The Fraport Skyliners Juniors are slowly hitting their peak as the playoffs are around the corner as playing your best basketball now is what teams strive for. They last lost on January 28th as they were clobbered at home by 20 points against the White Wings Hanau, but since then were riding a 6 game winning streak. They have been very solid defensively, but especially on offense have been very potent having scored more than 80 points in the last 3 games. Frankfurt had the home court advantage secured, but their opponent the Basketball Lowen Erfurt still had some serious business to take care of as they were fighting for home court advantage in the playoffs with Bavarian team Coburg. The 12-11 team was led by Tyseem Lyles and Guy Edi who came into the game averaging 37 of the team 81 points. The Basketball Lowen Erfurt came to Frankfurt having been stopped of their 7 game winning streak last weekend suffering a severe slip up at home against Speyer where they allowed 93 points. On a mild early spring evening the Fraport Skyliners Juniors met the always pesky Basketball Lowen Erfurt and exchanged fire power and loads of points, but lost some steam in the second half and had to play catch up basketball and just couldn’t get over the hump in crunch-time as Guy Edi powered the guests to the wild 95-90 win. ‘This Frankfurt team is really tough. They are young and complete. They are very physical and punched us a bit at the start, but we responded well as a team and all chipped in together and brought our A game. This game had a taste of the playoffs. We may of started the season bad, but were here now’, warned ex Gonzaga French player Guy Landry Edi (198-PF-1988, college: Gonzaga) The Fraport Skyliners Juniors as usual had their offensive arsenal on display, but didn’t defend as well as in the past weeks. ‘They hit their shots really well. We didn’t respond well enough to them. They used their individual class in better ways than we did. Edi was hard to defend and we couldn’t slow him down well enough’, said Fraport Skyliner Junior Philipp Hadenfeldt.

Jordan Samare at the FT line

Both teams came out firing away as the Fraport Skyliners Juniors did a fine job getting their bigs going as Jordan Samare scored and got good execution inside as ex Ehingen forward Nils Leonhardt scored. The Basketball Lowen also got an offensive rhythm going rapidly as Edi already showed his presence on the offensive board with a put back and New York native Tyseem Lyles hit a trey as did ex Jena guard Jan Heber as the game was tight with the 9-8 lead by the Fraport Skyliners Juniors. But The Fraport Skyliners Juniors then snuck away going on a quick 14-3 run as 2018 JBBL champion Nolan Adekunle supplied 11 points as he let it rain 3 three’s for the 23-11 Frankfurt advantage. Frankfurt were solid on defense, but were aided by the good looks of Erfurt that weren’t falling. But Erfurt didn’t lay down and surrender, but got back into the game as they got their three’s rocking as Lyles connected twice and Edi also hit cutting Frankfurt’s lead to 26-21. Onyejiaka and Lyles closed out the first quarter with three’s as the Fraport Skyliners Juniors had the very satisfying 31-24 advantage. Both teams had very high shooting percentages as the Fraport Skyliners sJuniors hot 56% from the field and 67% from outside while the guests shot 50% from the field and outside. Frankfurt had the 9-6 rebound edge including 5 offensive rebounds and only 2 turnovers while Erfurt had 4 turnovers. ‘The fans saw a high scoring game. Frankfurt did a good job getting easy baskets and keeping the lead despite many three’s from the opponent’, stated Fraport Skyliner guard Quantez Robertson.

Jan Heber from downtown

The Fraport Skyliners Juniors kept the lead, but near the end of the second quarter the Basketball Lowen Erfurt had caught up as the contest was dead locked at the break. Felix Hecker gave Frankfurt some energy right off the bat finding Alexander Richardson with the back door lay in and nailed a trey himself for the 36-28 lead, but the Basketball Lowen used their bench very well getting 5 points from young Latvian guard Otto Fahrenhorts to cut the Frankfurt lead to 36-31. But Frankfurt also used their bench well getting 5 points from veteran Marco Voeller who played 140 easyCredit BBL games including a pretty hook shot for the 41-33 lead, but even if Erfurt had to accept the punches, they also supplied the goods getting potent support from young German Lorenz Schiller who also supplied 5 points to cut Frankfurt’s lead to 41-38. Both Adekunle and Edi were on the bench while other role players were picking up the slack. Erfurt played very efficiently and smart taking good shots while Frankfurt sparkled with pristine ball movement. The Basketball Lowen Erfurt then went on a 8-3 run to lead 46-44. Edi scored all 8 Erfurt points showing how valuable he is for his team and that he can score at all levels from outside, mid range and on the drive. Frankfurt then responded with the prettiest play of the night as Hadenfeldt supplied the perfect alley op pass to Alexander Richardson who made the massive throw down. ‘That was set up nicely on the pick and roll. Alex rose well to the basket. Phil is definitely our best passer on the team and Marco our best passing big’, smiled ex Auburn (NCAA) great Quantez Robertson. Lyles then nailed a trey for the 49-46 Erfurt lead. Hecker followed with a trey to tie the game at 49-49. Edi and Bennet Schubert closed out the second quarter with free throws as the game was dead locked 51-51. ‘Voeller and Richardson did a good job on the offensive boards and with second chance points. Hecker also hit big shots. Frankfurt’s defense was aggressive but wansn’t communicating or helping well’, said Quantez Robertson. Both teams continued to shoot well as the Fraport Skyliners Juniors shot 56% from the field and 50% from the three point line and had 18 rebounds and 7 turnovers while The Basketball Lowen Erfurt shot 49% from the field and 53% from the three point line and had 11 rebounds and 6 turnovers.

Marco Voeller from outside

The turning point came in the third quarter as the Basketball Lowen went on a run and would never trail again in the game. Adekunle repeated his good start of the first quarter in the third quarter scoring twice as his athleticism is difficult to contain. But The Basketball Lowen Erfurt sat down and watched the Schiller and Edi show as they scored 20 points in a row going on a 20-8 run to lead very comfortably 71-59. Schiller began showing how dangerous of a shooter he is with 3 three’s in a row including 2 4 point opportunities, but he connected only on one of them. Then came the fabulous entrance of Guy Edi who scored 11 points. He took a step back from his outside shooting and let his athleticism and moves take over. He scored whenever and from where ever on the court liking with spinning and cross over moves. The Fraport Skyliners Juniors had lost their offensive rhythm as the guests had upped their aggressiveness at both ends of the court. Frankfurt did a good job on the offensive board getting extra possessions, but not executing well. Frankfurt closed out the third quarter strong with a 11-6 run to trail only 77-70 after 30 minutes. In the run Frankfurt received valuable support from pass first guard Alvin Onyia who scored inside using his swiftness for 2 baskets and Adekunle demonstrated his inside out game with a three pointer and lay in. ‘We played great defense and shared the ball well and found the open man. They trapped the baseline so we had Schiller open in the corner and he just did what he does hitting three’s’, stated Guy Landry Edi ‘They went inside a lot and guys were open on the week side. We didn’t hit as well’, commented Philipp Hadenfeldt. The Fraport Skyliners Juniors shot 47% from the field and 38% from the parking lot and had 28 rebounds and 11 turnovers while the Basketball Lowen Erfurt shot 54% from the field and 55% from the three point line and had 21 rebounds and 10 turnovers.

Guy Edi from the FT line

The Basketball Lowen Erfurt wanted to decide the game quickly and it looked like it might be after a few minutes, but the Fraport Skyliners Juniors weren’t done yet as they staged a last comeback but came up short in the fourth quarter. The guests came out aggressive and went on a 11-5 run to lead 88-75. Erfurt had their three’s on fire again as Fahrenhorts, Lyles and Edi connected while Frankfurt got a three pointer from Hecker and free throws by Adekunle. The Fraport Skyliners Juniors still had some energy left and cruised out on a 11-2 run to trail only 90-86 with 1,36 to play. In the run the Fraport Skyliners Juniors got key three’s by Adekunle and Hadenfeldt, but also got to the free throw line getting free throws from Hecker and Richardson. Schubert had huge misfortune missing 4 free throws which could have changed the game. Frankfurt heightened their defense and forced Erfurt to more 1-1 play which led to forced shots that hurt their execution. The BCM had been loud all night long as Erfurt’s estimated 70 fans gave great support, but after Richardson made a offensive rebound and put back, the fans were a bit more quiet. ‘We showed a lot of energy. We showed that we could turn around the game easily. We never gave up’, stressed Philipp Hadenfeldt. But Frankfurt just couldn’t get over the hump. With 43 seconds to play, ex Mercy (NCAA2) guard Tyseem Lyles put a dagger through Frankfurt’s heart with a three from the corner and 93-86 lead. After an Onyia lay in, Lyles added free throws for the 95-88 lead with time running out. ‘Frankfurt is a good team and made a run at home. We were a little tired. Even if they had a deeper bench, we fought until the end. We stepped up our defense and hit big shots’, stated Guy Landry Edi ‘We missed too many free throws. They hit big shots. It was the little things that cost us at the end’, warned Philipp Hadenfeldt. The Basketball Lowen Erfurt were led by Guy Edi with 32 points and Tyseem Lyles with 26 points while the Fraport Skyliners Juniors were led by Nolan Adekunle with 30 points while Felix Hecker added 17 points. The Basketball Lowen Erfurt shot 50% from the field and 53% from outside and had 28 rebounds and 15 turnovers while the Fraport Skyliners Juniors shot 46% from the field and 38% from outside and had 38 rebounds and 16 turnovers.

Tags : GUY LANDRY EDI, BASKETBALL LOEWEN ERFURT, GERMAN BASKETBALL

Christopher Miller (192-G-1993, college: Salem) is a 29 year old 193cm guard from Brooklyn, New York who is playing his eighth professional season and first with GoldCoast Wallabies NLB (2nd League). He played 3 seasons with the Giessen Pointers (Germany-RegionalligaThis season for Bensheim he averaged 19,5ppg, 3,8rpg, 2,0apg and 1,5spg. He has had experience in countries like El Salvador and Bosnia. He recently played for the South Shore Monarchs (TBL) playing 8 games averaging 22.4ppg, 5.6rpg, 4.3apg, 1.6spg, FGP: 50.8%, 3PT: 35.0%, FT: 83.3%. He began his basketball career at Clinton Community College and also played two years at Salem University (NCAA2). This season he teams up with Miles Schmidt-Scheuber with weekly chats about his basketball season.

You closed out the regular season with a tough 31 point loss to undefeated Pully. How tough was this loss considering you arrived into the game having won 8 of 9 games.?

The toughest part of the game was the fact that we played such a great first half but didn’t play for 40 mins and things got out of hand quick .

There was a reason why Pully was 22-0. What made their defense so tough? They forced you to 32 turnovers.

They played great defense credit to the team that didn’t lose a game all season.

Can you ever remember having 32 turnovers as a team in a game in your career?

Honestly no I can’t say I do and hopefully in our case that will be the last.

Talk a little about the 40 minutes. Was this game decided early and gave the team the most problems defensively with them?


In the first half it was looking like a great game. Second half we started flat and they jumped to a 10 pt lead early and from there it was finished. They also got to the free throw line at ease.

How tough is it seeing the opponent get twice as many free passes?

I will just say it was tough game. We felt as if we were being just as aggressive as the other team. Those things are not in our control.

You had a tough game with 14 points and 9 turnovers. Is this game that you will watch over and over?


This is a game I will watch. I will take the good with the bad but I will not dwell. We have been having a great season and we know what we are capable of. My performance was not good enough to get this win.

How do you feel will you be able to learn from this game best after having had 9 turnovers?


I will look back and see what I did wrong a few inbounds mistakes making the wrong reads . It’s embarrassing to have this kind of game but it’s a learning experience.

What is next for Wallabies? Are the playoffs coming or are you already thinking about your next move as a player?

We have playoffs starting this week. We fought our way up to be a 6 seed and we are happy to be competing for a championship.

Thanks Chris for the chat.

Tags : CHRISTOPHER MILLER, GOLDCOAST WALLABIES, GERMAN BASKETBALL

Riley Lachance (188-PG-1996, college: Vanderbilt) is a 26 year old 188cm point guard that has overseas experience playing in countries like Poland, Belgium and holland as well as playing in the G-League. Currently he is playing with the Lakeland Magic. He played at Vanderbilt (NCAA) from 2014-2018 and 2 seasons ago played with Zorg and Zekerheid Leiden (Holland-DBL) averaging 14.2ppg, 2.3rpg, 3.5apg, FGP: 58.5%, 3PT: 40.0%, FT: 80.6%. He gave some opinions about ex Fraport Skyliners head coach Geert Hammink for whom he played for in Holland before the coach began to coach the Fraport Skyliners..

Riley thanks for talking to ermanhoops.com. Where are you at the moment and hos is life treating you at the moment?

Yes I am looking to go back overseas for this upcoming season.

You won the Dutch league title under Geert Hammink 2 seasons ago. You rolled by the competition in the playoffs having a 7-1 record and sweeping Den Bosch in the finals. What do you remember from the finals?

From our finals run I remember that Coach Geert did a great job of making adjustments to some things we didn’t do so well against Den Bosch in the regular season. Even though Den Bosch beat us several times in the regular season he remained calm when we matched up with the in the finals and was confident we could make the proper adjustments and become champions.

Talk a little about his coaching style. He likes to play fast and attractive. How else would you describe his style?

I think coach Geert is an easy guy to play for. He lets his players have a lot of freedom and allows them to play to their strengths, but at the same time getting everyone to buy in to the team concept. I think that, along with his experiences as a player playing at the highest levels has been what makes him a great coach so quickly.

Is he ready for the next step in Germany in the easyCredit BBL for the Fraport Skyliners? Do you feel like he can make that organization great again?

I think he is very ready for the next challenge in the BBL. I think he will do very well in that league and have much success. I wish him the best of luck there.

Is there a chance that he could take you along for his first season in Germany?

As far as me, I have not heard from him or anyone else in regards to anything about joining him in Frankfurt. That is something you would have to ask him.

How is he off the court? Did he tell any Shaq stories from his Louisiana State days?

Off the court Geert was very easy to get along with. I was there during a covid year that had strict protocols so we didn’t get many chances to hangout off the court but I have nothing but good things to say about Geert on and off the court.

Thanks Riley for the chat.

Tags : RILEY LACHANCE, LAKELAND MAGIC, GERMAN BASKETBALL

Ok so he hasn’t paraded the floor displaying his unique ballerina steps since 2019 when he last played for Science City Jena, but Derrick Allen (201-F-1980, college: Ole Miss)’s signature play is still in everyone’s minds who ever witnessed the 203cm power forward play the game he loved. Time flies is a phrase that is totally accurate when remembering that it has been almost 4 years since he last laced on his sneakers as a professional player with Science City Jena in Germany. He didn’t waste anytime after retiring and got into coaching and began in Germany with Rasta Vechta first as an assistant and then as their head coach. Even if that first experience doesn’t work out, you try try try again. Instead of remaining overseas, he actually returned home to work for the Washington Wizards farm team G-League club Capital City Go Go’s. In the last years, it has become very sexy for ex easyCredit BBL players to coach in the G-League/NBA. Guys like Nathan Peavy, Bryan Bailey, Mike Penberthy, Bryce Taylor, and TJ DiLeo have been some guys who have made the big show off the court. It was a no brainer that when the opportunity arose, that he would jump at the chance. ‘I spoke with Bryce Taylor about his experience with the Indiana Pacers, and I also spoke with Martin Schiller who coached the Salt Lake City Stars for 2 years. They both told me, that it would be a difference experience. But that I would really enjoy it’, stressed Derrick Allen. Derrick Allen has long traded in the ballerina steps as now he has begun a new coaching challenge with the Capital City Go Go’s.

Miles Schmidt-Scheuber interviewing Derrick Allen in his first season with the Deutsche Bank Skyliners in pre season in the BCM in 2007

The American who played 477 easyCredit BBL games and recorded 45 double doubles began his coaching career with Rasta Vechta and was able to learn under rising coach Pedro Calles. He then was appointed assistant coach and worked under Thomas Pach. In March 2021, the club fired Pach and Allen finished and was unable to save a sinking ship that moved down to the Pro A. After 5 loses in a row to begin the 2021-2022 season, he was released. Despite not leaving Vechta with flying colors, he took it in stride and was thankful for the opportunity. ‘ My dream has always been to coach in the NBA. And what better way than to get into the NBA circle of coaches, by getting a great opportunity in the G League. Vechta was a good learning experience, I had the opportunity to coach 8 BBL games. Which we played better as a team. And going into my 1st full year, I thought on paper we picked a pretty good team. But things didn’t work out that way. 3 of my 5 starters were injured at the start of the season. AJ Turner who I thought was going be our best player only played 1 game with us. The biggest thing I learned was Less is More in terms of how I build the roster’, warned Derrick Allen. Allen who was born in Gadsen, Alabama and lived almost 20 years in Europe is back home living in the nations capital and it is only natural that it is nice to be back on home soil even if a lot has changed in 20 years. So much has changed in that time, but for him there has only been one distinct adjustment. ‘I think for me, it’s just getting back into the rat race of American Living. Living in Europe brings sense of slowing things down just in terms of day to day life. Other than this, no real adjustments at all’, added Derrick Allen who believes that ex teammate Quantez Robertson is still good for 25-30 minutes per game in the easyCredit BBL.

It is no secret that having connections is the name of the game for anyone wanting to get a job. Guys like Michael Hakim Jordan were helped because his ex Penn teammate was head coach at Colgate and for TJ DiLeo, he had great ties to the Philadelphia 76ers because his dad Tony had been GM in the past. ‘Yes I did have connections on the NBA side. Ryan Pannone assistant coach of the New Orleans Pelicans reached out to me about the opportunity with the Capital City Go Gos. Ryan and Mike Williams the Go-Go head coach worked together in Erie Bay a few years back’, commented Derrick Allen. Being able to coach for an NBA organization was a no brainer for him. ‘As everyone knows, I was released from Vechta 5-6 games into the season. Initially my 1st option was to look for other head coaching opportunities. I had some talks with teams, but on the final days 2 teams decided to go in another direction with their head coach position. The G League offer kind of came out of nowhere The Go-Gos were looking for a coach who had head coaching experience in Europe. I spoke with Mike Williams the head coach of the Go-Go, we look at the basketball in a lot of similar ways. So it was an easy fit’, expressed Derrick Allen. With the Go Go’s he has 2 other assistant coach colleagues with Arinze Onuake and Barbara Tucker. He has a lot of duties that keeps him busy. ‘I am the 2nd assistant coach, and my job is to focus on our Offense. Bring interesting concepts from the NBA or Europe that I think will help our team. Of course I do a lot of on court development work, and also scouting games as well. We have Landon Tatum who is the Associate head coach, myself Assistant coach, Barbara Turner is an assistant coach. She has worked with the Houston Rockets, and she’s currently an assistant coach with the Atlanta Dream in the summer with the WNBA. Arinze Onuake is our other assistant coach in his 1st year’, said Derrick Allen. It isn’t every day that you can work with a woman as they are very scarce in the coaching scene, but there have been some like Becky Hammon that have made a name for themselves. Back in Frankfurt 15 years ago he worked together with Daphine Bouzikou as a player and now is a colleague with Barbara Tucker. ‘Barbara has been great. She was a great player in the WNBA, and she has a lot of European playing experience in Turkey. She’s a high IQ coach, with a lot of experience as a player and coach’, stated Derrick Allen. It also helps when he sees eye to eye with head coach Mike Williams who could be his younger brother. ‘Mike is great! He’s a young & energetic coach. Mike comes well prepared daily with what he wants to do. He and I have a great working relationship’, stressed Derrick Allen who never watched the sequel to Coming to America because the original is his favorite of all-time.

Miles Schmidt-Scheuber interviewing Derrick Allen in Leverkusen in 2008

The power forward who played 14 seasons in Germany and won 3 titles overall is seeing a totally different game in the G-League than what he saw in Europe. The cliches are that there is no defense played in the G-League and so much more athleticism, but there are more differences. ‘The G League is just a different game. The speed and the athleticism is just so much better than in Europe. I will say European basketball is about game to game Tactics, and IQ. The G league game is 48minutes, and Europe is 40 minutes. Concepts and style of play are different. In the NBA/G League it’s about the players. In Europe it’s about the coaches, then the players’, warned Derrick Allen. Another cliche is that in the G-League players play for stats and the club focuses more on borderline NBA guys. But it isn’t all like that. ‘The G League can be known as a selfish league. But we have a lot of guys who try to play the right way. And to buy into our culture here in Capital City. And yes the focus is on the NBA Assignment players who play with us, to help those guys improve and get back. So they can contribute, and find their way on the NBA level. If that’s with the Wizards or another NBA team’, said Derrick Allen.

This season The ex Euroleague player with Alba Berlin has had the luxury of working closely together with 3 very talented guys with Devin Dotson, Vernon Carey and Isaiah Todd and is trying to get them back to the NBA. ‘Devon is a 2way player, Isaiah & Vernon are NBA assignment guys. All 3 of those guys are very talented players who can do a lot of things. It’s a joy to work with those guys on a daily basis, and see their growth. I hope as the NBA season continues, those 3 guys will get more NBA minutes with the Wizards’, stated Derrick Allen. Working in the G-League is a real challenge to try to help real NBA vets get back and having had a guy like Kris Dunn is the perfect example. ‘Kris is a great player. He had to overcome some injuries over the last year. And Kris came into camp in great shape, and I’m sure we will see Kris in a NBA jersey again this season’, stressed Derrick Allen in January 2023. About a month later, Dunn returned back to the NBA signing with Utah and currently is putting up very solid stats of 11/4/5 and has scored in double figures of 11 of 16 games Even if Allen was the ultimate competitor as a player the focus is all on the player and never on his game and how it worked for him on the court. ‘I am just here to help their development anyway I can. When I’m on the floor with those guys, I’m just in the moment focusing on the task at hand. And not thinking about myself, when I was a young player. Although the guys do ask me, how was I as a player. But I don’t talk about my time as a player’, commented Derrick Allen. It will be interesting to see how he develops further as a coach in the G-League. ‘My biggest goal is just to improve as a coach. Anytime you get fired as a coach, you have to be honest with yourself and figure out what areas do you need to improve. Of course something can be out of the coaches control. But I want to learn the NBA game/concepts. And for me the opportunity to work back in the United States, and learn from the great coaches with have in our organization. Whether that is the Go-Gos or the Wizards’, expressed Derrick Allen. Currently he is battling in the playoffs against Delaware a she is chasing his first coaching title. Even if coaching is his main priority now in life, he will always have the dog in him to want to go on the court and show anyone who’s boss. If you were to ask him in 2023 how he would do against NBA player of the Capital City Go Go’s Vernon Carey in a 1-1 battle, one can only imagine his answer. ‘I am still a competitor, so I would say I would win even at 42 years old. But I guess we will never know’, smiled Derrick Allen.

Tags : DERRICK ALLEN, MEDIPOLIS SCIENCE CITY JENA, GERMAN BASKETBALL

In The NCAA and even in Italy, Wes Clark (184-PG-1994, college: Buffalo) played against so many great point guards that that abundance was as much as Gary Coleman gave millions of TV viewers each week his infamous Who you talking about lines in every episode of the iconic American show Different Strokes. It wasn’t any different last week for Wes Clark as his team faced the Niners Chemnitz at home with top point guard diminutive TJ Shorts who is 10 centimeters shorter than him. The Niners Chemnitz had done a stellar job having a grip on the game for the first 3 quarters, but allowed the Telekom Baskets Bonn with Shorts at the helm to crawl back into the game as they allowed only 9 points in the last 10 minutes. ‘It wasn’t so much their defense, but we got rattled when times got tough. Their defense and pace sped up and we came up a big short’, stressed Wes Clark. With 2,31 minutes to play in the contest, the Niners Chemnitz were up 77-75, but the Telekom Baskets Bonn were pressing. Big time players come up big in pressure moments and that is exactly what TJ Shorts did scoring the last 3 buckets to give his team the impressive 81-79 victory on the road. It is only fitting that a small guy like Wes Clark has the utmost respect for an even smaller player. ‘TJ Shorts is a great player. I saw him the first time when he was playing for Hamburg. He was good then having that quickness and energy. But you see now how his game has evolved. He has that mid range shot down and that comes with experience. I tip my hat to him. He is having a big time season’, stated Wes Clark. Shorts had a typical day at the office with 23 points and 8 assists, but Clark also had a good game with 16 points. Having those usual battles against top guards is something he has had his whole life. He has held his own so many times including in his last NCAA game with Buffalo against Kentucky losing by 20 in the NCAA tournament. In the game future NBA star Shai Gilgeous Alexander had 27 points, but Clark held his own netting 26 points. Having an experience like this and others over the years in Italy against top players has kept him strong and heightened his confidence level knowing reaching the top level is possible. ‘The basketball world is so small. Once you reach that elite level, there are 60-80 guys with whom you know you can compete with. It isn’t all about skill. I have had chances to reach the highest level and believe that I still do. I believe that in the past if I had done certain things a bit better, I would of received more chances. You have to put in the work and know how to handle yourself. I had to grow up at the time where it could have been my time. I wasn’t mentally prepared to be in the NBA. I wasn’t prepared for a cake walk and walking into the millions’, remembers Wes Clark. Having held his own against Shai Gilgeous Alexander in the NCAA continues to Give Wes Clark (Niners Chemnitz) massive hope of reaching the highest level One Day.

Miles Schmidt-Scheuber(head cut off a bit) and Shai Gilgeous Alexander in Boston in 2021

Wes Clark who lists undersized guard Stefan Moody of Ole Miss (NCAA as his toughest player to guard in the NCAA was born on December 12, 1994 in Detroit, Michigan. He began his basketball career at Romulus high school that gave the world John and Grant Long, Terry Mills and the Clyburn brothers Will and Kris. In 2013 he took the next step and played at the University of Missouri until 2016. He played a total of 81 games and as a freshman averaged 4,1ppg, 2,2rpg and 2,1apg. His playing time was reduced simply because he had future NBA guys like Jordan Clarkston and Jabari Brown ahead of him. ‘Those 2 are my guys. I was roommates with Jordan. Jonathan Williams and I were the only freshmen that got good minutes. We were part of the circle. Jordan took me along on the ride. It was great seeing how everything would unfold for them’, remembered Wes Clark. In his last two seasons at Missouri he averaged 10.1ppg, 3.5rpg, 3.1apg, 1.7spg, FGP: 37.4%, 3PT: 31.4%, FT: 74.5% and in his junior year averaged 9.8ppg, 3.0rpg, 3.0apg, FGP: 36.8%, 3PT: 37.5%, FT: 83.3%. He scored in double figures in 21 games and had some fine performances against South Carolina netting 26 points, getting 22 points against Savannah State and 21 points against Illinois. He became a totally different player in his last 2 seasons at Missouri. ‘At the start my game was similar to how I played in high school. I was a pick and role player that looked for the mismatches. When Clarkson and Brown left, my role changed. I went from a guy who filled the spot to pushing the tempo. I became more of an isolation player that could create my own shot and for others. My team relied on me’, said Wes Clark. He showed that he had game as a sophomore having two solid performances against NCAA powerhouse Kentucky a team then filled with future NBA players like the Harrison brothers, Cauley-Stein, Towns, Trey Lyles, Tyler Ullis and Devin Booker coming from the bench. In a way games like that weren’t special and nobody made a big impact on him. ‘The basketball world is small. I already had known most guys from AAU. I had already had relations with Ulis and Booker. Games against Kentucky is where I strapped it on. I knew that having a good night against them could change your life’, commented Wes Clark.

The aggressive guard who also lists guys like Shai Gilgeous Alexander and Karl Anthony Towns as other tough opponents back in the day then moved to the University of Buffalo (NCAA) for his senior year. It was a no brainer to go there since his former high school coach Nate Oats took over as coach. ‘He made me the way I am today. He went along the ride with me and gave me so much advice. I needed a life line. I had to grow up. I was used to the glamour and being on top of the world. When things came down on me, I needed somebody to help me get up. He was that person. He gave me an opportunity even if everything there I earned. I knew that I had to work hard. He helped me become more of a man’, expressed Wes Clark. In his senior year he averaged 15.4ppg, 3.6rpg, 5.3apg, 1.2spg, FGP: 54.8%, 3PT: 40.5%, FT: 76.5%. He scored in double figures in 21 of 25 games and had 20 points or more 6 times including 27 points against NJIT and 25 points against Toledo. He wasn’t playing his best game near the end of the season as the MAC tournament came. In the semi final game against Kent State he only had 3 points. It was time for coach Oats to help him with serious soul searching. ‘He had a huge impact on me. After that terrible game, I got up extra shots and still couldn’t hit anything. He couldn’t believe I was missing everything. He told me this is your last game You have to be confident. You won’t get another chance. His advice helped as I hit for 26 points, beat Toledo and won the MVP award’, stressed Wes Clark. He then saved his best for last upsetting Arizona netting 25 points and then ending his NCAA career with 26 points in a loss to Kentucky. He made the All-MAC Third Team and MAC All-Tournament Team in 2018.
The Michigan native who lists Jeremy Chappel, EC Matthews, CJ Massinburg, James Young and John Brown as his five best teammates of all-time began his professional career overseas in Italy in 2018 with Happy Casa Brindisi (Italy-Serie A) averaging 9.3ppg, 2.1rpg, 1.4apg, FGP: 57.3%, 3PT: 28.0%, FT: 73.8%. It is always interesting to see what the wakeup call is for Americans coming overseas for the first time. Often it is the communication, or not having a Mcdonalds, but in the case of Wes Clark it was on the court. ‘The travel off the open step hurt me. Back home you can take that step. At the beginning I had something like 2 travels a game. I knew that I had to change my game. I knew that I had to adjust my game in order to be effective’, remembered Wes Clark. He scored in double figures in 7 games including having a 33 point explosion against Banco di Srd and hit his future team Cantu for 24 points. Often when guys go overseas, they may land in a remote place where few know English and he might be the lone American and having to bond with other teammates that speak some strange language something that can effect a whole season. Luckly in his case, he landed in the Serie A and was living in a dream as he had 4 vital veterans on the squad with Tony Gaffney, maybe the only player ever to be on the Celtics and Lakers roster in one season and never play a game, Jeremy Chappel, Adrian Banks and John Brown. ‘Jeremy Chappel is my guy. We talk every other week since that time. His competitive level brought the whole team together. He always led by example and gave 100% each day. Adrian Banks taught me that I could be effective without taking a million dribbles. He has to be in the top 20 scoring in Europe in the last 6-7 years. He always understood that you don’t need to be the most skilled, but just effective. John Brown was an energy player that could get anything done, because he knew if he played hard then he would be successful. Tony Gaffney showed us all how to be a leader. He taught me that the point guard has to conduct the team and have all on the same page’, warned Wes Clark.

The undersized guard who always brings energy and toughness lists his personal NBA Mount Rushmore with legends like Jordan, Lebron, Kobe and Shaq played his second season overseas with Acqua S.Bernardo Cantu (Serie A) averaging 14.7ppg, 3.7rpg, 3.5apg, FGP: 45.9%, 3PT: 33.3%, FT: 73.6%. This was by far his strongest season as a professional. A big reason for this was having the highly talented Joe Ragland on his side. ‘Joe is my favorite player of all-time that I played together with in Europe. The way he sees the game is amazing. He has it down to a science. It is second to none. I have had injury problems in my career, but my time in Cantu, it was my healthiest time in my career. I was totally locked in. Joe made everything simple. This was the first time that I played with a strong point guard. He was able to relieve pressure off me. If COVID hadn’t come, this could have been a special season’, remembered Wes Clark. He scored in double figures in 14 games including 32 points against Trieste and 30 points against Brindisi. In his third professional season, he began in Chemnitz for his first tour of duty, but then finished in Italy again with Umana Reyer Venezia (Italy-Serie A) averaging 7.7ppg, 2.0rpg, 2.6apg, FGP: 49.2%, 3PT: 34.5%, FT: 50.0%. Just being able to visit the historic Venice whenever he wanted to and being teammates with ex NBA player Juylan Stone was monumental. ‘I think I went to Venice 5 or 6 times. It was only a 5 minute drive to get there. I could go whenever I wanted to get dinner. It was an amazing experience. It is something that not many Americans can see. It was a real blessing. I had many veterans that season. Juylan and the others just taught me that you always have to be a professional. You have to always know the decisions that you are making off the court, because if you don’t it could affect your job on the court. They all did it the right way’, remembered Wes Clark. With Chemnitz he scored 18 points against Hamburg and 16 points against MBC and with Venice he scored 16 points a piece against Trieste and Trento. Last season he returned back to an old stomping ground playing for Happy Casa Brindisi (Italy-Serie A) averaging 5.7ppg, 2.0rpg, 1.8apg, FGP: 43.9%, 3PT: 32.7%, FT: 63.6%. But this time, it wasn’t as jolly as his hamstring injury effected his play. ‘It was a tough season. I was unsure of myself. I had been out 4-5 months and I’m a step and go type of player and my play put a lot of pressure on my muscles. I couldn’t get to where I wanted to with my game. I didn’t have the full confidence that I needed. The most positive thing I got from my injury was that I became a student of the game. It made me see the game in a different way and I saw how the game could be slowed down’, said Wes Clark. He hit Virtus Bologna for 17 points and Pesaro for 14 points.

The ex Missouri guard who believes that Lebron James is the best ever man made specimen in Basketball and believes that the classic Coming To America should have been left alone began the season in France with Limoges CSP Elite (France-Betclic ELITE ProA).There he was reunited again with his Buffalo teammate Jayvon Graves. ‘Jayvon is a competitor. He is one of those guys who always wants to get better. He knows just like me that everyone is out to get your spot. Having that spot has to be earned. He is the future. He has it all’, stressed Wes Clark who remembers never having lost a 1-1 battle in practice against him. He scored 11 points against Paris, but the situation overall in Limoges wasn’t the right fit, so he returned back to his old stomping ground in Chemnitz in October 2022. It was easy to comprehend that coach Rodrigo Pastore was a vital reason for returning, but there was also another reason. ‘Coach Pastore was a big reason for returning, but there was also another reason. I wanted to finally experience the incredible fans something I couldn’t do during COVID. Coach and I have a great relationship. We have the same beliefs’, warned Wes Clark. He is having a solid season currently averaging 10,8ppg, 2,2rpg and 3,5apg in the BBL while in the FIBA Europe Cup, he averaged 11,2ppg, 2,7rpg, 3,3apg and 1,0spg. A few weeks ago after the tough loss in Frankfurt his teammate Uher Uguak was 100% confident his team would escape the current losing streak of 5 games, but does he share his teammates belief after additional loses to Bamberg and Bonn? ‘I’m 100% sure we can turn it around. We are so close. We are chasing a few minutes. If we can get through that then we will have full confidence in the game. We aren’t a new team. Nothing has changed. We are a young team that has young guys in bigger roles. They aren’t used to the pressure within these roles. We are suffering a back to the wall moment at the time. I feel like we have a chance. We can play with anyone’, warned Wes Clark. The last loss against the Telekom Baskets Bonn was brutal, but definitely not one of the worst in his career. ‘I have been in a lot of big games, played against the best at March madness. I can’t say this was one of the biggest loses in my career, but definitely one of the biggest games we let slip out of our hands this season. It was a frustrating and heartbreaking loss’, stated Wes Clark. The club has 9 games left and 3 games away from the last playoff spot. Everything is possible for the Niners Chemnitz and the playoffs while for Wes Clark sky is also the limit. As long as he never forgets those type of games he had against a Shai Gilgeous Alexander and others, the more his desire to keep climbing the basketball ladder to the highest level will remain alive

Tags : WES CLARK, NINERS CHEMNITZ, GERMAN BASKETBALL

Jalen Jones (201-G/F-1993, college: Texas A&M) is a 29 year old 201cm forward from Dallas, Texas playing his seventh professional season and first with U-Banca Transilvania Cluj Napoca (Romania-Liga Nationala) after having began the season with Hapoel B Cure Lazxr Haifa (Israel-Winner League). He played in the NBA for parts of 2 seasons playing a total of 32 NBA games with the New Orleans Pelicans, Dallas Mavericks and Cleveland Cavaliers. He also played in the G-League with teams with Maine, Greensboro, Texas, and Capital City. He also has gathered overseas experience in countries like Spain, Italy and France. He began his basketball career at Kimball High School. He ten played 2 seasons with Southern Methodist University (NCAA) playing 62 games and finished with Texas A&M University (NCAA) playing a total of 64 games. He spoke to germanhoops.com before a Eurocup game against ratiopharm Ulm.

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

I am currently playing basketball in Romania for cluj. My basketball life is going amazing and I have really enjoyed playing basketball here in cluj and I’m having a lot of fun.

From 1-10 how much do you love the grind? Your playing your 7th season and have played for more than 14 clubs, been with various NBA teams and just keep going?

10.I love the sacrifices, pain, suffering, and dedication etc. My hunger to want to always get better has never left from me despite the downfalls in my career. I just love the game and I put my heart and soul into it.

Since the 2020-2021 season you have been overseas. Is the NBA still an option for you at age of 29? Or are you focusing 100% on overseas now?

I mean my main focus now is to help Cluj win as many games as possible right now. I’m not sure what the future holds but I like to just take it one day at a time and whatever is meant to be will be.

Your playing your first season with U-Banca Transilvania Cluj Napoca (Romania-Liga Nationala). You recently won your first chip as a professional. It took a long time. How big do you rate that experience with everything you have seen in your pro career?

It was a an amazing experience for me and to share that championship with these guys on this team is special because I really love playing with the guys here on this team.

There are quite a few veterans on the team including Pat Richard. What has it been like sharing the court with him. He has been grinding for so long. What have you appreciated most about him?

He’s just a great person to be around and a very selfless individual. We have built a special bond together since I’ve arrived in Cluj and playing on the court with him has been really fun.

U-Banca Transilvania Cluj Napoca (Romania-Liga Nationala) was recently in the news with Karel Guzman. How did you experience it and was it as dramatic was seen by the media?

It was just an unfortunate situation and Karel is an amazing teammate and a great guy off the court as well.

You began the season with Hapoel B Cure Lazxr Haifa (Israel-Winner League). Literally every American that I have interviewed have raved about Israel about the off court atmosphere. What did you enjoy about the competition and play most on the court?

I really loved the style of play in Israel and it’s also a lot of guys I have played against in some of my earlier years of playing which made it a lot of fun as well.

Last season you split time with Openjobmetis Varese (Italy-Serie A) averaging 14.1ppg, 5.5rpg, 1.0apg, 2FGP: 51.7%, 3FGP: 32.4%, FT: 77.4%, in Jan.’22 moved to JL Bourg Basket (France-Betclic ELITE ProA) averaging 10.2ppg, 4.3rpg, FGP: 60.4%, 3PT: 34.7%, FT: 79.2%. How did you experience 2 of the top leagues in Europe. As usual you were able to play your game and shine with it.

It was a lot of fun to be able to experience both in the same season. The leagues both have two different styles of basketball so it was nice to be able to adjust to both of the leagues.

In Bourg you were teammates with NBA champion Norris Cole. What was it like sharing the court with a guy that had won it all with Lebron James. Did you feel comfortable having that NBA flair around you?

Yeah It felt great to have Norris join the team and we would always talk about some of our experiences in the NBA and he would tell about his experience being a champion in the NBA. Norris is my guy.

In 2020-2021 as Covid hit, you signed with Varese but had season ending surgery. How tough was this season for you? What did you learn about yourself in these tough times off the court? –

It was one of the toughest moments in my life to be honest. It was my first major injury of my career and it was one of the worst injuries you don’t want to get being a professional basketball player. It took me some time to get back to my normal self, but with the help of god, family, and friends I was able to get back to myself.

You played in the NBA and G-League from 2016-2019 and began in the Boston Celtics organization and had a great season in Maine averaging 20.6ppg, 9.0rpg, 2.2apg, FGP: 51.1%, 3PT: 34.8%, FT: 74.6%. What do you remember being your wake up call to being a rookie and playing in the G-League? –

My wake up call was the very first D league game I played in and I just saw how everybody wanted to make the NBA so bad and how guys were so hungry out there on the court to reach their dreams.

You really had a great G-League season, but never got a NBA call up. Was it difficult getting a fair chance as a rookie with the competition with guys like Jae Crowder, Jaylen Brown and Gerald Green and others? – Did you ever get feedback from the Celtics about your situation?

Yeah it was very difficult I got invited to training camp with the Celtics, but never really got that opportunity in training camp to prove myself. Then I went to the D-league and had a really great season and got no call- ups. After not getting a call up I thought to myself what do I have to do to make it. After all those tough situations I had to keep pushing to reach my dreams. The Celtics were always in contact with my agents but I think they just had other players on their mind.

In 2017-2018 you finally made your NBA debut with the Pelicans while also playing in the G-League and later playing games for the Dallas Mavericks. You played 3 minutes in a win over the Cavs and Lebron James and Dwayne Wade. What memories do you have of your first NBA game?

I was just shocked like I’m actually playing in a real NBA game lol. I was just thinking to my self during the game like I worked my whole life to get this point and now I’m here.

You were on a team that had young stars in the making with Jru Holiday and Anthony Davis, but also real older guys like Jameer Nelson and Tony Allen. Which player do you remember having the biggest impact on you?

Tony Allen for sure. He was the coolest vet I had the pleasure of being around. He gave me so many tips and things to stay a professional. He was also just a really great person.

You also played with the Dallas Mavericks. You had some real good games against Brooklyn, Orlando and Phoenix. What was your fondest memory on the court?


I would probably have to say Brooklyn. It was just one of those NBA games I will never forget because I remember how hard I played in that game trying to prove myself.

You were more than fortunate to play with Dirk Nowitzki. Every player I have interviewed who could call themselves teammates have raved about him as a player and person. What personal story do can you share with him?

Dirk is just an amazing player and people person. He can get along with anyone. The memories I will always remember from him was just how cool he was when I first joined the team and making me feel right at home.

In 2018-2019 your NBA journey continued with the Cavs. You scored in double figures 3 times and when you got minutes showed your game and scored 15 points against your former team Pelicans. How good did it feel to show your ex team what your made of?

It was an amazing experience and it will be memories I will never forget from playing in the NBA. It was nice to have a good game against the team that gave me my first NBA contract.

Mid way through the season you came overseas for the first time playing with Kirolbet Baskonia Vitoria (ACB). You were far away from the NBA and logged only 12 minutes in the 3 game series against CSKA Moscow. Often NBA guys come over and lose perspective of how competitive any other league is. What example do you remember seeing where you knew the Euroleague was top basketball?


It was my very first Euroleague game where I was like wow the competitiveness is crazy here and everybody just plays so hard. I knew after my first game this was top of the line basketball.

How do you remember German big man Johannes Voigtman the special big with a great IQ and passing qualities. I always thought he had NBA game.

He’s a very talented basketball player. I mean he can do everything on the court and I thought he should’ve been in the NBA. But I loved playing on the court with him. He’s a great teammate and a very unselfish player.

In the 2019-2020 season you played with the at Capital City Go-Go (NBA G League) averaging 19.1ppg, 7.9rpg, 1.3apg, 1.2spg, FGP: 52.6%, 3PT: 36.5%, FT: 70.4%. You had a great consistent season. Did you feel like you were close to an NBA call up and did you lose a little faith in the NBA process after that? –

Yeah I definitely thought I deserved a call-up, but it didn’t happen and then covid hit so it was very disappointing and it hurt a lot. I’m still young and who knows what could happen in the future.

You began your NCAA career at SMU where you played from 2011-2013. In your second season the legendary Larry Brown was hired. How do you remember his coaching and teaching philosophy? You made a big jump in your game that season ?


His coaching style was very old school and he was really big on the little things so you had to be really focused at all times.

You finished your NCAA career at Texas A & M averaging 13.7ppg, 6.6rpg, FGP: 47.1%, 3PT: 30.0%, FT: 72.8% and 15.3ppg, 7.2rpg, FGP: 45.9%, 3PT: 32.4%, FT: 70.2%. How do you feel did your game grow in these 2 years?

I grew up so much in those two seasons playing at A&M and had so much fun doing it. I knew playing well in the SEC that I could one day have a shot at the NBA.

Both seasons you made NCAA tournament noise losing to Louisiana Tech and Oklahoma. What memories do you have of both runs and which loss was toughest?

The biggest memory that stands out to me about the tournament is when we came back from 12 points down with 44 seconds left to win the game in double overtime to reach the sweet sixteen. The toughest lost is when we lost in the sweet sixteen my senior year.

You were teammates with Danuel House and Alex Caruso who later also went to the NBA. Are these 2 dudes brothers for life? How special were these 2 guys as players?

Yeah they are definitely my brothers and they were both very special talents. House was a very dedicated individual in college who could take over a game at any moment. Caruso just had a natural feel for the game and was a very intelligent player who could defend at a high level.

How did head coach Billy Kennedy groom and prepare you best for a professional career?


He was just one of those coaches who let you be you. He didn’t try to change who you were. I think the way he allowed me to be me prepared me to be a professional.

Who won a 1-1 in practice you or Daniel House?

House was more of a game time player lol

Who was the toughest player that you face din the NCAA that reached the NBA?


Will Barton

Please name your 5 best teammates of all-time?


Antwan Space, Jordan Green, Harrison Barnes, Arthur Edwards, and Dwight Powell

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

Kobe, MJ, Lebron, and Shaq

What is your personal opinion in the debate of who is the greatest of all-time Jordan and Lebron and would Kobe be the GOAT if Jordan had come up?

Kobe is the greatest in my eyes because that’s who I grew up watching I didn’t grow up watching Jordan.

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

I still haven’t seen the sequel yet lol

Thanks Jalen for the chat.

Tags : JALEN JONES, U-BANCA TRANSILVANIA CLUJ NAPOCA, GERMAN BASKETBALL

Eric Washington (183-PG-1993, college: Miami, OH) is a 29 year old 182cm guard from Columbia, South Carolina playing his seventh professional season and second in Germany with the MLP Academics Heidelberg. Last season he played with the Niners Chemnitz averaging 7.8ppg, 1.7rpg, 2.8apg, FGP: 52.0%, 3PT: 21.7%, FT: 78.0%. He began his basketball career with W.J. Keenan High School. He then played in the NCAA playing 115 games for two schools with Presbyterian College (NCAA) and then finished at Miami University (NCAA). Before coming to Germany he played in countries like Cyprus and Bosnia and three seasons in Hungary. He spoke to germanhoops.com after leading the MLP Academics to the 93-82 win over the Hakro Merlins Crailsheim.

Congrats on the big 93-82 win over the Hakro Merlins Crailsheim.How extra motivated was the team to get back on the winning track after the tough loss to Braunschweig?

It was a much needed win for us. It was a good opportunity to bounce back. We felt like we had let the game against Braunschweig slip away. We didn’t want to lose the same way twice. We took advantage of using our energy and communication which led us to success.

The first quarter was a tight battle until the Merlins broke free and let it rain three’s to score 30 points. Did you feel like Crailsheim was playing with a sense of urgency?

I felt like it was a pretty even game at the start. I think like there were a few defensive lapses where we didn’t make the right communication. They took advantage of those moments and that was the difference that created the separation.

Giving up 30 points was way too much. In the second quarter you let up only 16 points. What adjustments did the MLP Academics make on the defensive end?

I think we did a better job getting to the three point line and taking them out of their comfort zone. Our defense wasn’t tight in the first quarter. We regrouped in the second quarter and made the needed adjustments.

You and Elias Lasisi really carried the club in the second quarter. How important is he for your game knowing he can take pressure off your game at times?

Anytime you have a scorer like Elias, it helps. He really had it going. He had a good flow and looks. He wasn’t just making shots, but his shots weren’t touching the rim. When he is hot like that, you just have to keep giving him the ball. He opened up the floor for all.

The third quarter continued to be a tight battle as the MLP Academics Heidelberg led 69-67. New player Jack McVeigh gave valuable support on offense. What have you appreciated most about his game this season?

Jack isn’t afraid of the moment. He has been around for a while and has maturity in his game. He plays with a sense of urgency and is always positive. He is also a big help in the locker room. It also helps that he is a shooter. I wish we had had him earlier, but at the same time I’m super happy he is here now.

In the fourth quarter, the MLP Academics broke free and took control of the game. What words of wisdom did Coach Iisalo give you guys going into the last 10 minutes?

Coach just told us to continue to attack and apply pressure on them. I think that there was a stretch in the fourth were we got a few stops in a row and that decided the game. We also made a few more shots helping us keep lead. It was the second group that was key in that phase. They gave us a huge momentum boost.

Heidelberg was up by 9 points and the game seemed wrapped up, but in the BBL you never know because teams can come back as Bonn showed in Chemnitz. You scored 3 baskets in a row to slam the door shut on Crailsheim. Does your confidence grow with every new crunch-time basket you make?

Yes it does. You need to know that in that situation you have to be aggressive. You have to understand the time and flow of game and when to be aggressive and when to be passive. In that moment all we were thinking about was finishing the mission.

What was it like battling point guard James Batemon who steered 28 points in the loss? Is he another good example of how the easyCredit BBL has so many good guards like TJ Shorts, Dwayne Russell or Prentiss Hubb?

There are a lot of good players around not just in the BBL. There are really good players also in lower leagues. It is all about getting the opportunity and getting in the right situation where you can show that you can play. Last season in Chemnitz I wasn’t considered one of the good ones, because of my role. It is fun to see guys play well and be situations where they can have fun. Those guys you listed are on winning teams and can push their career. I’m not in the situation that they are in, but the y give me hope that I can be on a team like that one day. I don’t want to be on the bottom. Every player has their journey. I appreciate my journey.

After the big win in Frankfurt your 3 game winning streak ended and the team then suffered a 5 game losing streak. What did the team get away from in that phase?

We learned in that losing streak that nothing can be given. We have to be consistent and remain on top of things. The losing streak was a good wake up call for us. We have to go out and win and can’t be too high or too low. We have a fighting team that is very competitive. A lot of teams in our situation would have given up, but we never did that.

The team looks like it is in good shape with staying in the easyCredit BBL, but the club isn’t saved yet. What is the mind set of the team now in saving the season 100?

Our mind set now is to continue to have fun. We just appreciate what we have. It isn’t about the wins or loses. The game provides a living for us and our families have the chance to see us play. We want to continue to have fun and give our fans something to be proud of. Our game yesterday was sold out against Crailsheim. That say a lot about our fans. Our fans never gave up on us and we won’t Give up on Them either.

The NCAA final 4 is set with San Diego State vs Florida Atlantic and Miami vs UConn. How cool is it having some lesser-known schools there at the end?

I think it is great. It is all about the opponent. Those schools have proven that they can play at a high level. It isn’t about the name of the school.

Who will reach the final and who will win it all?

Miami will play Florida Atlantic and Florida Atlantic will win it all.

Thanks Eric for the chat.

Tags : ERIC WASHINGTON, MLP ACADEMICS HEIDELBERG, GERMAN BASKETBALL

Jayson Edwards (175-PG, college: Lake Region) is a 175cm guard from Plymouth, Minnesota that played Germany this season for New Isenburg (Regionalliga).. He played at Robbinsdale Cooper High School and played 2 years at Lake Region State College (JUCO) playing 29 games averaging 4.8ppg, 2.2rpg, 3.0apg and in his second year played 28 games averaging 6.4ppg, 2.4rpg, 2.1apg, FGP: 34.0%, 3PT: 23.8%, FT: 66.3%. He spoke togermanhoops.com about basketball.

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

Hey, yeah thanks for speaking with me. Life is good.

How have you witnessed Covid in the last 2 years? How much of a role did it play for you getting jobs overseas?

My first year was Covid central. It shut the season down.

We last spoke 2 years ago at the Howard Hoops tour in Frankfurt, Germany. In the past the Howard Hoops tour has helped guys get jobs in Germany. Was there any interest then from teams?

Going on Howard Hoops tour opened up a lot of doors for me. I gained interest from the team I’m going to play for now Neu Isenburg.

How in general did you benefit from the Howard Hoops tour headed by Ron Howard? Teams and Gm’s did see your game.

I was able to score at a high level. Teams and GM’s know I am athletic, quick and can shoot the ball.

I remember 2 years ago you were teaching 7th graders basketball. What has been the biggest joy that you have gotten from doing this?

I’m very passionate about it. I remember looking up to my coaches I want to be able to pass what I know down to them.

Do you believe that coaching could be something that you could do long term down the road?

Yeah definitely, down the road.

You played at Ultimate Hoops in Minesota and averaged 24,0ppg. How vital was this experience for continuing to keep your self confidence sharp?

It was a good experience. I was just being me, having fun being aggressive.

You also played in a Mexican tour. What kind of an experience was that and how do you feel did your game benefit from this in general?

Wonderful experience. I’ve never been to South America, a change of scenery. I gained a network out there.

As you have grown and gotten older in the last 2 years how do you feel has your game developed further?

I’ve put in countless of hours in the gym. I believe my game has developed a ton and that’s what I’m going to show this season

Your playing in Germany this season for Neu Isenburg a Regionalliga team in Germany’s 4th division. How did this job come about?

I had a friend who played for the club. He mentioned to his coach that I was in town. I joined a practice. Then Covid had shut down the season before I could sign with them.

You have had a very good relationship with coach Vassili in the last 2 years. What have you learned to appreciate most about him?

I respect him. He definitely can coach. He brings a positive direction and vision to the club. He’s also very genuine.

How aware are you that this team will be in your hands. You must be very excited. How confident are you that you will be able to be an impact player in the league?

I’ll be whoever to impact winning.

On what area’s of your game have you been concentrating on most this summer so you will be best prepared for the new challenge in Germany?

Just mental toughness. Not everything is going to go as planned. To just stay tough through tough moments to help me prosper as a player.

Where do you rank Steph Curry now in the discussion of the best guards of all-time?

He’s one of my favorite players so he’s pretty high on my list. Definitely top-five for sure

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

I don’t remember that movie

Thanks Jayson for the chat.

Tags : JAYSON EDWARDS, BC NEU-ISENBERG, GERMAN BASKETBALL

The winning ways of the Dragons Rhondorf since the tragic death of Mubarak Salami continue as with 2 games to go in the regular season, the club led by head coach Julius Thomas is on a quest to finish the last 2 games in style before the post season starts. The home court advantage in the playoffs is a massive focus that they definitely want to take advantage of. They returned back into their living room after a huge 99-92 overtime win in Giessen despite Jacob Ledoux exploding for 33 points, the Dragons had 5 guys in double figures once again led by Devon Goodman (184-PG-1997, college: Pennsylvania) with a double double. In their last regular season home game, they welcomed the EN Baskets Schwelm who came with German veterans Chris Frazier and CJ Oldham and an ambitious American with Josh Boutte. The Dragons Rhondorf had easily disposed them of 80-65 on the road, but definitely a team they didn’t want to underestimate as they were fighting for the last playoff spot. On a mild early spring night, the Dragons Rhondorf Came out scoring but so did the EN baskets Schwelm as fans quickly witnessed high scoring which didn’t end until the buzzer, but in crunch-time the home team was able to make the crucial points and stops which propelled them to massive 109-101 win as their chances for home court advantage in the playoffs rose. ‘We didn’t do a good job rebounding in the first half as we couldn’t finish plays. We did a good job on stopping their pick and roll and rebounded better in the second half and had better ball movement. When you score 109 points, you played great offense, but then again allowing 101 points is too much’, stated ex Giessen 46ers Florian Koch. The EN Baskets Schwelm were fighting for the last playoff spot and were in the game until the end, but just couldn’t get over the hump as they fell 2 wins behind the 8th placed team for the last playoff spot. ‘We fought until the end. We knew that they were a very good offensive team and we just couldn’t stop it. We had a chance at the end, but overall we had big problems stopping them in the paint as they shot a very high percentage and we couldn’t handle them 1-1’, stressed ex Rostock Seawolves guard Chris Frazier.

Marius Behr from outside

The first quarter was a real dog fight as no team could run away from the other as there were 6 lead changes and the EN Baskets Schwelm had the slim 25-24 advantage after 10 minutes. Chris Frazier of the EN Baskets Schwelm that was coined the born shooter by Joe Asbery was surely on the scouting report of the Dragons Rhondorf, but they let him get free for 5 points as the guests had the rapid 5-2 lead. But the Dragons Rhondorf finally got their offense rolling as they attacked the rim time in and time out as German Florian Wendeler, Devon Goodman and Paul Albrecht took charge in the 6-0 run and 8-5 advantage. But the EN Baskets Schwelm did’t only have Chris Frazier, but had a capable arsenal of other guys that could execute at will as German 2017 NBBL champion with FC Bayern Munich Robert Merz connected on a 20 footer, Johan Flaa of Norway hit a trey while ex Detroit Mercy (NCAA) big man Malik Eichler gave suitable support from the bench with 2 baskets and Schwelm had the 16-15 lead despite 2 three’s by Nicolas Buchholz. But the EN Baskets Schwelm continued to show that they are more than a capable three point shooting team getting valuable three’s from 21 year old German Till Hornscheidt and Chris Frazier for the 22-17 lead. Hornscheidt continued to be aggressive scoring 3 more points for the 25-17 advantage. But the Dragons Rhondorf didn’t wilt at the end, but finished it strong getting 7 unanswered points to close out the first quarter trailing only 25-24. Buchholz connected on 3 free throws and 2023 Pro B MVP candidate Devon Goodman showed his road runner qualities scoring twice in the paint. ‘We executed great on offense, but couldn’t get stops. We let Frazier get going early that helped get his team going. Our 1-1 defense was unacceptable’, stressed Florian Koch. Both team shot over 50% from the field, but the guests shot an incredible 83% from outside while Rhondorf shot only 33%. The guests had the 8-5 rebound edge and 8 turnovers while Rhondorf had 7 turnovers.

Florian Koch at the FT line

The second quarter continued to showcase 2 clubs that had their offense working like a clock work but also two teams that couldn’t get their defensive execution working consistently. Both teams got some solid support in the first few minutes from their bigs Josh Boutte who played JUCO ball at Dodge City and Swedish national player Zaba Bangala, but the game was still close as the Dragons Rhondorf had the slim 34-31 lead. Devon Goodman continued to be a menace with his drive and quickness carrying his team and having the slim lead, but even when Rhondorf had the tight lead, the EN Baskets Schwelm had an answer as Hornscheidt scored and Frazier connected on a trey for the 44-43 lead,. After Paul Albrecht made free throws, it was Hornscheidt again who used his quickness when ever he could to his advantage making a sweet cross over and leaving Florian Wendeler in the dust to tie the game at 46-46. Hornscheidt who averages 8 points per game finished with 20 points, but his production was nothing out of the ordinary for his teammates. ‘He is big shot Till. He is always ready to play for us. He hustles on defense and got some offensive fouls for us’, expressed Chris Frazier. Despite CJ Oldham being in foul trouble, the ex Akron (NCAA) forward scored twice in the last minute, but the EN Baskets Schwelm couldn’t keep the lead as Koch took the Dragons Rhondorf into the break with a three pointer dead locking the game at 51-51. ‘We couldn’t control their bigs well enough. They fought very hard and made life difficult for us. They got way too many rebounds’, stated Florian Koch. The Dragons Rhondorf shot 62% from the field and 38% from the three point line and had 10 rebounds and 10 turnovers while the EN Baskets Schwelm shot 56% from the field and 67% from the three point line and had 17 rebounds and 11 turnovers.

Till Hornscheidt at the FT line

In the third quarter the Dragons Rhondorf were able to get an even better flow in their offense and buckle down a bit more on defense and led by as much as 11 points, but the EN Baskets Schwelm finished strong trailing only by 6 points. The EN Baskets Schwelm caught Rhondorf napping early on the offensive boards as Josh Boutte made a put back for the 53-51 lead. But the Dragons Rhondorf then went on a lethal 10-0 run to break open the game leading 61-53. On the run, ex Rostock guard Buchholz nailed 2 three’s while Bangala scored inside and Goodman scored on transition. The Dragons Rhondorf stepped up their defense making the shot attempts more difficult for Schwelm while their defense with blocks from Bangala and Koch sparked their offense. The guests got some key baskets from Robert Merz and Frazier, but the Dragons Rhondorf let it rain more three’s from Buchholz as he hit 2 more for the 68-57 advantage. The EN Baskets Schwelm always had an answer as they got valuable support from ex Bochum forward Marius Behr who connected for 2 three’s while Hornscheidt also made a trey as Rhondorf only led 72-68. Rhondorf kept up the offensive pressure with a Koch basket but the guests continued to get sound execution from Hornscheidt who added 5 more points as the EN Baskets Schwelm trailed only 77-73. Albrecht added an off balance shot and Frazier a runner at the buzzer, but the Dragons Rhondorf still led soundly 81-75. ‘We stressed the big point. Everybody knows we have the worst defense in isolation and one thing we have preached all season long is not to let the opponent use their strong hand and let them go with their weak hand and not let them get good shots. We were able to do this better’, stressed Paul Albrecht. ‘We had crazy turnovers and our early misses led to transition points for them. We did a good job on the offensive board’, said Chris Frazier. The Dragons Rhondorf shot 65% from the field and 40% from the parking lot and had 22 rebounds and 14 turnovers while the EN Baskets Schwelm shot 50% from the field and 57% from the parking lot and 23 rebounds and 12 turnovers.

Devon Goodman from outside

The Dragons Rhondorf continued to keep the lead in the fourth quarter, but could never totally shake the guests as they were only trailing by 3 points with less than a minute to play. The Dragons Rhondorf got early production from Wendeler who spun his way to the rim for 2 points and Albrecht nailed a trey for the 87-77 lead. But as usual the EN Baskets Schwelm were far away from hanging their heads as they were carried by their captain Chris Frazier who added 5 points to trail only 91-87. But the EN Baskets Schwelm got horrible news at the 6,07 minute mark as CJ Oldham fouled out. But that didn’t faze the guests as they continued to execute well keeping track with Koch and Goodman three’s by getting a trey from Merz and lay in’s from Johan Flaa and Behr to trail only 97-94. The Dragons Rhondorf then produced a 5-0 run with buckets from Albrecht and Koch for the 102-94 advantage. But Frazier stormed back with a three pointer to trail only 102-97 with a minute to go. After a quick lay in by Goodman, the guests had one last spec of energy getting a lay in from Boutte and Merz to trail only 104-101 with 35 seconds to go. Goodman then missed 3 of 4 free throws and it seemed like the Dragons Rhondorf may go down under pressure? ‘I wasn’t nervous after he missed the free throws. We have so much trust in him. He does so much for the team. I love him. He is one of the top 3 guys I have ever played with ‘, stated Paul Albrecht. The Dragons Rhondorf then buckled down on defense getting key stops and Paul Albrecht closed out the game with 4 free throws. ‘It was a real shoot out. They hit everything at the end, but we always had an answer. We got to the free throw line at the end and played defense the way we should’, commented Paul Albrecht. ‘Our mistakes and decisions hurt us at the end. They simply had more experience, but we gave all we had’, added Chris Frazier. The Dragons Rhondorf were led by Devon Goodman with 26 points. Florian Kloch added 24 points and Nicolas Buchholz added 20 points while the EN Baskets Schwelm were led by Chris Frazier with 23 points. Till Hornscheidt added 20 points and Robert Merz 15 points. The Dragons Rhondorf shot 67% from the field and 46% from outside and had 28 rebounds and 18 turnovers while the EN Baskets Schwelm shot 52% from the field and 55% from outside and had 29 rebounds and 16 turnovers.

James Gist (206-C-1986, college: Maryland) is a 36 year old 206cm center that was born in Silver Spring, Maryland and grew up in Olney, Maryland and is playing his 14th professional career and first with at Bahcesehir Koleji Istanbul (Turkey-BSL). He began his basketball career at Our Lady of Good Counsel High School. He then played at Maryland’ (NCAA) from 2004-2008. He was drafted at #57 in 2008 by the San Antonio Spurs. He then went overseas and has had an incredible career where he has won 16 professional titles and played a total of 287 Euroleague games. His most successful time was with Panathinaikos Athens where he played parts of 7 seasons. He also garnered experience in countries like Italy, Russia, Serbia, turkey, Spain, Greece, Germany and France. He spoke to eurobasket before a Basketball Champions League game against the Telekom Baskets Bonn.

Thanks James for talking to eurobasket.com. Where are you at the moment an dhow is basketball life treating you at the moment?

Thank you! I am currently playing basketball in Istanbul, Turkey for Bahceehir Koleji S.K. It hasn’t been the most successful season so far, but I believe our team will make things right by the end of the season.

Your playing your 15th pro season and have won 16 titles in your illustrious career. What keeps you going now at age 36?

It’s the motivation to win as much as possible while I still have the ability to play the game I love. I never had the attitude as a player to only play for money or no ambition. My goal has always been to win no matter where I am playing. I’m blessed to still be able to play the game I love after 15 years.

Your playing your first season with Bahcesehir Koleji Istanbul (Turkey-BSL). What does it mean for you playing in the country where you were in born? Do you feel like you have a special connection to Turkey?

It is a very interesting fact that I was born in Turkey. People are always surprised when they hear that I was born in Adana. Istanbul is one the best cities that I have had and the opportunity to live and play basketball and it feels good to be back after 11 years playing in other countries.

It is your first season in 11 years not playing in the Euroleague. What kind of an experience has it been playing in the BCL? How much of a difference is it to the Euroleague?

It’s been a very interesting season in BCL for me. It’s a big difference from Euroleague when it comes to the quality of basketball however it is still very competitive and you have to respect all teams within the competition. On one hand, Euroleague is comprised of the top teams from each domestic league in Europe which is what makes that competition so competitive, and on the other hand, you have BCL which is probably the 4th and 5th best team from the domestic leagues around Europe. For me that is the only difference, but within both competitions you have some players with amazing talent.

What kind of an experience has it been playing for Bahcesehir Koleji Istanbul (Turkey-BSL). How competitive is the BSL? How is this league different than other leagues you have played in?

Bahcesehir has been an amazing club to play for. They are a new team in the Champions League competition and they are fairly new to the Turkish League as well so they are trying to build a winning tradition within the club. The club is very professional and they have great potential to be a top team in any competition they play in. For me, the Turkish League has been one of the strongest domestic leagues in Europe when compared to Spain, France or the Adriatic League I would say that Turkish League could easily be 2nd or 3rd best domestic league in Europe.

You have had many many many incredible teammates in your career, but what has it been like being teammates with Mr Eurocup Jamar Smith? What have you appreciated most about his game and character?

Jamar Smith is great guy and we have really built a strong friendship that goes beyond basketball when we became teammates. Throughout my career I have had the opportunity to play against Jamar a few times and I have always admired the type of player he was. He can score in many different ways at a very high level and for me I’m just happy to be on his team this year instead of being an opponent.

Last season you played with ASVEL Lyon-Villeurbanne Basket (France-Betclic ELITE ProA) averaging 5.6ppg, 3.3rpg, FGP: 55.5%, 3PT: 26.1%, FT: 70.2%;and in the Euroleague averaged 6.0ppg, 2.5rpg, FGP: 54.3%, 3PT: 18.5%, FT: 53.3%. You won the Pro A title over Monaco in an exciting series. What was so special about this team?

I had a special tie with this team because the current owner of the team, Tony Parker, was a former teammate of mine when I played with the San Antonio Spurs. For me it was an easy decision when I received the phone call about Asvel wanting me to come play for them. We had a difficult season as a team in the Euroleague competition, however, we were able to turn things around and finish the season with a French League National Title. It means a lot to know that I have been able to play in many different countries and say that I was a champion there.

2 seasons ago you played with FC Bayern Muenchen (Germany-BBL) averaging 6.0ppg, 3.5rpg, FGP: 56.8%, 3PT: 33.3%, FT: 66.7%; and in the Euroleague averaged 5.6ppg, 3.0rpg, FGP: 47.9%, 3PT: 16.7%, FT: 63.8%. What did you appreciate most about the famous German organization FC Bayern Munich and what did you enjoy most about the total experience?

Bayern Munich may have been the most professional organization that I had been apart of during my entire European career. I had the opportunity to be coached by one of the best coaches in Europe, Andrea Trinchieri, and I had the opportunity to play with some of the best young talent in Europe with Vladamir Lucic, Paul Zipser, Wade Baldwin and Jalen Reynolds. We had a very talented team and I know we would have been able to achieve so much more if we would have been able to have our fans at the games that season. Due to the pandemic and regulations that season we were unable to have fans at the games to witness how good we really were.

In the 2019-2020 season you played with KK Crvena Zvezda MTS Beograd (Serbia-KLS) aaveraging 11.1ppg, 4.2rpg, 1.6apg, FGP: 59.3%, 3PT: 45.5%, FT: 72.3%; and in the Euroleague averaged 7.0ppg, 4.4rpg, 1.3apg, FGP: 44.4%, 3PT: 21.1%, FT: 59.3%. You were teammates with Lorenzo Brown. He seems to have gotten better with age. Is he a role model for you?

Lorenzo is a good friend of mine and he was great to have as a teammate. It has been an honor to watch him grow over the past few seasons into one of the most dominant players in Europe at this point. His understanding of the game, athleticism, and ability to make all his teammates better is unmatched. He has been able to showcase his talent during the Eurobasket with Spain and now leading his team Maccabi Tel Aviv to a strong playoff run.

You spent 7 seasons with Panathinaikos Athens winning 11 titles. Were these 7 years the nicest in your career? What was your most fondest title with Athens?

Spending 7 years in Athens with a Panathinaikos was one of my most memorable moments during my European career. I reached a lot of milestones not only with basketball but also in life. My son was born in Athens and I also got married. I have a lot of really great memories from Greece.It’s not easy to pick just one title to say which was the best. If I had to choose I would probably say the first national championship that I won with Panathinaikos because we beat Olympiakos 3-0 and they were the current Euroleague Champions at the time.

You played for Rick Pitino. What kind of coach was he in Europe? Do you feel like he had to change his methods a bit from how he coached in the States.

Rick Pitino is a great coach. He understands what it takes to win at the highest levels and for this reason he will forever be a Hall of Fame coach. As a coach, you have to adjust to your players and understand how to motivate them to give the best performances. Every team is different and therefore the approach must be different, however, the message always remains the same. He was able to motivate our team and give us an idea that we can believe in, which lead to us winning 7 games in a row to finish the Euroleague regular season campaign and make the playoffs.

You played with so many incredible players like Mike James, Keith Langford, Antonis Fotsis, Ionnis Bourousis, Dimitris Diamantidis and Mike Batiste to just name a few. Which one of these players had the biggest impact on you?

I would probably have to say Diamantidis. Even though I had the opportunity to play with him in his final seasons, I was able to witness greatness. His work ethic, his IQ, and his passion to the game was one of kind. Once I got the opportunity to play alongside him, I realized why he was one of the greatest players to play the game.

From 2016-2018 you played 7 times against Luka Doncic posting a 2-5 record. What was your impression of him then and if some one had told you this guy would become a NBA superstar right away what would you have thought?

I would say the most impressive thing for me about Luka at the time was that he played on a very talented Real Madrid team at such a young age and the players and coach trusted him with the biggest moments. And Luka delivered every time. I knew he was special because he could do everything, my biggest question was always where is his limit. As a player you always look to improve each year in some aspect of your game. For Luka, he could shoot the ball extremely well, he has a very high IQ, he controls the pace of the game very well and he is not scared of the big moment. He had won the Eurobasket, he won Euroleague. Possibly one of the most decorated players coming from Europe to the NBA. I always wondered where is his limit because he has already done everything. At this point I think the only thing left for him to do is win an NBA Championship.

In the 2011-2012 season you had your first tour of duty in Turkey with Fenerbahce Ulker Istanbul (Turkey-TBL) averaging 7.4ppg, 4.5rpg, 1.3spg, FGP: 54.5%, 3PT: 32.1%, FT: 76.9%; in the Euroleague and in the Turkish League averaged 9.1ppg, 5.3rpg, FGP: 53.6%, 3PT: 32.7%, FT: 68.5%. What memories do you have of the TBL league from then to now. How has the league changed?

That year was much different than the rest because it was the time during the NBA lockout season so a lot of the NBA players had signed contracts in Europe and some of the players signed in Turkey. I had the opportunity to play alongside Thabo Sefolosha until the NBA lockout was over, and also was able to play an exciting game against Deron Williams during his time in Besiktas. The Turkish Basketball League has always been highly competitive, I think the main difference now is that there are more teams in and near to Istanbul now. Before, the only teams were Fenerbahce, Galatasary, Efes, and Besiktas.

In the 2010-2011 season you played for to BC Partizan MT:S Beograd (Serbia-A League) averaging 11.3ppg, 6.0rpg, 2.0apg, 1.2spg, FGP: 53.9%, 3PT: 42.4%, FT: 60.4%;and in the Euroleague averaged 11.4ppg, Reb-2 (6.9rpg), 1.6apg, 1.0spg, 1.0bpg, FGP: 34.4%, 3PT: 46.7%, FT: 68.1%. You were teammates with a very young Vladiimir Lucic. 10 years later you would be teammates with him again in Munich. How crazy was seeing the development he had made in 10 years?

Lucic has become one of the most iconic players in Bayern Munich history and I’m not surprised. He is tough and he has the Serbian mentality in his DNA. I’m never surprised by the development of any players from the Eastern European region or Ex-Yugoslavia. They breed some of the best basketball players in the world. It was an honor to be able to play alongside Lucic once more and I wish him nothing but health and continued success.

In 2009-2010 you played with Lokomotiv Kuban (Russia-A Superleague) averaging 11.4ppg, 4.2rpg, 1.5spg, Blocks-1 (1.2bpg), FGP: 45.0%, 3PT: 31.3%, FT: 70.0%. You were teammates with Gerald Green who had come to Russia after playing his first 4 years in the NBA: Some years later he returned to the NBA where he would have a long career. How much do you feel did he benefit from seeing a totally different world in Russia?

I think that Gerald Green was and still is an NBA talent. The time spent in Russia really motivated him to prove everyone wrong and show that he truly belongs in the NBA.

You played your rookie season with Angelico Biella (Italy-Serie A) averaging 13.0ppg, 6.0rpg, 1.7spg, FGP: 55.4%, 3PT-1 (50.6%), FT: 70.5%. What do you remember being your wake up call to being a rookie overseas where you knew that you were far away from home?

It would have to be when I arrived to my apartment building and I saw the size of the elevator. It was so small that my agent and I could barely fit in together. I couldn’t even bring my bags in the elevator it was so small. In that moment I knew I was no longer in America haha.

You were drafted by the San Antonio Spurs in 2008 and played at 3 NBA Summer Leagues. What kind of feedback do you remember getting from coaches? Why didn’t a NBA career come out of it?

It was a difficult situation for me during that time. I was a rookie that came to San Antonio during a time where they were still making a serious championship run. And at my position I was playing behind. Theo Ratliff, Antonio McDyess, Matt Bonner, Richard Jefferson, and of course Tim Duncan. There was no way I was getting minutes over those guys at the time and coach Popovich explained that to me. He also explained that he wanted me to get more playing time and experience and the only way to do that was to go to Europe. During those 3 seasons the Spurs kept my NBA rights but after my third year I no longer wanted to be patient with the process and I forced their hand for training camp which eventually led to my release. That was when I signed with Partizan and my Euroleague career began.

You played at Maryland (NCAA) from 2004-2008. You reached the NCAA tournament in 2007 and left the school as the second best shot blocker. What was your fondest moment there?

College in America was probably the best 4 years of my life as a young adult. I was able to play for one of the top colleges in the country in one of the best leagues in the country and for one of the best coaches to ever coach. I would say that my best memory was beating UNC (North Carolina Tarheels) on their home court when they were 17-0 on the season. We handed them their first loss of the season and I will forever remember that moment. Also I must add that there was no greater feeling than beating Duke University at their home arena as well. That was one of the biggest rivals in college basketball at the time so we always had great battles.

How did head coach Gary Williams groom and prepare you best for a professional career?

Coach Williams taught me how to be a student of the game of basketball. He taught me how to watch film and to understand how simple the game can be. One of the greatest lessons a coach could teach me.

Who won a 1-1 in practice you or Ekene Ibekwe?

Honestly, I don’t believe Ekene and I ever played 1 on 1. As a team we were all very competitive and we all loved basketball. We would play 5 on 5 everyday, even in the offseason when many ex-players returned and NBA players as well. We played for so many hours all the time it just became second nature and part of our daily routine. But I don’t believe Ekene and I ever played 1 on 1.

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


The best player I ever guarded was probably between Craig Smith who was at Boston College or Al Thornton who played at Florida State. I also had the luxury to play against Chris Paul and JJ Reddick as well. I’ve shared the court with many great players, honestly too many to name, but Craig Smith and Al Thornton were my biggest matchups.

Please name your 5 best teammates of all-time?

Marcus Williams, Dimitris Diamantidis, Gerald Green, Mike Batiste, Stephane Lasme

Please list your personal NBA Mount Rushmore?

Michael Jordan, Lebron James, Kobe Bryant, Shaquille O’Neal

What is your opinion of the neverending debate of who is the greatest of all-time Jordan or Lebron and why isn’t Kobe mentioned more?

For me Michael Jordan is the greatest of all time. Lebron will have the best numbers in every statistical category and we may never see someone pass his stats for many many years. Kobe will forever be mentioned because of the ‘Mamba Mentality’ and only the fans who followed Kobe and Jordan their entire careers would be able to say how great those two players really were.

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

Unfortunately, I did not see the sequel to the classic Coming To America. I’m just not a big fan of remakes and sequels to all-time classics. I believe they should all be left alone.

Thanks James for the chat

Tags : JAMES GIST, BAHCESEHIR KOLEJI ISTANBUL, GERMAN BASKETBALL