Andrew Jones (191-G-1997, college: Texas) is a 25 year old 193cm guard from Irving, Texas that is playing his rookie season in Germany with Rasta Vechta currently averaging 10,1ppg, 3,0rpg, 1,2apg and 1,0spg. He just helped Vechta into the semi-finals of the Pro A playoffs. He began his basketball career at Macarthur high school and the celebrated a stellar 6 year stay at the University Of Texas (NCAA) playing a total of 134 games and averaged scoring in double figures in 5 of 6 seasons. He spoke to germanhoops.com about basketball.

Thanks Andrew for talking to germanhoops.com. Obviously Kevin Durant is the guy everyone associates with when you hear the University of Texas but there have been some guys at your school that have played in Germany like PJ Tucker, Clint Chapman, Brian Boddicker and Brad Buckman just to name a few. Did you reach out to some of these guys as you were doing research?

I have not been able to get in contact with those guys, most of them are busy around this time. I have followed their professional careers and they did well in Germany. I’m excited to be able to start my career in a place former longhorns have had success.

Years ago you were mentioned in the same breath as a Lonzo Ball and Jayson Tatum, but now despite a very good NCAA career are starting in the Pro A Germany. Has all the hardships that you have gone through with cancer and what your dad suffered put basketball into another perspective?

Basketball has taken me on a journey I would never expected to go on. I’m more appreciative for life and the opportunity to continue to play this game. I believe as I continue to play and learn I will be back to the player I once was. If not better

As a cancer survivior myself, I know exactly what you went through. Basketball is what pretty much saved my life along with my family. What was the key factor in your cancer struggle that helped you most with beating it?

The key factor was just continuing to believe I will play basketball again. By the grace of God I was able to have a great doctor who did everything to help me reach my goal. Also the unbelievable support from my parents and The University of Texas

How did the talks go with head coach Ty Harrelson? What impressed you most about his basketball philosophy and what sold you on taking this job?

The talks I had with coach Ty was really good. He has a great background in basketball and playing in Germany. I think coach will help me mature and grow my game as a professional. I think this will be the best opportunity to get playing experience.

Let’s talk about your game. You’re a 193cm guard that can do a lot. If you had to compare your game to an NBA player which player would fit the bill best?

I think I’m in between Westbrook and Chauncey Billups. Still trying to figure it out

You fill the stat sheet very well. Would it be fair to say that one could give you the middle name Mr versatility?

I like the thought process, I think I fit that description.

Would it be fair to say that your outside shot is still a work in progress? What kind of shooter are you now and what kind of shooter do you want to become?

I feel that I am a good three point shooter, and I know at time I can be streaky. I think in coach Harrelson system I will be more efficient.

On what area’s of your game are you working on most this summer so that you can continue to improve your game?

I have spent a lot of time on my body and my ball handling. I have become a more confident player maker now.

You played at the University of Texas from 2016-2022. What kind of player were you in 2016 compared to 2022?

in 2016 I was a young, talented, and athletic guard that relied a lot on instincts. I thinkI’m back to the player i was but a more mature version.

You played in 2 NCAA tournaments. How tough was the 53-52 loss to ACU? Is that one which you will probably remember your whole life?

That game against ACU was definitely a heart breaker, but I think advancing in the tournament is a more memorable moment for me.

What was your fondest moment at Texas? Possibly winning the Big 12 title over Oklahoma State?

The big 12 title is arguably the greatest moment in my college career. I think my buzzer beater against OU my freshman year is my most fondest moment

In your second season you played very well against Duke netting 16 points. What memories do you have playing against many future NBA players and holding your own?

I have always been a under dog my entire career, each time I step on the court I had to earn my respect. I think playing against players who were future NBA players motivated me and inspired me to play hard. I wanted to go to the same place they were projected to go.

You had numerous great games against top schools and players. What do you believe was your personal best game in the nCAA?

I think one of my best games in NCAA would probably be last year against Virginia or against Oklahoma state at home the year Cade Cunningham played

How did head coach Shaka Smart groom and prepare you best for a professional career?


He helped me understand the mental approach toward basketball and life. I have learned to have a level of appreciation for every opportunity you get.

Who won a 1-1 in practice you or Marcus Carr?

-We never actually played

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

The toughest player probably was Davion Mitchell

Please name your 5 best teammates of all-time?

Mo Bamba
Jase Febres
Dylan O
Jericho
Matt Colemen

Please list your personal NBA Mount Rushmore?

Kevin Durant

kyrie Irving

Kobe Byrant

Steph curry

What is your personal opinion of the neverending debate of who is the greatest of all-time Jordan or Lebron?

They are both extremely dominant Players , but I think Jordan is a better player. I think Lebron Does everything great

Where do you place Steph curry now in the best point guards of all-time?

I think Steph is easily top 3, with the argument that he is not 2 or 3.

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

I have not seen the new coming to America. I don’t think it will compare to the first one

Thanks Andrew for the chat.

Tags : ANDREW JONES, RASTA VECHTA, GERMAN BASKETBALL

Dominic Green (198-F-1997, college: Washington) is a 26 year old 198cm forward from Washington playing his fourth professional season and first with the Basket Swans Gmunden (Austria-BSL) currently averaging 13,5ppg, 3,4rpg, 1,9apg and 1,4spg. He is fighting in the semi-finals of the playoffs against Wels. Last season he played with the VfL SparkassenStars Bochum (Germany-ProA) averaging 19.2ppg, 5.1rpg, 1.7apg, 1.2spg, 2FGP: 60.9%, 3FGP: 35.4%, FT: 83.0%. Two seasons ago he played with Iskra Svit (Slovakia-SBL) averaging (17.6ppg), 4.1rpg, 1.5apg, 1.3spg, FGP: 55.7%, 3PT: 38.9%, FT: 79.2%. He split his rookie season with the Erie BayHawks (NBA G League) and Santa Cruz Warriors (NBA G League). He began his basketball career with Hazen High School and then played at the University of Washington (NCAA) from 2015-2019 paying a total of 127 NCAA games. Last summer he got experience with the Montreal Alliance (CEBL). He spoke to germanhoops.com about basketball.

Thanks Dominic for the chat. Congrats on signing with BCL team Basket Swans Gmunden (Austria-BSL). After a tough rookie season in the G-League, you came into your own in Slovakia and Germany. How are you a different player today then in 2019?

Since 2019 as a player I would say I have become a player who continues to get better and improve, it’s something that I have tried to focus on since I have started playing pro. I personally believe that to be able to play at a high level and get better every year you have to set seasonal goals and work towards them every day.

Austria is a very respected league and a place that guys use as stepping stone to get to higher places like Stanley Whittaker and Richaud Pack did. How big was the opportunity to play in the Basketball Champions League a reason for you to sign?

You know I saw this as an opportunity to go to a place that is well respected and has people who want to win like they do in Gmunden and that’s where I want to be. I see playing in the Champions league as a challenge and something that can help me get to where I want to be in my career.

What strides do you want to make with your game in year 4? You had 2 very good back to back seasons, but topping them will not be easy.

I just want to improve and continue trending upwards and get better this year than I was last year. From a team aspect I want to win.

Let’s talk about your game. You’re a 198cm guard/forward. If you had to compare your game to an NBA player who would best fit the description?

Well as a 6’7 player who plays the 2-3 positions I feel like I can bring a lot on both ends of the floor at all times. I personally don’t know who I’d compare myself too but I have been told I have a bit of a Khris Middleton type of style.

Scoring is what stands out at first when one watches you play, but what other attributes does your game have?

I feel as though I have focused a lot more on rebounding from the guard position to help our bigs when they need it, it’s been one of my focuses over the past 2 seasons and it’s still going to be something I focus on. Defensively I bring a lot being able to guard multiple positions as well as being a player that can play the passing lanes well to get easy steals.

How much of a priority does your facilitating and defense play. Talk a little about how these parts of your game are now and to what level you want to bring them to?

From a facilitating stand point I try my best to find those players that are hot, I have been a player who has been brought into places to score but I know that when a team focuses in on me I have to be able to find the open man. On the defensive end I bring a lot as well by being able to guard more than one position. I want to just keep improving game after game, year after year.

You have been a solid outside shooter the last 2 seasons. How confident are you that you can bring it to 40% in Austria?

I feel as if I’ve gotten a good understanding of how basketball is played in Europe even though I’m only going into my 3rd season I feel as if I know what to do in order to get to 40%.

On what other area’s of your game are you working on so you can continue to improve your game?

I have been looking to improve my post up game when I have a mismatch, I love to post up so I believe it’s something that is very important especially when I have small guards matched up on me.

Last summer you played in the rising CEBL league in Canada with Montreal. What kind of experience was that and how do you feel did your game grow in Canada? You had a different kind of role than in Germany.

It was a good experience! Much more physical than the past two leagues I’ve played in and the refs let players get away with a lot of fouls so I feel as if it helped me improve with playing thru contact. My role there was the same in Germany I personally think we had so many good players so it wasn’t as loud as it was in Germany but it’s something you look at and learn from moving forward, Montreal Alliance welcomed me and made it an experience to remember especially for a league that is played in the summer!

Last season you played for VfL SparkassenStars Bochum (Germany-ProA) averaging 19.2ppg, 5.1rpg, 1.7apg, 1.2spg, 2FGP: 60.9%, 3FGP: 35.4%, FT: 83.0%. How tough was it playing for a losing team?

Our season was an interesting one for sure, we had a much better team than our record shows but there were a lot of things that affected our roster throughout the season such as injuries, covid, players leaving etc. so I think even though we were losing we were always playing with not a full team but we still gave a lot of the other teams problems when we got on the court with them.

You had so many good games, but mostly in losing causes. But you had some good games in January helping beat Artland, Schwenningen and Ehingen. What was your fondest game?

One game I’m fond of more than the others was the game against itzehoe. We only had 7 players and 2 were from the junior team, everyone on our team had caught covid and the league still made us play and we went on the road with 7 players and won. That was a great memory.

You played your first season overseas with Iskra Svit (Slovakia-SBL) averaging 17.6ppg, 4.1rpg, 1.5apg, 1.3spg, FGP: 55.7%, 3PT: 38.9%, FT: 79.2%. What do you remember being your wake up call to being overseas where you knew that you were very far away from home?

I wouldn’t say I particularly had a wake up call in a negative way. I would say it came when we had been picked last in our league and finished 3rd in the semi finals so it was more of an underdog feeling and we made the most out of it! We didn’t have the best team but we definitely played hard.

You lost a tough playoff series against Nova Vez. Why couldn’t your team get over the hump?


I think we just had a weaker roster we all played with a lot of heart but they overpowered us because they had a good roster.

In your rookie season you were with the Erie BayHawks (NBA G League) and played 2 games with the Santa Cruz Warriors (NBA G League. How tough was this season and what did you learn from the season and yourself?

I don’t consider this a season for me I only played 2 games, before that I was at home working out trying to find a team that wanted me, I felt like I was overlooked and not taken serious so now that I’m playing in Europe I’m in a mission to show that all of these teams that have passed me up made a mistake. I feel like I’m an underdog and will always have that feeling on my shoulders.

How difficult was it playing in the G-League? How tough is it I general for many guys who seem to only be a body to fill the roster? Would you play in the G-League again if given the chance?

I don’t remember much about the games in the G-League. I one day want to play in the NBA. My sights are set high so I want to keep getting better and better every year.

You weren’t teammates long, but how vital was seeing a guy like ex Kentucky (NCAA) player Andrew Harrison show his abilities? Could you get anything out of his presence?

I didn’t know him much and rarely talked with him, I didn’t learn much from him and I also wasn’t with the team long.

What was the best example that you saw in the G-League where the NBA is always a business first?

Well I could use myself as an example I had sent out a tweet one day just saying I was ready to play for a team and the next day I got a call that Santa Cruz wanted me to come down and play a game that day. I flew there played two games and got cut, I was with the team for about 5 days and didn’t get much of a chance to really play but in the long run I’m grateful for that organization for giving me an opportunity because it helped me get my foot in the door in order to get to where I am today. It just shows that the exposure or the NBA and even G-League is big and can help someone struggling to get a job and then two years later play in the champions league.

You played at the University of Washington (NCAA) from 2015-2019. Was your fondest moment reaching the big dance in 2019?

I didn’t play much in the tournament but I’d say the whole experience was a great one it’s one the craziest events in college sports and I think if you’ve ever experienced it your grateful for those memories.

How tough was it battling for playing time? You had really good competition especially early on from guys like Murray and Fultz

It was tough but at the same time you get to watch two great players so you have to have a mindset that you want to be up there with them from a friendly competition kind of standpoint.

You had your moments like scoring 10 points in a narrow 86-84 win against UCLA as a freshman. What do you remember from that game?

I don’t remember it much that was such a long time ago, but I know I had a great time that season with my teammates.

Another big win was the exciting win over Arizona your junior year where you contributed 14 points against guys like Trier, Ayton, Alkins and Jackson-Cartwright who was the BBL’s MVP last season. Do games like that where you shine give you added confidence even now knowing you can play with anyone?

Those kind of games will give anyone confidence. I had made the game winning shot that game and it definitely gave me a boost mentally during a time when I didn’t know if I wanted to continue playing there so it allowed me to move forward into my senior year to continue to play for more my teammates.

Who won a 1-1 in practice you or Matisse Thybulle?

Tisse wasn’t much of a 1-1 type of dude after practice so we didn’t play 1-1 often.

Who was the toughest guy besides your brother that you have faced on the court that reached the NBA?


Well my brother is going into his first pro season this year. But I would say Dejounte Murray was one of my teammates in college who I saw as an extremely hard worker and competitor and he made me want to work just as hard because his love for the game was one that I hadn’t seen in a long time.

Please name your 5 best teammates of all-time?

That’s a difficult one I’ve had so many good teammates. David Crisp Noah Dickerson Matisse Thybulle Marquese Chriss Jaylen Nowell Markelle Fultz Dejounte Murray Andrew Andrews

Please list your personal NBA Mount Rushmore?

Kobe Bryant my favorite player Steph Curry Lebron James Michael Jordan Kevin Durant

Where do you rank Steph Curry now in the best point guards of all-time?

He’s definitely number on point guard all time! He changed the game.

What is your opinion of the neverending debate of who is the greatest of all-time Jordan or Lebron?

I think they both played in different times, I think what Lebron is doing is unreal but I also think if Michael Jordan wouldn’t have retired in his prime he would dominated the 90s much more than he already did. I’m picking Michael Jordan and Lebron.

Thanks Dominic for the chat.

Tags : DOMINIC GREEN, BASKET SWANS GMUNDEN, GERMAN BASKETBALL

The dream of every American basketball player is the NBA. When you’re a kid you want to believe it can be a reality. But even great NCAA players don’t get drafted or ever reach the NBA. Sooner or later guys from the NCAA to JUCO realize that the NBA won’t be an option and then finally discover a second option. Another option is semi-pro ball in the States, but as soon as guys realize that making a decent basketball living overseas can happen, the main focus becomes trying to get overseas which is the real second option. It isn’t any different for Ethan White (190-SG, college: TAMUCC). He is a talented guard that played JUCO, NAIA and NCAA ball for 4 schools. After playing his rookie season in the States for the Alamo City All-Stars (ABA), he rapidly came to the conclusion that attempting to land overseas would be a great opportunity. It isn’t like he doesn’t have any experience as he did see action in Mexico and also played in tournaments in Ecuador. But things don’t get any easier when you don’t have a professional agent and are trying to climb the basketball with a friend handling your business affairs. He has a great attitude as he knows he won’t land at the top with a Euroleague team, but will have to pay his dues and possibly for years before finally getting that big break. ‘It is my desire to play at the highest level of basketball. I would make sacrifices so that I can show I can play at the highest level. Even if I have to play in a lower level to prove to teams that I can play at a high level I will. Despite the low pay, I just want the opportunity to show what I can do’, warned Ethan White. Getting that killer or be killed mentality in JUCO helped his hunger grow for the game and know he wants to bring that mentality and reach the next level.

The versatile guard who can fill the stat sheet at ease and mentions NBA player Jarrett Allen and G-League player Jordan Murphy as the toughest players he has ever faced in on the basketball court was born on February 13th, 1998 in San Antonio, Texas. He began his basketball career at East Central High school. Nothing was ever given to him as he had to go the JUCO route to start. He played a season at Lamar State College (JUCO) playing 31 games averaging 8.1ppg, 3.0rpg, 1.3apg, FGP: 41.9%, 3PT: 37.0%, FT: 78.1%. Playing JUCO is a serious grind and it has helped countless guys get that special mentality that often helps them pave the road for bigger and better things down the road. ‘It is a different grind in JUCO. You have to have the ‘kill or be killed’ mentality because the person next to you wants to play at the next level and that person is not going to let you be in the way. It was good for me as it grew my hunger for the game’, stressed Ethan White. It is often the coaches at JUCO that help the player be able to handle the pressure of surviving at the JUCO level. Lance Madison was a mentor that was able to help shape his game at a young age. ‘Coach Madison Is a great guy. I still talk to him to this day. His guidance helped me how I train every day and what to expect at the next level’, stated Ethan White. His solid season in JUCO helped him get further opportunities and see other levels like the NAIA where he played at Xavier University of Louisiana (NAIA) playing 12 games averaging 1.8ppg. It wasn’t the great stat season, but there were outside forces that hindered his play. ‘I had good memories at Xavier and I loved it there. I started off well n practices before the season. However, stuff was happening back home and it did affect my game. I decided that it was best to take care of the issues so I know I can be in a better place mentally. Now I do a great job of keeping things outside of the court and not letting me affect my game’, remembered Ethan White.

The Texas native who lists Fabian Chavarria, Debo Ellis, Travious Grubbs, Trey Tennison, and Jasman Sangha as his 5 best teammates of all-time had his best time in college basketball playing at Our Lady of the Lake University for 2 years. The school played in the NAIA his first season and he averaged 13.2ppg, 4.3rpg, 1.4apg, FGP: 48.6%, 3PT: 48.4%, FT: 68.6%. He had some strong games against Paul Quinn with 25 points, hit Texas College for 23 points and scored 21 points against LSU-Alexandria. In his second season the school played against all NCAA schools and proved that he could play against top players. Despite COVID causing havoc, he had no problems showing just how talented he was. He had some great games against North Mexico with 25 points and hit Rice for 24 points and he definitely has fond memories of his time there. ‘My second season there we beat Texas State (D1) and I had a 27 point game against Louisiana Tech with Kenneth Lofton Jr. I averaged 14.8 points, shot 51% FG, 32% 3PT, 91% FT with 1.7 Steals. I was leading the team in points, FG%, FT% and steals. I also almost had a 50-40-90. I wouldn’t say my development slowed down because of COVID. I was finding ways to stay active basketball wise’, added Ethan White. He was also blessed to be able to make mistakes under head coach Chris Dial in order to have a better chance of winning the game the next time. ‘Chris Dial knew the same people. He graduated from the same high school. He gave me the green light but I still needed to prove I could play at practice’, commented Ethan White. He would attend a fourth school with Texas A&M at the University Corpus Christi (NCAA), but he didn’t play a big role there playing only 15 games averaging 2,1ppg, but it was another experience that was worth it. ‘We made it to the national tournament. And I learned from a great coaching staff’, expressed Ethan White who never played teammate Jalen Jackson in 1-1, but is sure he would of won. His best effort was hitting SUL Ross State for 11 points.

The ambitious guard who lists Lebron, Kobe, Michael and, Tim Duncan played his rookie season In Mexico averaging 38,0ppg, 6,0rpg, 9,0apg and 4,0spg and then played for the Alamo City Allstars (ABA) where he scored 32 points in his first game. He demonstrated right away that he could adapt to 2 different leagues. In a way what he saw in the ABA wasn’t any different to what he saw in JUCO with every guy wanting to prove that they were better than the other and just wanting to reach a higher level. He knew that in the ABA, he had to be different than every other player and really live basketball 24/7. ‘Most guys that I played against and with were on a mission. We all want the same goal but the main difference is how bad we want it. Do we want to invest into our body, mind, and training? That is the difference between me and most players. This year I took the time to invest in not only my basketball training, but my physical and mental health. Even with basketball training I switched to a trainer that took time to look in my past film and see what I need to work on. I know a lot of guys are not doing that and I know that will separate me from the competition’, remembered Ethan White. He really saw all kinds of players from diminutive 5,2 guard Samuel Epps to 32 year old rookie with the name of Brandon Thompson and was able to gain positives from both. ‘It was pretty cool to see how Samuel makes himself affective on the court. I actually took some notes on how he plays on the court. Brandon and I meshed pretty well. The more we play the better we understood each other. I got most of my assists from him’, remembered Ethan White. He also had the incredible opportunity to play for head coach Johnny Moore who back in the day was collecting dimes for the Ice Man George Gervin with the San Antonio Spurs in the 80’s. ‘It was an honor. I learned so much from him. Even when my brother was playing with him I learned from the sidelines on what he expects pros to do on and off the court’, said Ethan White.

Miles Schmidt-Scheuber and Brooklyn Net Spencer Dinwiddie in Boston March 2023

The 25 year old guard who believes Lebron James is the GOAT and that the classic movie Coming To America should have been left alone is a player that compares his game to Brooklyn Net Spencer Dinwiddie, a guy who has a smooth game and knows when to score and when to get the assist. He has proved that he isn’t only a scorer, but a guy that is dangerous every where on the floor. That is something that he will carry with him where ever he plays. ‘I believe my biggest strength is that I am a threat everywhere on the court. With the ball or without the ball. That’s a good trait to have because it opens up opportunities for my teammates. Being a threat everywhere also takes leadership. I can’t be a quiet threat’, warned Ethan White. But he also has other strengths and abilities that still seem to be off the radar. ‘My off ball defense. How I communicate off hall and look for opportunities to draw offensive fouls’, stated Ethan White. He also knows in order to get that next opportunity, he will have to keep grinding in the lab and working on his craft. ‘I continue to work on my ball-handling. I used to play on the wing a lot but now I have to bring the ball up. My trainer helped that part of the game a lot’, said Ethan White. It will be interesting to observe where the basketball journey of Ethan White will continue to go. He definitely has the right foundation of getting an opportunity overseas. He played at 4 different schools and saw different styles. Having been prepared like that will help him have to adapt to different styles overseas. All he needs now is a chance. He definitely is prepared to do anything in order to get that first chance and get his foot in the door. There are lower leagues in Germany where he could showcase his game. Give this guy a chance. I think it’s time to call Joe Asberry.

Mark Smith (193-SG-1999, college: Kansas St.) is a 23 year old 185cm guard form Ilinois playing his rookie season in Germany with BG Goettingen. He began his basketball career at Edwardsville High School averaging 21.9ppg, 8.2rpg, 8.4apg, 2.1spg; 30-2 record. He played his freshman season at the University of Illinois (NCAA) averaging 5.8ppg, 1.4rpg, 1.4apg, FGP: 40.4%, 3PT: 23.2%, FT: 79.6%. He then played at the University of Missouri (NCAA) from 2018-2021 averaging 5.5ppg, 3.5rpg, FGP: 42.9%, 3PT: 42.7%, FT: 75.0%, 8.7ppg, 5.2rpg, FGP: 41.8%, 3PT: 37.1%, FT: 80.3% in his third season and in his senior year averaged9.1ppg, 3.7rpg, 1.1apg, FGP: 48.1%, 3PT: 29.7%, FT: 77.5%. He played an extra season at the University of Kansas State (NCAA) averaging 12.6ppg, 8.4rpg, 1.7apg, 1.1spg, FGP: 49.5%, 3PT: 36.2%, FT: 70.9%. He spoke to germanhoops.com after the 88-82 loss to the Fraport Skyliners.

Thanks Mark for talking to germanhoops.com. Did you know coming into the game against the Fraport Skyliners that with a win BG Goettingen would send them to the second division after being in the BBL for 24 years after being born in 1999? But actually Frankfurt won and MBC is too blame because they won fair and square.

I didn’t know that

BG Goettingen controlled the game, but the Fraport Skyliners rebounded after the break. What adjustments did they make?

Our offense became stagnant as soon as they switched our ball screen and we couldn’t move the ball well anymore.

The game was tight in the fourth and BG Goettingen had the 73-67 lead with 4 minutes to go. Frankfurt then let it raid three’s hitting 3 in a row. Did you sense some major urgency on their end?

Obviously when your back is to the wall, a team like Frankfurt will fight until the end. They had nothing to loose and got the best of us. They made big shots and we didn’t respond.

What was it like playing against ex Euroleague player Jordan Theodore who played at Seton Hall? What does your game get the most of playing against high level guys like that?

My game got better this season playing against good players. It was great competing against him. I hope to play on a Euroleague team one day. It is always good to play against another good player.

You came overseas after playing for great NCAA schools. What kind of an experience has it been playing for BG Goettingen? What have you enjoyed most about the experience?

It has been a great experience playing for this organization. My game developed a lot and I credit coach Moers a lot for helping develop my game. I became even more versatile and my game developed at all 3 levels.

The team has no real star? Is that sort of an insult towards your game or a compliment for the team success of the organization?

We have guys that simply follow their roles. We all do that well. We have different guys that do different things well. We all play well off each other. I play to win.

The team has so many scoring options but what have you appreciated most about the play of Geno Crandle, and Harld Frey? How valuable are their playmaking qualities?

These two guys have played so well. They know how to get into the lane and kick out the ball. It is always great to have extra playmakers that can create and get open shots. It makes the game a lot easier.

How vital will the play of Javon Bess be in the playoffs? Is he a type of unsung hero player for the team?

His play has been so important. He defends the other team’s best player and when his shot is falling, it makes us a lot better. He is our x factor and a big key to the success.

The club split the regular season against the FC Bayern Munich. I feel you could have a chance Against them. What will be key to getting the series win?

Munich is a great team. Our key to winning the series will be to play fast, make good decisions, rebound well and keep the turnovers low. That is our identity. We need to play free and play good defense. We are all excited to be in the playoffs. We will see what happens.

What have you enjoyed most about battling top guards Cassius Winston?

It is always fun playing against high level players. He is a good player. Geno will be guarding him. That will be a good match up. We will have to keep him contained.

You have needed no adjustment period putting up great stats as a rookie with 16/7/2 stats. What has been your secret to being so consistent?

I think key for me has been being mentally confident and knowing my abilities. I have let the game come to me and not force anything. Rebounding has really helped me get into the flow. I try to control the game as best as I can.

You were a solid rebounder at Illinois and Missouri, but really broke free at Kansas State with 8,0rpg and with BG Goettingen with 7,0rpg. To what do you credit this growth in rebounding production?

Coach Weber of Kansas State recruited me in high school. He knew I could rebound. I didn’t need to rebound at Illinois or Missouri because they played a different system. Weber and coach Moers have needed me to rebound.

Your assist stat also rose. How did you grow as a playmaker playing overseas where the game is so much different?

Playing overseas is definitely different. It is all about how I pass the ball and how I need to read the defense. I have been able to make the hook passes here and thread the needle. I often was credited with the hockey pass, but now at the pro ranks overseas, I credit more talented players and guys who make more shots than in the NCAA.

The team won so many close games. Do you sometimes feel like the basketball God is your best friend?

You can only control what you can control. We have been fortunate that many things went right, but I feel that our close wins were credited to hard work.

What memories do you have of the incredible 96-95 win over Alba Berlin where you exploded for 33 points? Was that you best game this season?

I think that was one of my best games this season. It was one of those games where I felt very comfortable. I felt like everything would go in. I just played my role something coach has told me to do all season. I also have to give a lot of credit to the BG Goettingen organization for showing me how to be a pro and take care of my body during my injury.

You played your freshman season at Illinois (NCAA) opting not going to Duke, Michigan State or Kentucky. Do you sometimes wonder where your career could have gone?

Yes I have wondered about that, but God always has a plan for you. But I feel like everything has worked out well and there isn’t anymore I can ask for.

How tough was the pressure playing in your home state where you were an illustrated high school player?

There wasn’t really pressure. I went through adversary and learned from it.

You then played 3 years at Missouri improving your points average each season. What memories do you have battling then senior Jordan Geist who played some successful years in Germany?

I have many memories of Jordan. He was a great player. Playing at Missouri was a good time. I really grew as a player and I learned how to become a pro. It was the early steps of getting to where I am now. I’m really grateful for my time at Missouri. It was a fun time.

You were teammates 2 seasons with Dru Smith. What kind of teammate was he and what do you remember about your intense battles in practice?

Dru is one of my best friends. I was at his wedding. He is a great guy and teammate. He always led by example. Practices with him were competitive and fun.

Is he a great role model for you seeing that he has fought all odds and made it to the NBA with the Brooklyn Nets?

He is a great role model. He has fought hard his whole career. He was injured and fought through adversary. I’m really proud of him.

How rewarding was your senior year at Missouri where you beat Kentucky 75-70 and reached the NCAA tournament scoring 11 points against Oklahoma?

It was a great season. We played really well and wanted to bring the school back to the tournament. It was my first time there. The atmosphere was incredible.

How did coaches Conzo Martin and Bruce Weber groom and prepare you best for a professional career?

Martin taught me how to be a man and put in the work. Weber developed me as an all around player. He made me the player that I’m now. I give a lot of credit to them. Weber follows me and keeps telling me that I was always capable of being the player I am now.

Who won a 1-1 in practice you or Dru Smith?

We never really played 1-1. But if we did I have to take myself. We had more shooting battles. I don’t know who would win today.

You played great against Oklahoma with 25 and 22 points, but lost. Was that school one of those schools you’ll never forget battling?

Playing against Oklahoma and my ex school Illinois was always tough. My most memorable games were against them.

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

Miles Bridges and Anthony Edwards.

Who are your 5 best teammates of all-time?

Dru Smith, Leron Black, Nijel Pack, Parker Brown and Jeremiah Tilmon

Please name your NBA Mount Rushmore?

Lebron, Jordan, KD, Steph Curry

If Lebron Wins a title this year coupled with his NBA all-time scoring record will he be the GOAT?

He is my goat. Wining will help his legacy.

Is Steph Curry the greatest point guard of all-time?

Yes he is.

Thanks Mark for the chat.

Tags : MARK SMITH, BG GOETTINGEN, GERMAN BASKETBALL

Henry Van Herk (6’9”-C-1998, college: Queen’s) is a 206cm Canadian forward that played his rookie season in Germany with Pro B team Iserlohn averaging 9.4ppg, 6.8rpg, 1.0apg, 2FGP: 50.0%, 3FGP: 30.0%, FT: 85.7%, in Nov.’22 moved to BG 2000 Berlin (Germany-Regionalliga) averaging 10.3ppg, 7.7rpg, 1.3apg, 1.0spg, and in Jan.’23 signed at Gzira Athleta Birkirkara (Malta-BOV League D1. He played in Canada at Queens (U-Sports) In his senior year he averaged 8.5ppg, 5.5rpg, 1.2spg, FGP: 50.7%, 3PT: 32.3%, FT: 86.4%. He spoke to germanhoops.com about basketball.

Thanks Henry for talking to germanhoops.com. You began your professional career with German Pro B team Iserlohn. You began following them in 2020 when your ex teammate Tanner Graham played there. What do you believe is the most important thing that you know about the organization?

Thank you, I’m very excited for this next step in my career! I think the most important thing I know about the Kangaroos since following them in 2020 is that they have a team first mentality. Tanner has said great things about how close knit the guys and the coaching staff are, and watching the live streams of the games have shown how much they treat each other like family. I also think this idea comes across really well in their branding too, with the ‘win as one’, ‘love as one’, ‘care as one’, ‘cheer as one’, and ‘fight as one’ seen on their t-shirts.

What do you know in general about the country Germany and it’s basketball? Do you know that currently there are 6 players in the NBA from Germany

The first thing that comes to mind is Dirk. Also, having followed ProA and ProB for a few years now I can also say that Germany has great basketball fans. It’s nice to see how packed the gyms can get and how enthusiastic the crowds are! I knew that Moe and Franz Wagner along with Dennis Schroeder were Germans currently playing in the NBA, but I was unaware of the others.

When did the first contact come to Iserlohn and was this your first option from the start?

My first contact with Iserlohn was in June when I first talked with head coach Dennis Shirvan. Having known the team through Tanner, this was definitely my first option, so I’m super happy that I was able to sign with them.

How were the talks with head coach Dennis Shirvan? What was your first impression and what stood out about his basketball philosophy?

The talks with Dennis were great. He’s extremely genuine, and seems like a real player’s coach. I’m excited to hear that he’s looking to push the ball more in transition this season, and I can’t wait to see what else he has planned for the team.

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

I like to think that I’m comparable to Nikola Vuevi. He runs the floor, plays well out of the pick and roll, can step out and hit the three, has a great set of post moves, and makes the occasional highlight pass.

You can score and rebound the ball well. What other strengths does your game incorporate?

I would say that outside of scoring and rebounding that I can make some great passes, and also run the floor well for my size. However, my former teammates would say that I’m maybe the best player when it comes to intercepting passes with kickballs, which I have my soccer skills from childhood to thank for.

You don’t put up so many three’s, but have upped your amount in the last years. How much of a priority is it for you to continue to get your three more involved?

I think these past few seasons have shown that I’m a capable three point shooter, and while it might not be something that I am actively looking for in my offense, it’s a great option to go to if in a game I’m not having much success in the paint.

Your also a very good defender. Would it be fair to say that your defense has been a bit off the radar? What kind of defensive player are you now and what kind do you want to become?

I think that’s fair, it can be hard to judge on paper how many shots you contest that make your opponent miss, or how well you can guard a ball screen, so in that sense I don’t think my defensive ability is something that many people see initially. At the moment I think I’m a versatile defender who can guard multiple positions, and I want to become someone who’s able to guard 1 through 5.

On what area’s of your game are you working on most as you continue to improve your game and move up the basketball ladder?

I’m working on becoming a knock down shooter from the three point line, and beating defenders off the dribble from the perimeter.

You played at Queens (CIS) from 2016-2022. Was reaching the OUA final in 2022 your biggest achievement there?

I think getting to go to nationals in 2022 was my biggest achievement there. We finished fourth in our first-ever appearance at a national championship, and it was a great way to finish off the most successful year in Queen’s Men’s Basketball history.

You hardly played your first 2 seasons and missed many more games after that. You played only 41 minutes in your first 2 seasons. How did this effect you mentally?

It was definitely tough mentally. Practicing everyday, sometimes multiple times with lifts and individual sessions, on top of watching game film, to only get in at the last few minutes of a game if at all, was really difficult. Once I was able to focus on just trusting the process, and that eventually my time would come, I was able to really break through and earn my sport on the court.

Despite all the games missed, you made another step as a senior averaging 8/5 stats. How did your game grow in your time at Queens?

As mean as it sounds, over my time at Queen’s I had to learn to be more selfish. I would often pass up open shots to try and get someone else a better shot, and it was hurting the team more than I thought. Once I started looking to create my own offensive opportunities, I began to have more games with 14, 15, or 16 points, instead of the usual 4 or 5, and it forced teams to have to worry about more than our primary scorers, getting them more open looks in the process.

You had many great games at Queens like your 17/12 game against Nipissing. What was your most memorable game at Queens?

My most memorable game at Queen’s is when we beat the Carlton Ravens this past season to make it to the OUA finals, and earn a spot at nationals. In my five years, I had never beaten them before, and earlier that season we had lost twice to them, 86-46, and 94-75. Walking into that game, no one expected us to win, they were undefeated that season and have won 16 of the last 19 national championships. It was a close game, finishing 86-80, but finally being able to beat them, and celebrate with my teammates, coaches, and friends is definitely my most memorable game at Queen’s.

Tanner Graham said this about Steph Barrie. ‘Steph was an amazing coach over my career at Queen’s and he will continue to be a role model in my life as I move forward. I owe a lot of my development as a player to Steph. I started my career at Queen’s strictly as a shooter. Steph was able to mentor and motivate me to expand my game into a well-rounded player. He also worked with me on my mental state while playing which may have been just as important as the skill development. Without Steph I don’t think I’d be in the position I am as a basketball player. However, more importantly than my development as a basketball player, Steph fostered my development as a man. Throughout my career Steph always used basketball to teach life lessons such as being grateful and the importance of GRIT in achieving your goals. Steph was not only vital in preparing me for a professional basketball career, he was vital in preparing me for everything as these lessons are applicable to all aspects of life. These aspects of Steph’s mentoring are more important to me than my development as a basketball player only’. How did head coach Steph Barrie groom and prepare you best for a professional career?

The best thing Steph Barrie did to prepare me for a professional career is to help me with my basketball IQ. Before playing at university, I didn’t have much experience playing with very skilled teams. I had so much to learn in terms of just basketball fundamentals, such as proper ball screen coverages, how to properly close out on a shooter depending on where they are on the court, but also higher IQ concepts like different reads for pick and rolls based on your defender and your teammates defender. I really struggled with learning all the various different offensive sets and sideline and baseline inbounds, but Steph was able to really help me through the extensive amount of film we would do as a team, and in individual sessions before practice on the court so I could walk through the plays. Over the course of my 6 years at Queen’s, Steph was able to help me go from someone who couldn’t run a simple action at the 5, to now being able to learn new sets with ease, and also be able to know where everyone on the court, 1 through 5, should go. Thanks to him, I believe I will be able to transition well into the mental aspect of my career as a professional.

Who won a 1-1 in practice you or Connor Keefe?

I think a lot of people in the CIS would agree that Connor Keefe is one of the last guys you want guarding you. If we played 1-1 from the post, I would give it to Connor, he is a tremendous post player, but if we played from the three point line I would take it. If he develops a three point shot for the upcoming season teams are going to have a tough time trying to stop him.

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

The only player I can think of that reached the NBA is RJ Barrett. I had the opportunity to play against him at a team Ontario tryout when I was in high school. He was playing two years up and still scoring with ease. Really made my practice squad struggle, having to try and double or even triple team him at times.

Please name your 5 best teammates of all-Time?

My 5 best teammates of all time are Landon Brickenden, Jacob Yager, Quinton Gray, and Jesse and Tanner Graham. Some of these guys were the first people I met at university, and all have become some of my closest friends. I’ve learned so much about the game of basketball from playing with my older teammates Jesse and Tanner, and shared a great four seasons with Landon, and five seasons with Jacob and Quinton. From supporting each other during tough practices or workouts, to being able to celebrate our accomplishments at provincials and nationals, these are truly the greatest teammates I could ask for.

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

Present heads, Luka Doni, Jimmy Butler, Pascal Siakam, and Nikola Joki.

What is your personal opinion of the neverending debate of who is the greatest of all-time Jordan or Lebron?

Definitely Jordan. What sways my decision is that Jordan is 6-0 in NBA finals, without needing a game seven to win any of his rings, while LeBron is 4-6, one of which being the NBA bubble, and two of which required a game seven.

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

I never saw the sequel, but looking at the IMDb and Rotten Tomatoes reviews I’m not missing out on much, it definitely should have been left as just the original.

Thanks Henry for the chat.

Tags : HENRY VAN HERK, GZIRA ATHLETA BIRKIRKARA, GERMAN BASKETBALL

So who would of thought that The EPG Baskets Koblenz would have so many problems in the playoffs after mowing down most of the competition in the regular season. After a tough grind out series against the EN Baskets Schwelm where the team was brought to the limit and won a do or die game in their living room, the biting of the fingernails continued in the Erfurt series. After a bitter 79-78 loss in game 1 at home, the troops of Pat Elzie had their second do or die game this time in enemy territory and mastered it with a 80-74 victory where once again their were no gifts given. Now the series was tied 1-1 and the EPG Baskets Koblenz had another do or die game, but this time in their living room. With a win they would book the ticket for the semi finals against the BSG Sixers and Pro A. The club had had do or die game experience and 400 Pro A plus and 100 plus easyCredit BBl experience on their roster now had to come together and for once play the kind of basketball they had showed during the regular season. It is no secret that the playoffs is a new season and every team is gunning for the EPG Baskets Koblenz. On a mild Friday night and the CGM arena as always was packed, but never before with 3000 plus fans. The EPG Baskets Koblenz didn’t let their fans down as this time it wasn’t a close contest, but one where they were able to control the game for the most part and won 108-83 ‘We did everything right tonight what we did during the regular season. We used all our weapons correctly and everyone played their role well. We attacked Edi early and brought him into foul trouble and kept Lyles off the 3 point line’, stated EPG Baskets Koblenz guard Leon Friederici (190-SG-1995) The CATL Basketball Lowen played their hearts out in the series, but in game 3 just didn’t have enough man power to get over the hump during the game. ‘I’m very proud of my team. Things didn’t always go right for us, but we never showed fear. When you lose your best player Edi then there is a big void at both ends’, stated Erfurt guard Tyseem Lyles.

Dominque Johnson at the FT line

The EPG Baskets Koblenz wasted no time jumping all over the CATL Baskets Lowen taking the early 8-2 lead. They attacked the rim getting 2 spectacular dunks form Brian Butler and lay in’s from American Alani Moore and ex Bremerhaven center Moses Poelking. The atmosphere in the CGM arena was breathtaking which sparked the Koblenz aggressive defense not allowing the guests a rhythm while Koblenz played with high intensity and moved the ball well early on. After a Erfurt timeout, they came better into the game going on a 10-4 run to dead lock the game at 12-12. Erfurt got more aggressive getting to the free throw line 3 times as young German Dominykas Pleta made 4 points and ex Gonzaga forward Guy Edi made 2 points on free throws and Lyles made a floater and ex Itzehoe forward Aileu Ceesay made an offensive rebound and put back. Erfurt heightened their defensive intensity and made things more difficult for Koblenz. But keeping a team like the EPG Baskets under wraps can only take so long as they escaped and then showed their offensive arsenal going on a 18-7 run to lead 30-19 after 10 minutes. In the run Koblenz spread the love around and got everyone involved. Koblenz remained aggressive in the paint getting lay in’s from 2019 NBBL finalist with Breitengussbach Leo Safer and ex PS Karlsruhe forward Dominque Johnson using a mismatch and getting a lay in while Sperber was also aggressive getting an offensive rebound and finishing with his left hand and Alani Moore made a lay in for the commanding 30-19 advantage. Koblenz’s aggressive defense had forced the guests to 8 turnovers. ‘Both teams played at a high intensity and attacked well. Koblenz moved the ball well and played transition getting easy baskets’, stressed ex EPG Baskets Koblenz assistant coach Tobias Hosper.

Lorenz Schiller from outside

The EPG Baskets continued to control the game not allowing the CATL Basketball Lowen to get over the hump as they couldn’t cut the Koblenz lead under 5 points. Despite Guy Edi being on the bench for great lengths because of 3 fouls, the Erfurt role players picked up the slack. Ex BBL player Marvin Heckel did a great job showing offensive power scoring 5 points, but Erfurt remained close thanks to the great player of Pleta who took on responsibility in Edi’s absence with 9 points and Erfurt trailed only 37-30. Pleta scored 4 free throws and connected on a trey and lay in. But the EPG Baskets Koblenz simply had too much firepower and weapons always ready for an answer. German Jan Heber gave Erfurt 2 key lay in’s, but Koblenz got massive support from the bench from ex Itzehoe forward Niclas Sperber who contributed 7 points including a pretty reverse lay up for the 48-38 Koblenz advantage. ‘I never saw Sperber like this. He was so focused and mentally prepared’, stated Tobias Hosper. Erfurt never gave up and continued to chip away getting added spark from their young Germans as Pleta made a big dunk. He was being put in great position by guards Lyles and Heber and little used 18 year old Lenni Kunzewitsch made a clutch trey to cut Koblenz’s lead to 48-43. But Koblenz didn’t let down after that closing out the second quarter strong with Friederici free throws and a Moore lay in to lead 50-43. ‘Both teams continued to play at a high intensity, but Koblenz rhythm had gone down a bit. Erfurt kept fighting and had patience getting good shots’, stated Tobias Hosper. Koblenz shot 48% from the field and 25% from outside, but the CATL Basketball Lowen shot an incredible 92% 11/12 from the 2 point range while both teams had 15 rebounds, but Erfurt had 11 turnovers and Koblenz 6 turnovers.

Niclas Sperber lay in

The third quarter continued to be a high scoring affair, but the CATL Basketball Lowen continued not being able to get over the hump and never got closer than 5 points early. Pleta continued to have his A game on and he scored the first 4 points of the third quarter as Erfurt trailed only 52-47. Koblenz then got some energy and support from 2017 BBL slam dunk contest winner Brian Butler with a lay in, Sperber lay in and Moore trey, but in the end led only 60-53 as Lyles connected for 2 three’s. Both teams continued to trade baskets as Koblenz got a 3 from Sperber and two lay in’s from Heckel while Erfurt got three’s from Ceesay and Edi to trail only 67-60. Edi then suffered his fourth foul and had to leave again to be ready for the stretch run in the fourth. One could sense that Edi’s inconsistent minutes put a strain on them mentally as they got away from the team game and played too much 1-1 play. Friederici gave Koblenz vital support with 5 points, but they just couldn’t shake Erfurt as they remained on Koblenz tail as they got key support from ex Jena German Lorenz Schiller with 5 points and Pleta made a lay in as Erfurt trailed only 77-70. Dominique Johnson closed out the third quarter with a trey and 80-70 advantage. ‘Getting Edi with his fourth foul early was important. He is an important help side defender and he hurt our spacing. We took away so much from their offense and defense with him out. That allowed us to focus more on Lyles and Heber’, stated Leon Friederici ‘I felt our rotations were good, but they just made shots. We lost a little toughness on defense. They did a good job taking me off the three point line’, commented Tyseem Lyles.

Guy Edi at the FT line

In the fourth quarter the EPG Baskets Koblenz were able to shift up one more gear as the CATL Basketball Lowen were unable to withstand their execution rate and on offense failed to execute as well as in the previous quarters. Koblenz began well as Marvin Heckel controlled the offense and got 2 easy lay in’s and Brian Butler also scored inside for the 88-73 advantage. Edi was back in the game and responded instantly with 4 points to cut Koblenz’s lead to 88-77. Koblenz then shifted into a top gear going on a brutal 9-0 run to lead comfortably 97-77. In the run it was Heckel who supplied a jumper, Moore a lay in and Friederici 4 points including a sweet dunk from the baseline. Friederici would add another crushing dunk a few minutes later. ‘I can’t remember ever making 2 dunks like that so close together in time. When I saw Sperber having his man in front, I had a clear path to the rim. A play like that gives the team momentum’, warned Leon Friederici Heckel had been instrumental in the fourth first scoring 3 times and then dishing out assist after assist in the run. ‘He had 5-7 plays in a row where he made the absolute right solutions. He made our defense better as well. He took what could have been a 6-7 point lead to a 12-13 point lead’, said Tobias Hosper. ‘When Heckel isn’t on the court, something is missing in our game. He knows our team so well. He is our most important player’, stressed Leon Friederici Koblenz had the momentum and didn’t let down, but finished the game strong going on a 11-4 run to close out the game. Moore added a trey, Butler scored twice inside and Friederici added another hard dunk. ‘Key in the fourth was playing fast and slowing their game down. We took away their transition game and they were tired at the end’, expressed Leon Friederici ‘We had fatigue. It was frustrating to see us giving our all and they were still hitting everything’, stated Tyseem Lyles. The EPG Baskets Koblenz were led by Leon Friederici with 25 points. Niclas Sperber added 18 points and Marvin Heckel had 17 points and 11 assists while the CATL Basketball Lowen were led by Dominykas Pleta with 25 points. Tyseem Lyles added 19 points and Guy Edi 13 points. The EPG Baskets Koblenz shot 55% from the field and 35% from outside and had 33 rebounds and 10 turnovers while the CATL Basketball Lowen shot 48% from the field and 34% from outside and had 31 rebounds and 19 turnovers.

picture credit Hakro Merlins

James Batemon (185-G-1997, college: LMU) is a 26 year old 185cm guard that recently moved from As Karditsas (Greece-GBL) to the Hakro Merlins Crailsheim currently averaging 14,0ppg, 1,5rpg and 5,0apg. He played the last 2 years in France with Jean D’Arc Vichy Clermont Metropole (France-ProB) averaging 17.2ppg, 2.8rpg, 4.3apg, 1.7spg, FGP: 46.2%, 3PT: 53.7%, FT: 83.7% and with Union Tours Metropole Basket (France-ProB) averaging 15.1ppg, 3.5rpg, 3.7apg, FGP: 49.1%, 3PT: 39.5%, FT: 83.4%. he played his rookie season with BK Ogre (Latvia-LBL, starting five): LatEstBL) averaging 17.6ppg), 3.9rpg, 3.4apg, FGP: 57.7%, 3PT: 45.7%, FT: 77.4%. before University he played AAU ball with the Milwaukee Bulldogs and at Riverside University high school. He then played 2 years with North Dakota State College of Science (JUCO) averaging 20.0ppg, 5.1rpg, 2.8apg, 1.4spg, FGP: 56.5%, 3PT: 34.3%, FT: 79.1% and in his second season averaged 20.8ppg, 5.6rpg, 5.7apg, 1.4spg, FGP: 53.2%, 3PT: 37.8%, FT: 81.4%. He then played at Loyola Marymount University (NCAA) from 2017-2019 averaging 17.4ppg, 3.7rpg, 4.6apg, 1.2spg, FGP: 50.4%, 3PT: 39.0%, FT: 79.7% and as a senior averaged 16.4ppg, 3.1rpg, 3.6apg, 1.6spg, FGP: 50.0%, 3PT: 28.5%, FT: 82.2%. He spoke to germanhoops.com before the game against the Fraport Skyliners.

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

Basketball is going pretty good now. I’m a little sad that the season is coming to an end. We fell a little short of making the playoffs. I just want to enjoy the last 2 games and get some wins and then enjoy the summer grind.

You came to Crailsheim in January after balling in Greece for some months. How would you compare the German and Greek first divisions? Players have said that the Greek league is a 2 team league. What league is stronger top to bottom?

Greece was slower and more physical. The BBL is also physical, but a lot faster and the refs call more fouls. The game and speed is quicker in the BBL. The German league has more teams and is stronger top to bottom as many teams are fighting for the playoffs.

You did win your second Fiba Europe Cup game, but you didn’t win your first easyCredit BBL game until your 8th try suffering a 7 game losing streak. How tough was this time for you mentally?

The losing streak wasn’t as tough for me mainly because I was new and had a fresh start. I was still trying to get connected to the guys and of course the losing was frustrating but I was trying to build more of a connection to the team.

You only played 2 BBL games with Otis Livingston who then left for Bayreuth. Do you sometimes wonder where the team would be now had he stayed?

You always have the what if’s. You always wonder how the team would be if you had a talented guard like him. I thought we played pretty well with and off each other. It was fun while it lasted.

You guys played well together. What did you learn to enjoy most about his game?

What I really enjoyed most about his game was that he was always in attack mode and kept teams on their heels. They always had to be ready when he was going downhill and getting us out on transition.

What was it like playing against top German team Alba Berlin in a span of 2 weeks. You lost the first game by 23 points, but played them very tough in the second attempt losing only by 6 points.

It was a great experience playing against Alba and it was similar to when I played against Panathinaikos. I was hopeful to play Olympiakos but then I got injured. It was a great experience. I can’t wait to play against those type of teams again and be on a team like that one day.

You got that first BBL win beating playoff team ratiopharm Ulm 76-68. What was it like sharing the court with ex NBA player Brandon Paul. Did his game amaze you or did he appear just like another normal player?

No disrespect to Brandon Paul, but I didn’t know him before we played against each other. That was new to me. I didn’t know he made the NBA. He played well and you could see he was an NBA guy.

Then came the perfect game for you in a win against Braunschweig. You were 9/9 from the field and 10/10 from the FT line. What does this game mean to you?

It was a special game for me, because it was my break out game. I already had scored 28 points against Heidelberg, but this was the first game where I didn’t miss any shots. It actually didn’t mean so much to me even if it was a record for most shots without a miss. I was just happy we got the win and move up the standings.

In your rookie season you had a very strong game against Rapala netting 34 points on 11/13 shooting. Was the game against Braunschweig your best game?

It was my best game scoring wise just because I didn’t miss a shot. I can’t think of any other better all around games so that game was one of my best in my career.

You then lost 2 games back to back combined by 5 points against Ludwigsburg and Wurzburg. Did those games prove that Crailsheim is a lot better than their record shows?

Yes we showed in those games that we are better than what our record shows. We had a lot of small errors this season that we just couldn’t turn around. Giving up offensive rebounds and small mental break downs on defense have hurt us. That was the difference between being a playoff team and a team near the bottom.

What has it been like playing with German veteran Maurice Stuckey? What have you learned to appreciate most about his game?

It has been great playing with MO who brings his veteran presence. His leadership and communication has been important and he has helped me adapt with many things. I appreciate how hard he goes and his love and commitment to the game. I really appreciate how hard he plays for his age.

What have you appreciated most about Myles Stephens? This guy has been massive on the defensive end showing his shot blocking skills at 196cm.

He is amazing and is like a glue guy and just does what the team needs. He is always guarding the other team’s best player and has made big steps shooting the ball. He has been massive on the defensive end and a guy that every team needs. You can see that he really enjoys the moment.

You came in and right away got adjusted well to the BBL showing consistency? What was the biggest adjustment for you coming from Greece?

The biggest adjustment was just getting in shape and being able to compete at this level. I had been injured for 2 months beforehand.

You filled the stat sheet better in Greece but your shooting the ball really well from outside. What do you attribute your hot shooting to with Crailsheim?’

A long pre season in Greece and just a lot of practices brought my shooting percentages down. But after my injury my shot just felt a lot better.

What have you enjoyed most about the easyCredit BBL? How do you feel has your game adapted to the playing style best?

I like that there are great fans and energy in every gym. There are also many great players in the BBL. Your in for a challenge every night. I feel like I have adapted well to the pace. I just love the energy of the league

What are your picks in the Boston-76ers series, Knicks-Heat Series and Warriors-Lakers series?

I got the Celtics, Heat and Warriors.

Thanks James for the chat.

Tags : JAMES BATEMON, HAKRO MERLINS CRAILSHEIM, GERMAN BASKETBALL

It has been more than 6.5 years since my first interview with Christopher Miller (192-G-1993, college: Salem). Back in September 2016, Isaac Bonga was still rather unknown and 2 years away from being a Laker, Luca Doncic was starting to do his thing in the Euroleague while NBA executives had no idea who he was except maybe Mark Cuban and Jayson Tatum hadn’t played a minute yet in the NCAA with Duke University. Time has really flown and back then Christopher Miller had just played a less than spectacular rookie season in the States with the semi pro league team Jamestown Jackals (PBL).He had played 2 years at Salem State University and never averaged more than 4,0ppg and now had aspirations of playing overseas. With no real resume, how the heck was he going to achieve that?. He luckily came in contact with Ron Howard a basketball junkie who had played overseas and wanted to give back to the basketball community and help young unproven but hungry players somehow get noticed and get their bodies into the door by organizing games with pro teams and helping them get signed with Howard Hoops. The majority of guys that actually get a job isn’t big, but some guys do make it. Some guys may play 1-2 years, but with bad pay return home and get a normal job. Sometimes guys get lucky and Christopher Miller was one of them. He played at the Howard Hoops exhibition in 2016 and exceled and got a job with VFL Bensheim. He had these words for me in our first ever interview. ‘I worked my whole life for this moment and now it’s time to embrace it’. He sure as heck did that as more than 6,5 years later and not 30 yet, he finished his 7th season overseas and the rest is history.

Since his rookie season with VFL Bensheim where he led the German Regionalliga 2 in scoring the Brooklyn New York native has played in El Salvador and Bosnia, but played most of his time in Germany for the Giessen Pointers where he was for 3 seasons. He became a top player in the German Regionalliga (4th league) and began this season with his old team VFL Bensheim, but then took on a new challenge and made the jump and live in the Swiss alps and played with the Goldcoast Wallabies (Switzerland-NLB) helping lead them to the playoffs. The team played a tough team called Morges-Saint-Prex in the playoffs who swept them during the regular season. After winning game 1, they lost the next 2 and their season ended. Their opponent let up 86 points in the first loss, but then stepped up their defense and allowed only 66 points on average in the last 2 games. ‘We are disappointed with the outcome of the post season especially after winning game 1. Credits to them, they showed to be the better team over a 3 game series. I’m not sure exactly but I’m sure they did focus on defense more just being menaces and tough. They won a-lot of 50/50 situations and got us in foul trouble’, said Christopher Miller. The club had a poor start to the regular season, but showed everyone that their second half wasn’t a fluke. ‘I feel that rocky start messed us up. We have been in playoff mode since January climbing from bottom of the league to highest 5th seed. Our second half run was amazing and I think we ran out of gas when we needed it the most’, stated Christopher Miller. The team had some veterans, but also had a lot of young talent and he is confident for the future of the team and is proud how they reacted after the slow start. ‘Our team is full of U22 players minus the imports. I hope they can take a-lot from this feeling and channel it into a positive way moving forward. I still think talent wise this is one of the best teams I have played for. I think we started off the second half with new focus and after a tough training camp over Christmas break we won a tough match up against GC which sparked our 9 game win streak. Looking back that week and game gave us a lot of momentum’, stressed Christopher Miller.

The versatile guard who can fill the stat sheet like no other and feels the Phoenix Suns can win it all this season had a real challenge coming from Germany to Switzerland, but he proved he can adapt to anywhere and rapidly. ‘This season was a lot for me honestly. I started 5 games with Bensheim. Then completely changed leagues / teams and got thrown into the fire. It was a bunch of learning and adjusting on the fly. It took a while to learn my teammates and the culture here. My main focus was just to show I can be a dominant player in this league and I did everything in my power to achieve that. I’m happy with this season. Blessed to be finishing up my 8th year on a good note’, commented Christopher Miller. With Wallabies he averaged 20,6ppg, 4,8rpg, 4,4apg and 2,9spg and shot a potent 37% from outside. He had had some very strong and consistent seasons with the Giessen Pointers, but was this season his best in Europe? ‘Overall I think this was one of my more complete seasons. To finish in top 3 in almost every category really shows the work that’s being put in during the offseason. I don’t think it’s the league per-say. I just think I came in with a-little bit more to prove no matter where it was’, warned Christopher Miller. The American who began his basketball career at Clinton Community College really showed his scoring skills, but also showed that he knew exactly when to do that and when to be the dime provider having his highest assist average in his career. ‘This club pushed me out of my comfort zone forced me to be a complete PG and defensive player. Just having to adapt to the athletes and speed of this level. My favorite moment was actually connecting on assists. I worked hard on being able to make a pass to my teammates and they catched it in a great spot and finish. So maybe throwing some lobs or finding a wideopen shooter getting the crowd hype is what I will miss’, expressed Christopher Miller. He scored in double figures in every game and score more than 20 points 10 times including 28 points apiece against Bernex and Baeren, 27 points against CNBS and 26 points against Grand-Saconnex.

Miles Schmidt-Scheuber and Chris Miller in Limburg, Germany in 2022

So after a strong and successful season in Switzerland, what is the next step for Christopher Miller. He hasn’t revealed anything, but the German Pro B may not be an option simply because he wasn’t appreciated there. ‘I will enjoy the off season and get to work on my craft. I don’t know what is next that part I can’t control but I can control the fact that I’ll be ready. At this point I played some of my best basketball and didn’t get any respect for it . My goal is to play somewhere that I am appreciated. Whatever decision I make next will be exactly that’, warned Christopher Miller. The 29 year old guard wants to keep moving up the ladder and knows he can’t be a slouch during the off season, but continue to be a gym rat and grind grind in the lab continuing to improve his shooting and passing. ‘This summer with my trainer Ronny Weihmann I will work on those same things. Progressing my three point shooting, ball handling and quickness. I want to be able to be plugged into any situation being the PG or SG and have the same dominant effect’, stressed Christopher Miller. I don’t know how often he thinks about the what if? I mean what if he hadn’t taken part with the Howard Hoops opportunity in Germany? ‘I was hesitant to take this chance with Ron Howard because I did not know him. Something told me to take that chance, and I am happy I did because he is true to his word and he has a brand that is growing all throughout Germany and Europe. He has placed players in big leagues and has a high success rate’, stressed Christopher Miller in 2016. He was one of the lucky players that made a good career overseas, but he also worked his butt off and has deserved every opportunity he has gotten. It will be interesting to see where he will land next season. I know he will get Pro B offers, but maybe he will surprise everyone and suit up in the German Pro A. I will be rooting for him because I always love the underdog.

Tags : CHRISTOPHER MILLER, GOLDCOAST WALLABIES, GERMAN BASKETBALL

Miles Schmidt-Scheuber and ex player Quantez Robertson May 1, 2023

It was Thursday afternoon on April 27th at 3,38 when my phone got a WhatsApp message from Fraport Skyliner legend Quantez Robertson (188-SG-1984, college: Auburn, agency: Interperformances). I wasn’t there to read it the message at that moment. I’m not always reachable and actually didn’t have my phone in my possession for a few hours. When I finally had my phone around 6,30pm I read the following message. ‘Hey I’m officially done playing basketball and this is my last year’. As I read this phrase, I tried to digest the information as 14 years of wonderful memories of Tez were circling in my mind. I mean everyone was expecting for him to retire after this season. He was in his 14th season and had been losing the last 2 seasons and he wasn’t actually getting any younger. Even if he finally deserves to stop playing and go home again and be in the States fulltime the first time since 2009, I was still very sad. I have been covering the Fraport Skyliners since 2004 and had never had such an intense working relationship with a player like Quantez Robertson which really had grown in the last years. In the last 3 years I regularly released Miles Basketball Minute articles featuring Quantez Robertson about the state of the Fraport Skyliners, but also other interesting topics like Lebron James, Charles Barkley, The Euro 2022, Autograph collecting, Derrick Allen, Rickey Paulding, summer vacation, making it into an Argentine newspaper with me, Easter and Reese’s, Peanut Butter Cups, PJ Tucker and of course Tom Brady was mentioned a few times. I loved shooting the breeze with Quantez Robertson and now writing entertaining articles with Tez quotes would possibly come to an end. Life goes on and I have to accept it. I saw Tez for the first time since hearing of his decision at the Pro B playoff game against the BSW Sixers on Sunday night and congratulated his wife that she finally had her husband forever back home in the States. Tez then put a smile on my face with a fancy tee shirt with Tez Mania plastered on the front. He looked down, but at that moment I had no idea he would never play again. I thought that he would finish out the season, but somehow he forgot to tell me that. 2 hours before the game on Monday against Wurzburg, the Fraport Skyliners officially released the announcement by Tez that he was retiring and injury would prevent him from finishing the season. After the big win over Wurzburg that was dedicated to him, I finally corner Tez in the hall away and started firing questions at him something he had always been used to. He came over relaxed when talking about why he chose to step away from the game. ‘I made the decision after the Braunschweig game. The doctor said my season was over because I had a foot injury. It was a tough decision, but once he made it clear to me how bad it was, the decision to retire was made easier. He told me if I kept playing then I could really hurt my foot for the long run’, stressed Quantez Robertson.

That this season was tough on the ex Auburn player who believes despite Steph Curry’s magical 50 points recently, he is still behind Magic Johnson in the all-time best point guards of all-time rating was no secret as being a big time competitor, you could sense the losing was really eating at him. The team was losing and were wrapped in the cellar with little hope of getting out. His minutes had diminished and as a competitor one does sense that the abilities are waning a bit. ‘I may not be as athletic as 10 years ago, but one thing is for sure I will always be a competitor. I think that I showed my whole career that I could compete at a high level’, stressed Quantez Robertson. His last home game was against medi Bayreuth where nobody ever could have thought that that would be his last home game, but it was. His first pro game was on October 9th 2009 against Trier where he steered 3 points, 4 rebounds and a block in 29 minutes in a loss and his last home game was on April 23rd 2023 where he had 13 points, 2 rebounds and 4 assists in a 113-107 loss against Bayreuth and his last pro game was on April 25th where he had 2 points, 3 rebounds and 2 steals in a 86-71 loss against Braunschweig. It won’t sink in yet, but in a few months he will realize that he isn’t playing the game he loves anymore. ‘I will really miss playing in an atmosphere like against Wurzburg. I really miss competing with my teammates and having fun after wins and just bringing joy to fans with wins and highlights’, commented Quantez Robertson. This season he played with many talented Americans like Isaiah Washington, Marcus Lewis and even had buddy Jordan Theodore back for a few games. He also had talented Germans on his side like second year man Lukas Wank. ‘Lukas was the most improved player on the team. He played a lot more this season and had a bigger role. He was a big reason for many of our wins. He never backed down against anyone and always played hard. His offense made strides’, expressed Quantez Robertson who felt the unsung hero of the team was the team. He scored in double figures in 9 games this season including 18 points in a tough loss to Bamberg and netted 14 points a piece in thrilling tight wins against Hamburg and Chemnitz in 4 and 5 point victories. He remembered exactly what his favorite game was this season. In that game I didn’t get on him about why he never dunks anymore. ‘It was the game where I made the dunk on the fast break. I think it was against Hamburg’, smiled Quantez Robertson.

Foto credit Fraport Skyliners

When you played 14 seasons and had 4,425 points, 1727 rebounds, 1370 assists and 742 steals and becoming the Fraport Skyliners all-time leading scorer and easyCredit BBL all-time steal leader, it is only common that you will have many many memories. So let’s go down memory lane with Tez. One can guess which one of his 479 games was his favorite, but he also had 3 other favorite games. ‘My favorite game was when we won the Fiba Europe Cup game. I also had 3 other favorite games and they were the 3 games when I played Jimmy Mckinney when he played with Tuebingen, Wurzburg and Bonn. Jimmy was really important for me at the start. He showed me the ropes’, stated Quantez Robertson. But he also had another favorite game. ‘My personal favorite game was when I scored 30 points in Russia against Saratov’, added Quantez Robertson. The steal king had many many great teammates and it is only logical that out of respect to everyone that he can’t name his 5 favorite teammates of all-time, but what about his toughest 5 opponents? He came up rapidly with 4, but then took a moment and added 2 more and certainly will never forget those nasty Bamberg teams. ‘My toughest opponents were Immanuel Mcelroy, Rickey Paulding, Reggie Redding, Isaiah Swann and from Bamberg Casey Jacobson and PJ Tucker’, said Quantez Robertson. Then I reveal my all-time Skyliners starting 5 from 2000 until today with Pascal Roller/Dashaun Wood, Tyrone Ellis, Quantez Robertson, Chris Williams and Mario Kasun. I then get a big laugh out of Tez wondering if that starting 5 could beat a NBA team’ ‘That is a pretty good starting 5, but we won’t beat a NBA team. NBA teams have a lot more fire power at every position’, warned Quantez Robertson. So what is Tez’s personal starting 5 in 14 years and all German starting 5 with him included? ‘I have Jordan Theodore at the point, Jimmy Mckinney at the 2, me at the 3, Mike Morrison at the 4 and Joe Voigtmann at the five. My German starting 5 is Pascal Roller, Dominik Bahiense De Mello, me, Danilo Barthel and Joe Voigtmann’, added Quantez Robertson.

Two guys that were instrumental in Quantez Robertson‘s career were Gordon Herbert and Murat Didin. Herbert was on hand before the Wurzburg game in the short ceremony and said some words. Many believe that Murat Didin discovered Tez, but contrary to belief it was actually ex Fraport Skyliner Aubrey Reese. ‘Gorde Herbert is one of the best coaches that I ever had. He trusted me on the floor. He always made sure we were ready to go on the floor. I remember telling him that we would win the Fiba Europe cup and we did. After we won the title, I gave him a big hug and said we did it. I’m really thankful that Murat Didin gave me an opportunity in Frankfurt, but it was actually Aubrey Reese who discovered my talent. I worked out with Aubrey and he told Murat about me. Murat was a wild and animated coach and we all loved him. We showed that we were just as crazy as him when we played. He got the crowd behind us and pumped us up and brought a lot of excitement’, remembered Quantez Robertson. But it wasn’t only the amazing wins and plays that he achieved on the court that will remain in his memory vault, but also things off the court. ‘I will never forget getting together with the guys at the end of the season and go paint balling. I also remember once early in my career riding go carts’, said Quantez Robertson. So what is the next step for Quantez Robertson after his playing days. He has been helping coach his kids in sports like Quantez Jr who is very talented at numerous sports, but now he could devote more time to his kids, but he could also imagine himself becoming a trainer or coach for others. But what about getting into entertainment? In 2018 I recommended to Tez and Mike Morrison to start a comedy show. I know they would excel at that. How often did I hear them joking around during Morrison’s 4 years in Frankfurt when I was waiting for them after games to talk basketball. The two jokesters shared a room on the road for four years and no matter if they were chilling in Russia, Estonia, Slovenia, Israel, Oldenburg or Bremerhaven, one can be sure that more practical jokes were done. A comical example of their good off court chemistry happened in the 2017-2018 season when Robertson was watching a Pro B playoff game of the Fraport Skyliners Juniors against Lok Bernau and watched a rare three by Frankfurt big man Tobias Jahn. The season before Morrison hit a big three against FC Bayern Munich in the playoffs and it had been the first in his professional career. ‘Tobias hasn’t taken many three’s this season. He played good offense and was getting rebounds. Morrison’s three was funnier. Jahn can shoot, but Mike can’t smiled Quantez Robertson. When Morrison heard of this comment by Tez, he was quick to reply. ‘Tez can say what he wants. The fact still remains that I have the highest 3 point percentage in the history of the BBL and when someone passes 100 percent let me know’, stressed Mike Morrison. So I brought up the Mo and Tez comedy show again to Tez in 2023. ‘That would be funny. We had our moments. We had wild and crazy times in the locker room, on the phone and on the road. We played a lot of cards’, remembered Quantez Robertson. I will keep pestering Tez and Mike Mo about that comedy show.

Tez, Miles Schmidt-Scheuber and MIke Morrison in the Fraport arena in 2019

I covered Quantez Robertson for 14 seasons. On the court I will always remember him as a diehard competitor who did everything to win. I loved watching his aggressive and relentless defense that annoyed team after team. He may always be remembered as a defensive stopper, but he was a very underrated passer and a guy that often enough helped out at point guard. Even if he wasn’t the greatest three point shooter, I liked watching his jump and release of his jump shot. Off the court, he was a real pleasant guy. We had a very good working relationship. He never refused an interview and I thank him for his professionalism. Especially in the last 3 years our player/reporter relationship grew. I had a lot of fun writing pieces on various topics and he was always a good sport to talk to me. I interviewed him hundreds of times after games as he gave me his insight about wins and losses. I looked back in my archive library and found that Tez made 67 titles of articles for eurobasket and German hoops in his 14 years. I gave him a lot of love and he is up at the top of players I have featured the most in my career. But how will the Skyliner legend remember me best?’ I answered every question you ever asked me Miles and it was many. No matter if I was in Germany or in the States you would call me. Even if I replied back late at times, I always answered you. You know I have a lot of love for you’, stressed Quantez Robertson. But is this the complete end of Miles and Tez and basketball articles? No it’s not. I’m not giving up on my Miles Basketball minutes with Quantez Robertson. He may not be playing anymore, but I will always find something interesting to talk with him about. If we don’t hear anything about the Mike Mo and Tez comedy show, then I will have to get the ball rolling. At the latest during the dog days of summer, I will check in with Tez and pester him with questions. But he is used to it and I’m sure we will talk again. Thanks Tez for 14 years of sweet basketball memories.

In a span of only 48 hours this week, the easyCredit BBL existence of the Fraport Skyliners was put in the most precarious state as their chances of coming back next season and balling in the BBL had taken a severe nose dive south. They just didn’t have the right mindset going up against 18th placed medi Bayreuth and 16th placed Braunschweig 2 teams they had to beat but couldn’t. Now with 3 games left in the season and 2 games behind 16th placed MBC, they needed a miracle now. It didn’t get any easier as they faced inspiring playoff team Wurzburg Baskets who were in 8th place and one of the big surprises of the season. With 2 ex NAIA players Stanley Whittaker and Cameron Hunt sharing the scoring guard duties, they have proved that you can still have come from the 4th college division and make an impact in a high league. The Fraport Skyliners had a must must must win situation and came to play showing massive heart as their backs were against the wall and won the game for Tez in grind out fashion over the Wurzburg Baskets 86-77 leaving them still one loss behind 16th placed MBC. Only 2 hours before tip off Skyliner legend Quantez Robertson announced his retirement. He injured his foot and was unable to finish the season. Frankfurt showed a spirited fight and were led by the hot scoring combo of Theodore and Lewis who combined for 53 points. ‘The place was sold out and we wanted to win it for Tez. The last games weren’t easy as we had many different line ups. I didn’t feel as good in the games against Bayreuth and Braunschweig, but I felt a lot better today. Key was coming out aggressive something we didn’t do before. Our emphasis was to set the tone’, stressed Fraport Skyliner guard Jordan Theodore (182-PG-1989, college: Seton Hall). The Wurzburg Baskets played catch up all afternoon long and just couldn’t get over the hump in crunch-time. ‘It was a tough game. Frankfurt shot the ball really well. They pretty much got what they wanted. Theodore and Lewis had big games and made timely shots. We have to hope that other teams lose’, stated Stanley Whittaker who congratulated Tez on a great career and wished him all the best in retirement after the buzzer sounded.

Derek Cooke at the FT line

The first quarter was the story of 2 runs, but the Fraport Skyliners had the slim 4 point lead after 10 minutes. The Fraport Skyliners didn’t waste any time jumping all over the Wurzburg Baskets as they quickly led 11-2 and then extended the lead to 16-4. In the run it was ex Seton Hall (NCAA) great Jordan Theodore who set the tone scoring 8 points including 2 three’s. 221cm giant Matt Haarms showed early presence inside scoring twice and German national player Lukas Wank connected on a turn around shot. Frankfurt didn’t overplay, but just played their game showing calmness and fine decision making while playing with high intensity. Frankfurt also pushed the ball well and took advantage of the guests low intensity. But it didn’t take the guests long to get their offensive rhythm going as they came cruising back closing out the first quarter on a 12-4 run to trail only 20-16 after 10 minutes. In the run the guests displayed their fine three point shooting getting a big trey from German Colin Welp off the bench and further three’s from ex NAIA guard Cameron Hunt and ex Appalachian State University guard Oshowen Williams. Williams scored on the buzzer and Frankfurt did a poor job with time management allowing the guests that last opportunity with enough time on the clock. ‘We came out aggressive and hit shots and let our defense dictate our offense. It was a game of runs and did a good job staying focused’, stated Jordan Theodore.

Cameron Hunt with the floater

The second quarter was a real battle as the Fraport Skyliners kept the lead, but could never fully shake the Wurzburg Baskets leading only by 2 points at half-time. In the first few minutes the Fraport Skyliners got steady support from ex Eastern Kentucky University (NCAA) guard Marcus Lewis who contributed 5 points while Jordan Theodore also dropped a trey. But Frankfurt was unable to gain ground as they got lazy on the boards allowing ex Colorado Sate big man Nicholas Carvacho to get 2 easy baskets in the paint as there was no defensive resistance. Williams added havoc adding a three pointer and Frankfurt was staring at an unflattering 28-25 lead in front of the eyes of ex Skyliner head coach Gordon Herbert. Frankfurt then attempted to play run and gun, but executed badly as they got beat twice by Williams who scored twice cutting the Frankfurt lead to 30-29. The diminutive 180cm guard began slowly missing his first few shots, but then roared back and was Wurzburg’s back bone. ‘We have a lot of trust in Oshowen. He made the right basketball plays when we needed them’, added Stanley Whittaker. Both teams continued to trade runs as Frankfurt scored 5 unanswered points as Lewis made a wild three point bank shot and Theodore scored on transition for the 35-29 advantage, but the guests struck back with a 6-0 run as Hunt made a floater and Whittaker added 4 points to tie the game at 35-35. Lewis carried Frankfurt into the locker room with a jumper and 37-35 advantage. ‘Wurzburg is on the bubble of making the playoffs and have good players. Williams is a good player and played his role well’, stated Jordan Theodore. Frankfurt shot a healthy 46% from the 2 point range and 43 from outside and had 33 rebounds and 8 turnovers while the Wurzburg Baskets shot 50% from the 2 point range and 26% from outside and had 28 rebounds and 5 turnovers.

Marcus Lewis with the runner

The Fraport Skyliners were in control of the game in the third quarter and withstood a few punches by the Wurzburg Baskets to lead 61-54 after 30 minutes. The Fraport Skyliners began well going on a 8-3 run to extend their lead to 45-38. Lewis only had a few good games out of his 19 including dumping 26 against Ludwigsburg this season, but he saved his best for his last home game as his consistency remained on display as he dropped another trey as did Lukas Wank. But Wurzburg got key play from their 2 top guards Cameron Hunt and Stanley Whittaker who kept their team in the game. Whenever Frankfurt tried to get away they had an answer. Two three’s by Whittaker and Hunt cut Frankfurt’s lead to 45-41 and 46-43 and after another Theodore three, Hunt did it again getting a lay in to cut Frankfurt’s lead to 51-48. Frankfurt once again had a positive spurt and tried to get away going on a 8-2 run to lead 59-50. In the run the 2000 BBL cup champion got good support from Marcus Lewis with a clutch step back three as well as Haarms free throws and a tap in by young German Justin Onyejiaka and free throws from Theodore. The Frankfurt offense was executing at a good rate and as usual shots just weren’t falling regularly for the guests. Wurzburg did finish the third quarter with some hope getting free throws from Hunt and a lay in by ex UC Irvine forward Collin Welp. ‘I wanted to get guys more involved in the third. I was a little slow, but I put on the back pack and was more aggressive and attacked as their pick and roll defense wasn’t working well’, stated Jordan Theodore. ‘They did a good job getting offensive rebounds and making three’s. We couldn’t get stops or make shots’, said Stanley Whittaker. Frankfurt continued to shoot solid over 40% and controlled the boards 33-28 while the guests only had 5 turnovers while Frankfurt had 8 turnovers.

Stanley Whittaker at the FT line

The Fraport Skyliners showed real heart in the fourth quarter as despite getting punched first, they never let down, but actually were able to punch back and control the game until the end. The Wurzburg Baskets showed how big their playoff ambition is beginning the last 10 minutes going on a 9-2 run shocking Frankfurt cutting their lead down to 64-63. In the run the guests stifled Frankfurt with three three’s as Hunt scored twice and Williams added one. Frankfurt did a horrible job not covering the line better and just allowing the Bavarian squad too much room. The tide seemed to have turned in favor of the Wurzburg Baskets as the momentum had shifted in their direction, But Frankfurt never quit. Skyliner legend Quantez Robertson was cheering from the bench and they just couldn’t let him down. Frankfurt must of thought if Wurzburg can let it rain three’s, then we can really let it rain three’s and that is what they did. Frankfurt stormed back going on a 15-7 run to lead 79-70 as Theodore hit back to back three’s and Lewis nailed 3 in a row. ‘Lewis has had an up and down season, but he showed he can play. He is also a hell of a defender. He did a good job on Whittaker. When his shots start to fall, he is hard to stop’, warned Jordan Theodore. Frankfurt wasn’t out of the clear yet as Wurzburg made one more push scoring 5 unanswered points as Williams dropped another trey and Whittaker made a runner cutting Frankfurt’s lead to 79-75 with plenty of time to play with 2,47. But The Fraport Skyliners had seen enough and closed the book shut ending the game with a lethal 7-2 run. Theodore made a runner and Derek Cooke a hard dunk for the 83-75 lead. Frankfurt’s defense was as tough as nails getting stops and a huge block by Cooke on Welp. Theodore added 3 free throws to put the exclamation mark on the win. ‘We stayed focused and knew that they would punch back. We contained their guards and rebounded well’, added Jordan Theodore. ‘We couldn’t get over the hump. We battled back, but they always had an answer. They played Frankfurt basketball’, added Stanley Whittaker. The Fraport Skyliners were led by Jordan Theodore with 28 points while Marcus Lewis added 25 points while the Wurzburg Baskets were led by Cameron Hunt with 23 points. Oshowan Willams added 17 points and Stanley Whittaker 15 points.The Fraport Skyliners shot 48% from the field and 50% from outside and had 41 rebounds and 10 turnovers while the Wurzburg Baskets shot 38% from the field and 28% from outside and had 36 rebounds and 5 turnovers.

Tags : JORDAN THEODORE, FRAPORT SKYLINERS FRANKFURT, GERMAN BASKETBALL