candidate TJ Shorts on the last play. ‘We new from the start that a high energy team like Bonn would go on runs. For us it was very important to stay together during their runs. We did a good job sticking to our game plan. We had lost our last 4 games where we got away from the game plan. We moved the ball and played our game. We did a good job with defensive rebounds and got out on the break’, stated ex Hamburg Tower Deandre Lansdowne. The Telekom Baskets Bonn played a great game, but at the end suffered some defensive lapses and couldn’t withstand the brutal physicality of the guests. ‘We knew it would be a dog fight. Credit to Strasburg. They stole one on the road. They made more winning plays at the end. We came up short but luckily it’s a 3 game series’, stressed Telekom Baskets Bonn guard TJ Shorts.

Rodions Kurucs hook shot

The Telekom Dome was sold out as 6,000 screaming fans were in the arena and rapidly witnessed TJ Shorts do his thing as his mid range game destroyed the guests as he hit 3 in a row for the 6-2 advantage with only 1,25 minutes played. The diminutive guard as usual did a fantastic job finding his spots and using his quickness not to have to take contested shots. But before Bonn fans really knew what happened, SIG Strasburg escaped on a 16-6 run to lead 18-12. In the run the guests spread the ball around and got easy lay in’s from French forward Leonard Cavaliere and Deandre Lansdowne while small ex Eastern Michigan guard Marcus Keene scored 2 baskets showing that he can match the intensity and execution rate of Shorts. SIG Strasburg continued to defend be aggressive and physical on the defensive end and had taken Shorts away from his game. SIG Strasburg just played smooth inside out basketball getting 2 more three’s from Lansdowne and French player Paul Lacombe and a lay in from ex NBA player Rodions Kurucs. But the Telekom Baskets slowed down the guests closing out the first quarter with a 13-4 run to retake the lead at 25-22. In the run Bonn executed well using the extra pass getting lay ins from ex Wurzburg guard Tyson Ward and ex Warner Pacific (NAIA) forward Collin Malcolm while he also nailed a trey as did ex Brose Bamberg guard Karsten Tadda. TJ Shorts closed out the first quarter with a runner and 25-20 Bonn advantage. ‘They began quickly but we withstood their punch and punched them back. Shorts showed why he is a MVP candidate. He knows how to find his spots’, stressed Deandre Lansdowne.

Michael Kessens at the FT line

The Telekom Baskets Bonn kept the lead in the second quarter but could never totally shake SIG Strasburg as they stood in striking distance and trailed by 2 points at half-time. Ex Brooklyn Net Rodions Kurucs was alert on the glass and began with a tip in off his own miss as SIG Strasburg trailed 25-24. But With TJ Shorts always playing at a high intensity and in attack mode, the Telekom Baskets were able to break free again with a 7-0 run to lead 32-24. Shorts made a pull up jumper and 2 of 3 free throws while ex Crailsheim guard Javontae Hawkins added a three pointer. But the game remained a game of runs as now SIG Strasburg saw an opening and went on a 7-3 run to trail 35-31. 205Cm big man Bodian Massa made an offensive rebound and put back, Lacomb hit another trey and Marcus Keene made a difficult shot in traffic. But Bonn survived the SIG Strasburg punch and delivered a new one getting another clutch three from Malcolm and big dunk from Leon Kratzer for the 40-34 lead, but the guests also were good and having answers as Keene continued to be a menace making a 20 footer and very difficult shot in traffic and Lansdowne a bucket on transition, but the Telekom Baskets Bonn still had the slight advantage at the break 42-40. ‘Keene is our Shorts. He scored a lot but also created for others. We did a good job rebounding as a focus of ours was to take away their offensive rebounds’, stated Deandre Lansdowne.

Ike Udanoh at the FT line

The contest continued to be a dog fight and it seemed like SIG Strasburg might break the game open, but instead were hit again by a sudden Bonn punch right before the buzzer sounded after 30 minutes. The Telekom Baskets had a real bad start to the second half as they couldn’t execute on their first 6 possessions. But SIG Strasburg couldn’t muster more than 5 points to lead only 45-42. Lansdowne and Massa had supplied offensive punch with points. The Telekom Baskets Bonn had many 50/50 balls in the game and one helped them get an easy transition basket by Shorts which got them some energy. Ex Trier guard Sebastian Herrera then scored on the back door cut and ex Fraport Skyliner Michael Kessens made a floater for the 48-45 Bonn advantage. Shorts was instrumental in the turn around after the poor start as he let his creating do the talking. The guests then tied the game at 49-49 as Lacombe made a lay in. Bonn struck back with a trey by Brit Deane Williams for the 52-49 lead. Then came a three point explosion on 5 in 6 possessions started by SIG Strasburg as they went on a 11-0 run to lead 60-52. Ex NBA player Tim Frazier who played 8 years in the big show had sparkled defensively, but been quiet on offense rattled off 2 three’s while Keene hit another. It looked like the guests would go into the fourth quarter comfortably, but instead Shorts and Herrera added 2 three’s in the last minute as Bonn trailed only 60-58. ‘Those last 2 Bonn three’s really hurt. We wanted to go into the fourth with momentum. Bonn ran great plays for Shorts’, said Deandre Lansdowne.

TJ Shorts lay in

In the fourth quarter the Telekom Baskets Bonn entered crunch-time up by 8, but forgot that a game has 40 minutes and allowed SIG Strasburg back into the game. The Telekom Baskets Bonn stole the lead back 61-60 with a Herera trey to begin the fourth. The lead would go back and forth with a Kurucs spin move and lay in and Shorts lay in for the 63-62 Bonn lead. The Telekom Baskets Bonn couldn’t hold the lead as they gave up back to back buckets to Lansdowne and Keene for the 66-63 advantage. Then it seemed like the Telekom Baskets Bonn had supplied the last punch as they broke out on a lethal 11-0 run sparked by a technical foul by SIG Strasburg head coach Luca Banchi to lead 74-66. Bonn did a good job attacking and getting to the free throw line as Malcolm and Hawkins scored. Bonn also moved the ball well setting up a lay in by Ward and trey by Shorts. With 2,50 to play the contest seemed decided. The Telekom Baskets Bonn were playing at a high intensity and just wanted it more than the guests. But somehow the guests were able to flip switches and get back into the game despite the minutes dwindling. Frazier made a lay in and Keene a tough fade away with 1,47 to play and suddenly Bonn only led 74-72. Bonn got to the free throw line but Kessens and Shorts missed 2 free throws as Bonn led only 76-72. In the last minutes the guests had done a better job of packing the paint and cutting off the back door options and allowed no pick and roll. One could see that the whole MVP chants for Shorts hadn’t escaped Marcus Keene as he saved his best for last. A flagrant foul by Hawkins also helped the guests gather momentum. Keene made a reverse lay up with 56 seconds and then the guests got a stop on Kratzer and Keene did his magic again hitting a clutch trey to get the 77-76 lead. ‘I just play my game for 40 minutes. I trust my abilities and my teammates trusted me to make that shot’, said Marcus Keene. ‘He is a scoring machine at all 3 levels. We watched a lot of film on him and will watch even more film now. You have to make it as tough as possible against guys like that’, stated TJ Shorts. The Telekom Baskets Bonn had one more play to win the game. Everyone knew that Shorts would have the ball. The question was would he finish or facilitate. He opted to go himself, but met his match in Kurucs who played aggressively on him and forced him to an air ball. ‘We tried to get the weakest link on me. I tried to create a play. Credit to Kurucs who guarded me well. You win some and you lose some. We will be back’, warned TJ Shorts. ‘We knew the last shot would go to the MVP. I told the guys not to switch off him. We wanted to make it as tough as possible for him. We have had problems the last weeks making stops like this. We had theA mind set to push as hard as possible and get the stop’, stressed Deandre Lansdowne. SIG Strasburg was led by Marcus Keene with 24 points and Deandre Lansdowne added 16 points while the Telekom Baskets Bonn were led by TJ Shorts with 24 points while Collin Malcolm added 13 points and Sebastian Herrera 12 points. SIG Strasburg shot 55% from the field and 35% from outside and had 38 rebounds and 20 turnovers while the Telekom Baskets Bonn shot 40% from the field and 30% from outside and had 31 rebounds and 11 turnovers.

Tags : MARCUS KEENE, SIG STRASBOURG, GERMAN BASKETBALL

DeAndre Lansdowne (188-G-1989, college: Fort Lewis) is a 33 year old 187cm guard from Albuquerque, Mexico that is currently playing his third season for SIG Strasburg (France Pro A). In the 2019-2020 season he played for for Germani Brescia Leonessa (Italy-Serie A) averaging 13,3ppg, 3,0rpg and 1,6apg in the Serie A and in the Eurocup is averaged 10.2ppg, 2.5rpg, 2.3apg, FGP: 43.8%, 3PT: 32.2%, FT: 87.5%. He played 2 seasons with the Basketball Lowen Braunschweig averaging 14.7ppg, 4.1rpg, 3.3apg, Steals-3 (1.7spg), FGP: 47.2%, 3PT: 38.4%, FT: 72.8% and 18,6ppg,3,4rpg and 3,6apg. In 2016-2017 he played with the Hamburg Towers averaging 12,3ppg, 5,0rpg and 2,3apg. He started his career in Germany in 2015-2016 in the Pro B where he played with Hertener Loewen Basketball (Germany-Pro B) playing 27 games: Score-2 (22.9ppg), 8.1rpg, 3.6apg, Steals-5 (2.6spg), FGP: 61.5%, 3PT: 30.8%, FT: 66.5%. He played college ball at Fort Lewis (NCAA2) and as a senior played 32 games averaging 15.3ppg, 4.8rpg, 2.1apg, 2.0spg, FGP: 47.2%, 3PT: 37.1%, FT: 50.7%. He then gained his first professional experience with Pioneros de Delicias (Mexico-Chihuahua Vive) before continuing career in Germany. He spoke to germanhoops.com before a Basketball Champions League quarterfinal game against the Telekom Baskets Bonn in Germany.

Thanks Deandre for talking to germanhoops.com. It has been more than 3 years since you last played in Germany then against Oldenburg in a Eurocup game with Brescia. How much does Germany feel like home for you?

Germany always feels like home. I started my EU career here, so it will always hold a soft place in my heart.

Your returning back to Bonn. You had a 0-4 career record with Braunschweig and scored in double figures in every game. 3 of the 4 loses were close. What memories do you have of the games?

Tough games. They are physical, play with size, and like a machine. They have a different team and coach now, but still a great team who has had a great season.

How excited and motivated are you to be battling Germany’s top team Telekom Baskets Bonn? How massive is this series?

It is huge. They are a great team, who has done great in the German league the last few years. We are excited for the quarterfinals, to be going against a great team for the opportunity to go to the final 4.

Last season the Telekom Baskets Bonn became a top team. Did it surprise you how much this organization has risen?

Not at all, Tuomas is a great coach, they have a great build of team that fits his style perfectly, does not surprise me at all

What kind of series can we await. How crucial will it be slowing down diminutive guard TJ Shorts?

This guy is unstoppable. -great guard, who is thriving in coache’s system, just as Parker Cartwright did last year. We’ll have to throw different looks at him, and not let him create his way, which is extremely hard. But it’s a complete team, with roles, and a deep roster. They turn the ball over a bit, so we will have to take advantage of that.

Would be unfair to say that Bonn is the favorite on paper? Head coach Luca Banchi will have to be sharp in creating the perfect game plan?

We have to play our game, and not let them play there’s, that will be the decider of who wins this series. Regardless of over records and win streaks, in basketball anyone is beatable. If we can control the game, we can hopefully control the series.

SIG Strasburg haven’t had a great season. They are 11-13. And in danger of missing the playoffs. Why hasn’t this season been as good?

It has been a tough unfortunate season with big injuries and changing of the coach. We’ve endured all that, with the 1-6 start. We aren’t a group to complain, and find excuses, with any situation we are always ready to fight and do what we can to be successful.

Tim Frazier was brought in to help reach the playoffs. What have you appreciated most about his game?

He’s extremely experienced. Another experienced leader on the floor. He’s also a great teammate, and person!

What has it been like being teammates with small guard Marcus Keene. He must have a chip on his shoulder as big as you? I can imagine you guys bonded real quickly?

Marcus is one of the biggest competitors i’ve ever come across. With huge talent! He has a big chip, big goals to reach the top as a player. I’m interested to see where his fourtune takes him.

Your playing your third season with SIG Strasburg. Has Strasburg become like a second home? What have you appreciated most about the organization? –

Yes it has been. It’s been great. I’ve grown a lot as a person and player here. The organization and people have been my favorite! My wife has really gotten incorporated with the people working in the club so she feels at home as well!

Last season you were teammates with Kameron Taylor who like you had to toil in the Pro b but 3 years later reached the Euroleague. How much of a role model can a guy like that still be for a guy like you?

A big one. We always talked about those days back in Prob and how we’ve gotten where we were. Reminding ourselves it’s a big blessing and that it’s always important to stay humble and keep working because you never know your next step

What do you remember from your first season in Strasburg and Covid? What do you remember being your biggest challenge?

Everything just being quiet. Which for me, a Type Aish person, I got caught in. A great routine, but I missed the fans, and interacting with them. Empty gyms was just tough!

What memories do you have of Ishmail Wainwright a guy that went from the German Pro A via the BBL and France to the NBA. How much of his character and attitude helped him reach the next step?

Amazing person & personality! He deserves what he is receiving in the NBA. Extremely proud of him. His story is one of a kind, and will inspire MANY!

How tough was it losing the playoff series to Monaco last season The last 2 loses were combined by 4 points. What do you remember being key for not getting over the hump?

We just didn’t close the game. Both games if you look back, we didn’t get that one stop at some moment to win, which was saddening, but that’s playoff basketball, all possessions matter and in close games, that one stop around that 1min mark can win you or lose you the game

You continue to be very consistent in your third season in Strasburg something you began with in Germany. What has been your secret to be able to adapt anywhere you have played?

Open minded, continuing to keep working on my game and trying to expand it more and more. But thanks to coaching staff and teammates to always put me in positions to be a threat as well as giving me confidence always.

You have upped your scoring this season. Has your role changed anything from your first 2 seasons?


Luca has me in a bit different situation and position then with the previous coach, so I try to take advantage of being aggressive in the plays we run for me.

Your 33 years old now. On what area’s of your game are you working on most now so you can continue to grow as a player?


Trying to continue growing as a pick and roll player, and as a verbal leader. Being in the gym daily, setting the tone in practice, cheering/ instilling confidence in my teammates.

Could you imagine closing out your career in Strasburg or possibly return to Germany down the road?

Anything is possible, open for anything haha

Now that Lebron James is the NBA all-time leading scorer is he the GOAT over Michael Jordan now?


2 goats, amazing players, I’ve been lucky to watch both!

Who do you have reaching the NCAA final 2023 and winning it all?


Well I’ve actually moved to San Diego, so you know who I’m cheering for!

Thanks Deandre for the chat.

Tags : DEANDRE LANSDOWNE, SIG STRASBOURG, GERMAN BASKETBALL

When you play in high leagues, that NBA flair isn’t there every day but you see it every so often. And you can be sure the more a player performs at a high level against the chosen few who have had the opportunity to battle with the best in the NBA, the more the self confidence of that player rises like the steam would from the nostrils of a Shaq who has to hear the criticism of someone questioning his decision to make the movie Kazam which might not have been the biggest selling movie, but hey seeing the likable Shaq as a Genie entertaining to watch. One of those talented players but like so many players in a pool where escaping to make a NBA roster is so difficult because of little spots available is current MHP Riesen rookie Tommy Kuhse (188-G-1998, college: St.Mary’s, CA) who arrived in Germany only a few weeks ago after getting his first taste of the NBA playing in the G-League. In his first 4 games in the easyCredit BBL, he played against teams like Alba Berlin that showcased NBA draft pick Gabriele Procida where he scored 18 points in his debut and 6 days later suffered a tough loss against ratio Ulm that had ex NBA players Brandon Paul and Bruno Caboclo where he only had 7 points, but was right back at it last weekend suffering another brutal loss against Germany’s top team FC Bayern Munich where he held his own against former NBA ballers Zylan Cheatham and Freddie Gillespie. In the game he showed again what qualities he has scoring 14 points, 4 assists and 6 rebounds belonging to the best on his team. The only negative aspect were his 5 turnovers, but that can still be excused because it is never easy getting adjusted quickly to the different style overseas. Of course he battled many future NBA players in the NCAA with St Mary’s, but got his first taste of the NBA last summer playing NBA Summer League with the Orlando Magic. In a game against the New York Knicks, he was the best player on the court producing 25 points and 5 steals while Knicks Miles McBride and Quentin Grimes had 23 and 22 points. In 3 games he averaged 17.3ppg, 2.0rpg, 3.3apg, Steals-2 (3.0spg), FGP: 71.4%, 3PT: 40.0%. He will never forget getting the opportunity and as classy as he is gives credit to others before himself. ‘I was fortunate to be on a Summer League team with a great group of guys. It was a very memorable experience that gave me a lot of confidence that I could play well at the professional level’, stressed Tommy Kuhse. He knows that playing so well against the Knicks was no fluke, but also can’t continue to look into the past, but always look ahead and know what he has to do to continue to get better. ‘I have to continue to prove myself and be consistent on both ends of the floor. Shooting the 3 at a high level consistently as well’, warned Tommy Kuhse. At the moment, the NBA is way off his radar as his main focus is helping the MHP Riesen close out the season as best they can and erase their current losing streak.

Miles meets Miles. Miles Schmidt-Scheuber with New York Knicks player Miles McBride in March 2023 in Boston

Tommy Kuhse who remembers Jalen Suggs, Andrew Nembhard and Jalen Williams as being his toughest players to oppose in the NCAA was born on January 5, 1998 in Mesa, Arizona. He attended Mountain Valley high school in Mesa that has produced some notable athletes like high class MLB players Shea Hillenbrand and Max Hall. He played baseball and basketball, but concentrated fully on basketball after his junior season. He helped lead his team to the state quarterfinals averaging 21/4/5/2 stats and attaining player of the year. After high school, he surprisingly became no offers from major schools, but more from small colleges from his area. The only division one school who showed any major interest was St Mary’s. He had a connection to head coach Randy Bennett because his dad had been high school classmates with the coach. He had to experience some growing pains in his first 2 years as he sat out his first year as a red shirt and in his second season played only 24 of the team’s 36 games and totaled only 10 points in the season. His role grew in his red shirt sophomore season as he started in 27 of 34 games and concentrated on the playmaking allowing Jordan Ford currently with the Stockton Kings chasing his NBA dream to focus on scoring. He averaged 6.2ppg, 2.6rpg, 2.9apg, FGP: 45.6%, 3PT: 34.0%, FT: 83.0% leading the team to a 19-8 record as a starter. He had 17 points against USF and 15 points against San Diego. He added 8 points against top school Gonzaga wining the WCC tournament final, and reaching the NCAA tournament where they lost in the first round to Villanova by 4 points. In his third season he averaged 6.2ppg, 3.5rpg, 3.8apg, FGP: 40.8%, 3PT: 31.5%, FT: 68.6%. He played with Jordan Ford again and helped the school to a 26-8 record. He scored 20 points in the second game of the season against LBSU and also had solid games against USF and Pacific scoring 15 points apiece.

The guard who remembers the lifetime 1-1 battles with Jordan Ford as being even became the leader in his red shirt senior year as the school lost Malik Fitts and Jordan Ford tograduation. Even if it COVID was wrecking havoc he still started 24 games while averaging a whopping 35 minutes per game. His stats grew as well as he averaged 12.8ppg, 3.7rpg, 5.0apg, 1.5spg, FGP: 45.1%, 3PT: 27.9%, FT: 79.7%. He wasn’t only a playmaker, but now a player that could score. He scored in double figures in 15 games including a career high 34 points against Eastern Washington and 24 points against UTEP. He returned for a fifth season as a graduate and started 21 games while also slipping into a special role coming from the bench and won the WCC sixth man of the year award while averaging 12.2ppg, 3.7rpg, 3.6apg, FGP: 51.6%, 3PT: 45.0%, FT: 80.8%. He scored in double figures 18 times. He had some huge games against BYU sand USF scoring 25 points and 22 points in wins as well as hitting Santa Clara for 27 points in a big victory. But he saved his best for last in the NCAA tournament where he led his school to the 82-53 win over Indiana supplying 19 points. The school ran out of gas against UCLA ending his career as he contributed 11 points. ‘I was disappointed we didn’t play our best game against UCLA but proud of all we accomplished as a team that year’, stressed Tommy Kuhse. His time at St Mary’s is definitely a time he will never forget as well as getting all the needed guidance from head coach Randy Bennett, assistant coach Micky Mconnell who played in Germany as a professional some years back and teammate Jordan Ford. ‘Saint Mary’s is an incredibly special place. I will most cherish the relationships I formed throughout my 6 years. Winning the conference championship game was an unforgettable experience. We had a great group of guys. Villanova was a tough loss but it was my first game in the NCAA tournament which was also special. Coach Bennett is incredibly detailed and works extremely hard. He instills these qualities in his players and makes them tough. Mickey was a great mentor for me. He helped me with pick and roll play and shooting tremendously. I credit Jordan tremendously for helping me learn to score around the basket and improve my ball handling skills’, stated Tommy Kuhse.

The Arizona native who lists Jordan, Lebron, Kareem, and Magic on his personal NBA Mount Rushmore embarked on his professional career in the summer of 2022. After playing NBA Summer League with the Orlando Magic, he signed a training camp agreement with the San Antonio Spurs. He was waived on October 10th and then signed with the Austin Spurs on October 24th. He had a very solid G-League campaign with Austin as he averaged averaging 8.6ppg, 2.9rpg, 3.1apg, 2FGP: 54.4%, 3FGP: 30.3%, FT: 81.3%. Unless you’re a big prospect who needs to be evaluated as best you can and other boarder line NBA guys, getting consistent minutes in the G-League can be like playing the lottery and as unpredictable as knowing when the New York Knicks are ever going to win a NBA title again. He averaged 20 minutes per game, but also played less than 20 minutes in 18 of the 38 games. He knew quickly that playing in a league where every player’s focus is the NBA and hunger to get there is bigger than Shaq’s appetite could ever be that his time in Texas would be no cake walk. ‘There is a ton of talent and any player can beat you on any given night’, warned Tommy Kuhse. He scored in double figures in 17games including hitting the G League Ignite for 25 points and scored 20 points against Capitanes M. Even if he didn’t play a full season in the G-League, he knows he improved in area’s of his game. ‘I felt I got adjusted to the speed of the game and improved defensively as the season went on. It’s always tough not playing but I was just focused on trying to do what I could to help the team win’, expressed Tommy Kuhse. He was waived by the Austin Spurs on February 27th, 2023.

The ex St Mary’s guard who lists Jordan and Lebron as his GOAT’s has begun a new challenge in Germany with ambitious easyCredit BBL team MHP Riesen Ludwigsburg. Even if Germany is a new place for him, he definitely has connections to the country. ‘ I don’t know much about Germany or European basketball. I do know my last name ‘Kuhse’ is German and have ancestors from here way back in my lineage. My teammates have been teaching me about the league and culture and it’s been fun to hear about everything’, said Tommy Kuhse. When he got the offer to play for the MHP Riesen, it was a no brainer. ‘I was in a great organization with the Spurs for my rookie year. I did not plan to come overseas this year but had interest in playing over here at some point in my career. When the opportunity to play for Ludwigsburg came up I jumped at the chance. I was excited to play with talented players and in a system that utilizes the pick and roll well. Ludwigsburg has both. I was also excited to have a chance to compete for the playoffs’, stated Tommy Kuhse. He grew up studying Canadian Steve Nash and now studies New York Knick Jalen Brunson and is a player that strives getting into the paint, but also excels at creating opportunities for himself and his teammates. But he has also proven so far in Germany that he can be that aggressive defender currently swiping away the ball 1,5 times per game. ‘I feel I am a smart defender who can make plays on the ball. I want to continue to improve to become a really consistent defender. Transitioning from the college to professional game, players are stronger and faster’, commented Tommy Kuhse. So far he hasn’t disappointed in 4 games as he is averaging 12,5ppg 2,8rpg, and 5,3apg. He knows that in order to keep climbing the basketball ladder and moving up, he will have to keep grinding in the lab and keep fine tuning his game. ‘I want to become a point guard who can control the pace of the game and organize the team and offense in all situations is a focus of mine’, warned Tommy Kuhse. Right now his focus is on the MHP Riesen and being as successful as possible for a club that wants to make noise in the playoffs. He is playing in a system that is dominated by guard play, but so far that hasn´t affected his play in a negative way. ‘There is a lot of unknown for me but I hope my ability to attack the paint and make plays will translate well’, stressed Tommy Kuhse. It will be interesting to see how Tommy Kuhse continues to play in the next month and playoffs. He is an exciting player with massive upside and has that straight ahead focused attitude that will only spark the MHP Riesen to new heights.

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Tags : TOMMY KUHSE, MHP RIESEN LUDWIGSBURG, GERMAN BASKETBALL

Yanni Wetzell was double happy after Alba Berlin´s win and also San Diego States win

The up and down play of the Fraport Skyliners was something they definitely couldn’t experience as the fight to stay in the league got more intense with every passing weekend. After a thrilling home win against Fiba Europe Cup Niners Chemnitz, every one in Skyliner country was hoping for the next miracle win in Hamburg, but instead the team stunk up the second half something they have done so often this season. The 2004 BBL champion was looking for a turnaround against Alba Berlin back in their living room, but that was more than a tough task, but a brutal task. Alba Berlin came into the game in Frankfurt riding an excellent 22-2 record and were sporting a 5 game winning streak in the easyCredit BBL having last beat Brose Bamberg and FC Bayern Munich a few weeks earlier. The Fraport Skyliners were seeking revenge for the 99-74 loss at the start of 2023, but had little chance against the defending BBL champion as they fell into a hole early and were never able to escape in the 40 minutes. Frankfurt showed spurts of solid offense, but mostly on account of well executed 1-1 plays, but on defense had no remedy for the individual class of Alba Berlin. ‘We weren’t aggressive enough from the start. Alba Berlin took good care of the ball and took all the shots and made them. We gave up too many second chances and open looks’, stressed Fraport Skyliner legend Quantez Robertson. For Alba Berlin it looked like a calm stroll through the park as despite missing key players like Luke Sikma, Jalen Smith, Marcus Eriksson and Tamar Blatt, they still were able to play their game and defend with passion and get consistent support from the bench. ‘We played well as a team with the next guy mentality. All played well no matter who played. We functioned like a well oiled machine which is the same as always’, stressed Alba Berlin guard Jaleen Smith who received a DNP being rested.

Derek Cooke at the FT line

Alba Berlin jumped all over the Fraport Skyliners in the first quarter leading by 8 points after 10 minutes and would never look back. Alba Berlin had their A game from the get go taking the rapid 7-0 lead. Ex Bamberg forward Louis Olinde got Alba Berlin going hitting a trey and lay in while ex Columbia University (NCAA) guard Maodo Lo caught Frankfurt napping down low as he snuck inside for the offensive rebound and put back. Alba Berlin excelled on the 1-1 play using mis matches and just out smarting Frankfurt while the home team were aggressive on the boards with extra chances, but their execution was lack luster. Alba Berlin played their game and showed how well oiled their ship was early on. Ex Auburn (NCAA) guard Quantez Robertson finally got Frankfurt on the board first after 4 missed opportunities scoring on a left handed lay at the 6,45 minute mark in on transition after making a steal. Alba Berlin continued to show consistency and Frankfurt not as the guests went on a 8-2 run to extend their advantage to 15-4. In the run Alba Berlin let it rain three’s as Olinde connected and 2018 NBBL champion Malte De Low also scored. Ex Bilbao big man Ben Lammers added a lay in. The Fraport Skyliners couldn’t muster much offense as ex Iona (NCAA) guard Isaiah Washington hit a lay in and and ex Wurzburg guard Joshua Obiesie hit a step back three as Alba Berlin led 17-9 after 10 minutes. ‘We played hard and executed well, but just couldn’t get our shots to fall. We rebounded well on the offensive glass’, said Quantez Robertson. Both teams shot at 50% from the 2 point range, but the difference was Alba Berlin’s better three point percentage as Frankfurt shot only 10% and the guests 12-9 rebound edge.

Jonas Mattisseck from downtown

The Fraport Skyliners stepped up their play in the first half of the second quarter trailing by only 3 points, but then let up as Alba Berlin went on a run to have a double digit lead again. The Fraport Skyliners came out focused in the first minutes going on a smooth 11-6 run to trail only 23-20. In the run Frankfurt got good playmaking from Isaiah Washington who found ex Wyoming) big man Derek Cooke with the shovel pass and lay in. Washington also connected on a trey and Cooke on a hard one handed dunk on transition. Lithuanian big man Einaras Tubutis also added a three pointer. Frankfurt heightened their intensity at both ends and turned up the aggressiveness and got on transition. But the Fraport Skyliners were unable to hold their game at a high level as they allowed a 10-3 run to trail 33-23. In the run Alba Berlin displayed their keen inside out game getting 2 three’s from 2018 NBBL champion Jonas Mattiseck and Olinde and getting 2 mid distance shots from ex San Diego State University (NCAA) big man Yannick Wetzell (206-C-1996, college: SDSU). Frankfurt could only muster an off balance shot by Washington their best 1-1 player. Frankfurt’s biggest problem was their weak 1-1 defense and allowing too many open shots to the guests. Down the stretch the Fraport Skyliners were able to find their rhythm again on offense, but were unable to get over the hump as Alba Berlin continued to execute at ease. Wetzell continued to be a menace making a three pointer and jumper while German national player Johannes Thiemann scored inside on a nice move and LO made free throws. Cooke continued to be lethal inside as he scored twice, but Alba Berlin had the comfortable 42-33 advantage at half-time. ‘They got a lot of inside scoring which allowed to open up the floor and get their outside shooters going’, commented Quantez Robertson. Both teams continued to shoot well from close range at 60%, but the three point shooting separated the teams as Alba Berlin shot 42% and Frankfurt 23% and they had the 18-14 rebound edge.

Lukas Wank from outside

Alba Berlin really opened up the contest in the third quarter as they were able to lead by as much as 20 points from which the Fraport Skyliners had no response to. Alba Berlin had no fooling around to do in Frankfurt, but were there for a business event and came out focused like always going on a 10-2 run to lead 52-35. They began the run out smarting the Fraport Skyliners with a sneaky inbounds pass from big man to big man as Johannes Thiemann found Lammers for the throw down. Thiemann also showed his quickness dancing by Matt Haarms with ease and also got to the free throw line as did Israeli Yovell Zoosman and Maodo Lo made an off balance shot. The Fraport Skyliners were unable to generate good shots as their ball movement was weak which led to stagnation and on defense were unable to slow down the strong individual class of the Alba players as it was a few levels above what Frankfurt had to offer. Every so often the Fraport Skyliners would show shades of solid offense as ex Purdue (NCAA) giant Matt Haarms connected on a 10 footer and Tubutis scored inside, but then would disappear again as a whole for minutes allowing Alba Berlin to get their lead up. Alba Berlin wiped away that Frankfurt mini run and quietly produced a 10-3 run to extend their lead to 62-42. In the run Alba Berlin got stellar support from their bunch as underrated German guard Jonas Mattisek nailed two three’s including one from somewhere behind the Main river in Hochst. Wetzell continued to do a good job finding his spots and scored again on a lay in. Tubutis and 2022 Portland Trailblazers draft pick Gabriele Procida dropped treys as the Fraport Skyliners trailed 65-45. ‘We got more stops and Frankfurt had more turnovers. We shared the ball very well. Our individual quality was very big. Frankfurt played with a slim rotation’, stated Jaleen Smith. ‘We couldn’t get stops. They continued to get offensive rebounds and make open shots’, said Quantez Robertson.

Johannes Thiemann at the FT line

In the fourth quarter Alba Berlin did what the Fraport Skyliners have been seeking to do all season long and that is to finish out the game well. The Fraport Skyliners fought well, but just couldn’t get over the hump as one too many Harlem Globetrotter plays didn’t help them get any closer. The Fraport Skyliners began well going on a 8-3 run to cut Alba Berlin’s lead down to 68-53. The guard play of Frankfurt sparkled as Washington scored twice and JJ Frazier made a 10 footer. But whenever Alba Berlin needed a bucket, they always had an answer and especially their special individual qualities shone as the quick and agile Thiemann did whatever he liked in the paint area scoring twice to give the guests the 75-55 advantage. The Fraport Skyliners then conducted a run again, but time was running out. As they had a 6-1 run, the buzzer sounded ending the game. Frazier and Haarms added buckets to round out the scoring. But there were too many times in the game when Frankfurt down by 20 tried the risky play instead of the secure play which led to turnovers or missed shots. ‘Frankfurt had nothing to lose. You try things out and hope they work’, stated Jaleen Smith. ‘A big play could have changed the momentum. We wanted to get the team hyped up and get the fans going’, added Quantez Robertson. Times continue to be tough for Frankfurt as they now only have 1 win more than Bayreuth from 18th place as the Bavarian team won. There are 8 games left. Could Jordan Theodore be the answer who has been rumored to be possibly joining the team soon. ‘Jordan would be another floor general. He can set the tone and make plays. We have to fight every game road or home no matter what. We have to figure out to win for 40 minutes and not only show it in spurts’, stressed Quantez Robertson. ‘Theodore would add a veteran presence. He has a lot of experience and the team has young guys and could really need him’, stressed Jaleen Smith. Alba Berlin was led by Yannick Wetzell with 16 points while Johannes Thiemann added 12 points and Louis Olinde had 11 points while the Fraport Skyliners were led by Derek Cooke and Isaiah Washington with 13 points a piece. Alba Berlin shot 49% from the field and 36% from outside and had 36 rebounds and 10 turnovers while the Fraport Skyliners shot 46% from the field and 19% form outside and had 29 rebounds and 12 turnovers.

Tags : YANNICK WETZELL, ALBA BERLIN, GERMAN BASKETBALL