Author: mschmidtscheuber

Juhwan Harris Dyson(Dragons Rhondorf) Saw The Last 5 Game Winning Streak As Their Championship And Now Wants To Play Spoiler Against Orange Academy

Pic credit: Martin Jung

It was Valentines Day 2026 and the Dragons Rhondorf were in Bernau. They had taken on the journey of one of the farthest road trips of the season sitting on a 5 game losing streak. No miracle occurred in Bernau as the Dragons Rhondorf stunk up the building losing 103-81. Rhondorf had shot a pathetic 25% from downtown and coughed up the ball 23 times. It had been the 6th time in the season where they had allowed an access of 100 points. I can´t imagine what the long bus ride home was like. The thoughts of the players and head coach Max Becker must have been going crazy and all over the place. I´m sure every player on that team could of used some special love. It was definitely a long way home until finding that love. “We were just trying to figure it out. Nobody wants to lose. We knew something had to change. After that loss, everyone had a different mentality going into practice. Everyone was really frustrated. It was a real wakening moment to see the sense of urgency”, stated Juhwan Harris-Dyson (198-SG-1999, college: California, agency: Origins Sports Group). The playoffs at that moment seemed as far away as the 2026 NBA final is for the Indiana Pacers. However 46 days later the Dragons Rhondorf are standing tall as they finished the regular season in 8th place and have a first round playoff date with first place team Orange Academy of the Pro B South. “It has been a crazy month. We were looking at regelation a month ago. We didn´t want to move down and wanted to finish the season as best as we could. We really played our last 5 regular season games like it was our championship. It was very exciting reaching the playoffs. Last season I was in a similar situation and just missed the playoffs”, stressed Juhwan Harris-Dyson.

pic credit: Martin Jung

So let´s rewind back 46 days ago to Valentines Day. The club arrived home after the tough loss in Bernau and had to prepare for the next game which would be at home against Itzehoe. How did the next days look like in Bad Honnef? Was there some serious soul searching going on? “We had a team meeting and talked about basketball and non basketball things. We had a lot more comradery. Our young guys really understood the sense of urgency. We understood as a team that we had to win games not only scoring, but also taking care of the little things”, said Juhwan Harris-Dyson. The team was in the dumps after the brutal loss in Bernau. Was there any hope for a turn around? “I pay attention to the standings and what happens in the league. We knew we had a chance to be successful, but also knew that we needed some things to go in our favor. With every new win each week, the reality got more and more real. I always felt like our team was a lot better than the credit it was becoming”, warned Juhwan Harris-Dyson. After the bad loss in Bernau, the chances of the playoffs were there, but was the focus more on remaining in the Pro B first? “We were all aware of our situation. We were in 13th place, but as a team we never felt like we would move down. We knew that we could win enough games to stay in the league. After we had won enough games to stay in the league, we then focused on the playoffs”, expressed Juhwan Harris-Dyson. After the vital victory against Itzehoe, the club then faced it´s next do or die game against Wedel on the road and didn´t disappoint wining a shoot out 100-87. “The win in Wedel was very big for us. We had a long ride to Wedel and the atmosphere was great there. They were a top 4 team in the Pro B North and had one of the better defenses in the league. That win gave us a big boost and energy to keep winning. The win gave us the ultimate confidence. It was also great to see how the team stuck together and rallied to win after I got hurt”, added Juhwan Harris-Dyson.

pic credit: Martin Jung

After a massive close win again at home against Vechta 2, the Dragons Rhondorf were at it again on the road against the BSW Sixers. Once again the Dragons Rhondorf were able to win another close game 75-74 as Lagui Diallo hit the winning three pointer with 1,22 to play. After that the Dragons buckled together and made big stops. And what was really impressive was how the team stuck together after Juhwan Harris-Dyson was out early. “I saw a lot of heart from the guys. Many guys had to play roles that they may not have been necessarily comfortable in or had during the season, but they stepped up. I have the ultimate respect for the team for the way they came together as a unit to pull out wins. We had 5 final games and focused on each one at a time and did all we possibly could to win them”, explained Juhwan Harris-Dyson. Young player Vuk Scepanovic stepped up big time scoring 14 points and showed how vital the support of the young players has been this season. Did he give him a hug after the win? “No I didn´t give him a hug after the win, but shot him a congratulatory text after the win. I has been a tough season for him. He was injured and then had to play behind Jorge Mejias and myself. He didn´t get the amount of minutes to really show his full potential. He was able to play free. I´m so happy for how he has played. All his hard work has paid off”, said Juhwan Harris-Dyson.

Miles Schmidt-Scheuber and Juhwan Harris-Dyson in the Dragon Dome 2026

The last game against Rostock was another very tight game. Rostock went on a run to begin the fourth quarter, but the Dragons Rhondorf fought back and won on free throws by Duje Dujmovic. “Our defense was really good in the last game. We made it tough for them to score and didn´t give them any advantages. We rebounded very well and got stops”, remembered Juhwan Harris-Dyson. Sharp shooter German Chris Frazier had a good look at the end, but the basketball God was on the side of the Dragons Rhondorf. “I was praying that he would miss. He is a great shooter and guy. I watched him lite up the three point line in Schwelm. I rotated over and saw him shoot it and was glad that he missed. I´m glad it went our way”, smiled Juhwan Harris-Dyson. After missing the Sixers game, Harris-Dyson was more than pumped in possibly the last game of the season. “The Rostock game was definitely in my top 3 of most important games overseas. I´m a competitor and just couldn´t miss the game. I wasn´t 100% going into the game. I know that if I hadn´t played, I would of really regretted it if we had lost. I´m just happy I was able to play and give something in the win. I saw how much the guys had sacrificed the last weeks and I also had to sacrifice. These are the type of games that players die for. They servs as memories that last a lifetime”, stressed Juhwan Harris-Dyson. One player who has been massive in the last weeks was ex Neustadt forward Duje Dujmovic who has been a force on the glass. “I remember being in Rhondorf a week and a half before the team met in August. Duje was already there. He was already working hard on his game then and has done it consistently this season. It hasn´t been an easy season for him, because we have a lot of scoring options. I believe that he has shown his full game the last weeks. He has shown his versatility the last weeks once having a perfect shooting game from outside and other games getting many rebounds”, stated Juhwan Harris-Dyson.

Pic Credit: Martin Jung

The California native who has Illinois (NCAA) winning the 2026 NCAA tournament is content that the last three games was the best spurt of the season for them. Especially defensively, they kept teams under 80 points. “They were all close games and big wins that gave us a big boost going into the playoffs. It just feels so good getting 3 hard fought wins in a row. Our defensive protection and rebounding has gotten a lot better. We do still allow too many offensive rebounds and that is something we have to still work on. Our defense is what helped get us into the playoffs. We had up and down shooting games, but it was our defensive consistency that helped us pull out wins”, added Juhwan Harris-Dyson. He has had problems with free throws his whole career overseas, but in the last 3 games has found more fortune shooting 6/8. “I haven´t had the best free throw % in my first 5 seasons overseas. I keep working on it even if my work hasn´t totally translated onto the court. I feel like I have made little improvements. I started the season having a 3/8 game and recently had a 15-20 game or 6/6 game. Working on this problem will continue to be a focus this summer”, added Juhwan Harris-Dyson. The Playoffs been the week after Easter and the Dragons Rhondorf will have no cake walk with #1 team Orange Academy. “I´m very excited for the challenge. We have no expectations going in. This will be a great opportunity for us to spoil Orange Academy´s party. We could be that spoiler. We will play for ourselves to win”, commented Juhwan-Harris-Dyson. The Dragons will face one of Europe´s big talents from Poland with Teo Milicic. “I´m not so familiar with him, but I will get more familiar with him in the next days. It will be a fun match up to see his talent level. I think that it will be a challenge for both of us”, said Juhwan Harris-Dyson. Orange Academy are a very young team with an average age of 18 and it is incredible how disciplined the team is under head coach Florian Flabb. They average 82 points per game and have one of the top defenses in the Pro B allowing only 74 points per game. “We just have to play our style and be gritty on defense and try to speed them up. We also need to be aggressive with our pace and have good shot selection”, stated Juhwan Harris-Dyson. It is the post season and it will be interesting to observe if the Dragons Rhondorf can make an upset. Will one see Juhwan Harris-Dyson at his best? “I always give my best. But to be honest my best is relative. One game, I may have a 24/11 game and the other a 2/13 game. For me if I´m able to contribute to a win, then that is a good game for me. The stats don´t matter. I just want to win”, warned Juhwan Harris-Dyson.

Swiss Army Knife Carlos Carters Chip On His Shoulder Is Always Present As He Leads The Eisbaeren Bremerhaven to 75-59 Victory Over The EPG Baskets Koblenz

The playoff hopes of the EPG Baskets Koblenz dwindled a little bit more with the bitter 95-93 loss against Paderborn last Monday. Now the team had 2 really tough match ups against top 5 teams BG Goettingen and the Eisbaeren Bremerhaven. Koblenz had lost 3 of the last 4 games and had lost the first meeting against Bremerhaven in a 100-91 shoot out. Bremerhaven had their 5 game winning streak recently snapped and arrived in Koblenz with a two games losing streak. Koblenz had to find a way to forget their bitter crunch-time loss to Paderborn and find a way to produce an upset that could still turn their season around in the stretch run for the playoffs. However Koblenz couldn´t compensate the loss of their MVP candidate Calvin Wishart who was thrown out of the game early in the third quarter after sustaining his second technical foul of the game as they lost 75-59 to Bremerhaven. The EPG Baskets Koblenz had a solid defensive effort, but just had a horrible shooting game where they only converted on one three the whole game. “We played good defense, but just couldn´t hit shots. When you only make 1 three, it becomes difficult to win. We had good looks through out the game, but I couldn´t buy a bucket today”, stressed EPG Baskets Koblenz guard Devonte McCall. The Eisbaeren Bremerhavedn didn´t have their best offensive day either shooting only 21% from the parking lot, but they gave a very good defensive effort which was enough to win. “Defense got us the win today. Our focus all week long was on defense. We made sure that our rotations were right and that we were standing in the right position. We got in passing lanes and got steals as well. Our communication was really good and on offense we kept the ball moving and speed helped us open it up for shots. We had a good will to win”, stressed Eisbaeren Bremerhaven American Carlos Carter (197-G/F-1999, college: Shippensburg)

Devonte McCall at the FT line

The EPG Baskets Koblenz were without American Tim Smith Jr and Mr 42 points scorer in Artland Aleksa Kovacevic and quickly fell into a deep hole as Bremerhaven led easily 7-0. The guests got easy lay in´s by Germans ex Skyliner Jordan Samare and ex RheinStars forward Jannis Von Seckendorf and Carlos Carter nailed a trey for good measure. Koblenz couldn´t even match the physicality early, because there was no body contact and were too lax in 1-1 deefnse. But Koblenz slowly found their rhythm better attacking more aggressively and got baskets from ex Hagen guard Devonte McCall and a lay in by ex easyCredit BBL player Alex Moeller who was in the starting lineup. Bremerhaven then got a clutch trey from ex Artland Dragon Adrian Breitlauch and free throws from ex Jena guard Raphael Falkenthal to lead 17-10. However Koblenz continued to chip away at the guests lead and got good energy from Minnesota native Calvin Wishart who came from the bench netting 4 points and the only trey of the game for them from little used David Gaspers as suddenly they were only down 19-18. Koblenz used the bench momentum from Wishart as German Jonas Niedermanner closed out the first quarter with 6 unanswered points as Koblenz led 23-21 after 10 minutes. The Koblenz bench had given a great effort with 14 points. “We couldn´t match their physicality, but we had good ball movement, just had a little problem at times with hitting shots”, said EPG Baskets Koblenz sports director Thomas Klein. The EPG Baskets Koblenz shot 67% from the 2 point area and 20% from outside and had 10 rebounds and 2 turnovers while the Eisbaeren Bremerhaven shot 75% from the 2 point area and had 6 rebounds and 3 turnovers.

Elijah Miller jumper

The second quarter had 2 runs, but at the break the Eisbaeren Bremerhaven had the advantage leading 39-32. Both teams had difficulty in the first 2 minutes finding a rhythm as both teams produced 3 stops. Canadian Elijah Miller then got Bremerhaven it´s first score with a lay in, but Koblenz then punched back with a 5-0 run attacking the rim and getting easy lay in´s by 2018 NBBL champion Badu Buck and Texas native Julian Larry to lead 28-23. Bremerhaven had lost a little concentration and head coach Steven Esterkamp then took a time out. That seemed to work as they found their offensive rhythm again going on a lethal 10-0 run to lead 33-28 sharing the ball with love again. In the run it was the import trio of Miller, Carter and Jake Biss who supplied all the points. Carter and Miller dropped three´s while ex Paderborn guard Jake Biss drove twice to the rim with success. Koblenz once again had a weak phase on the defensive end with lax 1-1 deefnse and not defending the three point line diligently enough. Koblenz stuck with Bremerhaven and got some baskets from ex G-League player DJ Jeffries who hit an off balance shot while ex Oldenburg center Marco Bacak made a pretty old school hook shot to trail 35-32. Bremerhaven closed out the first half strong as Carter and Samare made lay in´s. Koblenz continued to have problems slowing down the guests drive. “We had up and down phases on defense. We weren´t concentrated during their 10-0 run. We had many good looks simply, because their on ball defense wasn´t that aggressive. Our key players simply didn´t hit shots”, stated Thomas Klein. The Eisbaeren Bremerhaven shot 55% from the field and 27% from the three point line and had 22 rebounds and 5 turnovers while the EPG Baskets Koblenz shot 55% from the field and 9% from the three point line and had 18 rebounds and 4 turnovers.

Alex Moeller lay in

The turning point of the game came in the third quarter as the EPG Baskets Koblenz were only 3 points behind the Eisbaeren Bremerhaven, but their star player Calvin Wishart was disqualified from the game for his second technical foul which then led to the guests taking control and never looking back. The EPG Baskets Koblenz began the second half finding their rhythm right away playing their game getting 2 transition baskets from Buck and Bacak off a steal and turnover and only trailed 39-36. Koblenz had some momentum, but then came the unexpected as Calvin Wishart was handed his second technical of the game and was bounced from the game. Koblenz has had a history this season of having serious mental lapses when real adversary strikes the team. It wasn´t any different this time as Bremerhaven cruised out on an annoying 11-4 to get the comfortable 50-40 advantage. In the run the Koblenz physicality suddenly was gone as Bremerhaven got easy lay up´s from Miller and Brenneke and Von Seckendorf made a thunderous dunk. The intensity that Koblenz once had was below standard and on offense the three point shooting plague continued. Badu Buck did a good job keeping his team somewhat in the game, but Koblenz couldn´t string along a number of stops. Bremerhaven attempted less three´s as their shot wasn´t falling, but penetrated and got buckets from Miller and Carter to extend their lead to 56-44. Koblenz got a lay in from ex Trier forward Jannis Sonnefeld and free throws from McCall, but they couldn´t get closer. Jake Biss closed out the third quarter with the only three pointer made the whole 10 minutes to lead 58-48. “Wishart is a good player and we had a game plan for him which was being physical on him. It obviously became easier when he was ejected. They had weaker ball handlers and they didn´t close out as strong”, stressed Carlos Carter “Losing Wishart really hurt us. We had less experience having to put in a 17 year old and we had foul trouble. We weren´t good on close outs, communication or help”, stressed Devonte McCall. The Eisbaeren Bremerhaven shot 59% from the 2 point area and 25% from the parking lot and had 32 rebounds and 6 turnovers while the EPG Baskets Koblenz shot 58% from the 2 point area and 6% from the parking lot and had 26 rebounds and 6 turnovers.

Carlos Carter at the FT line

The EPG Baskets Koblenz really had their backs to the wall in the fourth quarter and not scoring any points in the first 5 minutes didn´t help their come back attempt either. Both teams could muster no real offense. Bremerhaven only scored 6 points in that span getting a 20 footer from Carlos Carter, a reverse lay up from Adrian Breitlauch and lay in from Lorenz Brenneke where there was very little resistance from the lax Koblenz defense in the paint. Bremerhaven led 66-48 with 5 minutes to go with the EPG Basekts Koblenz lacking confidence and the game was over. Both teams did muster 20 points in the last 5 minutes, but it was mainly stat filling sequences. Jefferies got 2 scores while Bacak also scored with his left hand while Bremerhaven got to the free throw line getting 3 points from Von Seckendorff while young German Lukas Stelmokas got his first Pro A points in his young career. “Koblenz didn´t seem to be in the game as much mentally. It was hard to get a feel in the game with the refs calls. We played together to close out the game well. I played with the flow of the game. I played with confidence. Coach Esterkamp was hard on me during the week of practice. He expects a lot of me. I appreciate a coach like that who pushes me. I always play as if I have to prove something”, warned Carlos Carter “We had no real point guard. We played good defense, but just couldn´t execute on offense”, added Devonte McCall. The Eisbaeren Bremerhaven were led by Carlos Clark with 15 points while Elijah Miller added 13 points while the EPG Baskets Koblenz were led by Badu Buck with 15 points while DJ Jeffries added 10 points. The Eisbaeren Bremerhaven shot 45% from the field and 21% from outside and had 41 rebounds and 7 turnovers while the EPG Baskets Koblenz shot 39% from the field and 6% from outside and had 33 rebounds and 8 turnovers.

Desmond Watson Strokes Home 30 Points And Hits Game Winner Propelling The Skyliners Juniors to Revenge Win Over BG Hessing Leitershofen 79-77

The great basketball work that the Skyliners Juniors had done in 2026 had paid off as they had already qualified for the Pro B playoffs before the last game day began. Frankfurt began 2026 as far away from the Pro B playoffs as Isaac Bonga is to ever rejoining easyCredit BBL team Skyliners. Frankfurt had a superb 8-2 record in 2026 and wanted to have momentum going into the playoffs. But they didn’t have an easy foe with BG Leitershoefen who came into the game sitting in 4th place with a record of 13-10. Frankfurt had lost the first game of the season on the road 90-79 and lost the game in the paint where Leitershoefen shot an overwhelming 73%. The Skyliners Frankfurt who had a 8-2 record in 2026 wanted to go into the playoffs with momentum with a win in their living room and did upending BG Hessing Leitershofen 79-77 as explosive import scorer Desmond Watson (196-G-2003, college: Loyola, IL) hit the winning shot and Frankfurt then stuck together and made one last stop to secure the win. It was a tight game for the most part, but in crunch-time, it was the Skyliners Juniors that came up with the big shots and plays to win and will have a playoff date with Essen. ‘We played hard for 40 minutes. We were relentless. Every one played their role and gave their all. Our biggest strength on offense was our offensive rebounding and on defense we never gave up on any possession’, stressed Skyliner Junior Desmond Watson. Leitershofen kept home court for the Pro B playoffs because Orange Academy beat Ludwigsburg who finished the season in fifth place. ‘We gave a lot away in the first half. We allowed too many offensive rebounds and missed too many free throws. We couldn’t set the tone on the defensive end in the first half. We were in the game at the end, but couldn’t execute the way we wanted to’, stressed BG Hessing Leitershofen guard Brian Dawson.

Florian Dietrich at the FT line

The Skyliners Juniors came into the game without top German youngers Jamie Edoka and Ivan Crnjac who were being rested for a do or die NBBL game 3 playoff game against IBAM the next day. Frankfurt began quickly into the game taking the 6-2 lead as ex Kronberg center Florian Dietrich had excessive energy and brute scoring inside twice including a fierce dunk as the guests were unable to match the Skyliners Juniors intensity. However basketball is a game of runs and Leiterhofen showed rapidly how quickly they can explode as they went on a lethal 16-4 run to lead 18-10. Instrumental in the run was ex easyCredit BBL player Brendan Gregori who added an incredible 11 points including two three’s. ‘He is a player that really knows when to drive and when to shoot’, said ex Skyliner Junior Bennet Schubert. Leitershofen upped their defensive intensity forcing Frankfurt to a few turnovers and had great rim protection from Tom Alte and Clint Haman. However Frankfurt still had some energy in the last minutes going on a 6-0 run as young Czech Republic guard Lukas Smazak added 5 points including a trey as Frankfurt trailed 20-17 after 10 minutes. ‘Both teams were very aggressive on the offensive glass and were both very physical. Leitershofen had really good ball movement and looks’, stated Bennet Schubert. BG Hessing Leitershofen shot 41% from the field and 30% from outside and had 11 rebounds and 1 turnover while the Skyliners Juniors shot 37% from the field and 17% from outside and had 12 rebounds and 3 turnovers.

Brian Dawson for 3

In the second quarter BG Hessing Leitershofen had good control of the game, but the Skyliners Juniors fought back and had the contest dead locked at 39-39 at the break. The guests had the needed energy at the start of the second quarter going on a 9-3 run to extend their lead to 29-23. In the run, the guests had great ball movement and got inside scores from ex BBL player Ferenc Gille and ex JUCO player Emmanuel Ansah while German Jannik Westermeir had the prettiest basket in the run knocking down a jumper with a cool side step in Shai Gillgeous Alexander manner. ‘That was a nice shot. Jannik is a tough player and a real dog. He plays at both ends. He didn’t have a great game, but he will bounce back. We will need him for the playoffs’, stated Brian Dawson. But Frankfurt kept fighting and got potent energy from Dietreich and Alvin Onyia as they carried Frankfurt at both ends with big baskets as suddenly Leitershofen led only 31-27. Frankfurt couldn’t quite get over the hump as the guests got key scorers from Texas native Zion Richardson and ex Bernau center Clint Hamann to lead 35-29. However Frankfurt had Desmond Watson who can be a one man wrecking team if he wants to. The overall leader and player with fancy moves and great shooting propelled his team on a nasty 10-4 run scoring all points. The leading rebounder at the break was little talked about Joscha Zentgraf who had 7 rebounds and 5 offensive rebounds. The ultimate team player would finish with 10 rebounds including 8 offensive rebounds as his energy was truly incredible, but also something he always brings. ‘He plays so hard. He leaves it all on the court’, said Desmond Watson. ‘He does the dirty work and is the first guy that will volunteer to do it. He is the type of player that every guy wants as a teammate’, warned Bennet Schubert. The Skyliners Juniors shot 39% from the field and 29% from the three point line and had 24 rebounds and 7 turnovers while BG Hessing Leitershofen shot 47% from the field and 27% from the three point line and had 19 rebounds and 5 turnovers. ‘Frankfurt played better team basketball. They got stops and started to run. Their better defense helped stimulate their offense’, said Bennet Schubert.

Desmond Watson with the floater

In the third quarter it went back and forth as there were 7 lead changes, but no team could truly get away from the other as the Skyliners Juniors led 60-57 after 30 minutes. Both teams would punch back and forth as Frankfurt began well with a lay in by Watson who split the defense the way a Caris Levert would and Mr energizer Dusan Nikolic nailed a trey for the 44-40 Frankfurt lead. But Leitershofen punched back with a lethal Gille dunk and trey by Richardson as the guests led 45-44. But the game of runs continued as Frankfurt embarked on a 9-0 run which was highlighted by a Watson trey and mega two handed dunk by Nikolic on transition that was sparked by a steal by Joscha Zentgraf as Frankfurt now seemed in control 53-45. But the guests knew they could match Frankfurt’s output and did with a 9-0 run to steal the lead back at 54-53. Key in the run was LA native and ex Essen guard Brian Dawson who showed his 3 level scoring with a trey and 20 footer. But Frankfurt had the last laugh in the third quarter with a 7-3 run to lead by 3 points. Watson found German Moses Poelking for the lob and lay in and Smazak had the hot hand again with a trey. ‘We tried to slow the game down with the zone, but also tried to speed it up. We had many good looks. Both teams had a lot at stake and it was a real dog fight’, commented Brian Dawson. ”We continued to play hard and just be relentless’, said Desmond Watson. The Skyliners Juniors shot 37% from the field and 29% from the parking lot and had 32 rebounds and 9 turnovers while BG Hessing Leitershofen shot 44% from the field and 29% from the parking lot and had 34 rebounds and 10 turnovers.

Zion Richardson at the FT line

In the fourth quarter it seemed like BG Hessing Leitershofen might run away with the game, but the Skyliners Juniors never gave up and fought for the lead back. Watson nailed free throws for the 62-57 Frankfurt advantage, but Leitershofen then exploded on a 12-0 run to lead 69-62. In the run it was Gregori again who stepped up after being very quiet in quarters 2 and 3 where he scored only 2 points now added 5 points while Emmanuel Anshah who hails from Canada added 5 points. Leitershofen showed their unselfishness on offense and their defensive intensity disallowed Frankfurt to get into their sets and forced them to many tough shots. Tom Alte also added a lay in in the run. There was still a lot of time left with 7,00 minutes and Frankfurt began to chip away at the guests lead led by Watson who was always in attack mode as he got to the rim and free throw line adding a lay in and free throws while Alvin Onyia grabbed a deep rebound and sprinted coast to coast with a transition bucket and Frankfurt was suddenly only down 70-68. Both teams punched back and forth and despite a clutch Leif Zentgraf three pointer, the Skyliners Juniors still trailed 73-72. Richardson and Onyia then traded free throws, but Leitershofen still led 75-74 with under 2 minutes to play. However then came the turning point of the game as Tom Alte missed 2 free throws airballing the last one. Free throws would haunt the guests all night long as they finished the game 15/27 at 56%. With under a minute to play, Frankfurt then got a big bucket from Moses Poelking who got a pretty behind the back pass under pressure from Leif Zentgraf for the 77-76 Frankfurt lead. ‘When your playing the game, you don’t think on the court. If you think too much then you won’t make that play. Leif was playing in the flow of the game’, expressed Desmond Watson. Frankfurt then stopped Gille and then it was Watson time as he sunk a beautiful trey for the 79-77 lead. ‘I always want the ball and every shot I take feels good’, smiled Desmond Watson. Frankfurt came up big stopping Leitershofen on the last possession. ‘They executed better and had good looks while we didn’t. They switched a lot which affected us. We need to be more decisive at the end. On the last play we got the ball inside. They helped and Alte made a good pass. We got a good look. It just didn’t fall’, added Brian Dawson. ‘They had a decent look at the end. We try as hard as we can to get the stop. You never know what will happen. But we trusted each other to get the stop’, explained Desmond Watson. The Skyliners Juniors were led by Desmond Watson with 30 points while BG Hessing Leitershofen were led by Brendan Gregori with 18 points while Brian Dawson added 15 points. The Skyliners Juniors shot 38% from the field and 31% from outside and had 41 rebounds and 11 turnovers while BG Hessing Leitershofen shot 45% from the field and 29% from outside and had 43 rebounds and 12 turnovers.

Carter Whitt(Nurnberg Falcons) Was Super Fortunate To Have Had Casey Alexander Allow Him To Display His Full Arsenal That Prepared Him For Overseas

pic credit: Foto Zink

Carter Whitt (190-G-2002, college: Belmont) is a 190cm guard from Raleigh, North Carolina playing his rookie season overseas with Pro A team Nurnberg Falcons currently averaging 10,1ppg, 3,5rpg, 4,3apg and 1,3spg. He began his basketball career at Leesville Road High School and then played 2 years at Wake Forest (NCAA) and 50 games. He then played 2 seasons at Furman University (NCAA) playing a total of 59 games and in his last season averaged 7.6ppg, 3.1rpg, 3.5apg, 1.3spg, FGP: 47.5%, 3PT: 29.1%, FT: 82.1%: he then finished his NCAA career at Belmont University (NCAA) averaging 12.8ppg, 4.6rpg, 6.0apg, 1.5spg, FGP: 46.7%, 3PT: 33.7%, FT: 73.6%. He spoke to germanhoops.com about basketball.

Thanks Carter for talking to germanhoops.com. Your playing your rookie season with German Pro A team Nuernberg Falcons BC (Germany-ProA). What kind of an experience has it been for you? What have you enjoyed most about the experience?

It has been a great experience so far, I’ve really enjoyed bonding with teammates and coaches while taking in the city of Nurnberg.

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

I would say the biggest wake up call has been the physicality of the game but overall the transition has been smooth.

Nurnberg has had a roller coaster season so far winning the first 2, then losing 4 and now on a 4 game winning streak. How can you explain the early season play as of now?

I´m happy to have been a part of 4 wins and want to keep it rolling. Just have to keep getting better everyday.

The team has been playing good basketball as of late and won 2 nail bitters. What strides have you seen the team make in the last weeks?

I think we are continuing to learn how to play with each other and just gaining confidence as a unit.

So far your averaging 6/2/2/1 stats. What has been the toughest adjustment for you overseas on the court?

With my first two games being within 72 hours of arrival I think the biggest thing has just been getting my legs under me and getting comfortable with my teammates. Not worrying about stats but focused on the team continuing to win games.

Let´s talk about your game. You’re a 190cm guard. If you had to compare your game to a NBA player who would best fit the description.

I think my best comparison is Andrew Nembhard/ Austin Reaves

You’re a guard that can fill the stat sheet well. What are your biggest strengths on the court?

I think my passing and ability to run a team while being able to touch the paint with ease.

Your three pointer has been up and down the last years. How would you describe the development of your three pointer?

My three pointer is much better now than it ever has been and I’m confident that through my professional career, I will show that I can be an elite shooter from 3.

How would you describe your defensive game now? What kind of a defender are you now and what Kind of defender do you still want to become?

Overall I think I am a solid defender but definitely want to become a great defender. Learning how to use the refs to my advantage and being physical as possible is my next step.

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

Decision making is definitely one of my main focuses along with showing that I can knock the three down off the catch or off the dribble.

You began your college career at Wake Forest in 2020 playing 2 seasons and 50 NCAA games. You never averaged more than 4,6ppg in a season. What was your summary of these 2 years? What positives could you gain from it?

I learned how to come off the bench and play a minimal role. I met some great teammates and enjoyed my time at wake.

One of your best games was your 16/6/2 game in a win over USC Upstate. Was that one of your fondest moments on the court at Wake Forest?

I had many fond memories but the biggest were some of the big wins we had, including beating North Carolina by 20 at home.

You then played 2 seasons with Furman University (NCAA) averaging 2.6ppg, 1.6rpg, 2.1apg[Textumbruch]and 7.6ppg, 3.1rpg, 3.5apg, 1.3spg, FGP: 47.5%, 3PT: 29.1%, FT: 82.1%. How did your game grow there under Bob Richey?

I made some life long friends at Furman and really enjoyed my teammates and what we were able to achieve together. I wasn’t really able to show my full game at Furman.

You had some big games against Coastal and VMI. What was your fondest moment on the court at Coastal?

Beating UVA in the NCAA tournament was my fondest memory, I also enjoyed blowing out ETSU at home and playing a major role in that win.

You then finished at Belmont University (NCAA) averaging 12.8ppg, 4.6rpg, 6.0apg, 1.5spg, FGP: 46.7%, 3PT: 33.7%, FT: 73.6%. You had a game winner in the 99-97 win over Illinois State having a 10/8/9 game. What memories do you have of this dramatic win?

That was an awesome game. I remember I gave up a costly three that sent the game to overtime so I knew I had to get it back!

How did head coach Casey Alexander groom and prepare you best for a pro career?

Coach Alexander is an awesome coach and I couldn’t have asked for a better place to develop for my pro career. He let me display my full arsenal, something I hadn’t had the opportunity to do in prior years and I´m super thankful for that. The track record of coach Alexander developing great pro’s is clear, and I think people should really look at his track record when considering Belmont.,

Who won a 1-1 in practice you or Isaiah Walker?

I’ve only had one teammate that could consistently beat me in 1v1 and that was Jake Laravia. I don’t think we ever played 1v1 but I would’ve taken him!

You played against many great players in the NCAA, but who was the toughest battle that is in the NBA now?

I would say Tyrese Maxey back in AAU was the toughest. Scottie Barnes was the best I played in the NCAA.

Please name your best teammates of all-time?

Marcus Foster, Alondes Williams, Jake Laravia, Alex Williams

If you had to construct your very own NBA mount Rushmore which 4 heads would you pi ck?

Lebron, MJ, Tim Duncan, John Wall

Who is your GOAT?

MJ

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

I have not seen it.

Thanks Carter for the chat.

From A Little Of D Wade In Rome Or Visiting The Pyramids In Egypt Has Been Part Of The Enjoyment Overseas For American Ivan Vernon

Some American players NBA or not come overseas and have an incredible career that will give them memories that will last a lifetime. Playing in top leagues, earning great money and seeing different cultures overseas something that many of their peers back home can only dream about. Then again there are other Americans playing in second and third divisions overseas who are making a lot less money than guys in the Euroleague and Eurocup, but also are living the dream and witnessing many kinds of various cultures and always continuing to try to move up the ladder. Then again there are guys who are other guys grinding to make a living, but loving the expereince of being overseas. One of these guys is Ivan Vernon (183-PG) who has been overseas for years, but is balling in the German Oberliga which is the sixth division. It isn´t easy to make aliving in a league like the Oberliga, but Ivan Vernon just loves the game. Most guys would have gone back home and sought a real 9-5 job, but he has kept grinding overseas and made the ultimate best out of his situation. He has a side job, has seen many different countries and plays the game that he loves. ‘Everybody story is different. I have learned to have gratitude and I appreciate being able to have ANY opportunity because I moved up 3 times from Landesliga (rookie year), then to Oberliga, then to Regionalliga. Covid shut down my biggest opportunity to keep moving up then after Covid is when I had surgery on both of my Feet so I was down for 2-3 years. So now the grind is back alive now that I am back healthy and getting stronger’, warned Ivan Vernon.

Rome

Ivan Vernon who lists Ja Morant and PJ Dozier as the toughest players that he ever faced on a court was born on May 8th, 1991 in Gaffney, South Carolina. He already had a big disadvantage in those days in that he never went the NCAA route. Back in those days, guys that played in lower divisions like NAIA or JUCO had a harder road to get overseas than now. Back then there were guys that made it, but the chances were very low. He actually had very minimal college experience at Johnson C Smith, but his stay was very short. He got cut early, because he broke his hand while playing pick up basketball. But sometimes one is lucky and an opportunity comes and for him it was having a once in a lifetime chance to play with the Harlem Globetrotters in the Hoops and Dreams Unity game held at Carver High School in Selma, Alabama. ‘That was one of a kind! I was signing autographs and was able to team up with some of the globetrotter legends! They taught me how to spin the ball on all of my fingers’, smiled Ivan Vernon. He still had nothing after that great experience with no school so he decided to go pro and grind in the semi pro leagues in the States. That is a real shark tank where you have guys coming from everywhere playing for stats to get discovered. He played 2 seasons in the ECBL with Columbia and South Carolina. ‘It’s really tough! Where I grew up in Gaffney, SC, there were very big names and a lot of competition. So I basically had to figure out where to leave my mark and show I can actually play. But every year it seemed as if the league and players and teams got better and stronger’, remembered Ivan Vernon.

Egypt

The overseas baller who lists LJ Peak, AZ Reid, Donald Sims, Detrek Browning and the The Beans (my old team I used to run Columbia, SC with everyday) as his best teammates of all-time didn’t give up and continued to search for other ways to continue his pro career. One can only play so long in the semi pro leagues in the States. He had heard about guys going overseas to play so why not him? By chance he heard of an opportunity to play at a showcase in Germany. At that time, Ron Howard was still pretty unknown, but over the years became the man that helped guys get jobs overseas with his Howard Hoops showcases. He then got his first gig with EOSC Offenbach (Germany-Oberliga) where Howard was also the coach. Ron Howard gave him his first break. ‘Ron is a special guy to me. He set me up to be able to take this challenge head on because my process and recruitment was different from most pro athletes He is the God father of helping guys come overseas and get jobs. He helped me most by giving me the game and answers as raw as they came. He let me know my grind was very difficult but brought a lot of joy into my life doing what I love to do’, warned Ivan Vernon. He soon found his calling overseas by playing with TS 1856 Frankfurt-Griesheim (Germany-Oberliga) for a long time. Has Germany become like a second home and could he become a TS 1856 Frankfurt-Griesheim lifer? ‘Germany definitely has become like a second home. I have met people and connected with many people like they are my family in Germany. Griesheim is the family I speak of! Of course my grind is to put myself in a better situation at all times but having that family feel from Griesheim would be tough to leave but if it’s worth it. I will take my talents elsewhere’, commented Ivan Vernon.

Prague

The Athletic guard who lists Kobe Bryant Michael Jordan Steph Curry Lebron James on his NBA Mount Rushmore and Dirk Nowitzki, Luka Doncic, Nikola Jokic, and Giannis Antetokounmpo on his Euro Mount Rushmore is a 183cm point guard that compares his game to Mr triple double and fill up the stat sheet Russell Westbrook, but not the new one. ‘I would have to say the old Westbrook! Super explosive and aggressive’, said Ivan Vernon. He is a player that can also be classified as a 2 way player. ‘From the offense to defense. I am very effective when my feet are on the court! My athleticism in my game is very big! Defense wins the games and that’s what I love to be praised for the most’, stated Ivan Vernon. When your athletic, it is only logical that knowing how to dunk can’t be absent in his game, but his biggest 2 strengths in his game are things that every winning squad needs. ‘My favorite dunker was my favorite player Kobe Bryant! My biggest strength would have to be making my team better and shutting down my opponent on defense’, warned Ivan Vernon. He has had injuries in his career and he knows that if he still wants to play for some years, there is one area that he needs to get back again. ‘Since my surgeries I am working on my explosiveness! I’m getting older so my recovery was slow so that made me slower so now I am focused on my agility’, added Ivan Vernon.

The Mr fill up the stat sheet who lists Kobe Bryant as his Goat and feels that the classic Coming To America movie with legendary actor Eddie Murphy should have been left alone is one American who has definitely taken full advantage of the different cultures overseas. Some players are totally focused on their game and will be tacked up in their apartments and play play station all day while others like Vernon will see something of the world. He loves to explore Europe. ‘Seeing new things is very important. It’s also important to learn different cultures, it opens your mind up tremendously and shows you how things work on the other side of the world. It makes you learn to appreciate life from different perspectives’, expressed Ivan Vernon. He has found full enjoyment to producing great videos of the sites overseas on You Tube. Is this something that has given added income? ‘Actually I have gotten paid to record and take pics for families and events, but I am also building a Brand with traveling the world that I hope one day is big enough to bring bigger financial opportunities to me’, stressed Ivan Vernon. When I was in Italy in 2010, I met ex NBA player Jeff Trapagnier in Verona. Ok so his Iowa G-League pull over gave it away, but apparenttly it’s no fluke that NBA guys like checking out Italy. Imagine meeting Dwayne Wade on the street in Rome? That is exactly what happened to him at the Trevi fountain. ‘That was amazing! Dwayne was very cool and yes we talked for a bit he asked me what I was doing in Rome and I told him I play basketball in Germany and I am a Traveler on the side building my travel channel and he told me how cool it was and he wished me success and he asked to take a photo with ME! Which showed me a side of him I never knew existed’, remembered Ivan Vernon. He also found a big liking to German town Bacharach, but nothing beats Frankfurt as that is his favorite place. ‘Bacharach is a one of a kind place in Germany. Very beautiful and very small. I was able to get the whole town to fit in one drone shot lol. It is a very nice place and very nice people and shocking to me, not many Germans know about Bacharach. Honestly since Living in Frankfurt so long, I have to say Frankfurt gives you a taste of everything you could be looking for’, stated Ivan Vernon. So much longer does he still want to live the dream overseas. ‘I am 34 now and I Plan to play until I am 40 but I will continue with my Engineering Career and hopefully my Travel brand is big enough that I can travel the world for my career’, stressed Ivan Vernon. He may not have made the big bucks overseas, but his lifestyle is something that he got used to rapidly and fell in love with. The most important thing in life is to be happy. He recently became a dad as his life continues to move forward. Money isn’t everything in life.

One Can’t Refrain From Thinking About Steph Curry After ex Davidson Day School Jackson Threadgill Exploded For 53 Points And 12 Three’s in Malta

Jackson Threadgill (198-G-1997, college: App State) is a 198cm forward from North Carolina playing his rookie season overseas with Starlites GIG (Malta-BOV League D1). He began his basketball career at Davidson Day School and then played 4 seasons with the University of North Carolina at Charlotte playing a total of 110 NCAA games. He then added on a season with Appalachian State University. He spoke to germanhoops.com recently after netting an amazing 53 points in a league game in Malta.

Thanks Jackson for talking togermanhoops.com. You recently scored 53 points in a game and was the highest scorer in the world. You did it in Malta. What does this feat mean to you?

I think it’s really just a reflection of my teammates and coaches putting me in a position to be successful.

Did you really score 53 points in 18 minutes? That is crazy? How do you do that?

My teammates did a great job of generating open looks for me and it was just one of those games where I shot at an efficient clip. I started off 9 for 9 from the three point line.

You never averaged more than 6,0ppg in a season in the NCAA. As a rookie now in Malta your averaging 28,0ppg. Has this massive scoring influx surprised you a bit and how do you explain it?

It hasn’t surprised me. I know that I have been capable of doing that but I also understand that you have to play a role. I played with very talented players in college that took on more of that scoring role. Here in Malta the team needs me to take more of that initiative and I knew I would be capable of that.

Did you always know that you had such great scoring potential in your blood?

No, I really just always tried to understand the game and play the right way and I think just over time I became better at that.

Did you have a special breakfast or do something different on this day to help you achieve so many points?

No I didn’t, I try to keep to the same routine. I’m big on trusting the process and the results will take care of themselves.

How did you feel going into the game? Do you sometimes know how your game may go after warm ups and how your shot is feeling?

I felt good going into the game. My body felt really good and my shot felt good in warmups. You can’t predict how the game will go based off that but it definitely helps your confidence going into it.

How did you get into the game flow? How rapidly did you know that you might have a real good scoring day?

I came into the game and made 4 3’s straight early on. I knew it would be a good shooting day at that point but I wasn’t really concerned about the scoring.

The team had 43 assists in the game and you 4. 11 teammates had assists. Could a teammate ask for more unselfishness within a team than that?

I think that just is a reflection of how unselfish we are as a team and why we have had the success that we have had.

Did you know in the fourth quarter that you were close to 50 points?

I actually didn’t play in the 4th quarter but I wasn’t paying attention to the points.

One can´t forget that you hit 12 three´s, one loss than Steph Curry´s most. Not many guys have hit 10 or more three´s as a pro player. Your from Davidson, North Carolina where Steph Curry went to school. What does that mean to you?

I’m actually from Concord NC but I did go to high school school in Davidson North Carolina at Davidson Day School. Obviously Steph Curry being from the area is someone you embrace just because of what he’s been able to accomplish. But hitting that many 3’s and breaking the record in the Malta league was definitely special.

What was your favorite own basket of the 53 point game?

Honestly don’t have one.

Did you get any special messages from people that you might not have expected from?

No special text messages.

Did you have to get your teammates donuts after game?

No I did not, I just got water poured on me.

Thanks Jackson for the chat

Versatile Josh Harris Is An Underrated Defender Who Knows How To Win Titles

Josh Harris (196-F, college: Illinois Coll.) is a 196cm guard that was briefly overseas in Germany for his rookie season with the TuS59 Hamm Stars and team Nikola Tesla in Hamburg. He played at Illinois College (NCAA3) form 2021-2025 playing a total of 98 games. In his freshman season he averaged 5.0ppg, 1.6rpg, 1.1apg, FGP: 48.5%, 3PT: 29.6%, FT: 61.1%. In his second season he averaged 12.3ppg, 3.3rpg, 1.4apg, FGP: 42.3%, 3PT: 34.5%, FT: 60.8%. In his junior season he averaged 13.8ppg, 3.3rpg, 2.6apg, 1.3spg, FGP: 43.5%, 3PT: 38.2%, FT: 63.7% and as a senior averaged 15.2ppg, 4.5rpg, 2.4apg, FGP: 37.5%, 3PT: 27.1%, FT: 74.1%. He spoke to germanhoops.com last summer about basketball.

Thanks Josh for talking to germanhoops.com. How blessed do you feel to be playing overseas? Not many former NCAA 3 players get a chance to become professional?

I am extremely blessed with all glory to God. And yes I know there aren´t many people from division 3 but there have been some and I always thought I was next.

Your playing your rookie season with TuS 59 HammStars (Germany-Regionalliga). What did you know in general about the country Germany and it´s basketball?

If you want to be honest before looking it up I knew not a lot but watching some youtube videos I found out that Germany along with some other countries is a good starting point to begin your career

Did you ever have former teammates or opponents ball in overseas?

Yes I have a bunch of former opponents and teammates that currently play overseas to name a few Troy Burrows is in China, Keenon Cole is in the Czech republic, and Duane Goodman is heading to Malta.

What were the main reasons for you joining TuS 59 HammStars (Germany-Regionalliga). What really stood out for you most about this organization?

I love how professional they are with things. When I talked to coach they had dreams on being champions and I like to compete for championships when I play.

How did the talks go with head coach Ivan Rosic? What did you appreciate instantly about his basketball philosophy?

I love my talks with coach Rosic. He let me know right away their expectations are to win a championship and let me know clearly what my role would be on the team when I got here. Love how he talked about offense will come, we want to be the best defensive team in the league.

You had a great college career. In the German Regionalliga it is the imports that usually have to carry the team. Do you feel any pressure?

I would be lying if I said I didn’t feel any pressure but I trust the work I put in to get to this point and the work I’m going to continue to put in throughout the season.

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

I would say I play a lot like Austin Reaves a combo guard who can play on or off ball

Coach Ivan Rosic defines you as a great leader. How developed did you leadership skills get at Illinois College where you won 2 MWC titles?

I would say my last two years in school, I was considered one of the leaders so if I wanted to or not I had to be the one to push my teammates to be the best they can be every day.

You’re a guy that fills the stat sheet well. How much of a versatile player would you describe yourself?

I would consider myself very versatile I can move off the ball and play that way but I am also a bigger point guard who can control the offense and create for others

Is it fair to say that your 3 pointer is still a work in progress? What is your biggest goal this season with your outside shooting?

I would say just being confident in my shot. If you check I shot almost 40% from 3 my junior year of college and senior year I just lost a little bit of confidence in it but I know I can shoot the ball at a high level.

How would you describe your defensive game? Is it fair to say that your still a raw defender? What kind of a defender would you call yourself now and what kind of defender do you still want to become?

I would say my defense is a very underrated part of my game. I would say yes I would love to improve to be better but I am not a liability on that end of the floor. If you check high school and college my teams are some of the best defenses in the state or nation and I am a part of that. I would say I can hold my own on that end but I want to get to a point where you don’t even want the ball around me.

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

I would say my strength the game here is a lot more physical and I want to get stronger to last over here. I want to get more athletic and also want to improve my shooting.

You played at Illinois College (NCAA3) from 2021-2025 playing 98 games. You improved your scoring average each season. How did your game grow in your 4 years? What kind of a player were you in 2021 and what kind now?

I would say the game slowed down for me throughout my 4 years and understanding how to play within the system picking my spots. I would say I was strictly a slasher in 2021 trying to beat people with my speed and that’s it. Now I am scorer that knows when to shoot or drive and get to my spots.

You won 2 MWC titles. Which one was sweeter?

I would say the first one was sweeter from my sophomore year because it was the first time in school history so that was a special moment.

You had so many great games at Illinois College including a 30 point explosion against Wisconsin-Lutheran. What was your best game in school?

I would say my 36 point game against Knox I just feel like I showed all parts of my game in that game and we won with a clutch shot made by me.

How did head coach Steve Schweer groom and prepare you best for a pro career?

I would say just prepared me as a man to be out on my own in the real world.

Who won a 1-1 in practice you or Jake Mazrimas?

Aye he won’t tell you but I won

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

No one in the NCAA reached that I played against but in high school I played against Max Christie

Please name your 5 best teammates of all-time?

Ben Vanderwal, Jake Mazrimas, Buzz Ritzel, Will Rogers, Jemari Moore

Please list your personal NBA Mount Rushmore?

Lebron James, Michael Jordan, Kobe Bryant, Stephen Curry

Who is your GOAT?

Kobe Bryant

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

I haven’t seen this

Thanks Josh for the chat.

Overseas Baller Eugene Campbell Experienced The Horror In Jordan With No Water Or Heat But Finally Is Back On US Soil

Eugene Campbell III (190-G-1995, college: NJCU, agency: Daggers Sports)l is a 30 year old 190cm guard from New Jersey living the ballers dream having played overseas now for six years. He has played in countries like Moldova, Armenia, Portugal, Bosnia, Peru Malta and Jordan. He began his basketball career at East Brunswick high school and then played 2 years at Middlesex County College (JUCO) averaging 15.4ppg, 3.6rpg, FGP: 48.6%, 3PT: 39.5%, FT: 92.9% in his last season. He then played 35 games at New Jersey City University (NCAA3) from 2016-2018. He spoke to geramnhoops.com about the horror that he experienced in the country of Jordan.

Thanks Eugene for talking to germanhoops.com. You have been a pro overseas almost 10 years having played in Moldova, Armenia, Portugal, Bosnia, Peru, Malta, Lebanon and Jordan. What was the worst experience that you have had with all the politics off the court before this season?

The worst experience that I have had is my situation in Jordan I have never been in a situation like this in my life. I was sitting in the house for almost two weeks without playing basketball water was cut off for hours there was no heat for multiple days and the stove didn’t work after my second day there. I was supposed to play the Jordanian cup which consisted of 3-4 games and after that I would go back to USA I had a game fresh off the flight 3 hours after I landed. We won the game and I had 23 points 9 rebounds and 5 assists with 0 turnovers. Everyone told me I had a great game and played well and we achieved victory. I thought everything was good until the coach messaged me after practice the following day saying I was cut from the team. I accepted it even though I didn’t understand it. He also told me in the message I will get your salary as well as your flight home and he asked me for my flight details afterwards. I gave them my airport information and afterwards got no response. I was off the team not asked to practice with the team and kicked out the group chat so I was just sitting in the house not playing basketball no gym access just waiting. Days went by and I’m asking about to the information of my flight and money so I can get home and no one is giving me clear communication. The coach told me go to the agent the agent told me go to the coach. They were blaming each other for days and didn’t want to help me. My agent told me the club can only fly me from Turkey because my layover to Jordan was in Turkey. He also suggested Greece randomly and the reason for that can only be because my cousin Kenneth Faried who heard the conversation plays basketball in Greece and he was trying to send me there to make him fly me back to America. They were trying to be cheap and unreasonable instead of getting me home. I was told eventually they I had to evacuate the apartment in the morning and that is when I took matters into my own hands and when I went on social media to let my friends and family know how I was being treated. This changed everything immediately. My posts went viral and I received a lot of support from social media and it forced the management to speak up. They were so flooded with posts that the management took the club page down off instagram. They eventually tried to hit me up and said take the post down if you want to fly home. I was told to take something down to fight for myself for them to give me a flight they were already supposed to give me. It was horrible. I refused to take it down and they finally got my flight and let me go home. I didn’t get my money but it was more important for me to get home safely because I felt like I was danger at some point.

This season has been a roller coaster ride as you have played in Malta, Lebanon and Jordan. When you look at your career is it all worth what you have experienced this season?

Malta was a great experience shoutout to coach Harry for giving me the opportunity to play in Malta and perform great numbers to get into Lebanon. Shoutout to Faisal and the Crew Management for getting me a job in Lebanon to play for Hrajel Tadamon. Everything was great until I was injured because the glass in the shower exploded and left me with several cuts on my body including a huge gash on my hand. I had to get 7 stitches in my hand and even at this very moment my hand hasn’t completely closed. Unfortunately because of this injury I missed 3 games. Shortly after this the season was cut short in Lebanon because of the war. I felt like I needed to play more games and get more film so when I was presented with the opportunity to go to Jordan while I was in Turkey I took it. Taking this opportunity started off great but ended really bad. The person responsible for the trusted Jordanian basketball page the Coach of Inglizia club and the Crew management were all responsible for what transpired to me. There is no one specific person to give all the blame to but all three of them made this situation difficult for me and there was a lot of lies and shady business going on that led to my situation being what it was.

I guess you really have to love the game to have to experience so much hardship off the court with clubs?

I love the game with all my heart but I will never deal with this type of situation ever again I wish everyone the best for who were involved in this deal but I will be parting ways with all parties in the situation because they not only effected my mental health but they tried to make me look like I was the issue knowing they were doing shady business.

You began the season in Malta with Valletta Dream (Malta-BOV League D1) averaging 35,0 points per game. How do you summarize your stay there?

Malta was a great country the coaching staff was great the team was great and the league was fun. The only problem was the money and we had to take time to develop chemistry with the club in order to win games. My teammates are great people and I talk to them till this day. If they had the money I wanted I would of stayed but I told Coach Harry my situation and he understood.

You only practiced twice a week. Was this the best opportunity to work relentlessly in the gym or was gym time also a problem?

Even though we practiced twice a week I was in the gym everyday because we had access to the gym everyday and I also had a membership at 24/7 fitness so I was able to go to the gym

At any hour of the day. The two practices a week were not that bad because we only played once a week and I was able to have time to recover after games because I played almost 39 minutes every game.

Then you landed in Lebanon with Tadamon Hrajel (Lebanon-DLBL). You only played 5 games and lost 4. The one game you won you scored 30 points. How do you summarize your month in Lebanon ?

Lebanon was cool shoutout to the Crew agency for making it happen but it was a strange situation with the club having a bad losing record and players being swapped when I arrived. The team definitely had good people they just weren’t as organized as other teams in the league. The new president was great and paid me on time so I had no issues with money. They honored the contract and we’re professional. The coach was a great person but I didn’t understand his method at times because we had no set plays but he was a great coach and respected me as a professional. Overall Lebanon was a great experience I became close with my teammates I made good money and I was able to help the club win its first game.

You then moved to Al Inglizia Sports Club (Jordan-Premier League). With what expectations did you come to Jordan this time? You already had played in Jordan once with Shabab Bushra.

I thought that Al Inglizia was going to be similar to Shabab Bushra because I had a great time with Shabab Bushra. Those guys are my brothers. I talk to my teammates from Shabab Bushra almost everyday they are great people and I love them. That is the best group of guys I ever played with in my whole career. Even though they weren’t rich in money they were rich in brotherhood and respect. English club was a club with more money but treated me strange. I felt like that were two faced, they would smile in my face but talk behind my back negatively. They’re were teammates on this club that were great people who treated me like a brother and respected me. I had played against some of them last year in Jordan and they remembered how good I played and gave me the respect. I’ve learned that some people don’t care about the player they just care about the money. It’s very easy to do both but some people are greedy and that’s fine I will just remove myself from those situations. I wish the club the best of luck no bad blood they just have to treat players better because what I went through there is not ok.

But Jordan turned out to be different. You played 1 game and then the problems began. Please talk about your experiences? You had no water or heat.

The stove was not on after my second day we reached out and got no response the water was cut off for hours after 5 days and we got a response hours later and it was cut back on. The heat was cut off for about 4 to 5 days and we got no response. It wasn’t until I went viral on social media that they cut the stove on and had someone to put the heat in the apartment. I have all the screenshots and proper documentation to back up everything I said on this interview so if any one has a problem please feel free to contact me.

Have you had support from your teammates? Are you the lone American on the team?

I’ve had a tremendous amount of support from my teammates all three of us lived in the same house going through very similar issues. We stuck together throughout the process and made sure we had each others backs. I am grateful to have met them and I have built a bond with them that will last forever.

You wanted to get home to the States, but had no money. You started a Go Fund Me project. How did that come about?

I have money I just couldn’t use it because I had to replace my credit card due to a fraud transaction that was made in Lebanon. I ordered a new card in the mail but it wouldn’t let me activate my new card to my Apple wallet. I would have needed to physically activate it in order to use it. As a result I had no way to purchase the flight home and started the go fund me. The go fund me was amazing. I set the goal to 3.5k to get me home because at the time flights were around 2k and I wanted extra breathing room for my two check bags Uber money food and getting back to my home in New Jersey. In about 2 days I ended up raising about $16,000. My family, friends and community really had my back and I appreciate them very much. Because of the great amount of funds I offered to give people back their money on social media and if they didn’t want to give the money back it would go into Walkamilenourshoes non profit organization to give back to those in need. Walkamilenourshoes Inc provides shoes clothes toilet trees and essential needs for those who need it the most. I started the organization in 2019 and I have impacted the lives of many and will continue to do so. Since my community had my back and raised the funds to get me home and some it’s my priority to pour that right back into the community.

When a baller like yourself goes through a tough time like what you went through in Jordan, does one lose faith in the process of being a pro player overseas?

I never lost faith in being a pro overseas I just learned a valuable lesson. Pay attention to the early signs of bad business and remove yourself from the situation before it gets worse. I was warned by many people not to do business with these guys but because they had legitimate reputations and were getting people I know jobs I thought I was going to be in a good situation but I ended up being a part of the vicious cycle. I have no animosity or hatred towards the parties involved in this Jordan deal. I wish them the best of look in their respected jobs I just know to never do business with them again as they had myself as well as my family sleepless and worried over this situation. My family comes before all of these people and I will never put them in a situation like this ever again.

What advice can you give to other overseas ballers who may be going through these kind of problems?

The best advice I can give to other ballers is to never let people abuse you and get away with it. Speak up for yourself. It is 2026 social media rules the world speak up for what you believe in. Once I posted what was going on all parties involved in my situation ( The club the consultant and Agent) were communicating with me a lot more than when I was asking them nicely to get me home. It was as if they were scared. The club blocked me and deactivated their page for a little while because of the amount of people that tagged them on social media. Trusted Jordan basketball blocked me on everything because he was scared and didn’t want to take accountability for what he did to me. My agent provided a lot of false information and was playing both sides even though he knew the club was wrong for what they did. Moral of the story speak up and make sure you network with people and have a pure heart. When you do right by people, people do right by you and that’s why I get the support I got from my community.

How big is your love for the game still after this experience? Will you continue to play overseas? Your 30 and surely still have some good years in you.

I still have so much passion for the game and I won’t let this situation stop me from living my dream and doing what I love to do. I will just make sure that I work with people who want to do business the right way and that I am in a comfortable situation so I can properly do my job.

Thanks Eugene for the chat.

Jonathan Klussmann Hits Winning Free Throws Before Paying For Ticket To Watch Wishart’s Last Miss As Paderborn Upend The EPG Baskets Koblenz 95-93

With 7 games remaining in the Pro A regular season and the EPG Baskets Koblenz 2 wins away from the last playoff spot, it was a serious do or die situation for them as they faced Paderborn who had a poor 9-18 record needed a win for their fight to stay in the Pro A. The EPG Baskets Koblenz had been up and down the last weeks not being able to follow up a massive win against Wolmirstedt and Crailsheim with second wins. Paderborn came to Koblenz having lost 6 of their last 7 games. Paderborn was a must win for Koblenz as the next games following were against top 5 teams Eisbaeren Bremerhaven and BG Goettingen. The EPG Baskets Koblenz had to stick together as one of their most consistent players and leader Tim Smith Jr and guard scorer Aleksa Kovacevic were both out. Plus Koblenz also wanted to seek revenge after their loss in Paderborn earlier in the season. However the EPG Baskets couldn´t seek revenge and had to accept a tough 95-93 loss at the end as Danish national player Jonathan Klussmanm made a clutch lay in and free throws to seal the victory on the road. “The first half was really good for us, but the second half not as good. We let them come back. We made good decisions at the end and just kept attacking and executed well”, stressed Paderborn Basket guard Jonathan Klussmann (190-G-2002). The EPG Baskets showed their fight qualities especially in the second half and could have won the game at the end with a Wishart game winner, but the basketball God just wasn´t on their side this time as in Crailsheim some weeks earlier. “We had a slow start. I feel like we were nervous. We knew that a lot was at stake in this game. We fought well and at the end it could have gone either way. We defended really well in the second half”, stressed EPG Baskets Koblenz forward Jannis Sonnefeld.

Calvin Wishart at the FT line

893 fans arrived in the CGM arena on a mild Monday night to witness a horrible start by the EPG Baskets who quickly fell deep in the hole trailing 10-0 after a few minutes. Paderborn attacked the rim 4 times and got easy baskets by Klussmann twice, once by Tennessee native Grant Teichmann and from German youth national player Leonard Kroeger. Koblenz had zero energy and was exhibiting horrible 1-1 defense. However Koblenz finally found their groove after a time out at the 7, 20 minute mark and proved again that basketball will always be a game of runs as they punched back with a 12-4 run to trail only 14-12. Koblenz finally found their aggressiveness attacking the rim better as Minnesota native Calvin Wishart made free throws, Sonnefeld made a lay in as did ex Bonn center Alex Moeller and DJ Jeffries scored twice with his bread and butter mid distance shot. “Jeffries was so important in that come back. He did a great job. I like when he is aggressive. When he is aggressive, we automatically play better warned EPG Basket Koblenz guard Aleksa Kovacevic. Koblenz upped their defensive pressure and aggressiveness forcing a few turnovers as Paderborn couldn´t get into the zone as easily anymore. Paderborn got some vital support from ex UC Irvine (NCAA) guard Eyassu Worku who added 4 points. Jeffries remained consistent and hot nailing a trey to dead lock the game at 18-18, but Klussmann continued to find his spots making a shot to give Paderborn the 20-18 lead after 10 minutes. “We had a slow start. I saw some nervousness in us. But once we found our flow, we got into the game well. We upped our defense and communicated better and got stops”, said Aleksa Kovacevic. The Paderborn Baskets shot 45% from the 2 point range and 33% from outside and had 9 rebounds and 5 turnovers while the EPG Baskets Koblenz shot 50% from the 2 point range and 25% from outside and had 5 rebounds and 3 turnovers.

Eyassu Worku from outside

In the second quarter the EPG Baskets Koblenz had highs and lows as they trailed by as many as 11 points and then cut the lead down to 4 points, but at half-time were down by 9 points. Like in the first quarter, the EPG Baskets had a horrible start allowing a 14-4 run to trail 34-22. In the run the guests got their offense going well and got great support from the bench from ex Rhondorf guard Matej Silic who added 7 points showing his 3 level scorer qualities with a trey, reverse lay up and mid distance jumper. He was really focused to play against his ex coach Stephan Dohrn as he didn´t play much for him a few seasons ago in Rhondorf. American Ohio native Branden Maughmer also gave good support adding 6 points as he was finding his spots well. The Koblenz defense had lost aggressiveness again and were giving up easy baskets in the paint. But Koblenz never gave up and began to chip away at the Paderborn lead and retaliated with a lethal 13-5 run to trail 39-35. Koblenz got great support from ex Oldenburg center Marko Bacak who scored 3 times in the paint, ex Munster guard Julian Larry added 4 points and 2018 NBBL champion Badu Buck stroked home a trey. But that was as close as Koblenz got as Paderborn always had an answer as Koblenz was unable to string along consecutive stops. Paderborn got good support from the bench from ex Skyliner Aaron Kayser with 4 points while Kevin Osawe hit a trey to lead 46-38. Alex Moeller added free throws to trail 46-40, but Paderborn kept feeding Klussmann the ball as he added 4 points and was perfect at the break at 4/4 from the field and 6/6 from the free throws line as Paderborn led 51-42 at the break. “We couldn´t get consecutive stops. We had one good defensive possession and then 2 bad defensive possessions. We turned over the ball too much and couldn´t get out on transition at all. We allowed too many easy baskets off the pick and roll”, stated Aleksa KJovacevic. The Paderborn Baskets shot 52” from the 2 point area and 63% from the three point line and had 14 rebounds and 7 turnovers while the EPG Baskets Koblenz shot 58% from the 2 point area and 22% from the three point line and had 13 rebounds and 6 turnovers.

Marko Bacak from outside

In the third quarter the Paderborn Baskets continued to control the game in the first 5 minutes, and lead by as much as 13 points, but the EPG Baskets Koblenz then staged a comeback and trailed only by 4 points after 30 minutes. Klussmann continued his hot shooting from the first half and nailed 2 more off balance shots that were tough to be 6/6 from the field up to that point and give Paderborn the 57-45 advantage. Little mistakes kept Koblenz from getting over the hump as Calvin Wishart was issued a technical foul while Paderborn´s bench gave good support from American Jalen Johnson who scored twice keeping Koblenz at bay leading 64-56. But Koblenz continued to fight and were led by Calvin Wishart who only had 4 points at the break, but 5 assists as he allowed his playmaking to shine, now stepped up as the scorer and took command and led his team on a 11-5 run to suddenly only trail 69-65. In the run he was supper aggressive finding his spots better and adding 4 points on free throws and a step back jumper. Ex Hagen guard Devonte McCall also added a lay in and Sonnefeld free throws. Koblenz was able to add a few stops after another and rebounded better. Wishart would add another trey, but Paderborn had the 73-69 advantage after 3 quarters as Jalen Johnson continued to get easy scores inside. “We knew what was at stake. We were more focused and didn´t want to lose at home”, added Jannis Sonnefeld. “We had some bad turnovers and also some misfortune. It happens in the game. They also hit more shots and had dome momentum going into the last quarter”, added Jonathan Klussmann. The Paderborn Baskets shot 56% from the 2 point area and 50% from the parking lot and had 21 rebounds and 11 turnovers while the EPG Baskets Koblenz shot 56% from the 2 point area and 36% from the parking lot and had 16 rebounds and 8 turnovers.

Jalen Johnson at the FT line

In the fourth quarter the EPG Baskets Koblenz supplied even more pressure and it was only a question of time when they would achieve their first lead of the game. Osawe would vanish for minutes and then make a big shot as he nailed a trey and Paderborn led 76-69. But then occurred the turning point of the game as the EPG Baskets exploded for 16 unanswered points in a row to get the commanding 85-76 lead. Wishart led the charge with 9 points while Larry added a pretty reverse lay up and Buck 5 points including a beautiful three pointer of the side step. “I wouldn´t compare that shot to a Shai Gillgeous-Alexander shot. I practice that shot very much and I have confidence taking it. I´m worlds apart from Shai´s game”, commented Badu Buck. “Our defense fell apart. They got easy baskets against our defense and off turnovers”, stated Jonathan Klussmann. Koblenz forced 4 turnovers in a row and demonstrated that they be a force on the defensive end when the aggressiveness and mentality is there. “I think that run was the best defense we played this season. We were all ready to play”, expressed Jannis Sonnefeld. Even if it took a few minutes, Paderborn had an answer and fiercely punched back with an annoying 6-0 run with back to back three´s by Maughmer and Worku as suddenly Koblenz led only 85-82. One could see that Koblenz was starting to fatigue as the absences of Smith Jr and Kovacevic hurt them. Paderborn would be benefited with some more stops, Koblenz turnovers and a Buck unsportsmanship foul which all led to 4 points form Maughmer as Paderborn led 88-85. With crunch-time arrived, both teams began to punch back and trade leads as Sonnefeld and Buck baskets gave Koblenz the 89-88 lead. But Paderborn continued to attack the tiring 1-1 Koblenz defense getting lay in´s by Maughmer and Klussmann for the 93-89 lead. Koblenz then got clutch buckets from Jeffries and Wishart to tie the game at 93-93. Klussmann then connected on free throws for the 95-93 lead. Koblenz had one more possession as Calvin Wishart had the ball and settled for a step back trey from the top of the key that fell short ending the game. “I think that we were a bit tired at the end. We allowed easy baskets. I watch Calvin´s last shot fly by. Unfortunately it was a little short”, said Jannis Sonnefeld. “I had to keep attacking at the end. I have a special touch to draw fouls. It´s all about feeling optimistic and finding the gaps. Sometimes it works and sometimes it doesn´t. I paid a ticket at the end to watch Wishart´s shot. He likes taking those shots. It´s still a tough shot. Teichmann played good defense on him”, said Jonathan Klussmann. The Paderborn Baskets were led by Jonathan Klussmann with 24 points while Branden Maughmer added 16 points and Eyassu Worku 14 points while the EPG Baskets Koblenz were led by Calvin Wishart with 27 points while DJ Jeffries added 15 points. The Paderborn Baskets shot 52% from the field and 56% from outside and had 27 rebounds and 17 turnovers while the EPG Baskets Koblenz shot 53% from the field and 39% from outside and had 21 rebounds and 13 turnovers.,

Brandton Chatfield(Nurnberg Falcons) Is A Versatile Offensive Player That Wants To Be Able To Guard 1-5.

Pic credit: Zink

Brandton Chadfield is a 24 year old 208cm forward from Washington playing his rookie season for Pro A team Nurnberg Falcons. He began his basketball career at Clarkston High School and then played 7 games at Washington State. He then played 3 years at Seattle University (NCAA) averaging 4.2ppg, 3.4rpg, 7.0ppg, 5.1rpg, 1.1bpg, FGP: 69.1%, 3PT: 39.3%, FT: 87.0%and 9.3ppg, 5.3rpg, FGP: 65.8%, 3PT: 29.0%, FT: 67.1%. He finished his NCAA career at Iowa State University playing 35 games averaging 3.8ppg, 3.1rpg. He spoke to germanhoops.com about basketball.

Thanks Brandton for talking to germanhoops.com. Your playing your rookie season with German Pro A team Nuernberg Falcons BC (Germany-ProA). What kind of an experience has it been for you? What have you enjoyed most about the experience?
It has been a great experience so far, my wife has moved over here with me so that has definitely helped me a lot. My teammates and coaches have made the transition much easier. I have really enjoyed all the amazing places I’ve been able to see already, as well as the welcoming environment the fans have given me.

What was your wake up call to being a rookie overseas where you knew that you were far away from home?
One wake up call was going to the supermarket for the first time, and not recognizing much of the things I am used to back home, as well as trying to learn Deutsch to be able to read items at the grocery store. On the basketball side of things, I think it was one of our first preseason games at Crailsheim, I expected the game to maybe have a few fans, mostly family and friends of each team. But when it just kept getting more and more full, I realized that it was much different than America. But I had a really good time and enjoyed playing once some of the butterflies went away.

Nurnberg has had a roller coaster season so far winning the first 2, then losing 4 and then a 4 game winning streak. How can you explain the early season play as of now?
We had a very strong pre-season and I feel like that carried into the beginning of the season. But after those first two games we began struggling defensively, and we weren’t functioning as well as we could have been, as seen in the preseason. We have put some hard work and dedication into our defensive fundamentals, clearing up how we want to defend certain actions, and this has helped us succeed.

The team has been playing good basketball as of late and won 2 nail bitters. What strides have you seen the team make in the last weeks?
With the improvements we’ve been making on the defensive end it has allowed us to get more in transition and get out and run the ball. This helps the team become more confident on the offensive end, and allows us to have more flow through our offense.

Your averaging 13/87stats. You have needed no adjustment period. What has been your secret to the success?
I did a lot of work over this past summer working on my offensive game with a former overseas pro big man who played in Japan. This really helped me gain the confidence to score the ball more, And the preseason helped me find where I fit within the team, and helped define what my role was going to be this year.

How key have German guys Julius Wolf and Lars Lagerpusch been for you? Have they been like mentors in the early going? What have you soaked up most from him so far?
Both Wolf and Lagerpusch have helped me a lot, in terms of understanding the way European basketball is played and helped to adapt my game to the different play style. They both give me tons of tips all the time, that I try and implement right away to improve my game.

Let’s talk about your game. You’re a 208cm forward. If you had to compare your game to a NBA player who would best fit the description.
If I had to compare my game to an NBA player, I believe that Brook Lopez would best fit the description, I really like the way he plays, for example getting to the boards, being able to battle inside, but also not afraid to go out and shoot the 3.

You’re a versatile forward. Would you describe yourself as a modern day big man. What are your biggest strengths on the court?
I would describe myself as a modern day big man, but I feel as if one of my main ways of scoring the ball is with my back to the basket, as well as offensive rebounding. And I take a lot of pride on my defensive capabilities, whether it is guarding the ball screen or switching onto a smaller player.

Your three pointer has been up and down the last years but currently shooting 57%. Your shot selection has been very good. What goals do you have with your shooting this season?
My goals for shooting this season are to be confident in my 3 point shot and take good ones when they are available. I try my best to work for a good position inside, but if the shot is not there, I don’t want to force up any bad shots inside, even if they may have the chance, I would rather pass the ball to an open teammate and get the best possible position for an offensive rebound.

How would you describe your defensive game now? What kind of a defender are you now and what Kind of defender do you still want to become?
I am strong and physical player by nature, and I use that to my advantage on both ends of the floor, I can guard smaller players, but I want to continue to improve so I can guard 1-5, if I am needed too. I want to continue to work on my speed and quickness, and I want to be able to play tight to whoever I’m guarding, and be able to dictate where I want them to go.

On what areas of your game are you working on most now so you can continue to improve your game?
The areas that I am working on most are my 3 point shot, ball handling, and working on my driving game. As I feel as though all three can help expand my game, and be an asset to the team and having a big man that can do those things will help spread the court, and provide more scoring options.

You began your college career at Washington State University (NCAA) and was there from 2019-2021, but played only 7 games. How tough were these 2 years for you. Could you sample any positives from these years?
It was tough not playing but I was surrounded by a lot of great people that wanted to see me succeed, older teammates, the strength coach, and basketball coaches. They helped to push me to gain more weight, put on more muscle, and work extremely hard to become better. I am extremely thankful for my time at Washington State.
You were teammates for 2 seasons with DJ Rodman. What was it like being teammates with him? Did he ever tell any Dennis Rodman stories?
DJ Rodman is a great teammate and friend, he and Ryan Rapp were my best friends, and roommates, while going to school at Washington State. They saw potential in me and helped to push me to work hard, they are both extremely skilled players, and being able to go to the gym with them and see how they worked on their game helped me a lot.

You then moved to Seattle University (NCAA) averaging 4.2ppg, 3.4rpg, 7.0ppg, 5.1rpg, 1.1bpg, FGP: 69.1%, 3PT: 39.3%, FT: 87.0% and 9.3ppg, 5.3rpg, FGP: 65.8%, 3PT: 29.0%, FT: 67.1%. How big was making this decision to go there? How did your game grow in those 3 years?
The decision to transfer to Seattle was a big one, it was hard leaving everything at Washington State, but everyone around me knew it was the best decision as I would be earning a scholarship there and getting some real minutes playing. It helped me gain a lot of confidence and found out who I was as a player, and how I would be able to score the ball and help my team. I appreciate the entire staff at Seattle for my development, both past and present.

How valuable was head coach Chris Victor for your development? What was the most important thing that you could learn from his coaching?
The entire coaching staff was amazing at Seattle from my first to last year there. All of the knowledge they instilled in me is invaluable. The most important thing I could learn from their coaching was that I need to work my best to be an everyday guy. Of course you will have your good and bad games, but doing your best to be consistent both in practice and in games can help your team and teammates in a lot of different ways.

You won the CBI title in 2024 beating High Point. How much did you cherish this title? What memories do you have of it?
I cherish this title a lot, it was the first championship, outside of regionals, that I had won in my basketball career. The team and I worked hard to get there, and we showed up everyday in that post season, as our mindset was to win the whole thing from the beginning. My most vivid memory was coming to the top of the key, catching and shooting the three, it may not have been the best choice in that moment giving the situation of the game, and I hadn’t had as great of shooting year as the previous year, but it went in, and helped give us a boost to finish the championship game strong.

You then added a season with Iowa State University (NCAA) playing 35 games averaging 3.8ppg, 3.1rpg. You averaged 13 minutes per game and reached the NCAA tournament. What positives could you take from this season
The positives I can take from my last season with Iowa State, are that even though I had built confidence when at Seattle, I was able to gain more and understand that I belong at a high level of basketball. I appreciate Coach TJ and the entire staff at Iowa State for believing in me and giving me the amazing opportunity to play in an amazing program, at the highest levels of college basketball.

You played against all the top school beating Arizona and Arizona State and others. What was your fondest experience on the court?
My fondest experience on the court would have to probably be in the moments when we would get a stop through strong defense, either by forcing a turnover, or forcing a bad pass that would go out of bounds. After this I would be able to celebrate for a couple of seconds with my teammate, while the crowd would be cheering like crazy in Hilton Coliseum.

Who won a 1-1 in practice you or Dishon Jackson?
It just depended on the day, he’s a great player and we both had times where we won 1v1s in practice.

You played against many great players in the NCAA, but who was the toughest battle that is in the NBA now?
I have had a lot of tough battles, its hard to put my finger on just one player.

Please name your best teammates of all-time?
I have had many great teammates throughout the years. One of them is Kobe Williamson. He is playing in Australia’s NBL. He was my roommate and best friend for the three years I was at Seattle. Although we played the same position, he always pushed me everyday to become my best self.

If you had to construct your very own NBA mount Rushmore which 4 heads would you?
For all time, I would probably have to choose Michael Jordan, Lebron James, Kareem Abdul-Jabbar, and it is tied for the last spot between Larry Bird and Stephen Curry.

Who is your GOAT?
Michael Jordan

Did you see the sequel to the classic Coming To America? Shouldn’t they have left it alone?
I have, I didn’t think it was too bad, but nothing can beat the original movie!

Thanks Brandton for the chat.

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