I last saw Ken Johnson (210-C-1978, college: Ohio St.) 14 years ago when he was playing with the Telekom Baskets Bonn. Time flies and sometimes it is difficult to remember details from interviews especially when you have interviewed so many guys over 20 years. The season before he came to Bonn, the ex NBA player suited up for the then Deutsche Bank Skyliners and I remember interviewing him in his apartment in Basketball City Mainhatten in Frankfurt. I was recording special footage for my then weekly basketball show on radio called Tipoff Basketball Bundesliga magazine. Ken who is a deeply religious man was cooking lunch for himself and I had to stare at him in astonishment a few times when seeing just how tall he was. There had been a reason why he had reached the NBA and become a block monster in every league he had played in. I wanted to get as much information about his playing career and already back then had unending questions. And then it happened, the conversation changed from basketball to family. He told me how much he missed his daughter. I could really feel how sad he was. At that point he was already playing his seventh professional season and somehow was living away from his family. Usually the family is with the player, but often when they aren’t, the basketball dream overseas dies, because the family becomes most important and guys just head home again. After 9 seasons Ken Johnson called it a career and went back to Ohio. ‘I would say the fondest moments for me while playing in Europe was when I was on a plane going back home. That might sound somewhat harsh but I spent 9 years in Europe while my children were at home. That was 10 months out of the year that I could not see them and the little breaks we did get was just not enough. I’m a family man and I believe that family is first that is the main reason why I retired early’, stressed Ken Johnson. 14 years later after I read his thoughts on his daughters during his career, my memory of being in the kitchen in Frankfurt with him and his sadness over missing his daughter popped back into my mind.

Miles Schmidt-Scheuber and Ken Johnson in the Ballsporthalle after the Telekom Baskets Bonn had beat Frankfurt in 5 games in 2008

Ken Johnson enjoyed a fruitful 9 year pro career after having a stellar career at Ohio State where he led the NCAA in blocks in 2000. ‘I do miss playing college ball to be honest that was the best time of my life’, stressed Ken Johnson.

He was drafted by the Miami Heat in 2001 at #48. He played 16 NBA games for the Miami Heat and had the honor to play for the legendary Pat Riley. ‘Pat Riley looks like a tough guy and he is. He wasn’t a screamer but he demanded you do what was asked of you or you would not play. Pat Riley gave us a story once about Magic Johnson and Kareem and said that it was a completely different era and they were very dominant and their practices were just as hard as games if not harder’, remembered Ken Johnson. He played his final NBA game against the Toronto Raptors winning 103-99 and recording 8 points, 10 rebounds, 1 steal and 1 block. After his NBA stint and playing for the Dakota Wizards and Huntsville Flight, he would go on to have a stellar career overseas playing in countries like Italy, France, Korea, Spain, Switzerland, Germany and Estonia. He also played for D-League team Alburquerque Thunderbirds. He played two years in Germany with Frankfurt and Bonn. He reached the semi-finals with Frankfurt and reached the final with Bonn in 2009. 14 years later, I wanted to give him a big interview, but because of his job, he answered only some of my questions. I wanted to get his memories of the bitter 5 game series loss to Oldenburg, but sometimes being silent is better. ‘I do not follow the teams that I played for because life has moved on for me. I played for several different teams and they’re just too many teams to follow but every now and then I do hear about the success from Bonn and Bourg in France. Our team in Germany was very talented and we had several guys that cooked and really played high level ball but we all know that the NBA is really politics and your agent. It’s all part of the game and I’ve learned to accept that. I am thankful for that time and I’m very grateful and I thank God for the opportunity’, stressed Ken Johnson. Fans will remember Ken Johnson as a rim protector and big that could get your team out of a jam. He once had 8 blocks against Cologne. It was always enjoyable watching him swat away balls. It would be interesting to see how a young Ken Johnson would fair in today’s game. ‘Today’s game has changed drastically. The big men are basically expected to dribble and shoot perimeter shots. The bigs like Shaq and Yao Ming are rarely needed now they are too slow for today’s game. Today’s game is not as physical as the NBA in the early 2000s’, warned Ken Johnson.

Miles Schmidt-Scheuber interviewing Ken Johnson after he returned back to Frankfurt with the Telekom Baskets Bonn winning 81-66 as he chipped in with 6 points and 4 rebounds

If you follow Ken Johnson on social media in 2023, you will often see him posting pictures of himself and people next to car’s. His life in the job world now revolves around cars. Anyone that is a salesman knows that selling something can be as demanding as trying to guard a Shaq back in the day. He also knows that he has certain advantages over other salesmen who don’t have that same menacing presence and overwhelming back round. ‘Life after basketball has been good but challenging. My body hurts all the time but I manage to stay active. My sales job keeps me waking up at 6m every day which is good as I age. I have never liked being a salesman because of high pressure tactics but I have managed to do well here just being honest and being myself. Customers love me because of my sports background and not being your typical pushy salesman’, stated Ken Johnson. He has been away for the game now for 13 years and does think often about the happy times overseas. ‘I don’t really miss pro ball what I do miss is the relationships that I’ve gained, I miss the awesome fans in each city, and I miss some of the teammates that I’ve had along the way’, said Ken John son. His time overseas may not always have been easy as he was without family, but he made a living and could support his family. The most important thing now is that he can always be with his family. ‘I enjoy every moment that I am here with them. My oldest daughter has already graduated and my second daughter is almost finished with college as well so I am very proud of them. Life is too short and I believe that there is nothing more important than family’, warned Ken Johnson. Family should always be #1.

Miles Schmidt-Scheuber and Ken Johnson in 2008 in Frankfurt

There is always a first time. Who would of thought that the Telekom Baskets Bonn couldn’t master crunch-time in their own building in the 2022-2023 season? They had mowed down most of their opponents during the regular season, had extreme ease against the Niners Chemnitz and even against an aggressive and fighting squad from Ludwigsburg still it didn’t seem like they would ever lose again at home this season. But beware ratiopharm ulm is for real. Many may be blinded by TJ Shorts eccentric hairdo and the dominance of the Telekom Baskets Bonn, but there is a reason why Ulm got by Germany’s 2 most well-known teams Alba Berlin and FC Bayern Munich. In game 1, ratiopharm Ulm came to play and played an incredible game against Bonn showing that Bonn aren’t invincible in their own living room. Everyone knew that he game 1 loss would have the Telekom Baskets Bonn thinking and everyone knew that Bonn wouldn’t have another poor shooting night back to back again. Had they shot a little better in game 1 they probably would have won the game, because they ruled the boards. On a beautiful Sunday evening the two clubs came to battle again only 48 hours later and this time Bonn found the ocean again nailing 16 three’s, sharing the ball around beautifully and just playing Telekom Baskets Bonn basketball as they demolished ratiopharm Ulm 104-74. ‘We played with a lot more intensity. We simply did us. We focused on our identity for 40 minutes. We did what we do best with rebounding, limiting second chance points and limiting their transition’, said Telekom Baskets Bonn forward Tyson Ward. Ratiopharm Ulm fell apart midway through the second quarter and that was that. They allowed the Telekom Baskets Bonn to play their game and played catch up the rest of the way. ‘We didn’t have the needed intensity. We didn’t defend well, didn’t move the ball well and didn’t rebound well’, stressed ratiopharm Ulm guard Thomas Klepeisz.

TJ Shorts at the FT line

It was a steam filled Telekom dome as the sauna like conditions were in full force as both teams played a high tempo to start, but one could sense that the Telekom Baskets Bonn had a totally different focus and their intensity was a lot higher than in game 1. Two rapid three’s by Australian Finn Delany (200-PF-1995, college: SW Baptist) and ex Crailsheim guard Jeremy Morgan was an early indication that Bonn had their sniper qualities in full force again. The game was tight as ratiopharm ulm got 2 vital three’s by Klepeisz to stay close trailing only 12-10. easyCredit BBL MVP TJ Shorts missed one shot early and was slowed down well, but Bonn had enough other guys step up as American Javontae Hawkins, ex Trier guard Sebastian Herrea scored easy lay ins and Delany made a tip in for the Bonn 19-13 advantage. Ulm had problems staying consistent at the free throw line and Bonn just kept playing under control and executing in fine fashion as Herrea dropped a trey and Shorts remained patient and picked his spots well and made a lay in for the 26-16 lead after 10 minutes. The Telekom Baskets Bonn were shooting at a solid rate of 50% from the field and 45% from outside while ratiopharm Ulm was at 42% from the field and 29% from outside. Bonn also controlled the boards 10-6 and had 4 offensive rebounds. ‘Bonn had a lot more energy than in game 1. Their game 1 jitters were totally gone now. I think game 1 was one of their worst games this season. They finally began to hit shots and were defending with a higher intensity’, stated NCAA 2 most three point shots made in a game with 16 Markus Hallgrimson.

Brandon Paul from downtown

In the second quarter ratiopharm Ulm shocked Bonn with an annoying run, but in the last 5 minutes, Bonn returned with their punch which ultimately put the game near out of reach. But in the first few minutes, it didn’t look anything like a Bonn romp through the dome. Instead it was ratiopharm ulm, that found to their game at both ends and erupted with a tantalizing 10-0 run and suddenly the game was dead locked at 26-26. 5 minutes had elapsed and the Telekom Baskets Bonn had been stopped 7 times. With every new stop, Ulm gained more confidence as they had buckled down on defense and made the decision making a lot harder for Bonn with aggressive defense and made big plays as Robin Christen made a massive block on Tyson Ward. Christen is one of many on the Ulm squad that just does his job and doesn’t complain. ‘He is really smart and knows the game well. He plays his role well and just knows when to shoot and when not to. He definitely has found his role in the BBL’, warned Markus Hallgrimson. In the run Ulm received vital support from German Karim Jallow who played NBA Summer League in 2022 as he had 7 points. He showed his athleticism as always and his versatility making a lay in and three pointer. Christen added a trey for good measure after his block. Bonn finally got on the board for the first time getting a reverse lay in from Jeremy Morgan at the 5,21 minute mark and Bonn led 28-26. Basketball is always a game of runs and the Telekom Baskets Bonn demonstrated it best outscoring Ulm 17-3 to lead 45-29 at the break. Bonn has showed so often this year once they have their game flowing, it is almost impossible to stop. Bonn shared the ball around well as Morgan added 4 more points and sniper Sebastian Herrea added a trey while Finn Delany supplied key support with 6 points. TJ Shorts added a mid distance bank shot. Bonn was like a runaway train and Ulm had no resources to stop them. The Telekom Baskets Bonn were shooting ok, but not great at 42% from the field and 39% from the three point line while ratiopharm Ulm was at 31% from the field and 24% from the three point line, but it was the dominance on the boards that allowed them extra possessions as they had 10 offensive rebounds. ‘Bench was key and Bonn played smarter and faster. Finn Delany also gave them a big push. He had been a little hesitant in game 1, but he seemed like a new player. They are very deep and athletic and showed they could do it even with TJ Shorts on the bench’, stated Markus Hallgrimson.

Josh Hawley at the FT line

In the third quarter the Telekom Baskets Bonn were able to not shift up one gear but two more gears exploding for 30 points and putting the contest totally out of reach leading by an incredible 31 points after 3 quarters. Bonn began the third quarter well going on a 7-3 run to extend their lead to 54-32. In the run, they got a sweet alley-oop dunk from Leon Kratzer, a floater from Delany and three from ex Wurzburg American Tyson Ward. Ulm added a three pointer by ex NBA player Bruno Caboclo. Then Bonn center Michael Kessens was handed a disqualifying foul that had the dome on fire with a mad roar of fans and one would of thought this scene could change the tide of the game, but instead Bonn seemed to use that as a motivation charge and just kept executing their offense going on a 10-2 run to lead 64-36. In the run, Bonn got added support from the long ball getting three’s from Delaney and ex Augusta University (NCAA2) forward Deane Williams while Ward made a lay in for the 64-36 Bonn advantage. Bonn had found their shooting stroke and had consistency while Ulm got nothing easy on offense and had too work for every shot. Bonn continued to own the boards as Ulm couldn’t match their intensity or physicality. Down the stretch Ulm got some buckets from ex NBA player Brandon Paul getting an incredible pass from 19 year phenom Jose Nunez as he made the perfect ball reversal and a lay in from Montenegrin forward Fedor Zugic, but they just couldn’t produce stops. ‘Juan has a good eye. It is really nice to watch him pass the ball’, said Robin Christen. Bonn added lay in’s by Herrera and a floater from Shorts and another three from Delaney to lead 75-44 after 30 minutes. ‘We continued to hit three’s. We didn’t want to get emotional but just kept honing in on our identity. We trusted each other as shots kept falling’, added Tyson Ward. ‘We didn’t play defense the way we wanted to. Bonn punished us every time we made a mistake. We didn’t rebound well. We have to do a better job fighting for the rebound’, stated Robin Christen. Bonn continued to shoot well over 40% from the field and the parking lot while Ulm was at 32% from the field and 29% from the parking lot. Bonn also continued to control the boards well at 33-19.

Finn Delany from outside

In the fourth quarter Ratiophram Ulm finally showed offensively what they are capable of scorching the Telekom Baskets Bonn for 31 points, but you can’t make a dent in the score when you allow the opponent to score 29 points. The Telekom Baskets Bonn began getting good support from giant Leon Kratzer who scored twice as his teammates were making him shine while TJ Shorts made a floater. It is a real delight to watch the diminutive guard slide through the cracks and make Ulm wonder play after play how does one stop this guy as it is impossible in a 40 minute game. With the game more than decided ratiopharm ulm head coach Anton Gavel used his bench inserting 212cm German hulk Nicolas Bretzel and he wasted no time making a pretty left handed hook shot, free throw and dishing out a dime to Jallow. But the Telekom Baskets Bonn continued to execute at ease getting an exciting Jeremy Morgan bank shot three as the shot clock buzzer erupted as well as a Delany dunk and Shorts left handed lay in as ratiopharm Ulm still had a steep climb back trailing 89-58. Now the game showcased little defense as fans saw an offensive show. Deane Williams found his special perch in the left corner and would drill home three more three’s as Bonn had to have given Gavel a lot to think about how they are going to stop the raining of three’s in the next 2 games in Ulm. Williams continued to show that he is one of many special role players in the lineup for Tuomas Iisalo. ‘Deane is a big time scorer. He has so much length and athleticism. His three pointer spaces out the defense. He is a big time player’, warned Tyson Ward. Both coaches went to their bench one last time in the last minute letting young Germans Zach Ensminger who scored 3 free throws and David Fuchs who will attend the University of Rhode Island this fall record a bucket. ‘The only positive thing for us in the fourth quarter was the play of Nicolas Bretzel. He had been injured for a long time. He could become important for us’, warned Robin Christen. The Telekom Baskets Bonn had 5 guys in double figures and were led by Finn Delany with 23 points. Sebastian Herrera added 17 points and TJ Shorts 16 points and 9 assists while ratiopharm ulm were led by Karim Jallow with 17 points. The Telekom Baskets Bonn shot 53% from the field, and 46% from outside and had 39 rebounds and 10 turnovers while ratiopharm ulm shot 43% from the field and 34% from outside and had 27 rebounds and 16 turnovers.

Tags : FINN DELANY, TELEKOM BASKETS BONN, GERMAN BASKETBALL

Devon Goodman (184-PG-1997, college: Pennsylvania) is a 26 year old 185cm guard that completed his second professional season with the Dragons Rhoendorf (Germany-ProB) averaging 19/4/8. Last season as a rookie he played with S.C. Lusitania EXPERT (Portugal-Liga Betclic) averaging 14.6ppg, 3.7rpg, Assists-4 (5.2apg), 1.9spg, FGP: 54.2%, 3PT: 31.0%, FT: 47.3%. he began his basketball career at Germantown academy and then played at the University of Pennsylvania (NCAA) winning the Ivy League title in 2018. He spoke to germanhoops.com about the 2022-2023 season.

Congrats on a solid Dragons Rhondorf season that ended in a sweep against the Basketball Lowen. How tough was losing this series and not being able to play game 2?

It’s always tough to lose in the playoffs since you have aspirations to win it all. It was definitely frustrating to say the least, that I was unable to be out there and help my teammates.

The Dragons Rhondorf gave all they had in game 2. Did fatigue play a role at the end?

I am very proud in the way we battled in game 2. Especially in the 2nd half, you can tell how paranoid we were to win, but unfortunately the Loewen was able to make a couple key plays at the end which resulted in us falling short.

From the stats how much did the offensive rebounds of Erfurt and your 7 more turnovers play a role in losing the game?

Anytime you give a team extra possessions, it will ultimately hurt you. The Lowen converted those mistakes into a lot of 2nd chance points which played a key role in losing the game.

It was a tough season for the Dragons Rhondorf. The untimely and tragic death of Mubarak Salami affected all. How proud are you of how the whole organization stuck together after his death?

I am extremely proud of the way the whole organization stuck together. We went through more than any other team in this league had to endure and I am grateful for every single guy apart of this team.

With all that happened this season, how do you summarize the season of the Dragons Rhondorf? It was their first playoffs in 5 years.

Resilient. From injuries, to guys leaving the program, to the tragic death of one of our teammates, this group of guys stayed resilient and stuck together to the end. Although we had bigger goals than just making the playoffs, I am still pleased in what we were able to accomplish this year.

It was a joy to watch the offense of the Dragons Rhondorf, but the inconsistent 1-1 defense plagued the club all season long. Why do you feel could the team never develop a true defensive identity?

It was something that we continuously worked on throughout the season, and I do believe towards the end it was improving, but wasn’t enough. Definitely our Achilles heel.

The club had many big wins like over the Sixers and sweeping Schwelm. What was your personal team highlight of the season?

The Sixers game was probably one of my personal team highlights of the season. I believe we were down double digits going into the 4th quarter and were able to come back in win. The game was exciting as well as the atmosphere in the Dragon Dome with all our fans dressed in crazy costumes for Karneval.

For me the team MVP was you. If you had to pick a second MVP who would it be?

Every guy played a key role in the success of our team, but Florian Koch had a remarkable season. He is one of the best shooters that I have ever played with and just an overall competitor.

For me the unsung hero was Paul Albrecht. Who was your unsung hero?

Paul Albrecht was definitely the unsung hero of our team. As one of the older guys, he brought leadership, consistency, and did all the little things that kept this team together.

For me the most improved was Zaba Bangala. Who was your most improved player?

Throughout the season Zaba has consistently grown as a player on and off the court. In my opinion he is the best youngster in the league and has a bright future if he continues to improve.

You had a great first pro B season averaging 19/4/8. How would you summarize your season?

Overall, I am pretty content in how I played this season, but there is also things that I have to work on. This summer I look forward to taking what I learned from the season and continuing to improve as a player.

You were that important leader on the team. How do you feel did your game grow this season?

I feel my game has grown this season on both ends of the ball . Especially as a PG offensively, I believe my ability to read the defense and make the right reads/adjustments have tremendously improved.

You averaged 2,0spg. How do you feel did your defensive game grow in the German Pro B?

My quickness has always been an advantage for me to get steals and off the ball I am continuing to improve on being in the right spots.

You had many massive games and had 37 points against Erfurt in game 1. What was your personal best and favorite game this season?

Erfurt was probably my personal best this season with 37 points and 14 assists. My favorite game was either beating the Sixers at home during Karneval weekend or winning the Derby against Koln at their place.

Your three pointer remains a work in progress and one that opponents allow you to use more than your drive. Is your shooting a big area you will work on this summer?

Of course. Being a consistent threat from three will open up the floor and make the game a lot easier for me with my quickness. It is definitely a big area I will work on this summer.

What kind of an experience was it playing a Basketball Champions League game against Rytas. What will you always remember form that game?

Playing in a BCL game was a great experience. After practicing with Bonn all year, it felt good to get some minutes on the floor against Rytas and the atmosphere in the Telekom Dome was unmatched.

What is the next step for you? I can imagine you playing well in the German Pro A? Did you see some games. Would that be an option for you?

I think this season will allow me to take a bigger step in my career and German Pro A could be an option. This summer I will sit down with my agent and figure out the next steps in my career.

What was your coolest experience in Germany off the court?

Besides hanging out with my teammates, I was able to do some sightseeing to cities like Frankfurt and Cologne to see amazing buildings like the Cologne Cathedral.

Who will reach the NBA finals and who will win it all?

My prediction is Sixers vs Suns in the Finals. My home-team Sixers to win it all!

Thanks Devon for the chat.

Tags : DEVON GOODMAN, TELEKOM BASKETS BONN, GERMAN BASKETBALL

Miles Schmidt-Scheuber and Omari Knox in Frankfurt, Germany in 2020

Omari Knox (185-SG-1986, college: Bloomfield) is a 36 year old 188cm guard from Brooklyn, New York that played his 12th professional season and sixth with TSV Oberhaching Tropics Deisenhofen (Germany-ProB) averaging 18,6ppg, 5,8rpg and 2,8apg. Last season with them he averaged 17.1ppg, 5.1rpg, 2.1apg, 1.6spg, FGP: 45.2%, 3PT: 41.0%, FT: 80.0%. Two seasons ago he played with the White Wings Hanau 9.9ppg, 2.4rpg, 1.9apg, 1.0spg, FGP: 43.3%, 3PT: 39.4%, FT: 89.7%. He has played his whole professional career in Germany including 2 years with OSB Hellenen Muenchen , one season with the RhenStars Cologne and 6 years with the TSV Dachau Spurs. He played 8 seasons in the Regionalliga and has belonged to the top guards in the league averaging over 20 points 5 times and twice averaged 27,0pp in a season. He began his basketball career at Bloomfield College (NCAA2) and as a senior averaged 18.8ppg, 6.7rpg, 1.7apg, 1.6spg, FGP: 40.1%, 3Pts: 40.1%, FT: 71.8%. 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?

Unfortunately, I didn’t see it live, even though I anticipated highly that he would break the record that night instead of in the next game against the Bucks.

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

The fact that this record has been held for almost 40 years shows how great of a player Lebron is. He’s shown, longevity, consistency, as well as constant improvement in his play. I wouldn’t be surprised if the new record holds for just as long

He scored 38 points in 26 minutes. Was it another normal day at the office?

Lebron knew how close he was to breaking the record and it only made sense that he come out aggressive from the start instead of passing and looking for teammates.

How much is that ball going to be worth?

Tickets for the game were going for as high as $70,000 so I can only imagine how much the game ball will be worth

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

Hahaha, nah I don’t think many will remember who passed Lebron the mall, especially since he ended up isolating and taking a step back jumper

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?

One of my current teammates asked me that exact same question. I told him I expected Lebron to break the record in storybook fashion with a steal, and a highlight fastbreak dunk.

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?

In regards to social media, I think it might have been 50/50 if Lebron had broken the record with a skyhook. Half of the people would have criticized him for trying to upstage Kareem. The other half would have known Lebron had done it with a skyhook, only to paying homage to Kareem

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 imagine that this record will ever be broken. The majority of the players today are coming into the league already banged up from having played 1000’s of AAU and high school games. Also with many of today’s superstars sitting out games (load management) during the season, it will be hard to score that many points

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

Luca Doncic is definitely a guy who could break the record if he decided to play as long as Lebron does, but I doubt that he will play that long

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

Michael Jordan, is still the GOAT in my opinion. Although it is very close, (for me) a few other factors come into play.

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

My favorite Lebron moment/play has to be his chase down block in the NBA finals against the Golden State Warriors.

Thanks Omari for the chat.

Tags : OMARI KNOX, TSV OBERHACHING TROPICS DEISENHOFEN, GERMAN BASKETBALL

Andrew Jones (191-SG-1983, college: Miles) is a 40 year old 191cm guard from Georgia that recently completed his second season with WSG Koenigs Wusterhausen (Germany-Regionalliga) averaging 18,8ppg, 6,8rpg, 4,0apg and 2,8spg. He began his basketball career at East Paulding high school and then played at Miles College (NCAA2). He began his professional career in 2006 and came overseas in 2008 and with the exception of playing one season in Spain, he played most of his career in Germany for teams Dresden, Aschersleben and Chemnitz. He gave his thoughts about Lebron James breaking the NBA all-time scoring record from Kareem Abdul Jabbar.

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

I stop staying up for sports in the states after watching Atlanta Falcons vs Patriots in the Superbowl lol. So I wait to see everything once I get up in the morning.

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

For this record to be broken, you must have health and longevity. Lebron has been looking the same since day one. The average NBA career is around 4.5 to 6 years. Lebron has given us 20 years thus far.

He scored 38 points in 26 minutes. Was it another normal day at the office?

Definitely! Lebron James looks like he can do this for another 5 years. I think it adds extra motivation when you know your close to breaking all time scoring record

How much is that ball going to be worth?

Priceless! Lebron is already a Billionaire. That ball will be somewhere next to all of his trophies.

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. Russell Westbrook has the most seasons with triple doubles. Thats a record that will be hard to break. So a pass for that scoring title won’t overshadow 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?

I think at the moment you take what the defense gives you. No matter how the ball went into the basket, the goal was achieved. Also, Lebron’s game has evolved as he ages. So I wasn’t surprised to see him score in that fashion.

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?

The internet trolls would have a field day on the internet lol. Would definitely look like Lebron was taking a shot at Kareem Abdul Jabbar. But I am glad he finished the way he did.

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?

You know, I tried to throw the over the head hook shot like Kareem did. I could never understand how he was so accurate with it. I guess his height had something to do with it. He is one of the greatest players to ever played the game. I think he doesn’t get the full respect he deserves.

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?

For it to be broken: 1).Play 20 years 2).Play at a high level for 20 years 3).No major injuries in 20 years

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


If he follows all mentioned above, he is definitely a guy who can do it. Lebron already made the comparison between the two. He believes Luka and him share many similarities on the court.

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

I don’t have those debates because I believe both players are great. But I will say Lebron has been statistically magnificent throughout his career. To be on track to score 40,000 points and have 10,000 in rebounds and assists show how complete Lebron is as a player. A do it all player is always great to have on any team.

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


It’s been so many. But when Lebron dunked on KG when he was with the Cavs, I jumped out my seat lol.

Thanks Andrew for the chat

Tags : ANDREW JONES, WSG KOENIGS WUSTERHAUSEN, GERMAN BASKETBALL

That the NBA is the dream of almost every young basketball player and is something that can’t be denied. Of course some guys are realistic enough to comprehend that the NBA is as much of a reach as it would be for anyone honestly believing that Luka Doncic would go scoreless in a NBA game if he played 30 plus minutes. There is nothing wrong of having that NBA dream. One guy that shares that is David Fuchs (203-PF-2003). If it ever happens is the question, but for now he is still young and played for top organization ratiopharm Ulm that has heightened their youth development in the last years. The Austria native is a guy that has been around NBA talent the last years in Ulm. It began 2 years ago when he was teammates with future NBA player Jeremy Sochain. Last season he saw guys like Jaron Blossomgame and Sindarius Thronwell produce their magic on the court and this season can call guys like Brandon Paul and Bruno Caboclo teammates. It is only obvious that being around guys like this has helped his game in ways that many other guys can only dream of. ‘Jeremy definitely was a special guy on and off the court and I knew if he would keep working hard there was no doubt that he will make it to the NBA. I’ve had a lot of good moments with Jeremy, but my best one probably was finishing third place with our team at the ANGT tournament in Valencia. I am really fortunate to have players like Brandon and Bruno on my team. Their knowledge really helps me to improve and see qualities how to lead a team. Especially in the aspects of professionalism’, warned David Fuchs. David Fuchs wouldn’t mind following in the footsteps of ex teammate Jeremy Sochan to the NBA.

David Fuchs who has Jeremy Sochan as the toughest player he ever faced that reached the NBA was born in Austria on November 21, 2003.He began his basketball career in Vienna for the Basket Flames. He decided to make the trek to Germany in 2018 to Ulm and develop his game with Orange Academy. He was recruited at an international basketball tournament in Vienna and quickly convinced that Ulm was the right place for him. His first season in Ulm wasn’t easy. He had growing pains, but remembers one guy as being super instrumental in not totally losing his footing in a new environment. ‘I really struggled adapting to playing basketball on a higher level. Most of my teammates were more skilled and more conditioned than me so I knew I had to work really hard to catch up on them. What helped me to succeed during the time the most was my competitiveness and my coach at the time Igor Perovic’, remembered David Fuchs. You have to wonder where his development as a player would of carried him during the 19-21 seasons had Covid not come. It affected everyone, but especially young players who weren’t able to compete in games. There was nothing more too do but grind in the gym. ‘In my first NBBL season we lost in the first round of the playoffs so our season wasn’t cut short by Covid. In my second NBBL season we only had a few summer league games at the end of the year and the ANGT tournament in Valencia, which we finished in 3 place. The Covid years where a tough time period but it didn’t make me stop me from working hard’, stressed David Fuchs.

The athletic guard who mentions Thomas Klepeiz, Antonio Dorn, Tobias Jensen, Brandon Paul, and Michael Rataj as his best teammates of all-time really made a big jump last season. He had extra extra duty playing in 3 competitions with Pro B, Regionalliga and NBLL and played a total of 60 games. ‘I made a big step skill wise, but not only that. My understanding of basketball has become much greater, especially during this season playing with and against pros’, said David Fuchs. Last season he split time with BBU 01 Ulm (Germany-Regionalliga) playing 15 games averaging 12.7ppg, 3.8rpg, 1.4apg, FGP: 55.7%, 3PT: 37.2%, FT: 73.8%, played also with Orange Academy Ulm (Germany-ProB) playing 29 games averaging 10.1ppg, 3.0rpg, 1.1apg, FGP: 61.5%, 3PT: 30.4%, FT: 63.7%, and with ratiopharm Ulm U19 team (Germany-NBBL) playing 16 games averaging 14.3ppg, 4.8rpg, 1.6apg, FGP: 54.6%, 3PT: 47.1%, FT: 67.4%. Some of his best games in the Pro B occurred against Munster with 22 points and he netted 21 points against Hanau. In the Regionalliga, his top scoring game was 19 points against Limburg and had 23 points against Crailsheim in the NBBL. This season he is playing in 3 competitions again with the easyCredit BBL, Pro B and Eurocup and is on track to eclipse 60 games from last season. ‘It has been quite the challenge with this many games especially this year. I have up to three games a week with two with the first team and one with our farm team. But our athletic staff still takes good care of us so we can perform at our highest level’, added David Fuchs.

Time really has flown for the forward who has Jordan, Lebron, Kobe and Steph Curry on his personal NBA Mount Rushmore as he is already in his 5th season in Ulm. ‘My experience in Ulm has been amazing so far. Of course it was hard at the beginning trying to fit in the new team and adapting to my new home but it really helped me to develop as a player and as a person. Playing for such a big European club makes me feel proud. The campus has been very beneficial for my overall development as a basketball player and it definitely motivates me to work on my game even more’, stated David Fuchs. This season he played 15 Eurocup games averaging 2,4ppg and 1,3rpg and really has enjoyed seeing Europe and playing against high level teams. He had some massive games against Lietkabelis scoring 10 points and hauling down 5 boards and 9 points a piece against Cedevita and Bursaspor. Three guys who have really inspired him have been coaches Chris Ensminger and Anton Gavel and talented German player Karim Jallow. ‘The coaches just continue to put me in situations where I can thrive and improve like in the past years. Karim’s motor and his drive to never give up, has really inspired me and helped me to become a better player’, expressed David Fuchs. He had a great season in the Pro B averaging 16,6ppg,8,0rpg, 2,0apg and 1,0spg. He scored in double figures in 18 of 19 games including 25 points against Coburg, 24 points against Oberaching and 23 points against Koblenz and hauled down 17 rebounds against the Wizards. He also had strong games in the easyCredit BBL against Frankfurt and Weissenfels with 8 points apiece. He played 25 BBL games averaging 2,8ppg and 1,9rpg. ‘My fondest moment has probably been my late substitution against Heidelberg at home where I had a big part of the turnaround of the game in our favor in a time span of 6 minutes by rebounding and scoring the ball’, expressed David Fuchs. He also has played with the Austrian youth national teams over the years and played at theEuropean Championships (FIBA EuroBasket) U16 Division B in Podgorica (Montenegro) in 2019 playing 8 games averaging 14.6ppg, 5.1rpg, 1.6spg, FGP: 47.5%, 3PT: 33.3%, FT: 61.3%. In November 2022 he played two qualifying games against Croatia and Switzerland. He is excited about the future of the national team and his role. ‘Austrian basketball has been really improving over the last few years. We are not where we want to be yet, but we’re moving in the right direction. I without a doubt think I can be a very impactful player in the Austrian national team. Our goal is to qualify for the European championships for sure’, warned David Fuchs.

The ex easyCredit BBL player who lists Lebron James as his GOAT is a 204cm forward that compares his games to a Scottie Barnes and Matthias Lessort. He is a very versatile player that can shoot, get rebounds and defend. His rebounding really stands out as his athleticism is something that allows him to fly in and grab rebounds over other players. He likes to pass the ball and is a bit off the radar with his passing abilities. His shooting from the parking lot continues to be inconsistent as last season he shot 47% in the Pro B and this season was at 31% and only at 25% in the easyCredit BBL.’ I’ve always had great confidence in my shot. Of course I got to still work on it because it’s not where I want it yet’, said David Fuchs. It will be interesting where he will be as a defender down the road as he gains more experience. ‘I think my defense definitely got better over this season, but there is still room to improve. I can guard 1 to 5 which comes in very handy in the Pro B’, commented David Fuchs. He also knows on what area’s he has to improve on so he can continue to move up the basketball ladder. ‘I am mostly working on my understanding of the game. But skill wise, my emphasis is on ball handling and shooting’, stressed David Fuchs. It will be interesting to see where his basketball journey will go in the next few years. It isn’t a surprise what his answer to the basketball dream is. ‘I want to be an NBA player’, warned David Fuchs. He definitely was in great hands in the ratiopharm Ulm organization as he was often around NBA talent and guys that have played there as Thomas Stoll likes hauling them in. Now he will take on a new challenge going to the States to play for Rhode Island (NCAA)and head coach Archie Miller. So in a way he is following in Jeremy Sochan’s footsteps going to the NCAA just like he did going to Baylor. The question will be can he take the same step after the NCAA that Jeremy Sochan did?

Javon Bess (198-PF-1996, college: St.Louis) is a 27 year old 198cm forward from Gahanna Ohio that just completed his third professional season with BG Goetingen averaging 9,3 ppg, 3,6rpg and 1,6apg. In 2021-2022 he played for U.M.F. Tindastoll Sauoarkrokur (Iceland-Subway League) averaging 19.7ppg) 6.0rpg, 2.3apg, 1.5spg, FGP: 45.9%, 3PT: 38.7%, FT: 80.3%. In his rookie season he played for Erie BayHawks (NBA G League, starting five): 35 games: 6.9ppg, 2.8rpg, 1.4apg, FGP: 42.5%, 3PT: 29.4%, FT: 70.6%. He began his basketball career at Lincoln High School and then played 2 seasons at Michigan State averaging 2,7ppg and 3,0ppg. He finished his NCAA career at St Louis University averaging 13.5ppg, 7.4rpg, 2.1apg, 1.3spg and 15.3ppg, 6.8rpg, 1.8apg, 1.4spg. He will continue to remain in Germany next season and play for s.Oliver Wurzburg. He spoke to germanhoops.com about his career.

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

I am currently back home in Columbus, OH. Basketball life is treating me good, I’m blessed that I am able to see the world and see new things because of basketball.

You played your third professional season for BG Goettingen. What kind of an experience was it for you? What did you enjoy most about the experience?

This year was a great experience for me. The biggest thing I enjoyed was being underdogs and exceeding all expectations that everybody had for us. We were projected 14 or 15 I think. We ended up finishing 6th and half a game out of 5th.

You lost a tough series to FC Bayern Munich. What do you believe was key for you not getting over the hump in the series?

We have to give them credit. They were a good team. I think game 2 hurt us a lot mentally. We felt we played good enough to win, and the game came down to the last couple seconds. If we win that game we go back home 1-1 instead of 0-2 and it’s a different series.

How was seeing your ex teammate Zylan Cheatham again? Did you have any special kind of bond to him as a rookie? What memories did you have of him?

It was great. I always like to see former teammates and where this basketball takes everybody. Yes, me and Z were close we have a lot of memories in the G league it was both our rookie seasons. Biggest memory when he jumped over a guy from the Atlanta team and caught an alley oop.

You had a solid BBL season averaging 9/3/1 and shot 37% from outside. How content were you with your season? You played very good minutes, but also the team had many scoring options.

It was solid. Kind of up and down, had really good games and have some games where I didn’t play good. I don’t really care too much about numbers honestly. My thing is always being on the floor to help my team win no matter what.

You played very well considering coming from Iceland.. How key was head coach Roel Moers for helping you get adjusted well and guiding you in becoming a good BBL player?

He was great. Coach Roel is definitely one of the best coaches I’ve played for. His whole thing is about winning and I think that’s why he trusted me to be on the floor so much because he knew my only goal of every game was to win no matter how we had to do it.

One of your best games was scoring 24 points in a tough shoot out loss to ratiopharm Ulm where you were the best on the court with ex NBA guys Brandon Paul and Bruno Caboclo. Even though you battled ex NBA guys in the G-League did this game show you belonged in a top league in Germany?

I think that game was good for me individually but we lost, so I didn’t really feel good after that game or think about that. I felt like I belonged in the league a lot earlier in the season and I think coach did a good job of giving confidence.

Would you consider continuing to play in Germany or would a another top league in another country be on your menu?

It just depends, that’s something me and my agent would have to talk about and figure out.

Last season you balled for U.M.F. Tindastoll Sauoarkrokur (Iceland-Subway League, starting five): 35 games: Score-5 (19.7ppg), 6.0rpg, 2.3apg, 1.5spg, FGP: 45.9%, 3PT: 38.7%, FT: 80.3%. What do you remember being your wake up call to be overseas for the first time where you knew that you were far away from home?

My wake up call was actually missing a whole season. My rookie season got ended due to Covid. The next season I did not play at all. I was still training and working out but I wasn’t able to play. So I took the first opportunity the following year. I’m forever grateful for my time in Iceland, met some good people and loved the town I was in.

You played in 3 playoff series losing the last to Valur. How important was this experience in general for your game?

It was huge. As I stated before my whole goal with playing basketball is to Win. I’m super competitive and want to win every game I play. We ended up coming up short but it just showed me that there is some good players in the Iceland league.

Not everyone can boast they have visited Iceland. What will you remember most from off the court? Did any of their landscape fascinate you?

The weather is the first thing that comes to mind. Also, the darkness in the winter months and the daylight in the other months. I lived in northern Iceland so the landscape was beautiful every time I walked outside. I also visited the blue lagoon.

You played your rookie season with the Erie BayHawks (NBA G League) averaging 6.9ppg, 2.8rpg, 1.4apg, FGP: 42.5%, 3PT: 29.4%, FT: 70.6%. What do you remember being your wake up call to being a rookie in the G-League?

Always be a professional, things sometime don’t go your way but you can’t me mad and pout. You always have to be a professional and always have to be ready whenever your time is called.

You had connections to guys there like Aubrey Dawkins who had played with BG Goettingen and Germany with coach Ryan Pannone. Did any of these guys help you with making the decision to go to Goettingen easier?

Yea I talked to Aubrey before I signed, he told me about his experience there and how much he liked it.

How tough was the G-League grind? You had great games but overall didn’t score as much as you probably should have in the minutes you got for a NBA call up. How tough is seeing other guys be able to score more simply because that is what the coaching staff and NBA team want from them while other guys like yourself have to accept the role job?

I never worry too much about scoring to be honest. What ever my role is for the team I’m on at the time is what I will do. My role was more of a 3 and D guy in the G league, so I tried to focus on that as much as possible. Other seasons my role was to score and I was able to do that. I feel I’m a player I can play anywhere and have a role.

You played NBA Summer League with the New Orleans Pelicans. What kind of an experience was it being teammates with fellow rookie Zion Williamson. What wow moment did you have with him on the court?

It was fun. Seeing the amount of fans and people waiting at the hotel or waiting by the bus after games was crazy. He was a superstar before he even played an NBA game.

You began your career at Michigan State (NCAA) playing there from 2014-2016 averaging 2,7ppg and 3,0ppg. You reached the 2015 NCAA final 4, but had a shortend season because of injury. How tough was this first season mentally?

It was very tough. Probably one of my toughest seasons because I was starting as a freshman and then broke my foot. I tried to rush back and wasn’t listening to my body and ended up breaking my foot again the same season. I wanted to play so bad I wasn’t being honest with myself and taking the time to recover that I actually needed.

You were teammates with Denzel Valentine. What memories do you have of him and has he just missed getting the right opportunity in the NBA as he has bounced around the league the last years?

Denzel was great. That’s like my brother. He taught me a lot and showed me a lot. I think he will get another opportunity and he will take advantage of it when it comes.

Tom Izzo has to be considered to being one of the top 5 best coaches in the last decade. How much of a challenge was it lacing up your sneakers for him?

It was great. Me and Izzo still have a great relationship till this day. He is a coach that holds his players accountable and pushes you to be great. As a competitor that’s all you want in a coach.

You finished at St Louis (NCAA). Did you ever hear of ST Louis legend Maurice Jeffers. He played some years in Germany. Did you ever meet him?

I’ve heard of him but I never got to meet him or anything.

What memories do you have senior year of the NCAA run and losing to Virginia Tech?

Our conference tournament was the biggest memory. In order to make the NCAA tournament we had to win 4 games in 4 days. The crazy part about it was every team we played had beat us in the regular season. But we came together as a team and beat them all and won our conference tournament.

How did head coach Travis Ford groom and prepare you best for a professional career?

Coach Ford was great. A true players coach. Wants the best for you and pushes you to be the best that you can. He helped me because he showed me things in my game that I didn’t know I had and helped me put them on display.

Who won a 1-1 in practice you or Jordan Goodwin?

Always me. Haha

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

Toughest player was probably Ja Morant.

Please name your 5 best teammates of all-time?

Jordan Goodwin
Caris Levert
Denzel valentine
Jaesean Tate
Travis Trice

Please name your personal NBA Mount Rushmore?

Kevin Durant
Lebron James
Steph Curry
Kobe Bryant.

Who is your GOAT?

Kevin Durant

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

Yeah I saw it. I think it was a good movie honestly. I don’t think it was better than the first one, but I do think it was a good movie.

Tags : JAVON BESS, S.OLIVER WUERZBURG, GERMAN BASKETBALL

Jeremy Ingram (183-G-1991, college: AAMU) is a191 cm guard that was born in Alabama and has played his entire professional career in Germany for teams like Speyer, Idstein, Bensheim and recently SG Mannheim. This season he played for Regionalliga team Bargteheide picking up Regionalliga player of the year averaging 25/5/2/3 stats. Last season with SG Mannheim he picked up South West Regionalliga player of the year while averaging (32.1ppg), 5.7rpg, 4.2apg, Steals-4 (2.6spg), FGP: 55.4%, 3PT: 35.4%, 9%. He began his career with Enterprise State Community College (JUCO) and then finished with Alabama A&M University (NCAA). 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?

Nah I went to sleep because I actually didn’t think he would do it that game but never Count out Lebron, he’s definitely special.

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

I still wouldn’t say best Scorer. He is the Scoring Leader and no one will probably ever catch his final number But best scorer goes to Jordan, Kobe , and some people might even say Kareem.

How do you feel about the record being that you’re a Kobe fan?

I feel like Lebron is the best all-around basketball player that ever walked earth. But I don’t think he has earned the title ‘Best Scorer’. Definitely top 3 basketball player ever in my eyes though.

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

Lebron is great and the fact he can still score like this at his age is amazing. He deserves his flowers. How much is that ball going to be worth? Probably more than my car and my house put together.

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

No I don’t think so. Triple doubles will always be the highlight of his career because other than that, he hasn’t done much since.

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?

I expected a midrange shot because as he has gotten older he has really developed a consistent mid range which he didn’t really have early in his career. Great players always improve their game.

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?

He would have definitely broke the internet. I think he did right by doing his own thing and not taking someone else’s identity. Be yourself.

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?

I honestly don’t think my generation knows how much Kareem means to the game of basketball. I think that’s more of the generation before me definitely.

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 honestly don’t see no one playing as long as Lebron so I don’t think anyone will come close to his final points total.

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

I think Luka will make it to the top 20 but he already has a lot of miles on his body . To play long enough to pass Lebron I just can’t imagine that’s possible for him.

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

Never. Like I said Lebron is top 3 but it’s just certain qualifications and characteristics you have to portray to be considered the GOAT.

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

I actually watched Lebron vs. Kobe live when I went to a Miami Heat vs. Laker game back in like 2013/2014 . Kobe was there but did not play because he was injured at the time.

Thanks Jeremy for the chat.

Tags : JEREMY INGRAM, TSV BARGTEHEIDE, GERMAN BASKETBALL

In what better situation could a Pro B finalist be in then what the EPG Baskets Koblenz found themselves on June third? They had won the first game in Vechta by 20 points and now were at home for the final game? Vechta would have to win by at least 21 points and they were in the packed CGM arena in Koblenz that was full with dream Green fans. Unfortunate for Vechta was that in the absolute most vital game of the season, they were a pooped club who simply had had too many guys playing NBBL and Pro A during the season. It was a mild Saturday night in Koblenz were the troops of head coach Pat Elzie were ready to conquer the Pro B title. They had worked very hard for 9 months and now finally the moment was there where they could celebrate it with their own die-hard fans. Vechta came in with pressure having to perform while the EPG Baskets Koblenz could do a lot except panic and instead played the basketball everyone expected of them dominating from the get go and winning in usual EPG Baskets fashion with 81-60. Once again the EPG Baskets Koblenz had some down phases during the game, but overall defended with passion and aggressively never allowing their opponent to get a groove. It would also be Brian Butler (196-PF-1991)’s last game as he will be playing elsewhere next year. It was a great farewell with the Pro B title. ‘This wasn’t a cake walk, but a lot of hard work tonight. We showed why we should be the champion with how we played. I’m very proud of my team and we showed this season how far we can go with hard work’, warned ex easyCredit BBL allstar dunk champion Brian Butler. For Rasta Vechta 2, it was a game where they came in as the major underdog, but they gave all they had. ‘I have to give credit to Koblenz. They are a very good team. But we also fought hard. There was a big difference with the physicality and we had problems matching it. The biggest difference today was the energy level’, stressed Rasta Vechta 2 guard JJ Culver.

Niclas Sperber for 3

The EPG Baskets Koblenz jumped all over Rasta Vechta 2 taking the 8-0 lead as ex BBL player Dominque Johnson drilled home 2 three’s and captain Marvin Heckel made a lay in. The guests finally got on the board with baskets from Germans and ex Cologne guard Leon Okpara and top German prospect Johan Gruenloh with a tip in dunk. But the EPG Baskets Koblenz just kept putting on pressure at both ends and extended their lead to 20-6 going on a 12-2 run. In the run top Pro B center Moses Poelking took advantage of his physicality and just dominated the zone with 3 baskets and overall the team was sharing the ball around nicely as ex Temple (NCAA) guard Alani Moore hit a jumper after breaking an ankle, Heckel made a runner and Johnson a lay in. ‘It was a super start by us. We were very focused. We played the way we should and like we were a league higher’, said EPG Baskets Koblenz CEO Thomas Klein. After back to back buckets by Roman Bedime and Okpara, Koblenz closed out the first quarter with a 5-0 run to lead 25-11 after 10 minutes. Alani Moore made free throws and ex Bremerhaven forward Niclas Sperber nailed a three pointer. ‘With the exception of two minutes, it was a good quarter. We were brutally focused and very efficient. You could see that there was an unbelievable difference in physicality in our favor’, commented Thomas Klein.

Johan Grunloh at the FT line

The EPG Baskets Koblenz had a few ups and downs in the second quarter, but overall were in good control of the game and led comfortably at half-time 40-28. Rasta Vechta 2 began the second quarter strong with a 6-2 run as they received back to back three’s From Okpara and ex easyCredit BBL player Kevin Smit. Koblenz had little flow as their ball movement stalled. The guests had little scoring options at that time and had to rely a lot on Kevin Smit who carried his team as best he could as he hit two three’s, but they couldn’t make any ground. The EPG Baskets Koblenz had good offensive execution as their combination of good team basketball and individual class was simply too much for the young Vechta team. Three’s by Heckel and Moore and a dunk on transition by Brian Butler kept Koblenz ahead 37-23. Koblenz upped their physicality again and allowed little entries in the paint. Plus the overall experience was also a factor as the roster of Vechta was half filled with NBBL (U-19) players and at times looked totally mismatched in the skills department. Koblenz fell asleep at the end allowing two easy Bedime baskets as the 1-1 defense was beat without much resistance. ‘We had a lot of ups and downs. We were too unconcentrated. Vechta did a good job upping their defensive intensity and physicality giving problems’, expressed Thomas Klein.

JJ Culver from outside

In the third quarter the EPG Baskets Koblenz continued to keep up the pressure at both ends and led by as much as 20 points and 58-44 after 30 minutes. The EPG Baskets Koblenz came out of the locker room pumped and raced out on a 10-2 run to extend their lead to 50-30. In the run, Koblenz got easy baskets in the zone as Poelking scored twice and Johnson threw down a hard dunk. Alani Moore always showing total calmness hit a trey and also made a pretty touch ball off a loose ball ala Larry Bird that found Poelking for the easy basket. ‘Alani Moore is my MVP of the Pro B. He does it all. He is such a good player’, raved Thomas Klein. The guests then found some energy going on a 8-1 run to trail only 51-38. In the run the gang of head coach Hendrik Gruhn got 2 three’s from 2022 NBBL champion Kaya Byram and Okpara and a hard one handed dunk by Johan Grunloh on transition. Poelking and 2023 NBBL finalist Noah Jannen traded buckets as Koblenz still led 55-41. The guests got a few more extra chances as the EPG Baskets Koblenz had problems on the defensive rebound. Rasta Vechta lost a bit of energy as fatigue was setting in disallowing them to get over the hump and get the score under double figures. 100 point man JJ Culver and ex Breitengussbach center Leo Saffer traded baskets to close out the third quarter. ‘We played strong defense. We knew they were young and had to be physical. We gave them no chance inside as we didn’t want anybody to get hot so we relied on contested three’s’, stated Brian Butler. ‘We tried comeback, but were getting tired. They are really talented and it was hard to stop them 1-1. We tried different things on defense, but couldn’t stop them’, said JJ Culver.

Marvin Heckel from the corner

The EPG Baskets Koblenz had no more serious let downs winning the fourth quarter easily and coasting to the Pro B title. The EPG Baskets Koblenz began well getting baskets from German Moritz Huebner and another trey by Alani Moore for the 63-45 advantage. After an offensive rebound and put back, it was Brian Butler who made a turn around shot and brutal throw down dunk for the 67-47 lead. ‘That dunk is near the top in my career. That was a nice was way to close out my time with Koblenz. I will be back, but now it’s time for more focus on my family’, added Brian Butler.

Brian Butler and Niclas Sperber hug after Butler leaves the court after his last game for the EPG Baskets Koblenz

Grunloh then added a tip in dunk that looked so easy. ‘This kid has incredible athleticism. He is so versatile and flexible something very rare for his age. He is so aggressive at both ends of the court. He is a great player. I love to watch him’, stated Thomas Klein. Grunloh finished with 9/7 stats and is appreciated by all. ‘He is an amazing player. He is a great shot blocker. He will make up for your mistake with his defense and presence in the zone. It was a pleasure playing with him’, said JJ Culver. With a few minutes left, it was apparent that Rasta Vechta wouldn’t get over the hump on this night. It was time to get some special love for his team by the creator. ‘My biggest joy this season was how the team always stuck together no matter what especially through the immense pressure. I also liked how the top players accepted their roles and it was all about team and not self’, warned Thomas Klein. Down the stretch the guests got baskets from Jannen and German Killian Brockhoff while the Pro B champion closed out the win with a transition three pointer by Yasin Turan and lay in by Leo Saffer. ‘We shut the door on them well. We enjoyed the atmosphere. It was the first title for many guys’, stressed Brian Butler. ‘We gave our best until the end. They stayed mentally strong and always applied pressure on us. They were prepared very well and always had an answer’, stressed JJ Culver. The EPG Baskets Koblenz were led by Alani Moore with 20 points. Moses Poelking added 16 points and Dominque Johnson 13 points while Rasta Vechta 2 were led by Leon Okpara with 15 points. The EPG Baskets Koblenz shot 53% from the field and 42% form outside and had 38 rebounds and 13 turnovers while Rasta Vechta 2 shot 36% from the field and 28% form outside and had 30 rebounds and 13 turnovers.