BBL

Shooting Ace Duje Dujmovic(Dragons Rhondorf) Is A Modern Day Big Man Who Wants To Be Able To Defend 1-5 Soon

Pic credit: Photo Denovo

Duje Dujmovic is a 23 year old 204 cm forward playing his first season with Pro B team Dragons Rhondorf averaging 7,3ppg and 4,4rpg. Last season he played with TSV Neustadt temps Shooters (Regionalliga) averaging 10.3ppg, 4.7rpg, FGP: 42.0%, 3PT: 39.2%, FT: 68.8%. He palyed with the RheinStars Cologne from 2022-2024 playing 29 games. He began his basketball career with Bayer Giants Leverkusen. He spoke to germanhoops.com last summer about basketball

Thanks Duje for talking to germanhoops.com. Congrats on signing with Pro B team Dragons Rhondorf. How excited are you to play for this well known organization?

Thanks! I’m really looking forward to the upcoming season. Rhöndorf is a great place to grow as a player they offer a lot of opportunities for development, and I believe we can achieve a lot as a team.

How did the talks go with head coach Max Becker? What did you appreciate right away about his basketball philosophy?

The talks with Coach Max Becker went really well and was actually one of the reasons I decided to sign. The energy was there from the beginning — we were on the same page right away. He’s super motivated, ambitious, and he believes in me. That’s everything I could ask for in a coach.

Last season you had your break through in the Pro B with Neustadt. What are your personal goals this season with your game besides winning and developing further?

I definitely want to build on last season and take my game to the next level – improving every day has always been a priority for me. I feel like I still have a lot of potential and that last season was just a glimpse of what I’m capable of. I’m also focused on helping the team have a strong and successful year.

Let´s talk about your game. You’re a 204cm. If you had o compare your game to a NBA or Euroleague player who would best fit the description?

I’d say my playing style is most similar to Tobias Harris in the NBA and Nikola Kalinic in the EuroLeague. With my size and strength, I can play physically, but at the same time I’m versatile – a threat from beyond the arc, able to drive to the basket, and also work effectively in the post.

Is it fair to say that you’re a modern day big man? What are the biggest strengths in your game?

Yeah, I’d say I’m a modern-day big man. I was trained to be versatile and to score on different levels. That’s definitely one of my biggest strengths – having a lot of tools in my bag to create advantages for myself and my team. But if I had to pick just one, I’d say it’s my shooting.

You shot 39% last season in the Pro B. How have you seen the development of your three pointer? What goals do you have this season with your shot?

I steadily improved my three-point shooting percentage throughout the season. I spend a lot of time in the gym, constantly working on my shot. I’ve also noticed that I’ve become more confident in my shooting. This season, my goal is to improve my percentage even more, become more consistent, and be an even bigger threat for defenders outside the arc to make the game easier for myself and my team.

Talk a little about your defensive game. What kind of a defender would you call yourself right now and what kind of defender do you still want to become?

 Just like on offense, I’m very versatile on defense and can guard positions 3 through 5. My goal for the future is to be able to defend all positions and take away every advantage the opponent might normally have. That’s why I enjoy playing against guards in practice and also work with guards during the off-season to get used to defending them.

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

To compete at the highest level, you have to keep improving your strengths while also working on your weaknesses. There isn’t one specific area I’m focusing on; I’m working on everything to become the best possible version of myself. I maintain a good balance between offense and defense in my workouts.

You had your breakthrough last season with Neustadt averaging 10.3ppg, 4.7rpg, FGP: 42.0%, 3PT: 39.2%, FT: 68.8%. How did you grow as a player this season?

 I gained a lot of confidence and learned how to control my emotions so they don’t affect my performance. I also learned to take on responsibility and be a leader on and off the court.

How valuable was head coach Allan Ray last season? How did he help you most with your game?

Coach Allan Ray had a strong and personal connection with the players. He was great at clearly communicating what he needed from us and how we could improve. I think that’s partly because he was a pro himself and can really understand what we’re going through.

It wasn´t a great season for Neustadt. What did you learn about yourself during this season?

You’re right, especially the start of the season was really tough. But I always try to find something positive in every situation. Despite the difficult beginning, I was able to grow by learning to maintain a positive mindset and keep working hard. I believe in God, and after every storm, the sun will shine again. When things go well, it’s always easy—but true strength shows when everything goes wrong and you still manage to push through.

You had many fine games with Neustadt. Was your 24 points against Essen your fondest moment last season?

One might think my 24-point game was my highlight last season, but the honor goes to a different game—even though the game against Essen was really important for us. The most memorable game was our win against Bernau, which was also our first win of the season. It was a home game, and the arena was electric. That feeling of joy was indescribable

You played 2 seasons with the RheinStars. You played 29 games there and your minutes went from 6 to 9 per game. How was your time there. Despite not playing that much, what did your game gain in these 2 years?

During those two years, I learned a lot, thanks to having a great coaching staff with Stephan Baeck, Zoran Kukic, and Katharina Arnold, as well as access to a top-level training facility that not many players get. I was able to grow a lot, especially in the second year when we made it to the finals and had one of the strongest teams in the league. That season taught me what it really means to have a winner’s mindset. I also had the chance to work with very talented players every day—like Bryan Battle—and we had a strong connection both on and off the court.

How important was it having a guy like Jannis Von Seckendorf? How valuable was it battling him every day in practice? How do you feel did your game profit from his game?

Having someone like Jannis on the team was really valuable, especially since he played the same position as me. He was one of the most efficient players on our team, and even though our playing styles were different, I was still able to learn a few things from him—especially when it came to energy and body language. We’re also good friends and still stay in regular contact.

You began your basketball career with the Art Giants Duesseldorf. How important were these years for your early basketball development? Did you have a mentor then with them or Leverkusen??

 In the U12, my first coach was Divine—he was the first one who really saw potential in me and planted the idea in my head that I could achieve something through basketball. I’m still very grateful to him, and to this day, he remains one of the best coaches I’ve ever had. In Leverkusen, I played through my entire U19 youth career and had my first season at the men’s level. My coach back then was Jacques Schneider, who is now the head coach of Trier, the team that earned promotion to the BBL this year. He really pushed me during that time and taught me a lot. Those years were very important for my development and played a big role in helping me grow as a player.

You also played a season in the Regionalliga with Leverkusen. How important was a player like Marian Schick? What could you gain from his presence?

Marian Schick is the kind of player every young guy should have around. He was very experienced and already at the end of his career, which made him really focused on passing down his knowledge and tips to younger players. He constantly motivated me and gave me a lot of trust, which meant a lot in my development.

Who is the toughest player that you ever faced on the court that reached the NBA or Euroleague?

One of the toughest players I’ve faced recently is Noa Essengue, the 12th pick in this year’s NBA Draft. We played against him in the semifinals. Even though I was injured during the series, it was clear to see his exceptional talent. Another name I’d mention is Davi Remagen. He’s not in the NBA or Euroleague yet, but he will be soon. He’s heading to Georgia Tech this year. I played with him for two years and worked very closely with him this summer—he’s a special talent.

Please name your 5 best teammates of all-time?

That’s a really tough question. I don’t have a specific ranking, and for me, this list doesn’t only include the most talented teammates I’ve had on the court, but also the ones who influenced, motivated, and helped shape me into the player I am today. Each of these guys has earned their spot in their own unique way:
Bryan Battle
Davi Remagen
Luca Ladjyn
Panagiotis Chandolias

Please name your personal NBA and Euroleague and German Mount Rushmore(best 4 players of all-time)?

For the NBA I would say: Michael Jordan, Lebron James, Kevin Durant and Kobe Bryant.
In the Euroleague I would say: Luka Dončić, Nikola Mirotić, Sergio Llull and Kendrick Nunn. My German one would be would Dennis Schröder, Dirk Nowitzki, Franz Wagner and Klaus Zander

Who is your GOAT?

My GOAT is Michael Jordan. I know many people might disagree, but just as many would agree. He changed basketball forever. But off the court, the one true GOAT is God. Without Him, none of this would be possible—I wouldn’t be here, and I certainly wouldn’t be doing this interview.

Thanks Duje for the chat.

Jahmius Ramsey(Pallacanestro Trieste) Will Never Forget His NBA Debut Battling Chris Paul Ánd Devin Booker And Thinking Dang I´m In The NBA

Jahmi’us Ramsey (190-SG-2001, college: Texas Tech) is a 24 year old 190cm guard from Arlington, Texas that is playing his first season overseas with Pallacanestro Trieste (Italy Serie A). He begna his basketball career at Mansfield Summit bhigh school and then also gathered expereince at IMG Prep academy, Oak Hill academy, Drive nation and Duncanville high school. He then played a season at Texas Tech University (NCAA) averaging 15.0ppg, 4.0rpg, 2.2apg, 1.3spg, FGP: 44.9%, 3PT: 42.9%, FT: 64.1%. He was drafted by the Sacramento Kings in 2020. He played his first 5 seasons in the NBA and G-League. He played a total of 39 NBA games with Sacramento and Toronto and in the G-League played with Stockton, Oklahoma City, and the Raptors 905. He spoke to germanhoops.com before a Basketball Champions League game against Wurzburg.

You are playing your first season overseas with Pallacanestro Trieste. What kind of experience has Italy been so far, and what have you enjoyed the most about the opportunity with them?

The experience here in Italy has been a good one for me, both on and off the court. Basketball-wise, the play style is similar to college, which is great for me. Off the court, the food is amazing—bread and cheese here are the best ever. What I’ve enjoyed the most about this opportunity is being able to spread God’s word and His love through what He has blessed me to do.

You played your first five seasons in the NBA and G League. Is Europe now your number one goal, or could a return to the NBA still be realistic for you?

The NBA is still very realistic for me, in my opinion, and that’s what I’m working toward.

What was your wake-up call to being overseas—when you really felt that you were far from home?

Maybe the flight. It was extremely long.

How long?

Fourteen hours total. The longest stretch without a break was nine hours. And then, not seeing my wife for two months—that was hard. Those were probably my two wake-up calls.

Trieste is in the middle of the pack in Serie A and battling in the BCL. How confident are you that this club has the potential to make the playoffs?

I’m very confident. I like our group. We just have to keep pushing and keep meshing together on the court. But yes, I’m very confident—we have a really good group of guys.

You’ve needed no adjustment period, putting up very good stats in Serie A and the BCL. What is your secret to being so consistent right away?

Jesus Christ. He helps me go out there and do everything I do every night. It’s a blessing. He alone helps me be consistent and persistent in everything I do. All glory to Him.

How valuable has veteran teammate Markel Brown been in your adjustment period? Was he the guy who took you under his wing to help you overseas?

Oh—super valuable. Markel Brown has been extremely helpful. I just told him a practice or two ago that I’m watching him—meaning I like the things he does. He’s been here six years and picked up on tricks that help him perform well. Later he told me he did the same thing when he first got here, watching older guys. So having him in my first year here has been extremely helpful and valuable.

You played your first two NBA seasons with the Sacramento Kings as well as in the G League. After one NCAA season, you turned pro. What do you remember being your wake-up call as a rookie in the NBA?

My experience was totally different because we had COVID, so we went straight into the year. Honestly, my wake-up call came after I got cut—not necessarily in the first one or two years. That moment felt like my real wake-up call.

You made your NBA debut against the Phoenix Suns, scoring two points and playing against guys like Chris Paul and Devin Booker. What do you remember most from your debut?

I remember thinking, “Dang, I’m here. This is the NBA.” Looking back now, it feels different, but at that moment it was crazy—just realizing I was really in the NBA.

You had some notable teammates: Harrison Barnes, De’Aaron Fox, Buddy Hield. Which player in those two years had the biggest impact on you?

Honestly, all three. Buddy, Harrison Barnes, and De’Aaron Fox were all vets to me, each in different ways. Fox was like a role model—I watched him, learned from his routines. Harrison was like an older OG, asking me things like, “Did you get your extra shots in today?” And Buddy was like a friend-OG, making sure I was good outside of basketball. Me and Buddy live in the same city, so we have even more of a relationship.

You played your third pro season with the Oklahoma City Blue and were very consistent that season. Did you ever feel like you were close to an NBA call-up?

I think so, yes. But it’s all on God’s timing. As far as when I’ll be back in the NBA, I leave it in His hands and just try to do my part every time I play. He’ll do what I can’t do—give me the opportunity when it’s time.

In your fourth pro season, you mostly played with the Oklahoma City Blue but also had two 10-day contracts with the Toronto Raptors. What was it like being with the Raptors on those short contracts? Is it even possible to build relationships in such a short time?

Yeah, not anything super deep, but basketball works like that. Growing up, you go to camps, meet guys, then see them again later. Players get traded all the time. You kind of just know people. So it’s not foreign—once you meet someone the first time, the next time it already feels familiar.

Last season you averaged 20 points in the G League for the first time, but still no NBA call-up. Did you lose faith in the NBA process?

No, I didn’t. I put my faith in Jesus Christ, not the NBA process. So no, I didn’t lose faith in Him—I can’t. He is my rock, my everything.

You also played a season at Texas Tech University. What was your favorite game there?

That’s a good question—I have a lot of good memories. Maybe my favorite was against West Virginia at home, when me, TJ, and someone else all had 20-something points. Seeing my brother TJ get 20 with me—that was dope. I have many other great memories too.

How did coach Chris Beard groom and prepare you for a pro career?

Chris Beard is a great coach. He helped me mentally. His thing was “4 to 1” – a mindset about pushing through, no matter what’s stacked against you or for you. Just keep going.

Who won a one-on-one in practice—you or Kyler Edwards?

Me. I don’t even know if we ever played, but I’m picking me.

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

Tough to say. If we’re talking best career so far, probably Tyrese Maxey or Tyrese Haliburton. But in the NCAA at that time, I wouldn’t pick either of them as the toughest I faced.

Name your five best teammates of all time.

I’ll say Miller Kopp and TJ Shannon. I feel like I’d leave out too many guys otherwise, so I’ll leave it at those two.

And name your personal NBA Mount Rushmore.

Russell Westbrook, Stephen Curry, LeBron James, and Shaquille O’Neal. I don’t love doing top lists because there are so many great players, but I’m good with that four.

Who is your GOAT?

Jesus Christ.

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

No, I didn’t. I don’t think I’ve ever seen it.

Thanks Jahmius for the chat.

David Craig(TSV Neustadt) Is Hungry To Show His Game Overseas As He Didn´t Get A Chance To Show His Dominating Game At The NCAA Level

David Craig (218-C-2003, college: Tenn Tech) is a 22 year old 218cm center from Johannesburg, South Africa playing his rookie season overseas in Germany with Pro B team TSV Neustadt Temps Shooters averaging 5,7ppg and 5,4rpg. He began his basketball career with McCallie Prep School in Tennessee. He then played a season with Mercer University (NCAA) averaging 5.5ppg, 4.2rpg, FGP: 55.4%, FT: 58.8%. He then played 2 seasons at Tennessee Tech University (NCAA) averaging 2.5ppg, 2.5rpg and 2.1ppg, 2.2rpg. He got his first pro career with the MBB Blue Soldiers (South Africa-D2) averaging 4.8ppg, 3.8rpg. He spoke to germanhoops.com about basketball.He didn´t want to answer questions about his NCAA days saving that when he is more established as a professional player.

Thanks David for talking to germanhoops.com. Your playing your rookie season with the TSV Neustadt temps Shooters (Germany-ProB). You always wanted to play in Germany. Has a dream been fulfilled?

It definitely is. I’ve had a great respect for basketball in Europe and to travel the world to play basketball is always a dream come true.

You have signed with ambitious Pro B team TSV Neustadt temps Shooters (Germany-ProB). What was so appealing about this organization? What did you appreciate most about the club?

I had some good discussions with the head coach, as well as with my agent. Overal it just seemed to be the best fit for me. What I appreciated the most about the club is that they were very intentional about what they wanted and how they wanted things done. Overallit showed me that I would step into a professional and positive environment.

Head coach Allan Ray really wanted your services. How did the talks go with him? What did you instantly appreciate about his basketball philosophy?

They went really well. What I enjoyed most is the transparency in our discussions and sharing similar thoughts on how we can improve my game and what I can bring to the team. I instantly appreciated his philosophy of how he wants to structure the offense because it’s got efficient structure and has many possibilities for me to make an impact in it.

You never were able to really show your game in the NCAA for many minutes. Do you believe like you can be an impact player given sufficient minutes?

I definitely do believe that. If you go and look at the games in which I played sufficient minutes, I was pretty much getting close to a double double almost every time. The NCAA scene is very complicated and I had to jump through a lot of hurdles that should never have been there to begin with. It makes no sense for me to have my best college games in the beginning of my career because I only improved as time went on.

You’re a classic 7 footer which is very rare plus of South African/British decent. You began basketball with 12. How tall were you then? What sports did you play before basketball?

I have a British passport however I have never been to the UK, I’m solely a South African. When I began playing I was around 5 foot 6. I used to play rugby, cricket, squash, tennis and football.

Let´s talk about your game. You’re a 218cm center. If you had to compare your game to a NBA player who would best fit the description?

I like to model my game to Ivica Zubac. We share a physical dominance that is coupled with high IQ, rebounding, scoring and shot blocking.

You can rebound the ball very well. What other strengths do you have?

High IQ, post scoring, setting screens, making high level passes and reads, shot blocking.

How would you describe your defensive game at the moment. What kind of a defender do you still want to become?

I want to become a more versatile defender that can guard a forward and continue to be better in guarding pick and roll. I think at the moment I am able to provide a very effective presence at the rim and so now it’s a matter of expanding it.

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

I’ve focused a lot on my jump shooting and agility this offseason. I see these two areas as the next steps to take for my game. The better I can get at these the more it will open things up for myself and my teammates.

You got your first pro experience in 2025 playing for the MBB Blue Soldiers (South Africa-D2): Basketball Africa League averaging 4.8ppg, 3.8rpg. What kind of an experience was this. How was the playing style compared to what you had seen in the NCAA?

It was a great experience being able to play with NBA calibre talent. The playing style was more physical, but the offense was not as structured because of the 24 second shot clock instead of the 30 second clock. The BAL had more physical bigs which was different than the college big that is usually not physical but more of a rim runner. The BAL format brought out the talent of players more than college does, college is too dominated by coaching style in my opinion.

You had a 9/10 game in Africa. How valuable was this short experience especially for your self confidence moving forward to Germany?

I always knew I could dominate, it was just that this was the game I was given that opportunity. It did boost my confidence but by no means was I shocked or taken by surprise. I knew very well that I would have a game like this when my opportunity came.

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

Dalton Knecht

Please name your 5 best teammates of all-time?

Michael Zanoni, Teafale Lenard Jr, Jalyn Mccreary, Daniel Egbuniwe, Pieter Prinsloo

Please list your personal NBA, German and Serbian Mount Rushmore of 4 best players of all-time?

Michael Jordan, LeBron James, Kobe Bryant, Shaquille o Neal

Who is your Goat?

Michael Jordan

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

lol I didn’t see the sequel so I don’t know what this is about.

Thanks David for the chat.

Basketball Globetrotter James Eads(Sabah BK Baku) Shooting Has Helped Him Carve Out An Illustrious Career Overseas

James Eads III (193-G-1997, college: Tuskegee) is a 28 year old 193cm guard form Orlando, florida playing his sixth professional season overseas and first with Sabah BK Baku (Azerbaijan-ABL). He began his basketball career at Edgewater High School and then embarked on a 4 year stay at Tuskegee University (NCAA2) from 2015-2019 playing a total of 101 games and as a senior averaged 19.1ppg, 5.4rpg, 1.2apg, 1.3spg, FGP: 44.6%, 3PT: 34.4%, FT: 69.7%. He turned pro in 2020 and has played in countries like Romania, Poland, Hungary and Taiwan. He spoke to germanhoops.com before a Basketball Champions League game against Alba Berlin.

Thanks James for talking to germanhoops.com. Your playing your second season with Sabah BK Baku (Azerbaijan[1]ABL). What kind of an experience has it been? What have you enjoyed most about playing for this organization?

It’s been a great experience. Sabah is a very professional club and it felt good returning to the same club for the first time in my career

Last season you won the league title with Sabah BK Baku (Azerbaijan-ABL). How big is the hunger to repeat? Is the team as talented as last season?

There is definitely a big hunger to repeat being that Sabah has won the last three championships so we just want to keep the streak going. We truthfully might be a more well rounded team this year the team mesh’s wellThere’s

The team has 2 really talented guards with Americans with Hassani Gravett and David Nichols. What exactly is your role on the team?

I would say my role is knocking down shots and using my athleticism to help the pace of the team, and being a good defender as well

Let´s talk about your game. You’re a 193cm guard. If you had to compare your game to a NBA player who would best fit the description?

I would have to say someone like a Jimmy Butler

You’re a player that fills the stat sheet well. What do you feel is your biggest strength on the court?

My biggest strength is my ability to shoot the ball/ physicality

You always have been a solid three pointer. Last season you reached the 40% plateau and now shooting near 40% in the BCL. What has been key for reaching the next level as a shooter?

I try to always remain confident in my shot and abilities. That even when I’ve missed a few shots in a row or had a bad game or two in a row I still feel like I’m a great shooter.

Your also a very good defender. How have you seen your development as a defender overseas. What kind of a defender do you still want to become?

Coming overseas from college it was definitely a big learning curve of how to play defense in the European game but over the years I was able to get better and better. I still feel like there’s room to grow in pressuring 94 feet every game, every possession.

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

The area of my game that needs the most improvement is rebounding, that’s something I’m trying to be more intentional about.

Last season you beat Neftci in a 6 game finals series. You had many good games. What memories will you always have from winning the title?

I enjoyed our ability to regather ourselves and come together as a group to finish out the series. It was very cool moment winning that championship

You played briefly with New Taipei CTBC DEA (Taiwan-TPBL) averaging 24.0ppg, 4.0rpg, 3.7apg, 1.0spg. What was it like playing in the far east? What was the biggest adjustment for you on and off the court?

I really enjoyed my time in Taiwan! It was a nice place to live and the league was exciting to play in. My biggest adjustment on the court was the 48 minute game instead of only 40 minutes. I don’t think I really had any big adjustments off the court

You played the 2023-2024 season with NHSZ-Szolnoki Olajbanyasz (Hungary-A Division) averaging 12.9ppg, 2.6rpg, 1.7apg, FGP: 59.4%, 3PT: 32.3%, FT: 78.4%. You won your first chip with the cup. How special was this title for you? The cup is such a special competition. How did you experience it?

It was really special winning the cup with all that the team went through that year. Even though we won the cup it would’ve been even better finishing out a real championship but we fell short in the finals to Falco

You split the 2022-2023 with 2 teams with King Szczecin (Poland-EBL) averaging 6.7ppg, 1.5rpg, 1.0apg, 2FGP: 62.5%, 3FGP: 33.3%, FT: 47.6% and with Rawlplug Sokol Lancut (Poland-EBL) averaging 13.1ppg, 2.4rpg, 1.4apg, FGP: 52.0%, 3PT: 34.9%, FT: 73.9%. It was your second season in Poland. What did you learn about the business side of it that season?

That season taught me that not every situation or every season will be perfect but you have to remain professional and consistent in your approach.

You played your first season in Poland with Twarde Pierniki Torun (Poland[1]EBL) averaging 12.6ppg, 3.3rpg, 2.0apg, FGP: 54.2%, 3PT: 26.4%, FT: 65.3%. You lost a tough playoff series against Anwil. What do you remember being the hardest thing to do as a team to try to win that series?

Trying to win on the road was the toughest challenge because Anwil’s fans give them a great home court advantage

You played your rookie season with CSM Galati (Romania-Liga Nationala) averaging 13.3ppg, 3.6rpg, 1.5apg, 1.0spg, FGP: 53.0%, 3PT: 39.4%, FT: 72.1%. What do you remember being your wake up call to being a rookie overseas where you knew that you were far away from home?

Getting off the plane in Bucharest and then not having phone service on the 3 hour drive to Galati. I was a bit shell shocked. My first year overseas was definitely rough but it prepared me for the rest of my journey

You were teammates in the second half of the season with American Drew Brandon. How vital was it having a vet like that as a rookie. What could you soak up most from his game?

Drew was a great vet when he came the team and we did a 180 and was able to make it to the playoffs. I think what I took from him was his approach to the game. He was very sharp mentally

You played at Tuskegee University (NCAA2) playing 101 NCAA 2 games. You were able tó improve your scoring and rebounding averages each season. Your game really grew in your last 2 seasons averaging 16.3ppg, 4.1rpg, 1.1apg, FGP: 44.8%, 3PT: 31.2%, FT: 71.9% and 19.1ppg, 5.4rpg, 1.2apg, 1.3spg, FGP: 44.6%, 3PT: 34.4%, FT: 69.7%. How did your game grow in your last 2 seasons?

I think it was really just my approach to the game, I wanted to be the best player in the conference that year and I think I accomplished that

You had so many great games in the NCAA 2 against schools like Albany State and Spring Hill. What was your personal favorite game there?

I think one of my favorite moments was the game I reached 1000 points. I think I needed around 27-28 points and before the game I told my teammates I was going to get it.

Who won a 1-1 in practice you or Travis Flagg?

Love him to death but he’s too small so I’d say me lo

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

At the D2 level there’s not many people that reach the NBA but Rodnerius Lewis and Tyrius Walker were some of the better players I played against

Please name your 5 best teammates of all-time?

Maurice Watson, Anfernee Simons, Myles Thomas, Demajeo Wiggins, Trevor Thompson

Please list your personal NBA Mount Rushmore?

LeBron, Jordan, Kobe, Steph

Who is your GOAT?

LeBron is the best player to ever touch a basketball!

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

I think I seen it once, and I honestly don’t think it was that bad. Definitely not close to the first one but it’s a decent movie.

Thanks James for the chat.

Eugene Campbell (Valleta Dream) Had That Now Or Never Moment IN Armenia And Is Never Satisfied And Always Hungry For Success

Eugene Campbell III (190-G-1995, college: NJCU) is a 30 year old 190cm guard from New Jersey living the ballers dream overseas playing his sixth pro season and first with Valletta Dream (Malta-BOV League D1). He has played in countries like Moldova, Armenia, Portugal, Bosnia, Peru 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 germanhoops.com about basketball.

Thanks Eugene for talking to germanhoops.com. Your playing your 6th professional season and have played in 7 countries. Are you the ultimate basketball globetrotter?

Thank you for having me it is truly an honor. The Euro basket platform is amazing and changed my life. I would say once I hit year 10 then I’ll be stamped as the ultimate basketball globetrotter.

Your getting jobs, but not in high leagues in Europe. How tough is the grind for you personally? How tough is it getting a chance in a high league?

It is very tough getting a job in a high league in Europe when you come from a Division 3 program and you don’t get the right agent coming out of college. The grind is very tough every year for me no matter how good of a season I may have had in my previous country, but that’s what makes me the player I am today and it is the reason why I am never satisfied and always hungry for success. Getting a chance in a high league has been a bit easier for me lately being that I have played in two respected top leagues in the Middle East and Africa but it’s still a journey and a fight each and every day.

Is Germany a country that you would like to ball in? Have you had friends play there?

I would love to play in Germany. I feel like Germany Pro B and Pro A are leagues I can become very successful in and can open the doors for higher leagues in Europe for me. I had multiple friends and former teammates that played in Germany over the last couple of years and I’ve heard nothing but good things about the leagues as well as the country itself.

Your playing this season with Valletta Dream (Malta-BOV League D1). You recently joined the team. What kind of an experience has it been? The only thing missing is the first win?

It has been a great experience. I get to play for Coach Harry Savaya the man who gave me my first opportunity to play overseas in Moldova. I tell him all the time I wouldn’t be overseas if it wasn’t for you so being able to play for a coach that I knew for many years has been a cool experience. A win would definitely make me feel a lot better in my experience. Our team is getting better and better each game and we will figure it out.

You scored 25 points in your first game and 44 in your second. Was the 44 points a career high?

Now that you say that it is my career high. I never paid attention to that until you just called it out wow!

Is your role one to lead the team and score a lot? This is a role you know about overseas isn’t it?

My role on this team is to score the ball and I have no problem doing so. Whatever my team needs me to do for whatever country I play for I will make sure I play my role.

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

A mixture Devin Booker Demar Derozan and Jamal Crawford.

You’re a player that fills the stat sheet well. What would you describe as your biggest strength on the court?

My biggest strength is the ability to score the ball at 3 levels.

Talk about your defensive game. What kind of a defender are you now and what kind of defender do you still want to become?

I am a smart defender than alters shots stays disciplined and will frustrate the offensive player.

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

I’m working on shooting 40% from 3 like I did in college and making sure my free throw percentage is higher.

Last season you played with Shabab Bushra (Jordan-Premier League). What kind of an experience was that? Did you see any palaces? What was your coolest moment off the court?

Shabab Bushra was an amazing experience and they are my family for life. The team as well as the fans treated me very well and we had a solid season considering we had a small team. I was able to see a lot of cool paces both in Irbid and Amman. My coolest moment off the court was going to the pool hall with my teammates and my coaches. Pool is a sport that I play at home often so it was seeing people in the Middle east playing the sport and being good at it.

You also played in Peru with Liga Claretiana Huancayo and Club Sonics. What kind of an experience was Peru. What positives could you take with you?

Peru was a humbling experience. The altitude was insane in Huancayo. I ran up and down the court my first two days and couldn’t breathe. I had to adjust not only to the league but the conditioning and play style. The positives I can take is to make the most out of every opportunity while your in the game and to find ways to keep yourself on the court when your not scoring.

You also played with teams KK Brcko Distrikt (Bosnia-A1 Liga FBIH) and : KK Vogosca Sarajevo (Bosnia-A1 Liga FBIH). What was it like experiencing the historic city Sarajevo?

Sarajevo was cool. It’s definitely a more traditional country compared to others in Europe but it was very calm and the prices were very affordable for basic necessities. I was able to see a lot of Sarajevo and explore the center city of the capital.

You also played a season with MBA Montijo Basket (Portugal-1.Divisao). What was Portugal like and how did your game progress there?

Portugal was by far my favorite country to play in because of the weather and the food. My game definitely progressed in Portugal because I came in during the mid way season to become the missing peace to a winning team. It was a great experience making the final 4 and almost moving up to Pro liga falling short just two games. I still talk to my teammates and coaches from Portugal till this day.

You also played with Gyumri Falcons (Armenia-League A) averaging 21.0ppg, 8.2rpg, 3.1apg, 2FGP: 50.6%, 3FGP: 31.9%, FT: 96.0%. You were a walking bucket there. How much fun were those few months. The team was stacked with Americans.

Armenia was fun. I was super locked in during that time because my performance in Armenia was going to dictate the rest of my career moving forward. It was a now or never moment that I took full advantage of.

You played your rookie season with Northland Ribnita (Moldova-Divizia Nationala) averaging (39.5), 7.5rpg, 2.0apg, SPG-1 (5.0), 1.0bpg. What do you remember being your wake up call to being a rookie overseas where you knew that you were far away from home?

My wake up call was the first morning I woke up. I was like I am no where near Jersey. I knew at that moment that I didn’t fly 17 hours for no reason and that I needed to make sure that 17 hour flight was going to be at the end of the season and not during the season.

After school, it took you 2 years to get overseas. How tough were these years? Did you ever have doubts about the grind and do doubts ever happen now?

Those years were actually great because I was still in school in my masters program and I was coaching and learning the game from another perspective which helped me to become a better overall player when it was time for me to go pro. I have no doubts and no regrets. I wouldn’t want the story written any differently. I love my story and I am embracing the journey each and everyday.

You played 2 seasons with Middlesex County College (JUCO). Every guy that I have interviewed that played JUCO have stated that it was a real grind, but an experience they wouldn’t have traded the world for. How was it for you?

It was a great experience and definitely a grind. I had to walk on and earn my spot on the team and I had to grind to make the starting line up and become an impact player on the team. I also had to wake up and commute every day because they didn’t have dorms at Middlesex County College. I wouldn’t trade any of those experiences for the world because it made me hungry and resilient to the highest degree.

In your second JUCO season you averaged 15.4ppg, 3.6rpg, FGP: 48.6%, 3PT: 39.5%, FT: 92.9%. How key was head coach George Jackson in your early basketball development?

George Jackson gave me the confidence and tough love that made me believe I can make a career out of basketball.

You then played at New Jersey City University (NCAA3) for 2 years playing 35 games and averaging 1,0ppg. How tough were these 2 years. Do you feel like you got a fair chance?

These two years was definitely humbling and frustrating but it only made me a stronger player mentally. I didn’t always have a fair chance, but I was given opportunites to play in those two years.

Who won a 1-1 in practice you or Lavrone Green?

At practice definitely Lavrone. Lavorne was one of the most elite guards during that time and I learned a lot from him.

Who was the toughest player that you ever faced that reached the NBA or Euroleague?

Definitely Walter Lemon Jr. Elite guard and a freak athlete. He’s a very humble guy and we still communicate time to time on social media.

Please name your five best teammates of all-time?

Ibrahim from Jordan
Gerson from Portugal
Sean from Armenia
Ricardo Portugal
Rastko Bosnia

Please name your NBA Mount Rushmore of 5 best players of all-time?

Jordan
Kobe
Magic Johnson
Steph Curry
Kareem

Who is your GOAT?

Paul Pierce

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

I didn’t see it because some movies are meant to be classics such as Space Jam. Sometimes they ruin movies by making new ones and I felt like this one wasn’t going to be as good as the first one so I didn’t even bother watching it.

Thanks Eugene for the chat.

Isaiah Swope Is Pure Jordan Esc in Crunch-Time Powering The Skyliners To 79-70 Victory Over Science City Jena

After enjoying the Fiba break recently having had a 3 game winning streak, the Skyliners came out of the break losing 2 road games as suddenly they couldn´t win so easily anymore on the road. Frankfurt wanted to rebound back in their living room against new BBL team Science City Jena who had been up and down in the last month. Both teams had real dominant 1-1 scoring guards with Eric Washington and Isaiah Swope (178-PG-2003, college: St.Louis) and if someone had predicted before the game that one of those would decide the game in crunch-time, then they would have been right. On this day it was Isaiah Swope who had his moment as he was pure Jorden Esc in crunch-time scoring 11 points in a row to decide a game that was pretty even heading to crunch-time. Frankfurt moved to 6-5 and Jena to 4-5. “I feel like we played well in the first quarter. In the second quarter, they came back and rebounded really well. We knew going into the second half that we had to pick up our rebounding and defense and did. We got key stops at the end and hit big shots”, stressed Skyliner Nahiem Alleyne. Science City Jena always had answers in the game especially against Isaiah Swope who they had contained well for 35 minutes, but in crunch-time, they had no solution how to stop him as he led his team to the giant victory. “I felt like we played really solid. We just didn´t make the right plays at the end to win. They made shots and we didn´t. Swope got hot in crunch-time which was the difference”, stressed Science City Jena guard Eric Washington.

Logan Johnson at the FT line

The Skyliners wasted no time finding to their game right away taking a lethal 13-1 lead totally shocking Science City Jena. The Skyliners played with an incredible level of high intensity and aggressiveness on defense that totally stifled the guests. Frankfurt got 7 stops where 4 were turnovers before young German Daniel Biel made the team´s first points with a free throw. Frankfurt got out on transition and got easy buckets as ex Artland Dragon Will Christmas scored three times and did ex G-League slam dunk champion Logan Johnson with a lay in while ex Creighton (NCAA) forward Ryan Hawkins nailed a trey and Till Pape made a tap in. Science City Jena had immense difficulty getting into their sets being totally hectic and trying too hard. Frankfurt were flying all around on defense which led to good offense. Science City Jena finally got an offense rhythm, but got nothing easy from the Skyliners as they had to work for everything. The guests got scorers from ex Hagen forward Naz Bohannon and a trey from Washington to trail 18-10. “Washington is hard to contain. He is always aggressive and finds his way to the hole easier. He is a guy that can change a game. Luckily for Frankfurt, it wasn´t him today”, smiled ex BG Goettingen German Nick Boakye. The Skyliners continued to execute well on offense getting support from the bench as German Radíi Casin made a lay in and Alleyne hit a trey. German Lorenz Bank made a key three pointer in the last minute for Jena, but the Skyliners had the 25-14 advantage after 10 minutes. “The Skyliners came into the game really focused. Jena started slowly and couldn´t move the ball at all. It took Jena a while, but finally found their offensive rhythm as they rebounded better and became more stable on defense allowing less easy baskets”, stated ex EasyCredit BBL player Nick Boakye. The Skyliners shot 53% from the field and 50% from the field and had 11 rebounds and 3 turnovers while Science City Jena shot 26% from the field and 17% from outside and had 14 rebounds and 8 turnovers.

Eric Washington from outside

The Skyliners had good control of the game for the first minutes of the second quarter, but basketball is a game of runs and Science City Jena produced a comeback and suddenly the game was deadlocked, but at the break, Frankfurt was able to grab the lead by 3 points. Frankfurt began well getting to the free throw line while ex Bonn center Til Pape showed his versatility and fine inside out skills for a big man dropping a trey and Radii Casin snuck inside grabbing an offensive rebound and making the put back for the 30-17 advantage. Science City Jena continued to have problems getting good looks against the aggressive Frankfurt defense. However then came that Jena run that nobody expected. Frankfurt didn´t let up on defense, because Jena simply hit really tough shots in their 13-0 run to tie the game at 30-30. The guests got super support from role player Tavian Dunn-Martin from Florida Gulf Coast University (NCAA) as he added two three´s while Bank and Washington made lay in´s. “Ex Bochum forward Keith Braxton also made a runner. Frankfurt lost their offensive rhythm as they were forcing too much and got away from Frankfurt basketball. Jena did a great job taking care of the ball achieving no turnover in the second quarter. Frankfurt stopped the Jena run with an Alleyne runner and trey from German big Jacob Knauf while Jena got 2 buckets from Bank, but Frankfurt led 37-34 at half-time. “Frankfurt´s offense got static and slower while Jena defended better in their run and got 8 offensive rebounds to get extra possessions”, stated Nick Boakye. The Skyliners shot 37% from the field and 18% from the three point line and had 23 rebounds and 4 turnovers while Science City Jena shot 32% from the field and 23% from the three point line and had 31 rebounds and 8 turnovers.

Till Pape with the lay in

The Skyliners did a good job keeping the lead in the third quarter as Science City Jena was unable to get over the hump trailing 59-54 after 30 minutes. Both teams traded 4-0 runs to start the second half as Frankfurt got baskets from Alleyne and Johnson while Jena got buckets from Washington and ex Phoenix Hagen center Alex Herrera as Frankfurt led 41-38. Frankfurt then got super production from role player Radii Casin who scored back to back baskets as Jena trailed 45-38. But Jena stayed tough and always had answer and were able to punch back against the less aggressive Frankfurt defense getting scores from Braxton and a 20 footer from Bank to trail 49-45. But Frankfurt´s offense was on as they continued to execute well going on a 6-2 run to lead 55-47. Frankfurt did a good job being able to get the bigs involved and in good position to get easy scores as Pape made a lay in and Knauf a lay in. Isaiah Swope continued to take many shots, but had misfortune with execution, but his time would come later. Jena got baskets from Bohahon and ex NBA player Joe Wieskamp to trail 59-54 after 3 quarters. “We knew we had to come out tough and not let them get comfortable. We did a good job getting easy baskets and finding Pape and Knauf for baskets”, added Nahiem Alleyne. “Our big Great Osobor is out and they took advantage of it. We have to do a better job of making something happen with the group that we have”, added Eric Washington.

Alex Herrea at the FT line

The fourth quarter was a real dog fight until the crunch-time performance of Isaiah Swope took over sending Science City Jena home with the loss. Ex NBA player Joe Wieskamp was massive in the first minutes making key baskets to keep Jena close to Frankfurt. He made 2 lay in´s and free throws as Jena trailed 64-62. Wieskamp remained aggressive and made another lay in with a pretty move inside to tie the game at 64-64. But that was the last punch of Jena as the Skyliners went on an explosive crunch-time 11-3 run as Isaiah Swope was pure Jordan Esc scoring 11 points in a row. He made 2 free throws, a trey and 3 fade away jumpers in best Michael Jordan manner to give his team the 77-67 lead to decide the game. “I didn´t have much luck in the first 3 quarters, but coach kept telling me to keep shooting. My teammates have a lot of confidence in my game and I do in my own game. I just try to focus on my game and stay consistent”, warned Isaiah Swope. “Isaiah is a workaholic. He is always in the gym. He found through adversary and made big shots. His 11 points in a row didn´t surprise me”, stated Nahiem Alleyne. Wieskamp then connected on a 3 point play with under a minute to play, but Will Chrismas ended the game with free throws. “We rebounded well and contained their guards well”, said Nahiem Alleyne. “We did a good job containing Swope for 3 quarters. He is a good player. Once he saw some go in, there was no stopping him”, said Eric Washington. The Skyliners were led by Isaiah Swope with 17 points while Nahiem Alleyne added 14 points and Till Pape had 13 points while Science City Jena was led by Joe Wieskampa nd Eric Washington with 18 points a piece. The Skyliners shot 42% from the field and 18% from outside and had 39 rebounds and 10 turnovers while Science City Jena shot 385 from the field and 23% from outside and had 49 rebounds and 20 turnovers.

Mike Mitchell Jr Powers The CATL Basketball Lowen In Crunch-Time Over The Skyliners Juniors 86-82 As A Little Bit Of Larry Bird Spirit Is In The Air

How different the season of the Skyliners Juniors could have been had they not had had injury woes in the first month and they had found a way to win games at home better (1-4). But that is all in the past as the team simply needs wins to get up higher into the standings as they were resting in 11th place. They met last placed Basketball Lowen Erfurt who were sitting in the Pro B cellar. Sometimes records do disguise certain things as this seemingly lowly team were first in points scored and rebounds, but that didn´t get them a medal as they allowed 93 points per game and were second in turnovers in the Pro B south. The team featured the always potent Paul Albrecht and talented German Musa Abra and work horse Noah Kamdem. The Skyliners Juniors came into the game with a 3 game losing streak and last weekend had found no offensive rhythm losing 70-61 against Langen. They were facing a must win in their own living room. Despite an incredible shooting clinic with 10 three´s and 35 points by the universal genius Ivan Crnjac, the Skyliners Juniors weren´t able to secure the win as the CATL Basketball Lowen won 86-82. Frankfurt had to put up with the strong big man duo of Albrecht and Kamdem and with Abra and Mitchell at the guard position and in the end it was Mitchell who made the game winner and free throws. “I felt like we played well as a team and hustled well. However our defense wasn´t always awake. It was tough defending against 2 dominant bigs and 2 talented guards. They showed what they could do on the court”, stressed Ivan Crnjac. They combined for 66 of the 86 team points. The CATL Basketball Lowen needed a win so badly and fought until the end with the great support of their fans who made the long trip. “It was an even game for the most part. Even when Frankfurt got a good lead in the third quarter, we never gave up. I think that we had the better energy at the end and were more active on the defensive end. Our fans were also a big help”, stressed Erfurt guard Musa Abra.

Samuel Nellessen with the runner

The Skyliners Juniors found their offensive rhythm quickly taking the quick 8-3 lead as Ivan Crnjac got going right away netting 5 points and getting a great feel for the rim. Frankfurt was sharing the ball nicely early. However it didn´t take the CATL Basketball Lowen long to punch back as American Mike Mitchell Jr. (188-G-2002, college: Minnesota) and veteran Noah Kamdem nailed three´s dead locking the game 10-10. A 9-0 Erfurt run gave them the 14-10 advantage as Frankfurt was reeling for something positive. The Frankfurt 1-1 defense was weak as they allowed way too many easy baskets. Frankfurt took a time out and struck back letting it rain three´s as Crnjac was in the zone as he knocked down 2 more three´s while Mr Energizer Dusan Nikolic also hit from outside as did Czech Republic guard Lukas Smazak as Frankfurt had the 22-16 advantage. Frankfurt couldn´t hold the momentum as Erfurt struck back with a 7-0 run as young German Jordan Brand connected for a trey and Mitchell scored back to back mid range shots for the 23-22 lead. Frankfurt had one more chance before the quarter ended and Skyliner Junior Alvin Oniya literally pulled a Larry Bird. Back in a pre season game in 1986, Larry Bird hit a shot from behind the basket against the Houston Rockets in Hartford. Onyia did the same thing and saw nothing but net. “Fabrice Heberer made a shot like that this season in the Regionalliga. Kids don´t usually practice that shot at least I hope they don´t. You try a shot like that in the game of horse. A shot like that can always help push a team”, said Skyliners NBBL coach Thore Bethke. A big focus in the game was to control the boards and Frankfurt did that 12-10 while shooting47% from the field and 43% from outside while the guests shot 50% from the field and 44% from outside. The Skyliners Juniors had 4 turnovers and Erfurt 0. “The Skyliners Juniors didn´t have it easy without Joscha Zentgraf and Marvin Esser under the boards, but they did a pretty good job as a team. It was difficult containing Mitchell and Abra. We gave up too many easy baskets”, stressed Thore Bethke

Jamie Edoka from outside

The second quarter remained tight as both clubs continued to punch back and forth, but in the last minutes before the break, the CATL Basketball Lowen got away and led 50-45. The CATL Basketball Lowen did a good job closing down the lane and gave the Skyliners Juniors the three pointer and they responded. Crnjac continued to fire away making another while Nikolic and Jamie Edoka did as well, but the guests always had an answer getting a trey from Mitchell who was always aggressive and lay in´s from Abra and ex Rhondorf forward Samuel Nellessen to dead lock the game at 35-35. After Edoka and Mitchell traded three´s, it was the guests that took the lead as Germans Paul Albrecht who once notched a triple double against Lok Bernau and Luca Forster made lay in´s for the 43-40 Erfurt advantage. Frankfurt continued to have problems with their defensive intensity allowing easy buckets. Frankfurt kept battling back getting free throws from ex Neustadt forward Leif Zentgraf and a trey from Maxi Peters tying the game at 45-45. Erfurt punched back one last time closing out the second quarter with a 5-0 run as Abra hit a trey and Luca Forster made an off balance jumper with 0,8 seconds at the buzzer. “We had problems getting consistent stops. They continued to get easy baskets especially on Transition. Mitchell did a good job always pushing the ball”, said Thore Bethke. The CATL Basketball Lowen shot 47% from the field and 40% from the three point line and had 20 rebounds and 2 turnovers while the Skyliners Juniors shot 48% from the field and 42% from the three point line and had 21 rebounds and 9 turnovers.

Musa Abra at the FT line

The Skyliners Juniors picked up their game at both ends of the court in the third quarter and led by as much as 8 points, but Erfurt fought back and trailed only by 1 point after 3 quarters. The Skyliners Juniors exploded to begin the second half going on a 11-2 run as Ivan Crnjac continued to have the hot hand nailing 2 three´s while Leif Zentgraf also dropped a trey and Crnjac also displayed his fine passing skills throwing up the perfect alley-oop lob pass for Jamie Edoka with the massive throw down and 56-52 lead. “They were giving the Skyliners the three. It was nice to see Ivan hit three´s again. It was a good omen for the game, because whenever he is on, Frankfurt has good chances to win”, stated Thore Bethke. After Mitchell found Forster for the back door bullet pass and lay in, it was Ivan Crnjac again who continued his superb shooting nailing 2 more three´s for the 62-54 advantage. However Frankfurt was unable to keep the momentum allowing a 9-2 run to end the third quarter and led only 64-63. Frankfurt had some annoying turnovers which led to easy transition buckets from Abra and Nellessen. Kamdem also made a difficult turn around shot while super role player Luca Forster connected on a clutch three pointer. “They had some nice highlight plays like that Edoka alley-oop dunk, but we executed well on offense and fought back to stay close”, commented Musa Abra. “We began well and hit the three well, but we had too many leek outs on defense and allowed easy baskets”, said Ivan Crnjac. The Skyliners Juniors shot 45% from the field and 43% from the parking lotr and had 32 rebounds and 13 turnovers while the CATL Basketball Lowen shot 41% from the field and 32% from the parking lot and had 35 rebounds and 8 turnovers.

Ivan Crnjac from downtown

The fourth quarter was a real dog fight as there were 9 lead changes as no team could get away form the other. Ex Skyliners Junior Noah Kamdem is always motivated to play his ex team and twice gave his team the 2 point lead with a trey and runner 70-68. Crnjac continued to be aggressive netting his 9th and 10th three pointers of the game giving his team the 74-73 lead. He finished the game with 35 points on 12/20 shooting. “The first ones felt good. It was good to get out of my shooting slump. We had an advantage because they gave us the three´s”, expressed Ivan Crnjac. After a Kamdem trey, it was Smazak that connected from outside for the 77-76 lead. Young German Musa Abra who has improved his play each season in the last 3 in the NBBL and Pro B has become a real go to guy and showed it in crunch time with a trey and lay in for the 81-79 Erfurt lead. “I showed responsibility. My drive was working well. My team has a lot of confidence in my game. My confidence keeps growing from game to game”, said Musa Abra. Smazak continued to be aggressive and confident in his shot as he hit a trey to tie the game at 82-82. Mitchell then punched back with a 20 footer for the 84-82 lead with 36 seconds to play. Erfurt then stopped Crnjac and Mitchell clinched the win with free throws. “We were very aggressive and had more energy. We were all active on defense and had good pick and roll defense”, stressed Musa Abra. “We could have had better looks at the end. We aren´t that good yet at closing out games. We are a young team. We have to work on that”, stressed Ivan Crnjac. The CATL Basketball Lowen were led by Musa Abra with 21 points. Mike Mitchell Jr. added 17 points and Noah Kamdem had 15 points while the Skyliners Juniors were led by Ivan Crnjac with 35 points while Jamie Edoka added 10 points. The CATL Basketball Lowen shot 41% from the field and 33% from outside and had 51 rebounds and 11 turnovers while the Skyliners Juniors shot 42% from the field and 37% from outside and had 41 rebounds and 14 turnovers.

Mike Mitchell JR(CATL Basketball Lowen) Has Always Had The Luxury To Have Had The Perfect Role Carved Out For Him To Excel Wherever He Has Played  

How famous is the line, if you don’t succeed at first then try try again. I have heard it a lot in my life time. The phrase is simple in that it suggests perseverance in that one should learn from set backs and keep pushing until success comes. It is as easy as that and there have been so many examples over time of athletes that have experienced this. Superstar NBA players lIke Dennis Rodman and Carmelo Anthony weren´t big prospects in high school while MLB superstar Orel Hershiser was cut from teams in high school and college while the GOAT of soccer Lionel Messi was so short as a youth that he was also cut from a junior team while Football Goat Tom Brady was far away from a superstar route as he was only drafted in the sixth round of the NFL draft back in the day. I could list many more examples as these kind of Cinderella stories are told all the time. For overseas rookie Mike Mitchell, this phrase fits perfectly to him. He is a player that didn´t have success with his first stop overseas in England, but since coming to Germany has proven to be a top player in the third league Pro B. He began the season with the Jelson Homes DMU Leicester Riders (United Kingdom SLB) where he only played 4 games averaging 3,5ppg and 2,0apg in 16 minutes per game. Coming overseas and getting adjusted isn´t always easy especially when your all alone and sometimes things just don´t work out. “I had no family or friends there. I had always been used to having them around. I just wasn´t able to crack the rotation. I had good minutes, but I just didn´t do enough. It was a great organization. It just wasn´t the best fit at the time”, stressed Mike Mitchell Jr. (188-G-2002, college: Minnesota). He is a player except for that one time in Leicester that has always had the luxury to have had the perfect role carved out for him to excel wherever he has played.

The California native who lists NBA player Terrence Shannon Jr as his toughest opponent that he has faced in his career so far and Shai Gillgeous-Alexander as his GOAT was born in San Jose, California on July 2,2002 and comes from a sporty family as his dad was a stand out football player at Stanford. He got a lot of early basketball experience playing at Archbishop Mitty High School and AAU with West Coast Elite, Oakland Soldiers and Team Arsenal. In high school he was a 2 time MVP of the West Coast Athletic League. He then proceeded to play at Pepperdine University (NCAA) averaging 9.1ppg, 3.9rpg, 4.9apg, 1.0spg, FGP: 36.0%, 3PT: 40.0%, FT: 69.6%
and 10.9ppg, 4.1rpg, 5.0apg, 1.1spg, FGP: 42.1%, 3PT: 41.7%, FT: 76.2%.He played for head coach Lorenzo Romar who was very influential in his early basketball development. “Coach Lorenzo was simply everything for me. I committed to go to Pepperdine because of him. He is the reason why I have been able to produce in Germany and wherever else I go in life”, stated Mike Mitchell Jr.. He played a total of 61 NCAA games and scored in double figures in 32 games. He had many great games like against USF netting 22 points or having San Diego´s number twice in his second season scoring 20 and 19 points. Unfortunately in losing causes. It wasn´t any games that he remembered most in those 2 years, but rather something else that tickled his heart. “My teammates and practices. Even if it didn´t translate into many wins, I found friends for life”, warned Mike Mitchell Jr.. He then moved on to the University of Minnesota averaging 10.2ppg, 2.7rpg, 2.6apg, 1.5spg, FGP: 45.3%, 3PT: 39.9%, FT: 80.6% and 8.4ppg, 1.8rpg, 2.5apg, 1.0spg, FGP: 35.7%, 3PT: 32.7%, FT: 70.6%. Making a move like this was only logical. Who doesn´t want to challenge themselves more in the Big 10? “Every player wants to be able to compete at the highest level and see how well they can do against the top players. I proved I could compete at the highest level”, expressed Mike Mitchell jr. He helped his team reach the NIT Sweet 16 in 2024 where he aided in the big 73-72 win against Butler. “It was a great experience. We were 1 win away from the Big Dance. It hurt a lot not making it. I have great memories there that will forever remain in my heart”, said Mike Mitchell Jr.. He had many great games at Minnesota like beating Michigan twice scoring 18 and 20 points in nail bitter wins. Did he enjoy one win more than other? “The second year when I had 20 points. The fans stormed the court and Michigan was ranked in the top 15. That win put us on the map”, remembered Mike Mitchell Jr.. In his 2 years there, he scored in double figures in 27 games of 59 games. He had the luxury of having had legendary head coach Ben Johnson who prepared him for the overseas grind. “He treated me like a pro and coached me like a pro. He got me ready for the moment”, added Mike Mitchell Jr. who never played teammate Lu Cye Patterson in 1-1, but if he did would take himself.

The explosive scorer who lists Houston Mallette, Elijah Hawkins, Dawson Garcia, Pharrell Payne, and Femi Odukale as his 5 best teammates of all-time has found a new home overseas in Erfurt with the Basketball Lowen. He has needed no time to adjust as simply everything has fit. “All have been very welcoming. It feels like a family. I like my role here. I play a lot”, said Mike Mitchell. It all started well when he arrived as the team won 2 of 3 games, but since have suffered a 5 game losing streak. Is the team missing some depth from the bench as well? “I think the biggest problem have been defense and turnovers. We averaged more than 20 turnovers. We have to clean that up and defense. You can always say that concerning the depth, but we beat 2 of the best teams. I feel like we can beat anyone as well as lose to anyone”, stressed Mike Mitchell Jr.. The Lowen have a great mix out of experience and youth. He has the ultra teammate with veteran Paul Albrecht who gives versatility a new meaning while with Musa Abra has a young German teammate that won a silver at the U-19 World Cup last summer. “I try to soak in as much as possible from Paul´s daily approach to the game and his work ethic. Musa and I mesh well together. I see a lot of my younger self in him. He has a lot of potential. I hope to help him progress further with his game this season”, commented Mike Mitchell Jr.. On the court he has needed no time to adjust as through 8 games he is averaging 20,9ppg, 4,9rpg and 4,0apg and 2,6spg. All he needs is the right role and then he can produce the way he knows how. “I feel like I had a really good summer of training. I progressed a lot last summer. I have had success everywhere I have played and that is because I always had the perfect role carved out for me to excel. I rise to the occasion”, warned Mike Mitchell Jr.. He ripped apart Oberaching for 38 points while netted 28 points against Ludwigsburg and 27 points against Dresden.

So what kind of game does the ex Pepperdine guard who names Lebron James, Magic Johnson, Michael Jordan, and Wilt Chamberlain on his personal NBA Mount Rushmore have? He is a 188cm guard that likes to watch a lot of film on CJ McCullum and Shai Gillgeous-Alexander. He focuses on utilizing the mid range game and reading the pick and roll. He fills the stat sheet well and has 3 vital attributes that help him be the absolute best offensive player possible. “My ability to pass, shoot and dribble. I feel like now adays it is rare to have all 3. I feel these are winning traits”, warned Mike Mitchell Jr.. He was a great three point shooter at Pepperdine shooting 40% in both seasons from outside and at Minnesota shot 35%. He understands how he can transform his good shooting in the NCAA to overseas. “I have always been a good outside shooter. I feel like with me it is all about shot selection. I just need to take the right shots”, stressed Mike Mitchell Jr.. Despite putting up first class stats in the Pro B, he is always working on his game as he wants to continue to move up the basketball ladder overseas. At the moment, I´m focusing on most on strength, efficiency and defense”, warned Mike Mitchell. It will be interesting to see how his game continues to develop overseas. At the moment he is taking it day by day with his game and game by game with trying to help his team get out of the hole at the bottom half of the standings. He has won at the NCAA level and has carried the winning traits overseas. Now it´s all about starting to win some games with the Basketball Lowen.

Having Been Able To Adapt To Any Situation Country And Role Has Allowed Basketball Globetrotter Eric Kibi(Sloga Uppsala) To Play 14 Seasons In 14 Countries

35 year old 198cm Eric Kibi who has the Canadian/Congo citizenship is the ultimate basketball globetrotter. He is in his 14th season and has played in 14 countries and 25 clubs. He has played in Canada, Germany, Montenegro, Denmark, Spain, France, Slovakia, Argentina, Holland, Morocco, Chile, Romania, Iraq and now in Sweden with Sloga Uppsala (Sweden-Basketligan). He also played at Jacksonville College (NJCAA), University of Arkansas at Little Rock (NCAA) and at Abilene Christian University (NCAA2). He spoke to germanhoops.com about basketball.

Your playing your 14th professional season and playing in your 14th country and for your 25th club. That’s mindboggling. Do you plan to stop any time soon?

My body still feels great and I still enjoy the process and the grind. I still love working on my game, my body and my mind daily so as long as I still have that fire I will keep going.

Do you have any personal goals like to play until 40 or having played for 50 teams before you hang it up?

I don’t think those are personal goals, I just feel blessed to still be playing at a high level. But I do know eventually I want to move on to other things sooner rather than later.

We last did an interview 3,5 years ago when you were 32. Now your 35. How is your body feeling today compared to then?

Surprisingly my body feels better now at 35 than it did back then at 32. I’ve always taken my fitness seriously but I think every year I’ve been able to find new ways in the off season to feel better and better. Whether it’s mobility things or things I eat.

What is your secret to having been active so long besides the usual blab la of taking care of your body

 I think the bla la of taking care of your body sounds cliche but it’s 90% of it. If your body breaks down or you can’t keep up with guys half your age you obviously can’t play. I think having the ability to adapt to any situation, any country or any role is also an underrated skill.

Your playing your first season with Sloga Uppsala (Sweden-Basketligan). What kind of an experience has it been? What have you learned to appreciate most about this organization`?

It’s a new organization that is playing its first year in the top league here so I’m sure it’s been a big adjustment for them adjusting to the demands of professional basketball. They have a lot of passionate people on the board who live and breathe basketball so I have no doubt they will be successful in the long run. I appreciate them believing in me and giving me this opportunity.

You have played in numerous first divisions in Europe like in Romania, Denmark, Holland, Slovakia. Also in the 3rd leagues of France and Spain which are considered on the level of some first divisions and now in Sweden. How does the Sweden-Basketligan compare in skill level to the other leagues?

I think Swedish basketball is on the rise. I think the next generation is slowly taking a liking to basketball and it’s becoming more popular. You also have some great Swedish talent in the league and also playing abroad. I played high school basketball in New Mexico against Jeff Taylor 20 years ago haha so I knew there was talent. Unfortunately I still don’t feel like it’s completely a basketball country, I feel like leagues like BNXT Holland/Belgium and Romania are still ahead because they have more talent throughout the league and play more international competition. I think also Spain and France Leb Silver and NM1 respectively are a bit stronger because of the talent of the locals. But Sweden definitely still has the potential to be a top mid-level league.

You finished last season in Bahrain where you averaged close to 30 points. This season you averaging 14 minutes averaging 3,2ppf and 3,2rpg. What kind of a role do you have and are you ok with the lesser role?

Yeah it’s been a different role for sure , wasn’t really my expectation coming into the season because I feel like I still have a lot to give. But the coach decides what’s best for the team and as a player you have to adjust, be coachable and professional. My job will always be to control what I can control, which is to be the best version of myself everyday.

We know you are a great rebounder, you’ve led various leagues in Rebounds, Holland, Chile, Germany and France to be exact. So at 35 What is your biggest goal with your game. Your not 25 anymore. What can you do now which you couldn´t do 10 years ago?

Rebounding and energy will always be in my DNA but my goal is still to win a professional championship. I have a championship with the Congo National team, a conference championship from college at Arkansas but don’t have a pro one. As far as my game goes, I still feel like I have a lot to give. It hasn’t been the best start of the season here in Sweden but I never lose motivation and I’m still hungry. I think the mental side of my game has really improved from 10 years ago.

Your teammates with Marko Dujkovic who is 226cm. Have you ever been teammates with such a tall player? What´s it like being teammates with a guy like that?

Yes Marko is a great teammate, he’s definitely the tallest player I’ve ever played with. I actually knew him before I was here as we played against each other in Morocco. He’s a great player with a lot of experience and we are lucky to have him.

 Last season you played in Iraq for the second time in your career with Darbandkhan (Iraq-Superleague) averaging 18.2ppg, 11.6rpg, 2.0apg, 1.0spg, 2FGP: 47.7%, FT: 75.0%, in Jan.’25 moved to Al Hilla (Iraq-Superleague) who bought your contract for playoffs and averaging 7.6ppg, 7.1rpg, 1.0apg, 2FGP: 50.5%, FT: 86.4%. What was it like coming back to Iraq. Had the league grown in the last 5 years?

Yes since the last time I was there I would say the league has really grown. The level of the foreigners has really grown. Last season we had many ex NBA players in the league like Jared Cunningham, Arnett Moultrie and more.

What is it like in general to live in Iraq again? What is it like living in Iraq as an American?

Iraq is an underrated country, as westerners we are not always well informed and we choose to believe what we see in the media. I challenge the next generation to challenge their minds by going to countries like this because they have beautiful people that have a lot of love to give.

You split the 2022-2023 season with CSM Focsani 2007 (Romania-Liga Nationala) averaging 6.5ppg, 4.5rpg: and in Jan.’23 moved to Colegio Los Leones de Quilpue (Chile-LNB) averaging 10.7ppg, 7.0rpg, 1.1apg, FGP: 44.4%, FT: 48.8%. In Romania you were teammates with the great Monyea Pratt who is still active today at age 40. He like you began in the Regionalliga in Germany. Is he a role model for you especially about longevity?

For sure he’s definitely a role model, he’s one of my closest friends and I learned a lot from playing with him. We spent a lot of time together off the court .

Who won a 1-1 in practice, you or him?

We never really played one on one, guys our age ran straight to the ice bath after practice haha.

Do you have any other goals besides winning that chip? How hungry are you still for that first chip?

I don’t really have any personal goals. I just want to be the best version of myself everyday which is obviously hard as you get older with the business side of basketball these days. I would also love to help my national team reach the 2027 World Cup.

In your first 4 pro seasons, you played 3 seasons in Germany with 3 different teams. Would you like to return one more time and try to help a team win?

Yes, I would definitely be open to returning to Germany if the right situation came along. Germany is still one of my favorite countries and the place that took a chance on me 15 years ago.

 Are you already thinking slowly about what will happen after your playing days? Is there a direction you want to go in?

Yes, I’ve definitely been preparing for my after career. I’ve already launched a fitness company ( KibiManiaFitness) that also advises players. Once I finish my career I plan on applying for my FIBA agent license in Switzerland as well.

Thanks Eric for the chat.

Jeff Garrett Knows That Sticking To Their Identity Was Key In Crunch-Time For The Telekom Baskets Bonn Being Able To Defeat The Skyliners 88-76

Jeff Garrett is a 31 year old 201cm forward playing his 7th professional season and first with the Telekom Baskets Bonn. He played the last 2 seasons with the Niners Chemnitz winning the Fiba Europe Cup. He also has vast experience overseas having played in Lithuania, Ukraine, Finland and Luxemburg. He began his basketball career at Oldsmar Christian high school in Florida. He then played 2 NCAA seasons with Northern Kentucky University (NCAA) and in his last season played with : Louisiana State University at Shreveport (NAIA) averaging 18.8ppg, 14.1rpg, 2.8apg, 1.6bpg, 2.0spg, FGP: 52.9%, 3PT: 31.2%, FT: 75.3%. He spoke to germanhoops.com after the big 88-76 win over the Skyliners.

Congrats on the big 88-76 win over the Skyliners. How good does the winning streak feel?

Thanks for the wishes. The win feels great. The win against Frankfurt put us in good position in the standings. But despite our win and current play, we aren´t satisfied. We know that we can play better. Any win in the BBL is big and Frankfurt is a good team.

You won the game by 12 points. The last 3 wins were all very tight. Would you classify this win almost like a close game simply because the game was so tight for 30 minutes?

Yes absolutely. It came down to a few costly possessions. The game felt closer than what the score indicates.

Bonn had the tight 21-20 lead after 10 minutes. That first quarter was a classic back and forth. Nobody led by more than 2-3 points. Did you have a feeling the game would continue like that? Sometimes that first real run happens in the second quarter.

I have to be honest. I wasn´t surprised that the game would remain close. We have had so many dog fights this season. The only real blow out was the cup loss to Trier.

Frankfurt let it rain a few three´s to start the second quarter, but the Telekom Baskets Bonn always had an answer and would lead 39-36. What was your impression of Frankfurt? How much different of a team are they then last season where they really struggled?

There is a different aura with Frankfurt this season. They have a winning spirit this season. Last season it was more of a fighting spirit. I think that their success starts with their good guard play.

Frankfurt began with a 8-0 run to begun the third quarter, but Bonn punched right back with a 8-0 run.  No team could get a way from the other as Bonn led 57-55 after 30 minutes. What did coach Marko Stankovic tell the team to do in the fourth quarter?

He had the same message as before the quarters before which was keeping the focus and sense of urgency. A big focus going into the fourth quarter was using our fouls correctly.

Bonn finally went on a run of 10-0 which got you in great position to win the game. What was key in the run besides the three falling to get the comfortable 78-65 advantage?

I feel like we increased our focus and took care of business on defense. We executed well on defense and got stops which led to transition buckets.

In the run Zac Cooks scored 5 points in a row. How key was it getting that kind of production from him? He has had a tough season so far.

It was big for him. I´m happy for him. This season hasn´t been easy for him. He was hurt and still needs to figure things out on the court. His paly against Frankfurt was definitely a confidence booster for the game against Trier. He knows that he still has it.

As a veteran do you talk to him about his season and situation with having a lesser role than in Jena or Austria?

I speak life into every player here. I don´t want to overdo it, but try to help. I tell him to score first at times and pass first. I try to give him confidence and share my experiences. He takes in my advice. He is a great player and person.

The Telekom Baskets Bonn then managed the lead well to the buzzer. What was the team´s biggest strength on the night?

I think that our biggest strength was simply sticking together. We could of easily lost focus and lost our fighting spirit. It was just a matter of who wanted it more. We stuck to our identity which is to play hard and physical.

It was the third game in a row where Frankfurt lost without top player Jaedon LeDee. Does a severe loss like that sometimes effect a team mentally especially in crunch-time?

I think that could of come into play for them. Maybe they thought that they were less without him. I mean he is the best rebounder in the league. With him, there may have been 2-3 extra possessions or a few baskets more. He gives that team so much energy. But then again one can´t forget that injuries are a part of the game. You need to be able to adjust.

What was it like battling a Swiss army knife like William Christmas? Isn´t he the kind of player everyone wants on your team and hates playing against?

Yes absolutely. Will is a great guy. I just laugh when I think of him. He is a true professional and character. He is the first guy in the gym and last to leave. He has so much potential to still become better. He can do it all on the court and brings a little bit of all on the court especially on the defensive end.

How key were guys like Alijah Comihier and Tylan Birts for the win? What do you enjoy most about their games?

They are my guys. Both are great players. I see them being able to play at higher levels in the future. Each guy brings something different to the team.

Your currently averaging 11/4 stats and shooting 34% from outside. How content have you been with your game?

I´m not content at all. I have more to give. I´m still trying fill my way here. It is tough because I´m an unselfish player and sometimes I get out of my comfort zone. I know I am able to put up better numbers, but it has been sort of a roller coaster season for me. I´m trying to figure it out day by day.

What exactly is your role this year with Bonn? Is it similar to what you had in Chemnitz?

It is similar to Chemnitz. But now that I´m in year 7, I have to be constantly vocal. That wasn´t the case in Chemnitz as we had many experienced players. I´m one of the voices in Bonn. I´m aggressive at both ends of the court.

You recently turned 31. What steps with your game do you want to take this season with Bonn?

I want to get to the free throw line more. I got away from that the last years mainly playing in a system where I was more on the perimeter and was spaced out. I need to be in a situation where I can go downhill more and post up.

The Telekom Baskets Bonn now are 6-4. The team has been up and down, but playing good ball as of late having won 3 of the last 4 games. What is vital for the team now to keep this winning streak going?

We can´t get complacent and relax now. We have to understand that we can lose to anyone in the BBL. We have to stick to our identity and hopefully stay healthy.

The next game is against Trier who have been the big surprise of the easyCredit BBL. What will be key to getting the win?

We have to remember the feeling we had when we lost to them in the cup game. We can´t perform like that again. We have to take care of business right away.

What is your favorite thing to do in the Xmas time in Germany?

I like to cling to the Christmas markets. I don´t like when they are overcrowded. I like to be able to move freely with my family. Christmas is my favorite holiday. It is a time to give and be with the family and have peace. I love to spend time in the house and watch Christmas movies with the family.

Do you have any new years resolutions?

I don´t really have one. I just aim to be a better version of myself than the year before. I want to be a better father, husband and player than the year before.

Thanks Jeff for the chat.