Tarik Phillip (191-G, college: WVU, agency: Diamond Sports) is a 30 year old 191cm guard from Brooklyn, New York playing his 7thz professional season and second with the London Lions (BBL). He has played in countries like Hungary, Israel, Turkey, Italy and Spain. He began his basketball career at Brooklyn College Academy and then played 1 year at Independence Community College (JUCO). He played 3 seasons and 106 NCAA games with West Virginia University (JUCO). He spoke to germanhoops.com after a Eurocup game against the Hamburg Towers.

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

Thank you for taking the time to interview with me and I am currently in London United Kingdom . Basketball is going great . We started off the season great and I am blessed to be playing a game I love.

Your 30 years old and won your first chip with the London Lions last season. Could the London Lions be a club where you could imagine maybe finishing your career with?

It was surreal that I was able win a championship last year with a great group of guys and London is a great city, one of the best in the world and I wouldn’t mind finishing my career here at all . The organization is great the fans are great and my team is family .

You played with 7 pro clubs before coming to London last season and won your first title. What was so special about that team?

The difference between the clubs I played for in the past and last season title win was the family oriented vibe that we made with one another

This season the London Lions are stacked again and the heavy favorite in the BBL. Is this club stronger than last season?

This club is different than last season I don’t want to see better because both teams were constructed a little different

Two seasons ago you split time with Umana Reyer Venezia (Italy-Serie A) averaging 6.8ppg, 2.2rpg, 2.6apg, 1.2spg, 2FGP: 40.9%, 3FGP: 34.3%, FT: 75.0%, in Jan.’22 moved to Hereda San Pablo Burgos (Spain-Liga ACB averaging 7.0ppg, 2.7rpg, 2.4apg, 1.1spg, FGP: 38.1%, 3PT: 28.0%, FT: 81.5%. What is always the most difficult thing for you personally when you play for 2 clubs in one season? You had already done it a few times so far?

The most difficult thing is learning new people and learning new cultures. The style of play can change a bit but at the end of the day it’s still basketball.

In Venice you played with veteran point guard Julyan Stone who had played in the NBA. What was it like playing together with a real old school style playmaker who always has his teammates in his focus first?

Julyan Stone was a great player for me to learn from. I learned a lot of how to run a point guard position and get players involved and being effective without scoring the ball all the time.

You then played in Europes best country league ACB in Spain with Burgos. You held your own against top Euroleague team FC Barcelona and Real Madrid. Was there a particular instance that you haven’t forgotten from one of those games?

I’ve played so many games since then but those prestigious teams you always come ready to play and so exactly what you’re made of.

In the 2020-2021 season you split time with Hapoel Jerusalem (Israel-Winner League) and in Nov.’20 moved toTofas Bursa (Turkey-BSL) averaging 13.0ppg, 4.5rpg, 5.0apg, Steals-1 (2.3spg), FGP: 49.6%, 3PT: 38.9%, FT: 78.5%; and in the Basketball Champions League averaged 14.1ppg, 4.8rpg, 4.0apg, Steals-1 (2.2spg), FGP: 42.3%, 3PT: 32.7%, FT: 80.6%. Despite being in Israel for only a short time, you still finished the season strong in Turkey despite Covid. What personally was the toughest challenge for you in this season with Covid?

Splitting time between Tofas and Jerusalem was great for my career despite Covid. The challenges I faced during the Covid season was very difficult isolating and being alone from family friends and loved ones.

In Israel you were teammates for a short time with Chris Kramer who once made a bucket in the NCAA while sitting on the floor. I remember him as being an unbelievable nasty defender in the BBL in Germany. How will you remember him best?
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Chris Kramer is a household name a great player someone that I’ve learned from a lot in my career as well and a great team player.

Was your season in Bursa one of your best offensive seasons overseas? You had some really skilled offensive players on the team?

I would have to say playing in Bursa with Tofas was one of my best oversee seasons I felt at home there and very comfortable on and off the court.

In the 2018-2019 season you played with the Memphis Hustle (NBA G League) averaging 14.1ppg, 5.0rpg, 3.8apg, 1.6spg, FGP: 50.1%, 3PT: 40.1%, FT: 78.3% You really got going in December and were consistent the rest of the way and had a 48 point explosion. Do you feel like you were ever near to an NBA call up?

I ended up getting a call up at the end of the year with the Washington Wizards which was converted into a nonguaranteed deal

What memories do you have of that incredible 48 point game against Long Island. I guess the only unfitting thing to the night was you lost the game. That game showed you could play in the NBA. You were the best player on the court that showcased many former NBA players on the court? You hit 7/8 three’s.

Memories of that game was just my family yelling and screaming my name. It was one of the first time seeing me play in the G league.

The next season you were signed by the Washington Wizards but opted to go to Europe. Did the NBA let you down?

No the NBA did not let me down I did not get a chance to play due to an injury.

What do you remember being the best example you saw where the NBA will always be a business first before anything else?

You see it all the time with players , when they get traded from teams that they love and cities that they’ve raise families in.

You played in 2019-2020 for Tofas Bursa (Turkey-BSL) averaging 11.6ppg, 3.4rpg, 4.1apg, 1.6spg, FGP: 51.8%, 3PT: 39.6%, FT: 80.4% in the Eurocup. What was it like sharing the court with Matt Lojeski? He was a guy that had just come off 6 Euroleague seasons in Greece. I can imagine his experience was vital for a guy like you coming overseas for the second time after your G-League stint

Matt Lojeski is a heck of a player definitely taught me a lot especially since you’ve he’s played at the highest level for so many years. Saw the game from a different perspective and also learned a lot from him , and great off the court as well!

You split your rookie season with Szolnoki Olajbanyasz (Hungary-A Division avergaing 5.0ppg, 2.9rpg, 1.2spg, 2FGP: 48.9%, 3FGP: 25.9%, FT: 47.6%, in Feb.’18 moved to Cocinas.com CB Clavijo Logrono (Spain-LEB Gold) averaging 10.6ppg, 2.5rpg, 1.7apg, 1.3spg, FGP: 47.8%, 3PT: 34.5%, FT: 67.7%. What do you remember being your wake up call to being a rookie overseas where you knew you were far away from home?

My wake up call overseas I believe was was living alone and the language barrier becoming a factor. Also playing against high-level guys that knew the game and not only had skills opposed to college.

In Hungry you stayed a few months. You were teammates with Americans Kendrick Perry and Quincy Ford. What memories do you have of this stay? Could you get any positives form it?

Perry was very vital in my rookie year he taught me how to become a professional. Spoke about a lot of things he went through in the past overseas his first couple of years, good and the bad and overall a great mentor and is having a great career overseas. Quincy Ford was like a brother to me and I was also learning from Kendrick and learning overseas life as well.

You closed out your rookie season in Spain and finished strongly. The Leb Gold at times seems to be an underrated league. It seemed to fit your playing style perfectly?

There is great talent in the Leb gold league and basketball played the correct way which is often devalued in America . It was more so reading and understanding the game more than talent.

You began your college career at Independence Community College (JUCO) averaging 18.7ppg, 6.7rpg, 4.7apg, FGP: 55.7%, 3PT: 36.8%, FT: 69.4%. Every guy I have interviewed that played JUCO have said it was a tough time, but a very important one in their development as a player and man. How was it for you?

Playing at independence community college was definitely a growing experience a much-needed lifestyle change as well. JUCO gave me extra time to work on my game and my body and made me ready for the next level.

You then played at West Virginia from 2014-2017 playing a total of 106 NCAA games. You reached 3 NCAA tournaments and 2 Sweet 16’2. You were blown out by Kentucky and lost a 3 point game to Gonzaga. What was your personal sweetest moment in that tournament?

I believe my sweetest moment in the NCAA tournament had to been hitting go ahead bucket versus Buffalo.

What memories do you have of that massive Kentucky team. A starting 5 of future NBA players including Karl Anthony Towns and Devin Booker from the bench. Was that the greatest Kentucky team ever?

That had to be one of the best Kentucky teams ever. The team was stacked and they had over 10 NBA players . A very talented team and surprising that they want it all.

You had many great personal games like against Texas Tech and Iowa State, but what was your most memorable game?

My most memorable game has to be at Texas Tech where I scored eight points to help bring my team back to defend an upset .

How did Bob Huggins groom and prepare you best for a professional career?

Bob Huggins helped groom and prepare me for my professional career because he demanded accountability ,hard work, and challenged you to be the best you.

Who won a 1-1 in practice you or Jevon Carter?

Never played but I will win lol

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

Buddy Hield

Please name your 5 best teammates of all-time?

Jevon carter
Teyvon Meyers
Devin Williams
Semaj christon
Sam Dekker

Please name your personal NBA Mount Rushmore?

Lebron
Jordan
Kobe
Shaq

Who is your GOAT and why?

Lebron . I feel as though he can dominate the game in every way rebounding passing scoring guarding the best player, and Iq off the charts

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

I have seen coming to America and I enjoyed the second sequel as well it was entertaining and it was very funny.
Thanks Tarik for the chat.

One often says it seems like it was yesterday, but when one looks back and thinks about the easyCredit BBL battles between the Fraport Skyliners and Gartenzaun24 Baskets, it really seems like it was ages ago. The last time these 2 clubs battled against each other in the BBL, it had been in Quantez Robertson´s rookie season while some of his teammates included legends Pascal Roller and Derrick Allen. Now 14 seasons later, the 2 organizations met again, but in the second league called Pro A. The Fraport Skyliners want to get back to the easyCredit BBL as rapidly as possible and began well at 2-0 while Paderborn started 1-1. Quantez Robertson may be gone, but one player is still around from the BBL glory days and that is Steve Esterkamp who has coached the team for years now. The clubs met on a cool Sunday afternoon as Autum had landed and the Fraport Skyliners performed an incredible almost crazy like first half offensive show that pretty much decided the game after 20 minutes as the Gartenzaun24 Baskets were miles away and got trampled badly 95-56. Frankfurt led by 58-19 at the break and finally gave the fans an offensive explosion something that had been missing the last 2 years as they were in the cellar of the BBL. Having an almost perfect half is somethings seldom seen. “I had a few halves like this. In the 2023 title game at Carleton, I had something like 18 points at the break and last season in pre season I had 18 points. Everything was working for us and me”, smilied Fraport Skyliner guard Aiden Warnholtz (188-G-2000, college: Carleton). It was only understandable that Frankfurt couldn´t duplicate the first half in the second half, but still scored 38 points while Paderborn improved from 19 points to 36 points. “We hit a lot in the first half and defended well not giving them easy shots. We slipped a bit in the third quarter and weren´t as sharp. You naturally slow down when your leading by so much. But good teams take an opportunity like that to form good habits and take the game as if it were 0-0. You try to get better and that is what we tried”, warned Aiden Warnholtz. Paderborn got in a hole early and never recovered even if they did improve their play and played Frankfurt 37-37 in the second half. “Frankfurt is a really good team. We let them dictate how we should play. We didn´t move the ball well or take care of the ball well. Being down by 39 points is simply absurd. If we had played in the first half the way we did in the second half, it would have been a tighter game. When we paly the way we know how then we can play with anyone. We played better in the second half, but there is still room for improvement. I´m proud how we didn´t let the game become embarrassing. It was one of those days where the basket looked 3 times bigger for Frankfurt”, stressed Paderborn center Julian Roche.

Julian Roche at the FT line

The Fraport Skyliners began their offense and just took it play by play and executed beautifully and before anybody really knew it, it was 13-0 for the home team. Ex Indiana State guard Cameron Henry began with a lay in which was followed by a Warnholtz lay in on transition. Then it was time for ex Augsburg (NCAA3) scoring sensation Booker Coplin to drop back to back three´s. Veteran Marco Voeller who was teammates with Robin Benzing more than a decade ago in Langen hit the next three pointer and suddenly it was truly raining three´s in Frankfurt. In between the Fraport Skyliners had come to play on the defensive end producing 6 stops with aggressive defense where they didn´t allow much room for the opponent which resulted in 3 turnovers. The guests finally got on the board at the 6,02 minute mark as ex easyCredit BBL player Lars Lagerpusch who has 71 BBL games on his record made a lay in. With every new bucket, the self-confidence rose with Frankfurt as Warnholtz added 5 points in a row with a nifty reverse lay up and three pointer and Coplin hit his third trey of the quarter as Frankfurt led 21-4. Canadian Julian Roche found some daylight and didn´t leave the first quarter like a total joke as he added 5 points. Frankfurt also got free throws from Alvin Onyia who has 8 BBL games on his record and Canadian David Muenkat as the Fraport Skyliners led comfortably 28-12. After 10 minutes. The shooting percentage of Frankfurt was insane as they shot 82% from the field and 100% from outside. One has to wonder if Frankfurt got the ultimate breakfast for champions? “I don´t know what was up, but maybe Frankfurt got some secret juice to drink. Booker hit 2 three´s and then everyone felt like they could hit shots. Those three´s got the team going. I felt like we had the better individual players then them and we did get 3 good days of preparation”, stressed Fraport Skyliner Felix Hecker. The Gartenzaun24 Baskets Paderborn shot a poor 38% from the field and 25% from outside while Frankfurt had 4 rebounds and 4 turnovers while the guests grabbed 6 rebounds, but coughed up the ball 9 times.

Alvin Oniya at the FT line

Nothing changed in the second quarter as the Fraport Skyliners continued to execute at a high rate and saw the hole as the ocean as shots were falling and falling. Young German Justin Onyejiaka who played his first game after injury nailed a trey for the 31-12 advantage as he would continue to impress in the second half. Frankfurt didn´t lose any of their defensive intensity as they made 5 stops and added a lay in from David Muenkat for the 33-12 lead. Paderborn was playing too much 1-1 and just couldn´t match the impressive team mentality that Frankfurt showed. Ex Rollins (NCAA2) scorer Hutton Yenor finally got the guests on the board with a tap in at the 6,45 minute mark. The Fraport Skyliners had no offensive lapses as their onslaught continued with a lethal 14-2 run to extend their lead to 47-16 advantage. Warnholtz continued to be a powerful scorer adding 2 three´s and a turnaround shot as he was still perfect on the evening and the club also got lay in´s from German Jordan Samare, David Muenkat and Booker Coplin with the perfect bullet pass from Henry on the back door cut. Frankfurt heightened their defensive intensity in the second quarter giving Paderborn nothing easy with aggressive man defense and clogging of the paint area as there was really nowhere to go. Frankfurt only allowed 7 points as their defense was simply spot on. They closed on the second quarter with another three as Coplin scored and Samare and Muenkat also scored in the paint as there was little resistance by the guests. “We took our great play from the first quarter into the second quarter and played even better defense. The self-confidence continues to grow and more crazy shots are made. We did a good job switching on the smaller guys. The only little negative thing was a few offensive rebounds given up, but other than that, it was another very strong quarter”, stated Felix Hecker. The Fraport Skyliners continued to shoot out the lights at 77% from the field and 91% from the three point line and they had 15 rebounds and 7 turnovers while Gartenzaun24 Baskets Paderborn shot 27% from the field and 14% from the three point line and 11 rebounds and 14 turnovers.

Booker Coplin from outside

It was obvious it would be very difficult to continue to shoot out the lights and the guests also got better actually winning the third quarter 20-18. Frankfurt continued to defend with passion and high intensity, but offensively they only got 4 points out of 5 stopped possessions of Paderborn to begin the second half. Frankfurt took some tempo out of the game and now it was all about managing the lead the best they could. Justin Onyejaika continued to get extensive minutes and did a great job with shot selection and execution. He made a pretty coast to coast run and lay up while Aiden Warnholtz a lay in and free throw for the 70-24 lead. But Paderborn could only be so bad for so long and finally got some offense going closing out the third quarter with a positive 16-6 run to trail 76-39 after 30 minutes. With improved ball movement and some less defensive intensity by Frankfurt led to less contested shots and better execution. Julian Roche was aggressive and often was put into good position to score as he produced 8 points. Yenor made another bucket and ex Giessen guard Lucas Mayer also scored on transition. Frankfurt got little offense going except for Onjejaika continuing to execute as he scored 5 points. “They won the third quarter. We had less urgency and allowed them to execute easier. They got to the foul line more and had shots fall”, added Aiden Warnholtz. “We did a better job moving the ball and got stops and rebounds. We took the opportunity to work on things and try to get better”, added Julian Roche. The shooting percentages continued to dip for the Fraport Skyliners as they shot 59% from the field and 55% from the parking lot and had 27 rebounds and 13 turnovers while Gartenzaun24 Baskets Paderborn shot 32% from the field and 20% form the parking lot and had 17 rebounds and 19 turnovers.

Lars Lagerpusch at the FT line

In the fourth quarter the big lead of the Fraport Skyliners didn´t get more or less as both teams executed their offenses well as Frankfurt won the last quarter 19-17. Justin Onyejaika began the fourth quarter off with a massive bang as he leaped up and threw down a high alley op pass from Cameron Henry for the 78-41 lead. “I was on the bench and saw the play being drawn up. I thought the pass thrown by Cam may have been too high, but somehow Justin got up there. I knew he could jump. It was fun to watch”, said Aiden Warnholtz. Onyejaika continued to score in the paint area. He finished with an incredible game of 21 points in 18 minutes. “Justin had a good game. He brings a lot of energy. He is super athletic and more skilled than what I first thought. He has good passing qualities and plays aggressive”, warned Aiden Warnholtz. The Paderborn offense had better ball movement and that was due to the solid playmaking by Lucas Mayer who finished with 7 points and 8 dimes. “I have a lot of respect for him. He leads us well. He keeps his head down and is a hard worker. He had a few turnovers in the first half where he had the right idea but it was wrong timing. It is still early in the season, but I have no doubt that he will continue to help us”, warned Julian Roche. Mayer made a beautiful finger tip lay in, block and set up guys like Hutton Yenor and California native Zach Chappel for three pointers. Aiden Warnholtz´s last basket was a lay in and with so much scoring having happened, it never occurred to me that he had had a perfect shooting day with 8/8 from the field and 5/5 from the free throw line. “I don´t think that I did anything different than in the first games. I had shots that fell today. I have games where shots don´t fall. I put in a lot of work and I´m not worried when I have a few games where shots aren´t falling. It was nice to see them fall today”, expressed Aiden Warnholtz. German Jacon Knauf also got into the scoring fun making a massive put back dunk and 20 footer from the wing. Hutton Yenor scored the last bucket of the contest. “They mix ed up the zone on is, but I still think that we did a decent job getting good shots. We made good adjustments and pushed the ball when we needed to”, commented Aiden Warnholtz. “I felt we played a good fourth quarter and could leave Frankfurt on a positive note. One of my old coaches always said that it is never as bad as it seems. We will watch film and learn from it”, stated Julian Roche. The Fraport Skyliners were led by Aiden Warnholtz with 24 points. Justin Onyejaika had 21 points while Booker Coplin chipped in with 19 points. Gartenzaun24 Baskets were led by Julian Roche with 17 points while Hutton Yenor had 13 points. The Fraport Skyliners shot 55% from the field and 54% from outside and had 38 rebounds and 16 turnovers while Gartenzaun24 Baskets Paderborn shot 31% from the field and 22% from outside and had 26 rebounds and 22 turnovers.

The Fraport Skyliners may have landed in the Pro A this season and won´t be able to battle the big mighty FC Bayern Munich, but that doesn´t stop fans from being able to see Germany´s most famous sports organization in Frankfurt this season. Ok so the farm team FC Bayern Munich don´t have ex NBA players Serge Ibaka or Carsen Edwards, but they do have some of it´s countries youngest and most talented guys like Ivan Kharchenkov and Martin Kalu. Both clubs began a little under the weather coming into the fourth game of the season with identical 1-2 records. After losing it´s second game of the season, the club regrouped last week winning an exciting 84-80 game against the aspiring farm club Orange Academy of ratiopharm Ulm without Kharchenkov. The Fraport Skyliners Juniors on the other had began the season on a high with a massive home win over Breitengussbach, but then got cold in Leitershofen scoring only 50 points and last weekend had a long 2 hour drive home after succumbing to the Dragons Rhondorf in double overtime 106-99. This game was definitely a stepping stone for Frankfurt to get back to their winning ways. On a cool autumn Saturday night, FC Bayern Munich arrived on the floor with not only their 2 massive young guns Ivan Kharchenkov and Martin Salu, but also Montenegran national player Dino Radoncic who at age 23 played 3 years with Real Madrid and made his Euroleague debut at age 16. The Fraport Skyliners Juniors definitely had their hands full as their walking wounded list was still as long as the Brooklyn bridge. FC Bayern Munich overpowered Frankfurt from the start and the Juniors had to play pick up basketball until the end losing 80-65. “They definitely had a talented team, but in general we have to be better than the way we were. We had no energy on defense and allowed them to start well. We played better defense from the second quarter to the end. But we didn´t execute the way we should of on offense. Everything we did seemed like 50%, stated Fraport Skyliner Junior Felix Hecker. FC Bayern Munich had a very young team and excelled with their trio of Radoncic, Kharchenkov and Kalu who combined for 51 points. All in all it was a positive day at the office for FC Bayern Munich. “We played well for 35 minutes. We had a down phase in the third quarter where we allowed them to come back. But we stopped their run with good team defense and got easy baskets on transition”, stressed FC Bayern Munich guard Ivan Kharchenkov.

Trevian Bell With step back jumper

FC Bayern Munich 2 jumped all over the Fraport Skyliners Juniors in the first quarter taking a rapid 14-2 lead. FC Bayern Munich played aggressive defense from the start and forced Frankfurt too countless turnovers and rewarded themselves off their mistakes with easy baskets. Dino Radoncic scored 5 points in the run as did young talent Martin Kalu as their strength and athleticism was too much too handle for Frankfurt. Munich spread the offensive love around as energetic guard Dominic Dolic hit a mid distance shot and Ivan Volf made a thunderous dunk on transition after hauling in the touch down pass from Radoncic. Frankfurt lacked concentration in their offensive sets, but worked hard on the boards. But the Fraport Skyliners Juniors finally woke up in the last 5 minutes going on a 8-4 run to cut the guests lead to 18-10 after 10 minutes. Frankfurt came back by upping their intensity and making the right hustle plays at the right time. Ex Kronberg center Florian Dietrich made a tap in, ex Trier forward Nils Leonhardt a offensive rebound and put back while Jordan Samare finished in brute mode on transition with a hard dunk. FC Bayern Munich 2 shot solidly from the field at 47% and 40% from outside while Frankfurt shot a poor 24% from the field and pathetic 0% from outside. Frankfurt owned the boards 16-9 with 9-2 offensive rebounds, but had 7 turnovers while FC Bayern Munich had 3 turnovers. “Munich had the more talented team and it showed. Frankfurt worked hard on the boards, but just couldn´t stick with Munich”, stated Charlote Hornets scout Yassin Idbihi.

Dino Radoncic at the FT line

In the second quarter FC Bayern Munich continued to control the game well as the Fraport Skyliners Juniors continued to be inconsistent and just have difficulty on offensive execution. Frankfurt like in the first quarter had problems getting on the board as FC Bayern Munich stopped Frankfurt´s first 5 possessions. 3 level scorer Ivan Kharchenkov had missed his first 2 shots in the first quarter, but slowing him down over 40 minutes is tough. Sooner or later he will get going. He got his first bucket with a left handed lay in and then made a great play making a touch pass in Luka Doncic manner to Desmond Yiamu for the easy lay in as FC Bayern Munich led 23-10. Frankfurt finally got on the board with their first field goal at the 6,23 minute mark as Felix Hecker set up Jordan Samare for the easy lay in. Frankfurt had their moments on offense as Nils Leonhardt sunk a trey after receiving the perfect kick out pass from Philipp Hadenfeldt as Frankfurt trailed only 23-15. But whenever Frankfurt was creeping back, FC Bayern Munich had an answer. Walking bucket Ivan Kharchenkov displayed his versatile offense making a 20 footer off the glass and then a thunderous dunk for the 27-15 advantage.”Kharchenkov is one of Germany´s biggest talents. His physicality and shot stand out most. Pablo Laso has shown in the past that he likes to play young players. I think Ivan will get his minutes for the BBL team”, commented Yassin Idbihi. Frankfurt retaliated with baskets from Illinois native Trevian Bell and Florian Dietrich, but Kalu dropped a trey as the Fraport Skyliners Juniors trailed 30-20. FC Bayern Munich continued to play good team basketball, but they couldn´t stop the individual class of Kharchenkov and Kalu. Frankfurt´s offense was more fluid thanks to the fine playmaking of Hadenfeldt and they continued to work hard on the glass. Bot teams executed well until half-time as FC Bayern Munich got baskets from Radoncic with a lay in, Kalu drilled home another three pointer and Dolic hit a 15 footer while the Fraport Skyliners Juniors got support from Jordan Samare and Alvin Onyia with lay ins as Frankfurt trailed 37-24. FC Bayern Munich shot 56% from the field and 50% from the three point line while Frankfurt shot 26% from the field and 6% from the three point line. Munich upped their rebounding as they only trailed Frankfurt 23-20, but 13-2 on the offensive glass and had 8 turnovers in the second quarter and 11 in total as Frankfurt only had 10 turnovers. “Frankfurt came back with fight but all in all didn´t create good enough shots. Frankfurt defended well, but couldn´t play their game on offense”, expressed Yassin Idbihi.

Florian Dietrich with the lay in

The Fraport Skyliners Juniors played their best basketball in the third quarter, but still couldn´t get over the hump and get the lead. Dolic got FC Bayern Munich on the board first with a lay in, but the Fraport Skyliners Juniors then finally found a healthy offensive groove going on a 10-0 run to cut the guests lead down to 39-34. In the run the Fraport Skyliners Juniors did a fine job attacking the paint area getting buckets from Jordan Samare who scored twice and Hecker once. Trevian Bell was always active and dangerous and when he had room from the three point line, he let it fly and scored a three pointer. FC Bayern Munich had lost their rhythm and just got away from their fluid team basketball while Frankfurt got no gifts, but had to work hard for everything. Kharchenkov and Bell traded three pointers as Frankfurt was still on Munich´s heels trailing 42-38. After a Dolic trey, it was Nils Leonhardt who showed his scoring in bunches scoring twice inside as Hadenfeldt gave him a shovel pass for the first basket and on the second, he spun to success and two points as Frankfurt trailed 47-42. But the Fraport Skyliners Juniors just couldn´t get over the hump as they couldn´t control Kalu who made a coast to coast run and lay in while Kharchenkov made a step back jumper and three pointer as FC Bayern Munich held on to a comfortable 57-47 advantage after 3 quarters. “We let up a bit. We were sloppy on offense and no had communication on defense. We thought the game was over, but we still had 10 minutes to play”, expressed Ivan Kharchenkov. “We finally hit shots. We also put more pressure on them with our defense. But their young guys continued to hit shots and up their confidence”, commented Felix Hecker. FC Bayern Munich shot 52% from the field and 47% from the parking lot and had 26 rebounds and 13 turnovers while the Fraport Skyliners Juniors shot 33% from the field and 12% from the parking lot and had 34 rebounds and 14 turnovers.

Dominic Dolic from outside

In the fourth quarter the Fraport Skyliners Juniors continued to fight back, but couldn´t cut the lead any lower than 8 points as FC Bayern Munich just continued to execute well and get support from many players. Radoncic got FC Bayern Munich on the board first with a lay in, but Jordan Samare who was with Trevian Bell Frankfurt´s best player on the night made a 3 point play to cut Munich´s lead to 59-51. But the guests always had an answer as Radoncic scored again with a tap in and Ivan Volf nailed a trey as Frankfurt trailed 64-51. FC Bayern Munich continued to have a good flow on offense and just too many weapons that executed when it was needed. Frankfurt was inconsistent and were always punished with their mistakes. Frankfurt was getting tired and gave up 2 baskets inside to Yiamu and Radoncic as FC Bayern Munich led 69-53. FC Bayern Munich then slammed the door shut on Frankfurt as Kharchenkov and Kalu dropped back to back three´s for the commanding 75-57 advantage. Kharcehnkov had made some tough shots but saved his best for last as he drilled home a long step back three that was so high, it seemed like it may scrape the ceiling, but didn´t. “I looked at the shot clock and saw 6 seconds. I didn´t see any space in the zone, so I opted to take the step back shot. I had a good feeling it would go in”, smiled Ivan Kharchenkov. Frankfurt got some clutch buckets in the last few minutes as Bell hit a three pointer and Florian Dietrich scored on transition, but it was too little too late as Frankfurt lost their third game of the season and FC Bayern Munich went to 2-2. “We played consistent defense and had less turnovers. We did the simple things well at a high level”, stated Ivan Kharchenkov. “They hit crazy shots. If you let them play, then they will make those shots. They play with a lot of self-confidence”, stated Felix Hecker. FC Bayern Munich was led by Dino Radoncic with 19 points, 11 rebounds and 5 assists. Ivan Kharchenkov added 17 points and martin Kalu ahd 15 points while the Fraport skyliners Juniors were led by Jordan Samare and Trevian Bell with 14 points a piece. FC Bayern Munich shot 51% from the field and 42% from outside and had 38 rebounds and 16 turnovers while the Fraport Skyliners Juniors shot 34% from the field and 15% from outside and had 46 rebounds and 18 turnovers.

Quashawn Lane (188-G, college: New Haven) is a 188cm guard playing his rookie season in Germany for Pro A team Gartenzaun 24 Baskets. He began his basketball career at Trenton Catholic Academy. He then played at New Haven University (NCAA) from 2018-2023 playing a total of 106 NCAA games. He spoke to germanhoops.com before the game against the Fraport Skyliners.

Thanks Quashawn for talking to germanhoops.com. Your playing your first professional season In Germany and living in Paderborn. What have you learned to appreciate the most about Germany?

Being in Germany has made me appreciate how big the world truly is outside of what we are used to. The differences in lifestyle, language, culture has all been a new and exciting experience for me.

Your playing your first season overseas with the Gartenzaun24 Baskets. What has been the biggest challenge for you on the court coming from the NCAA?

The subtle rule changes. There are some rules that differ from those back in the states. I think adjusting to that and the physicality was the most challenging in my first few weeks here in Germany.

The club has started 1-1. It lost the first game badly against Jena, but won their first of the season against Duesseldorf. The team is still finding itself. What do you feel is the club´s biggest strength on the court?

I think our biggest strength is how close we have been to grow to one another in such a short time. Everyone is close off the court and really enjoys being around each other. I think this allows us a deeper sense of togetherness when we are playing out there.

What have you learned to appreciate most about Yenor and Chappel´s games?

I really enjoy playing with them both. They both bring a sense of American style to the team, along with myself. They both have the ability to create their own shots, read the game, and get to their spots. I really enjoy watching them thrive and learning alongside them as we grow and improve everyday.

Have you seen Nicholas Buchholz shoot out the lights yet? How else will he help the team besides his knock down shooting?

Of course, he is a great shooter and when he gets hot, it could get scary. Outside of his shooting, he brings a lot more to the team. He is a versatile player that can play various positions and roles for the overall betterment of the team, offensively and defensively.

What kind of an experience has it been playing for head coach Steve Esterkamp? Is he a guy that gives you 100% freedom?

Playing for Steve has been really fun. He knows the game really well, Which I believe is constantly helping me grow as a player. The style we play is free but also structured and detailed. Steve puts each person on team in spots/positions that allows us to play at our strengths.

You shot an incredible 43% from outside all 4 years in the NCAA? You obviously have a lot of self-confidence now, but what goals do you have as a outside shooter when you already have incredible accuracy? I guess nonstop consistency has to be a goal?

I would not say I have certain goals. I train/play with the mindset of trying to make every shot. I feel as though if I am able to get a clean look at the basket, then there is no reason why I can’t make the shot. Obviously perfection is unattainable, but this mindset, I believe, has allow me to maintain a decent shooting efficiency overall.

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

I have always been a solid defender at all levels of my career. I’m quick enough to guard faster shorter guards, as well as tall and strong enough to affect bigger players as well. I just want my defensive nature to continue to improve as I continue to improve my overall game.

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

Reading the game has been what I have been working on the most. The European style of basketball is faster paced than that of college. I am making strides to see things before they happen but the goal is to improve to be able to see everything before it happens, both on offense and defense.

You had St Anselm´s number as a senior winning 3 times and having greats coring games. What will you always remember from this school?

They have a great program over there. They always posed problems for us throughout my college career. It was really fun going up against them, we definitely had some great battles over the years.

How tough was the 20-21 season that wasn´t because Covid was there? What did you learn about yourself and your game in that year?

That season was very tough with all the restrictions and the season being canceled. Even through everything, that season gave me the ability to hone in on my skillset and really make a push into the next season. I worked out everyday that year and just focused on improving my mindset, as well as my overall game. It was a bitter sweet experience throughout that entire process.

How did head coach Ted Hotaling groom and prepare you best for a professional career?

Well Coach Hotaling believed in me from day 1. He allowed me to make mistakes and really grow into what I became today. I appreciate him so much because he was tough on me when needed. Going through all the ups and downs, he stayed by my side, allowing me to improve and develop completely. He might not know, but I thank and admire him tremendously because he was a big part in me gaining the confidence I have today.

Please name your 5 best teammates of all-time?

I cannot name top 5 best teammates from all time. I have had so many great teammates in my lifetime and I am thankful to have met so many real and genuine individuals. So many of my teammates helped me gain knowledge and a brotherhood that will last for life.

Who is your GOAT and why?

Kobe Bryant; Since I was young, I was always just memorized with how he played the game. All of his abilities on either side of the ball was just amazing to me. As I grew older and learned about his philosophies and dedication to the game, it stamped him being my GOAT over any other player ever. I even have a tattoo dedicated to him because of how much he inspired me.

Thanks Quashawn for the chat.

Pic credit: Indiana State Athletics

One thing I love to check first on the Eurobasket profile of a player when a professional team signs him is what University/College he played at. So when new Pro A team Fraport Skyliners announced their third import from North America with Cameron Henry (198-G-1999, college: Indiana St.), my face produced a big smile as I read Indiana State. Why was my mood so positive? Well Indiana State is the school where Larry Bird played at. He also happens to be my GOAT. When your from Boston it’s either Bill Russell for the older folk and Larry Bird for the next generation after. Lary Bird was no Michael Jordan, no Kobe Bryant, no Lebron James or no Magic Johnson. He was simply Larry Bird the greatest player to ever play the game in my eyes. Anything remotely affiliated with Larry Bird is fascinating to me. Next I check who I have interviewed from the school where the player played at. Surprisingly there has been no player that I have interviewed from Indiana State. Jake Odum and Jordan Barnes have played in Germany, but I never had had the pleasure. But as usual, I found a connection to Cam Henry via his old coach Josh Scherz who coached him 6 years at Lincoln Memorial and at Indiana State University. I actually have interviewed 4 of Josh Scherz’s players that played at Lincoln Memorial with Vincent Bailey, ex NBA player Emmanuel Terry (Josh Schertz was like a second father for me. He constantly reminded us to never remember the time, but the moment. You could always go to him for anything. He always tried to help you become the best version of yourself. He had so much trust in me and allowed me to perform. I benefited a lot from him and he did the same as well), Dorian Pinson who sadly passed away in a drowning accident in 2021 and Shaq Rombley. If there is one guy that knows his stuff about Cameron Henry then it’s Josh Schertz. Some guys that come overseas for the first time have problems getting adjusted to the team game, but the American seems to be destined to be on a path that the Fraport Skyliners dearly need. The first word that Josh Scherz came up when describing Henry is the magical word that every player would like to be affiliated with, but not always can. ‘He is a winner. Cam is just a tremendous competitor and an elite winner. Some guys play for stats, Cam plays to win’, warned Indiana State University head coach Josh Schertz. Some guys play for stats while others like Cameron Henry play to win is something the Fraport Skyliners dearly need in their quest back to the BBL.

Cameron Henry was born on March 8, 1999 in Chesterfield, Virginia. He began his basketball career at Lloyd C. Bird high school in Chesterfield. There he gathered all-conference, all-region and all-state recognition. In his senior year he helped his school win Class 5A state title and also won 2 5A South titles. He also heightened his game further playing AAU ball for River City Reign. He then played 3 seasons at Lincoln Memorial (NCAA2) where he won 2 SAC Regular season titles and one SAC title in 2020. The first impression doesn’t always have to be the best as Henry soon showed at Lincoln Memorial that he had serious game. ‘Back when I saw Cam in high school he was very weak physically but you could tell that he had a terrific innate feel for the game and that he had the ability to impact winning in a variety of ways’, stressed Josh Schertz. In his 3 years at Lincoln Memorial he played a total of 83 games. He show his ability to improve his scoring and assists input every season as he averaged 10.4ppg, 5.6rpg, 1.7apg, 1.1spg, FGP: 45.3%, 3PT: 37.5%, FT: 71.3% in his freshman season, 13.7ppg, 8.0rpg, 3.8apg, 2.2spg, FGP: 52.4%, 3PT: 42.2%, FT: 80.2% in his second season and 15.1ppg, 6.0rpg, 4.3apg, 2.0spg, FGP: 52.9%, 3PT: 36.7%, FT: 66.3% in his junior season. He had a stellar high school career and seemed off the radar of NCAA schools. Did he have a chip on his shoulders there? ‘I think Cam has always played on good teams outside of his first year here at LMU. He won a HS State Championship in high school and multiple titles at LMU before helping lead us to our most wins here since 1979 and first postseason win since 2001. So I wouldn’t say he had a chip, but I do think because he’s played on really good teams and his not fixated on scoring it’s easy for him to get overlooked. His value isn’t always obvious to the uneducated basketball person’, warned Josh Schertz. Some of his best scoring games were 30 points against Coker, 28 points against UVA Wise, 27 points against Coloirado Mines, and 26 points against Mars Hill. He didn’t leave Lincoln memorial without leaving his mark as he achieved SAC All-Freshman Team -2019, All-SAC Defensive Player of the Year -2020, All-SAC Second Team -2020, 21, D2CCA NCAA D2 All-Southeast Region Second Team -2020, and NCAA Division II Final Four -2021.

The American then was rewarded by playing in the NCAA with Indiana State. He played a total of 60 NCAA games at Indiana State crowning his last year with a March Madness appearance. He also needed no adjustment time to the NCAA as he averaged 14.3ppg, 5.2rpg, 2.7apg, 1.1spg, FGP: 52.8%, 3PT: 33.3%, FT: 71.3% in his first season and 11.0ppg, 4.7rpg, 3.7apg, 1.3spg, FGP: 57.8%, 3PT: 35.8%, FT: 76.4% in his last season. He closed out his NCAA career with a bitter 89-88 loss to Eastern Kentucky University in the NCAA tournament where he had 12/6/8/2 stats while shooting 6/9 from the field. ‘It was a devastating loss to end our season, to come up one possession short of advancing will always stick with you if you’re a great competitor and he’s most certainly that. But I do think Cam and his classmates have laid the blueprint for the groups to follow as to what a Championship DNA looks like’. Stressed Josh Schertz. He scored in double figures in 38 games including 28 and 25 points against Valpo, and 25 points against Oklahoma and Belmont. He also didn’t leave Indiana State University without accolades picking up MVC All-Newcomer Team -2022 and All-MVC Third Team -2023. Josh Schertz and Cameron Henry had a long working relationship/friendship at 2 schools and so many memories. Could one even pick one moment that will forever be locked in the memory vault? ‘There wasn’t one particular moment per se but just enjoyed what a great teammate he was and how he was able to enjoy everyone else’s success not just his own’, said Josh Schertz.

So what kind of game will fans in Germany see from Cameron Henry who lists Kevin Durant as his favorite player? Just from his stats from school, one rapidly can come up with the description of versatility and Swiss army knife. ‘Swiss Army knife is the perfect description, he may not do anything at an elite level but he can do everything necessary to help your team find a way to overcome the competition. He’s the most unique player I’ve coached in my 25 years as a college coach, ‘commented Josh Schertz. When you can do so many different things, can one truly find the best offensive skill? ‘I think his biggest weapon is his passing and the wide variety of ways he can leverage that be it off drives, post ups, seam rolls’, stated Josh Schertz. The continuing development of his three pointer will be very interesting to observe in Frankfurt. He eclipsed the 40% mark once at Lincoln Memorial and in other years was in the high 30%. ‘Cam is a streaky 3 point shooter, but he doesn’t have to shoot to score or shoot to impact winning. I do think with the time he will have there his consistency as a shooter will improve. There is no question he’s more than capable’, expressed Josh Schertz. Frankfurt used to be one of the best defensive teams under Gordon Herbert, but have really suffered in recent years in this department. He could be that impact player on the defensive end that Frankfurt so dearly need. ‘Cam has great versatility as a defender, he’s capable of guarding 1-4 and has a unique combination of quickness, strength, intelligence and wingspan which allows him to take on a multitude of matchups’, commented Josh Schertz. He can do it all on the floor and what kind of guy is he off the court? That good citizenship is also something that not every player has, but Cameron Henry is a kid who definitely knows how to handle himself. ‘He once was in a grocery store line when an older gentleman who was ahead of him went to pay and his card was declined. As they started to void out his groceries Cam stepped up to the front of the line and paid the guys bill for him, ‘added Josh Schertz. One thing is for sure, I will be very impressed if he can duplicate that story being able to communicate without problems in Germany.

Johnathan Stove (193-G-1995, college: Louisiana, agency: One Motive Sports) is a 27 year old 193cm guard from Baton Rouge, Louisiana playing his third professional season and first in Germany with the SYNTAINICS MBC Weissenfels (Germany-BBL). Last season he played with BC Nokia (Finland-Korisliiga) averaging 16.8ppg, 4.7rpg, 2.4apg, FGP: 42.9%, 3PT: 34.0%, FT: 83.0%. he split his rookie season with Vllaznia Shkodra (Albania-Superliga) averaging 22.0ppg, 10.4rpg, 5.8apg, 1.0spg, 2FGP: 63.0%, 3FGP: 31.8%, FT: 72.4% and with Hapoel Nofar Energy Galil Elion (Israel-Winner League). He began his basketball career at Christian Life academy and then played 4 years at the University Louisiana at Lafayette (NCAA) playing 129 NCAA games. He spoke to germanhoops.com late last summer about basketball.

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

I’m Currently in Baton Rouge, LA. Basketball is treating me well right now. I’m blessed to be where I am in my career. Such a unique situation. So basketball has been good to me.

Congrats on signing with German team MBC. How good does it feel getting respect and getting signed by a club from a top 5 league in Europe?

Thank you. And it feels really good to know someone feels that I can compete at this level. For me personally it’s just been a dream that’s always been a goal and a level I can reach.

You are a fighter. You didn’t get your first pro gig until 3 years after finishing school. How big is your chip on your shoulder and what kept you going?

For sure felt like I had a chip and a lot to prove. But one thing that kept me steady that I learned from life is you can never be too high or too low.

Why couldn’t you find a job quicker? I mean you had a solid NCAA career. Was it just failed representation?

It was just bad timing. I was injured what would’ve been my rookie year due to an injury in college. Got healthy late and the following season had an opportunity in Canada but covid came and it was just very tough with covid restrictions.

How tough were the years 2018-2021? Was there ever a time where you were close to giving up?

They were tough no lie. It was a feeling of giving up several times. I knew almost after 3 years I was planning and living my life after basketball.

Please talk of an experience where it showed just how big the struggle was?

One experience is that I got scammed a couple times. Never lost any money but fake deals and etc. Another was when I was in the gym and just keep telling myself be patient and it was like a relief that it was off my shoulder.

What do you know about the country Germany and it’s basketball? Have you known any guys play here?

I know Germany is one of the best leagues there is from top to bottom and what it could do for your career. Yes I know several guys who’ve played here. Frank Bartley, Clevland Thomas, Shaveon Coleman, Chris Coffey.

How did the talks go with head coach Predrag Krunic? He is a well known coach that has won titles, but also known as a demanding coach

The talk with Coach Krunic went well. We talked strictly ball and he was saying how he liked how versatile I am which I greatly appreciate.

Let’s talk about your game? Your a 193cm guard. Would it be fair to say that you’re a scoring point guard and not pass first?

No I don’t think so. Only because I’m not a point guard traditionally. I’m more of a scoring 2 guard that can play multiple positions. Point guard just happens to be one of them.

Let’s talk about your defense. What kind of a defender are you now and what kind of defender do you want to become?

I am a good defender. Especially on ball. I want to be more disruptive off the ball more than anything.

On what areas of your game are you working on most now this summer so you will be best ready for the BBL season?

Everything. Playmaking. Scoring, finishing, passing. This one of best leagues in the world. You can’t have too many weaknesses.

Last season you played for BC Nokia (Finland-Korisliiga) playing 32 games averaging 16.8ppg, 4.7rpg, 2.4apg, FGP: 42.9%, 3PT: 34.0%, FT: 83.0%. You lost a tough playoff series against Helsinki. What will you always remember from that series?

I will remember that we lost to the champs. But on a serious note. Just how small of a room there is for error in the playoffs. Literally every position matters.

What was it like being teammates with veteran Alan Herndon? Did you guys form a special bond?

Alan was a great teammate man. It’s funny because our colleges played against each other our senior years but I was hurt and they ended up getting then win. Me an Alan definitely had a special bond. We spent a lot of time together off court. Just exploring.

You split your rookie season between Vllaznia Shkodra (Albania-Superliga) averaging 22.0ppg, 10.4rpg, 5.8apg, 1.0spg, 2FGP: 63.0%, 3FGP: 31.8%, FT: 72.4 and in Nov.’21 moved to Hapoel Nofar Energy Galil Elion (Israel-Winner League) averaging 3.1ppg, 2.1rpg; and in the Balkan League averaged 7.7ppg, 5.2rpg, 1.7apg, FGP: 48.1%, 3PT: 31.8%, FT: 81.5%. What do you remember having been your wake up call to being a rookie in Albania where you knew that you were far away from home?

Literally my first night there somebody called me at 3am and it was broad daylight at home. And they were wondering why I was asleep.

You scored 34 points in your first pro game gaining a 84-82 win. How special will that game always be for you?

Man very. It was just the confirmation I needed that I have been good enough all this time. And on top of that I hit the game winner. So it was one of my favorite days as a hooper for sure.

You then played in the top league in Israel winning the Balkan league. You were teammates with ex NBA player DJ Kennedy who played in Germany early in your career. What memories do you have of him and how valuable was his presence on and off the court as a rookie?

Man DJ was great teammate. I ended up getting minutes cut because of his arrival but we bonded instantly. He would give me game about life and basketball. He’s somebody I still talk to and keep in touch today

How cool was it being teammates with Bryce Washington again? Are you guys brothers for life?

We stuck with each other for life. Our families are super close. Our parents hang out together without us all the time. It’s always dope to play with somebody you have 10+ years of not only basketball but life experiences together.

In your third game in the Winner League you battled top Euroleague team Maccabi Tel Aviv and played against top names like Derrick Williams, Scottie Wilbekin and James Nunally. How eye opening was this experience and did you say hi to Derrick Williams?

It wasn’t so much eye opening as it was an experience. It was like marking off the checklist.

You played at the University Louisiana at Lafayette (NCAA) from 2014-2018 improving your scoring average each season. How did your game grow there?

I’ve always been a scorer since high school. I grew every year there from leadership and just thinking smarter. Learning easier ways to score.

How did head coach Bob Marlin groom and prepare you best for a professional career?

Coach Marlin and his staff for sure prepared us for pros. We had coaches who were professional players themselves. Everything we did on and off the court I’ve done at least once as a pro.

Who won a 1-1 in practice you or Frank Bartley?

Me and Frank been playing 1vs1 since like middle school. We stopped counting long ways ago. We barely play because we know each other too well.

Please name your 5 best teammates of all-time?

Man you can’t do me that. I got more than 5. Bryce Washington. Frank Bartley. Shawn Long. Kasey Shepard. Chevaughn Lewis. Ike Iregbou. DJ Kennedy. All my American teammates from Nokia for sure. Perrion Cauldernet. Al Herndon. Malik Benlevi. Ryan Batte.

Please list your personal NBA Mount Rushmore?

Tough one. But Kobe, Lebron, MJ, Shaq.

Who is your GOAT and why?

Kobe is my GOAT. His work ethic with the skill and ability to make others better and winning.

Thanks Johnathan for the chat.

Ricardo Artis II (198-F/G-1993, college: Wiley) is a 30 year old 198cm forward from Texas that is playing his second season in Germany and first with the bringiton Ballers Ibbenbueren (Germany-ProB). Last season he tore up the Regionalliga with SV Hagen-Haspe 70 (Germany-Regionalliga): 30 games: Score-2 (29.3ppg), Reb-3 (11.5rpg), 2.7apg, Steals-4 (3.2spg), FGP: 57.4%, 3PT: 33.0%, FT: 81.1%. Before coming overseas, he played back at home for TBL teams Dallas Skyline, and the Enid Outlaws and the Potawatomi Fire. He also played with the North Texas Prowlers (PBA) and Newfoundland Rogues (ABA). He played at 4 schools with Eastfield College (JUCO), McLennan Community College (JUCO), North Lake College (JUCO) and Wiley College (NAIA). He teams up with germanhoops.com each week to talk basketball.

Ibbenburen suffered their third loss in as many games. In the first 2 games, the club defended well but had problems scoring and in the third game against Herford finally scored, but lost a shoot out. How disappointing was this loss?

It was very disappointing especially since this is the third straight game that was a winnable game for us.

It seemed like the team made a step forward finding their offense but also a step back giving up their highest total of the season.

We have a lot to work on both offensively and defensively. It’s been a tough three games for us to begin the season but I have the upmost faith in this team that we will eventually figure it out.

It was a close game for 40 minutes. In the fourth quarter it seemed like Herford raised their offensive game another level. Why was it so difficult to slow them down on offense?

They executed and got the stops they needed to seal the game. It wasn’t really a raise in the offense in the fourth. It was a shootout all game. They just got more stops in the end to seal the game and come out with the win.

In the fourth quarter Herford got key production from Luca Michels. It wasn´t only their 2 key guys Harper and Gulley who combined for 62 points in the game but were kept quiet in the fourth quarter. Was Michels off the team radar?

Michels stepped up when it mattered the most. We had a scouting report for everyone just like any other game. No one is ever left off the radar but Michels did step up and made some big plays in the end to help his team get the win. I actually called him a role player to his face earlier in the game when he was struggling. That maybe had added some fuel to the fire. But it shows that we have to give respect to everyone in this league on any given night.

Ibbenburen had 19 offensive rebounds but the game was lost at the free throw line as the team missed 13 shots. If you would of made 6-7 you probably would have won the game?

Free throws played a part but it’s many of other things that we could have done better to win the game. We will watch film and try to correct the mistakes we made to get our first win.

You had another great game with 37 points. How content ere you with your game?

I’m very content with my game and I know the type of player I am. I have the upmost confidence in my self and what I can contribute to a team. I was involved more in the offense and I took it upon myself to be more aggressive today. 37 is cool but the reason I play this game is for wins. I´m content with my game but I’m not satisfied with my performance because it didn’t lead to the win for my team.

After another tough loss, with what kind of mind set do you go into the lab on Monday?

We have to continue to trust the process. Trust the coaching staff and trust everything we do on a weekly basis.

You next face 1-2 Lok Bernau. Ibbenburen needs a win badly. How will the mind set be for this game?

The mindset is to win the game just like it’s been the previous games we played this year. We have to figure it out. So far we played 3 very winnable games. We just have to figure out how we can execute our game plan and finish these games with wins.

Thanks Ricardo for the chat.

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 big 99-98 win over Grevenbroich. The wins just keep pouring in. Does the team feel unstoppable at the moment?

Thank you a lot. We are definitely happy at how the season is beginning but we know that in our region anyone can beat anyone. We have to continue to tighten things up but we want to keep the winning streak going for sure.

You beat a strong team. How important was this win? Was it an early stepping stone in the season?

Grevenbroich was a really tough team for newcomers back into 1st regio and hats off to them for making it a competitive, high energy game. We didn’t really treat this game as a “must win”, but we wanted to just continue on the path that we’re going towards and do what we have to do to win. The season is still early but I think we’re making a big statement with being undefeated thus far.

Talk a little about the 40 minutes. Was it a back and forth struggle or were there phases where either team was able to have a big lead?

It was definitely a back and forth struggle the whole 40 minutes and the game was close until the very end. Our defense took a huge blow the whole game. We were not locked in on that side of the ball at all and shouldn’t have let them score that many points but we all have those games and we’re very fortunate to have come out on top.

Where was this game won? The team rebounded very well and only had 9 turnovers, but shot very poorly from downtown.

I think this game was won strictly off will power to not want to lose this game at home. Like I said we were really bad on defense but when it came winning time, everyone did their part to get the job done. We’re going to have those days where we are shooting poor from 3pt but we found other ways to score and in the end it came down to defense.

Talk a little about the last seconds. BG Hagen won at the end with 1 point. Take me through the last few plays that secured the win?

I believe it was around 17 seconds left in the game, and we were down 96-98. I got fouled and had two free throws and I made the first and missed the second. Huge shout out to our veteran Vytautas Nedzinskas who was also sick for this game, got the offensive rebound from the miss and scored with around 15 seconds left. The American from the other team then dribbled it down and we pretty much played one on one against each other and they didn’t get a shot off and ended in a steal and that was the game.

Does the team self-confidence climb with every win? At 6-0 it seems like the club currently is on a mission?

Most definitely. We truly believe that when we play the basketball that we practice every day, then we are a very hard team to beat. We are for sure on a mission and again, the season is early but we’re only going to continue to improve and fix things each game at a time.

You had a monster game with 47 points. How quickly did you know that it would be a great night for you personally?

Well my first points came from a three pointer, I think then I knew it was going to be a pretty good game for me but I never was trying to score this much. I just wanted to win.

Does a game like this give you more aspirations to hitting 50 points soon?

Not at all. I go in the game telling myself to do the things I always do and everything will fall in place. It just so happens that in the end I had a lot of points, but I just wanted to do whatever it took to win and that didn’t mean only scoring.

The 47 points really stand out, but what many may not realize you got a triple double. You were on quadruple course with 6 steals. Was this your best game in your career?

It’s definitely one of them for sure. This is my new career high and I’m thankful for that along with the win. For me, it means nothing if we don’t win the game.

You also took 5 three´s. Is the 3 level scoring something that continues to grow?

Definitely. Teams know my strengths and Grevenbroich’s game plan was to try to keep me out of the lane and let me shoot and I was confident and prepared for it.

The next opponent is Hamm at 2-3. What will be the main focus in this one? J

Just to continue to work all week on the defensive side and not allow teams to score so easy on us like Grevenbroich did. We’re going to use the game in Hamm and get back on track defensively and hopefully keep our streak going.

BG Hagen plays many games on Fridays. Do you like that approach. Do you take the whole weekend off or do you get into the gym to work on your craft?

I honestly love this approach. Playing on Fridays is so much better and the games arrive faster in the week which I like. Any time we play on Friday we always have a light shoot around Saturday morning so Sunday is the only true off day for us.

Thanks Shawn for the chat.

David Thompson (183-PG, college: CWU) is a 183cm guard from Wisconsin that is playing in Germany this season for TVO Biggersee. He has previous pro experience in Belize. He began his basketball career at Whitefish Bay High School. He then played 2 seasons at Mt San Jacinto College (JUCO). He then played a season at Santa Clara University (NCAA). He finished at Central Washington University (NCAA2) averaging 14.6ppg, 3.2rpg, 3.3apg, 1.3spg, FGP: 43.8%, 3PT: 35.7%, FT: 85.1% in his senior year. He spoke to germanhoops.com about basketball.

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

Thank you guys for speaking with me. I am in Milwaukee, Wisconsin right now saying my goodbyes and things like that to my family and close ones. Basketball life has honestly been a blessing especially now with starting my professional career couldn’t ask for anything better.

Congrats on signing with German Regionalliga 2 team TVO Biggersee. This is your first job overseas.What are you most looking forward to with this opportunity?

Honestly first off just being given the opportunity to be a part of this club is a blessing in itself. I’m most excited about learning a new culture and to making a new family with my coaching staff and teammates. I have never been to Germany so this is a experience that I have never thought I would be a part of.

What do you know in general about Germany and it’s basketball? Have you known any guys that have played in Germany?

I know a little bit about German basketball have had a couple friends of mine play in some leagues in germany ( carlington love, and brad newman). Both of my friends loved Germany and told me that the basketball out their is one of the best they have experienced so with that being said im I’o excited to explore the talent they have told me about in this country.

Did you click right away with new head coach Maxi Steeb in the conversations? Talk a little about your first impression?

Coach Max!! Him and I believe we will have an amazing connection this year on and off the court. I believe him and I look at life and also basketball the same way which I think will be a huge advantage when the season starts.

How thankful are you to Ron Howard for helping you get this opportunity? What have you learned to appreciate most about him?

Coach Howard is literally an angel that fell from the sky. I can’t thank him enough for the opportunity he has given me especially us not being as close as we are now. He has allowed me to start my dream and get my foot in the door to be able to change my life and my families life forever and he will always be someone in my life that I will speak to and have love for. He is an amazing person and does everything out the kindness of his heart he isn’t looking for his cut or anything like that he honestly just wants to help young kids pursue the careers in the right directions and allow players he believes that have talent to go in and showcase it. An I am one of those guys he has believed in and with that being said I won’t let him down and honestly wouldn’t be in this position if it wasn’t for him.

Let’s talk about your game. You’re a 183cm point guard. If you had to compare your game to an NBA player who would best fit the bill?

I think I’m more of a Kyrie Dam Lillard type of guard honestly

Talk a little about your game. You can fill the stat sheet with ease. Talk about your offensive
Strengths.

Well not to good at this haha but I’m blessed with being able to have been coached by some really talented coaches who have helped shaped me into the player I am now today. I am good a creating space and getting to my own shots and have the ability to score over bigger defenders and can pass the ball at a really high level. I believe I think what helps me the most is me knowing when to take my shots and when not to I tend to always get to my spots where I know I’m comfortable can shoot the deep ball at a really high clip when given the opportunity but most of all I think that I’m just an overall smart player

You have been sort of an up and down three point shooter. Talk a little about the development of your outside shot?

I believe at Santa Clara my shooting dropped due to just one my attempts and also didn’t play as much to get a rhythm but I am a really good shooter just lost confidence when I was at my division 1 but gained it back my following year.

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

I look at my defense as somewhat like Pat Beverly because I’m smaller but I play with a chip on my shoulder and believe that no one can score on me and if they do their going to have to use their best move everytime to make it happen.

On what part of your game are you working on most in the lab now so you can continue to climb the basketball ladder?

Mostly my step back three from a far distance. I believe that will help me climb the ladder in the long run being able to shoot at a high clip will open up a lot more opportunities for me to play at the higher levels.

You finished school in 2022, but didn’t play last season. How tough was the transfer market? Was it more failed representation? You had had a good senior year.

Honestly just wasn’t connected with the right group of people at the time so things were tough for me and I was playing the waiting game a lot with a lot on opportunities and contacts so the market was tough but everything happens for a reason.
You got your first pro experience with Belize (Belize-United Cup) averaging 13.5ppg, 4.0rpg, 2.3apg, Steals- 4 (1.5spg), FGP: 46.5%, 3PT: 28.6%, FT: 72.7%. What positives could you take from it?

One of the best experiences of my life my stats were a little better than that when official stats were recorded but I loved it. It was my first time out the country playing against a whole new style of basketball but I really enjoyed myself made me really become more hungrier to get overseas and to play a real season across the water

You began your college career at Mt. San Jacinto College (JUCO). Every guy I have interviewed JUCO said it was a difficult experience but one they were glad they did. How was it for you?

Juco was a dog fight, only the strongest players came out of juco and that’s why I loved it. Being able to play against so many talented guys who were left off the radar and also having to prove yourself to get to the next level was all things I loved and it shaped me into the player I am now to this day and also helped me become a better person when on the basketbal court

In your last season there you averaged 17.3ppg, 3.5rpg, 4.6apg, 1.7spg, FGP: 51.5%, 3PT: 46.5%, FT: 81.3%. How vital was head coach Patrick Springer for your basketball development?

Coach Springer is one of my favorite coaches ever he honestly made me into the player I am today. He was an old school hard coach that made sure you understood if you didn’t work for success or towards it you would never reach it he was really hard on me but in a way I am so thankful for he got me ready for the university level of basketball and I thank him so much for it love coach springer

You then were rewarded and joined Santa Clara University (NCAA) playing 28 games averaging 1.6ppg, 1.4apg. You only averaged 9,3 minutes per game. What positives could you take from it?

Santa Clara was an amazing experience got to play on ESPN and got to play against so many NBA guys and also high level skilled players that helped me turn into the player I am now to this day. Coach Sendik is a legend in the coaching world and taught me so much about real basketball and how to become a next level athlete. Santa Clara was a huge reason I am a pro now to this day,

You were teammates with Jalen Williams. He had a ok junior year but nothing spectacular. Then when you left he had a strong senior year, was a first round pick and had a strong rookie season in NBA. Did you see that potential when you were teammates?

Jalen was always a hard worker at a young age we were pretty much freshmen together but J was always a person that the sky was the limit for him which you can see he took it to his advantage. I always knew Jalen had the ability to be an NBA guard. I think everyone on our team did just me looking at him as a little brother. I’m just so happy he’s living his dream and doesn’t have to wait on his stipend checks anymore lol

You then finished at Central Washington University (NCAA2). How tough were the 2 years for you during Covid? You still produced good stats and reached 2 GNAC finals.

Covid was really hard people don’t know what we had to do behind closed doors with testing everyday and having to shoot by ourselves in practice and not being able to really hang around people it was a really tough experience honestly but it also made us more hungry and more grateful to be on the floor.

You had some great games against Alaska and MSUB but lost each game by 2 points. What was your fondest moment on the court?

Honestly just playing with my teammates cj, x, matt, and marcus we had a really fun season and did some amazing things. I think us making history that season through our record and also individual stats was my finest moment.

Who won a 1-1 in practice you or Shaden Knight?

Haha Shaden was my little homie. We always battled but im going to have to take the win on this one

Who was the best player that you ever battled on the court that reached the NBA?

Tyler Herro was from my hometown and we battled in high school but him or Jordan Poole

Please name your 5 best teammates of all-time?

Cj Hyder
Israel Farrington
Tahj Eaddy
Dj Mitchell
Xavier Johnson

Please list your personal NBA Mount Rushmore?

Allen Iverson , Kobe Bryant, Isaiah Thomas, Lebron James

Who is your GOAT and why?

I dont really have a GOAT but definitely respect and appreciate Lebron James success

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

I actually didn’t

Thanks David fort he chat.

Carlos Carter (197-G/F-1999, college: Shippensburg) is a 24 year old 197cm forward playing his rookie season overseas for the Uni Baskets Munster. He got his first pro experience with the Hub City Hogs (ECBL). He began his basketball career at Indiana high school and then played 4 years and 120 NCAA 2 games for Shippensburg University. He was able to improve hiss coring and rebounding average each season and as a senior averaged 18.4ppg, 6.2rpg, 2.3apg, FGP: 52.9%, 3PT: 36.4%, FT: 81.9%. He spoke to germanhoops.com after the tough 91-67 loss to the Fraport Skyliners.

The Uni Baskets Munster suffered a tough 91-67 loss at home against the Fraport Skyliners. After a low scoring first quarter, the Fraport Skyliners exploded for 36 points in the second quarter. Was it more their offense or the way you guys defended?

I think that is was a little bit of both. It looked worse on us. We had a lot of open looks, the same we practiced in practice. Our shots just weren´t falling. Their shots were falling in that second quarter and ours weren´t. We took a lot from the game and will be ready in the next game.

What was your overall impression of the Fraport Skyliners? Do you see this team giving many other Pro A teams problems?

They are a very talented team. Coming into the game coach stressed that not all are shooters. We wanted to play the percentages. They had guys that knocked down shots all night long. It was their day. If they can continue to shoot like that, then they will have a successful season.

Your playing your rookie season in Germany for the WWU Baskets Muenster (Germany-ProA). You have said you have worked your whole life for this opportunity. How important has your work ethic been for you being able to achieve your goals in life?

Obviously one of the most valuable things to have in life in order to be successful is good work ethic. I have the attitude that if you always work hard then it will pay off. There are always guys doing the same or more. I never want another guy to out work me. I´m just going to continue to keep my head down and keep working hard.

What kind of an experience has it been for you? What have you appreciated most about Germany?

The thing that I have appreciated most so far is the chemistry built with the guys. I think so far being able to learn about the playing style overseas has been most valuable.

What kind of an adjustment has it been coming from the NCAA 2 to the Pro A? What part of the game has been most difficult to get adjusted to?

The traveling has been the hardest to adjust to even if it has been minor for me. But the refs really key in on it and call it a lot. It definitely has been fun learning the style overseas.

Your teammates with Americans Nathan Scott and Avi Toomer. What have you learned to appreciate most from their play on the court?

I have appreciated their will and drive the most. They are very professional and put in the work. Basketball isn´t a job for them, but it´s their desire. I have picked up a lot from their work ethic. It feels good knowing that they have the same attitude as I do.

Hilmur Petursson and Cosmo Gruehn are also key figures on the team. Can a guy like Petursson help with the team game and Gruehn with his splendid inside out game?

They have been big. Hilmar is a slasher and tough. He is small but plays physical. Cosmo stretches the floor and can drive. They will both lead us to success this season.

Let´s talk about your game. You’re a 197cm forward. If you had to compare your game to an NBA player who would best fit the bill?

I have heard Kevin Durant. I´m long and lanky and can shoot and drive. I have a mid range game.

Your a very complete player. Could one give you the nickname Swiss army knife?

Yes it could be. Coach usually uses something like that term. He wants me to do it all on the court.

Your three pointer is still a work in progress, but your numbers improved in your last 2 years in school. What is your goal with your shooting this season?

I was around 35% in college. I shot more three´s then I do now. I want to stay in that range this season and add 5% each season. My shooting percentages will flow with the offense. I´m still getting a feel of how to fit in with Munster.

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

This season I´m guarding bigger guys and guys that have higher Iq´s, guys that have more experience. I want to become a good defender. I didn´t have to be that good defender in school. I have my defense lead to my offense. I want to be a pest on defense and be a work horse at both ends.

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

At the moment I´m working on 3 area´s of my game most. I making a lot of progress with my court vision. I´m also work as usual on my shot and defense. I want to be a knock down shooter.

You recently had your first pro experience with the Hub City Hogs (ECBL). How is the competition level and how good are the ballers there?

It was an interesting experience. I played about an 1 hour away from school. Most guys were around 26 or 27 years old and had played D-1 or overseas. It was a good experience to get a feel of playing against older guys.

You played at Shippensburg University (NCAA2) from 2018-2023. You improved your scoring and rebounding average each season. What kind of player were you in 2018 and what kind of player in 2023?

Playing D-2 was a totally new experience. I really had no goals or expectations going in. I realized after a while that I could have a good career there. I left with high spirits and was very grateful for the opportunity. My IQ improved greatly and that helped me translate into a pro experience. I worked off my butt there and had success and will continue to do so as a pro and hope for further success.

You had many great games at Shippensburg University (NCAA2). You had a near triple double against Kutztown and back to back explosions against Slippery Rock with 33 points and 30 points against Fairmont State. What was your most memorable game there?

It is a tie between the Slippers Rock game and Sheperd games. Sheperd was our big rivalry and we always had big battles. I loved playing them. Both schools talked trash.

How did head coach Chris Fite groom and prepare you best for a professional career?

Coach Fite told me from the start that I had a shot to become something there, but I would have to work my butt of. He told me work ethic sets apart the great from the good players. I took that approach. He is a great coach and put me in the right position to be successful. I´m more thankful for his guidance.

Who won a 1-1 in practice you or Rashon Johnson?

We had some real battles there. We both won our share of games. I´m a better shooter, but he was very athletic and physical. I will let him decide as to who won more battles.

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

Dustin Sleva

Please name your 5 best teammates of all-time?

Tommy Arbuckle, Jake Biss, Antonio Kellem, Dom Sleva, Michael Dunn

Please list your personal NBA Mount Rushmore?

Lebron, Jordan, Kevin Durant, Steph Curry

Who is your GOAT and why?

Kevin Durant. I have followed him for so long and he was always my favorite player. I have modeled my game after his. He may be funky but I think he is cool.

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

I didn´t see it.

Thanks Carlos for the chat.