It was only 5 months ago when the Fraport Skyliners Juniors had played their last game getting swept by the Basketball Lowen of Erfurt after having won an exciting 3 game playoff battle against the RheinStars Cologne. Time has really flown by as in that time Quantez Robertson had bid farewell to the Fraport Skyliners and moved back home to Alabama for retirement joy and Germany had become World Cup champions. October was only a few hours away and the Fraport Skyliners Juniors were back at it starting a new Pro B season. Their first opponent was Bavarian club Breitengussbach who had been in the Regionalliga for some years and wanted to annoy Frankfurt on the first game day. The Fraport Skyliners Juniors as usual had a deep roster for the game and pretty much had the same guys from last year with the exception of two new players with German Florian Dietrich and American Trevian Bell (201-G/F, college: Lewis). Frankfurt didn´t play a great game, but fought and made the big plays and shots in the fourth quarter to help preserve the 75-64 victory. Bell didn´t waste anytime getting into the hearts of Frankfurt fans as he finished with a solid performance with 17 points, 5 rebounds, 3 dimes and a massive dunk to get everyone excited in the BCM. Frankfurt played strong defense and showed real team mentality. “I felt we played a good game. We had some flat stretches where we helped them gain energy and confidence, but I liked how we regrouped and did what we had to do to win the game. It wasn´t pretty but the most important thing is a win. I liked how everyone was happy for each other. Even when we made mistakes, we helped push each other up”, stressed Fraport Skyliner Junior Trevian Bell. The Bavarian team had good phases, but overall couldn´t slow down the Frankfurt shooters and simply coughed up the ball too much. “We began slow and had too much respect for them. We didn´t work until the end on defense with box outs. We had more energy on defense in the second half, but overall had too many individual mistakes. We fought until the end. It was a tough loss”, stated TSV Troester Breitengussbach guard Leo Trummeter.

Trevian Bell at the FT line

The Fraport Skyliners Juniors were without key players Justin Onyejiaka and Bennet Schubert while the guests were without Lucas Wagner. The Fraport Skyliners Juniors came out with a bang getting back to back three´s from Bell and Jordan Samare who has 17 BBL games on his account. The rapid fire attack was halted quickly as the guests stormed back to score 7 unanswered points as the guests spread around the love getting buckets from Timo Dippold with the drive, a trey by Alexander Engel and a lay in by big man Luca Worrlein as Marlon Stephan set him up with the pretty shovel pass. But Frankfurt didn´t allow that quick come back to scare them as they cruised back on a 13-6 run to lead 19-12. Ex Wurzburg forward Nils Leonhardt gave Frankfurt a lot of energy with an offensive rebound and putback and 15 footer and little used young American Marvin Esser also made a lay in. Frankfurt was moving the ball around well and finding the open man as the defensive intensity level of Breitengussbach was low. Even if Frankfurt seemed like in control, they allowed the guests to come back simply allowing them 4 easy lay ins as Steffen Walde scored twice inside, Engel made a back door lay in and Jonas Klaus a lay in as Frankfurt led only 24-21 after 10 minutes. Breitengussbach was shooting over 60% from the field thanks too many goals inside, but the big difference were the 6 to 1 turnovers in favor of Frankfurt who couldn´t take advantage of it more.

Stefen Walde with the floater

Just like in the first quarter, the Fraport Skyliners came out of the gates on fire as new player Trevian Bell scored 5 points. The ex Lewis (NCAA2) forward began with a three pointer and then threw down a massive dunk that could easily be one of the dunks of the year. Even if it was like thunder, it wasn´t the best of his career. “It was definitely top 5, but it didn´t crack my top 3. I saw the lane and had Jordan Samare on my left. Without him running with me, I would never have been able to make it. I give him credit. My best dunk occurred in high school”, said Trevian Bell. That wave of energy helped power the Fraport Skyliners Juniors get in a groove and keep Breitengussbach trying to come back. Frankfurt continued to be in romp mode going on a 9-4 run to extend their lead to 38-25. Bell who played 94 NCCA games continued to be in attack mode hitting a jumper and then spinning around a man and hitting an off balance shot. Jordan Samare also connected on the pick and pop shot. Bell was a one man wrecking crew while the guests had no offensive rhythm and couldn´t get any more easy baskets inside. “Tre has worked hard since day 1. He is very skilled. I´m excited to see what kind of numbers he can put up in the Pro B. He competes at a high level”, warned Fraport Skyliner David Muenkat. Breitengussbach lacked overall team play and had to rely a lot on 1-1 play and got it from diminutive German Timo Dippold who made 2 tough shots, but they couldn´t gain much ground as Samare made another three pointer and Frankfurt led 41-30. Frankfurt had all sorts of weapons on this night. Head coach Sepher Tarrah didn´t hesitate playing most guys including Felix Feilen. He is a guy who had played 39 Regionalliga games with TV Langen and been part of the Frankfurt Pro B roster the last few years but hardly played. He came in and steered home 6 points in the last few minutes. He drilled home a three pointer and then made an offensive rebound and put back. The Fraport Skyliners Juniors had their biggest lead at the break with 50-35. “Frankfurt moved the ball well getting easy looks. On defense they forced contested shots. They really were playing well as a team”, added Fraport Skyliner David Muenkat. The Fraport Skyliners Juniors continued to shoot over 40% from the field and outside while TSV Troester Breitengussbach was shooting 56% from the field. Frankfurt had a huge 20-14 rebound edge and 10-2 offensive rebound advantage and had only 3 turnovers to the guests 11 turnovers.

Trevian Bell with the jumper

The third quarter was the weakest of the Fraport Skyliners Juniors as they allowed 19 points and could only muster 11 points as the guests tried to creep closer. The guests began with more intensity and produced 5 stops on defense, but couldn´t get closer as they only got 2 buckets from Dippold and Klaus to trail 51-40. There is only so much time where Frankfurt will be held pointless as they can come back quickly with all their weapons and did as team captain Alvin Onyia made a pretty spin move and bucket and ex Wurzburg guard Philipp Hadenfeldt sunk a three pointer against the zone and suddenly Frankfurt led 56-40 again. Breitengussbach then had their best stretch of the game as young 19 year old German Leo Trummeter who couldn´t break through with Pro A team Nurnberg as he played only 7 Pro A games and sought a new challenge in the Pro B and led a 8-0 run with high energy on defense and scored 2 transition baskets while Walde made an off balance jumper and Worrlein a lay in and Frankfurt led only 56-48. Frankfurt had lost their offensive rhythm and just played too lax on offense and lost a step on defense allowing easy Baskets. Despite a Hecker three pointer and Oniya lay in, the Fraport Skyliners Juniors couldn´t shake the guests as Walde made a lay in and Engel a trey and Frankfurt led only 61-54 after 30 minutes. “They put more pressure on us and we played on our heels. We only had 3 turnovers in the first half and had 7 in the third quarter. But I liked how we adjusted. We could of let the pressure get to us, but we didn´t”, stated Trevian Bell. “We had more energy. We got more self confidence and made more shots. Our stops helped our offense. We got easy transition baskets”, commented Leo Trummeter. The Fraport Skyliners Juniors continued to shoot over 40% from the field and outside, but the guests rebounded better as Frankfurt led the rebound battle only 27-23 and had 10 turnovers while the guests had 14 turnovers.

Alexander Engel at the FT line

The Fraport Skyliners Juniors did a super job buckling down on defense in the fourth quarter allowing only 10 points and getting key three pointers to break their backs. Worrlein and Dietrich traded baskets in the first minute but Frankfurt still led 63-56. But the Fraport Skyliners Juniors had had enough and slammed the door shut on Breitengussbach early going on a 10-2 run to lead 73-58. Frankfurt did a good job getting to the free throw line and then got 2 key three´s from Felix Hecker. He had had a very quiet three point shooting night going 1/9, but saved his best for last drilling home his last 2 shots. Frankfurt had more energy and just wanted it more. They defended with passion especially captain Alvin Oniya who got 2 steals to stop 2 Breitengussbach possessions. In crunch-time the Fraport Skyliners Juniors had the 13 point lead and sailed home to the win. They allowed baskets to Dippold and Trummeter, but it was simply to little too late for the guests. Philipp Hadenfeldt scored Frankfurt´s last basket on a beautiful finger tip roll lay in. “Hustle plays helped us a lot. Those were identity building plays. We are competitors and play at high energy. Making plays like that speaks for how we have worked hard since the start of the season”, warned Trevian Bell. “I think that we lost a little energy in the fourth quarter. Our individual mistakes cost us the game”, stated Leo Trummeter. The Fraport Skyliners Juniors were led by Trevian Bell with 17 points. Philipp Hadenfeldt added 12 points and Felix Hecker 11 points while TSV Troester Breitengussbach were led by Timo Dippold with 18 points and alexander Engel added 15 points and Luca Worrlein 14 points. The Fraport Skyliners Juni9ors shot 41% from the field and 39% from outside and had 37 rebounds and 11 turnovers while TSV Troester Breiotengussbach shot 47% from the field and 31% from outside and had 34 rebounds and 18 turnovers.

TK Smith (196-G-1998, college: PVAMU, agency: Rise Sports Management) is a 24 year old 196cm guard from Memphis, Tennessee playing his rookie season in Germany with Pro B team Itzehoe Eagles. Helping him get the job was agent Jonathan Mines. He began his basketball career at Richard King Prep school. He then attended 5 schools and played at 4 schools. He began at Lincoln Memorial, but didn´t play. : then played 2 seasons at Polk State College (JUCO) averaging 19.4ppg, 3.2rpg, 1.8apg, 1.2spg, FGP: 43.6%, 3PT: 38.5%, FT: 76.7% and 18.1ppg, 3.2rpg, 3.4apg, 1.1spg, FGP: 42.5%, 3PT: 35.6%, FT: 76.2%. he then played a season at Kent State University (NCAA) playing 2 games. He then played a season at Troy University (NCAA) playing 22 games averaging 4.1ppg, 1.3rpg. He finished at Prairie View A&M University (NCAA) playing 28 games averaging 8.3ppg, 2.2rpg, 1.3apg, FGP: 48.6%, 3PT: 29.0%, FT: 60.4%. He spoke to germanhoops.com about basketball.

Thanks TK for talking to germanhoops.com. Congrats on signing with German pro B team Itzehoe. What do you know in general about the country Germany and it´s basketball?

When I hear Germany basketball I think about one of my favorite guards Dennis Schroeder. I don’t really know much about the country but I had an uncle who was deployed there while serving time in the army.

What was your first impression of head coach Timo Voelkerring? What did you appreciate most about his basketball philosophy?

Coach Timo had great vibes, seems like a great person,and even as a coach I got the vibe the he’s still a student of the game with great expectations for the program

How excited are you to be showcasing your talent as a rookie in Germany? You definitely have enough experience having played at 5 schools from 2017-2023. Can you become an impact player right away?

I’m super excited about starting my career in Germany, I know it’s a great spot for overseas basketball I’ve heard great thing I can be an impact player right away as soon as I get the flow of the European game and our system the rest will speak for itselfs.

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

If I had to compare myself to a NBA player I would definitely say Jimmy Butler

You’re a long and athletic guy who can score, but also fill the stat sheet. Is transition your biggest strength?

Yes transition would be one of my biggest strengths

Your three pointer continues to be a work in progress. You were near 40% in JUCO, but last season at 29%. What is your biggest goal with your shooting?

The biggest thing was becoming more consistent so I changed the way I counted my shots in workouts from 1,2,3 to make 3 in a row that one

What kind of a defender would you classify yourself and what kind of defender do you still want to become?

I’d consider myself a solid defender

On what area´s of your game are you working on most now?

Learning to become a European point guard

You began your basketball career at Lincoln Memorial and didn´t play. What memories do you have of this time? Could you take any positives out of it?

Yes I (Red-Shirted) at LMU and that was one of the best times of my life from a basketball aspect, surrounded by great minds and outstanding talent helped me so much moving on. I can’t take nothing out positive things from LMU

What memories do you have of Dorian Pinson? He died a few years ago? What did you appreciate most about him?

Dorian was a cool guy, super talented, great vibes and a leader, he was older so he gave more of a big brother when I was there, I learned a lot from him,

You then had 2 stellar seasons at Polk State College (JUCO) averaging 19.4ppg, 3.2rpg, 1.8apg, 1.2spg, FGP: 43.6%, 3PT: 38.5%, FT: 76.7% and 18.1ppg, 3.2rpg, 3.4apg, 1.1spg, FGP: 42.5%, 3PT: 35.6%, FT: 76.2%. Every JUCO guy I have interviewed have stated that JUCO was tough but an experience they never would trade in for. How was it for you?

I would give you the exact same answer, juco was one of the best things that happened to my career

Head coach Brandon Giles gave you freedom and you paid him back with great play. How key was he for your basketball development there?

I could write a book about me and coach Brandon´s relationship. Not only was he key for my playing on the court but the man that I am becoming off the court! He’s like a real Brother, always steering me in the right direction

You then were rewarded with your first NCAA gig with Kent State University (NCAA) but played only 2 games. How tough was it coming from a high with JUCO to only playing 2 games? Could you take any positives with you?

Yes I took a lot of positives from Kent State even though I dealt with a Knee injury the entire season, but my time there helped me with gaining a higher IQ of the game offensively

You then changed schools again joining Troy University (NCAA) playing 22 games averaging 4.1ppg, 1.3rpg. What growth did you make here as a player?

Troy was great as we’ll built my IQ on the defensive end tremendously

You had a stellar game with 12 points and filled the stat sheet in a 67-63 win over Georgia State. Was that one of your more memorable games at Troy?

Yeah the GA state game was definitely a great game and a time to remember

You then finished at Prairie View A&M University (NCAA) averaging 8.3ppg, 2.2rpg, 1.3apg, FGP: 48.6%, 3PT: 29.0%, FT: 60.4%. You made another jump in your game. What was key in your basketball development there?

I had a little bit more freedom at PVAMU

Who won a 1-1 in practice you or William Douglas?

Man Will is a great talent but we never really played ones but when we did we learned a lot from each other

Who was the best player that you have ever played against in the NCAA that reached the NBA?

Malik Monk

Please name your 5 best teammates of all-time?

Romeo furgerson ( Lincoln Memorial) Hegal A (PVAMU) Khalil waters (Troy) Nick Stampley (Troy) Danny Pippen (Kent) Mike Nuga (Kent) Malique Jacob (Kent)

Please list your personal NBA Mount Rushmore?

NBA top 5 Lou Wiliams Jamal Crawford Marshaun Brooks Kobe Bryant Lebron James

Who is your GOAT and why?

My goat is my grandmother because of how hard working, loyal, determined and favored by god she is.

Thanks TK for the chat.

It took the Dragons Rhondorf 5 seasons to finally reach the playoffs again as between 2018-2022, they were idle as well as having to miss a season on account of Covid. Last season the club got back on track reaching the playoffs, but for many the season was left with a sour taste with the sad death of Mubarek Salami as well as the early playoff departure losing to the Basketball Lowen. This season the club went through a massive house cleaning as a new coach arrived with Stephan Blode and no player remained except Janne Muller. The ambitions of the organization have always been great and that didn’t change this season either. Two seasons ago, they went with an influx of young Germans, while last season they had more age and experience and this season are back to the young, but the difference between 2 seasons ago is that the young Germans have more experience and are more talented. Those of course are super conditions for success. Every team has goals, but not every coach likes pinpointing a position in the standings. ‘I see our path as our goal. If we can play the way we want to during the season then we should be happy at the end of the season. Then you can say that we did all we could during the season. If that means it was 8th place or 4th place then we’ll be ok with it’, stressed Stephan Blode .

Stephan Blode is an up and coming head coach and already delivered good work with Pro B team Wedel and has a clear path and basketball philosophy and what he exactly wants to do with the Dragons Rhondorf. ‘It is important to have a good foundation with the players, good communication and be able to work well together. Practices will always be intense and competitive. We want to decide defensively what the opponent does on offense. We put this team together not by position but by profiles. We will have a versatile offense. The ego’s will remain at home. We will play as a team’, warned Stephan Blode . When looking at the new roster, it isn’t all guards as you have some quality bigs with Leon Bulic who has BBL experience with Bamberg, Jekabs Becks who has Pro A experience with Tuebingen and versatile power forward from Texas Avery Sullivan who averaged 16/11 last season in Cyprus, and undersized Antonio Pilipovic who will be another reliable scorer and rebounder. But the style will be tailored more towards the guards. ‘We all can run and will play quick. All our guards can score’, said Stephan Blode . The new guards have a huge upside and hungry to keep developing and make the next step. The club hauled in Tyrese Blunt who has played 7 BBL games and belonged to the top German guards in Coburg last season. Badu Buck is another top guard for the Pro B with 79 pro A games on his resume. A very interesting pick up was Kelvin Omojola who had a big pro B season with the Ahorn Baskets 2 seasons ago, but last season didn’t get much minutes with Pro A team PS Karlsruhe. Like Kameron Taylor 6 years ago, he took a step back to maybe take 2 steps ahead. Marko Rosic is a highly talented 17 year old kid who developed nicely in the ratiopharm Ulm organization and will only prosper competing with the skilled guards. Another interesting new player is Matej Silic who played last season with Pro A team Art Giants Duesseldorf. He has a very good feel to scoring at age 20. ‘We will have 6 guards and often play with many on the court at the same time’, stated Stephan Blode .
The Dragons Rhondorf will be a versatile team and not only live from their guard play. ‘Our post up play will be very important. We will play the pick and roll, but also use the drives and fast break. Like I said, we will be versatile’, warned Stephan Blode . A big problem the last 2 seasons was creating a defensive identity and getting beat too often with 1-1 play. The success of the defense will hopefully be different this season. ‘I truly feel we can be a top defensive team. It always depends on how many possessions you have. I will await that defense first mentality. Key will be keeping the shooting percentages down from our opponents’, stated Stephan Blode . Usually in the Pro B you will find 1 or 2 big time scorers and the rest roles players. That could look different this season as there might not be that one dominant scorer for the Dragons Rhondorf the way Devon Goodman was last season. Could this be a team where there isn’t 1 star? ‘Yes that could be. We will have that team first mentality. Guys are excited for the season and the chemistry is great already in pre-season. It could be that we have many scorers each game’, warned Stephan Blode . So where will the journey of the Dragons Rhondorf go this season? The management definitely did their home work getting talented and hungry new players. This is a team that will make the playoffs without problems. The question is how far can they go? They are talented and have top experience at the Pro B level with a roster that has palyed combined 207 pro A games. The import Avery Sullivan could be the next Aaron Nelson in terms of scoring and rebounding. Scoring won’t be a problem with this club. I will expect at least 80 points per game. The question is how well will they defend and how potent will their transition game be. The chemistry was already intact early. It will be interesting how well the team continues to develop during the season. Stephan Blode is hungry and so are his players. Guys like Badu Buck, Leon Bulic and Tyrese Blunt have massive chips on their shoulders. The team will win many games this season and go far in the playoffs. There should be a lot of joy again the Dragon dome this season.

Leon Bulic (211-C-2001, agency: Octagon Europe) is a 22 year old 209cm power forward/center that is playing his first season with the Telekom Baskets Bonn/Dragons Rhondorf. Last season he returned back with Brose Bamberg after playing for the organizations youth team from 2017-2020 and played 3 BBL games and 2 Fiba Europe Cup games while also playing with BBC Coburg (Germany-ProB) averaging 14.2ppg, 7.4rpg, 1.5apg, FGP: 54.5%, 3PT: 40.6%, FT: 62.2%. He began his career with BC Hallmann Vienna and played the last 2 seasons with BBC Coburg playing 43 Pro B games averaging 10.2ppg, 3.5rpg, 1.2apg, FGP: 54.5%, 3PT: 40.9%, FT: 69.4% and in his second season averaged 11.1ppg, 5.0rpg, 1.0apg, FGP: 62.1%, 3PT: 24.6%, FT: 71.3%. He spoke to germanhoops.com about basketball.

Thanks Leon for talking to germanhoops.com. The Telekom Baskets Bonn lost the Intercontinentel Cup. Despite not being a main player, how tough was it to digest the loss?

It always hurts when you lose a game in the last seconds, especially when it’s a Championship Game and you already started celebrating. We are going to learn from that and keep on going.

This was an incredible opportunity for the Telekom Baskets Bonn to win their second international title and for an added title for German basketball. The Competition wasn ´t strong. Can an experience like this stay in the heads longer than wanted?

Of course it’s not a nice feeling, but we have a whole season in front of us, so our focus is definitely on the next game in Vechta right now. One obviously can ´t rate the competition very high.

How did you experience the basketball against the first 2 teams from the middle east? Was that more like German pro A or possibly Pro B level?

It’s hard for me to compare those teams, mostly because we were playing great basketball in those games and obviously are on a different level then they are. Both teams have a different style of basketball than what we are used to, so it was good seeing what Basketball looks like in other parts of the world

The Telekom Baskets Bonn won by 55 and 61 points heading into the final. With what kind of a mentality did Bonn go into the final against the Brazilian squad? Was it maybe to confident?

We knew that Sesi Franca is a better team than the other two, because they are playing together for a long time already and knew how to put each other in good positions. We had 20 more shots than them in the end, but weren’t able to use that as our shooting percentage was pretty low.

The fans there witnessed a very exciting final with a buzzer beater. How tough was it losing on a buzzer beater after it seemed like the game had successfully ended for Bonn, but the refs gave the opponent another possession?

A really questionable call at the end, but you can’t go back in time and change things unfortunately… it is what it is.

How did you see the last play on the buzzer beater? Did you know the ball was going in and could one have defended the play better?

Those Fade-Aways are Luis Dias go-to shots, so it’s not a big surprise that shot went in He shouldn’t have come in a position to where he can take a shot like that in the first place, but it’s always easier to talk after the game.

Despite the bitter loss, what positives do you feel could the Telekom Baskets Bonn get from this experience??

It was a great test for our upcoming season, as it will help building our character and developing a winner mentality in a long term.

What positives could you get off the court? How was Singapore and what new impression could you get from there?

I’ve never been to Asia before, but I was really surprised how modern and clean everything was. The skyline is beautiful and the people there are just too kind. Everybody speaks English there as it’s their native language, so it was very easy feeling comfortable for the time being there.

How vital was the last weeks practicing every day with the Telekom Baskets Bonn. From the look of the roster, it will surely be difficult for young Germans like you and Tyrese Blunt to get minutes. How do you see your chances?

We are having a really competitive environment in practice, so that obviously helps us as a team but also the players to build that mentality we need for the long season with BBL and Champions League. Personally, I want to help the team the best I can as well as turning into the best player I can be, and so far I’m very confident about the positives this journey will have for me.

How have you experienced new head coach Roel Moers? Is he a coach where you feel your game will be able to profit from?

Definitely, Coach Moors is a good coach, who told me from the beginning that he wants me to develop into the best possible version of me, and I’m all in for that!

I really like the game of Sam Griesel. What has impressed you most about his game so far?

He’s a great player and moreover a great guy to be around. He can do a little bit of everything, so his versatility will definitely help us achieve our goals for this season

You will also be playing with the Dragons Rhondorf. What has been your impression of this years team?

We have a really good team this year and if we could reach our potential, we can definitely achieve a lot! A lot of great guys are here and I feel like our team has really bonded this pre season, which is an important part to be successful

What has been your impression of Stephan Blode? He is a guy that has a direct focus and very motivated to bring success to the Dragons Rhondorf.

Coach Blode is a great guy, who has a clear view on the way how we should play our game. He’s really helpful and trusts me, which is very important for me!

The Dragons seem like they will be playing lots of small guard dominated game. Will your game be able to flourish??

We have a great mix of team-oriented players, so we’re all trying to make each other better players! And if that makes me a better player, I’m doing the same!

What is your biggest focus this season as a player? You have been a very solid pro B player. Can you make the next step in the Dragons system and with the Telekom Baskets Bonn?

I’m very sure that we will all make our steps in the right direction this season, the whole organization is just great and it’s great to be here. Personally, I want to become even more dominant on both ends of the floor, push the ball, score, be a defensive anchor, just get better in all parts of the game.

What part of your game do you feel will make the biggest noise this season in the Pro B?

I hope to make a big step in my defensive game, as well as the switch of defense into offense, by pushing the ball after rebounds and putting my teammates in good positions.

If somebody had told you in August that Germany would win the World Cup would you have believed it?

To win probably not, but I knew that they were going to at least reach the semi finals The win is great for German basketball and will hopefully help gain popularity in Germany and internationally.

Thanks Leon for the chat.

3 years ago in Sept 2020, the world was wrapped up with Covid while the EPG Baskets were starting a new adventure in the Pro B. 3 years later, they are starting a new journey in the Pro A. How quickly things change in the basketball world. I can remember then my first time watching a game in the Karthause gym in 2020 with maybe 40 fans, mind you it was Covid with many restrictions and the Pro A at that time as far away as the Nile river. I remember hearing this man dressed in black screaming all through out the game about calls and plays. I had no idea at that moment that that was the heart and soul of the organization CEO Thomas Klein. I guess at that time the only one who would have predicted his club being in the Pro A 3 years later was him. “That was my plan. I also would of said a part of our roster then was already Mission Next Level. Our goal BBL is latest for the 2028-2029 season”, stressed Thomas Klein. The transformation and development of the club has been amazing in the last 3 years on and off the court. Many people were eyeing this and it wasn´t really a surprise that the EPG Baskets were able to reel in highly respected coach Patrick Elzie in 2022. Elzie successfully led the club to the Pro A and for the first time in his career came to a place where he had incredible conditions to work in. “There is a great infrastructure in Koblenz. You have a great arena, sponsors and the potential budget. With all the other clubs that I ever worked for, I had to come in and handle the ground work and set everything up. Here it is different”, warned Patrick Elzie .

If you carefully study how the rosters have changed each season, you easily see that it has gotten better every season. Patrick Elzie and Thomas Klein did an incredible job holding key players with captain Marvin Heckel (14/3/5), ex BBL player Dominique Johnson (11/4), sniper Leon Friderici (15/3/2), inside out weapon Moritz Huebner (7/2/1), top pro B big man Moses Poelking (11/6), energy guy Niclas Sperber (6/3) and promising big man Leo Saffer (5/4). Those are 6 talented and more than qualified players for the Pro A. You lose 2 key players with Alani Moore and Brian Butler and then you go into the summer and haul in 6 more players of the same calibur is in my eyes “Insane”, but that’s what you get from the duo of Klein and Elzie. These are 2 guys that love basketball and especially the EPG Baskets Koblenz. They picked up American Trey Hall who has a chip on his shoulder coming from NCAA 2 school Cameron after beginning in JUCO. He made a name for himself in Finland winning the title last season with Helsinki. “He has been the leader of all his teams from high school until now. He began at the bottom and fought his way to the top. He was the point guard last season for the title team. He is a great defender”, stated Patrick Elzie . Delante Jones who balled at Seattle (NCAA) is an incredible shooter that has proven Pro A experience. “He showed he could score in Schwenningen and even when he came mid season to Tuebingen still found his role. He can put ball in the hole, is a good defender and great teammate”, warned Patrick Elzie . They brought in the next great shooter with rookie AJ Plitzuweit who averaged 33,0ppg at Vermillion high school and shot better than 40% from the parking lot in 2 of 3 seasons at South Dakota (NCAA). “Key will be for him to get used to Euro ball. He is also a great defender. He will be fine”, warned Patrick Elzie . For me personally the best pick up was Lithuanian forward Rytis Pipiras. He showed in Wurzburg in the Pro B and in the Pro A with Schwenningen that his middle name could be Mr versatility. He was a bit off the radar the lest 2 seasons playing in Hungary and Belgium. “He is quiet, but very intense on the court. He is a total professional. He is a 3-4 guy and your typical Lithuanian player with that inside out game”, said Patrick Elzie . Maurice Pluskota could be the other top pick up of the season. He definitely has the most experience in Germany having played 6 Pro A seasons and 201 games and parts of 6 BBL seasons and 71 games. “He was the best center in the Pro A last season. If you ask me he could play in the BBL right now. Getting a player like that speaks for the EPG Baskets Koblenz”, stressed Patrick Elzie . The last signing was an interesting one with big man Gabriel De Oliveira. He played parts of 3 seasons in the BBL with Bonn and Rostock and 2 seasons in the Pro A with Rostock and Leverkusen. At age 25, he is a player that isn´t fully developed skill-wise. “He can really shoot the ball. He has improved a lot since Iserlohn. He has a great body and is still learning. He brings a lot of tools with quickness and athleticism”, added Patrick Elzie .

Patrick Elzie who sees other strong teams in the Pro A with Frankfurt, Trier, Bremerhaven and Nurnberg is one of those guys that isn´t a fan about giving the team´s playing style a certain name. Last season he described the play of the EPG Baskets Koblenz as a winning style. Nothing has changed this season. “We will play aggressive defense and produce offense. In the set play we will be smart, move the ball and play team basketball”, warned Patrick Elzie . Last season the team was deep and averaged 91 points on offense. It is scary to think what the club will be capable of this season. “We obviously have a very talented roster. We want to get everyone involved and satisfied with their role. If you look back in history, my teams have always been top 3 to top 5 in scoring. I like to play fast and get up shots. Nothing has changed. It is a matter of getting the ball to all the different players and to the right guys in certain points of the game. Everyone understands this and there are no selfish players. No one is worried about who will score”, warned Patrick Elzie . Last season the club took a lot of pride on the defensive end and that shouldn´t change this season. “I hope we remain strong on defense. As a player I was more of a defender and my teams have always reflected that. The new players are all athletic and aggressive defenders. Nobody is slow. You need good defenders in the Pro A. The Pro A is a tough league. That is why we will work diligently on defense each day”, stressed Patrick Elzie . An interesting aspect this season will be the how Elzie splits up the minutes especially with the big men. You have Pluskota, De Oliveira, Leo Saffer and Moses Poelking who would all start for other teams. “This team isn´t about the minutes, but winning. Every player will be ready no matter if he plays 20 or 2 minutes. The guys that deserve the minutes will get it. Having so many talented big men increases the competition level in practice”, expressed Patrick Elzie .

The ambitions of the EPG Baskets Koblenz are massive each season. The expectations have been huge each new season since 2020 and keeps rising. Usually when you reach a new level, the goal is to stay in the league. Thomas Klein wants the best for the EPG Baskets Koblenz and sees this team as a easyCredit BBL team one day. The goals still have to be realistic. “Nobody is looking us to be mediocre because of our success. When you have success, people want to see it again. Personally for me, I don´t feel pressure this season. Last season was different in that the pressure to get to the Pro A was higher because of not getting there the season before. Now we are in the Pro A. The next step is to consolidate the club. We have more people working in crucial areas to help get the organization ready for the BBL one day. I feel no pressure. Maybe when I was younger. As a coach you don´t go into a season just to stay in the league. Each team has that idea to win. Our goal is to stay in the league. Our second goal is to reach the playoffs. From there anything is possible”, commented Patrick Elzie . It will be interesting to see what Patrick Elzie can do with his enormous talent in the Pro A. The guy has been around the coaching block for 25 years and nothing rattles him anymore. Is there anything he learned last season that he can take into this season? “You never stop learning. I learned last season to stay cool. You always have ups and downs. I remember everyone being shaken when we lost to Schwelm. It happened again when we lost to Erfurt, everyone got nervous. You may begin bad, but it depends what the score is at the end. I just stick to the concept, work hard each day and get to the goal”, warned Patrick Elzie . So where will the journey end in 2024 with the EPG Baskets Koblenz. On paper, the talent is there to reach the easyCredit BBL. I see this team reaching the playoffs. The question will be, how good will the team chemistry be? The mix is great between the old and new players and in general good character guys. Another interesting question will be how long will Marvin Heckel be out and can Marcus Anderson replace him? Anderson played at top school Carelton and has Pro A experience with Paderborn and is another super defender and team orientated guy. He never has averaged 10,0 points in a season, but he doesn´t have to with Koblenz because they have enough scorers. The first 3 games are on the road and will be a big test for the team and how they do could be crucial for the rest of the season. It will be another interesting season. One thing is for sure. Every trip to the CGM arena is an incredible experience. It never gets dull no matter if your sitting next to Thomas Klein or not.

Bryan Battle (196-SG-1999, college: FHU) is a 24 year old 196cm guard from Arizona playing his fourth professional season and first with the RheinStars Koln. Last season he played with Ammerud Basket Oslo (Norway-BLNO) averaging 15.0ppg, 6.5rpg, 2.6apg, Steals-2 (2.8spg), FGP: 52.9%, 3PT: 27.9%, FT: 72.0%. In 21-22 he balled for U.M.F. Skallagrimur Borganes (Iceland-D1) averaging 23.1ppg, 7.5rpg, 5.4apg, Steals-2 (2.8spg), FGP: 45.2%, 3PT: 34.5%, FT: 76.6%. he split his rookie season with KK Promo Donji Vakuf (Bosnia-Division I) averaging 2.0ppg, 1.7rpg, in Jan.’21 moved to Urartu V-bet Yerevan (Armenia-League A) averaging 11.0ppg, 5.8rpg, 3.2apg, 2.0spg, FGP: 46.5%, 3PT: 28.0%, FT: 41.7%. He began his basketball career at South Mountain Community College (JUCO) and then played a season at Rogers State University (NCAA2) averaging 2.2ppg, 1.5rpg. he finished at Freed-Hardeman University (NAIA) averaging 16.2ppg, 7.3rpg, 3.2apg, 1.7spg, FGP: 52.1%, 3PT: 40.7%, FT: 62.6%. he spoke to germanhoops.com about basketball.

Thanks Bryan for talking to germanhoops.com.  How easy was it making the decision to join the Rheinstars? 

It was an easy decision for me to join the Rheinstars because I’d like to continue to move up levels of basketball in Europe and I heard that Cologne is a beautiful city. Another reason it was an easy decision was because of how talented my coach was as a player when he played.

Have you done your research yet on Stephan Beck? What impressed you most in talks with the coach?

Yes, I know who my coach is. We talked recently about what it was like for him to play against Michael Jordan and for me to play against LeBron James. I am most impressed with his basketball IQ.

You say you want to visit the Berlin Wall, what was your first impression of the Cologne Cathedral?

It was really cool to see, I saw a glimpse of it driving into the city for the first time. I am excited to visit one day when I have some free time.

The Rheinstars have had potent Americans over the last few seasons. How confident are you that you can uphold the tradition of imports?

I am extremely confident, first of all. However, I add my own dynamic by being taller and more versatile. I hope to be the first import to bring the first championship to the Rheinstars.

You fill the stat sheet like Russell Westbrook. If you had to compare your game to one NBA player, who would you pick?

Dejounte Murray.

How big is versatility in your game? Is that your biggest strength?

Yes, versatility is my biggest strength. I enjoy being a chameleon, or someone that can do whatever the team needs from me to win.

You’re a really good rebounder. Has that always been in your DNA or has it come with experience?

In high school, I played position four. So I learned to rebound at a young age. However, my ability to track the ball has improved.

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

Becoming a more consistent shooter.

Last season, you played with Ammerud. How tough was losing the playoff series to Kongsberg where you lost the game by 37 points? What did you learn from this series?

I learned that having a killer mentality against no matter who you’re playing will give you an edge when you are not favored to win. Being connected as a team towards the end of the season is the most important thing in the playoffs. It is important to peak as a team at the right time.

You had some huge games for Skallagrimur in Iceland, and you exploded for 41 points against Hottur. Are you aware you could have had 50 points if you would have made your free throws?

I am aware. Forty-one points is still my career high. That game was dedicated to my grandmother, who passed away two days beforehand. I felt like this was the first time she could really see me play.

In Bosnia/Armenia, what do you remember being your wake up call to being overseas when you knew you were far away from home?

The culture shock of going from America to Bosnia was a lot. I remember performing better in Armenia being given more playing time.

. How tough was this season? Covid was around and you had to move teams. Did you gain anything positive from this experience?

This season was tough because of playing with no fans and limited gym time due to the pandemic. I learned how to live on the other side of the world on my own, that’s what I would say I gained as a positive experience.

You began your career at SMCC. Every guy I have interviewed that went to junior college said it was tough, but an experience they never regretted. How was this process for you?

I graduated high school at seventeen years old, so I began my junior college career at seventeen. Playing against grown men was a tough experience at a young age but I figured it out. Only the strong survive in junior college.

You were then rewarded by playing at RSU. How tough was this season? Did you gain anything positive from it?

This season was very tough as RSU kind of took my love for the game away. They made me play position five and the only thing that was positive out of this situation was that it made me realize I never wanted to experience that feeling again.

You then had a breakout season at FHU, becoming an All-American. How did your game grow in this period?

I really put the work in, I became obsessed with the game. I was sleeping in the gym to workout even before morning workouts and putting the extra work in film study to become a great wing player.

How did head coach Drew Stutts prepare you for your professional career?

He prepared me by being honest with me about what I needed to work on. He could tell I was a great player, but he was really focused on getting me to believe in myself. And I thank him for that.

Who won in one-on-one in practice – you or Anthony Yarbrough?

I won for sure. But I owe Anthony a lot for helping me become a great player that year. Iron sharpens iron, and he for sure made me work to beat him every day.

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

I have not played against any player in college who made the NBA, I hope to be the first of those colleges that makes it to the NBA.

Please name your five best teammates of all time.

Chris Wright (Higley High School), Chris Buccannan (Marcos de Niza High School), Jacob Inclan (SMCC), CJ Wilson (KK Promo), and Simun Kovac (Skallagrimur).

Please name your personal NBA Mount Rushmore.

Kyrie Irving, LeBron James, Michael Jordan, and Kobe Bean Bryant.

Who is your GOAT and why?

My mom. She was always there to support me at every game, whether I was good at basketball or not. I didn’t realize at the time how much having her at those games meant to me until I started playing overseas.

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

I didn’t see the movie, Coming to America: The Sequel.

Thanks Bryan for the chat.

A positive Debut in Frankfurt For Predrag Krunic

After a long summer, it was time for Skyliner diehard basketball fans to trek back into the arena in Hoechst to witness basketball again. There were many new faces around like Aiden Warnholtz, Cameron Henry and David Muenkat, but the opponent wasn´t any different as MBC was in the house led by well known head coach Predrag Krunic. The only difference that many had to get used to was that the easyCredit BBL was history at least for this season. The Fraport Skyliners began a new adventure in the Pro A and were tested right away in cup action with the BBL team from Weissenfels. The eastern Germany team also had produced a face lift, but at least one well known BBL player was still there with 3 time BBL rebound leader John Bryant. Anytime a Bryant is in town, it´s worth a trip to the Skyliners living room. Unfortunately he only witnessed 9 minutes and scored 1 point. The Fraport Skyliners wanted to start the season with a bang showing their special qualities against the BBL team while MBC wanted to remain in the Cup competition and not get upset by a Pro A team. The Fraport Skyliners blased off in the first quarter unveiling an offensive party, but that fizzled in the last 3 quarters as the Fraport Skyliners had difficulty overall with the on ball pressure and just couldn´t withstand the opponents annoying guard athleticism losing 81-73 in cup action. “We are still trying to find our identity as a team. I felt that we played hard. They play fast paced and hit big shots. Baldwin annoyed us a lot with his timely baskets. Today better offense beat great defense”, stressed Fraport Skyliner guard Cameron Henry. The Syntanics MBC played a solid game and lived off their guard play and got huge support from Baldwin especially in crunch-time when Frankfurt staged a late comeback. “I felt we played a good game. We had our ups and downs. We knew it would be a tough game, because they are a team that want to get back to the BBL. Our defense and guard play carried us. We had the advantage with our quickness and length”, said MBC guard Johnathan Stove.

Chris-Ebou Ndow at the FT line

Both teams got their offenses rolling in the first quarter as MBC got baskets from Norwegian forward Chris-Edou Ndow as he supplied two while ex Ludwigsburg center Martin Breunig also connected on an off balance shot while Frankfurt was led by a one man wrecking crew with ex Carleton standout Aiden Warnholtz who was left a lot of room and didn´t hesitate scoring 9 of Frankfurt´s first 11 points in the first few minutes to lead 11-7. Frankfurt was demonstrating pretty team basketball and made good decisions while sprouting a lot of self-confidence. Frankfurt was playing good defense, but MBC was hitting tough contested shots that kept them in the game early. Frankfurt got a lot of production from everyone as young German big man Jordan Samare scored twice as he was put in good scoring position by the dimes from David Muenkat and Booker Coplin as Frankfurt led 26-19. But MBC always had an answer as Stephon Jelks scored getting a loose ball and German Kostja Mushidi made a lay in on transition. Aiden Warnholtz may have supplied the first ohhs and ahhs with Buckets but he showed on the last score that his passing my be his most beautiful asset as he supplied Samare with the perfect shovel pass and lay in for the 28-23 lead after 10 minutes. “Coach has told us since day one to always be aggressive at both ends. But we didn´t come out like that, but came out on our heels. We had to many turnovers and weren´t aggressive enough”, stated ex Louisiana (NCAA) guard Johnathan Stove.

David Muenkat for 3

The game took a turn in the second quarter as the Fraport Skyliners were unable to keep their powerful scoring from the first quarter as they dipped down to 11 points while MBC continued to stay consistent on offense living off their guard play scoring 25 points. The guests totally upped their defensive intensity on ball and Frankfurt was unable to come to terms with that. Their lead started to dwindle. German Alvin Onyia made a nice runner for the 30-25 advantage, but MBC began to slowly crawl back and before anybody knew it, the score was dead locked at 32-32 as MBC got baskets from Jelks and Stove on the drive as Frankfurt´s 1-1 defense was too lax. It also didn´t help Frankfurt´s cause when they suffered their 5th foul at the 4,50 minute mark. MBC went on a lethal 16-7 run to lead 48-39 at the break. In the run of MBC, it was Diante Baldwin (180-PG-1994, college: UNCG) who had played in Germany back in the 2019-2020 season for Tuebingen scored 3 times, while they also mixed it up getting Breunig touches that led to a running hook shot and dunk. Frankfurt continued to get beat 1-1 and also had problems with transition defense. A good sign were the many extra passes by Frankfurt, but in a game with so much pressure, not always the best idea as they did get many turnovers because of that. “Our on ball pressure really helped us get the lead. Our athleticism and ability to disrupt plays and timing was important for us. Our up tempo play is one of our biggest strengths. That allowed us get easy baskets”, stated Johnathan Stove.

Courtney Ramy for 3

In the third quarter, both teams were unable to score much, but MBC still kept the comfortable lead going into the last frame. The Fraport Skyliners came out of half-time refocused and struck the guests with a swift 6-0 run to get back into the game trailing only 48-45. In the run, Frankfurt continued to display their unselfish game and spread the love around against the not so aggressive MBC defense as ex NCAA 3 player Booker Coplin made an off balance shot, German big Lorenz Brennecke made a lay in on the pick and roll with Henry and Marco Voeller drilled home an open three pointer. Frankfurt did a good job playing their game in the half court and not the up tempo game of MBC and they made good decisions on offense. After 5 stops by Frankfurt, MBC finally got on the board with their first field goal of the third quarter at the 6,32 minute mark with a trey by Jelks to lead 51-45. After a Brennecke turnover, It was Jelks again who dropped a three pointer for the 54-44 advantage. Frankfurt had problems executing their offense once again against the on ball pressure, but at the same time defended well, but couldn´t come back. The offensive scoring of Aiden Warnholtz had stopped abruptly after his explosion in the first quarter as he got no more good looks and had to concentrate on playmaking. David Muenkat sparkled with a three pointer and acrobatic lay in, but MBC retaliated with a Baldwin lay in and Breunig free throws to keep the 59-51 lead after 30 minutes. “ We knew that Warnholtz was their engine. We were more aggressive on him. We knew that if we could stay in front of him that we would be ok. They had good ball movement the whole game. That will help them in the second division. We have to tighten that up on defense and not allow as many extra passes”, commented Johnathan Stove. “We had to fight adversary for the first time in the second quarter. We knew we had to come back in the third quarter and keep our head up. Our mentality is all about that next play. We fought hard and stayed in the game. We want our fans to know that we won´t roll over and work hard 24/7”, warned ex Indiana State (NCAA) guard Cameron Henry.

Marco Voeller at the FT line

Diante Baldwin saved his best for last as he scored 4 buckets in the fourth quarter securing the cup win for the 2004 Fiba Europe Cup winner. It actually seemed like the Syntainics MBC would decide the game early as they came out on a 12-4 run to register their biggest lead of the game at 71-55. The guests executed well sharing the love as they got many guys into the action. Stefan Birecevic who has won 7 career titles and 2 silver medals with Serbia made a runner, Breunig a lay in, Baldwin scored twice and Stove made a three pointer. Stove who finished with 13 points, 5 rebounds and 4 dimes is a guy who has had to pay his dues the last 2 years after starting his professional career 3 years after he finished in the NCAA. So far he is making the most of his arrival in the easyCredit BBL the highest league that he has ever been in in his career. “I´m playing more combo guard this season then the 2/3. Coach wants me more to control the team and distribute this season. I can still take the three, but take the shots when my team needs it most”, stated Johnathan Stove. But the Fraport Skyliners didn´t hang their heads, but staged one last comeback going on a 15-4 run to trail only 75-70 with a little more than a minute to play. In the run, Frankfurt was living on adrenaline and let it rain three´s and had the momentum on their side. Muenkat, Coplin (twice) and Warnholtz connected from the parking lot while the guests couldn´t muster any proper offense. Suddenly there was new life in the arena, but step in Diante Baldwin. He was able to switch his switch on to unstoppable as he nailed 2 back to back off balance shots for the 79-71 lead that would have had Kemba Walker paying attention. “Baldwin hit big shots. He is really tough and a real baller. I have to guard him each day so I know. I remember telling him that we are going to give you the ball and you just do your thing. He is our engine. We wouldn´t have won the game without him”, warned Johnathan Stove. Edow and Muenkat closed out the game with lay in´s. “We picked up our intensity at the end the way it was in the first quarter. We were desperate at the end hitting big shots and getting steals and stops. We have to play like that for 40 minutes. I know it´s tough, but if we can do that then we will win a lot of games”, stressed Cameron Henry. The Syntainics MBC were led by Diante Baldwin with 17 points. Martin Breunig contributed 16 points while Stephon Jelks had 15 points. Johnathan Stove and Chris-Ebou Ndow added 13 points a piece while the Fraport Skyliners were led by Booker Coplin with 18 points while David Muenkat had 17 points and Aiden Warnholtz added 15 points. The Syntainics MBC shot 56% from the field and 27% from outside and had 31 rebounds and 17 turnovers while the Fraport Skyliners shot 45% from the field and 29% from outside and had 27 rebounds and 18

The pre-season of the EPG baskets Koblenz continues to roll along smoothly as despite having a walking wounded list as high as the empire state building, the club continues to play impressive basketball. Their next foe were BBC Herford a team that will be playing their second season in a row in the Pro B this season. With only a week before the new season began, both teams wanted to continue to tweak their plays as well as test how well their team chemistry was developing. On a cool friday evening, the CGM arena had the die hard fans in attendance as it wasn´t even half full, but those that were there were treated with good EPG baskets basketball and many spectacular plays. The team also had to get used to playing almost 3 quarters without their heart and soul point guard Marvin Heckel who suffered a brutal foot injury in the second quarter. It looked bad at first, but at the end of the game, the good news was that it wasn´t a fracture. Despite this blow, the team regrouped and played well until the end disposing of BBC Herford 78-60. “We played well, but still have plenty to learn and grow from this game. We played hard and good defense. We are starting to click on offense better. Guys are still figuring each other out. It is a growing process”, stated EPG Baskets guard AJ Plitzuweit (188-G, college: S.Dakota). BBC Herford fought hard, but had problems with the aggressive Koblenz defense and constant pressure and disadvantage under the basket. “We didn´t find well into the game. In the second quarter one could see we had real difficulty. They were more physical, were faster and hit way more shots. They all defend so well. It was hard getting the ball. Still this was a good test for us. It is ok to lose by 20 points in Koblenz”, stressed ex FC Schalke forward Shawn Gulley.

Moses Poelking at the FT line

Both teams had difficulty finding an offensive rhythm at first, but the guests did get on the board first with a three pointer by 38 year old ex Missouri (NCAA) forward Vaidotas Volkus. But the EPG Baskets did a good job using their inside out game and exploiting the mismatches and being able to get some open looks for ex South Dakota (NCAA) guard AJ Plitzuweit and German Nicolas Sperber as they took the 5-3 lead and would never trail again. Koblenz also got easy baskets off their pressure defense as steals by ex Cameron (NCAA2) guard Trey Hall and ex Wurzburg forward Rytis Pipiras led to 2 big dunks by Pipiras. Despite a in your face trey by Gulley, Koblenz also got easy buckets inside by German Moses Poelking as he scored twice with a lay in and a dunk for the 13-8 advantage. BBC Herford was able to stay in the game mainly because they made wild shots despite constant pressure and aggressive defense by Koblenz. Koblenz continued to execute their offense in a fine fashion spreading the love around. Ex Rhondorf big man Gabriel De Olveira also got into the action and Plitzuweit continued to play at a high intensity on offense making 2 lay in´s while Hall also scored. Young German Ivksa Sola of BBC Herford connected on a deep three pointer at the buzzer as the EPG Baskets Koblenz were only ahead 26-23 after 10 minutes. “I felt our defense was exceptional by our guards. Our bigs weren´t as good. Herford made many contested shots. But I´m sure their luck will run out as the game goes on”, commented EPG Baskets Koblenz CEO Thomas Klein.

Shawn Gulley at the FT line

The turning point of the game occurred in the second quarter as the EPG Baskets Koblenz took full control of the game outscoring BBC Herford 23-4 to have the overwhelming 49-27 advantage at the break. The second quarter began well for the Koblenz as Marvin Heckel dished out a sweet kick out pass to German Moritz Huebner who saw nothing but net from the parking lot. But then Heckle went down and wouldn´t return. Now the team had to perform without the team identity figure and did. They had no idea if his injury was severe. The EPG Baskets Koblenz continued to defend with passion and intensity as BBC Herford couldn´t run any good plays and had to live on tough desperation shots. Koblenz offense continued to execute as Pipiras made a runner and three pointer and De Olveira a lay in for the 36-23 advantage. After 8 Koblenz stops, the guests finally achieved their first field goal by Ivksa Sola at the 5,07 minute mark. Koblenz continued to sparkle on offense as German Leo Saffer also got into the action with an easy lay in as they dominated the paint area and Pipiras nailed another three pointer to lead 41-25. BBC Herford then scored their last bucket of the second quarter with a lay in by American Tristan Harper who played at Langston University, OK (NAIA) last season. The incredible pressure by Hall and Plitzuweit really set the tone and hurt BBC Herford. “Trey, Marvin and I are all really good offensive players, but we really pride ourselves on defense. We take it personally. We just try to help our bigs protect the paint area”, warned AJ Plitzuweit. The EPG Baskets then closed out the second quarter with a 8-0 run to lead comfortably at half-time. In the run, Koblenz continued to get easy baskets in the paint area as Poelking and Saffer scored and Moritz Huebner connected twice for easy scores. “We played very dynamic and athletic. We did a good job getting out on transition and our bigs also played better defense. Herford also got no more lucky shots”, stated Thomas Klein.

Moritz Huebner from outside

In the third quarter the EPG Baskets weren´t able to find to their dominating play of the first half. Perhaps the players had their minds more on Marvin Heckel and his injury. Koblenz actually began pretty well going on a 8-2 run as AJ Plitzuweit continues to prove that he is a sniper and could be that first option from down town this season as he delivered twice from the parking lot while Poelking made free throws and led 57-29. Koblenz continued to keep up the pressure at both ends as Plitzuweit continued to be red hot from outside hitting another trey and Leo Saffer made a tip in dunk and the EPG Baskets had their biggest lead of the contest at 63-33. But the EPG Baskets then let up a bit allowing a 10-4 run by BBC Herford to trail only 67-43 after 30 minutes. In the run the guests got a 3 point play by Harper and just good all around team support. Ex Dragons Rhondorf German Lars Brodisch made a lay in, Michil Margaritis made a left handed hook shot and Luca Michels a trey. “Our level of intensity dropped. I believe that Marvin was on our mind. His loss was a tough pill to swallow”, said AJ Plitzuweit. “We hit our shots better, but overall our inability to shoot better has hurt us this pre-season”, stated Shawn Gulley.

Luca Michels from down town

Inthe fourth quarter the EPG Baskets Koblenz gave extended minutes to Oluwadamilola Ade Eri and Tevin Schnable and overall the team was already in relax mode as their execution was off as they mustered only 11 points while BBC Herford scored 17 points. BBC Herford began well getting 5 points in a row by Shawn Gulley as the ex JUCO player executed a hard 2 handed dunk off his steal and a lay in and free throw to trail only 67-48.”I will be one of the go to guys this season together with Tristan Harper. But I do try to help get everyone involved”, stressed Shawn Gulley. Nothing was really working on offense for the EPG Baskets, but when all else fails, they can always still get the ball inside and let the bigs do their thing as Poelking drew 2 fouls and made easy work of an offensive rebound for the put back to lead 71-48. It was obvious that BBC Herford weren´t going to achieve a miraculous comeback, but they did fight to the end getting some baskets from Volkus and Gulley, but youngster Ade-Eru made a fine put back and later a big dunk as Plitzuweit made a steal and instead of finishing himself allowed the young kid the stage for the finish. Harper did score the last 4 Herford points, but it was too little too late. “I felt like we still did finish strong. We compete each possession. Our motto is always next man up”, warned AJ Plitzweit. “Koblenz had some of their young guys in, but they still closed out game strong”, stated Shawn Gulley. The EPG Baskets Koblenz were led by AJ Plitzuweit with 18 points. Moses Poelking added 12 points and Moritz Huebner had 10 points while BBC Herford was led by Tristan Harper with 18 points while Shawn Gulley contributed 14 points. The EPG Baskets shot 48% from the field and 28% from outside and had 43 rebounds and 16 turnovers while BBC Herford shot 32% from the field and 27% from outside and had 33 rebounds and 21 turnovers.

Unique McLean (188-G, college: SFC) is a 188cm guard from Brooklyn, New York that is playing his third professional season and first with the Starwings Basket Regio Basel (Switzerland-SBL). Last season he played with Deba (Saudi Arabia-SBL) averaging24.8ppg, 8.0rpg, 2.4apg, 1.8spg, FGP: 62.4%, 3PT: 35.0%, FT: 65.0%. He split his rookie season with Korihait Uusikaupunki (Finland-Korisliiga) averaging 14.8ppg, 4.8rpg, 1.8apg, 2FGP: 45.3%, 3FGP: 34.0%, FT: 70.0%, in Mar.’22 moved to BBC Sparta Bertrange (Luxembourg-LBBL) averaging 7.5ppg, 3.5rpg, 1.0apg, 1.5spg. He began his NCAA career with the University of Massachusetts (NCAA) playing 2 seasons and a total of 55 games. He then finished at St Francis College NY (NCAA) averaging 11.4ppg, 8.0rpg, 1.9apg, 1.0spg, FGP: 51.6%, 3PT: 28.1%, FT: 67.2%, and 13.1ppg, 7.3rpg, 2.2apg, 1.3spg, FGP: 49.4%, 3PT: 31.8%, FT: 77.2%. He spoke to germanhoops.com about basketball.

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

I’m currently playing with Starwings in Basel, Switzerland, and it’s been a fantastic experience thus far. This preseason, the team is progressing really well.

You have a very unique name with unique. What is the story behind the name? Why did your parents call you that?

My mother heard my name as a child from someone else and remembered it since it matched hers, which is Monique.

What is the coolist thing you have heard about your name from others?

I generally just hear the same joke about my name, which is “that’s a Unique name.” I expect it now when telling someone.

Your playing your third pro season and first with the Starwings Basket Regio Basel (Switzerland-SBL). What kind of an experience has it been? What have you enjoyed most about being is Basel?

So far, playing with the Starwings has been a fantastic experience. The location and team make it very easy to be away from home and to play basketball.

The club last won the cup in 2010 and reached the league final in 2021. How big are the ambitions of the organization?

The team did not perform well last year, but with new coaches and players, we aim to establish that we still belong. We practice and compete with a chip on our shoulder, knowing we are capable of more.

This is an important season for you? You had a solid rookie season in Finland and last season played in Saudi Arabia. Your back in Europe now. What are your goals as a player? I can imagine to be a top player in the league?

My personal goals for this season are to demonstrate to everyone that I am capable of battling on both sides of the ball, and to perhaps establish myself as one of the league’s top players. Leading by example and being a vocal leader will hopefully help our team along the journey. Winning is my primary objective this year, and if we do what we’re intended to do, my personal aspirations will follow.

Let´s talk about your game. To what NBA player would you compare your game to?

I never compare my game to anyone else’s in the NBA. I simply strive to be the best version of myself.

You can score and rebound. Is rebounding your biggest strength? You averaged 8 as a 183cm guard. That´s quite impressive.

Rebounding has always been a big part of my game since I was kid, and because of my athletic abilities, I’ve been put in positions to play bigger roles as a result, so I’ve studied where the ball may fall off the rim and how to position myself in certain areas. For me, scoring is the same anywhere, and it all comes down to confidence. The work I put in on my game will always prepare me for those occasions.

Your three point shooting is still a work in progress, but you have found more consistency. What do you want to achieve this season with your three pointer?

I’ve put in a lot of work on my outside, shooting last and this summer, and I hope the effort will eventually pay off, and my percentages will climb as a result.

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

This preseason, I’ve focused on getting into passing lanes and forcing offensive players to work with my length and effort. I have the potential to be an excellent defender.

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

Improving my outside percentage is something I need to work on and will with the work I put in.

Last season you played with Deba (Saudi Arabia-SBL) averaging 24.8ppg), 8.0rpg, 2.4apg, 1.8spg, FGP: 62.4%, 3PT: 35.0%, FT: 65.0%. What kind of an experience was that? I can imagine you had some cool off court experiences? Did you visit any palaces?

It was an incredible experience to play in Saudi Arabia. People were very kind, and in my spare time, I would usually try to go on walks to just explore the different places where we played, or I would ask questions to learn a little history about different aspects of their culture.

You split your rookie season with Korihait Uusikaupunki (Finland-Korisliiga) .8ppg, 4.8rpg, 1.8apg, 2FGP: 45.3%, 3FGP: 34.0%, FT: 70.0%, in Mar.’22 moved to BBC Sparta Bertrange (Luxembourg-LBBL). What do you remember being your wake up call to be a rookie overseas where you knew you were far away from home?

My rookie season was a little bumpy because I thought I performed well in Finland, but we weren’t winning, so I knew they were going to make adjustments. I immediately learnt that it’s a business and that you can’t take it personally; you just have to be better and move forward.

You began your college career at UMass. You then m St. Francis College (NY) (NCAA) averaging 11.4ppg, 8.0rpg, 1.9apg, 1.0spg, FGP: 51.6%, 3PT: 28.1%, FT: 67.2% and as a senior averaged 13.1ppg, 7.3rpg, 2.2apg, 1.3spg, FGP: 49.4%, 3PT: 31.8%, FT: 77.2%. How did your game grow at St Francis NY?

Going to Saint Francis was a terrific move for me because Glenn Braica, the head coach, trusted me and let me figure out the game for myself, which helped me improve as a player and person

You had many great games at ST Francis NY against FDU and Mount St Mary´s. What was your best game there?

I believe one of my best games at Saint Francis was against FDU. I worked hard on my game that week, and I felt refreshed and played well on both sides of the ball.

How did head coach Glenn Braica groom and prepare you for a professional career?

Glenn Braica helped me find my confidence back after leaving a bigger school of UMass. His belief in me helped get to the place I’m in now as player.

Who won a 1-1 in practice you or Chauncy Hawkins?

Chauncey Hawkins was a productive scorer in college who could make difficult shots, but I was a little bigger, so if we played one on one, I’d go straight to the post.

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

My freshman year at UMass we played Dayton and was under man that, and I had to play the four slot for the first time, and Obi Toppin was a rising star, and I feel he was the best player I’d played with in college that went to the NBA.

Please name your 5 best teammates of all-time?

My best teammates of all time is not only great basketball players, but great men, which are – Bryce Aiken – Travis Atson – Hasahn French – Omari Spellman – Tremont Waters – Deondre Bourne

Who is your GOAT and why?

My GOAT is LeBron James. He was the best basketball player from the time he was a child untill the end of his career. It was no surprise how good he was when he first entered the NBA, like Michael Jordan. He had to deal with scrutiny and still exceeded expectations.

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

Coming to America is a classic and it should’ve been left alone. The new movie was not as good or even close.

Thanks Unique for the chat

Quintin Dove (200-F-1998, college: UT Martin, agency: Elevate Sports Alliance) is a 25 year old 200cm forward from Cleveland, Ohio that last played down under with Joondalup City Wanneroo Wolves (Australia-NBL One West) averaging (28.6ppg, 7.6rpg, 1.2apg, 1.1spg, FGP: 69.4%, 3PT: 36.8%, FT: 81.6%. In 22-23 he played for Club Atletico Olimpia Montevideo (Uruguay-LUB) averaging 16.0ppg, 6.2rpg, 2FGP: 69.2%, 3FGP: 28.6%, FT: 73.7%. In 21-22 he split time with T71 Dudelange (Luxembourg-LBBL) averaging 23.5ppg, 7.5rpg, 1.5apg, 1.3spg, 2FGP: 64.4%, 3FGP: 36.4%, FT: 77.3%, and in Dec.’21 moved to BBC Sparta Bertrange (Luxembourg-LBBL) averaging 25.6ppg, 7.6rpg, 1.4apg, 1.0spg, FGP: 66.7%, 3PT: 30.4%, FT: 81.8%. He played his rookie season with Tbilisi State University (Georgia-Superleague) averaging 17.1ppg, 8.3rpg, FGP: 58.1%, 3PT: 16.1%, FT: 69.3%. He began his basketball career at Cuyahoga Community College (JUCO) averaging 13.1ppg, 7.6rpg, FGP: 64.3%, FT: 76.2% and in his second season averaged 18.9ppg, 8.4rpg, FGP: 65.5%, 3FGP: 55.6%, FT: 87.4%. He then played 2 seasons with the University of Tennessee at Martin (NCAA) averaging 13.3ppg, 5.2rpg, FGP: 62.5%, 3PT: 35.7%, FT: 81.0% and as a senior averaged 20.2ppg, 7.9rpg, FGP: 61.3%, 3PT: 32.3%, FT: 78.2%. He spoke to germanhoops.com about basketball.

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

I am in Perth, Western Australia and basketball is treating me great ! Just came off of a very strong season lost in the grand final.

You are entering your fourth pro season and have played for 5 clubs in your first 3 seasons. Is it fair to say you’re a guy that just loves basketball and loves to play around the clock?

Yes you can say that I love basketball this is my life my career and it’s amazing when you can travel the world doing something that you love !

You had an incredible senior year at the University of Tennessee at Martin averaging 20,0ppg. How could a guy like you not land in higher leagues than Luxemburg, Georgia and Uruguay? That is a total mystery for me. Do you have an explanation?

I don’t have an explanation for that besides whoever gives me a chance they can best believe they will get a show and a hard worker as well as a great teammate!

Explosive guards are like apples on trees. How much of a factor is it that there are simply too many talented guards in the world and too little roster spots open in high leagues?

I have no idea besides coaches I guess like what they like and like I said any league that gives me a contract is going to get a very competitive winner and certified Bucket getter!

After a NCAA season like that, you must have the biggest chip on your shoulder? How much has that weight affected you in having explosive seasons everywhere as a pro?

Absolutely I have so much weight on my shoulder because I work too hard for this and it has gotten me in a great position as we speak and also coming of a season like I did in division 1 and not getting any NBA G league workouts or high leagues looking at me made me more hungrier and stay in the gym consistently

You must have a real big urge to prove yourself in a higher league. How much do you feel would your game profit just from getting an opportunity from a club playing first division in say like Germany, Italy or France?

That would be amazing and my game would profit tremendously because I would be playing alongside some great basketball players and I don’t have a problem playing any role that the coach and my teammates need me to play to win!

You are a flat out walking bucket. You already had these scoring qualities in JUCO. I´m sure you know you can play at high levels, but what do you still want to do with your scoring so you can be even more lethal?

Ive been working on my defense and that’s the main thing honestly that I feel once I maximize that it will be very difficult for others playing against me and I’m also going to keep working and getting better with putting it on the floor as well I’ve been very versatile everywhere I’ve been.

You’re a guy that can fill the stat sheet and are a great rebounder. Talk a little about your game and what else you bring to the table at both ends of the court.



My competitiveness and eager to win. I’ll do anything to win! I’ll crash the glass like my life depends on it and get those easy offensive rebound points or defensive rebounds to help put away a possessions! Also I’m a great teammate any coach would love me.

You recently played for Joondalup City Wanneroo Wolves (Australia-NBL One West) averaging Score-4 (28.6ppg), 7.6rpg, 1.2apg, 1.1spg, FGP: 69.4%, 3PT: 36.8%, FT: 81.6%.. You set that league on fire. Did it feel like you were a man among boys on the court?

I just really came in and played my game and showed people that I’m getting better each year. I stay in the gym when I’m home. I’m in the gym even if that’s watching basketball and when I’m out I’m in the gym for 3 hrs a day getting better and that’s not including weight lifting.

You had a 40 and 43 point game. How big is that desire to get to that 50 point mark? Does a guy like you who takes many shots have to take even more or is it just better execution?

I would say it’s better execution my teammates trust me and I feel like I take very high percentage shots that I know I can make and that I work on!

Last season you played with Club Atletico Olimpia Montevideo (Uruguay-LUB) averaging 16.0ppg, 6.2rpg, 2FGP: 69.2%, 3FGP: 28.6%, FT: 73.7%. You had a short season. What kind of an experience was it getting a taste of South America?

It was great played against some high level players and also had some on my team as well That league was great and really bettered me as a player I would say so I thank them for the opportunity!

In 2021-2022 you split time with T71 Dudelange (Luxembourg-LBBL) averaging 23.5ppg, 7.5rpg, 1.5apg, 1.3spg, 2FGP: 64.4%, 3FGP: 36.4%, FT: 77.3%, in Dec.’21 moved to BBC Sparta Bertrange (Luxembourg-LBBL) averaging 25.6ppg, 7.6rpg, 1.4apg, 1.0spg, FGP: 66.7%, 3PT: 30.4%, FT: 81.8%. You really exploded for both teams. How vital was this season for getting your name out there in Europe?

It was huge like I said before I have a chip on my shoulder and I’m out here to prove everyone wrong and get what I worked for and wherever god takes me !

You played your rookie season with Tbilisi State University (Georgia-Superleague) averaging 17.1ppg, 8.3rpg, FGP: 58.1%, 3PT: 16.1%, FT: 69.3%. What do you remember being your wake up call to being overseas where you knew that you were far away from home?

Just knew that this was my first step in my career and I had to leave a mark on the court !

How vital was a guy like Brandon Sly in your rookie season? What was the most important thing he taught you?

He was a good teammate.

You began your college career at Cuyahoga Community College (JUCO). Every guy I have interviewed that played JUCO have said, it was a tough experience, but one that they wouldn´t have exchanged for anything? How was it for you? What kind of player did you become?

That made my basketball career. I would say I wouldn’t change it for anything. I had a great coach named Michael Duncan and he taught me a lot and how to be more of a man as well. He was very hard on us a players and especially me that’s why we only lost less than 5 games in 2 years.

You then finished at the University of Tennessee at Martin (NCAA) averaging 13.3ppg, 5.2rpg, FGP: 62.5%, 3PT: 35.7%, FT: 81.0% and as a senior averaged 20.2ppg, 7.9rpg, FGP: 61.3%, 3PT: 32.3%, FT: 78.2%. How did your game grow in these 2 years?

Tremendously. It made me understand that now I have to take each year and take it to the next step in my career and keep going.

You had 30 plus points against Jacksonville State and EKU, but in loses. Was your 32 point explosion in the exciting 80-79 win over EIU one of your most fondest games there?

You can say that I never get caught in the hype because I know I can score at a high level and honestly it wasn’t anything that I’m not capable of doing !

How did head coach Anthony Parker groom and prepare you best for a professional career?

Man he groomed me into a man. I love that man. He was an amazing coach and he wanted the best for me gave me my first division 1 scholarship after I lost my scholarships in high school. I couldn’t ask for a better division 1 coach at all and I always do something every game I play to remember him he’s with me for life !

Who won a 1-1 in practice you or Parker Stewart?

 Lol man that’s my guy when I say he’s one of the best shooters I’ve ever seen I’m not kidding but I’ll beat him best out of 3 2-1!

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

I would have to say ja Morant and forget the dunk he did even though it was great check the stat. I had about 27 points 9 rebounds very efficient during that game.

Please name your 5 best teammates of all-time?

Parker Stewart, Craig Randal, Devon Robinson who was my teammate in Juco, Marcus Thomas, Wade Loman from Juco not in any order I name these because there all winners who care for the game of basketball.

Please list your personal NBA Mount Rushmore?

Kevin Durant

Who is your GOAT and why?

My mom and my dad and my aunt I have 3 because they all did so much for me in my life !

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

Man I think it was great I loved it. It was an amazing movie!

Thanks Quintin for the chat.