Shawn Scott (185-G-1996, college: SW Christian) is a 27 year old 185cm guard playing his third professional season and first with BG Hagen. Last season he split time with TVO Biggesee / TV Jahn Lindhorst (Germany-Regionalliga) averaging 31.2ppg, 10.4rpg, 6.1apg, 3.6spg, 2FGP: 56.2%, 3FGP: 30.4%, FT: 77.6%, in Jan.’23 moved to BG 2000 Berlin (Germany-Regionalliga) averaging 14.2ppg, 8.1rpg, 4.6apg, 2.4spg, FGP: 53.5%, 3PT: 14.3%, FT: 64.4%. he began his career at Jenks High School and then played 3 seasons at Southwestern Christian University. He teams up with germanhoops.com every week to talk basketball.

Congrats on the huge 86-79 win over Koln DTV. The team now has a 3 game winning streak. What has the team been doing better in the winning streak?

Thank you. I think we’re starting to get back in a groove and playing good basketball and our defense in the past games have been pretty good I must say. I think this is the best time that we can start to play good before the break and keep that streak going.

Talk about the 40 minutes. What was the strongest quarter and what was key in crunch-time to getting the win?

I think the 4th quarter was the strongest because everyone locked in on defense and rebounded well. A lot of guys stepped up big on the offensive side and we were able to get good looks and capitalize. The key was rebounding for sure and making them take tough shots and then rebounding and controlling the ball after that. Of course we knocked down the much needed free throws to secure to win

Could one say that BG Hagen had some luck in that despite allowing 17 three´s still were able to win?

Definitely. It’s unbelievable that we had the lead most of the game even though they hit so many threes. But I think we got key stops and were able to score fast on the other end and get more possessions. We knew that they would shoot a lot of threes and our plan was just to make sure that the main shooters weren’t getting open shots.

BG Hagen had problems controlling American Elijah Jenkins. What was most difficult in trying to control him?

He got a lot of great looks from three point and he moves constantly without the ball so we tried our best to stay with him but he doesn’t need much space to get his shot off.

BG Hagen received solid support from the bench from Dusan Iiic? How key was his aggressiveness on the night?

Dusan was the X factor this game for sure. He was playing with absolutely no fear and had key and 1s late in the game and clutch free throws. For 15 years old it’s still crazy that he can produce like this in big games and moments.

You had a strong 26/12/6 game but 7 turnovers. What irritated you most about the turnovers?

I was not satisfied at all with my performance and the turnovers were the most frustrating. I was most irritated about the turnovers very late in the game and being so careless with the ball.

You next play up and down team Recklinghausen who are 7-7. What will be key to getting the win?

We have to stop the American Hinton for sure. We will watch film and gameplan on how we can limit him but this team also loves to shoot a lot of threes. I’m confident though because we have been very good defensively the past games and we plan to continue that for next game.

Thanks Shawn for the chat.

Ok so current Miami Heat forward Duncan Robinson did play at Michigan, but very few might recall that he actually began at a small NCAA 3 school and his stellar play at the NBA level has caught many people´s attention. Other guys like Devan George and Freddie Gillespie reached the big show as well. Even guys overseas who never reached the NBA have made reached the top level Euroleague like guard John DiBartolomeo who has won 8 titles with Maccabi Tel Aviv and still going strong as that sturdy reliable role player from the bench. In Germany the best example of a guy succeeding against all odds was Jeff Gibbs, a 188cm player from Otterbein (NCAA3)that looked like an undersized linebacker, but actually had to witness the laughs and sneers every weekend in the BBL when going against that guy for the first time who had never heard of him. The second time around there was no more laughing but the utmost respect as he belonged to the top centers in Germany for many years and was the best 188cm center to ever play in Germany and probably the only one ever. There are so many incredible players at the division 3 level, but don´t always get the credit right away that they deserve until they prove at the pro level that they are the real deal. One of those exceptional Americans balling in Europe thinks season is Buzz Anthony (180-PG-1998, college: RMC), a guy who won 4 titles in college, reached the magical 50/40/90 plateau at Randolph Macon College and already set the German pro A on fire last season winning the pro A assist crown with Paderborn. He has proven he is a very special player despite coming from the NCAA 3. “It was a very cool honor to receive. I did not have a goal of winning the assist title it when the season started. For me it shows how I was able to adapt to a new system and quickly be able to impact winning efficiently. I would like for the assists to stay high and the turnovers to go down more in these next couple seasons”, warned Buzz Anthony. When you have been able to achieve the monumental 50/40/90 mark in a season, you obviously have to put in a lot of time in the lab and put up countless shots. He has a special motto about how to achieve success at putting up good shooting numbers. “Be a shot maker not a shot taker is something I repeat a bunch in my workouts”, smiled Buzz Anthony.

Miles Schmidt-Scheuber and Freddie Gillespie in Frankfurt in 2022

Connor Anthony who lists current New York Knick Immanuel Quickly as the toughest player he ever faced in his career and Lebron James as his GOAT goes by the first name of Buzz was born on September 4,1998 in Arnold, Maryland and grew up in Severn got his first taste of basketball at Archbishop Spalding High School. He then had a stellar 4 year career at Randolph Macon College (NCAA3) where racking up titles for him was as easy as recently it was for Orlando Magic forward Franz Wagner to haul in 30 point games. He racked up accolades there like no other in school as he won 3 ODAC titles and topped off his senior year winning the Division 3 crown. “It was a great honor and somewhere that genuinely feels like home when we go back there in the summer. The school has a lot of supportive and engaged alumni. It felt amazing to win the national championship my last season for not only myself, but for all those that came before us”, remembered Buzz Anthony. Winning any chip is difficult and it wasn´t any different for him. “We had 3 teams in our ODAC conference that all have had coaches with a lot of experience that knew our team very well. We knew they would be some of our most challenging games. Beating those teams gave us ultimate confidence playing teams in the national tournament who had less time to prepare for us”, stressed Buzz Anthony. He played 5 years there and in his last 4 years averaged 16,0ppg, 4,0rpg and 6,0apg and twice shot 43% from outside in a season and once exploded for 48% from the parking lot. He learned many valuable things from head coach Josh Merkel and especially one thing that will help always at the pro level. “He is a great teacher about habit building. In D3 you do not have as much time with coaches in the offseason. Due to this our workouts are run by ourselves and we have to be in charge of our skill and physical improvements. I think that has translated well to the professional game because you always need to have your skills and habits sharp while you are working on efficient team activities”, stated Buzz Anthony. Other awards he picked up at Randolph Macon College were All-ODAC Player of the Year -2019, 20, 21, 22 All-ODAC First Team -2019, 20, 21, ODAC All-Tournament Team -2019, 20, 21, 22. NABC All-NCAA D3 Second Team -2019, 20, and All-ODAC All-Tournament MVP -2020, 21, 22. He played his pro rookie season in Germany with the Uni Baskets Paderborn (Germany-ProA) averaging 14.2ppg, 3.3rpg, Assists-1 (7.3apg), 1.6spg, FGP: 52.2%, 3PT: 36.4%, FT-2 (92.6%). Every player has that first experience in a new country where he feels that severe distance from home. “In October one of my best friends got married and that was the first big life event I had to miss because I am now thousands of miles away on another continent. Family and friendships are very important to me and that was hard”, stated Buzz Anthony. In his rookie season he scored in double figures in 22 games including hitting Giessen for 28 points and Vechta for 25 points and also dished out 16 dimes against PS Karlsruhe who remembers beating ex teammate Josh Talbert at 1-1 in school.

The explosive scoring guard who names Miles Mallory, David Funderburg, James Fleming III, Johannes Konradt, and Corey Bays as his 5 best teammates of all-time began his second pro season with KB Bashkimi Prizren (Kosovo-Superliga) playing 4 games averaging 11.5ppg, 2.5rpg, 4.3apg, 1.8spg posting a 2-2 record and then arrived in Artland in November and met a losing streak at 6 and that continued with 4 more loses. “Mentally it is very difficult. As a player you begin to question if you are a winner, no matter how much you may have won in the past. That battle with self-doubt and constantly looking in the mirror and taking ownership is not a fun one but it is the necessary step to try to learn from the losing and not blame or point fingers in the process”, said Buzz Anthony. A massive problem has been the defensive end where the club simply allows way too many points in a competitive league like the Pro A and are still searching for an identity. “We want to make the right play and it is not a lack of effort or choosing to make the hard play right now. We have been unsure in some of our scramble situations and at times being overactive in situations wanting to help a teammate. Now we have 2-3 guys helping which leaves us at a disadvantage once the ball is swung”, added Buzz Anthony. The club has a talented group of players and he was already confident before the Frankfurt game that a turnaround would follow soon. “I am confident we will find some rhythm this year. The league is very talented again this year and we are pushing to see small gain after small gain. Winning plays have been made the last 3 games, now we are working on making those plays habits that happen every single time”, expressed Buzz Anthony. That first win finally happened against 9-1 team Fraport Skyliners. Despite the early losing, it is obvious to see that he likes Germany otherwise he wouldn´t have returned so rapidly again. “My wife and I really appreciate the concerted effort made for the environment with returning bottles at the markets and the windmills everywhere. It has also been very fun just living in a city and walking most everywhere (very different than suburban America which was my life growing up)”, commented Buzz Anthony.

The Maryland native who lists Kobe Bryant, MJ, Lebron, and Steph Curry on his personal NBA Mount Rushmore has been very fortunate to be around great guards like real veteran Brandon Thomas who just won´t retire as his 40th birthday is looming close and ex Notre Dame player Temple Gibbs who supplied the needed scoring punch in the victory over Frankfurt. “BT is absolutely an ultimate veteran. He has a great discipline to who he is as a player and as a man. He shows up everyday continuing to ask questions and leads with humility. His discipline and humility are 2 things I have picked up from him. Temple is a very passionate player, as am I, which has helped bring intensity to the team”, warned Buzz Anthony. He has received the freedom from head coach Patrick Flomo to play his game and learned to appreciate the guidance from assistant coach Chase Griffin who was a feared sniper in the Pro A for 10 plus years and actually posted the insane 50/40/90 three times in the Pro A. “Flomo has a calm demeanor and is very interested in his players. I would say they both have a strong encouragement style to their leadership that I respect and appreciate. Griffin is very active with the skill development piece outside of the 5v5 practice time. This has allowed me to ask questions and learn new things to continue to work on my skills”, stressed Buzz Anthony. The scoring guard who compares his game as a mix of Steve Nash and John Stocton is currently averaging 9,8ppg, 1,6rpg and 6,6apg is a player that knows exactly when to score and when to dish. “I would say I am a pass first guard. I believe I am an unselfish scorer. The more dangerous I can be scoring the ball the easier it can be oftentimes to find teammates as well”, stated Buzz Anthony. But he has so many other attributes besides scoring, playmaking and shooting, but also is an underestimated defender. “I believe the adjustments in-game is something I do well. Seeing how a team guards baseline out of bounds actions or how they are guarding a certain ball screen action, I can then call something in our playbook and add a cut or screen in it for that specific moment to help gain more of an advantage for myself or other teammates.I am a defender who plays well in bursts and communicates at a high level with teammates. I am a physical lower body defender who can guard bigger players and force tough shots. I want to continue to learn to scramble and play angles better as a team defender.”, warned Buzz Anthony. One of his weak spots at the moment is his outside shooting as he is floundering at 17% at the moment. “I am working on improving my shooting off the dribble in ball screen action with range. I also want to be more dangerous with the floater coming off ball screens”, said Buzz Anthony. The season is still long and it will be interesting to see where the Artland Dragons stand in a few months. Who knows maybe he will be sniffing at the 50/40/90 mark this season especially with Chase Griffin watching his every move. If his outside shooting improves then he could be there. “Chase has a great attention to detail that you can see translates directly to efficiency as a player. I look forward to pursuing the 50/40/90 split that he achieved multiple seasons in the Pro A”, added Buzz Anthony. He couldn´t ask for a better teacher in Chase Griffin.

Temple Gibbs (193-G-1997, college: Notre Dame) is a 26 year 193cm guard from New Jersey playing his third professional season and first with German pro A team Artland Dragons. Last season he played with CSM Galati (Romania-Liga Nationala) averaging 11.4ppg, 1.4rpg, 1.9apg, FGP: 45.0%, 3PT: 34.5%, FT: 82.9%. He played his rookie season with Krka Novo Mesto (Slovenia-Liga Nova KBM) averaging 12.0ppg, 2.2rpg, 1.9apg, 1.2spg, FGP: 60.5%, 3PT: 42.3%, FT: 80.0% in the Slovenian league. He began his basketball career at Seton Hall prep and then played Notre Dame (NCAA) from 2016-2020 playing a total of 136 games. He spoke to germanhoops.com about basketball.

Thanks TJ for talking to germanhoops.com. Your playing your third pro season and first for the Artland Dragons. You are presently calling Germany home. What have you learned to appreciate the most about the country?

I have learned a ton since being in Germany. On and off the court had opened my eyes to different aspects of life and playing style. I love the pick and roll style that is played in Germany.

You come from a basketball family as Ashton played professional and other brother Sterling still does. How vital was it having your brothers growing up and being able to help shape your basketball game?

It was very vital for my family and myself growing up with basketball. It’s always easier to piggyback ideas and thoughts about the game with people who know so much and can see things on the court that I might be able to see.

Who wins a 1-1 today if you play against them?

I say I do but if you ask them we all say the same answer. It would be a fight to death for sure though

It has been a tough season for the Artland Dragons so far. How tough has the losing been for you
mentally?

It’s been great being a dragon. The losing part has been tough but that’s a part of the journey and we have to keep pushing and not give up

The team lost 3 close games. The club is fighting but have problems putting points on the board and allowing too many points. How confident are you the team will get out of this funk?

I trust Coach Pat and his game plan. I think we have a lot of fire power on this team. Once we start to get together and gel we will see different outcomes.

What has been your impression of new point guard Buzz Anthony? What have you appreciated most from his game and how do you guys compliment each best on the floor?

Buzz is a great player. He does a lot on the court for the team. He plays similar to Matt Farrell.

How valuable has ultimate veteran Brandon Thomas been for you? He is a guy that has seen so much overseas. What have you been able to pick from his brain that has helped you?

BT has been a great bet for me. He had been a constant reminder to the entire team that we have to stay focused and the outcome that we want will come

You had 2 solid seasons in Slovenia and Romania. What kind of game will you showcase in Germany and how has your game grown since coming out of Notre Dame?

It had been great for the last 3 years being able to learn so much more about the game. From my time in college I played more off the ball and had to find ways to attack downhill. Now I’m about to come off pick and rolls a little more and make the right read. Have great leaders and vets has always been a positive help for me over the years and BT has been a major part in my success here!

Describe your game a little. If you had to compare your game to an NBA palyer who would best fit the bill?

I would describe my game as solid. I just try to make the right play and do what my team needs me to do to get wins. I like to compare my game to Tyus Jones. Not doing too much but always doing enough to make the team better!

You have always been a scorer, but how vital is it for you to become even more of a versatile player that will fill the stat sheet even more?

It has become very vital. As I grow more with the European game. I started to build an understanding that the more you can affect the game and have stats the more you will play. I will keep striving to get my teammates more involved!

What kind of a defender are you now and what kind of defender do you still want to become?

Im still growing as a defender. Right now I’m a better on ball defender with a lot of pressure but I want to able to start taking more charges and getting more rebounds

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

Right now I’m trying to grow within my shooting. Becoming a more constant shooter while also becoming a great point guard. Being able to put those two things together will help me.

You played last season for CSM Galati (Romania-Liga Nationala) averaging 11.4ppg, 1.4rpg, 1.9apg, FGP: 45.0%, 3PT: 34.5%, FT: 82.9%. What kind of an experience was playing in Romania? What did you cherish most about the experience?

I loved Romania. It was a great experience with great people and coaches. I loved how much I learned there and will cherish that forever. Coach Nini really put us in positions to learn what to do and how to make specific reads throughout the offense. I was able to use what I learned at Krka and really grow as a player because of my experience in Romania. Galati is a great place.

You played your rookie season with Krka Novo Mesto (Slovenia-Liga Nova KBM) averaging 8.9ppg, 2.1rpg, 1.5apg, 1.1spg, FGP: 28.9%, 3PT: 39.1%, FT: 88.9%; and in the Slovenian Liga Nova averaged 12.0ppg, 2.2rpg, 1.9apg, 1.2spg, FGP: 60.5%, 3PT: 42.3%, FT: 80.0%. What do you remmeber being your wake up call to being a rookie overseas where you knew that you were far away from home?

My very first european game was against Jake Blazic and I just remember thinking how this is a completely different intensely to the game and what was going on. It was a real adjustment after the first few minutes

You were teammates with ex NBA player Adonis Thomas. Was he a guy that took you under his wing? What do you remember most fondly about his charachter?

AD was my first American Vet. Without him I don’t think I would have made it as long as I did in Krka. He really showed me what the overseas life was like and how hard I really had to work to be able to be successful in this long term. It’s crazy how he has been able to keep taking massive steps forward!

You were also teammates with another great veteran with Rok Stipcevic. How did he help you most with the Euro game and just getting adjusted to the guard game overseas?

It was great playing with Rok. He originally went through all my reads through pick and rolls, with Spain’s, going opposites, and getting downhill. He was a great mentor.

You didn’t play in the 2020-2021 season. How much did Covid play a role in that? How tough was not playing and dealing with that mentally?

Covid was a really tough year. I’m glad I was able to take step back from basketball for a year and really spend some time with my family. It made me sit down and consider if I really loved the game. Which I do. Sitting out that year allowed me to a better headspace which I needed.

You played at Notre Dame (NCAA) from 2016-2020 and really came into your own in your second season. How did your game grow in your last 3 years?

Playing at ND was a dream come true! I was able to learn how Coach Brey ran his day to day and pick his mind on coaching. We are a real family. ND helped me grow my game from being one dimensional to becoming a more defensive focused player.

You reached the NIT Sweet 16 and ACC final. What was your fondest moment there?

Making the NCAA tournament, winning a game, and moving on is always great. It was just fun to be in pressure situations like that.

As a freshman you had a solid 12 point game in a 84-74 loss to Duke where Jayson Tatum had a 19/14 game. What memories do you have battling against a future NBA superstar?

It was great to play against people that play in the NBA and hopefully I can get a shot too.

You also played against North Carolina many times and battled Zion Williamson and RJ Barrett. What memories do you have of Williamson? How do you remember yourself matching up against them and others?

Yeah it was cool to play against Zion and RJ. They are both great players

You were teammates 2 sesasons with Bonzie Colson. He was a special player and also into the arts. How do you remember him best?

Bonz is a great teammate and even better person. It was great going through college with him. He really helped me out when I was younger. Watching him play was like watching magic. You have no idea how it happened but it got done and you can’t complain about it.

How did head coach Mike Brey groom and prepare you best for a professional career?

Coach Brey ran his practices and offenses very similar to the European game. So when I got over here the in the court situations and practices weren’t so different than the ones that I was used to having in college. He did a great job of keeping up with the times and the way the game was trending. He made great adjustments and would always talk us through what he was doing and why.

Who won a 1-1 in practice you or Prentiss Hubb?

P was my roommate but we didn’t play 1 on 1 much.

Please list your personal NBA Mount Rushmore?

My NBA Mount Mount Rushmore is Lebron, Kobe, Wilt, and Larry Bird

Who is your GOAT and why?

Lebron has to be the goat now. He has been too great for too long not to be the goat!

Did you see the sequel to the classic Coming To America? Shouldn’t they have left it alone?
I have not but they definitely should have! Can’t mess with a classic like that!!
Thanks Temple for the chat.

The march up the Pro B standings continue for the Dragons Rhondorf as they just keep winning. Except for a loss in Ulm against Orange Academy, the club has mostly played explosive offensive basketball. Especially in the last 3 games, the team has averaged 106 points and have found a smooth offensive rhythm. Their defensive game continues to be up and down as last week they gelled, but 2 weeks ago allowed 100 points in Coburg. Their next opponent were TSV Troester Breitengussbach a club that brought a 3-7 record to Rhondorf. They are one of those daring teams that play without an import player. They are a solid defensive team, but offensively can´t match the explosiveness of Rhondorf. They arrived in Rhondorf with a 2 game losing streak and were well undermanned having only a 7 man rotation as Alexander Engel, Henning Nielson and Manuel Feuerpfeil were all out, but they gave all they had for 40 minutes, but it was only obvious that they would have massive problems as they bowed out in style 101-72. Rhondorf moved to 10-1 and Breitenguss bach moved to 3-8. “It was tough against a strong and powerful Rhondorf team. We fought hard and gave all we had. You could see that we had problems with their high individual class”, stated Breitengussbach guard Timo Dippold. Talking after a win with Dragons guard Kelvin Omojola (183-G-1997, college: Northwest) is always a delight, because even after 40 minutes, the Las Vegas native still sprouts as much energy with words as he does with his game. As he spoke his first words, teammate Badu Buck snuck up behind him and yelled Rubio and if you checked his stat line, his 12 assists played justice to the name. Omojola was just one of many that gave their 2 cents to the victory. “This was a total team effort. We had 7 guys in double figures. It was also a great team defensive effort. We showed tonight that were leveling up our defense. I guess that’s my new nickname with Rubio. Coach empowers me to play the point guard roll even though it´s the first time I`m playing it this season. I´m thankful I could play behind guys like Kone and Shungu in Karlsruhe. I learned so much from them”, stressed Dragons Rhondorf guard Kelvin Omojola.

Lucas Wagner at the FT line

Despite the guests having injury woes, the Dragons Rhondorf also had their problems as their top guards Badu Buck and Tyrese Blunt were out as was big man Jekabs Beck, but in the first few minutes, they didn´t any let any of that effect their game as they jumped all over the guests taking a commanding 13-2 lead. Young German teen sensation Janne Muller began with 5 points while ex Cologne forward Antonio Pillipovic hit a runner, Omojola a trey and Texas native Avery Sullivan connected on a 20 footer. The Dragons offense was rolling with good ball movement while their defensive pressure was presenting the Bavarian team with woes as they coughed up the ball 3 times. Rhondorf lost their offensive rhythm in the second half of the first quarter as they didn´t make as good decisions while Breitengussbach attacked the rim with more intensity as veteran Steffen Walde scored twice as did 19 year old German Leo Trummeter and German Marlon Stephan nailed a trey as Rhondorf led only 20-11 after 10 minutes. “We put our feet off the gas pedal after the good start. We have to learn that once we have the lead, we have to keep it or build on it with our bench guys”, stated Kelvin Omojola. The Dragons Rhondorf shot 44%from the field and 25% from outside and had 9 rebounds and 1 turnover while TSV Troesster Breitengussbach shot 31% form the field and 14% from outside and had 9 rebounds and 6 turnovers.

Avery Sullivan lay in

In the second quarter The Dragons Rhondorf continued to control and keep the comfortable double digits lead, but allowed the guests to hang around. Rhondorf got back to back put backs from ex Bamberg center Leon Bulic and Avery Sullivan while producing 3 stops and leading 25-11. Breitengussbach finally got their first field goal at the 7,20 minute mark with German big man Luca Worrlein who made a turn around shot. Rhondorf continues to demonstrate that anyone can score in bunches as Pilipovic added 5 points for the 30-15 advantage. The offensive machine of the Dragons was in full throttle and their defensive pressure was spot on, but then the guests made an adjustment going to zone and striking back with a 9-2 run to trail only 32-24. In the run the Bavarian team got support from German captain Lucas Wagner and Worrlein while Walde added 5 points including a turn around shot. In the last minutes, the Dragons got solid offensive support again as 20 year old Matej Silic added 5 points and Muller 4 points. The Dragons got more adjusted to the Breitengussbach zone making better decisions that led to better execution. At half-time the Dragons Rhondorf led comfortably 41-30. “Our zone worked well, but only for a certain time. We can play well for 5-6 minutes, but never for a whole quarter”, stated Timo Dippold. “Their zone gave us problems. I think that was the first real zone we have seen this season. We have prepared for it. Once we made adjustments we got more comfortable”, expressed Kelvin Omojola. The Dragons Rhondorf shot 39% from the field and 21% from the three point line and had 23 rebounds and 4 turnovers while TSV Troesster Breitengussbach shot 29% from the field and 8% from the three point line and had 24 rebounds and 9 turnovers.

Timo Dippold from outside

The Dragons Rhondorf stepped up their game in the third quarter producing 30 points and having an overwhelming lead of 19 points after 30 minutes. The Dragons Rhondorf came out storming going on a 10-4 run to lead 50-35. The Dragons opened with back to back three´s from Silic and Pilipovic while Omojola and Sullivan also scored in the paint using their flashy athleticism and quickness. This was the best offensive spurt of the Dragons since the first few minutes of the first quarter. The ball movement was popping again and Breitengussbach was mixing it up playing more high tempo instead of trying to slow it down. A big difference between both teams was simple in that the Dragons were able to share the responsibility on many shoulders while the guests only had one guy with young 19 year old Leo Trummeter who scored 11 points in a row for his team, but they still trailed by 20 points. The Bavarian side couldn´t string up a row of consecutive stops as Muller and Omojola hit three´s while Pilipovic and Silic added energy scoring inside. Rhondorf continued to do a super job taking care of the ball and had the upper hand on the boards as they led 70-51 after 3 quarters. “We did a better job running our sets and not having any quick shots and we also attacked the rim better. We kept it simple. Basketball made it easy for us”, stated Kelvin Omojola. “We were too slow with our zone and they had good ball movement. It effected out mentality”, said Timo Dippold. The Dragons Rhondorf shot 41% from the field and 28% from the parking lot and had 37 rebounds and 5 turnovers while TSV Troesster Breitengussbach shot 37% from the field and 13% from the parking lot and had 30 rebounds and 12 turnovers.

Antonio Pilipovic at the FT line

In the fourth quarter the Dragons Rhondorf did a fine job conserving the lead and closing out the game strong. Both teams traded early three´s as Silic and Stephan scored, but Rhondorf still held the comfortable 77-56 advantage. After a Wagner put back, the Dragons Rhondorf put the last big exclamation mark on the win as they strolled out on a 9-2 run to extend their lead to 93-60. In the run, the Dragons got good support from Silic and Pilipovic from outside, but also from Janne Muller who supplied 5 points and was on his way to a career day with 24/7/4 stats. “Janne is a real pro. I don´t look at him as a 17 year old. He plays with good pace and has a high IQ. I love his game”, warned Kelvin Omojola. In the last minutes, the guests got some added production from Wagner and Worrlein in the paint and buckets from Dippold and Walde while the Dragons Rhondorf cracked the 100 points from Janne Muller while Marko Rosic added 4 free throws. “We managed the lead well and just stuck to our principles and closed out the game well”, stressed Kelvin Omojola. The Dragons Rhondorf got 17 points from Antonio Pilipovic while Matej Silic added 16 points and Leon Bulic had 12 points and Marko Rosic and Avery Sullivan had 11 points apiece while TSV Troesster Breitengussbach were led by Leo Trummeter and Steffen Walde with 16 points a piece. The Dragons Rhondorf shot 42% from the field and 31% from outside and had 44 rebounds and 8 turnovers while TSV Troesster Breitengussbach shot 40% from the field and 24% from outside and had 31 rebounds and 20 turnovers.

Jake Forrester (206-F-1999, college: St.Louis, agency: Elevate Sports Alliance) is a 24 year old 203cm forward from West Chester, Pennsylvania. He is playing his rookie season overseas with the Artland Dragons (PRO A). He began his absketball cvareedr at Westtown School. He then embarked on a NCAA career that took him to 3 schools. He began at Indiana University (NCAA) averaging 2.1ppg, 1.3rpg. He then played 3 years at Temple University (NCAA) averaging 7.5ppg, 3.8rpg, FGP: 53.3%, FT: 49.3%, then in his second seasson there averaged 9.4ppg, 6.4rpg, FGP: 57.1%, FT: 66.7% and in his last season averaged 5.5ppg, 3.9rpg, FGP: 51.5%, FT: 62.5%. He finished his NCAA career at Saint Louis University (NCAA) averaging 6.7ppg, 4.9rpg, FGP: 56.5%, FT: 66.7%. He spoke to germanhoops.com before a Pro A game against the Fraport Skyliners.

Thanks Jake for talking to germanhoops.com. Your playing your rookie season for the Artland Dragons. You are presently calling Germany home. What have you learned to appreciate the most about the
country?

I have learned to appreciate the hospitality of the people. This is my first time in Europe and it has been nothing but a great experience for me.

It has been a tough season for the Artland Dragons so far. How tough has the losing been for you
mentally?

I never in my career have lost like the way we have been losing here, so of course it has been tough mentally. I am trying to go into every game and practice with the mindset of being the best I can be to help the team win.

The team lost 3 close games. The club is fighting but have problems putting points on the board and allowing too many points. How confident are you the team will get out of this funk?

I am extremely confident in this team and once we see our first win it will all start to flow. We just need to see one.

What has been your impression of new point guard Buzz Anthony? What have you appreciated most from his game?

My first impression of Buzz is that he is a leader. He can score and pass the ball very well, we need him on the floor.

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

I think my best player fit would be Nic Claxton, runs the floor well, dunks everything around the rim, can block shots, can shoot from 17 feet, and defend and rebound.

You have shown in the NCAA that you can score and rebound. What would you say is your biggest strength on the court?

I think my biggest strength is the pick and roll, I am a major threat out of the pick and roll. I can either go and dunk or finish around the rim, make the extra pass for an open shot or make a hockey assist to keep the ball flowing. The pick and roll is a huge key in Euro basketball and I think that is my biggest strength.

Hosw important was it for your game to play at 3 NCAA schools. How did that help your game most?

I think that it helped my game because I got to experience college basketball at 3 different levels. I have gained a lot of knowledge of the game being around 3 coaches that are obsessed with the game of basketball.

What kind of defender are you now and what kind of defender do you still want to become?

Now I am a solid defender but there is so much more room for me to grow, I want to guard 1-5 and be able to switch everything on the floor. Also currently I can alter shots around the rim but I want to be a major shot disruptor.

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

I am working on my ball handling and my shot, Being able to extend the floor is a key for me. I also need to keep working on my motor and key rebounding positioning.

You played your freshman season at Indiana (NCAA) playing 13 games and averaging only 4,2 minutes per game. How tough was this season? Could you take any positives from that time?

The season was tough for me because I came off a huge highschool career playing so many minutes and on one of the top teams in the nation. I learned a lot my freshman year though, I was playing against a great player in Juwan Morgan everyday.

You then played 3 seasons at Temple (NCAA). You played more than double the time than at Indiana. What memories do you have playing under head coach Aaron Mckie?

I learned to be tough at a Temple, have a motor, and just hard work. Coach Mckie is a player-coach so he obviously knows what it takes to get to the next level since he played in the NBA.

How tough was that second season losing many close games plus doing it during Covid. What did you learn about yourself as a person?

I learned a lot about myself during covid, it was a very hard time for everyone, just have to always be prepared for anything to happen. We would randomly have games/practices cancelled due to someone having covid and that would just throw everything for a loop. I learned to be resilient and patient.

In your last season at Temple you scored 21 points in a win over Penn. Was that one of your fondest
moments there?

It was definitely a good memory, but there were plenty of great games/ memories made there. I still am not at my basketball peak, there is so much more to happen.

You played one more season at St Louis. That season you scored in double figures in 8 games. You seemed to have good games against VCU, but couldn´t beat them?

VCU was a tough team, I played well in those games, they had a great guard in Ace Baldwin and he lit us up in the first game.

How did head coach Travis Ford give you that last push and prepare and groom you for a professional career?

He just always kept it real with me and pushed me to be the best I could be. If I was not doing my job he would not play me, that prepared me to always do what I have to do on the floor.

Who won a 1-1 in practice you or Francis Okoro?

It went back and forth… I would call it even for sure.

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

I faced with so many good players in college the list is too long to just pick one guy.

Please name your 5 best teammates of all-time?

Cam Reddish (highschool), Mo Bamba (highschool), Yuri Collins (college), Quinton Rose (college), Dre Perry (college)

Please name your personal NBA Mount Rushmore?

Bron, Jordan, Kareem, Magic, Kobe

Who is your GOAT and why?

Bron… I’m not getting into it. The debate has been finished since 2016, at this point he is only making his case more solid.

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

I love eddie murphy, the first coming to america is a classic. They sould of left it alone lol.

Thanks Jake fort he chat.

Anthony Watkins (194-PG-2000) is a 23 year old 194cm guard playing his first season with the Artland Dragons (Pro A). Last season he took a step back from the Pro A and played with BG Hagen (Germany-Regionalliga) averaging 21.6ppg, 6.0rpg, 4.0apg, 1.7spg, FGP: 54.5%, 3PT: 26.4%, FT: 65.1%. In the 2021-2022 season he played 14 games with the MLP Academics Heidelberg. In 20-21 he played with the Basketball Loewen Braunschweig (Germany-BBL) playing 13 games. He scored 6 points in 11 minutes in a loss against Ludwigsburg. He has the German/American citizenship and lived in Chattanooga and attended McCallie High School before coming to Germany in 2019. In 2019-2020 he split time with the Basketball Loewen Erfurt (ProB) playing10 games averaging 3.6ppg. He also played with the OeTTINGER Rockets Gotha 2nd team (Germany-2.Regionalliga) and in in Jan.’20 moved to VfB 1900 Giessen Pointers (Regionalliga) playing 8 games averaging 10.0ppg, 4.1rpg, 1.1apg, FGP: 53.3%, 3PT: 66.7%, FT: 58.8%. He spoke to eurobasket about basketball and his new book.

Thanks Anthony for talking to eurobasket.com. You’re playing your first season with the Artland Dragons. The team is 0-9. How tough has this season been for you mentally? Have you ever witnessed such a tough losing streak?

Hey, Miles, happy to chat. This has been by far the roughest start to a season I’ve experienced. A lot of bad injury/illness luck in there as well. My goal is always to stay level through it all and not get too high or too low, but, being the competitor I am, I’d be lying if I said it hasn’t been eating me up inside seeing the losses stack. That being said, even if it didn’t translate into a win last weekend, I think our game against Kirchheim was a valuable step that will hopefully lead us back to where we want to be. The road is long, but that’s the weight we have to take on our shoulders now in this situation.

The team had 3 close losses but the rest were all pretty tough and by many points. Can you pinpoint why the team hasn´t been able to put together more consistency and get wins?

I think those three close losses were major missed opportunities for us to gain some momentum this year. If we had done a few more of the little things on those nights, I doubt those other games would’ve been decided as definitively as they were. In the end, though, the only way to salvage the situation is to pour everything we have into the games to come and get those games back elsewhere.

A big problem has been the defense. Why hasn´t the team been able to develop some kind of

indentity yet?

We allowed our opponents to set the tone far too much in the start of the season and dug holes we couldn’t climb back out of to start games. Tough to win games like that. If we can hang our hats on starting games with intensity and physicality on the defensive end, I have no doubt that we can turn this season around.

The club has received 2 new players with Temple Gibbs and Buzz Anthony. How do you feel will these 2 players be able to help the club best?

With Buzz and TJ, we brought in some new energy to the organization. Buzz came in and became a great floor general for us. He played in an offense similar to ours last season, so he’s seen what works and what doesn’t. On top of that, he’s someone who comes in day in and day out to compete, and I’ll always have a lot of respect for guys like that. TJ gives us another scoring option on the perimeter to help our spacing with his shooting from the outside. He also has a knack for getting into the teeth of the defense and creating, so I think he can definitely help us be a more efficient offensive team.

What has it been like being teammates with ultimate veteran Brandon Thomas? What has been the most key piece of advice he has given you about basketball?

Man, where do I start? We’ve had many long talks that we’ve jokingly called “podcasts” since joining the Dragons. I’d say the biggest thing he preaches is staying present and making the best out of where you are in the moment, not worrying about the future too much, because in the end, no amount of achievements will fulfill you. It’s more about the impact you have on others, and I can see that in his work with the youth players from the area.

The coaching duo of Flomo and Griffin have much experience in Germany as players. What have you learned to appreciate most about their coaching ways?

Very unique situation having two young American coaches, whose playing days aren’t so far behind them. It’s unlike anywhere I’ve been previously from an atmosphere standpoint. They’re both very approachable and take the time to talk to each of us one on one, breaking down film and giving us nuggets of information to keep in mind. I believe all the time they put in alongside our work as a team has no choice but to show in the coming games.

You have made a massive jump in your game from 2 years ago in the BBL at Heidelberg. There you

averaged 1,9 minutes per game and now it´s 18 minutes. What exactly is your role this season?

I learned a lot in the BBL in Heidelberg and played with players who prepared me for the opportunity I have here with Artland. My role here is to be aggressive on both ends of the floor and create for the team, whether that’s me scoring, assisting, or getting extra possessions. I have several tools in my arsenal, and I’m asked to bring them every night. Everything I do on the floor is done with the aim to win, and, regardless of our situation, I have faith that the results will follow that approach.

How vital was your season in Hagen in the Regionalliga. Did you take 2 steps back to take new steps forward?

I didn’t see Hagen as a step back. Every step is a step forward for me. They invested in me and put their trust in me to accomplish their goal of reaching the playoffs with a youthful roster, and I fully concentrated on that all year. I still feel like we could’ve accomplished even more, but I’m proud of what we did together last year. I think that mindset of staying in the moment while in Hagen is what allowed me to make the unconventional jump to the Pro A.

How did game grow in the Regionalliga? You demonstrated that you can´t only be a explosive scorer, but an overall stat filler.

Last year was fundamental in me showing myself again that I can be the driving force to wins. I was put in many positions to decide games, and, while not every one went in our favor, I felt myself growing each game as a closer. I’ve always relished big moments, but last season was proof that I can be that guy at the pro level as well.

You have also proven that you can be a very versatile defender. Is becoming a 2-way player a type of goal for you?

I’m a competitor to the highest degree. I want to win on both ends of the floor. I feel like each year I take more and more pride in being just as good a defender as I am an offensive player. That competitiveness was a major motivator in me transforming my body a bit to be able to go all out for as long as necessary in a higher-paced league.

You were a walking bucket in the Regionalliga. What did you learn about yourself in your regionalliga year?

I’ve always considered myself to be a natural scorer, but last year showed me how much of an impact I can have on a community. It was really bigger than basketball in Hagen. There were so many people I didn’t want to let down on a nightly basis when I was out there competing. Sometimes that’s the extra push you need to get the job done. That sense of being a franchise cornerstone was new for me, and I enjoyed every minute.

You had many great games but was one of your fondest the victory against Bonn 2 where you scored 33 points?

That was a fun night for sure! We debuted our VIP area, so the gym was full, and I remember wanting to make sure I did everything in my power to make sure they saw a W. I guess, judging off that stat sheet, I did a pretty good job of that.

The playoff series loss to Ibbenburen was tough. What will you never forget about the 85-80 loss in game 3?

How close we were to getting the job done. I believe we led that game for over 35 minutes. So it was definitely tough to lose that on the road to end the season. But they have a great fanbase that made it a tough environment to play and win in down the stretch so I have to give it up to them.

You are coming out with a book called The Hidden Planet (The Master of Ghya Series). This sounds so interesting. It is isn´t often that a basketball player does this. How did you come up with this idea?

Growing up, I actually used to make little movies on my IPod Touch. My friends and I would do it to pass time in the summers, editing in cheesy action effects and just letting our creativity roam free. But, eventually, the ideas grew to such blockbuster proportions that there was no way to film them without having a Hollywood-type budget. Knowing that that wouldn’t be falling from the sky anytime soon, I resorted to writing the stories out, rather than filming them. It´s become a great way for me to train that creative muscle that I need as I pro athlete.

Has writting always been an interest of yours? Talk about how your love for writing came about? Is this something you could see yourself doing more often?

I’ve always been a pretty good writer and always loved being as creative as possible on written assignments in school, but I never really thought about writing books until I discovered that my grandfather had authored a few books. He showed me that being an author/artist isn’t reserved for a select few. Anyone willing to put in the time and be vulnerable enough to share the product of that work can create art, and that’s the message I want to spread especially to the younger generation. Loving one thing (in my case basketball), doesn’t put you in a box that doesn’t allow you to expand your horizons. So, this is only the beginning of my journey as an author. I’m already halfway done with the sequel to this novel and plan to release that this coming spring.

The summary of the book is also very interesting. It has nothing to do with basketball. Talk a little about the creature and what happens in his world?

I don’t want to spoil too much, but I will say this. This is a story that will keep you on your toes from start to finish, leave you wanting more, and reward you if you’re paying attention. The creature the guys meet is named “Ulrich” after my grandfather, who inspired this journey. His world is on the brink of war, and, in order to save it, he has to put his faith in two outsiders from Earth.

What did you enjoy most about the writting process of this book? Did you ever have writters block or did you have that good flow from the start?

For me, I love seeing how the story evolves and how things connect beautifully in ways I didn’t even imagine when I began the process. Even if this book hadn’t have sold one copy when I announced it, it would still be a success in my eyes. There’s nothing more rewarding than saying you will take on a project like this and following through on it. It wasn’t without ups and downs, but that’s just made publishing it in the end all the sweeter. I actually started a complete re-write when Kobe Bryant died in 2020. That tragedy showed me how short life can be and brought me to tears because I knew he had so much more to give the world. That motivated me to lock in and get the job done. Writer’s block came and went, as it does for most writers, but after that I finished the book pretty quickly, considering I was doing it alongside being a professional basketball player.

Could you ever imagine writting a book about basketball? How could you imagine the plot being for a basketball book?

It’s not out of the question! I have some ideas in my notebook for a few basketball books. Knowing me, I would find a way to integrate magical elements into the game to maybe better communicate to non-hoopers how magical it can feel to do certain things on the court.

Germany won the World Cup and beat USA. Did you root more for USA than Germany?

I know Dennis Schröder personally and learned a lot from him over the years, so I was definitely leaning more towards my German roots that day. I know how much he wanted to win the Eurobasket for Germany in Germany, so it was great to see him and the team bounce back and shock the world by winning gold this past summer.

Will Lebron and co take care of business at the Olympics 2024 or will they disaapoint again?

I’ve seen some of the potential lineups and they look like they would be tough to deal with,to say the least. But there’s still a lot of time until the summer, so I guess only time will tell in the end.

Thanks Anthony for the chat

It was a cool Tuesday evening around 6.00 Pm in Germany in late June when I reached Kris Clyburn (198-G/F-1996, college: UNLV) in Las Vegas, Nevada. I actually was famished and wanted dinner, but when a player is ready for an interview then I do have to make sacrifices even for my stomach. The ex UNLV player was on his way to a workout at 9AM. The interview was going great, but as I mentioned his brother Will, I could sense this change in tone to total admiration. Will has always been the big brother and been the guy that has played at the highest level while Kris has followed and is still trying to climb the basketball ladder. Will has had a big influence on Kris’s life and career and even been a kind of good luck charm as his presence was there in some of his biggest games in his career. In Turkey, Will was the opponent and there to witness Kris’s win against Euroleague team Efes and in his last game in Germany in possibly the biggest game of his career in a mega do or die game was also there to cheer him on and experience a whole arena sustain ecstasy as the former 2004 Fiba Europe Cup winner MBC was saved from moving down to the second division. ‘My brother has been overseas for 10 years. He has set the blue pint and played everywhere at a high level. His most important piece of advice that he gave me was before last season. I was coming off a tough season in Israel and he told me that all it takes is one season to change your life. Just keep working, because your time is coming. That is exactly what a big brother would say’, stressed Kris Clyburn who doesn’t play 1-1 games with brother Will, but moreover plays the first to make 5 in a row. But not to forget, it was actually his dad that had the biggest influence in him picking up the basketball. Kris Clyburn will never refrain from having good luck charm Will in the arena when he is balling.

Kris Clyburn who remembers current Boston Celtic Jayson Tatum as being his toughest opponent in the NCAA was born on April 20, 1996 in Detroit, Michigan. He attended Romulus Senior high school and had a fantastic season averaging 22,0ppg and 5,0rpg. He seemed a bit miffed that after a potent season like that, he didn’t get more rewarding offers than just from mid major schools. He decided to take a post senior year at Notre Dame prep school in Fitchburg, Mass. That decision wasn’t the best as he got no offers after that and had to go the JUCO route. He played at Ranger College (JUCO) playing 38 games averaging 14.3ppg, 5.2rpg, 1.8apg, 1.3spg, FGP: 59.6%, 3PT: 46.9%, FT: 77.2%. Juco is often exactly the best medicine for adversary that was faced before getting there. ‘I still don’t remember why I actually went there. The school had gone something like 0/26 the season before. Something just told me it was right and it turned out being a very important decision. I was in the middle of nowhere and the experience really humbles you. Coach Billy Gillespie was crucial in me going there. JUCO made me tough. You see that guys who are overseas and played JUCO have what it takes to play’, said Kris Clyburn. He then would go on to play for the University Of Nevada-Las Vegas from 2016-2019 playing a total of 93 NCAA games. In his freshman season he averaged 7.1ppg, 5.3rpg, 1.2apg, FGP: 41.3%, 3PT: 30.5%, FT: 69.0% and scored in double figures 12 times and registered 3 double doubles. That season he had to suffer a brutal 49 point loss to top team Duke scoring 2 points in 23 minutes. He met future NBA players like Luke Kennard, Amile Jefferson and Jayson Tatum. This is an experience that he still thinks about today. ‘I actually was talking about that game to my dad a few weeks ago. I told him that game was an eyeopener for me. Going in I felt beneath players like that. After that game, I made sure to work harder so I would never have that feeling again’, stated Kris Clyburn. He netted 18 points against Fresno State. His second season was solid as he averaged 7.3ppg, 3.3rpg, 1.5apg, FGP: 51.5%, 3PT: 32.4%, FT: 57.1%. In that season he scored in double figures in 9 games including 20 points against Northern Iowa and 19 points a piece against Nevada and Eastern Washington. His game took a big turn in his senior year as he averaged 13.9ppg, 5.3rpg, 1.2apg, 1.0spg, FGP: 50.3%, 3PT: 32.5%, FT: 76.0%. ‘My game didn’t have much change in my first 2 seasons because I was distracted and had a lack of confidence. I felt like the coaching staff didn’t believe in my game. But in the summer before my senior year, I went crazy in the gym. I made sure that there would be no doubt about my game. I just played my game and didn’t worry what others thought about it. I played with a short leash and let no one dictate my game’, remembered Kris Clyburn. He scored in double figures in 23 games including 25 points against New Mexico, 23 points against Nevada and 21 points a piece against Brigham Young and Boise State. ‘I enjoyed the BYU game, because we won it at the buzzer, but I did foul out. But my favorite game was beating New Mexico on the road’, said Kris Clyburn.

The Detroit native who lists Jordan, Kobe, Lebron and Steph Curry on his personal NBA Mount Rushmore began his professional career in the summer playing 2 NBA games for the Milwaukee Bucks. He then went overseas and played his rookie season with Enea Astoria Bydgoszcz (Poland-EBL) playing 21 games averaging 15.3ppg, 4.6rpg, 1.5apg, 1.5spg, FGP: 49.2%, 3PT: 29.4%, FT: 71.1%. Sometimes it is difficult for Americans to come overseas and adjust well on and off the court, but on the court he needed no adjustment period. But off the court, the whole experience got some time getting used to. ‘My wake up call was when we left the airport to drive 2 hours to my new home. I looked around and understood I was really in a different place. It just didn’t feel real when I got to my apartment. Poland just sounded weird to me. It was really a grind that first year’, commented Kris Clyburn. He scored in double figures 18 times and had some massive games against Enea Zastal Zielona Gora scoring 35 points and 26 points against Anwil. In his second pro season he took on a new challenge playing with Tsmoki-Minsk (Belarus-Premier League/VTB League). This was by far his most productive season as a pro as he won 2 titles and was consistent in 3 competitions. He averaged 16.1ppg, 4.3rpg, 1.4apg, 1.3spg, FGP: 54.9%, 3PT: 37.6%, FT: 65.8% in the VTB league, 13.9ppg, 4.5rpg, 1.5apg, 1.1spg, FGP: 53.6%, 3PT: 44.7%, FT: 82.4% in the Belarusian Premier League and 11.3ppg, 2.9rpg, 1.4apg, 1.3spg, FGP: 45.8%, 3PT: 41.9%, FT: 43.8% in the Basketball Champions League. ‘The Belarusian league was like playing with little kids. Winning the titles were great. I could of moved to the Euroleague the next season as there was interest from Maccabi Tel Aviv. But they then chose another player. I could of played better in the BCL which could of brought me to the main stage’, expressed Kris Clyburn. He had some strong games in the BCL scoring 19 points a piece against Balkan and Cholet and in the highly touted VTB league exploded for 33 points against PBC Astana, had 26 points against Enisey and 22 points against Lok Kuban. He also had a solid 15 points against top Euroleague team CSKA Moscow, but lost by 27 points against his brother. ‘I remember that game well. I started off well with like 12 points at half-time. Then they came out with their starting 5 in the third quarter and held us to 2 points and we were down by 30 points’, added Kris Clyburn. In his third season he split time with with Maccabi Rishon Le-Zion (Israel-Winner League) averaging 12.3ppg, 5.7rpg, 2FGP: 42.7%, 3FGP: 28.6%, FT: 79.3%, in Jan.’22 moved to Buyukcekmece Basket Basketball Kulubu (Turkey-BSL) averaging 9.0ppg, 3.5rpg, 1.2apg, FGP: 55.4%, 3PT: 15.0%, FT: 73.1%. The stats seem deceiving, but all in all, it wasn’t one his better seasons as his three didn’t fall in Turkey. ‘It was definitely a learning experience. It was tough playing through adversary.
I felt like my time in Israel was mediocre. The coach was fired and we were losing. Then I came to Turkey and wasn’t one of the main guys. It was tough getting minutes here and there and spot shots’, remembered Kris Clyburn. He did have some good games scoring 29 points against Gilboa Galil, 24 points against Haifa and in Turkey netted 22 points against Ayfon. He did have one positive experience beating Euroleague champion Efes 90-89. ‘That was a major win for us as we were fighting to stay in the league. We needed that win badly. Plus we won at their place’, said Kris Clyburn.
The explosive scorer who lists Lebron James as his GOAT came to Germany in 2022-2023 and joined the SYNTAINICS MBC Weissenfels (Germany-BBL) playing 29 games averaging 17.4ppg, 5.1rpg, 2.2apg, Steals-1 (2.0spg), FGP: 57.9%, 3PT: 37.7%, FT: 80.9%. Even if the team lost a lot, he had another great personal season and helped save the team on the last game day with a huge 79-69 win over the Hakro Merlins where he scored 14 points and grabbed 6 boards. ‘That was a special game. One of our fans who had cancer spoke to us. We took her speech as motivation. Plus my family was there. It was a great day and we got the win’, stated Kris Clyburn. Despite finishing in 16th place, it was somewhat of a mystery why a team with so much talent could finish so low. ‘I think that we could have been a playoff team. We lost 7 games in a row in March and April that hurt us. We had to play against Bamberg, Alba Berlin and Munich. We understood then that we had to do something to stay in the league. We had a great team and were in many games, but we just fell apart at the wrong time’, stressed Kris Clyburn. He had very special teammates that he will never forget like veteran Tremmel Darden who was still active at age 40 and former BBL MVP and rebound king John Bryant who was still active at age 36. ‘Tremmel is a great guy and you saw every game how athletic he was. He could do so many things others couldn’t do. You really saw why he was able to paly so long. It is always good to have a guy like that on the team. John was a great player. I always remember my brother Will saying that John was a monster’, said Kris Clyburn. He had a great BBL season averaging 17/5/2/2 stats. He really made a major turnaround with his three point shooting as it rose from 15% in Turkey to 37% in Germany. ‘It was my best season as a pro. It was tough getting my confidence back. My major focus coming into the Germany season was not to shoot that bad again. A major focus was on my shooting and I really worked hard getting shots up’, commented Kris Clyburn. He scored in double figures in 26 games including scoring 33 points against Heidelberg, 31 points against Chemnitz, 26 points against Oldenburg and 25 points against Wurzburg.

He once again has taken on a new challenge and took his talent to France to play for BCM Gravelines Dunkerque (Pro A). For him personally it was a great feeling being able to be secured early in the summer instead of waiting around for the call from a team like last summer when it didn’t happen until September. ‘France is another good step forward. I’m ready to attack new obstacles’, warned Kris Clyburn. It will be interesting to see what kind of role he will have for his new team. The 198cm forward who has been compared to Tayshaun Prince showed in Germany once again that you could have versatility as his middle name and it won’t be any different in France. ‘My dad always preached to me not to be one dimensional. He always told me that defense and rebounding will keep you on the floor. I remember having a terrible game in college where I was something like 0/14, but I also had 14 rebounds that helped us win the game. I just do the little things that helps me stay on the floor’, said Kris Clyburn. One part of his game could really blossom in France as he really will focus on it this summer. ‘I want to improve my playmaking. I will work on my ball handling and finding the open man. I have been used to being the dominant man in many places I have played, but this season I will be on a better team and have more guys that will contribute. I will play more like a 2-1’, warned Kris Clyburn. He suffered a tough knee injury before the season and his rehabing paid off as he returned on December 6th and helped his team defeat Manisa in a Fiba Europe Cup game as he contributed 4 points, 5 rebounds, 1 assist, 2 steals and 2 blocks. One thing is for sure, the Euroleague will always be flowing around in his thoughts. Perhaps one day he will finally face brother Will in the Euroleague, but until then he will have no problem having him in the stands again in France as his good luck charm.

Vinnie Shahid (180-PG-1998, college: NDSU) is a 25 year old 180cm point guard from Minnetonka, Minnesota playing his fourth pro season and first with Openjobmetis Varese (Italy-Serie A). Last season he played with Thor Thorlakshofn (Iceland-Subway League) playing 27 games and leading the league in scoring and assists averaging 26.4ppg, 4.3rpg,8.7apg, 1.7spg, FGP: 55.7%, 3PT: 42.1%, FT: 88.2%. Two seasons ago he played with Entente Cergy Osny Pontoise BB (France-NM1) leading the league in scoring averaging 21.0ppg, 3.7rpg, 3.9apg, 1.3spg, FGP: 50.8%, 3PT: 39.3%, FT: 85.5%. He played his rookie season with AB Contern (Luxembourg-Total League) averaging 22.6ppg, 4.9rpg, 4.9apg, 2.4spg, FGP: 52.3%, 3PT: 42.6%, FT: 79.2%. He began his basketball career at Hopkins high school and then played 2 years at Western Nebraska Community College (JUCO) averaging 15.0ppg, 3.3rpg, 3.9apg, 1.8spg, FGP: 40.7%, 3PT: 37.5%, FT: 81.0%and in his second season averaged 18.4ppg, 3.1rpg, 4.8apg, 1.3spg, FGP: 48.8%, 3PT: 47.6%, FT: 86.8%. He then played 2 years at North Dakota State University (NCAA) averaging 13.1ppg, 3.0rpg, 2.6apg, FGP: 52.7%, 3PT: 36.6%, FT: 84.9% and in his senior year averaged 1.4ppg, 3.3rpg, 3.0apg, 1.0spg, FGP: 50.2%, 3PT: 36.7%, FT: 88.4%. He spoke to germanhoops.com before a Fiba Eurocup game against the Niners Chemnitz

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

Basketball will always be basketball in my eyes. Embracing every part of it.

After paying your dues your first 3 years in Luxemburg, France (3rd division) and Iceland, you have landed in Seria A Italy a top 5 league. How tough were the last 3 seasons? What was key for you in this time for being able to fight all adversary and just keep grinding?

I´m a juco kid, working and grinding is how I got to where I am. So to me none of the past 3 years were necessarily tough for me. I was getting paid to do what I love.

How do you feel have you grown as a player and man in the last 3 years? How beneficial was it overall playing in lower leagues?

I feel I’ve grown a lot as a person and a player, being able to adapt and learn new skills and life lessons in every country I’ve been to made every place I’ve been very beneficial for me.

Your playing your first season with Openjobmetis Varese (Italy-Serie A). What kind of an experience has it been playing for this ambitious club? What have you learned to appreciate most about the time?

It has been a great experience, great opportunity And a blessing. The biggest thing I’ve appreciated is just the bond I’ve created with my teammates and hearing everyone’s different paths to how we all ended up here.

You are playing very well in the Fiba Europe Cup averaging 15/2/3 and in the Serie A only 6/1/1 while playing 3 minutes less. What has been the most challenging thing for you on the court?

For me I believe the most challenging thing has been to adapt how I’m used to playing and finding what the team actually needs from me to be successful, every season there’s ups and downs. At the end of the days it’s a marathon not a sprint.

What has it been like being teammates with 8 year NBA veteran Willie Cauley-Stein? I´m sure you feed his brain often? Have you hooked up for any nice alley-oop dunks?

Willie is a great guy and teammate I often speak to him about experiences and basketball moments he’s had.

Your a 180cm guard. If you had to compare your game to an NBA player who would best fit the description?

I would say Fred van Vleet as we have a similar body build game and he’s a smaller guard maybe a little taller than me but similar for sure.

You can fill the stat sheet like no other. What otehr strengths do you have besides scoring?

I´m a guy that can also affect the game with energy and leadership.

You never averaged more than 4,0apg game as a player, but last year almost 9,0apg in Iceland. How did your playmaking skills develop there?

I think my coaches and teammates trusting me with the ball in my hands for mostly every possession I played for. Thor gave me confidence and a better feel for reading the game.

You arer a very steady and potent three point shooter. Do you feel like you could become an elite shooter at the euro level?

That definitely is a goal of mine before my career is over to be considered elite at that level.

What kind of a defender are you now and what kind of defender do you still want to become in the next years?

I would say defensively im solid. I´m figuring out how to be a better defender finding different tactics and figuring out how to impact the game on that side of the ball more than the the past.

Last summer you played briefly for the Niagara River Lions (Canada-CEBL) averaging 4.5ppg, 1.0rpg, 2.0apg. What kind of an expereince was this? How would you describe this rising league in comparision to the leagues you have played in overseas?

I wasn’t there for long but my time there, but it was a cool experience. A lot of high level talent in that league and it seems to be only growing.

Last season you played with Thor Thorlakshofn (Iceland-Subway League) leading the league in scoring with 26.4ppg), 4.3rpg, Assists-1 (8.7apg), 1.7spg, FGP: 55.7%, 3PT: 42.1%, FT: 88.2%. You had an incredible season reaching the semi finals and scoring 30 points or more 9 times including a 41 point explosion and 19 assists. Seriously did it feel like you were a man playing with boys?

I would credit that season to my coach and teammates for trusting me with the ball as much as they did and feeding me confidence on a day to day basis.

What was the nicest thing you expereinced with the incredible landscape? There must be stories you will be able to tell your grand children one day?

Yes, iceland was very cool. I think the climate and living right next to the ocean is something I experienced for the first time and I think that’s something I will live to tell.

Two seasons ago you played with Entente Cergy Osny Pontoise BB (France-NM1) winning the scoring title again averaging 21.0ppg, 3.7rpg, 3.9apg, 1.3spg, FGP: 50.8%, 3PT: 39.3%, FT: 85%. How tough was going into the season mentally coming off a great rookie season and then having to take new lumps having to play in the 3rd division France? What did you learn about yourself in difficult times?

Like I said before to me there was no difficulties playing there, because I was playing the game I love for money. As a kid that’s still everything I dreamed of. Biggest thing I learned that year was what type of character I had.

You played your rookie season with AB Contern (Luxembourg-Total League) (22.6ppg), 4.9rpg, Assists-4 (4.9apg), Steals-4 (2.4spg), FGP: 52.3%, 3PT: 42.6%, FT: 79.2%. What do you remember being your wake up call to being overseas where you knew that you were far away from home?

Sheesh, probably walking into a hotel room that was super small and they told me that this is where I’m living !

How much hope does the common knowledge of the fact that Alfonso Mckinnie played 2nd division Luxemburg and soon after reached the NBA give you for your career overall knowing anything is possible in the basketball world?

Alfonso’s story is a crazy one. Gives hope to a lot of overseas guys that anything can happen.

You played 2 seasons with Western Nebraska Community College (JUCO). Every guy I have interviewed that has palyed JUCO have reported that the expereince wasn´t always easy but one they wouldn´t have traded the world for. How was it for you?

I was blessed with a great juco career and had great coaches and teammates which made my experience a lot easier than others. But I wouldn’t have traded those two years for anything. They really molded me as a player and person

How vital was head coach Cory Fehringer in your 2 years in JUCO? How did he help develop your game?

-Coach Fehringer is family. He has effected and impacted my life way beyond those two years and developed me not only as a basketball player but as a young man. That’s the best coach ive ever had.

You played 2 years at North Dakota State University (NCAA) averaging 13.1ppg, 3.0rpg, 2.6apg, FGP: 52.7%, 3PT: 36.6%, FT: 84.9% and as a senior averaged 18.4ppg, 3.3rpg, 3.0apg, 1.0spg, FGP: 50.2%, 3PT: 36.7%, FT: 88.4%. How do you feel did your game grow in those 2 years?

I feel like once again you those two years I was able to grow as a player because of how my teammates trusted me and my coaches trusted me with the ball in my hands. Numbers don’t show it but I grew in many different areas other than stats those two years.

You won 2 Summit League titles in 2019 and 2020. Which one was sweeter?

Both very special but 2020 the repeat was definitely a different feeling winning the chip by 20+

You scored 20 points against Duke on a national stage against guys like Cam Reddish, Zion Williamson, Tre Jones and RJ Barrett. What memories do you have of this game and those players?

Tre Jones was an ex aau teammate and a friend of mine, that game was special and have many great memories from that game. I will forever be one of my favorite games.

You were teammates with 2 great players Tyson Ward and Sam Griesel. Please tell me your memories of them and nicest moment on the court?

I´m still very close with both of them, the easiest memory of both of them would be winning back to back championships with them. One thing you know about Tyson but will soon find out about Sam as well is they are both winners. Winning follows those guys everywhere.

How did David Richman groom and prepare you best for a professional career?

He helped mold me in different ways than I got molded in juco teaching me different principles and helping my game mature.

Who won a 1-1 in practice you or Cameron Hunter?

Vin fo rsure, my boy Cameron Hunter was a bucket though shout out cam!

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

I faced many my favorite though is Stanley Umude for the Detroit Pistons. We played him 2 times a year for 2 years and he gave us problems everytime

Please name your 5 berst teammates of all-time?

All of my teammates Ive ever had are the best !

Please name your personal NBA Mount Rushmore of past or present heads?

Kobe, Bron, MJ, Curry

Who is your GOAT and why?

Lebron, no one did what he’s doing for how long he’s been doing it

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

It was a great sequel, but i love the original the most

Thanks Vinnie for the chat.

Zachary Hinton (201-F-1994, college: Rocky Mountain) is a 28 year old 201cm forward from Los Angeles that is playing his first season in Germany with Citybasket Recklinghausen. He has pro experience over seas in Saudi Arabia with : Al Safa of Safwa, but also played in Columbia with Patriotas de Boyaca. He also played semi pro ball with the Chula Vista Suns (ABA) and Charlottetown Power (ECBL). He played 3 years at Rocky Mountain College (NAIA) and averaged 15.0ppg, 7.1rpg, FGP: 53.0%, 3PT: 38.8%, FT: 71.2% in his senior year. He spoke to eurobasket after exploding for 46 points in a loss tot eh Telekom Baskets Bonn 2.

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

I´m in Recklinghausen and basketball life is treating great. I´m blessed to be playing the game I love.

Your playing your first season in Germany with Citybasket Recklinghausen and had a wild OT game in Bonn. You lost the game 128-121, Did it feel like a NBA game with so much scoring?

Yes it felt like that. Both teams were going at it. It seemed like nobody was missing. Both teams were hitting a lot of three pointers.

The game had 2 guys who almost hit 50 points apiece as Mychael Paulo went off for 45 points and you went off for 46 points. Have you ever played in a game in your career where 2 guys almost hit for 50 points apiece?

That was the first time in my career

Did you lose some of that good feeling of having scored 46 points by having lost the game? What was key in OT for Bonn pulling out this crazy game?

Bonn had a 4 point play in OT. We had to dig ourselves out. They made tough shots and it was tough coming back from that

Was 46 the most points you scored in your career? You had 40 points earlier this season in Germany and 32 points in Columbia.

That was my career high. It was my best game in my career.

Talk a little how the game went for you. How quickly did you know that you might have a great scoring day?

As soon as I walked into the gym, I pretty much knew it would be a good game. It was a shooters gym. I had a good feeling. We had prepared well against the zone and I play well against the zone as I know how to find my spots.

Were you feeling it early? Did the rim feel like the ocean after a while?

I wasn´t really paying attention to my game, but more focused on Bonn and Paulo. I didn´t realize I was hitting so much as I was trying to bring energy.

You shot 20-25 from the field. When you look back could you have hit for 50 points had some of your 5 missed shots fallen? Were the missed shots good decisions?

I feel like every shot I take is going in. I feel like I took good shots. They are all makeable.

When you score 46 points, does one´s motivation to hit 50 points grow? The season is still long?

Yes it does. I always look back on games and reflect. I always try to do better in the next games. It was the same way when I scored 40 points. After that game I wanted to be better. Now my goal is 50 points. It is the same with rebounding.

Marco Buljevic said this about you. “Zach is a beast, a competitor, in excellent physical shape and can shoot. So he’s too good for this league. We hit the jackpot in every way getting him at the American spot. The coolest thing about him is that he puts up silly numbers every week but is an unhappy salty man if we’re not winning”. Not being content is the best focus when wanting to keep moving up the basketball ladder. How much did having played in the NAIA shape your work ethic?

I look at basketball different now. The competition is a lot better and I have to bring my A game every night. For me the most important thing is doing the best I can to help my team win.

Recklinghausen is 7-6. What do you believe is possible with this team? Does it have the talent to pull out a massive winning streak?

I think that we can. We had a 5 game winning streak and feel like we can be a top 3 team.

You played 3 years at Rocky Mountain College (NAIA) improving your scoring stats each season. How did your game grow in those 3 years?

I played well against high level players which helped me build my confidence. I think that with confidence, sky is the limit for me. My self-confidence is through the roof at the moment.

How did head coach Bill Dreikosen groom and prepare you best for a professional career?

He just let me be me and alllowed me to lead the team. He trusted me and take on the roll as leader of the team. He never let me take a bbreak. I´m very thankful that I was able to have him as a coach.

Who won a 1-1 in practice you or Danny Betcher?

Me for sure.

Who was the best player that you ever faced that reached the NBA?

Ryan Carter and Frank Nitty.

Please name your 5 best teammates of all-time?

Ryan Carter, Craig Wilmore, Adam Stanford, Brandon Moss and Darae Elliot

Please name your personal NBA Mount Rushmore?

Kobe, Lebron, Kevin Durant,, Shaq and Jordan

Who is your GOAT and why?

Kobe ist he reason why I wear #42. I fit wasn´t for him, I wouldn´t be the playere I am today.

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

They should of left it alone.

Thanks Zach for the chat

Marco Buljevic (197-SG-1987) is a 36 year old 197cm shooting guard that has enjoyed a 20 year professional career and currently is playing for Citybasket Recklinghausen (Germany-Regionalliga): He played parts of 4 easyCredit BBL seasons with Giessen and the EWE Baskets Oldenburg where he won the BBL title in 2009. He played 6 Pro A seasons with Essen and also played 4 Pro B seasons with Bochum and one season a piece with FC Schalke and Schwelm and also a Regionalliga season with Herten.His bones have endured more than 400 pro games in his career. He spoke to germanhoops.com about basketball.

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

I’ve been living in Essen for over a decade now with my wife and two sons who play basketball a well, of course. Next to playing myself I also coach my older one’s u10-team. I feel blessed with having children who have so much love for the game.

You had a wild OT game in Bonn. You lost the game 128-121, Did it feel like a NBA game with so much scoring?

It certainly did. We watch a lot of basketball in our house, mostly Euroleague and NBA. The number of possessions in NBA games is ridiculous. Our game in Bonn definitely felt like one of those type of games.

The game had 2 guys who almost hit 50 points apiece as Mychael Paulo went off for 45 points and Zach Hinton went off for 46 points. Did you feel a little in the shadow with your 11 three´s made?

Not at all, I am too old for these kind of feelings. Zach deserves as much love and credit as there is. Without the focus on him I get less open shots. Paulo played out of his mind as well.

Did you lose some of that good feeling of having made 11 three´s by having lost the game? What was key in OT for Bonn pulling out this crazy game?

The feeling could’ve been better, for sure. We were riding a five game win streak prior so it hurt being so close to six straight and not getting it over the finish line. I give all the credit to Bonn and their well-coached young team by Marko Zarkovic. In overtime we switched all ball screens. Paulo ran as many until he had the match up he felt comfortable with and made the crucial plays. End of story.

Talk a little how special Zach Hinton is as a player. Did you know before the game that he could be capable of a feat like that?

I knew, not even surprised a bit. Zach is a beast, a competitor, in excellent physical shape and can shoot. So he’s too good for this league. We hit the jackpot in every way getting him at the American spot. The coolest thing about him is that he puts up silly numbers every week but is an unhappy salty man if we’re not winning.

Recklinghausen is 7-6. What do you believe is possible with this team? Does it have the talent to pull out a massive winning streak?

Playoffs are possible and for sure the goal. As I’ve mentioned we recently had a win streak and won five straight. Overall we have our challenges athletically and therefore more on the defensive end. In this league though there are several teams with their own different strengths and weaknesses which has most of the squads leveled out on a similar level.

You have been a three point specialist your whole career. I presume this was the most you ever made. How did you feel going into the game? Did you have a special pre game meal?

The only thing special was the unorthodox 4:30 tip-off time. In Thursday’s internal scrimmage and the pre-game warm up I took lots of shots from 9-10 meters and rarely missed so I admit I was considering going nuts that afternoon.

Did you know after your first three that you would have a great game or did it take a few more to sink in?

Whoever has been in a zone like that is familiar with this: You don’t know, calculate, project, think about technique, a defender or anything. You just flow and do what you do. If they were too guard closer after a few makes, you just pull up from deeper. Using the counter to blow by aggressive defenders gets tougher at advanced age, at least for me.

How much does this game mean for you? As a shooter you know the frustration that shooters get during a season throwing the three. Not many shooters that have played in Germany can say they made 11 three´s?

It’ll be a nice one to remember. That’s what I love about having children while you’re still playing. Leo often compares my stats to those of NBA stars’ box score lines that he checks daily. So for his approval you have to go out and get buckets.

How much did your confidence grow with making 11 three´s. Does one think like now I can make 12 in the next game?

I expect to be face-guarded from half-court on next game so I doubt it. However, that will be a good thing for us because it will make room for Zach and the other snipers we have on the team.

At the moment your shooting 40% from outside. Are you getting better with age as a shooter?

Maybe, or I’m just more relaxed living with the results at this part of my life. That might be the secret. What helps is the unlimited green light I get from Coach Dhnesch basically anytime I pass half-court.

You are turning 37 next year and have played for 20 years. How much longer do you still want to play? Could you play until 40?

I have no clue. The love I have for the game in the purest way is still there like 30 years ago when I started bouncing a ball. Dribbling, shooting, having competition and being part of a locker room brings me so much joy, so why stop.

So many gyus that you played with 15 plus years ago in Oldenburg and Giessen have long retired. Do you keep in touch with certain guys from way back in the day?

I do keep in touch with a few. Nikita Khartchenkov and I are really close. He and I played on four different teams together in the past. He lives in Essen as well and we both coach our sons at ETB’s youth program. On top of that we compete on the court in the same league. Everyone who knows Nikita is familiar with his ridiculous sharp shooting ability. I hereby challenge my dear friend to make 12 threes in a game until the end of the season. If so, dinner on me at a restaurant of choice.

Another guy from your birth year and ex teammate Johannes Lischka is also still playing like you in the Regionalliga. He defyed all odds coming back from much misfortune and is still playing. Do you guys have bets going on as who will play longer?

No bets, just tremendously happy for my friend. I know how much he loves the game of basketball. I want him to play as long it makes him happy.

Franz Wagner has scored 30 plus points in 3 games in a row. Could he become the next German superstar in the NBA?

No doubt. I’m so impressed by him. The way he manipulates defenders with the timing of his footwork to get to the best spot for a bucket is amazing. I can’t name too many players who do it that way and that good.

Thanks Marco for the chat.