Author: mschmidtscheuber

Knock Down Shooter Quinton Green(Bulls Kapfenberg) Continues To Grow As A Shooter But Continues To Work Hard On His Situational Awareness Defensively

Quinton Green (201-G-1998, college: Valpo) is a 27 year old 201cm guard from Columbus, Ohio playing his second professional season and first with HEFTE HELFEN Bulls Kapfenberg (Austria-BSL). He played his rookie season with Zalakeramia ZTE KK (Hungary-A Division) averaging 6.0ppg, 3.9rpg, 1.5apg, 2FGP: 70.0%, 3FGP: 13.8%, FT: 72.7%, left in Dec.’23, later that month moved to UBSC Raiffeisen Graz (Austria-BSL) averaging 13.7ppg, 4.6rpg, 1.0apg, 1.1spg, FGP: 48.5%, 3PT: 41.8%, FT: 90.1%. He began his basketball career at Central Ohio Home school and then played at Cedarville University (NCAA2) from 2018-2022 playing a total of 107 games and then added an extra season at Valparaiso University (NCAA) averaging 10.6ppg, 4.7rpg, FGP: 50.0%, 3PT: 33.2%, FT: 75.4%. He spoke to germanhoops.com before a ENBL game against German club MBC.

Thanks Quinton for talking to germanhoops.com. Your playing your first season with the HEFTE HELFEN Bulls Kapfenberg (Austria-BSL). What kind of an experience has it been for you? What have you enjoyed most about the experience?

It´s been a great experience so far here in Kapfenberg! Me and my wife feel like Kapfenberg is a second home for us and the Bulls organization have welcomed us with open arms and have made us feel loved since the beginning. So again the best part of our experience so far has been the Bulls family.

As a guy from Ohio, what has it been like living overseas? What have you learned to appreciate most about the Austrian culture?

It´s definitely a culture shock and there are some new and different things here that I’m not fully accustomed to yet. I really appreciate the raw beauty of Austria such as the mountains and rugged terrain.

The organization has won 17 club titles and the last in 2020. Do you feel that urgency of the organization to win again?

Yes I sincerely do! I know the team we have this year is special and I believe we will continue on succeeding and shocking people. We came up just short in the Austrian Cup final but I believe everything happens for a reason and I know the lessons from the loss will be instrumental when the Top 6 and playoff rounds come.

What has been your summary of the season. The club is near the top of the BSL standings but struggling in the ENBL. What have been the reasons for the up and down play?

While we are struggling in to get wins in the ENBL, the games have given us a bit more of an edge when it comes to playing BSL games. I also think that we have played most of our ENBL games pretty well outside of a couple of minutes here and there. But that´s the beauty of succeeding and failing, we learn from our mistakes and become better.

Your playing a solid second season in the BSL and ENBL. How content have you been with your game?

I don´t think I will ever completely be content with my game, there will always be something I can improve on. I am always trying to perfect different aspects of my game and watching film in order to make myself a more complete player.

After a tough start as a rookie last season in Hungary, you came to Austria and played with Graz. The Austrian BSL seems to fit your game. How has your game continued to evolve in Austria?

My game hasn’t changed much at all from when I was in Hungary, I just believe that I gained a huge amount of confidence and that has propelled– and will continue to propel me forward in my career.

You played your rookie season with Zalakeramia ZTE KK (Hungary-A Division (Hungary-A Division) averaging 6.0ppg, 3.9rpg, 1.5apg, 2FGP: 70.0%, 3FGP: 13.8%, FT: 72.7%, left in Dec.’23, later that month moved to UBSC Raiffeisen Graz (Austria-BSL) averaging 13.7ppg, 4.6rpg, 1.0apg, 1.1spg, FGP: 48.5%, 3PT: 41.8%, FT: 90.1%. What do you remember being your wake up call as a rookie where you knew that you were far away from home?

Defintely leaving Hungary was a wake up call for me. I knew that I just needed to be confident in all the things I did going forward. In Hungary I was afraid to fail because I wanted to succeed so much and it showed in my play. In Austria, I knew I needed to just start having fun again because that is when I am at my best. Playing free without the fear of failure in my head.

You played in 2 playoff series in Austria as a rookie and scored 36 points in a game with 9 three´s. Was that game against Klosterneuburg the greatest game in your career?

At that point in my career it was my greatest game of my career because of the playoff stakes attached to it. No one expected us to beat them and we shocked a lot of people and it was the best feeling.

Let´s talk about your game. Your a 201cm guard. If you had to compare your game to an NBA player who would best fit the description?

Its hard to compare myself to just one player because I watch so much film of so many different guys and try to analyze differences in each of their games and apply it to mine. But someone that I watch a lot of is Wade Baldwin IV in the Euroleague and Devin Booker in the NBA.

You’re a player that can score, rebound and has a great three point shot. What would you classify as your biggest weapon on the court?

My biggest weapon is definitely my three point shot but I am quick and try to find advantages in transition after a stop on defense.

How have you seen the development of your three pointer overseas? What steps do you want to make in the next years with your shot?

I want to get better at my shot selection at certain times but I also want to be more consistent.

Let´s talk about your defensive game. What kind of a defender would you classify yourself right now and what kind of a defender do you still want to become?

I would grade myself as a C+ defensively. I want to be better at controlling my distances when picking up players full court and my foul selection during games.

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

Right now I am working on my situational awareness defensively and working on my pace on offense. Trying to balance those out will give me a more complete game while also being in the weight room and trying to put on a little more weight.

You played at Cedarville University (NCAA2) from 2018-2022 and reached 2 G-Mac finals. How do you remember your time there? Which final was the toughest to digest?

The last G-Mac finals we reached was the hardest because it was the second year we lost the final and we knew it was the last time that group would be together on the court in our conference final. It still hurts me to this day.

In your second season, you hit a buzzer beater at half against Findlay, OH, but then had to suffer a buzzer beater to lose the game. How crazy was that game? What memories do you have of that game?

I still remember this game like it was yesterday and it still stings the same. Findlay was a rival and at that point we hadn’t beaten them yet in my career and it usually wasn’t close. But that game I shot well and we had played them great pretty much the entire game. Its funny, I still think it was a shot malfunction but that’s the conspiracy.

You played 4 years with Branden Maughmer who is playing his second season in Germany. Did you guys become brothers there?

Yes, that’s my family 100%! He was at my wedding as one of my groomsmen and we still talk everyday!

You had many great games at Cedarville like having a 30 point game in a win over Lynn. What was your fondest moment on the court there?

There were a ton of great moments I still think about daily with my time at Cedarville but my fondest memory took place in our locker room during my last year. It was after we lost the G-Mac final and we gathered to watch the Selection Show for the field of the NCAA tournament. We found out we made it for the first time in our school’s history. It brings tears to my eyes just thinking about it because I truly loved every single person in that locker room.

How valuable was head coach Pat Estepp in your early basketball development? What area of your game did he help you most with?

He was huge in my basketball development and my development as a man! He taught me so many life lessons and I am extremely indebted to him. The area he developed me most was my mental game.

You added a season at Valparaiso University (NCAA) averaging 10.6ppg, 4.7rpg, FGP: 50.0%, 3PT: 33.2%, FT: 75.4%. How valuable was Matt Lottich as a coach to help give you that last push at Valpo with your game?

Matt Lottich and Coach Gore were huge in developing me for the pro level at Valpo, although it did not translate to wins I am extremely grateful for those all those guys back at Valpo!

Who won a 1-1 in practice you or Connor Tenhove?

This is hilarious, most definitely me!

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

I’ve played against a couple of good guys but the most impressive was Obi Toppin from Dayton University.

Please name your 5 best teammates of all-time?

Conner Tenhove, Branden Maughmer, Demond Parker, Patrick Bain, and Darius Deaveiro

Please list your personal NBA Mount Rushmore?

Lebron, Kobe, MJ, Steph

Who is your GOAT?

Lebron Raymone James is my GOAT.

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

They should have just left it alone haha!

Thanks Quinton for the chat.

Julian Larry´s(EPG Baskets) # 1 Strength Is His Speed And Having Been A Quarterback Helps His Playmaking Shine Through

Julian Larry (190-G, college: Texas) is a 190cm guard from Texas playing his rookie season overseas in Germany with the EPG Baskets Koblenz. He began the season with Munster averaging 12,3ppg, 1,9rpg, 3,6aqpg and 1,4spg. He began his basketball career at Lone Star High School and then played at Indiana State (NCAA) from 2020-2024 amassing a total of 128 games. He then added an extra season with the University Of Texas. He spoke to germanhoops.com about his basketball career.

Thanks Julian for talking to eurobasket.germanhoops.com. Let´s talk about your game. Your a 190cm guard. If you had to compare your game to a NBA player who would best fit the description?

My game has changed a little. At first I was compared more to Ja M orant, but now I´m shooting more jump shots and I play more like a mix of Tyrese Haliburton and Shai Gillgeous-Alexander.

You played quarterback in high school. How has your football skills given you an advantage in your basketball development?

It has helped me. It has helped my playmaking being able to make all kinds of passes. It has also helped my timing and I do Like throwing the TD pass. My favorite pass is penetrating and seeing the open big but then kicking out to the three point line.

You’re a player that can fill the stat well. Talk about your offensive game. What are you biggest strengths of the court?

My speed is my #1 strength. I can push the pace well and get by the first line of defense. My playmaking is also a strength. I like getting guys involved. I showed with Munster that I could do that. I also can pick my spots well.

You shot really well at Indiana State from outside, but at Texas and Munster the shot was a work in progress. Talk a little about your three pointer development. What strides do you want to do overseas with your shot?

I had more open three´s and catch and shoot opportunities at Indiana State. I had a different system at Texas. I had less catch and shoot there and has more off the dribble. That effected my percentages. It was the same at Munster. I´m playing with better players in Koblenz and that will help my efficiency.

Your also a very ambitious defender at the guard position. Talk about what kind of a defender do are now and what kind of a defender you still want to become?

At the moment, I can be any type of defender. If you want me to pressure or chase shooters, I can do that. I want to become even more solid on defense down the road.

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

I´m working mostly on picking my spots.

You began your NCAA career at Indiana State improving your scoring each season. How vital was Josh Schertz in your basketball development in his 3 years with you?

Coach Schertz and his staff were super vital for my development at Indiana State. They really cared a lot about player development. I made my biggest jump there between my years 2-3. I asked coach how I can get better and we was straight up with me. I took it on chain and worked hard that summer. He told me things that players don´t always want to hear. I really respect him for that,

You were teammates with Swiss Army knife Cameron Henry. I loved watching him compete in Frankfurt a few seasons ago. What was your fondest moment with him on the court? Is he the best definition of the ultimate winner?

I can´t think of just one time with him. We had so many great moments together. Cam is the ultimate winner/Swiss army knife/competitor. I learned so much from his game and the mental side of the game.

What memories do you have of the incredible NIT run in 2024. How tough was the 79-77 loss to Seton Hall? You guys were so close. Is there a moment that is still in your mind?

I will never forget that whole NIT run. The 2 years with Coach Schertz before that were a lot of hard work, but also failure. After our loss to Bradley, we came back the next season and went straight to work. We all knew what to do and had a great season.

You then added 1 more season with the University of Texas (NCAA) averaging 4.7ppg, 1.5rpg, 3.0apg. What kind of an experience was this added season for you? Your minutes dropped from 34-19. What positives could you get from it?

I learned how to paly well with other really good players. I also learned how to fight through adversary and the business side of it.

Who won a 1-1 in practice you or Jordan Pope?

We didn´t play 1-1, but had great battles in 5-5.

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

Jadon Ivey, Walter Clayton and AJ Green.

Please name your 5 best teammates of all-time?

Trae Johnson, Tyre Key, Jake LaRavia, Cam Henry and Isaiah Swope

Please list your personal NBA Mount Rushmore

Kobe Bryant, Manu Ginooboli, Shai Gillgeous-Alexander and Steve Nash

Who is your GOAT?

Michael Jordan

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

Fore sure.

Thanks Julian for the chat.

Julian Larry´s Biggest Basketball Wish Is To Help The EPG Baskets Koblenz Make The Playoffs

Thanks Julian for talking to germanhoops.com You suffered a tough 115-67 loss in Nurnberg. That was definitely not the way you wanted to begin your new career in Koblenz. How much did this loss hurt?

That loss hurt for sure. That first game for me was more about learning everything and just observing. I watched first and played more in the fourth quarter. It was more about learning the team for me.

The EPG Baskets Koblenz allowed an unacceptable 33 points in the first quarter. After allowing 100 points to Phoenix Hagen the week before, how can one explain a start like this?

We have to be tighter together on defense. I feel like we have a really good team. It is just a few things that we have to string together and just push through it.

The EPG Baskets Koblenz scored better in the second quarter and were only down by 13 points at the break. However a 17-2 run early in the third quarter decided the game and the team allowed 57 points in the second quarter. What was the biggest deficiency on the defensive end for the 40 minutes?

Our transition defense really hurt us. Nurnberg are known for liking to throw the TD passes.

A big problem this season has been the mentality of the team when things don´t go well. There has to be more input vocally form the leaders. Do you see the team having some real soul searching in the next days?

I feel like we have to get back to the drawing board. We have to watch film and learn from our mistakes. Important is that we are better prepared for adversary when it comes again. Adversary is one of those things that comes a lot.

This is the kind of a loss where answers have to come in the next game. It won´t get any easier on the road again against Munster who are coming off a big win in Giessen. I can imagine you will be really focused to win. What will be key to beating your new team?

It all starts with defense. We have to tighten up our transition defense and have better on ball pressure. We also need to dictate the pace. We weren´t able to do that against Nurnberg.

How excited are you for your new challenge with the EPG Baskets? What is your general impression of the team? You saw them allow only 69 points against you and Munster this season. You have seen a good side of them?

My first impression after they beat us when I was with Munster was that they were big and long. That leaves a lot of room for what you can and can´t do on defense. I liked how they pushed the ball. It was hard guarding guys when they constantly came down hill at you. My impression now is that I have really talented teammates. I´m really excited to paly with these guys.

You scored 5 points in 16 minutes in Nurnberg. How did it feel in general playing for them?

It felt great being out there for the first time. I had some wind to catch up with, but overal it was Ok. I only had had one practice. I have some catching up to do.

The EPG Baskets Koblenz have good guards. What kind of a role do you envision having with them? Do you feel like you could have a different role than in Munster?

100%. My role here is just to come out and be solid. I´m here to make easy plays and help the team win any way possible.

You couldn´t have asked for a better teammate then Calvin Wishart. What have you learned to appreciate most about his game?

That dude is always in attack mode. I guarded him a lot in the first game. He is really difficult to guard. He is super underrated with his hands on defense.

You began the season with Pro A team Munster averaging 12/1/3/1 stats. What did you like most about the organization?

I liked my time there and learned a lot. My role was different there. My role was to be one of the main players. My role was to be the point guard and be aggressive.

What kind of an experience was it on the floor coming from the NCAA to overseas? What was the biggest adjustment for you?

The way the Euro game is played is a lot different. Winning overseas is also different to what I saw in the NCAA. Also the rules are different.

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

Everyone riding bikes in Munster. We had to ride bikes like 10 minutes to get to the team cars. I took cabs when it got colder, but overall it was ok because the gym was only a 10 minute walk.

You scored in double figures in 11/17 games. Why did you have to leave the club?

They told me that they needed a change.

What is your biggest basketball wish in the last months of this season?

My biggest wish is to help the EPG Baskets Koblenz make the playoffs.

Thanks Julian for the chat.

Zyon Patterson Dunks And Leads The EN Baskets Schwelm To 81-73 Win Over The Dragons Rhondorf Sweeping Season Series

The up down weeks of the Dragons Rhondorf continued the last weeks as couldn´t seem to find some stability. They were 1-3 coming into the game with Schwelm and had a 3 game losing streak where their defense continued to get pounded having allowed 96 points on average in that down slide. They desperately needed a win in their living room for the fight towards the playoff spots. The EN Baskets Schwelm hadn´t been playing their best basketball as of late having lost 4 of their last 5 games, but they had begun a winning streak last weekend beating Neustadt at home and wanted to continue it in Rhondorf and did having a big defensive second half allowing only 29 points and winning 81-73 for their second win in a row and sweeping the season series. “It was a roller coaster game with ups and downs. It was a physical game, but we did a good job sticking through adversary and sticking together as a team and getting the win. We did a good job sharing the ball and defensively did a good job making it uncomfortable for them on offense”, stressed EN Baskets Schwelm forward Zyon Patterson (201-SF-2000, college: HSU). The Dragons Rhondorf played a potent first half, but in the second half couldn´t muster the kind of offense they wanted to and turned the ball over too much not allowing them to get over the hump. “We played well in the first half, but when you play against a top team every mistake counts. They stopped our transition well in the second half. They rotated well on defense and played good team defense and took away our advantages”, stressed Dragons Rhondorf guard Juhwan Harris-Dyson.

Erik Nyberg at the FT line

The Dragons Rhondorf continued to be without giant Daniel Mayr while the EN Baskets Schwelm were without guard Marc Klepser. The guests from Schwelm began well taking the 7-2 lead as ex Neustadt German Yascal Knoerig made a lay in, Arkansas native Zyon Patterson hit a trey and French big man Arthur Noba made a lay in. Rhondorf hit back with a trey from Kenan Reinhart, but Patterson who compares his game to Toronto Raptor Brandon Ingram responded with another trey for the 10-5 Schwelm lead. Schwelm continued to execute well getting a lay in from Patterson and a baby hook shot from German Fabian Reichstadt to lead 14-10. The zone gave the Dragons problems as they would have difficulty adjusting all night long. Harris-Dyson kept the Dragons in the game with his defensive energy and basket on transition and offensive rebound and put back. Both teams had difficulty taking care of the ball as Schwelm would produce an uncharachteristic 6 turnovers in the first 10 minutes as their game average was 13,9 coming into the game. The EN Baskets Schwelm also got total trust from head coach Falk Moeller as he used his whole bench and got a big trey from Reichstadt and Henning Gustrau made a lay in at the buzzer for the 21-13 advantage after one quarter. “We started the game right. We played with a high defensive intensity and shared the ball very well helping us get a good lead”, stressed Zyon Patterson. The EN Baskets Schwelm shot 53% from the field and 75% from outside and had 10 rebounds and 6 turnovers while the Dragons Rhondorf shot 33% from the field and 29% from outside and had 8 rebounds and 7 turnovers.

David Bonning at the FT line

In the second quarter the Dragons Rhondorf had their strongest offensive quarter exploding for 31 points, but they still trailed 45-44 at the break. The EN Baskets Schwelm began well again and continued to get big support from their bench as Gustrau scored 3 baskets helping the guests lead 27-17. Rhondorf had problems dealing with the Schwelm match up zone and then were hit by a trey by 2017 NBBL champion with FC Bayern Munich Robert Merz. However the Dragons Rhondorf faced adversary and had an answer going on a lethal 10-0 run to suddenly only trail 30-27. Instrumental in the run were back to back three´s by Spanish U-18 Euro Gold medalist Jorge Mejias. Reinhart also added free throws and Harris-Dyson came up in the clutch with a trey. The 2 Dragons leaders Mejias stepped up on offense while Harris-Dyson on defense while the team stepped it up with very aggressive on ball defense. Both teams now began trading baskets as their offenses were on fire. Merz was a real deadly scoring option adding 5 points including a three pointer while the Dragons continued to get great production from Harris-Dyson with a lay in and thunderous dunk, but Rhondorf still trailed 37-34. The tide then turned a bit as Noba suffered a technical foul. That led to a Harris-Dyson offensive rebound and put back for the first Dragons lead of the game at 38-37. However the Dragons couldn´t hold the lead into the break as Schwelm had too many weapons. Ex Itehoe guard Erik Nyberg who has 200 plus Pro B games experience showed his scoring qualities adding 7 points and putting his team back over the hump with the 1 point lead at half-time. “Our bench did a great job giving us support and just doing what they need to do. We had a lot more turnovers and allowed them to play fast. We couldn´t play our game”, said Zyon Patterson. The EN Baskets Schwelm shot 56% from the field and 60% from the three point line and had 16 rebounds and 13 turnovers while the Dragons Rhondorf shot 50% from the field and 42% from the three point line and had 16 rebounds and 10 turnovers.

Henning Gustrau with the lay in

In the third quarter there were 2 runs from each team and then 5 minutes of bricks falling as no team could execute and the EN Baskets Schwelm still led comfortable 62-54 after 30 minutes. “We didn´t play well in the second quarter and wanted to find that intensity from the first quarter again”, stressed Zyon Patterson. That is exactly what the guests did setting the tone and going on a rapid 11-2 run to extend their lead to 54-46. In the run the guests were sparked by their top players Patterson with 4 points and Merz continued to be a thorn in the Dragons side with 5 points. Ex Ulm guard Marius Stoll who played 7 Eurocup games also added a lay in. The heightened aggressive defense by the EN Baskets Schwelm stifled Rhondorf and forced them to added turnovers. However basketball wouldn´t be basketball without runs and that is exactly how the Dragons with 8 unanswered points to trail 56-54. In the run, the Dragons banged the ball inside and were rewarded with 2 Benjamin Sadikoviic buckets while Reinhart supplied a trey. The game was close again and then began the brick party. The guests only mustered 6 points while their aggressive defense stopped the Dragons for over 5 minutes not allowing any points. It also didn´t help the Dragons come back attempt as Germans Carlo Schmid and David Bonning both missed 2 free throws a piece. After 30 minutes the Dragons Rhondorf were still in the game, but trailed 62-54. “There were a lot of bricks. It was very physical and a cut throat game. We struggled on offense, but played great defense”, warned Zyon Patterson. “We got good looks in that span at the end, but just missed. This happens. We played pretty good defense, but we just couldn´t execute better on offense”, stated Juhwan Harris-Dyson. The EN Baskets Schwelm shot 51% from the field and 47% from the parking lot and had 29 rebounds and 17 turnovers while the Dragons Rhondorf shot 38% from the field and 25% from the parking lot and had 30 rebounds and 14 turnovers.

Dusan Ilic to the hole

The EN Baskets Schwelm managed the lead well for the most part of the fourth quarter and even a 10-0 run from Rhondorf to end the game couldn´t get them over the hump. The great Schwelm bench was at it again at the start as German Fabian Reichstadt showed his big value at both ends dropping a clutch trey and then making 2 big back to back blocks as the guests led 65-54. “Fabian set the tone. He is more a quiet dude, but showed some arrogance in that phase. He told me in the fourth quarter that he had picked something up from my swagger and he really fed off my energy”, smiled Zyon Patterson. Patterson would add a lay in and the Dragons got a lay in from Sadidkovic and another trey from Reinhardt, but still trailed 69-59. The EN Baskets Schwelm were defending with an immense high intensity as the Dragons had to work hard for absolute everything. That showed in the 12-4 run by Schwelm as that put them in the drivers seat leading 81-63 and they would never look back. In the Schwelm run, they were led by Reichstadt who continued to be a leading player instead of only a role player adding 7 points while Stoll added a trey and Patterson a trey. Patterson wasn´t done there as he added a massive alley op dunk. “That was a fun one. That was the first pass from Robert Merz this season on the alley-op. It was a nice dunk, but I prefer dunking over people”, laughed Zyon Patterson. The game was decided, but at least, it didn´t get any worse for the Dragons. They closed out the game strong with a 10-0 run. In the run they got baskets from Sadikovic and Schmid while Reinhart added free throws. Harris-Dyson also added 4 points including his second big dunk of the game. “It was a nice dunk. I saw some open space. I just wanted to get another. They executed well to get a bigger lead. Our run at the end gives us hope. We just have to keep building on our fundamentals that we set each week”, warned Juhwan Harris-Dyson. “We stuck through adversary and stuck together as a team”, warned Zyon Patterson. The EN Baskets Schwelm were led by Zyon Patterson with 22 points while Fabian Reichstadt added 14 points and Robert Merz 13 points while the Dragons Rhondorf were led by Juhwan Harris-Dyson with 18 points and 10 rebounds while Kenan Reinhardt added 15 points and Benjamin Sadikovic had 13 points. The EN Baskets Schwelm shot 49% from the field and 48% from outside and had 40 rebounds and 22 turnovers while the Dragons Rhondorf shot 40% from the field and 26% from outside and had 39 rebounds and 17 turnovers.

2 Way Player Zyon Patterson(EN Baskets Schwelm) Loves Being An Offensive Leader And Guarding The Other Teams Best Player

Zyon Patterson (201-SF-2000, college: HSU) is a 25 year old 201cm forward playing his second season overseas with German Pro B team EB Baskets Schwelm. He began his basketball career with Crossett High School. He played at 2 Juco schools with The Arkansas State University Mid-South (JUCO) averaging 3.5ppg, 2.3rpg and with Eastern Oklahoma State College (JUCO) averaging 12.7ppg, 6.1rpg, 3.2apg, 1.3spg, 1.1bpg, FGP: 53.6%, 3PT: 36.2%, FT: 71.7%. He then played 2 years at Henderson State University (NCAA2) averaging 8.0ppg, 3.6rpg, FGP: 46.0%, 3PT: 36.4%, FT: 68.3% and 15.7ppg, 7.0rpg, 2.0apg, 1.1spg, FGP: 48.2%, 3PT: 35.6%, FT: 68.2%. He played his rookie season with NTD BH Baku (Azerbaijan-ABL) averaging 9.9ppg, 4.9rpg, 3.1apg, 1.1spg, FGP: 49.4%, 3PT: 17.9%, FT: 69.4%. He spoke to germanhoops.com about basketball.

Thanks Zyon for talking to germanhoops.com What has been your coolest experience as a basketball player overseas or in the States that you will never forget?

I would say probably one of the coolest experiences I had in basketball was in junior college. It was a group of boys that were really big fans of me and one of their parents made them a Twitter page just so they could message me and tell me that they love me as a player and they hope I make it to the NBA and then after junior college they’ve kept up with me so it’s been about 4 or 5 years now and they still message me asking me how I’m doing And that’s a really cool thing to me is just having you know random support and they really do have a deep regard for me as a person and a player.

Your playing your first season with the EN Baskets Schwelm. What kind of an experience has it been for you? What have you enjoyed most about it?

It has been a really good experience for me so far. I love the atmosphere and the dedication of our fans and support here. It’s a very homey feeling because it’s a smaller town and everyone you know puts a lot of thought into the team and the players and that would probably be the thing I enjoyed the most is just the crowd and the atmosphere of the fans, especially for home games.

The team is having a solid season. It defends well and does a good job taking care of the ball. The team seems to be very disciplined. How vital is head coach Falk Moeller for achieving this?

#Coach Falk is very important to our success. He gives us the game plan and it’s really up to us to execute. He’s more of a coach that allows players to play and he prefers us to be player lead so I feel like that builds a closer bond between each and every one of us.

A big success of the team is the defense. What is the biggest strength on the defensive end?

I feel our biggest strength on defense is just playing team defense. We all just play our parts and help one another, which allows us to get stops on that end. We try to be aggressive defensively but I feel like this year when we run our matchup zone, It has been very vital to us, especially if we’re having trouble defending 1 on 1 or playing a poor shooting team, just the versatility of our group allows us to be a solid defensive team.

The team has a real good leader in German Marius Stoll. How defined are your leadership skills in this setting?

I feel like I have a pretty important role as far as being a leader with me being our leading scorer a lot of the decisions I make affect my teammates, not only me so I try to be the best version of myself so that they have the motivation to be the best versions of themselves. My teammates allow me to play my game and be a very aggressive player offensively and defensively which has helped us thus far this season.

Let´s talk about your game. You’re a 201cm player. If you had to compare your game to an NBA player who would best fit the description?

This one is a tricky question. I have been compared to quite a few players one being Brandon Ingram another Kevin Durant another Paul George I’ve even been compared to Shai at times. My favorite comparison is Kevin Durant because that’s my favorite player, but I feel like my game looks more like Brandon Ingrams than anybody else’s.

Usually the American import player is the main scoring threat on a Pro B team and has to do everything for the team. Would that classify your role this season?

I would say I have a important role like that, majority of games I have to be the offensive leader and a lot of times I guard the best player from the other team as well just because I am able to be a two-way player and I take being a two-way player seriously I enjoy scoring and dominating offensively as well as stopping my match up. I developed this in college under Coach Elgas because almost every game. I always guarded the best player and I also was our leading scorer in college as well.

You fill the stat sheet very well. How big of a staple is versatility in your game?

I feel like my versatility as a player is a very big staple in my game. I enjoy the responsibility of having to defend top players as well as still contributing offensively as our leading score. It can be challenging sometimes, but I enjoy it.

You were a pretty good three point shooter at Henderson State at 35%, but have dipped the last years. How would you classify the development of your three pointer at the moment and where do you still want to bring it?

I would say the selection of threes that I have shot in recent years has caused a dip in the percentage, but majority of this season I have shot close to 35%. I have had a few rough games three point percent wise here recently, but in the coming days it will rise again. I just have to prepare myself better before the shot and remember my mechanics even the smallest things like holding my follow through.

You’re a defender that can guard many positions. What kind of a defender are you now and what kind of a defender do you still want to become?

I feel like I’m a very versatile defender as of right now I think I can guard one through five. I use my mind a lot more than I use my body. I’m very athletic and have a great timing whether it is steals or blocks. I play passing lanes very well and I play help side good as well. I wish to improve my on ball skills so that offensive players find it hard to breathe when I’m guarding them.

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

-My three-point percentage has dipped so that’s been a very important factor when preparing here recently especially with me being a very ball dominant player this year I’m trying to improve not only my catch and shoot threes, but my three is off the dribble as well. I’ve also been working on reading the game better and understanding it, studying it. I understand that mistakes come with the game, but the more comfortable I become with making reads and the better I understand the game the less of those I will make.

You have had many great dunks in your career. What has been your favorite?

My favorite would probably be against Southwest Oklahoma State University. I did a Euro step dunk and dunked on two people.

Last season you played with NTD BH Baku (Azerbaijan-ABL) winning the cup averaging 9.9ppg, 4.9rpg, 3.1apg, 1.1spg, FGP: 49.4%, 3PT: 17.9%, FT: 69.4%. What was your wake up call to being a rookie overseas where you knew that you were far away from home?

My wake up call honestly was when I got off the plane and I made it to my apartment. I come from a very small city called Crossett Arkansas and a lot of people don’t exceed outside of Crossett so just me being in a new country for the first time ever was a wake up call for me not being able to go see my mom or dad at the blink of an eye and everyone else speaking a different language will definitely open your eyes.

How vital was it having so many Americans on the team for your adjustment time? Did you have a mentor last season? Guys like Allen and Campbell were ultimate veterans.

I feel like those guys definitely were important to me as a player and having other Americans around, definitely helped me mentally not only on the court. A mentor that I would say I talk to a lot especially pertaining to basketball was Detrek Browning. I also talked to the other guard, Tyree Boykin, and the big Kevin Allen as well. Honestly, all of our vets were very important for my growth mentally as a rookie.

After your high school career, you played a season at The Arkansas State University Mid-South (JUCO) averaging 3.5ppg, 2.3rpg. How tough was this season? You had real growing pains as a player. What did you learn about that season?

The season was a very tough one for me. I found it very hard to gain confidence as a player, and I was rather intimidated from where my other teammates had came from even though I could compete with the best of them. I didn’t know how to adapt my first year of school, which ultimately made me perform at such a poor level.

You then moved to Eastern Oklahoma State College (JUCO) averaging 12.7ppg, 6.1rpg, 3.2apg, 1.3spg, 1.1bpg, FGP: 53.6%, 3PT: 36.2%, FT: 71.7%. Was this one of the best basketball decisions in your life?

Going to Eastern was definitely a very good decision for me especially during this time I grew as a player and as a young man and Coach Scott Edgar allowed me as well as my teammates to be ourselves and just to play basketball. Which also helped me continue to grow as a player because it’s important that you never stop growing.

Every guy I have interviewed who played Juco have said that it was a real grind, but one that they wouldn´t have traded the world for. How was it for you?

Whoever told you that was not lying I say the same thing as well. Juco is definitely a grind and it will really show you if you love the game or not it can be very difficult. Especially where I was because we were in the middle of nowhere but the bonds I created and the level I gained in my game I wouldn’t trade for the world.

How key was Scott Edgar in your basketball development there? How did he help you grow as a player?

Coach Scotty was very important in my development mostly physically when I arrived there I was roughly 167 pounds and when I left, I was close to 190, but also as tough as he was as a coach, he made it easy to play for anyone else he will probably be one of the toughest coaches I ever played for, and even though he was very hard on us he would always take care of us.

You then played 2 years at Henderson State University (NCAA2) averaging 8.0ppg, 3.6rpg, FGP: 46.0%, 3PT: 36.4%, FT: 68.3% and 15.7ppg, 7.0rpg, 2.0apg, 1.1spg, FGP: 48.2%, 3PT: 35.6%, FT: 68.2%. You made huge strides as a player there. What kind of a player did you become there?

My first year at Henderson was an adaptation. I didn’t really understand how to be the player. My coach was wanting me to be off of the bench but later in the season, I think the last seven or eight games my average went from 8 points per game to 18 points per game. I led my team in a first round upset as well with 22 points and 8 rebounds it was a period where I had to find myself again. As far as my senior year I understood before I came in that I would be our best player and one of our leaders so I tried my hardest to be that throughout the season I was our go to guy which allowed me to put up the numbers that I did, but I also did other things, especially from the wing position I was a very good rebounder.

You had many great games at Henderson State, but you how special was your 38 point explosion against ECU in the slim 89-86 win? What will you always remember most about that game?

It was definitely a special moment and very exciting. We really needed that win in order to stay in playoff contention so the fact that we were able to win it and I was able to perform so well made a special moment for me. What I will remember most about this game in particular is my mom pacing up and down the bleachers throughout the whole game.

How did head coach Jimmy Elgas give you that last push in preparing you best for a pro career?

Coach E helped me most of all in becoming a better man and a better leader. He always was on to me about being verbal and being vocal, which really helped me prepare for my professional ventures. I didn’t understand it at the time, but as I’ve played, and I’ve grown it all started to make sense.

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

Haha Me for sure.

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

Probably the best player I’ve played at on any level would be center Daniel Gafford who plays for the Mavericks. We used to always play them in high school. Also in college I would have a big matchup with a draft pick from this past year Taelon Peters who was drafted by the Indiana Pacers in the second round.

Please name your 5 best teammates of all-time?

Detrek Browning Nigel John Tomislav miholjcic Kevin Allen Jalen Lynn

Please list your personal NBA Mount Rushmore?

Michael Jordan, Lebron James, Kobe Bryant, Kevin Durant

Who is your GOAT?

Kevin Durant

Basketball Life In Croatia Couldn´t Be Sweeter For Jeremy Ingram With Practice And Then Sitting By The Water And Looking At The Mountains

One thing is for sure is that Jeremy Ingram (183-F-1991, college: AAMU) never turned his back against Germany. Germany was always good to him especially in basketball terms. The 34 year old played his first 8 seasons in Germany paying his dues for various Regionalliga (4 division) teams like Speyer, Idstein and Bensheim just to name a few. When there could have been guys who would have turned their back on the scarce pay and headed back over the pond, he always stuck through the hard times despite being a walking bucket and averaging more than 30,0ppg in Mannheim. He probably could have sought new challenges in other countries, but Germany was always his second home. He even began a basketball business in Germany last season and hardly played except for a short stint in Luxemburg as his walking bucket play continued. However in his 10th season now, he finally tool the leap out of Germany and is playing his first season with Amphora (Croatia-Prva Liga). He has struck basketball gold this season. He isn´t living the charmed life in Paris or Milan, but then again isn´t living in the woods for a small team in Romania or Moldavia either, but moreover found a new home in Croatia and really has found an incredible area to now call home for the time being. “Playing in Croatia has been great and even a challenging experience for me and it has also been humbling. Croatia is a beautiful very beautiful country and I´m blessed to have the opportunity to play there because my whole life I loved being around water. I have seen so many beautiful places, mountains, beaches since I have been living in Croatia. Waking up everyday to some of these views is incredible and coming from where I come from in America and traveling down this long hard Basketball journey to get here, sometimes just sitting by the water and looking at the mountains make it all worth it”, stressed Jeremy Ingram.

The New York native who now lists Detroit Pistons guard Cade Cunningham as a top 10 NBA player is playing in the second division in Croatia and sees many difference between that league and when he tore up in his Regionalliga days. “This league doesn’t compare to Regionalliga. The players are much better here so I would compare to Pro B or maybe in between pro B and Pro A. There are some really good players in the league and there are not many American players in the league so some of the best players are local players which has also been a big difference from Germany. In Germany 90% of the time the best players on the team are the foreigners but In Croatia everybody can hoop. But I still have the highest scoring game of the league this season with 41 points so I still get buckets if I need to”, stated Jeremy Ingram. He may still be in Europe, but culture wise, he is far way from Germany. “What I learned about being in Europe is that every country you go to may be different in ways but at the end of the day they all have their own way and that’s the way they expect things to be. I will say in my opinion Croatia culture is a little more open minded when it comes to things they are not accustomed to where as German people usually don’t want to adapt to anything new because they have been doing it that way their whole life. That´s my biggest take on the difference. In Croatia the weather is different, basketball play style is different, and the people are a lot different.”, said Jeremy Ingram. On the court his new team is struggling, but that can always happen when you move up a league. “This is the first year for Amphora in this high league so I think a lot of the players needed to get adjusted to the speed and how much better basketball is being played. Because there are a lot of good teams and good players in this league so on any given night you can lose. As for the main guys on the team I think we all needed to find the our roles and get more comfortable playing with each other and most importantly trusting each other. Sometimes adjustments like that are hard because everyone is used to being the main guy but now when 3-4 main guys come to 1 team sometimes it can take time for that on court chemistry. I think every successful team in this league plays great defense and rebounds the basketball so we should probably start there. Our offense isn’t really the problem but I do think we can also be more efficient there also”, added Jeremy Ingram.

The walking bucket who has the San Antonio Spurs as being the biggest NBA surprise this season isn´t putting up the big numbers that he did in Germany in the Regionalliga, but he doesn´t have to as there is less pressure to do that this season. “My role has really changed this season and it was very hard adjusting. I´m used to scoring 30,40 sometimes even having to score 50 to win the game. Here I´m playing with much better players in a much more challenging league so it´s more important that I be a point guard and use my quickness and skillset to get others more involved than to always score a lot. It´s been a learning experience and I am still learning but I think it´s making me a more well rounded basketball player”, stated Jeremy Ingram. This season he is averaging18/4/3/1 stats and 31% from outside. “Due to the circumstances of me having this new role for pretty much the 1st time ever in a higher league I think I´m doing ok. I need to find a better balance of controlling the offense and scoring and I think I will have an even better 2nd half of the season”, commented Jeremy Ingram. There isn´t just one adjustment on the court, but numerous ones. “The speed of the game is much faster and all the players, especially the local players are a lot better. It´s a very physical game and I get full court pressured all game no matter if I cross them over 100 times, they will come back and that becomes very tiring. Also they game plan for me like knowing my tendencies and knowing when and where I like to shoot from so the preparation in this league is much more professional. He also has understood that efficiency plays a big role for him to be successful as a player. “I think my whole career has been predicated on scoring. Now that I play with better scorers and better players, I can focus on other things like assists and rebounding. I also feel the Croatia style of basketball fits me more than the German style of basketball so that has also helped me with getting easier shots and when you play with better players it makes the game a lot easier”, expressed Jeremy Ingram.

The journey on the court in Croatia is a different one than in Germany so that it doesn´t allow him much free time off the court. “ I´m having up to 7-8 practices a week, a few of them being individual practices so it´s not much time to do many other things. So on my days off, I just like to go sit on the beach and eat my lunch and just relax and enjoy the scenery. I don’t have the option on training kids in Croatia because there´s no real time and gym access in my area but I am coming back and forth to Germany pretty often which is where I am doing most of my skills coaching”, said Jeremy Ingram. Despite not having so much time off the court in Croatia, he still manages to keep his business alive and growing. “My basketball business is as big as it´s ever been and it is still rapidly growing and I am so grateful for all the people I have been blessed with the opportunities to work with. I also signed a pretty big contract with the military bases in Germany to be the first ever contracted Basketball Skills trainer for the military bases which is huge. So once I´m done in Croatia I will immediately come back to Germany to get that up and Flowing. I´m very excited for that amazing opportunity”, stressed Jeremy Ingram. He recently was back in Germany to celebrate Xmas with his family and even found some time to compete in the Wally´s Cup in Bremerhaven where he has been a standard guest the last few years. “The Wally’s cup is always fun and full of good vibes. I actually played with a serious shoulder injury I sustained in my last game in Croatia so I was very limited on how much I could actually play and what I could actually do. But the other players on the team played very good and with their help we found a way to win. So Shoutout to those guys, AP, D. McGee, and Julius. It was another successful event, also big Shoutout to Wally”, smiled Jeremy Ingram. “2026 is upon us and as usual Jeremy Ingram didn´t enter it without having a New Years resolution. “My new year´s resolution is to elevate my life. my business, and my family even more. 2025 was a great year but I need 2026 to double that. So I will be fully locked in this year”, warned Jeremy Ingram. That is nothing new with him as he is always locked in.

Tylan Pope Brings A Mix Of Of Toughness Discipline And Basketball IQ That Is Valued Highly Overseas

Tylan Pope (198-F-2001, college: Texas St.) is a 198cm forward playing his rookie season with the Bozic Estriche Kirchheim Knights currently averaging 13,4ppg, 5,2rpg, 1,2apga nd 1,2spg. The Louisiana native began his basketball career at Franklinton. He then played 3 years at Tulane University playing 80 games. He then played a season with the The University of Nevada (NCAA) averaging 3.6ppg, 2.2rpg and a season with Texas State University at San Marcos (NCAA) averaging 16.4ppg, 6.4rpg, 1.4bpg, FGP: 55.3%, 3PT: 39.4%, FT: 80.4%. He spoke to germanhoops.com last summer about basketball.

Thanks Tylan for talking to germanhoops.com. Congrats on signing with German Pro A team Kirccheim. What do you know in general about the country Germany and it´s basketball?

Thank you, I’m grateful for the opportunity and excited about this next chapter with Kirchheim. I know Germany is a country that takes pride in structure, discipline, and doing things the right way and I see that reflected in their approach to basketball too. German basketball has really been on the rise. The national team winning the World Cup recently shows how far the country has come in terms of talent and development.

Have you had any former teammates, or opponents ball in Germany?

No, I actually haven’t had any former teammates or direct opponents play in Germany, at least not that I know of. But I’ve definitely followed the league and done my research. I’ve watched highlights, followed teams online, and paid attention to players who’ve built strong careers there.

What were the main reasons for starting your pro career with the Knights? What was most appealing to you about the organization?

The main reason was the connection I felt through my conversations with the head coach and my agent. The coach was clear about his vision, how he sees me fitting into the system, and the kind of role I could take on. That honesty and belief really stood out to me.

How did the talks go with players coach Igor Perovic? What did you appreciate most about his basketball philosophy?

The talks with Coach Perovic were really solid. From the start, he was clear, direct, and intentional about what he’s looking for in a player and what kind of team culture he’s building. I appreciated how honest he was—it wasn’t just about selling me on the program, it was about making sure I understood the expectations and the role he saw for me.

You had a great last NCAA season with Texas State. How do you feel will your game translate best to overseas basketball?

I think my game translates really well to overseas basketball because I bring a mix of toughness, discipline, and basketball IQ, things that European teams value a lot. At Texas State, we played a physical, defensive-minded style where every possession mattered, so I’m used to competing in low-possession, high-intensity games.

Let´s talk about your game. If you had to compare your game to an NBA player who would best fit the description?

I’d say my game is a mix of Charles Barkley and Aaron Gordon. Like Barkley, I play bigger than my size. I’m physical, aggressive on the glass, and not afraid to bang inside. I bring that same motor and toughness, and I know how to impose my will and create mismatches. At the same time, I relate to Aaron Gordon in the way I can run the floor, guard multiple positions, and play above the rim.

You’re a 198cm forward. You’re an undersized big, but can play the positions 3-5. Versatility is a big part of your game. Have you always had it or did that develop more in the last few years?

Versatility has always been a part of my game, but it definitely sharpened over the last few years. Early on, I played mostly as a traditional big, rebounding, posting up, and protecting the paint. But as the game evolved, and as I grew as a player, I had to expand my skill set.

What other strengths does your game have besides that versatility?

Outside of my versatility, one of my biggest strengths is my motor. I play with consistent energy, whether it’s crashing the boards, sprinting in transition, or making second and third efforts on defense. I take pride in doing the things that don’t always show up on the stat sheet, like setting solid screens, rotating on time, or diving for loose balls.

You broke out as a 3 point shooter last season shooting 33 times. Is a goal of yours to continue to try to increase your volume of shots attempted while having a high percentage?

Definitely. Expanding my range has been a big focus for me, and last season was a step in the right direction. Hitting threes consistently opens up the floor not just for me, but for my teammates too. I know that being a reliable threat from the outside makes me harder to guard and adds another layer to my game.

You demonstrated that you can block shots at Tulane and Texas State. How would you describe your defensive game now and where do you still want to go as a defender?

I’d describe my defensive game as physical, disciplined, and versatile. I’ve always taken pride in protecting the rim and using my timing and instincts to block shots, even as an undersized big. Over time, I’ve developed into a defender who can switch onto multiple positions and I can guard in the post, hold my own on the perimeter, and make smart rotations on the backside.

You played 3 years at Tulane. How do you remember those years. You had a special role. Talk a little about how you saw your game develop there under Ron Hunter?

I look back at my time at Tulane as a major part of my growth not just as a player, but as a competitor. Playing three years there gave me the chance to really understand the college game and learn how to bring value in different ways. Coach Ron Hunter challenged me to embrace my role and take pride in the things that make winning happen. He gave me the freedom to be aggressive defensively and trusted me to make smart decisions. Over time, that trust allowed my confidence to grow, especially in reading the game and understanding my value on the floor.

You played a season with Collin Holloway. What will you always remember from your battles with him in practice?

Me and Collin played under the same coaches in high school for AAU and he has always been a special player since then. Practicing with Collin was always competitive, every day was a battle. He’s a strong, skilled player who plays with a lot of pride, so going up against him pushed me to stay sharp and bring my best every time we stepped on the court.

You had some great games at Tulane. What will always be your fondest moment at Tulane?

For me it was when I was in my last season and we played the University of Memphis on the road that day after my birthday and it was a dog fight but we managed to pull the win out in overtime.

You then played a season at the The University of Nevada (NCAA) playing 21 games averaging 3.6ppg, 2.2rpg. You played under Steve Alford and averaged 9,5 minutes per game. What positives could you get from this season?

That year at Nevada was a different experience for me, but it was still a valuable one. Playing under Coach Alford, I learned a lot about efficiency, how to make the most out of limited minutes and stay ready at all times. It taught me how to impact the game in short spurts, bringing energy, crashing the boards, defending hard, and taking advantage of my touches offensively.

You had your break out season at Texas State University at San Marcos (NCAA) averaging 16.4ppg, 6.4rpg, 1.4bpg, FGP: 55.3%, 3PT: 39.4%, FT: 80.4%. With what kind of a mind set did you have going into the season? Did you feel like it was a make or break season?

I approached that season with a mindset that it was make or break. I knew it was my opportunity to show everything I had been working toward over the years. I had been through different roles, different systems, and different levels of responsibility, but at Texas State, I felt like I had the platform to really lead and play my game freely.

You had many great games at Texas State at San Marcos, but where do you rate the double OT win over James Madison where you recorded 23 points?

It was the best game I ever played. Even though there was a pressure of the other team potentially winning a championship on your home court, we came together as a unit and never gave up. And it being our senior night and our families were there.

How did head coach Terrence Johnson groom and prepare you best for a professional career?

Coach TJ played a huge role in preparing me for the next level. From day one, he treated the program like a professional environment. He held us accountable in everything, how we practiced, how we prepared, how we carried ourselves on and off the court. That structure and discipline helped me develop habits that translate directly to a pro setting. What stood out most was how much trust he put in me. He gave me the freedom to lead, to be aggressive, and to grow through both successes and mistakes. That level of responsibility forced me to mature quickly. He challenged me to think about the game at a higher level. to study film, understand matchups, and be a two-way player that could be relied on every night.

Who won a 1-1 in practice you or Joshua O´Garro?

Me ofc lol

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

Drew Timme and Isiah Stewart

Please name your 5 best teammates of all-time?

Tyrel Morgan, Christian Turner, Jwan Roberts, Tyler Powell, Snookey Wiggington

Please list your NBA Rushmore of past or present heads?

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

Who is your GOAT?

LeBron James

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

No I didn’t lol. They should have left it alone lol, Some things just don’t need to be touched lol

Thanks Tylan for the chat.

At Age 30 Winning Now Is The Only Thing That Drives JJ Frazier(Absheron Baku) When He Wakes Up Each Morning

One section I love To check every day at eurobasket.com are the top scorers of that day. Usually it is guys who produced big scoring games in lower leagues that I have never heard of, but every now and then I´ll see a name that I have covered or interviewed before. Just the other day I saw that American J.J. Frazier (178-PG-1995, college: Georgia, agency: MSG) had exploded for a ridiculous 48 points in a league game in Azerbaijan. I had remembered seeing him play in Frankfurt a few years ago and had interviewed him so I just had to jump at a new interview. Unfortunately I couldn´t reach him right away and was somewhat miffed why he wasn´t answering my messages. I thought maybe he had changed numbers and I reached out to his agent ex Euroleague and ACB champion Pete Mickeall and low and behold, I was correct. He had changed his number and when I got a text message with what´s up brother, I knew my interview would become reality. I reached JJ at mid day and he was as happy as could be. His season was going well and being able to score a career high meant a lot to him and his family and dad who was watching from above. “My career high before was 37. My dad had watched all my games my whole career. Unfortunately he passed a away in October. This game meant so much to me. I really wanted to prove something this game. I had been getting some comments again that I can´t score in the paint or use my right hand to score. I took that personally and took it to heart”, stressed J.J. Frazier.

The 178cm guard who once scored 57 points in high school knew very quickly from the get go that he would have an incredible scoring game. “The energy was different after I hit my first bucket. I usually like to set the table and then eat with my teammates, but this game it was different. I was a lot more aggressive and noticed their defense wouldn´t adjust on me. I just kept scoring. I scored like 16 points in the first quarter”, said J.J. Frazier. He was 0/4 from outside but scored 19 baskets from the 2 point range and was 10/10 from the free throw line. Was he totally content with his aggressiveness? “Yes I was. Going 0/4 from outside was disappointing. I only took one of those shots to make as the other 3 were low on the shot clock. My mindset is always to play downhill. That way I´m always an advantage to my team”, added J.J. Frazier. There were only 11 team assists. Did most of his scoring points come off the isolation? “Yes it was heavy isolation. They switched a lot early. I took advantage of it and had many good early looks and took advantage of it”, commented J.J. Frazier. Did not reaching 50 points bother him and does making 48 points motivate him even more to achieve 50 points one day? “My teammates were pushing me to get 50 points, but not reaching it didn´t bother me. I respect the game and the opponent. I feel like I had enough opportunities to get 50. I didn´t want to try to disrespect them. A win is a win and I´m super happy we got it. It motivates me to keep playing well, because after a game like that, opponents will guard me differently. I have always said, I would rather have a 15/7/11 game to even it out than a big scoring game. But the team needed scoring, so that is what I gave them”, warned J.J. Frazier. He hadn´t rewatched the game yet and didn´t have a favorite own basket of the game. His phone after the feat was flooded with messages and he was really happy about 2 messages. “I was really happy that my college coach Mark Fox was the first to reach out. I had previously had my college high of 37 against Mississippi State with him. I was also pleased to hear from my sister. It was a very big moment for my family”, stated J.J. Frazier.

After playing in countries like France, Spain, Germany, Turkey and Qatar, the walking bucket who last saw the Matt Damon and Ben Affleck film The Rip now is playing with Absheron Baku (Azerbaijan-ABL). It doesn´t matter where he has played in his career, he has always gotten love from the organizations he has played for. “Every club I have played for have given me the utmost respect. I really like learning about new cultures as well. I have shown my whole career that I can adapt to any place”, stressed J.J. Frazier. Despite playing in his ninth season, he is still seeking that first chip. Currently the team is 13-1 and battling with other top team Sabah for the crown. Could this be the year for him to finally taste champagne? “I believe so. Sabah is a very good team, but I believe in our roster and how it was constructed. I believe that if we can get to the final then anything is possible. I believe in our chances to win”, added J.J. Frazier. The team has many veterans and Americans. He is having an amazing season averaging 24/5/9/1 stats. As the point guard, his role is to be that leader that all can buy into. “All have bought into their roles and that is why we are winning. I have related well to our coaches message and the reason my numbers are like that is because all have bought in to what he says. Any player can have a break out game, but the most important thing for all is to win”, warned J.J. Frazier. He has been equally as well in the Fiba Europe Cup averaging 21/5/7 stats. He is so close to averaging 10,0apg which is seen seldom in top leagues overseas and it is something that is very realistic for him. “I was already averaging 10,0apg this season. My team has to play defense and feel involved as much as I do. I just give them opportunities to make plays. Averaging 9,0 apg really comes with ease”, said J.J. Frazier. After playing with the Fraport Skyliners, he played the last 2 seasons in Turkey in the TBL He continued to be a massive walking bucket scoring in double figures in 52 of 53 games and scored 20 points or more 33 times, but what also was refreshing and pretty to watch was how much his playmaking grew as he averaged 7,0apg in the 2 seasons something that has continued to transform to greater heights this season. “I was really blessed to play for coach Bas. He put a lot of confidence in my game. He helped me play with tempo, aggression and confidence. I regret not having shown that the year before in Frankfurt. I had personal things I was dealing with. Bas gave me full control and understood my intellect and let me manage the game and simply let me flourish. I became an extension of him on the court”, remembered J.J. Frazier. He also played with ultra veteran Eric Bucknor in Turkey and will never forget it. “Eric is a great guy. He is so athletic and even if he was older, he could still get up to the rim. He was a great veteran presence and I had a blast playing with him”, said J.J. Frazier. At age 30 now, are chips the only thing that drives him? “Winning as many chips as possible now is all that´s left. I want to be known as a winner. Winning is what drives me to wake up each morning”, stressed J.J. Frazier. He wants to play at least 8 more years. It will be interesting if he reaches his goal. This season could be the best chance to win a dub, so let´s go J.J. Frazier and make it happen.

Every Bucket Jakorie Smith(Snaefell) Sunk For 50 Points Was His Favorite

pic credit: YDA Sports Photography

Jakorie Smith (198-F, college: Tarleton St.) is a 198cm forward from Mississippi playing his second professional season and first with Snaefell (Iceland-Division I). Last season he played his rookie season overseas with Golden Eagle Ylli (Kosova-Superliga) averaging 6.3ppg, 5.1rpg, 1.1apg, 2FGP: 47.1%, 3FGP: 12.5%, FT: 81.3%, and then moved to the Newfoundland Rogues, starting five (BSL) averaging 16.7ppg, 5.4rpg, 1.9apg, 1.2spg, FGP: 61.8%, 3PT: 38.1%, FT: 84.6%. He began his basketball career at Raymond high school and then played 3 years at East Mississippi Community College (JUCO) averaging 15.2ppg, 8.4rpg, 1.1apg, 1.3spg, FGP: 49.1%, 3PT: 35.6%, FT: 73.6%, 13.3ppg, 7.7rpg, 2.0apg, 1.5spg, FGP: 48.0%, 3PT: 27.5%, FT: 76.5%, and 17.7ppg, 7.9rpg, 1.4apg, 1.5spg, FGP: 45.8%, 3PT: 37.1%, FT: 84.6%. He then played 2 seasons at Tarleton State University (NCAA) averaging 9.8ppg, 3.9rpg, 1.6apg, 1.6spg, FGP: 45.1%, 3PT: 35.3%, FT: 74.1% and 15.7ppg, 4.6rpg, 2.0apg, 1.7spg, FGP: 46.4%, 3PT: 32.4%, FT: 84.1%. He spoke to germanhoops.com after his monumental 50 point game.

Thanks Jakorie for talking to germanhoops.com. Congrats on scoring 50 points overseas. That is a mile stone. What does an achievement like that mean to you?

No problem at all. Thanks, It means a lot to reach a milestone like 50 points, Not really for myself but to show young basketball players in my hometown of Utica, Ms and surrounding areas in Hinds County that they can also achieve something like this. For me it’s just being an inspiration to my community.

Was it a bit more difficult to enjoy at the end simply because you lost the game?

Yes, I mean anytime you step on the court you want to come out with the victory But my teammates made sure to let me know I could enjoy the milestone. Letting me know that a 50 point game is rare at any level.

Did you have a special feeling going into the game or feel different going into the game? Or was it just another normal day for you?

No not really any special feelings. I was just trying to help my team get the victory and before I knew 50 points was on the stat sheet. Shots were going in down the stretch. I felt like I couldn’t miss. I guess you could say that’s the special feeling!

You had some 30 plus point games this season. How do you explain 50 points? That is a big rise in scoring. What did you do differently besides take more shots and be aggressive?

I really can’t explain it, it honestly just happened. I did nothing differently. My teammates made plays and found me and I was able to knock the shots down.

How rapidly did you know that you may have a really good scoring night?

I didn’t know during the game. I remember telling one of my teammates “man I’m not feeling it tonight during the game”. I was kind of stiff but I guess you can say I ended up feeling it in the 2nd half.

How thankful are you for Juan Luis Navarro? He found you a lot on this night?

Very thankful. Juan is a very smart basketball player and me and him have a great chemistry. He makes the right read and the right plays and I’m just lucky I was the beneficiary of that during the game.

You played 39 minutes. Were you getting a bit tired at the end or were you playing in adrenaline?

Yes I mean I got a little winded but of course that’s what I train for. That’s what I practice for. I have to be able to finish the game. My body has to be able to play the whole game if needed.

Did you know in crunch-time that you were close to 50 or was it more a surprise when you got the stat sheet?

Not really. I was kind of in a zone and trying to win the game. Took a glance up at the board after the game and saw 50.

What was your favorite own basket of your 50 point performance?

All of them, it’s hard to just single out one basket when you have 50 points. All buckets were my favorite, even the free throws!

After netting 50, does the desire and hunger grow to do it again?

I mean no not really. I was just trying to do my best to help the team win. If I have to do it again to help the team it’ll definitely happen again.

Did you treat the team to dinner or have to get donuts?

No sir, but the guys know I appreciate them in every way! Expressed my gratitude to them over and over after the game ended!

How many congrats did you get? About how many messages did you get on your phone?

I got quite a few. It was a big night for my career and a lot of people congratulated me. Most importantly all of my family called and talked about it.

Thanks Jakorie for the chat.

Doing A Little Bit Of Everything On The Court Every Day Is Always On Keith Braxton´s(Science City Jena) Menu

Keith Braxton (196-G-1997, college: SFU) is a 28 year old 196cm guard from New Jersey playing his fifth pro season and second in Germany and first with Science City Jena currently averaging 13,1ppg, 5,3rpg and 2,8apg. Last season he played with the VfL SparkassenStars Bochum (Germany-ProA) averaging PPG-2 (19.5), 6.2rpg, 4.9apg, SPG-5 (1.7), FGP: 56.2%, 3PT: 35.5%, FT: 74.3%. He played the 23-24 season with KFUM Jamtland Basket (Sweden-Basketligan) averaging 11.0ppg, 8.2rpg, 1.8apg, SPG-1 (1.7), FGP: 56.7%, 3PT: 38.6%, FT: 82.4%. He played the 22-23 season with Belfius Mons-Hainaut (Belgium-Pro Basketball League) averaging 12.6ppg, 5.9rpg, 3.0apg, SPG-5 (1.9), FGP: 53.4%, 3PT: 40.0%, FT: 81.8%. He played his rookie season with Maccabi Ma’ale Adumim (Israel-National League) averaging 19.0ppg, 8.2rpg, 5.3apg, SPG-3 (2.1), FGP: 55.3%, 3PT: 35.7%, FT: 80.3%. He began his basketball career with Delsea high school and then played at St. Francis University (PA) (NCAA) from 2016-2020 playing a total of 129 games. He spoke to germanhoops.com about basketball.

Thanks Keith for talking to germanhoops.com. After playing your first 3 pro seasons in Israel, Sweden and Belgium, your now playing your second season in Germany in Jena. Has Germany become like a second home for you?

Germany has kind of become home because it has given me stability and I like the professionalism here. Teams are competitive, teammates are great, and it’s a great location to continue to grow my game.

You had to pay your dues for 4 seasons overseas, but now are playing in a top 5 league with the easyCredit BBL. How rewarding has your grind been?

The grind has been tough, but definitely rewarding. I’ve been in Israel by the beaches, in Sweden in the snow, and in the BNXT which is another good league. To be back in one of the top leagues is where I want to be, but I have to keep working and getting better.

Your playing your first season with Science City Jena. How vital was the fact that they were playing in the easyCredit BBL for you to join the team?

It was very vital for me. I wanted to get back to a top league and prove that I cannot only compete with the best of them, but also win as well.

How did the talks go with head coach Bjoern Harmsen? What did you appreciate most about his basketball philosophy?

Talks with Coach Bjorn went well. We were both excited to work together and make something happen in the BBL. I appreciate his attention to detail the most about his philosophy. Small things can make a difference and he’s adamant about doing those things right.

Last season Bochum won the first game against Jena where you scored 27 points, but in the next 4 games lost by more than 10 points each time. What memories do you have of the battles with Jena? You were 0/7 from outside in the first 2 playoff games.

They were great battles that we had last season. I remember us winning at home and the environment was crazy. I also remember the playoff series and the energy that was in the arenas. I never would have thought that the crowd that was cheering against me would be rooting for me the next season.

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

I wouldn’t say it’s a comparison, but I like Luka Doncic. I like players that can do a little bit of everything. Luka can score, pass, rebound, and plays at his own pace. Those are all things I like to do, as well as play defense.

You fill the stat sheet like no other. Is versatility the staple of your game?

Versatility is a huge part of my game and style. I like to do whatever I can do to help my team win. Some nights your shot might not be falling and you need to help your team in other ways. I pride myself on being good at many different aspects of basketball and it separates me a little bit so I can play many roles.

You are a great scorer, rebounder and passer. What other strength is key in your offensive game?

Another strength to my offensive game is my basketball IQ. I can see what angles

I have to take and read defenders the right way. Being one step ahead and being reactive is huge to being able to do what you want on the court.

You have been at 35% or better from outside overseas and once reached 40%. What is your goal as a shooter in the BBL?

My goal as a shooter in the BBL is to be in the 50-40-90 club. It’s a good goal to strive for and will make me work hard and be consistent to achieve it.

Your also a great defender. What kind of a defender would you call yourself now and what kind of a defender do you still want to become in the next years?

I would call myself a smart defender. I have good anticipation and know when to be in the passing and driving lanes. I want to become a physical defender. I want to pick up full court and make things difficult for the opponent.

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

I’m working on my full court defense and making more difficult shots off the dribble. I have to be a pest and I know there will be few opens shots in the BBL.

In the 2023-2024 season you played with KFUM Jamtland Basket (Sweden-Basketligan) averaging 11.0ppg, 8.2rpg, 1.8apg, Steals-1 (1.7spg), FGP: 56.7%, 3PT: 38.6%, FT: 82.4%. What kind of an experience was Sweden? You lost a tough 5 game series against Boras?

Sweden was tough for me because it was the first time I came to a team mid season. I had to fill in a role and help the team win. The league was solid and I learned a lot from the coaches and players.

You played a season with Belfius Mons-Hainaut (Belgium- BNXT League averaging 12.6ppg, 5.9rpg, 3.0apg, Steals-5 (1.9spg), FGP: 53.4%, 3PT: 40.0%, FT: 81.8%. You won 2 playoff series and then lost to Mechelen. What memories do you have of that tough playoff series?

I just remember the series being physical and tactical. They were a good team and deserved to win. I remember how all of our guys left it on the line and played like it was their last game.

You played your rookie season with Maccabi Ma’ale Adumim (Israel-National League) averaging19.0ppg, 8.2rpg, 5.3apg, Steals-3 (2.1spg), FGP: 55.3%, 3PT: 35.7%, FT: 80.3%. What do you remember being your wake up call to being overseas where you knew that you were far away from home?

I remember getting to my destination early in the morning and I was ready to call my parents and tell them. However, I was 7 hours ahead and they were all asleep.

How important was having this great season for your basketball development? You had a triple double against E.Kiryat Ata. How did your game grow as a rookie?

It was very important to start my career off right for my basketball development. My game grew as a rookie because my basketball IQ grew and I learned European basketball. It’s a little different from college, so getting a early grasp on it helped a lot.

You played at St Francis (NCAA) from 2016-2020 reaching 3 Nec finals. You were as consistent as could be. Did you learn gaining that consistency in your game there? Your consistency has been present since your rookie season overseas.

Yes I learned a lot about consistency in college. Coach Krimmel was huge on showing up and winning every day. Each day was a new opportunity to get better and prove yourself again. I give a lot of credit to him for teaching me to stay ready so I don’t have to get ready.

You had many great games at St Francis like registering a triple double against Fair Dickinson. You were close to triple doubles on 2 other occasions against St Francis NY and Lehigh. What was your best game in the NCAA?

My best game is college was probably my sophomore year against ranked Louisville. I had 25 points and 11 rebounds and that really gave me a confidence boost that I could be a great player.

In your second season you played against Duke holding your own with 13 points and 6 rebounds and battled future NBA guys like Bagley, Trent, Carter and Allen. What memories do you have of that game?

I just remember that game being a packed crowd on a small court. Everyone was going crazy and it felt like the college video games. It wasn’t a close game at all, but playing against Duke, NBA players, and shaking Coach K’s hand was something I won’t forget.

How did head coach Rob Krimmel groom and prepare you best for a professional career?

Coach Krimmel taught me how to be a leader and to be aggressive and confident in my game. He gave me tools to lead and always put me in the right positions to learn and grow. He used to get mad at me when I didn’t shoot and instilled so much confidence in me. Confidence, leadership, learning are crucial for a professional career.

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

I was the 1on1 champ my first 3 years of college but Isaiah finally dethroned me my senior year.

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

The toughest player I played in college was probably Marvin Bagley. I played the 4 my first 2 years so guarding him was really tough. He ended up being a lottery pick so being assigned to him was a good challenge.

Please name your 5 best teammates of all-time?

Tra Holder, Charlie Moore, Jamaal King, Isaiah Blackmon, and Mike Holloway

Please list your personal NBA Mount Rushmore?

LeBron James, Kobe Bryant, Michael Jordan and Kareem Abdul Jabbar

Who is your GOAT?

LeBron James

Did you see the remake of the classic coming to America? Shouldn´t they have left it alone?

I have not actually. I don’t know if that’s a sign that I shouldn’t have, but I am a firm believer that they should leave classic movies alone.

Thanks Keith for the chat.

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