4 years ago as I heard that an American guy by the name of Sam Griesel that had German roots was going to play on the German U-20 national team. I rapidly got on the ball and interviewed the 19 year old kid and banged out a portrait about him. In the last years, I continued following his progress in the NCAA and once again was impressed when I heard he was signed by the Telekom Baskets Bonn and would play for the Boston Celtics at the 2023 NBA Summer League. 4 years after our first interview he is part of the Boston Celtics and in one of the world’s flashiest cities and seeing basketball legends on a daily basis there. The American who has a German father and German mother is a country boy who grew up in the cornfields of Nebraska and was born in the state capital Lincoln, so it was no surprise that the glitz in Las Vegas off the court wasn’t necessarily his cup of tea. ‘I honestly didn’t like Vegas off the court. It is very overwhelming with all the people. I’m really not intrigued by it. I’m more of a calm person. But don’t get me wrong, I loved the basketball and am really grateful that I had this experience’, warned Sam Griesel (198-G-2000, college: Nebraska) 4 years ago he was a member of the German U-20 national team and was teammates with up and coming players like 2023 BBL champion Philipp Herkenhoff, multiple BBL champion Jonas Mattisseck and Fraport Skyliners Bruno Vrcic and Joshua Obiesie just to name a few, but in 2023 he was teammates with NBA players and rising young players like a Jordan Walsh or Jay Scrubb and had wow moments seemingly every few minutes. ‘I didn’t see Victor Wembanyama, but Carmelo Anthony was at one of our games and Jayson Tatum was on the flight to Las Vegas. He gave brotherly Nuck greetings to all the players. I also saw Paul Pierce. It was also cool talking to a guy like Brad Stevens. He is such a normal dude. I could have normal conversations with him. I’m so grateful to the Boston Celtics organization for giving me this opportunity’, stressed Sam Griesel

But before we get into the meat of the basketball Las Vegas, one has to understand that he had a long road to get to the NBA Summer League and the Telekom Baskets Bonn. He began his basketball career at Lincoln East High school in Lincoln, Nebraska and in his career over 50 games averaged 15,2ppg, 5,3rpg, and 1,8apg. In his senior year he averaged 17/6/2 stats and received Super-State honors from the Lincoln Journal Star. He then went on to have a stellar career at North Dakota State University where he played 99 NCAA games. In his first 2 seasons he didn’t become that scorer yet averaging 6.1ppg, 3.8rpg, 1.5apg, FGP: 53.8%, 3PT: 25.0%, FT: 58.1% and 6.6ppg, 5.5rpg, FGP: 47.4%, 3PT: 27.3%, FT: 67.5%. But he did show spurts of scoring talent scoring in double figures in 9 games and scored 20 points in a 76-73 win over Western Illinois. He helped win the Summit League title in both years. The first win was by 10 points over Omaha and the second one by 36 points over rival North Dakota. He didn’t have a sweeter one. ‘Both were different. We weren’t expected to win the first one and we won the second one in a dominant way’, remembered Sam Griesel He also got a taste of March Madness losing to Duke by 23 points. He broke out in his junior year averaging 14.3ppg, 6.6rpg, 3.4apg, FGP: 51.3%, 3PT: 37.9%, FT: 75.6% and in his senior year averaged 12.0ppg, 5.8rpg, 3.8apg, 1.1spg, FGP: 48.3%, 3PT: 32.3%, FT: 68.3%. Head coach David Richman played a massive role in him becoming the player he is today. ‘He is still a big part of my life today. He helped me grow from a boy to a man. He is a huge role model for me and we still speak on a regular basis’, said Sam Griesel In his last 2 seasons he played 53 games and scored in double figures in 31 games. Some of his best scoring games included 26 points apiece against ORU and South Dakota, and 25 points against South Dakota State and Indiana State. He reached the Summit League final’s in his last 2 years. Instead of turning pro, he was able to play a fifth year at the University of Nebraska averaging 12.0ppg, 5.8rpg, 3.8apg, 1.1spg, FGP: 48.3%, 3PT: 32.3%, FT: 68.3%. Here he played in a higher conference against better competition and totally proved he could be a potent player. ‘It was great having that feeling of being at home. It was very important playing in a system where we were treated like pro’s. That helped my development a lot and me moving ahead playing against top competition’, added Sam Griesel He scored in double figures in 19 of 30 games including netting 22 points against Maine and 21 points against Illinois. His game grew immensely in 5 years. He will be more than ready to test the easyCredit BBL.’The biggest thing that grew was my confidence. I also became stronger and just learned to slow down the game. I also learned you don’t have to always take the game so serious. The game is supposed to be fun. You should never lose the joy’, warned Sam Griesel He also had well known head coach Fred Hoiberg at the helm giving him the last needed spices for a professional career. ‘He really helped me a lot with my shot. I was in the gym a lot getting up many reps and just adding confidence. He also had me watching film. I really learned a lot from him’, remembered Sam Griesel

The 23 year old 198cm guard who remembers beating Cale Jacobsen at 1-1 at Nebraska just finished playing for the Boston Celtics at the NBA Summer League. The funny thing is I had thought that the NBA Summer league ended Friday, but it didn’t. I had wanted to interview him and figured it might take days for him to answer as is sometimes the case with ballers. I was amazed how quickly he replied back and said hey I’m free in an hour. It had been 4 years since we last spoke, but his voice and the way he spoke quickly got me very comfortable. I asked him if he was still in Vegas thinking the Summer League was over, and he replied yes I am. I actually have a game in 2 hours. Despite that he still took 30 minutes of his time to talk basketball. ‘Time really has flown by since we last talked. There has been a lot of change for me and much has happened in my life. All is good. I have had ups and downs, but cool life experiences. I look forward to the future’, stated Sam Griesel So many guys dream to play NBA Summer League and for him, he was lucky that he didn’t just land in Las Vegas and went on the floor, but had a little introduction to the Boston Celtics. ‘I was in Boston for a 5-6 day training camp so that was really good for me. It was good being a sponge and being around the Celtics culture. I was able to learn from pro’s and just playing my role and getting better each day. These days helped me get comfortable. I came to Vegas not expecting to play, but then did. I think I surprised some people in my first 2 games getting good10-15 minutes per game. I had mistakes, but also made good plays. For me the most important thing was learning’, warned Sam Griesel Playing that first season overseas always Americans a wake up call, but what about guys playing in the NBA? It’s the same. ‘My wake up call was the physicality and athleticism. There were some dudes who have played in the NBA for 4-5 years. It’s not all rookies. It was a real adjustment. You have to do the little things to help you stay on the floor’, stressed Sam Griesel But he already had his WOW moment before coming to Las Vegas. ‘I had workouts with Utah, Boston and Chicago. Each was a wow moment. I went into the summer not expecting that. It was the greatest thing to have this opportunity’, said Sam Griesel

The ex German U-20 national player who averaged 5.9ppg, 5.3rpg, FGP: 55.6%, 3PT: 22.2%, FT: 62.5% at the European Championships in 2019 winning a Bronze medal would play 4 of 5 Celtics Summer League games having a 2-2 record. He averaged 3/3/1 stats in 13 minutes per game. He had his best game in game 5 having 8/3/2/2 stats in 21 minutes in a 94-77 victory over the Miami Heat. ‘I wasn’t phenomenal, but I wasn’t bad either. I’m happy I could play. I just tried to control what I could control being a good teammate. I think it was a success, because I didn’t expect to play’, commented Sam Griesel So how did he like the playing style of the NBA Summer League? It is no secret that guys mostly play for their stats to impress the NBA teams. ‘This isn’t necessarily my style and I didn’t feel comfortable. I’m always a team guy that wants to win. It does feel like a showcase. I just tried to make plays and do the little things necessary to win. I think people appreciated my work. I try to help support those #1 draft pics and be the best teammate possible. What matters most for me is how you treat the person’, expressed Sam Griesel One guy he really tried to support was highly touted rookie Jordan Walsh out of the University of Arkansas. ‘He is really talented and a good kid. I can’t imagine what he went through as a 19 year old. When I was 19, I was in Germany playing with the U-20 national team. He did a good job and I think surprised many with his offensive abilities. He is a good wing defender and has insanely long arms’, stressed Sam Griesel One sees so many incredible dunks and that sems to be really what all want to see on the highlight video’s, but he had a different kind of favorite play. ‘I just love assisting guys and setting them up for success. I think my first assist to Davidson in the first game was my favorite’, remembered Sam Griesel

Tyson Ward who was college teammates with Sam Griesel will be teammates again with the Telekom Baskets Bonn

The German/American who is excited to follow Germany at the 2023 World Cup and believes USA have a chance to win the Gold Medal will commence his rookie season in Germany with the Telekom Baskets Bonn. The decision on signing on the dotted line was like a no brainer. How can you go wrong coming to the new sexy of the easyCredit BBL the Telkom Baskets Bonn, having ex NCAA teammate Tyson Ward on board, playing for one of the BBL’s top coaches Roel Moors and getting added positive words from Kamar Baldwin who was his Celtics teammate and played for Moers in Goettingen 2 years ago. ‘I talked a lot to Tyson Ward about the city. I really like the coach. It is a unique situation for me. I’m coming to a successful new team. I picked Tyson’s brain a lot. It is really good that I will be playing in the Basketball Champions League. Tyson and I aren’t super close, but he is a good dude. I really look up to him and we won titles together’, warned Sam Griesel He and Moors hit it off instantly. ‘We speak the same language. I appreciate his honesty most. He doesn´t beat around the bush. We have a good connection”, stated Sam Griesel. He has constructed an incredible roster and he really implemented the team very well with strong Germans. They could have a better mix this season of Germans and the question will be how good the imports will produce and mesh with the Germans. There can only be one TJ Shorts and to replace him won’t be easy.

Miles Schmidt-Scheuber and TJ Shorts in Bonn in 2022

I know Sam Griesel won’t just be a role player, but an impact player. ‘I will do what I have to do to help win games. I totally trust coach and will be the best teammate’, added Sam Griesel I have no doubt that he will shine on the court, but fans will also get to know a young man who isn’t just a baller, but a very special guy that simply is unique. ‘Basketball is important, but not most important. I want to be around good people. Basketball isn’t who I am’, warned Sam Griesel He is simply a guy who combines his basketball skill set and character to the fullest with the best not necessarily coming in that order.

Tags : SAM GRIESEL, BOSTON CELTICS, GERMAN BASKETBALL

When I hear the name Keith Hornsby (192-SG-1992, college: LSU), the first thing that comes to mind is his dad Bruce who dazzled the music world with some sweet tunes like Mandolin Rain and the Valley Road, but he will most likely be most remembered with his Billboard chart topping smash ‘The Way it is’ in 1986. But if one does his basketball homework wisely when concerning one’s self with Keith, then one will come across something totally new that amazed the sports world recently where he has a link even if it is marginal, it is a link and a historical record. This year Lebron James replaced NBA hall of famer Kareem Abdul Jabbar as the all-time NBA leading scorer. So how does Keith Hornsby come into the equation with King Lebron’s record? The 4 time NBA champion passed Abdul Jabbar making a fade away jumper over current Oklahoma Thunder forward Kenrich Williams. And this is where Hornsby comes into the equation. He will forever be linked to Lebron and the record even if it’s very minor because of the player Kenrich Williams. ‘Fun fact, I played two games with Kenrich Williams in the G-League. That’s my connection to the record’, smiled Keith Hornsby. Hornsby played his first 3 seasons in the G-League with Texas and never played a single NBA game, but will be forever be linked to Lebron James via Kenrich Williams.

Hornsby who lists current NBA player and ex Texas A& M guard Alex Caruso as his toughest cover when he was balling at Louisiana State (NCAA) is played his seventh professional season and second season in France and first with Nanterre 92 averaging 14.0ppg, 2.1rpg, 2.2apg, FGP: 49.0%, 3PT: 45.0%, FT-8 (93.3%) after playing the season before with Boulogne-Levallois Metropolitans (France-Betclic ELITE ProA). His first 2 seasons overseas were in Poland with Polski Cukier Torun (Poland-EBL) and the season after in Germany with the EWE Baskets Oldenburg. The build up to Lebron James breaking the record was enormous and one could calculate somewhat when he could break the record. Ballers overseas were speculating Monday evening Feb 7th about staying up or not or waiting until the next game. Lebron had to score 36 points against the Thunder to beat the record. Some guys stayed up against Oklahoma and witnessed history while others fell asleep. ‘I didn’t stay up to watch it. I need my good night’s sleep, and I caught endless replays in the morning when I woke up’, said Keith Hornsby. Lebron could of gotten the record on so many kinds of shots with the three, mid range, lay up or dunk. One could say take your pick. A dunk could have been that extra icing on the cake, but instead it was a mid range shot, one he can make in his sleep. ‘Lebron has proven himself capable of scoring from all over the court. Although his amazing dunks will probably remain his most memorable highlights, I like that the shot ended up being what it was. A little fade away mid ranger. Just one shot of many that Lebron keeps in his bag’, stressed Keith Hornsby. It was only fitting that one legend in the making with Russell Westbrook make the pass for Lebron’s record breaking feat, but it was just a normal pass and nothing spectacular about it. One has to wonder what will be remembered most in 20 years the pass for the record or his incredible amount of triple doubles he has amassed. ‘Ever since Russ became a Laker, people already seemed to forget about his triple doubles and were unfortunately committed to giving him endless hate for his shooting and overall sloppy play. I doubt the pass will be remembered because it ended up being an iso bucket for Lebron anyways’, stated Keith Hornsby. One has to also wonder what would have happened on social media had Lebron pulled a sky hook out of his arsenal on the record shot? ‘I think social media would’ve been an absolute frenzy. Now I wish the bucket was a sky hook. That would’ve been even more historic’, expressed Keith Hornsby. After 48 minutes he had scored 38 points in 26 minutes. Nobody will remember that the Lakers lost 133-130. Was his 38 points another normal day at the office? ’38 points in 26 minutes at 38 years old!! Another day at the office. I’d say that’s not a normal day though. That game is in the upper echelon of what you can expect from him these days, especially in the limited number of minutes. Just add it to the ever increasing points total’, said Keith Hornsby. One has to wonder how much the ball will be worth? ‘ There’s going to be some mega rich knucklehead who will probably pay millions for the ball, although I hope Lebron holds on to it as a keepsake’, smiled Keith Hornsby.

The sniper who lists Josh Gray (LSU) Chris Wright (Toru) Jameel Warney (Legends) JJ Avila (Legends) and Aaron Cel (Toru) as his 5 best teammates of all-time goes into deep thought when asked the question how one can put Lebron James NBA all-time scoring record into perspective when it lasted almost 40 years. ‘To imagine the reality of scoring that many points seems almost impossible (which it isalmost). One bucket at a time reaching almost 40,000 points. Only someone who is lucky enough to have a near twenty year career and enjoy consistent, never ending success could sniff at such a number. I just reached 2k points in Europe and I thought that was an accomplishment. To see Lebron surpass 38,387 is otherworldly’, commented Keith Hornsby. It is always interesting to see how well the younger generation is basketball educated about the greats from back in the day when listing guys like Russell, Chamberlain, Robertson or Havlicek. Some did their home work while others are clueless. There are still way too many of the younger generation that don’t know how influential Kareem Abdul Jabbar was on and off the court. ‘. Some of these youngsters out here playing today didn’t even grow up with Jordan. Shoot, I came up at the tail end of his career. With Kareem, that’s a tough one. You’ve heard about his greatness as that becomes general knowledge to any basketball fan, but I don’t think the gravity of his legacy holds enough weight nowadays. Time moves on. He will never and should never be forgotten or ignored, but his greatness may be a bit out of sight out of mind’, added Keith Hornsby.

The ex teammate of EWE Baskets legend Rickey Paulding who lists LeBron James – George Washington Michael Jordan – Thomas Jefferson JJ Redick – Teddy Roosevelt and Steph Curry – Abe Lincoln on his personal NBA Mount Rushmore isn’t sure if this record will ever be broken? ‘I don’t know who could possibly break it. I don’t think there will ever be someone like Lebron again. At least in the foreseeable future’, warned Keith Hornsby. But what about the NBA’s little darling Luka Doncic? He is a versatile player like Lebron James and one has to consider him more of a scorer at heart than Lebron. But will Doncic play that long? He already played at a very high level with Real Madrid at a very young age. ‘I LOVE Luka, but I still don’t think it’s possible. I don’t think Luka will be able to sustain such a level into his mid to late thirties. Lebron as a whole package is simply a unique almost immortal specimen. Luka will probably get on the lists, but I don’t see him overtaking this ‘untouchable’ record’, stressed Keith Hornsby. Back in 2020 when he arrived in Oldenburg, I had to ask him the standard question of who his GOAT is Jordan or Lebron? ‘Although everybody’s opinion seemed to shift towards MJ during the airing of the Last Dance, I’m still going to go with Lebron James. It’ll forever be a difficult debate, but I just think what LeBron has done on and off the court is unrivaled’, stated Keith Hornsby. Nothing has changed in 2023 with his opinion as it seems to have been strengthened with the NBA scoring record. ‘I love Jordan. I love Lebron. Jordan has more championships, yes, but I think Lebron is undeniably the GOAT’, warned Keith Hornsby. If he ever gets bored on a future road trip on the bus through some countryside in Europe, he could visit every player on the bus and trade favorite Lebron moments. He has one moment he will never forget. ‘His championship with Cleveland. He wasn’t even human it seemed that series’, remembered Keith Hornsby. But if he ever does tire about talking about incredible Lebron moments, he could always tell his link to Lebron’s scoring record with Kenrich Williams. That will definitely get some of those young kids wide awake in the wee mornings when traveling back home.

Tags : KEITH HORNSBY, NANTERRE 92, GERMAN BASKETBALL

Foto credit Christian Becker

Thanks Tajuan for talking to germanhoops.com. Congrats on winning your first pro title as a rookie with Rasta Vechta. If someone had told you in September you will be Pro A champ what would you have thought?

Honestly, from the jump that was the goal for us all. Coach Ty and the staff did a great job of making sure that we understood the goal. And I think we as the players did a great job of buying in to that as well.

How rapidly did you notice in the fall that there was a winning culture in Vechta? What is so special about the organization Rasta Vechta that you won’t see in other places in the last 2 years?

Rasta has always been a top Pro A organization. And played really well in the BBL as well. So that energy of winning and the high expectation of the fans for us to compete and put all on the line every night makes it hard not to win honestly.

The club went into the season with high expectations and rolled over the competition. How important was it for your game coming into this winning culture and performing well at a high level?

The organization believed in me as far as my ability but also to be our heart and soul. I wasn’t a captain but they allowed me to be our energy giver and I think that helped some guys stay motivated.

The Pro A finals are always 2 games with the winner having the best scores in the 2 games. How strange was that 78-78 score in game 1? Were you still waiting for the OT period to come?

Really strange, I don’t think in my whole career of being a student of the game and playing that I’ve ever seen that. But it was cool I guess we believed in ourselves at home.

Was the 78-78 more an advantage or disadvantage from your perspective for Rasta Vechta or for the Tigers? You as a team must of felt very confident with the incredible fans going into the second game?

We were undefeated at home until that point so we were reasonably confident also understanding that Tubigen is a dangerous squad.

Vechta had the 8 point lead in the fourth quarter but the guests made a furious comeback and trailed only 63-61. What do you remember going through your head at that time?

They went zone for a while, so we just needed to make some adjustments to our offense to score some easy buckets to deter them from the zone.

How was the celebration night? When did you finally go to sleep and what will you never forget from the party night?


It was fun just hanging with those guys, I’ve made like brothers like real family on this team who I’ll talk to forever. I think that’s more important than any championship, we came together as a unit and got it done! We genuinely enjoyed being around each other.

Rasta Vechta reminded me a lot of top Pro B EPG Baskets Koblenz who won the pro B title. They like you had a very deep and talented roster. They had an incredible chemistry. What was your team’s biggest strength?

Our competitive nature, we competed in absolutely everything. And sometimes practices were more competive than games. We competed healthily though and we weren’t between them lines we were family again, it was a true joy to be a part of.

Two of the team’s main components were Joel Aminu and Ryan Schwieger. Talk a little about what you appreciated most from them on the court?

Joel and Ryan are two of the guys I became really close with on the team. Two of the most talented guys in the league. We just believed in each other though and if it was another guys night I think we did a pretty good job of continuously finding him.

Who was the team unsung hero and who improved the most from the young Americans?

I think the guy who doesn’t get a lot of the credit he deserves is Naz Bohannon. Just does the dirty work guards 1-4, rebounds, pushes the break, dives on loose balls. Just a great guy to have on a team and for sure changed our culture for the good as well. That was our Dennis Rodman essentially.

Let’s talk about your game. You averaged 14/7/3 stats and shot 38% form outside. How would you summarize your season from your perspective?

Just doing whatever we needed when we needed it. Coach believed in me to do that as well which made it a lot easier. But sometimes Joel, Ryan, or Joschka was hot so I was just needed to rebound and defend. That’s the good part of being a part of such a deep team is that your role changes and sometimes that can be within a game. My goal is always to be able to affect the game in many different ways.

You easily played your best and most efficient season in your career dating back past your Iona days. How vital was having the whole Vechta culture and talent there to allow you to perform so well?

Vechta allowed me to mature here, from last year to this year I feel I’ve gotten better. And that’s a credit to the organization that Vechta is!

You played in the highest league so far in your career. Speak a little how vital head coach Ty Harrellson was for your further development as a player?

Ty was essential, he’s a players dream. Allows guys to be themselves within the realms of the offense of course. But he does a great job of not putting cuffs on guys if you’re putting in the work.

Are you ready to play in the easyCredit BBL? On what area’s of your game do you need to work hardest on this summer so you will be best prepared for the next step?

Taking care of the ball is essential next year. At higher levels 2 or 3 turnovers could be the difference in a game. Although I saw ALOT of double teams that’s something I definitely have to watch film on make the adjustments. But also my jumpshot, over the years I’ve locked in on getting it more consistent. Showed a little bit of progression this year but I think there’s still space to improve there.

You had many great games this season but where do you rank your 26 points against Tubeingen in the thrilling 79-77 win in January?

I was hyped for that game with them being right behind us at the number 2 spot. I would put that up there with one of my best games this year.

Who was the toughest player that you faced in the German pro A this season?

Jordan Barnes easily, small guard who shoots it with the best of them. Was always entertaining playing against them because I know him and we chirp back and forth a little bit.

You played 2 seasons of JUCO at Tyler Junior College (JUCO) averaging 6.0ppg, 4.3rpg, 1.6apg, FGP: 40.5%, 3PT: 31.6%, FT: 67.7% and 10.1ppg, 6.2rpg, 1.7apg, FGP: 45.5%, 3PT: 22.2%, FT: 72.6%. Every JUCO player I have interviewed said it was a tough experience but one that they would never have traded the world for. How was it for you?

Amazing, some of my best friends in the world are Juco teammates.

How instrumental was Mike Marquis in your early development as a player? How did he make you NCAA ready?

He prepared me for the business aspect of basketball. I credit a lot of my success to being at Tyler.

How did coaches Tim Cluess and Tra Arnold groom and prepare you best for a professional career?

Tim Cluess is my favorite coach EVER, but those two guys were key pieces to me being success both in college and as a pro! If it wasn’t for those two I don’t if I would be a pro. They were the first coaches to allow me to show my full arsenal of skills.

Who won a 1-1 in practice you or EJ Crawford?


Me of course, Ej is my brother and we always competed but I’m going to go with me.

Who was your toughest player you face din the NCAA that reached the NBA?

Cam Young is in the G league, he was a super tough bucket at Quinnipiac

Please name your 5 best teammates of all-time?

Rickey McGill
Joel Aminu
EJ Crawford
Eden Ewing

Please name your NBA Mount Rushmore?

MJ Lebron Kobe Shaq

Who is your basketball GOAT?

Lebron hope I can move like him at 40.

Thanks Tajuan for the chat.

Tags : TAJUAN AGEE, RASTA VECHTA, GERMAN BASKETBALL

Ricky Easterling (189-G-1983, college: Bridgewater) is a 39 year old 189cm guard that has played 17 professional seasons and 15 for Sunkings Saarlouis (Germany-Regionalliga). He has earned the nickname Mr Regionalliga as he has played 350 + games for Saarlouis. He also played a season for BG Karlsruhe and TSG Reutlingen and Bergheim. He began his with Bridgewater State College. He averaged 20 plus points in a season 13 times and 30 plus points 3 times. He spoke to germanhoops.com about Lebron James becoming the NBA all-time leading scorer.

Lebron James has beaten Kareem Abdul Jabbar’s NBA all-time scoring record. Did you stay up to watch history?

I tried to stay up but I ended up falling asleep. So I caught the highlights in the morning.

How does one put this record into perspective best? It stood almost 40 years? *

The record being held for so long shows you without saying how difficult something like this is to accomplish. So whether you like Lebron or not you have to give him his respect and credit for accomplishing something of this magnitude! He has that from me for sure.

He scored 36 points in 26 minutes. Was it another normal day at the office?

Just another day in the office. He has games like this all time. The only difference between this game and the others is that he broke the record on this day.

How much is that ball going to be worth? *

I have no idea but I’m sure it will be worth big money.

Russell Westbrook made the pass. Do you think that in 20 years the pass could be remembered more than his triple doubles?

Not at all! This pass was a basic entry pass not a slick pass for an assist. So I don’t think anyone will even care about that.

His record breaking basket was a step back over Kenrich Williams. Is that the kind of shot you expected knowing the kind of player he is? Or would you have expected a dunk for the spectacular finish?

Lebron is getting older so he is taking more jump shots. So I’m not surprised he scored a basket like this, but if you asked me before the moment what shot I thought would be the record breaking shot. I would have never guessed a step back or something like this.

There obviously is a lot of respect for Kareem, by the basketball world, but what would have happened on social media if Lebron had gotten the record with a sky hook shot?

That would have went viral and been all over Social media and would have also been the hot topic of the week on every sports channel on TV

Kareem is such a gentleman. You didn’t grow up with him, but what does his legacy mean to younger guys? Can they even understand what that guy did?

If you have any connection to basketball and don’t know how much Kareem means to the game you should be banned from the game completely. And if you are one of those people that don’t know about him I suggest you do your research and find out!

Lebron will have more than 40,000 points when it’s all over. Back in 1984 people said it would never be broken? Will this record be broken?

I can’t see it being broken but all records are meant to be broken. So it will happen at some point. Not sure if it will happen in my lifetime though

If Luka Doncic continues to play to 40 stays fit and becomes a physical specimen like Lebron, could he dethrone him?

He could because his talent is good enough to accomplish something like this. but all that is a big if! He is obviously not taking care of his body like Lebron does. Luka comes to training camp out of shape and for me that shows signs of weakness. And weak ones don’t accomplish milestones like this in their career. So if he gets more serious about his health and body then I can see him passing Lebron one day.

Does this record finally give Lebron the GOAT status over Michael Jordan? *

No! not yet in my opinion. And this is a biggggg lebron fan talking here.

What is your favorite Lebron moment that you witnessed live or on TV?

Cavs Vs GSW Game 7 2016 NBA finals.

Thanks Ricky for the chat.

Tags : RICKY EASTERLING, SUNKINGS SAARLOUIS, GERMAN BASKETBALL

Miles Schmidt-Scheuber and Matthieu Grujicic in Frankfurt 2023

For me not to ask a pro player after a hard fought 40 minute battle for a photo after a game is about as unlikely as Steph Curry not shooting a three in a game. I do it mostly after each game with 1 or 2 players. But taking pics with youth JBBL players? It really hasn’t been that many, but once in a while, if it’s a massive prospect why not. I remember taking a pic with a scrawny 15 year old Franz Wagner after he won the JBBL title with Alba Berlin in 2017 in Frankfurt. In the years that followed guys like Benjamin Schroeder and Roy Krupnikas followed. I remember enjoying interviewing Krupnikas at the 2022 NBBL/JBBL top 4 in Frankfurt and remembered him as coming over as a cool kid. Going into the 2023 NBBL/JBBL top 4, I had heard of huge Alba Berlin prospect Mathieu Grujicic (193-G-2007), a guard who had averaged more than 30,0ppg in the U-16 league. After he scored a crazy 52 points in the final helping his team beat Eintracht Frankfurt-Fraport Skyliners, there was no way I couldn’t ask him. So after the game, I scooted over to where the young kids were talking with fans and friends celebrating the title win. I asked him and he smiled and said yes wait one moment. After another pic for fans, he came over smiling and without hesitation put his arm around me and said, ‘you know I watched the semi-final game and you got my name wrong’. I was the play by play guy for the top 4 which was my fifth tournament and I responded. ‘I know I know. I came to the top 4 and knew that I would have problems with your name, but I believe with time, my pronunciation got better’? He replied with ‘yes it did’. The young scoring ace gave me friendly criticism and I didn’t even notice. Despite the criticism, his charm won me over. He is a guy that you just have to like. ‘He came over very professional in the post game interview. But you see he already has that self confidence that a pro player has. After he received his award he put his arm around ex German national team coach Dirk Bauermann not even thinking he was a legend and when he spoke with current German national team coach Gordon Herbert, it seemed like they had known each other for years. But that is just how he is’, stated Alba Berlin U-16 head coach Josef Dulibic. Mathieu already has serious game but also the special swagger where you just have to adore him.

Grujicic and Dirk Bauerman 2023 foto credit: Sven Kuczera

Mathieu Grujicic was born on June 2nd 2007 in France. His father is from Serbia and mother is from Germany. His parents met in France. They came to Berlin when he was 4 years old. He speaks German and Serbian and a little bit of French. He has a German passport and currently is a German U-16 national player. Often kids will have more than one basketball love but for him it was always basketball. ‘If a day had 36 hours, then he would be playing even more basketball. He is basketball addicted’, stressed Josef Dulibic. He belongs to the top 3 players in the JBBL and topped off his JBBL career with a 52 point explosion in the final. That stat is mindboggling and one you don’t see so often. Scoring so many points is a rare achievement at that level. So how talented is this kid? ‘He is very talented. To become a great player, you need the body and character. He works very hard in the gym especially on his shot. How far one can get too relies on a lot of factors. Dirk Bauermann said it best. You need to become the best version of yourself. He is on a good way’, warned Josef Dulibic. He has trained with Pro B team Lok Bernau and showed at the JBBL level that he was more a man playing with boys. Now he needs to make the next step to the NBBL and Pro B. ‘He needs to think what do I need to do best to become a pro. A player that wants to become a pro needs a good skill set. It’s not about how many lay ups you can make. Two years ago he had no shot. He had good ball handling and only made lay ups in the U-14. This season he became a real good shooter. I thought Roy Krupnikas was a really good shooter last season but Mathieu is a step further. I remember someone saying that it seemed like someone had given Mattheu an Andi Obst jersey for the final’, said Josef Dulibic.

Foto credit: Sven Kuczera

So let’s inspect his game a bit more. He is 197cm at the moment and most likely won’t grow very much more. It looks like the shooting guard is the best suited position for him since he has an incredible shot. In the 2022-2023 season he averaged 33,8ppg, and 8,1rp and shot 35% from outside. He scored 40 points or better 5 times with 44 being his best scoring game before the top 4. He scored 30 points or more 13 times. He is already such a good shooter that one is almost afraid to think where his ceiling will end. Even if I was impressed by his mid range game, it is his three point shooting that will get most in awe. ‘I have never had a player ever that shoots the ball as well as him in my 20 years. Being able to have three point shooting percentages between 35-40% at the JBBL level is incredible. His shot gets better month by month. It is very scary how good of a shooter he already is’, expressed Josef Dulibic. It is also scary to comprehend that he is already a three level scorer now. ‘He could play with pro’s right now. He can penetrate, finish with both hands and take the mid range jumper. He can score in many ways. He is complete in that department’, stated Josef Dulibic. What makes his game extra interesting exciting is that despite being a top scoring machine, he is just as good as a defender. There has to be a reason why he picked up JBBL defender of the year in 2023. ‘He is already a very good defender for his age. He is an aggressive 1-1 defender. He did a good job guarding Davi Remagen and Julius Messer. His biggest weakness is his off ball defense knowing when and where to rotate to’, added Josef Dulibic.

Matthieu Grujicic with German national coach Gordon Herbert foto credit: Sven Kuczera

He came into the top 4 in Frankfurt on a high with his team having been undefeated and remaining undefeated, but with his 52 point explosion was able to bring his game to another level. How can one seriously rate and put this rare performance into perspective? ‘You have to rate this very high. It was the first time a player did this in this tournament and then against the best team. It only takes the best players to do this. We didn’t win 180-10 and he didn’t make 25 lay ups. I’m so proud of him and happy he is on a good way. Plus he took only 28 shots. It is hard to achieve 52 points on only 28 shots. He shot almost 70% from the field. Those are sick numbers. You would expect a Shaq to have those percentages because he is making his points near the basket and making dunks, but you wouldn’t expect it from a shooting guard. Roy Krupnikas also scored a lot last season, but he didn’t shoot at 40%. It was simply an incredible scoring game’, stated Josef Dulibic. Even if he isn’t a pro yet, it won’t be too long before that happens. He is an all-around incredible player, but also has the special character which is the extra coating that makes him that player every team would want. He once even surprised his coach with his character. ‘My family and I were sick. I wrote to all that I couldn’t coach and coach Max would take over the practice. Mathieu wrote me back and asked if I needed anything and if so he would be there for me. Berlin is a big city, but he didn’t worry about anything else and wanted to help me. The whole focus is on him, but still the guys like him. No one is jealous of him. He is a great teammate’, stressed Josef Dulibic. He was able to affect me in only a few minutes and I had never met him in my life. You just have to love the kid. That is everyone except the opponent.

Tags : MATHIEU GRUJICIC, ALBA BERLIN 2ND TEAM, GERMAN BASKETBALL

Jordan Rezendes (188-PG-1992, college: UMass Dartmouth) is a 31 year old 185cm guard from Wareham, Ma playing his fifth professional season and first with JSA Bordeaux Basket (France-NM2). He played 3 seasons in Germany with 2 years in Speyer and one in Cuxhaven. He also played a season in Africa. After playing at Wareham high school, he played at Massachusetts Dartmouth (NCAA3). He spoke to germanhoops.com about Lebron James becoming the NBA’s all-time leading scorer

Lebron James has beaten Kareem Abdul Jabbar’s NBA all-time scoring record. Did you stay up to watch history?

No, I fell asleep but I watched the highlights in the morning.

How does one put this record into perspective best? It stood almost 40 years.

It goes to show you how hard this record was to beat. You have to stay healthy and put up solid numbers for 20 years. Records are meant to be broken but this one was a shocker.

He scored 36 points in 26 minutes. Was it another normal day at the office?

When you are chasing something remarkable of this magnitude, I’m sure he is facing a lot of pressure. Most importantly you want to win the game because your team is fighting for the playoffs. I thought he went out and did what he had to do.

How much is that ball going to be worth?

At least a few million but I’m sure Lebron will keep that forever

Russell Westbrook made the pass. Do you think that in 20 years the pass could be remembered more than his triple doubles?

No unfortunately nobody cares about the pass. Maybe if it was a game winner or alley-oop that made people go crazy. Russell’s triple doubles are legendary.

His record breaking basket was a step back over Kenrich Williams. Is that the kind of shot you expected knowing the kind of player he is? Or would you have expected a dunk for the spectacular finish?

Lebron’s game has elevated and he can make these shots now. I didn’t expect a specific shot but I would have loved to see him do a hook shot like Kareem lol

There obviously is a lot of respect for Kareem, by the basketball world, but what would have happened on social media if Lebron had gotten the record with a sky hook shot?

This would have been legendary and people would have gone crazy.

Kareem is such a gentleman. You didn’t grow up with him, but what does his legacy mean to younger guys? Can they even understand what that guy did?

Kareem paved the way for so many blacks to want to be successful. He was an activist and put his life on the line daily. He was the greatest player in the world in his time and fought for equal rights every day.

Lebron will have more than 40,000 points when it’s all over. Back in 1984 people said it would never be broken? Will this record be broken?

It will be tough but like they say records are meant to be broken.

If Luka Doncic continues to play to 40 stays fit and becomes a physical specimen like Lebron, could he dethrone him?

If he can stay fit then it’s possible. Lebron has been blessed with health and hasn’t faced any serious injures.

Does this record finally give Lebron the GOAT status over Michael Jordan?


Nope MJ is still the Goat

What is your favorite Lebron moment that you witnessed live or on TV?

When he came back from 3-1 against the Warriors.

Thanks Jordan for the chat.

Tags : JORDAN REZENDES, JSA BORDEAUX BASKET, GERMAN BASKETBALL

Foto credit Carleton Ravens

I will never forget the start of 2016 when the Fraport Skyliners announced the signing of Philip Scrubb. The club was having a great season, but added some insurance because they knew they had a special team. I had never heard of him, but how could I, I had never followed Canadian college basketball. A little less than 4 months later, the rest was history as the Fraport Skyliners had won their third club title with the Fiba Europe Cup. Scrubb had been a vital component for the success with his hot and timely shooting and overall high IQ. Scrubb had had a stellar career at Canada’s top college Carleton winning 8 titles and was regarded as being the greatest Canadian college player ever. I definitely never forgot the school name Carleton. Over the years, more guys from there have come overseas. Scrubb’s time in Frankfurt seems like ages ago as it was 2018 when he played his last game in Frankfurt. Since then he has become a very well known player in Europe and played ACB regarded as the second best league overseas after the Euroleague. 5 years later, the Fraport Skyliners have signed another ex Carleton player with Aiden Warnholtz. The similarities between the two are crazy. Both can shoot the lights out, both have a high IQ and most importantly both know how to win as they combined won 14 titles at Carleton. It never hurts getting a gem from Carleton. Current Carleton head coach Taffe Charles coached the women’s team when Scrubb was on board and then transitioned to the men’s team and coached Warnholz for three seasons. ‘The first thing that comes to mind when I think of Aiden Warnholtz’s game is intelligence. He is a very smart player. He is a very smart person and has high emotional intelligence. He knows how to read people and connect with his teammates. He is a great leader and never talked about himself despite having great accolades. For him it was always about the team. He is a lead by example player’, warned current Carleton head coach Taffe Charles. Aiden Warnholtz effects winning and that is exactly what the Fraport Skyliners Desperately need again after too many years of losing.

Philip Scrubb and the Fraport Skyliners winning the 2016 Fiba Europe Cup

Miles Schmidt-Scheuber conducting a post game interview with Philip Scrubb in 2018 in Frankfurt

Aiden Warnholtz (6’2”-G, college: Carleton) was born on February 4th, 2000 in Ottawa, Canada growing up in Kanata. He began his basketball career at Canada top flight academy after having played at Ottawa Next Level helping the squad to a second place finish in the CYBL. His winning began at Canada top fight academy as he won league titles in 2017 and 2018. He quickly was on the radar of the great Carleton University legend head coach Dave Smart and had him in his note book since grade school. After such an illustrious start to his career, he could have had various avenues to go concerning the next step at University with Ivy League or the Patriot League, but he decided to remain in Canada and suit up with Carleton. It is only logical that when you come to a storied program like Carleton, you have to wait your turn, because the school is always stacked with talent. He played his freshman year for Dave Smart averaging 3,9ppg, 1,2rpg, 1,7apg while shooting 43% from down town in 9,6 minutes per game. He shot in double figures 5 times including 13 points against Toronto. In his second season his minutes rose to 14,8 while he averaged 5,6ppg, 1,8rpg and 1,6apg and shot 36% from outside. He scored in double figures again 5 times including netting 14 points against Nipissing and 13 points a piece against York and Ontario Tech. In his first 2 seasons he had already racked up more titles than many guys do as professionals as he won back to back U and OUA titles. In his sophomore season he got Taffe Charles as head coach. His title chase didn’t stop there as it would continue in his last 2 seasons at Carleton. As his minutes continued to increase in his last 2 seasons so did his stats. In his junior year he averaged 28 minutes averaging 13.1ppg, 4.1rpg, 4.2apg, 1.4spg, FGP: 44.7%, 3PT: 38.8%, FT: 79.2%

and in his senior campaign he averaged 34 minutes while averaging 17.9ppg, 5.5rpg, Assists-2 (6.8apg), FGP: 45.3%, 3PT: 42.9%, FT: 87.5%. He would rack up 2 more U titles. ‘He was a big part of 2 titles. He is about the team result. He won whenever the team needed him to. He had to do a lot more for the team scoring wise last season. He shot a lot more last year than the previous years. Near the end of the year when we were better, he was able to be more of a playmaker’, stated Taffe Charles. He played 44 games in his last 2 seasons and scored in double figures in 35 games. Especially in his senior year, he had some massive scoring explosions including 36 points against Ontario Tech, 30 points against McMaster, 29 points against UQUAM and 28 points against Queen’s. He finished his stellar career at Carleton playing 97 games and took home various awards like OUA First Team -2023, U Sports All-Canadian First Team -2023 and U Sports Tournament MVP -2023.

He will be beginning his professional career overseas, but has already sampled pro experience in Canada being part of the Ottawa (CEBL) roster in 2022 being teammates with ex NBA players Walter Lemon Jr and Deng Adel. ‘I loved playing with him. He is a great guy and can really shoot the ball. He’s crafty and quick. I think he can succeed overseas given the right opportunity’, stressed ex NBA player Deng Adel. This summer he played for the Niagara River Lions (CEBL) averaging 3,1ppg, 1,4rpg and 2,1apg in 12,5 minutes. After playing at the Global Jam in Toronto, he will head to Frankfurt, Germany in August to prepare for the 2023-2024 season. So what kind of player will Frankfurt fans see? New Skyliner head coach Denis Wucherer sees a lot of Skyler Bowlin in him while Taffe Charles has to go back a little to find the perfect NBA comparison. ‘There aren’t too many guys that he reminds me of today, but back in the day, I would say Steve Nash. Nash was very unselfish and a way better athlete than you thought. He is a very good shooter and can read the situation before it happens. He is also a very good off ball defender. He really knows where he has to be. He is tough and will take charges. Nash was a pass first kind of point guard and so is Aiden’, commented Taffe Charles. It is a fact that he can shoot out the lights, but his passing game is very developed as well and seeing those no look passes and other fancy dishes this season won’t be off the menu either. ‘He is a pass first point guard. Last season he was asked to score a lot more than he ever did. He can really shoot the ball and is one of the best shooters we ever had at Carleton. But he would rather pass than shoot. He is a great passer. He is a timeline passer’, warned Taffe Charles. But it isn’t just scoring and dishing out dimes, but the kid definitely has a versatile game that many would die for. He proved that at Carleton and twice demonstrated his triple double capabilities as he had a 17/12/12 game against Laurentian and 15/11/13 performance against Lakehead. He is also more than a capable defender. ‘When he began at Carleton, he had to do the little things better. Often he didn’t defend mainly because we didn’t want him in foul trouble, but when we needed him, he could defend. He is super competitive. People underestimate that. He hates to lose and when he does lose, he has the right mentality to get back on track’, warned Taffe Charles. When you look at his size, many question marks will arise like will he be able to adjust to the physicality overseas? ‘He does look small and everybody needs to get better, but he has that as a big focus. But the reality is at Carleton we don’t concern ourselves so much with strength or how a player looks. We would rather pick the shooter over the guy that spends his whole time in the weight room. Now that he is a pro, he will be able to dedicate time to being in the weight room. He was a super student and had many responsibilities, so that is why he didn’t spend as much time in the weight room. He knows now what he has to do as a professional. He is a tireless worker and has a fantastic work ethic. He will continue to get stronger during his career, because he will put in the time’, warned Taffe Charles.

But what also is so crucial at the pro level is also how good of a person the player is? Does he have the character that will help make a difference on and off the court? This is something that every team hopes their players will have, but so often are disappointed. The good news for the Fraport Skyliners is they have gotten a player that is special off the court. ‘He is a fantastic player and human being. Almost a better human being than player. Coach Wucherer will love him. He does what is asked of him to do at a high level. He understands high concepts and will be able to execute them. He will know how to put everyone in the right position and where they will be standing and help them without them looking bad. He is simply a great teammate. What people don’t realize is that he does things that effects winning. He is a winning basketball player. There are guys with little stats or that will score when your up 20 points, but he will do exactly what is needed to win the game. My experience has been nothing but the best with him. He taught me a lot about how teammates are supposed to be. He just has the right stuff. He is going to be a great pro’, warned Taffe Charles. His ex teammate Connor Vreeken who have played together since they were 16 years old knows exactly what kind of a guy he is. Simply the best. ‘He approaches everything he does the same way. Whether that’s on the court with training and playing at a high level everyday in practice or in the classroom maintaining stellar grades and consistently being awarded as an Academic All-Canadian. Everything he does is done with a level of excellence that a lot of people can’t maintain. I think one of the things that makes Aiden so unique is that he is an incredibly talented basketball player (the best player in Canada last year), but he still puts the needs of others ahead of his own. If I ever needed help with anything or was going through personal stuff during the season I could always talk to him and he would be there for me. However, it extends past just his close friends and family. We played games every Friday and Saturday night during the season. Often times getting back to Ottawa between 2-5am from road trips. Every Sunday morning Aiden would be in the gym with a group of Grade 8 boys – coaching them and providing the same attention to detail to their practice that he had played with the night before. He’s a very special individual. His success has never influenced his ego. He is extremely humble and has very good values instilled within him that have never wavered with his success’, stressed Connor Vreeken who will play his rookie season in Cyprus. The comparisons to Phil Scrubb obviously won’t end in his rookie season in Frankfurt, but that is expected since he had such a successful time in Frankfurt. ‘To be honest, I have never seen him play, but I have heard really good things about him as a player and person. And he is coming from a great college program in Canada’, said German national coach Gordon Herbert. ‘Phil and Aiden have similar paths in a way and in some ways don’t. Phil was a big part of the team right in his freshman year and in the 5 titles. Phil is a better finisher, but Aiden is as good of a shooter and maybe an even better shooter. Aiden may be a better spot up shooter and Phil better off the dribble. Both of those guys lived in their own ways being very quiet and no raw raw’, stressed Taffe Charles. He is just at the beginning of his career and has so much time to develop. This guard definitely has the full package and can only bring joy to the Skyliner organization and fans. Everybody remembers the incredible shooting of Scrubb and if Warnholtz is as good or even better, then there will be many joyous occasions for the club this season. And besides you just can’t go wrong with Carleton products.

Two years ago around this time, Covid was in full force, Lionel Messi won his first country international title with the Copa America with Argentina as big and better things would follow in 2022, and Giannis helped secure the Milwaukee Bucks first title in 50 years with 50 points in the final deciding game. For most overseas ballers, it was a time to refuel for the upcoming 22-23 season. But not for American Jeremy Ireland (200-F-1996, college: Elmhurst) who had been a professional player for 3 seasons, but never been overseas. For guys that don’t play overseas, you usually have the opportunity to play year round. He had been keeping up ends playing in semi-pro leagues in the States in the ABA and TBL with teams like The Chi, Phoenix Valley Outlaw and the West Coast Breeze. Now 2 years later, he is still dreaming of getting that first gig in Europe, but has filled up his passport and improved his resume immensely having played in countries like Nicaragua, Uruguay, India, Chille and Mexico. The grind just doesn’t end for the ex Elmhurst College (NCAA3) forward as currently he has added a new country to the mix with Ecuador. It almost seems like he is taking on every job he gets, but that isn’t the case. ‘Hahaha well not exactly every job, but I’m trying to stay employed. My body feels great and I’m grateful that the teams continue to have confidence in my abilities’, said Jeremy Ireland. He continues to grind in the lab and play as best he can with every given opportunity as Europe is where he wants to land. ‘I’m confident that I will be there soon, I believe my play style fits. I love to move the ball & find ways to score within an offense, while also allowing my teammates to be involved’, stressed Jeremy Ireland. He knows that he could play in Europe, but as always in life, it’s often than not about the money. One guy who’s dad is an NBA legend is also trying to get overseas and was offered 600 Euro per month for a job in Germany. Of course contacts is also super vital in helping a lesser known player get any kind of solid offer. ‘I know Germany is a great market for scorers. The tricky part is the salaries in Europe are low to start and if I get a solid contract I’d be more than interested. You want as many people you can in that country to see you play and not only respect your game, but how you carry yourself as a pro. I’ve gotten 2 jobs based on peer connections’, stated Jeremy Ireland.

The 200cm scoring forward who compares his game to Carmelo Anthony and Tobias Harris has really gotten around the block in the last 2 years. He finally got that first gig outside the US boarder in Nicaragua with Leones de Managua averaging 12.3ppg, 7.7rpg, 2.6apg, 1.7spg, FGP: 41.8%, 3PT: 25.0%, FT: 70.8%. It is definitely an experience he will never forget since it was his first time outside the United States. ‘This was my first experience and a learning one for sure. Extremely humid climate and outdoor courts. It really forced me to think about how bad I wanted it’, remembered Jeremy Ireland. It is always interesting to see the kind of players he has dealings with on the court as a teammate or foe. One would be surprised how good the talent is even in semi-pro leagues at home. The competitive level between players is as fierce as famished Lions in South Africa dueling for that Antelope. Each guy has his own story and it wasn’t any different with veterans Chris Blake who has carved out a solid 10 year career in Central America while Cameron Lard has shown his qualities overtime averaging 12/8 as a senior at Iowa State and playing in the NBA Summer League and G-League, but had no problem playing in Nicaragua. ‘Chris is a good player and has carved out a niche in that market definitely. I could easily see myself playing for 10 years maybe in other markets. Cam is a monster, he will be as successful as he wants to be. But it does show that overseas is not a piece of cake, you really have to work and be dedicated to this. It takes every day to be great’, warned Jeremy Ireland. He scored 20 points against Tigres and netted 14 points against Indigenas.

In between, the Illinois native who lists Scott Lindsey, Mike Smith, Jake Rhode, Alex Sorenson, Greg Carter as his 5 best teammates of all-time found himself back at home getting some more semi-pro experience as he balled with the San Diego Sharks (TBL) averaging 10.8ppg, 2.8rpg and with the SoCal Moguls (TBL) averaging 11.1ppg, 4.9rpg, FGP: 55.9%, 3PT: 8.3%, FT: 74.5%. The league continues to get a better name, but it also helps when you have high quality guys participating. ‘ Everyone who played overseas will agree, it’s fun to play with Americans again. As long as it’s a solid organization I would recommend anybody to play in TBL if they are free in that season. The league is only getting better and better. There so many talented Americans playing in the TBL like Roscoe Smith, Billy White, Greg Carter, Dominic McGuire, Nigel Jones and Paul Harrison’, commented Jeremy Ireland. He scored 23 points against SoCal M and 19 points against San Diego S. His next opportunity was in Uruguay where he played with Nacional FC Salto (Uruguay-Liga Salteno) playing 18 games and led the league in scoring, was second in rebounding and fourth in steals averaging 18.7ppg, 10.7rpg, 2.2apg,1.9spg, FGP: 43.5%, 3PT: 32.9%, FT: 57.8%. It is no surprise that this was his best span of basketball he has ever played. ‘We had a culture of winning. Everyone came in, ready to work, ready to get better. Guys played the game to win and didn’t care who shot the shots. That was an amazing season’, expressed Jeremy Ireland. The only thing missing was getting that chip, but Ferro CS had other ideas winning the finals 3-1. ‘You have to finish. That team came with a different energy in the Finals and we didn’t match the intensity’, explained Jeremy Ireland. He scored in double figures in 17 of 18 games, had 20 points or more 8 times and registered 11 double doubles. He had a 32/11 game against Circulo, and 26 points and 25/17 games against Juventus. Off the court he visited the exotic Punta Del Este known to be the Monte Caro of South America.

The ex Fenwick High School great who lists Dwyane Wade, Damien Lillard, LeBron James, Michael Jordan on his personal NBA Mount Rushmore finally got away from the Americas and went to exotic India to play for Tuikual South BC (India-Mizoram Super League) averaging 24.6ppg, 10.6rpg, 4.5apg, 3PT: 34%, FG: 48%, FT: 85%. Once again he had no difficulty getting adjusted to a new league and style and posted very consistent stats, but unfortunately once again was denied the most important treat for a player. ‘That was a very fun league, the fans energy was crazy. The talent will rise as that area continues to develop its young talent. That league only had 1 import so most of us had good stats but I was hungry after losing in the Finals’, said Jeremy Ireland. Off the court he had the luxury of seeing what Indian beaches are about in Mumbai. Next stop was Chille where he balled for CD Asociacion de Basquetbol Temuco (Chile-LNB) averaging 17.2ppg, 8.0rpg, 1.0apg, 1.0spg, 2FGP: 49.1%, 3FGP: 30.4%, FT: 73.3%. It was another very potent season where he showed he can be a dominant player and could also be his way into the door in South America in the future for new jobs. South America could be a place he could see himself playing if Europe doesn’t pan out. ‘I speak Spanish which helps. They play very tough basketball and are great passers down here which I like a lot. I want to step into those better markets such as Argentina, Uruguay and Venezuela’, stressed Jeremy Ireland. He last played in Mexico with with Ostioneros de Guaymas (Mexico-CIBACOPA) where he averaged 11,0ppg and 3,6rpg. One would be surprised what kind of high level players you will find in Mexico. He was teammates with Anthony Smith who played at Murray State (NCAA) and played against Jordan Loveridge who played in the German Pro A. ‘This was definitely the best league I’ve played in and a good experience. It showed me I can score with the best of them and on the best defenders but there are still areas where I can improve. This league gave me insight into the next steps I need to take with my game, body and mental approach’, added Jeremy Ireland.

It will be interesting to observe where his next journey will take him as he has nothing new in the pipeline yet. If he doesn’t have a job in August, then you can be sure he will be following the World Cup which will be played in Asia. When the Team USA 12 man roster was announced, it was difficult to believe it at first as there were no big superstars. ‘That roster scares me because the rest of the world is hungry. There are so many international players being drafted these days. They will really have to compete defensively to win. I like the pieces they have, they have some good hard nosed two way guys (Reaves, Bridges). They will have to compete on every possession’, warned Jeremy Ireland. He also believes to know how the roles will be shared among the NBA players. ‘Ingram, Halliburton and Bridges will be the go to guys, Brunson and Edwards will provide some sparks & Jackson & Kessler will anchor the defense’, warned Jeremy Ireland. As a confident American and baller, it is only obvious that he thinks that despite the personal, team USA will bring home the Gold. But perhaps he will actually be in Europe at the end of August getting ready with a team. He knows that in order for that dream to happen, he will have to continue to tweak 2 area’s of his game. ‘Ball handling is something I always feel like you can improve and I really want to get my 3PFG% higher those are the easy shots I normally get’, stressed Jeremy Ireland. After so much added experience in different countries in the last 2 years, he knows that he is ready for that first gig in Europe. ‘I feel like I understand what winning looks like at the overseas level. More than just scoring, I’ve seen the ups and downs of what good culture and bad culture looks like. I just try to get better & focus on things I can do to win. I know that winning translates so that is the type of player I want to present myself as, a winner’, warned Jeremy Ireland. All Jeremy Ireland needs now is an opportunity. Let’s go GM’s and let this hungry American showcase his skills. He has been long overdo for a chance.

Tags : JEREMY IRELAND, OSTIONEROS DE GUAYMAS, GERMAN BASKETBALL

Philip Jenkins (188-G-1990, college: Life) is a 32 year old 188cm guard from Goose Creek South Catrlina that played last season with TV Langen averaging 12.2ppg, 5.0rpg, 2.2apg, 1.7spg, FGP: 43.3%, 3PT: 34.4%, FT: 66.7%. Previously he played 2 seasons with VFL Bensheim. He had previous experience in Germany playing three years with TS 1856 Frankfurt-Griesheim. He played at various school’s in the States with Francis Marion University (NCAA2), Cleveland State Community College, Clinton Community College and Life University. He spoke germanhoops.com about Lebron James becoming the NBA’s all-time leading scorer.

Lebron James has beaten Kareem Abdul Jabbar’s NBA all-time scoring record. Did you stay up to watch history?

It’s was about 4 am here in Germany so I didn’t get a chance to see it

How does one put this record into perspective best? It stood almost 40 years?

Lebron is the most durable athlete of all time ! The way he takes care of his body is unmatched

He scored 36 points in 26 minutes. Was it another normal day at the office?

He was determined to get it out of the way as soon as possible but to bad the team couldn’t pull of the win on the historic night

How much is that ball going to be worth?

A lot

Russell Westbrook made the pass. Do you think that in 20 years the pass could be remembered more than his triple doubles?

Absolutely not, Russell Westbrook is an all time player before a pass to Lebron

His record breaking basket was a step back over Kenrich Williams. Is that the kind of shot you expected knowing the kind of player he is? Or would you have expected a dunk for the spectacular finish?

Lebron plays the right way so it was expected that the shot would come from whatever the defense gave him instead of him focusing on what kind of shot would break the record

There obviously is a lot of respect for Kareem, by the basketball world, but what would have happened on social media if Lebron had gotten the record with a sky hook shot?

Social media would of exploded as usual with everything Lebron does but that would of displayed how focused Lebron was on the type of shot instead of the game

Kareem is such a gentleman. You didn’t grow up with him, but what does his legacy mean to younger guys? Can they even understand what that guy did?

Kareem is a legend in all generations but those who got to watch him definitely have a bigger understanding and feeling of how iconic of not just a basketball player but also a human being he was, on and off the court.

Lebron will have more than 40,000 points when it’s all over. Back in 1984 people said it would never be broken? Will this record be broken?

Records are meant to be broken and at the rate the game is evolving and changing I’m sure it will, some day.

If Luka Doncic continues to play to 40 stays fit and becomes a physical specimen like Lebron, could he dethrone him?

It’s possible

Does this record finally give Lebron the GOAT status over Michael Jordan?


No , I still have Jordan and Kobe over him.

What is your favorite Lebron moment that you witnessed live or on TV?

The iconic lob pass picture from Dwayne Wade when Lebron was on the Heat.

Thanks Philip for the chat.

Tags : PHILIP JENKINS, TV 1862 LANGEN, GERMAN BASKETBALL

foto credit Dennis Duddek

Tom Walther is the assistant coach of the Tigers Tuebingen. He is considered Germany’s youngest Pro A assistant and now will be the youngest easyCredit BBL assistant coach. He began his career with USC Leipzig and then was an assistant coach with the BSW Sixers before moving to Tuebingen. Last season he helped the Tigers move up to the easyCredit BBL. He spoke to germanhoops.com about basketball.

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

I’m currently back in Leipzig, spending time with my Family. But Basketball life is giving me no break. I’m looking at players profiles and breaking down their film nearly every day.

Congrats on moving up to the easyCredit BBL and reaching the Pro A final. Did you honestly have the feeling in September 2022 that the team would reach the final again?

I felt from the beginning that we have a great team together but all of us knew how competitive the Pro A is so we were taking it one game at a time and focused on getting better throughout the season. Going into the playoffs we knew that we’ll be really hard to beat if we stick to our normal performances.

The Tigers Tuebingen lost a tough final to Rasta Vechta. Was losing the final tough for you to digest?

It really hurt in the beginning to finish with only a silver medal but at the end of the day I’m still really happy about the season and proud of the team for making it to the finals and moving up.

Was the final already lost in Tuebingen with the 78-78 result? How tough was it accepting that tie after having beat them at home by 11 points earlier in the season?

Finishing the game with a tie was for most of us a new experience haha, earlier in the season both teams played with a different lineup so the previous games didn’t really matter but it was tough because we blew a 10 point lead in the 2nd half. Vechta didn’t lose a home game this year – we knew it would be difficult but it was basically still 0:0 after the first game, so we didn’t lose the series in Tuebingen. Unfortunately we made too many mistakes then in Vechta and lost.

Did the club feel extra pressure going back to Vechta having to survive somehow in their dome?

I think there was no pressure at all during the whole finals, we worked hard all year long for this moment so we wanted to enjoy this series.

Tuebingen fought back hard and trailed 63-61 in crunch-time, but Ryan Schwieger then scored twice and that was it. Was there anything the Tigers could have done differently in crunch-time to preserve the win?

Looking back at the game tape you can always find things that we could have done differently but I believe we didn’t lose the game only in crunch time, we had up and downs for the whole 40 minutes.

The Tigers Tuebingen had a very special season. Now after witnessing the success, what do you truly feel like was the team’s biggest strength?

Togetherness was definitely the biggest strength in this team, we had very good chemistry and combined with hard work in practice we became a tough team to beat.

The club only had 1 American. I can’t remember ever seeing a Pro A team reach the final with only 1 American. Was this a good example that top team basketball can be reached without an indulge of Americans?

Looking at this year’s roster and also the previous rosters of Tigers Tuebingen you can see that we have a different way of putting a team together – we proved that it doesn’t take 5-6 good Americans to become successful. So yes, I think it’s a good example for others that you can also be a winning team with young, talented German and European players.

Let’s talk about the players. How did you see the development of American Zac Seljaas? He played in low leagues and came to Tuebingen and bang was the leader. What steps did you see in his game this season?

Zac worked very hard all year long and stayed in the gym after every practice so I’m not surprised by his development and that his shooting seemingly became better and better. In my opinion he became well deserved the MVP of Pro A.

German Mateo Seric had another great season and his second in a row in the Pro A. After not getting a real chance in Bamberg is he ready for the easyCredit BBL now?

Mateo had a huge impact on the success during the last 2 years in Pro A and deserves to play in BBL, I think he’s ready.

How much of a joy was it coaching Aatu Kivimaki? What did you learn to appreciate most from his game?

It was a lot of joy to work together with him, he’s a true Point Guard who can control the game with high IQ and I also appreciate him for knowing some set plays of the opponent better than I did haha

You coached your first season for Danny Jansson. What kind of an experience was it working with him for you? How did the trust grow throughout the season?

It was a really good experience, I learned a lot of new things basketball wise but also about music and good taste. I really enjoyed the freedom and trust that I had when doing the opponent scouting.

How do you feel did you grow as a coach? What kind of a coach did you become?

I believe I developed a lot tactical wise but also took a step forward coaching wise, while doing individual workouts with our guards.

How was the whole coaching experience plus keeping check with your studies? How much of a challenge was it?

It was a huge work load and the driving between practice in Tuebingen and studying in Stuttgart wasn’t always easy but towards the end of the season I ended up spending way more time for cutting video and for being in the gym.

What was your favorite moment during the season on the court? Possibly game 5 win over Bremerhaven?

Unfortunately I had to watch game 5 vs Bremerhaven at home because I got sick and had fever all week long. Therefore winning against Karlsruhe in game 3 and moving up to BBL was the best moment on the court.

What was your favorite moment off the court with a player that showed the kind of bond everyone really had within the Tigers?

I enjoyed many moments off the court like watching Euroleague/playing PlayStation on a off-day or getting lunch together after morning practices. Definitely won’t forget my birthday when Erol Ersek invited me to dinner after a exhausting trip to Bremerhaven the day before.

Thanks Tom for the chat.