Michael Flowers (185-G-1999, college: WSU) is a 185cm guard from Southfield, Michigan playing his rookie season in Germany with the Kirchheim Knights currently averaging 16,1ppg, 3,0rpg and 2,9apg.. He began his basketball career at / Southfield Arts & Tech High School and then played 3 years at Western Michigan University playing 87 NCAA games and in his last 2 seasons averaged 15.7ppg, 3.9rpg, 3.3apg, FGP: 44.3%, 3PT: 33.2%, FT: 78.4% and 16.9ppg, 2.9rpg, 3.3apg, FGP: 47.9%, 3PT: 36.8%, FT: 84.4%. He then played a season with the University of South Alabama (NCAA) averaging 21.4ppg, 4.7rpg, 3.7apg, 1.6spg, FGP: 49.8%, 3PT: 39.6%, FT: 82.5%. He finished his NCAA career with Washington State University (NCAA) averaging 14.2ppg, 3.2rpg, 3.4apg, 1.1spg, FGP: 45.6%, 3PT: 36.9%, FT: 85.4%. He spoke to germanhoops.com about basketball.
Michael thanks talking to germanhoops.com. ? Congrats on signing with German pro A team Kirchheim Knights. What do you know in general about the country Germany and it’s basketball? Thanks, I’m currently learning more about Germany basketball. I do know they have great competition here and we’ll respected leagues.
You put up very good stats in the NCAA for 3 different schools something one sees rarely in the NCAA. How big is your chip on your shoulder to want to prove your abilities as a rookie?
I’ve always kept a chip on my shoulder ever since I was a younger basketball player. I would say the chip is still the same to overcome the doubts that others put on me and show what I’m capable of.
Only 60 guys can be drafted and there are hundreds and hundreds of great guards world wide. Do you feel like explosiveness is something that may have held you back form the NBA?
I honestly don’t know if that’s the case. I do know there are less explosive guards than me that are currently in the NBA. However, I feel that my journey is going exactly the way it’s supposed to be.
Head coach Igor Perovic is a calm and laid back guy. How did you like your first talks? What did you learn to appreciate most about his basketball philosophy? Me and Coach Igor had great conversations prior to me signing to the Knights. I’m also calm and laid back so I believe we had some similarities on the way we approach the game. I appreciate his philosophy of the offensive style of play he likes to use while also emphasizing the importance of playing good defense.
The club pretty much has already stated now that you will be the first scoring option. Your confidence must be very high after a fruitful NCAA career for how you will fare as a rookie. Yes, I’m a confident player. Whenever I step on the court I feel as if I’m a threat to the other team. I plan on utilizing all my skills this year to help lead my team to a successful season
Let’s talk about your game. You’re a 185cm guard that can flat out score the ball. If you had to compare your game to an NBA player who would best fit the description?
I would say I best compare to Fred Van Vleet. His playmaking and shooting ability is what I would say I’m similar to. Also we’re around the same height and play the game at about the same pace.
You a very good scorer but also can fill the stat sheet very well. What other strengths does your game incorporate.
I believe that I’m also a great playmaker who can get my teammates involved and a good guard rebounder. While being a willing defender as well.
How much of a priority is your playmaking? You averaged 3,0apg in the NCAA. Could you imagine averaging 5 assists in a season overseas? Yes, I can very likely see myself accomplishing that. I believe the way the game is played in Europe it will only compliment my playmaking ability.
What kind of defender are you presently and what kind of defender do you want to become in the next years? I would say I’m a willing defender at the moment who takes pride in stopping my opponent. I want to someday become a lockdown defender.
On what area’s of your game are you working on most now so you will be best prepared in your rookie season? I would say just sharpening my passing reads as a PG and figuring out new ways to score within a new offensive style of play.
You played 3 years at Western Michigan University and made a huge step in your second and third seasons. How do you feel did your game grow there in those last 2 years? I believe my game grew because of the work I put in during the summer. I stayed for the entire summer both years to work extra on my game and I believe that prepared me for the season.
You had a lot of really good games at Western Michigan in losing causes, but where does the 34 points in the 115-110 win over Milwaukee rank? That game is one of my personal favorites. I would rank it in my top three. The feeling I had that game was amazing and my teammates made it even better.
You then played at the University of Southern Alabama averaging 21.4ppg, 4.7rpg, 3.7apg, 1.6spg, FGP: 49.8%, 3PT: 39.6%, FT: 82.5%. What did you gain most from this year? You averaged 37 minutes per game and just showed scoring consistency.
I feel I gained how to play through adversity the most from that year. We had a lot going on within our team with Covid going on. I had extra responsibilities that year and I feel it made me become a better player.
You then played a senior year at Washington State University (NCAA) averaging 14.2ppg, 3.2rpg, 3.4apg, 1.1spg, FGP: 45.6%, 3PT: 36.9%, FT: 85.4%. How vital was it for your game being able to play in one of the top 3 conferences? What kind of player did you become here? Playing at Washington State was a great experience for me. I learned how to play on a team with a lot of talented players and find other ways to be effective. I believe I became a better leader because our team was so young and I also learned how to play better off the ball and became a better defender.
You had so many great games at WSU like scoring 22 and 21 points back to back against Stanford and California or 22 and 27 points against SMU and BYU. What was your most memorable game? I would say the BYU game was the most memorable game for me. That game sent us to MSG and the celebration in the Locker room is one I’ll never forget.
How did head coach Kyle Smith give that last needed touch and groom and prepare you best for a professional career?
Coach Smith helped me look at the game in a more analytical way. He’s big on the numbers which I believe the game is moving towards. I think that really helped me be conscious of what parts of my game I’m better at and what teams are looking for to be efficient.
Who won a 1-1 in practice you or Tyrell Roberts
Me and Ty would go back and forth every practice. That’s my guy and I know he will do big things for his last year of college.
What kind of an experience was it having a work out with the Indiana Pacers? What was the most important advice they gave you for your game and journey?
That was a great experience for me. Some of the best advice they gave me was after the workout when we all went out to eat. They just talked to us about being aware of our mental health which I believe is an important piece to being the best on the court.
Who is the toughest player that you ever faced on the floor so far in your career that reached the NBA? Jordan Poole
Please name your five best teammates of all-time?
All of them.
Please name your NBA Mount Rushmore
Steph Curry Kobe Bryant Michael Jordan LeBron James Shaq
What is your opinion of the neverending debate of who is the greatest of all time Jordan or Lebron? Michael Jordan
Did you see the sequel to the classic Coming To America? Shouldn’t they have left it alone? No, which means they probably should have left it alone lol.
There are guys that I have always wanted to interview that aren’t necessarily in the NBA that could have gone and then again there are guys I really really want to interview that should of played there. You know those really high level players balling in the Euroleague. One of those guys has always been Errick McCollum. Ok so he isn’t currently battling in the Euroleague, but he has been there in the past and has belonged to the best for many many years. I can’t exactly remember when I had my first encounter with him, but it was some years ago when I really wanted to interview him. I called him up in his hotel and he was really friendly, but it didn’t work out on account of team policy. But I recently saw him again in Bonn, Germany when he played a Basketball Champions league game and it finally worked out. McCollum is one of those incredible players that has achieved just about everything overseas, but surprisingly never played in the NBA. Besides being the brother of NBA star CJ McCollum of the New Orleanes Pelicans, he is a flat out walking bucket, but can also if needed give you 12 dimes on any night. His vita is a read that only few guys overseas can match in the last decade. Since turning professional in 2011, he has played in more than 500 games and showed consistency his whole career and been a high level scorer in countries like like Israel, Greece, China, Turkey, and Russia. Oh did I forget to mention this guy played at a NAIA school. Turning professional from a NAIA school is about as seldom as NBA star Luka Doncic having a very low scoring game. It just doesn’t happen often and when it does, those guys rarely even reach the first division in a country. Not only did McCollum reach first divisions, but took apart the competition everywhere he has played. He led the Eurocup in scoring twice, was a solid scorer in the Euroleague and once averaged 39,0ppg in a season in China. And he also won titles in Turkey and the Eurocup. With a career like that and having that well known McCollum name, why the heck didn’t this guy ever get a NBA chance? Oh he could of, but he didn’t need it. He played NBA Summer League in 2014 and knew pretty quickly the NBA would not be for him. ‘I hated it, was a poor experience. Nothing worst then being good enough to play, showing it in practice everyday and then having to watch because draft picks and rostered guys are in your positions. So that was my first and last experience, because in summer league the best don’t always get an opportunity. I told teams no to summer league every year after that experience’, remembered Errick McCollum. He observed from Europe what was happening in the NBA and also knew from his brother how the NBA worked. Sometimes you just trust your gut feeling and how you can be most happy. ‘I had 2 offers at different times to go to NBA over the years. But the role, was not what I desired. I had no interest to go to the NBA and be a 3rd PG and to watch the games, I wanted to play. And the offers I had didn’t provide that opportunity. But I respect the teams because they were honest and didn’t lie to me. They told me minutes would be inconsistent as a 3rd PG and sometimes you will not play and others low minutes. So at this time for me it was hard because I worked so hard to build name and resume in Europe and now To just leave Europe, make way less money because NBA contract was a minimum deal, and to play bench role was not for me. I valued happiness and I knew I wouldn’t be happy in this situation so I stayed overseas. Best decision I ever made’, warned Errick McCollum (188-G-1988, college: Goshen).
Errick McCollum who has Romeo Travis, Jamar Smith, Raymar Morgan, Caleb Green, Charles Gaines, and Muhaymin Mustafa as his six best teammates of all-time was born on January 22, 1988 in Canton Ohio. He began his basketball career at Glen Oak High School where he played from 2002-2006 where he was teammates with future NBA player Kostas Koufas. Later his brother CJ joined the team in 2006. He then had an illustrious career at NAIA school Goshen College from 2006-2010 where he was named NAIA All-American every season. He left the school as it’s all-time leading scorer with 2,789 points and was named First team NAIA All-American in his last year. Even if the basketball wasn’t as competitive as at a NCAA school, it was the school experience in all area’s that really shaped him to become the player he is today and man. ‘Goshen taught me how to navigate in different spaces, with different people and different cultures. The school had students from all over the world and at the time I didn’t know it but it helped open up my mind and prepare me for my future basketball career overseas’, stated Errick Mccollum. Despite playing in the NAIA, he didn’t have any problems finding a job right out of school as he played in Israel for Elitzur Netanya (Israel-Premier League). It was the competitive first division where he played EuroChallenge: averaging 4.2ppg, 1.3rpg; and in the Israeli League averaged 2.9ppg. He obviously had growing pains in his rookie season, but that is one that many Americans suffer when going into the wide world overseas. But he showed already in his fourth game against Euroleague power house Maccabi Tel Aviv that he had game scoring 9 points in 10 minutes against guys like Jeremy Pargo and Baby Shaq. He definitely won’t forget his rookie season. Sometimes an American is totally alone being the lone American, but he was fortunate to have teammates like Romeo Travis, Adrian Banks and Joe Smith who showed him the ropes early on how to survive in the shark tank. ‘First time out of the country is always tough, dealing with a new culture, place, and being on your own. It was tough but luckily I had great vets to get me through. Romeo Travis was instrumental in helping me adjust to Europe and showing me the ropes. He is like a big brother to me’, remembered Errick Mccollum. In his second season he took a step back to the second division and it paid off. This is a step that not many players risk, but some get rewarded as Kameron Taylor showed in 2017 going back to the third division in Germany and 4 years later was a Euroleague player for Maccabi Tel Aviv. McCollum played his second season with Hapoel Kfar Saba/Kohav Yair (Israel-National League) leading the league in scoring 24.3ppg, 7.9rpg, 2.9apg, 2.2spg, FGP: 58.9%, 3PT: 30.4%, FT: 80.1%. He scored in double figures in each game including having 20 points or more in 20 games including 40 points and 15 assists against Lev Hasharon. He showed this season that he is the real deal and had that scoring and playmaking down. ‘I was always good enough to play in first league and when given the opportunity I showed my class and ability. The problem was opportunities were limited for me so the next year I went to a place I could show myself and my ability and I was able to do that in my season playing in 2nd league Israel. It was great for my mental and confidence’, commented Errick McCollum.
The flashy guard who is honest and remembers beating his brother CJ at at 1-1awhen they were younger, because he was 3,5 years older, but now admits that his brother wins more duels was able to play his next 2 seasons in Greece and witness his career really take off. In 2012-2013 he joined AS Apollon Patras (Greece-A1) and was the leagues fourth best scorer averaging 15.1ppg, 2.8rpg, 2.4apg, 1.6spg, FGP: 45.7%, 3PT: 30.8%, FT: 76.5%. That season he scored in double figures in 22 of 28 games including 31 points against KAOD and held his own against Euroleague top teams Panathinaikos scoring 22 and 16 points and against Olympiakos had 19 and 15 points. He took another step in his game the next season heightening it with Panionios ON Telecoms Athens (Greece-A1) being the top scorer in the Eurocup averaging 20.2ppg, 3.2rpg, 3.1apg, 1.4spg, FGP: 49.7%, 3PT: 30.9%, FT: 81.3%; and led the Greek league in scoring with 17.7ppg, 2.8rpg, 2.6apg, 1.1spg, FGP: 41.9%, 3PT: 39.3%, FT: 80.8%. He scored in double figures in 31 of 35 games in the Greek league including 27 points against Panathinaikos and 25 points against Olympiakos and in the Eurocup scored in double figures in all 16 games including 31 points against N.Novgorod and 28 points against ACB team Bilbao. ‘Those seasons my confidence, and my ability to run a team grew. I always thought highly of myself as a player but not the rest of Europe was starting to see me in that light. These 2 seasons spring boarded my career’, warned Errick McCollum. Back in those days, the Greek league were filled with spectacular and top players like Dimitris Diamantidis and Vassilis Spanoulis that he will be able to tell his grandchildren about. ‘They are both legends and great players. I played against them over the years, many battles. I just like how they approached the game and how they always showed up in the clutch moments over their careers. That stood out to me’, expressed Errick Mccollum.
After an incredible season like that he probably could of moved up another level, but the guard who lists ex NBA player Dequan Cook who he faced in high school as the toughest player he ever faced still had to wait for his Euroleague debut. He took on a new challenge in China where Americans began going to where the money wasn’t just good, but great and averaging just 25 points was only average. He played twice in China the first time with the Zhejiang Golden Bulls (China-CBA) averaging an absurb 39.6ppg, 7.4rpg, 5.5apg, 2.1spg, FGP: 50.1%, 3PT: 34.0%, FT: 84.9% and the second time with the Beikong Fly Dragons (China-CBA) keep up the craziness averaging 37.5ppg, 6.4rpg, 3.7apg, 2.3spg, FGP: 52.0%, 3PT: 38.2%, FT: 82.4%. He played 74 games in total and scored 30 points or more 56 times, 40 points or more 33 times, 50 points or more 10 times and had 60 points or more 4 times. But the league has definitely changed from back when he last played in 2016. ‘The CBA is different now. Contract stipulations, salary caps, guarantees, the amount of foreigners, how often they can be on court, practice players etc have weakened the league. I feel like now the league is watered down and not nearly as strong but when I played the league was stronger in foreign talent. It was enjoyable because every night you knew you were lining up across from a dog! The foreigners were extremely elite offensively and gifted players. The domestic players in China were not near the talent level of the Europeans in the upper leagues of Europe. That’s what separates the CBA from say the Euroleague, or champions league or Eurocup. The amount of foreigners teams can play with on court and the skill level of the domestic players. Don’t get me wrong there are still some top notch elite foreigners in China like Marshon Brooks, Kyle Fogg, Jamal Franklin, and several more (these guys are elite and have done it for many years) but there are definitely many without the experience or resumes that slide through the cracks and struggle’, stressed Errick McCollum. He also has the ultimate story for any occasion as he once out did Kobe scoring 82 points in a game in China against Guangdong ST outdoing his 81 points. ‘ It was a crazy game, I got extremely hot and found a rhythm early. It was one of those zones where I didn’t feel fatigue until immediately after the game. I didn’t really hear the crowd much (even though they were loud.) Everything was just white noise because I was so locked in and focused. Just a surreal game, something I never experienced before. And yeah I outscored Kobe by 1 it’s crazy to think, but his was against much better competition’, smiled Errick McCollum.
The ex Euroleague top scorer who lists NBA legends is Michael Jordan, Kobe Bryant, Lebron James, and Magic Johnson on his personal NBA Mount Rushmore then went to Turley to battle for Galatasaray Odeabank Istanbul (Turkey-BSL) averaging 15.0ppg, 3.4rpg, 3.4apg, FGP: 46.1%, 3PT: 31.1%, FT: 82.1% in the Turkish league and averaged 18.1ppg, 4.4rpg, 3.6apg, 1.0spg, FGP: 49.7%, 3PT: 35.1%, FT: 86.5% in the Eurocup. He scored in double figures in 27 of 34 BSL games including 31 points against Turk Telekom and in the Eurocup scored in double figures in 17 of 20 games including 32 points and 30 points against Neptunas. He led the team with 16 points in the Eurocup win against Strasburg. ‘That Galatasaray team was one of the best teams I ever played on. From the talent, depth, chemistry. Everything just fit together there and players all complemented each other well on the court with their styles. I loved it there and have a soft spot in my heart for those fans there till this day. An incredible experience. And Blake Schilb is one of most talented players I ever played with. He can do everything on the court. Pass, shoot, post, dribble and he’s tall 6’6. He was a Swiss Army knife, one of those players that could literally do everything well offensively on the court’, remembered Errick McCollum. In his second season he came near the end of the season to Turkey averaging 13.8ppg, 3.1rpg, 2.1apg, FGP: 47.1%, 3PT: 32.3%, FT: 71.2% after having played in China for the second tour of duty. He finally reached the Euroleague in the 2017-2018 season with Anadolu Efes Istanbul (Turkey-BSL) averaging 17.2ppg, 2.7rpg, 3.4apg, 1.2spg, FGP: 51.7%, 3PT: 34.8%, FT: 78.9%;in the BSL and in the Euroleague averaged 14.6ppg, 2.4rpg, 2.3apg, FGP: 44.8%, 3PT: 40.0%, FT: 77.5%. In the BSL he scored in double figures in 27 games including a 41 point explosion against Usak and 34 points against Tofas. He played for the great coach Ataman where he saw early on that he was a special coach. ‘I’ve had some success and titles under Ataman. What makes him win I believe is that he and his staff are good at selecting players that fit well together and fit his system. They do a good job with this and second is that he gives freedom to his main players to make decisions on the court and to play their game. He gives trust but with this trust comes big responsibility for those players’, said Errick McCollum. In the Euroleague he scored in double figures in 19 of 29 games including 31 points against Maccabi Tel Aviv. In his first Euroleague game, he battled against 17 year old big talent Luka Doncic and with him was the best player on the floor as they scored 26 and 27 points. He didn’t have to rub his eyes after countless fascinating plays from Luka, because his was extraordinary. ‘I knew he was special when my team matched up against him. Often times guys get a lot of hype but he backed it up. He had size, skill, smarts, and a great basketball feel all at just 18 years old. It was incredible to witness. He was too skilled for the taller players to stay in front of him defensively and too strong and tall for the shorter players to guard him’, remembered Errick McCollum.
The prolific scorer who saw the sequel to the classic Coming To America and likes the original most then played the next 4 years in Russia for 3 different teams. He continued to play at the highest level while also earning very good money for his stellar play. He played with Unics Kazan from 2018-2010 and played for the first time in a new league called the VTB and didn’t disappoint there either averaging 14.1ppg, 2.2rpg, 2.6apg, 1.0spg, FGP: 46.8%, 3PT: 41.7%, FT: 80.6%; in his first season and upped his game in his second season being the league’s third top scorer averaging 19.9pp), 2.9rpg, 3.6apg, 1.2spg, FGP: 54.2%, 3PT: 34.0%, FT: 78.4%. He scored in double figures in 27 of 49 VTB games including 33 points against Tsmoki-Minsk and Kalev/Cramo and 30 points against top Euroleague club CSKA Moscow. In the Eurocup he averaged 13.2ppg, 2.8rpg, 1.8apg, FGP: 49.1%, 3PT: 35.3%, FT: 83.5% in his first season and 17.1ppg, 3.1rpg, 3.9apg, 1.1spg, FGP: 49.0%, 3PT: 36.0%, FT: 83.8% in his second season where he was the leagues third best scorer. He scored in double figures in 27 of 36 games including 32 points against his future team Lok Kuban and 32 points against Badalona. In Kazan he was teammates with one of my favorite top 5 guards of all-time that I have covered with ex Seton Hall (NCAA) guard Jordan Theodore. The New Jersey native like McCollum is one of many guys who is good enough to play in the NBA. ‘Jordan is my guy! I loved playing with him. He’s tough, fast, and explosive and at his small stature he’s really good at getting in the paint and finishing or finding guys open. He’s excellent In pick and roll and a really good passer. He helped our offense and pushed the tempo and is solid defender. The NBA is tricky, there are only 450 spots but there are double maybe even triple that of talented players out there. Sometimes it’s about fit, or team need, or politics. You never really know but he’s had a great career regardless and will help any team he goes to’, warned Errick McCollum.
He remained in Russia and next played with BC Khimki Moscow Region (Russia-VTB United League) and again showed consistent scoring in the VTB averaging 14.1ppg, 1.9rpg, 2.1apg, FGP: 49.6%, 3PT: 31.3%, FT: 83.0%;and in the Euroleague averaged 11.6ppg, 2.4rpg, 2.3apg, FGP: 44.0%, 3PT: 34.4%, FT: 84.8%. In the VTB he scored in double figures in 16 of 20 games including 31 points against Enisey and in the Euroleague scored in double figures in 16 of 28 games including 29 points against Crvena Zvezda. With Khimki, he wasn’t the only high class scorer, but also shared the floor with ex NBA player Alexi Sheved ‘It was a different experience for me, that season I had to be even more efficient and ultra aggressive because minutes were limited and there were very few possessions for me. I think I was able to do that, be productive, and still impact games. In an environment like that, this is not easy’, expressed Errick McCollum. Last season he remained in Russia again and balled with Lokomotiv Kuban (Russia-VTB United League) remaining a top player in the VTB averaging 18.2ppg, 2.2rpg, 4.5apg, 1.1spg, FGP: 52.5%, 3PT: 35.6%, FT: 87.4% and in the Eurocup led the league in scoring averaging 22.3ppg, 3.2rpg, 4.3apg, 1.2spg, FGP: 48.2%, 3PT: 41.4%, FT: 88.1%. In the VTB he scored in double figures in 24 of 30 games including 38 points against Tsmoki-Minsk, 34 points against CSKA Moscow and 32 points against Lok Kuban..In the Eurocup he scored in double figures in each game including 33 points against Partizan NiS and 30 points against ACB team Andorra. This can easily have been his best season as a professional. To be able to lead a high level competition like the Eurocup in scoring at age 34 is phenomenal.’ I was pleased with my season, I spent a lot of time preparing not just my game and skill set but my body and mind. I pride myself on being a professional and to be able to have a dominant season like that was a tribute to my hard work. That season was special because as you get older people always wonder when you will slow down or show your age. But for me I think I sped up and showed my youth. Was a good balance in creating and scoring and I was extremely efficient and most importantly we were winning! And the best part I think I brought that people didn’t see, was the leadership and ability to help my teammates. Many are on different teams this season at high level and thriving. I think I was a good Vet to them and helped by setting a good example’, remembered Errick McCollum.
Miles Schmidt-Scheuber meeting Errick McCollum in Bonn Germany in 2022 before a BCL game
Let’s fast forward to 2022 as Errick McCollum who had had interest from German teams in the past, but was never close to signing is in his 13th season with Pinar Karsiyaka SK Izmir (Turkey-BSL). He has always had great seasons, but his best experience winning has been in Turkey. ‘Turkey is my favorite country for sure, having won 2 titles while playing in this country definitely makes it even more memorable. But the truth is the country is beautiful, the people are great, food and culture here is excellent. It’s very easy for someone to adapt when all those things align and you feel accepted. That’s what Turkey is for me, almost like a 2nd home’, smiled Erick Mccollum. I can imagine he will play for a while and stop when his body strikes, because it doesn’t matter where he plays, he just wants to play and have success no matter where it is. ‘For me basketball is basketball, my approach and mindset never changes. Rather here or another team or another country. I come to win, I put the work in, and make my impact felt on the court. Nothing changed for me on that end’, stressed Errick McCollum. . He is having another incredible season as age continues not to show as in the Turkish BSL he isleading the league in scoring averaging 19,6ppg, 3,0rpg, 4,5apg and 1,2spg and in the Basketball Champions League averaged 18,8ppg, 3,5rpg and 6,6apg. His team is in third place and battling for the title An ability that surely has helped his game and scoring in the past decade has been his pure ability of making tough off balance shots and winning the 1-1 duels. ‘I’ve always had good touch and feel for the game. But as a kid, when I started to fall in love with it I approached the game differently. I wanted to hone my game and go as far as I could with it so I spent countless hours in the gym, getting many repetitions. All of my work was done at game speed and game like shots. Practicing pretty much every scenario. But I put special emphasis on the bread and butter shots. Basically ones I know I can go to when the game is tight or my team really needs a bucket. On those shots you practice them even more. After the practicing and skill work I did what I think kids lack today. I played as much as I could. It was one on one, 5 on 5, 2 on 2 it didn’t matter I just needed to try my moves out and shots on live defense. To see what worked and what didn’t, and what I could improve on. That was extremely beneficial for me and then just constantly watching the game, studying it, learning it so that I could always evolve with the game of basketball’, warned Errick McCollum. Even if his scoring is his bread and butter, he can dish out 10 assists at any time. ‘I think my passing ability is extremely underrated. But over the years I have gained a good feeling of when to pass and when to shoot. It’s something that takes time, experience, but comes with success and failures. But with this you fully start to grasp the when and how. Also a lot of film study and understanding defenses and a team’s defensive principles is extremely helpful’, stated Errick McCollum. I hope that he plays many more years, because once he is gone, he will be missed. He may never have played in the NBA, but he will always have that NBA connection through his brother CJ. Happiness is what he got overseas and not reaching the NBA will never faze him. The connection to his brother will always be special. ‘I love my brother, we are best friends, we struggled together, had success together, really worked for everything we got. It’s different I’d say because we are close in age and embraced the same path with the ups and downs. That adversity draws you closer’, stated Errick Mccollum. If he ever does get bored, CJ will surely have enough NBA stories to keep any evening with the families next to the fire memorable.
Nicolas Buchholz (200-PG-2001) is a 21 year old 200cm guard playing his second season with the Dragons Rhondorf currently averaging 13,0ppg, 2,0rpg and 2,0apg.Last season he averaged 17.3ppg, 2.3rpg, 1.6apg, 1.0spg, FGP: 49.5%, 3PT: 37.0%, FT: 81.8%. He began his basketball career with the Rostock Seawolves playing 9 Pro A games and was a 2019 NBBL allstar. He spoke to germanhoops about basketball before the start of the 2022-2023 season.
Welcome back to the Dragons Rhondorf. Was the decision to return difficult? You must have had offers from Pro A teams? Not really, I had very good talks with Coach Julius about a second season here in Rhoendorf and I’m glad everything worked out to make another big step in the right direction.
Was knowing having a big role and being a big scoring option with the Dragons was more important than going up a level this season and having possibly less minutes? It was not really about that, I think in every other team I would have less minutes than the past season. Dragons Rhoendorf was the best overall option at the end.
Some guys would of gone to the Pro A after the season you had with Rhondorf. How confident are you that this season will be bigger for you in terms of stats and winning? We have a great team with good personalities and even better talent and hunger to get ourselves in the best position possible this season.
How vital was returning and playing for Julius Thomas? How do you feel did your game grow under him last season? Julius had a very big impact from when I came here until now, basically in every aspect and that’s a big part of why I’m staying for another year. He’s a great coach who knows what I need to get to the next level.
The team had some leader types last season with Paul Albrecht and Viktor Frankl-Maus. How important was last season for your leadership skills to grow being able to watch them? It was very important, Pauli has great leadership and I was glad to watch him past year, plus I’m happy that he stayed too.
How important is a guy like Paul Albrecht on and off the court? What have you enjoyed most about his presence?
Very important to the whole team, he has great leadership & great skills. He’s also a guy with whom you can chill off the court, it is pretty enjoyable, we have had great times so far.
This years team looks very competitive. Does it look even stronger on paper than last year?
Our team is pretty good, definitely more experienced than last year. We will see in season how we will perform compared to last year.
What was it like playing with the Senegal sensation Ousmane Ndiaje? What is the most incredible thing you saw him do on the court? Never played with someone that tall with that kind of playing style, but I wouldn’t say it’s the most incredible thing I’ve ever saw.
He has popped up on some 2023 NBA Mock Drafts. Do you feel like he will get lucky?
Maybe, I would be very happy for him, we’ll see how it works out.
Let’s talk a little about your game. You’re a 201cm guard. If you had to compare your game to an NBA player as well as a German BBL player who would best fit the bill? I don’t compare myself to any NBA or BBL player.
Talk a little about how you would describe yourself as a defender today and what type of defender you want to become in the next years? Had a hard time last year as a defender, but it’s going be better for the upcoming one. Looking forward to be a better 1on1 defender over the next years.
How much of a priority is it for you in general to raise your rebounds and assists per game? Is doing this more difficult when your always looked upon to score? It always depends on the role in the team. I will try my best to get my teammates in great positions and grab as most rebounds as possible.
On what areas of your game are you working on most now so you can make steady progress in your game? Mostly in defense, but also to be a more versatile scorer.
You began your career with Rostock. How vital was being in this organization for your early development? Which coach had the biggest influence and impact on you? It was great to always get help and support from the club, their office and my coaches. Stanley Witt has had the biggest impact, he was my coach around my JBBL years and helped me a lot in every aspect on and off the court.
From 2019-2021 you played only 9 pro A games and played regularly for EBC Rostock Talents (2.Regionalliga). Do you sometimes wonder how you may have developed had you played Pro B? Do you feel like the 2 years practicing with the Pro A team helped you? I don’t know how it would’ve worked out going earlier to ProB. I still had great times in Rostock, but it was definitely the right step last year to move to Dragons Rhoendorf.
Were you influenced in any way by Chris Carter? He has led 3 different teams to the BBL from Pro A. What memories do you have of him? I had great times with Chris in Rostock, always a guy that does a lot of extra stuff with young players and I’m grateful for it. Had a lot of good memories with him, hard to pick a specific one.
What memories do you have of your first pro A game against Nurnberg in 2019 when you scored 5 points in 2 minutes? Was your adrenaline working overtime?
It was overwhelming, felt great to play and even score points in my hometown with my first minutes in ProA.
You belonged to the top players in the NBBL, but you have never played for a German national team at a Euro. Do you believe like you have been overlooked a bit?
I don’t think I got overlooked, there are a lot of great players in my age and maybe some players had a better fit in the team
In 2019 you played Addias Next generation with FC Bayern Munich. What did it feel like playing with Bayern players. How do you remember guys like Jason George and Sasha Grant treating you?
It was a great experience in Munich. Everyone was welcoming us very well, it was a good time playing with them
In that game you saw Deni Avdija who had a triple double and is in the NBA since some years. How sure were you then that he would reach the NBA one day?
I think he was a big prospect for the NBA a couple years before the draft. I was pretty sure that he will get picked to play in the NBA
Who was the toughest player that you faced in the Pro A and Pro B on the court Can’t say a lot about ProA, in ProB I would say Booker Coplin gave me the hardest time.
Please name your 5 best teammates of all-time?
Tyler Nelson, Toni Nickel, Tony Hicks, Chris Carter, Marek Mboya
Please list your personal NBA Mount Rushmore?
LeBron, MJ, Kobe, Shaq
What is your personal opinion of the neverending debate of who is the greatest of all-time Jordan or Lebron? There will never be an official decision about that, everybody has his own opinion.
Where do you currently see Steph Curry in debate of the greatest point guards ever?
Miles Schmidt-Scheuber and Chris Carter in the Fraport arena in 2022
Chris Carter (190-SG-1992, college: Florida Tech) is a 30 year old 195cm guard that was born in Brooklyn, New York and is from Port St. Lucie, Florida that is playing his 8th professional season and third with the Rostock SeaWolves. He recently was granted the German citizenship. Last season he averaged 8.3ppg, 3.0rpg, 5.2apg, 1.5spg, FGP: 54.3%, 3PT: 32.8%, FT: 65.9%. In 2019-2020 he played with the Niners Chemnitz averaging 9.6ppg, 2.0rpg, 5.1apg, 1.7spg, FGP: 53.3%, 3PT: 39.4%, FT: 66.7%. He also played two seasons with Rasta Vechta. In 2018-2019in the BBL he averaged 4.0ppg, 1.1rpg, 1.4apg. In his first season with Rasta Vechta he helped the club move from the Pro A to the easyCredit BBL winning the Pro A title averaging 11,0ppg,3,4rpg and 5,3apg and shot 40% from outside. In 2016-2017 he played for BV Chemnitz 99 (Germany-ProA) playing 40 games averaging 12.4ppg, 4.2rpg, Assists-4 (5.7apg), Steals-4 (2.1spg), FGP: 53.0%, 3PT: 34.5%, FT: 73.4%. As a rookie he played for Bipa Basket Odessa (Ukraine-SL Favorit Sport) playing 32 games averaging 14.0ppg, 4.7rpg, 5.0apg, Steals-1 (2.2spg), FGP: 44.1%, 3PT: 27.4%, FT: 77.3%. He started his basketball career at Air Force (NCAA) and then played the last three years of school at Florida Tech (NCAA2) and as a senior played 21 games averaging 14.0ppg, 4.9rpg, 3.8apg, 1.8spg, FGP: 46.9%, 3PT: 38.4%, FT: 75.8%. He spoke to germanhoops.com after the tough 99-77 loss to the Fraport Skyliners.
The Rostock Seawolves suffered a tough 99-77 loss to the Fraport Skyliners. Rostock SeaWolves entered the game having won 3 of 4 games. Did the SeaWolves underestimate the Fraport Skyliners?
No we didn’t.
After 40 minutes is it fair to say they don’t look anything like a last placed team?
They are a strong team.
You were a rookie in the Ukraine when Jordan Thoeodre last played in Germany in the BBL for the Fraport Skyliners helping them win the Fiba Europe Cup. What did you know about him and how did the team prepare for him?
He is a really good point guard and controlled the offense.
Did his game fill up a good majority of the scouting report.
Yes it did.
The Fraport Skyliners came out quickly leading 24-16 after 10 minutes and Rostock had to play pick up basketball the whole afternoon. Frankfurt’s three pointer was falling early. The 15 three’s Frankfurt made in the first game against Rostock must have been on the scouting report for this game.
Yes they shot it well.
The Rostock Seawolves trailed only 42-38 at the break. What was key for Rostock staying in the game besides showing those impressive fighting qualities?
We just tried to stay together on both sides.
The Fraport Skyliners exploded in the third quarter for 33 points. What did head coach Christian Held tell the team to do going in the third quarter and why couldn’t the team execute defensively?
They made some tough shots and we did not have a good defensive quarter.
What adjustments did you see the Fraport Skyliners make on the defensive end in this game in comparison to the first game in December in Frankfurt where you scored 6 points more? Did you see a different defensive identity under new head coach Klaus Perwas? Not really , they played a really solid game.
In the fourth quarter the Fraport Skyliners continued to play their game and the Rostock Seawolves couldn’t get over the hump. Of course Jordan Theodore was a huge factor, but did you see a different kind of Frankfurt mentality under new general Jordan Theodore?
Sure, he is a veteran.
What was your impression of Jordan Theodore? How crazy is it to come in and just dominate as if he had always been there?
Great player and really knows how to run the show.
Did you sense a special chemistry between Jordan Theodore and Quantez Robertson. If Frankfurt keeps this up, do you think that Frankfurt could go on a late season run and not have to worry about moving down?
Who knows. It will be interesting.
The Rostock SeaWolves still have every chance of reaching the playoffs. How confident are you that the team will turn it around in the next game against Heidelberg?
We will have a good week of practice and shake it off.
How motivated will the guys be for Alba Berlin and FC Bayern Munich? You lost both games easily at home? What are you most looking forward to in these games?
Just looking forward to putting together a good 40 mins both games.
Roy Krupnikas played his 4th BBL game of season. What has he improved most this season?
He is a great talent and has a bright future. He is learning fast.
Now that you have the German citizenship, what has given you the most gratification this season as a veteran playing with so many American players?
I’m not sure but it’s fun playing and I don’t take it for granted.
Now that Lebron James dethroned Kareem Abdul Jabbar as the NBA all-time leading scorer, is he now the real GOAT?
Sure.
Who will reach the NBA final and win it all this year?
I don’t know how it is for other spectators but for me the first thing I look for when covering overseas basketball when I visit a game is how many NBA players are on the court. I guess those 3 magical letters NBA have this force that just engulfs people more than actually noticing other players first. Recently I visited a Basketball Champions League game between the Telekom Baskets Bonn and French club SIG Strasburg where they had 2 ex NBA players with American guard Tim Frazier and Latvian forward Rodions Kurucs. Combined they had had 11 years in the NBA and now were overseas continuing their basketball journey. Of course these 2 players are very talented and deserved to be in the NBA. But it isn’t always about those former NBA players. There are enough other great players playing overseas and hundreds and probably even more that could play in the big show, but can’t because there just aren’t enough roster spots. But in this game there were 2 other players that were without a doubt the 2 best players on the floor for their respective teams. And both only measured to 175cm. I’m talking about TJ Shorts who has made waves ever since turning professional some years ago and is on MVP course in Germany and Marcus Keene (178-PG-1995, college: CMU) who like Shorts is a bundle of energy who is third in scoring in France and top 10 in the Basketball Champions League. Both guys dueled in game 1 as Keene got the best of Shorts with 26-24 points and won round one in a classic nail bitter 77-76 win. After the loss TJ Shorts tipped his hat to Keene. ”He is a scoring machine at all 3 levels. We watched a lot of film on him and will watch even more film now. You have to make it as tough as possible against guys like that’, stated TJ Shorts. The respect for the diminutive Shorts is mutual. ‘It is always motivating for me to play against very good guards. He has made a name for himself in Europe. It’s exciting for me to battle the possible MVP of Germany’, stressed Marcus Keene. The American knows small guards like them will always get underappreciated and their chips will never leave their shoulders. ‘The game keeps changing. You see bigger guards in the NBA and overseas and everyone is switching. You see teams like Monaco, Olympiakos and Partizan going this route. Teams in Europe pay more attention to defense. Smaller guards get overlooked. We are effective on offense, but aren’t bad defenders. My chip will always be there even when I get to where I want to it I was never highly ranked. I hope to reach the Euroleague. Then my chip will be even bigger. It is all about proving people wrong’, warned Marcus Keene.
Miles Schmidt-Scheuber and TJ Shorts in the BCM in Frankfurt, Germany in pre season 22-23
Marcus Keene who lists current Boston Celtic Marcus Smart as his toughest opponent ever was born on May 6, 1995 on a military base in Germany. He grew up in Texas and played at east Warren high school in San Antonio. He averaged 25/4/4 stats as a senior and amassed 1600 points there and was the all-time leading scorer. He was named to the all-state, all-city, and Super-City teams. Despite his stellar career he was offered only one Division 1 scholarship from Youngstown State and accepted it. He played 2 seasons at Youngstown State. In his freshman season he played 22 games and averaged only 13 minutes averaging 6.5ppg, 1.9rpg, 2.2apg, FGP: 43.1%, 3PT: 32.4%, FT: 75.7%. In his second season his minutes exploded to 34 and he averaged 15.3ppg, 3.5rpg, 2.7apg, 1.1spg, FGP: 49.1%, 3PT: 40.9%, FT: 78.7%. It isn’t always easy as a freshman to break through. ‘I played behind Kendrick Perkins and coach didn’t trust freshmen. In my second season he let me be me’, said Marcus Keene. But overall he wasn’t content at Youngstown as he wasn’t allowed to play point guard and was mainly used as a spot up shooter. He fell in love with Central Michigan’s up tempo game and then would transfer. ‘Central Michigan was perfect for me. I needed to play point guard. I sat out a year to get my body strong and right’, remembered Marcus Keene. He scored in double figures in 28 of 33 games including stellar games against Illinois State netting 29 points and hitting UNC Greensboro with 28 points. The basketball community at Eastern Washington knew they had something special in Keene when he was ruling practices the season and letting eyes pop out as he was showing his massive abilities. He didn’t disappoint as he exceeded all expectations averaging a ridiculous 30.0ppg, 4.5rpg, 4.9apg, FGP: 52.2%, 3PT: 36.7%, FT: 81.9%. He led the NCAA in scoring and was the first one to do it since Charles Jones in the 1996-1997 season. ‘That season was crazy for me even if my record got broken the next season. Just thinking I was scoring 30 points or more each night was crazy. Getting a lot of recognition and being able to score the ball at a high level helped me a lot’, remembered Marcus Keene. It is no surprise that his favorite moment was rocking Miami at Ohio with 50 points. ‘I had no idea I would score so much. I only had had 13 points at half-time’, commented Marcus Keene. He scored in double figures in all 33 games and scored 20 points or more 29 times. He scored 30 points or more 16 times and cracked the 40 points or more 6 times including 44 points against Montana State. He knows that he wouldn’t of had all that success without the proper guidance from head coach Keno Davis. ‘He groomed me well and taught me how to be a pro. He told me that if you want to be the best, you need to do even more work. You will have even more eyes on you when you do well. You need to work more even if your doing well’, remembered Marcus Keene who remembers teammate Braylon Rayson winning more 1-1 matches back in the day. He was an All-MAC first team selection.
The Texas native who lists Taurean Prince, Braylon Rayson, 226cm giant Sim Bhular, Tim Frazier and Kendrick Perkins as his best teammates of all-time turned professional in 2017. He got a taste of the NBA playing NBA Summer League with the Washington Wizards averaging 11.3ppg, 1.3rpg, 1.3apg, FGP: 50.0%. ‘That was a great experience. I wish I could of played more and had more of an opportunity. I remember my boy Brad Break (Bradley Beal) telling me to be myself and they have to accept it or not!, said Marcus Keene. The American played his rookie season with Cagliari Dinamo Academy (Italy-Serie A2) playing 30 games and averaging 18.9ppg, 4.5rpg, 2.9apg, 1.1spg, FGP: 46.3%, 3PT: 34.8%, FT: 81.0%. One big adjustment he had to make was not necessarily getting a pay check every month. ‘I hadn’t seen that before not getting paid on time. It doesn’t matter if your in the G-League or at Walmart, you get paid on time. I had to learn to stay focused at all times when playing at a high level. Veteran teammate Deshawn Stephens was a big help. He told me not to act up, but just do what your told even if you don’t like it’, remembered Marcus Keene. In his second professional he split time with Mono Vampire Bangkok (Thailand-TBL) averaging 8.2ppg, 2.3rpg, 2.8apg, 2FGP: 50.0%, 3FGP: 27.1%, FT: 77.8%, led the FIBA Asia Champions Cup in scoring at 28.2ppg), 4.6rpg, Assists-2 (6.0apg), 1.2spg, FGP: 54.1%, 3PT: 34.0%, FT: 80.8%, played with the Memphis Hustle (NBA G League) averaging 8.2ppg, 2.3rpg, 2.8apg, FGP: 50.0%, 3PT: 27.1%, FT: 77.8%, and finished the season with KCC Egis (South Korea-KBL) averaging 16.4ppg, 2.8rpg, 3.1apg, FGP: 50.0%, 3PT: 38.4%, FT: 83.3%. For me it was a riddle why a guy with his talent level would have to play in Asia. But sometimes the money is more important than the status. ‘I had agent issues that season. I fired one and got another. He got 2 good deals in Asia in Thailand and in South Korea that I couldn’t pass up. I chased the money more than the dreams’, added Marcus Keene. He was also blessed that he was able to get experience in the G-League playing with the Memphis Hustle. ‘This was a great experience. I proved I could play with and against NBA guys. I know getting to the NBA is about timing, but just knowing that I could compete with NBA guys was exciting. But ultimately I knew that my ticket was overseas where the money is’, stated Marcus Keene. He knows now that his future is in Europe, because he has proven he is worth every penny and wants to keep climbing the basketball ladder. ‘Now I’m in the mode that I want to get better and better overseas. My goal is the Euroleague and to get to the highest level. You see something like 3 small guards in the NBA now while in the Euroleague it’s so much more’, commented Marcus Keene. He scored in double figures in 10 games including scoring 22 points against South Bay and 21 points against Delaware.
The shifty guard who lists Jordan, Lebron, Magic and Allen Iverson on his personal NBA Mount Rushmore played his third professional season back in Asia. Once again he dominated in 2 countries playing with KCC Egis (Korea-KBL) averaging 19.1ppg), Reb-1 (11.5rpg), 2.3apg, FGP: 59.3%, FT: 70.3% and with Yulon Luxgen (Taiwan-SBL) averaging 25.2ppg, 6.4rpg, 6.5apg, 1.2spg, FGP: 54.5%, 3PT: 37.5%, FT: 81.3% and led the league in scoring and assists while playing 37 games. ‘Once again the 2 deasl were too good to pass up. The money was so good. At that time I felt that I could play anywhere. I was thinking I could play in the CBA in China. But then I did find my way back to Europe’, said Marcus Keene. He had some massive games against Taiwan Beer netting 46 points and hit Pauian for 41 points. In Korea he was in beast mode getting 18 rebounds in 2 games. He then made the jump to Estonia playing with BC Kalev/Cramo Tallinn and then his career really took off in Europe. Despite COVID being in full action and having to put up with all that drama, he still was able to focus and help his team win 2 titles and lead the VTB in scoring which is a top 10 league in Europe. ‘That was technically my first season playing at a high level in Europe. I was battling high level guys like Jordan Theodore, Isaiah Canaan and Mike James. I always knew I could play with those guys. I just had to prove it and did’, warned Marcus Keene. He had 3 special teammates with Maurice Kemp, Devin Thomas and Chavaughn Lewis and having that bond helped achieve the success they wanted on the court. ‘They are all my brothers. We were always together that season. We would go out to the beach or kick it at our houses. It was a great season for me leading the VTB in scoring but the best was being able to call myself a champion’, remembered Marcus Keene. He scored 20 points or more 13 times and had huge games scoring 31 points twice against N.Novgorod and 30 points against Enea Zastal. He was 1-1 against top Euroleague team CSKA Moscow scoring 21 points in a loss, but exploded for 26 points in a 107-102 loss where he outdueled ex NBA player Mike James who only had 19 points and is considered one of best Euroleague players since many years. ‘I was super stoked for that game. I knew what he had done in his career and that game showed that I can play against anyone in the world. He is one of my favorite players in Europe. I always try to watch him on TV. It was a fun game. He congratulated me after the game and told me to keep going’, remembered Marcus Keene. Last season he continued his rise playing solid in Slovenia with averaging with KK Cedevita Olimpija Ljubljana (Slovenia-Liga Nova KBM) averaging 13.1ppg, 1.6rpg, 4.0apg, 1.1spg, FGP: 59.4%, 3PT: 40.0%, FT: 85.7%, but then taking off in Italy with to Openjobmetis Varese (Italy-Serie A) averaging 18.7ppg), 2.5rpg, 4.5apg, 1.1spg, FGP: 45.9%, 3PT: 33.3%, FT: 89.0% and leading another league in scoring. ‘Leading the Serie A in scoring was a big accomplishment for me. Being able to do well there helped me get to France’, stated Marcus Keene. He had big games against Sassari with 33 and 31 points and executed 31 points against Trento. It is easy to comprehend that his self-confidence grew and having a teammate like ultimate veteran Jacob Pullen helped him as well. ‘I grew a lot on the court. That was the best league I had played in up to that point. To see myself excel against good teams and players was amazing. That proved to me that I could play in any league, but I did put in a lot of work. ‘Jacob is my guy and we talk to each other to this day. When I first met him I told him I was a big fan of his when he was at Kansas State. I looked up to him as a kid and then being able to be teammates with him was amazing. He taught me so much about the business’, said Marcus Keene.
Miles Schmidt-Scheuber meeting Marcus Keene in Bonn before game 1 of the Basketball Champions League quaterfinals
The veteran guard who lists Michael Jordan as his GOAT and believes that the classic Coming To America movie should have been left alone just continues to chug up the basketball ladder this season playing with SIG Strasburg. The team continues to battle for the Pro A playoffs, but are moving closer to the final 4 in the Basketball Champions League. ‘Consistency has been our problem all year long. We can’t make excuses but we have had injuries or things not going our way. But currently we are on a good way. We have to figure this out and just continue to do our best’, warned Marcus Keene. Recently he got ex NBA player Tim Frazier on board who played 8 seasons in the NBA. Naming him to his best teammates of all-time after such a short time has to mean something. ‘Tim has helped me a lot and brings experience and leadership. I keep telling him that him coming off the bench is like a blessing for us. It is only a plus for us. NBA players that come overseas often need a year to adjust. But I can already say that Tim has led me in ways that I have never been led before’, warned Marcus Keene. It will be interesting to see where the basketball journey of Marcus Keene will continue to go in the next years. The next address can only be the Euroleague. And who knows with a BCL title, he may just get that wish. But for now all he is thinking about is giving his team in France in Success. When your as small as he is and toiled around in Asia, you take nothing for granted. ‘I am so blessed for this opportunity with SIG Strasburg and to just to be able to be who I am for the team’, stressed Marcus Keene But that BCL title is still a ways away, because SIG Strasburg has to first take care of business first in game 2 at home against the Telekom Baskets Bonn of the BCL quarters. I won’t make any bets, but whoever does win this series, you can be sure it will be Marcus Keene or TJ Shorts who will have been most instrumental in helping their team to the series win. You just have to love those small guards.
Miles Schmidt-Scheuber and Derrick Alston in the Fraport arena in Frankfurt december 2022
Derrick Alston Jr. (206-SF-1997, college: Boise St.) is a 25 year old 206cm forward from Houston, Texas playing his second professional season and first with the Rostock Seawolves. He played his rookie season with the Salt Lake City Stars (NBA G League) averaging 16.6ppg, 5.4rpg, 2.1apg, FGP: 52.2%, 3PT: 28.4%, FT: 81.4%. He began his basketball career at Strake Jesuit High School and then played at Boise State (NCAA) from 2017-2021 playing a total of 104 games averaged 17,0ppg in his last 2 NCAA seasons. He spoke to germanhoops.com after the 99-77 loss to the Fraport Skyliners.
Thanks Derrick for talking to germanhoops.com. The Rostock Seawolves suffered a tough 99-77 loss to the Fraport Skyliners. Rostock SeaWolves entered the game having won 3 of 4 games. Did the SeaWolves underestimate the Fraport Skyliners Personally no. Were both different teams from December when we last played. We are better and more efficient at running our stuff now. Seeing what Frankfurt did was different from what we prepared for. They shot the ball well and made right plays and had us in rotations.
After 40 minutes is it fair to say they don’t look anything like a last placed team?
I think that Frankfurt is fighting for their lives. Each game is do or die for them. You sense this in how they play. Jordan Theodore is huge and will be important for getting over the hump. They shoot the ball very well.
You were a senior in high school when Jordan Theoodre last played in Germany in the BBL for the Fraport Skyliners helping them win the Fiba Europe Cup. What did you know about him and how did the team prepare for him?
We prepared for them as a team. We had no film on him with Frankfurt because he was new. We had no game plan for him. We just knew that he had played well in Russia. We weren’t sure how what kind of pace they would play with him. Credit to him for having a hell of a game.
The Fraport Skyliners came out quickly leading 24-16 after 10 minutes and Rostock had to play pick up basketball the whole afternoon. Frankfurt’s three pointer was falling early. The 15 three’s Frankfurt made in the first game against Rostock must have been on the scouting report for this game.
We prepared for their three. But credit to them for how they played the pick and roll and short roll. They had us moving from side to side and had the ball hopping. They got open shots and made them.
The Rostock Seawolves trailed only 42-38 at the break. What was key for Rostock staying in the game besides showing those impressive fighting qualities?
Basketball is always a game of runs. The first quarter was tough for us. We settled in in the second quarter and got a couple of stops and got a rhythm. We builded a rhythm on offense off our defense.
The Fraport Skyliners exploded in the third quarter for 33 points. What did head coach Christian Held tell the team to do going in the third quarter and why couldn’t the team execute defensively?
He told us to come out with energy and keep working, but we didn’t do that. We came out slow and Frankfurt ran the pick and roll well and got in a flow. They felt comfortable and we had problems combating it. Plus we didn’t have one of our better days offensively.
What adjustments did you see the Fraport Skyliners make on the defensive end in this game in comparison to the first game where you scored 6 points more? Did you see a different defensive identity under new head coach Klaus Perwas?
I didn’t see anything really different from December. They did 2 things really well which was collapsing the paint on drives and playing the passing lanes well and being aggressive. Those 2 things bothered us. When you have problems combating that then it’s tough for our offense.
In the fourth quarter the Fraport Skyliners continued to play their game and the Rostock SeaWolves couldn’t get over the hump. Of course Jordan Theodore was a huge factor, but did you see a different kind of Frankfurt mentality under new general Jordan Theodore?
I would say so. Theodore did a really good job controlling the game and getting the team into their stuff. They read our defense really well and played really smart on offense. They took advantage of our mistakes on offense and defense.
Did you sense a special chemistry between Jordan Theodore and Quantez Robertson. If Frankfurt keeps this up, do you think that Frankfurt could go on a late season run and not have to worry about moving down?
Those are 2 veteran guys that have been with the team and in the league for a long time. They know what it takes to win. It is more vital for Frankfurt with those guys to capitalize and control their destiny as much as possible than letting other teams to control their destiny. They will do all they can to keep Frankfurt in the BBL.
The Rostock SeaWolves still have every chance of reaching the playoffs. How confident are you that the team will turn it around in the next game against Heidelberg?
We don’t have to dwell on this loss. This was a tough loss but we have winnable games coming up at home. It won’t be easy but were in the thick of it. We will continue to take it day by day and game by game and just continue to focus on working hard and getting better.
How motivated will the guys be for Alba Berlin and FC Bayern Munich? You lost both games easily at home? What are you most looking forward to in these games?
Those are 2 of the top teams in Germany and play Euroleague. For me personally it will be exciting to see what kind of improvement we have made since the first time we played them. It will be exciting to play in their arena’s and see what kind of improvement we have made. Playing them so late in the season will be a good final mark to see where we are at at the moment.
Roy Krupnikas played his 4th BBL game of season. What has he improved most this season?
He is looking more and more comfortable playing with us. He was gone at times playing ANGT, but for him it has been great just having the opportunity to gain experience and get more reps against really good competition. I have enjoyed his development from the start until now.
Your having a very good season in the easyCredit BBL averaging 16,3ppg, 4,1rpg and 1,7. Your scoring has been down since we last spoke in December but till consistent. Have you noticed that teams have scouted you better the second time around?
Oh for sure. It has been like night and day from the first month where I exploded. It has been a real challenge for me being able to react to the defense and see how I play has really helped my game. I had an ankle problem and I’m still working my way back. In the States you can have something like 3-4 games in a week whereas overseas may only have 3-4 games in a month. I feel I have had a solid season with Rostock and continue to build off that.
You were 0/11 coming into the game from outside and presently shooting 29% from outside. You finally made a three pointer again. How much of a challenge is it with being able to execute the three in this league? It’s tough with the shrunken court. I haven’t got as many open three’s but more contested shots that I know I can make. I’m not getting as much daylight and room. I have to let the game come to me while still being aggressive and watching and finding gaps in the defense. I have been very grateful to be in this position with Rostock. I am thankful that I have been allowed to find my footing and play through mistakes. We as a collective team can be very proud of how far we have come this season. We want to finish the season right.
What was your best experience in Germany on the court and off the court?
Off the court I have enjoyed the bakeries the most. I have enjoyed having that in my routine each day. On the court my best experience has been the crowd and support. Seeing how the fans supported us at home against Alba Berlin and what it meant to the city was great. Seeing so many fans come to Frankfurt was great also. The fan experience has been amazing.
Now that Lebron James dethroned Kareem Abdul Jabbar as the NBA all-time leading scorer, is he now the real GOAT? I’m still going with Jordan. But Lebron has cemented himself. It was cool to see that in my lifetime.
Who will reach the NBA final and win it all this year?
I see Boston winning the east and this is the time for Denver. I see Boston winning it all.
A week before the start of the Pro B playoffs, there was still one last regular season game between number one team EPG Baskets Koblenz with a record of 22-1 and Bavarian team Oberaching with a record of 12-11, but it was a game that had no real ramifications, because both knew their playoff begin fate in that Koblenz had home court advantage while Oberaching had to begin on the road. Even if the game might have seemed meaningless, it wasn’t because both teams obviously wanted to end the regular season with a bang and have the needed self confidence to go into the post season ready. The EPG Baskets came into the game with an incredible 13 game winning streak while Oberaching had won 2 of the last 3 games and had their defense ready as they had only allowed 63 points in the last win over Ehingen. The game also had another special side note in that EPG Baskets Koblenz manager Thomas Klein and Oberaching head coach Mario Matic are good friends and had another test to see who has bragging rights for the post season. On a mild Easter weekend, fans saw a wild game as there was an influx of over 50 team fouls. It wasn’t a pretty game, but after an average first half, the EPG Baskets Koblenz were able to play their game better in the second half and prevail 88-72. ‘This didn’t feel like a dominating win. It was an up and down game for us. We threw the ball away too much in the first half. We managed the game better in the second half. We have to know that we can’t play like this in the playoffs. This was a good test for us’, warned EPG Baskets Koblenz guard Dominique Johnson. The TSV Oberaching Tropics played without American star Omari Knox who was being rested for the playoffs and gave all they had, but just couldn’t keep up with Koblenz for 40 minutes and coughed up the ball too much. ‘We fought hard, but anytime you give up 27 turnovers you won’t have a chance to win. They had too much pressure and we turned over the ball too much. But at times we stayed with them well’, stressed TSV Oberaching tropics head coach Mario Matic.
Alani Moore at the FT line
The first quarter was a hard fought battle where no team could get away from the other. The EPG Baskets Koblenz looked like they were playing at 60%-70% while the TSV Oberaching Tropics were at full throttle. The EPG Baskets Koblenz had difficulty getting their offense going while the Bavarian squad were able to execute well getting some three’s from Germans Bernhard Benke and Moritz Noeres for the 11-8 advantage while Koblenz got production from Alani Moore and a couple of buckets from ex Ehingen center Brian Butler. The guests were fortunate getting some 50/50 balls, but still lost the lead with an offensive rebound and put back from German big man Moses Poelking for the 12-11 advantage. But the guests stole the lead back with a lay in from German Jorg Dippold and a three from German sniper Janosch Kogler. German Nicolas Sperber gave the EPG Baskets some energy from the bench nailing a trey to cut the guests lead to 17-16, but Oberaching kept the lead getting to the free throw line getting points from ex IBAM big man Fynn Fischer to lead 21-19 after 10 minutes. ‘That was a bad quarter for us. We were unconcentrated and inconsistent. We missed too many open shots and had bad decisions. We did play aggressive defense’, stressed EPG Baskets Koblenz manager Thomas Klein.
Janosch Kogler with the lay in
In the second quarter the EPG Baskets could steal the lead back, but still let the TSV Oberaching Tropics hang around as they led only by 7 points at the break. Ex Heidelberg sniper Leon Friederici (190-SG-1995) began the second quarter with a trey to give Koblenz the 22-21 lead, but Fynn Fischer struck back with a lay in to get Oberaching the lead back at 23-22. Then came some instant spark from ex Temple (NCAA) lightening bolt Alani Moore as he produced 6 unanswered points for the 29-23 Koblenz lead. He struck for 3 free throws and then dropped a three pointer. ‘He controls the speed in the game. He is without a doubt our most important player. He can score and facilitate, but he is such a great shooter. When you have a guy that is so fast coupled with his precise shooting then he is hard to stop. He reads the game so well. He is a joy to watch’, warned Thomas Klein. Koblenz then got some baskets from Brian Butler and Moses Poelking to keep the commanding 34-25 lead. The EPG Baskets Koblenz had increased their intensity at both ends and were simply hitting shots better. But the guests kept chipping away getting some baskets from Fischer and Kogler to trail only 35-33. But the EPG Baskets Koblenz simply had too much instant scoring punch as Leon Friederici nailed 2 bombs from the parking lot to give Koblenz the 44-37 advantage at the break. ‘Friederici saved the second quarter for us. This quarter was more shadow than light. The refs dominated the game and made it harder for us than for the guests because we had problems with all the delays’, commented Thomas Klein.
Moses Poelking with the lay in
The EPG Baskets Koblenz finally made their move in the third quarter being able to lead in double figures and by 17 points after 30 minutes. The EPG Baskets had their most consistent spurt up to that point going on a 12-3 run to lead 56-40. In the run Koblenz was led by Alani Moore with 5 points, but also spread the ball around showing love for many as ex BBL player Marvin Heckel scored, , Sperber connected on a left handed hook shot and Leo Saffer made a tap in. The EPG Baskets Koblenz were showing more effort and moving the ball around better. They also stepped up their physicality on defense that Oberaching couldn’t come to terms with. The EPG Baskets continued to control the game despite Oberaching getting baskets from ex BBL player Peter Zeis and Kogler, but couldn’t get over the hump. Marvin Heckel showed that he can score in bunches scoring 3 in a row and Butler made a thunderous one handed dunk for the 68-47 lead. ‘That dunk was a 10. He jumped from very far away’, said Thomas Klein. The guests did close out the third quarter with a bang with a 7-3 run as Dippold made a trey and Benke scored twice in the paint, but the EPG Baskets Koblenz still led 71-54. ‘That was our best quarter of the game. We had a few lows. We played our game and gave some spectacular plays for the fans’, said Thomas Klein. ‘We couldn’t handle their pressure and had too many turnovers. They took advantage of our turnovers and got easy baskets. Friederici made big shots and we had bad 1-1 penetration defense’, commented Mario Matic. ‘We were more aggressive on defense and got more lay ups which we couldn’t do as well in the first half. We played transition and slowed them down on transition’, added Dominique Johnson.
Fynn Fischer at the FT line
The TSV Oberaching Tropics won the fourth quarter 18-17, but it didn’t matter because the EPG Baskets Koblenz had had a big lead which the guests couldn’t put a big dent into. Leon Friederici continued to show his consistent outside shooting making 2 more three’s and also added 2 free throws to keep the EPG Baskets Koblenz with the massive 80-61 lead. The guests were tired and had numerous guys in foul trouble so getting over the hump got more and more difficult. They did find some added energy down the stretch going on a 9-4 run to trail only 84-70. They got some added support from young German Benjamin Voit who added 5 points and Kogler made an off balance shot. The EPG Baskets Koblenz closed out the game with baskets from Saffer with a tip and Heckel with a pull up jumper at the buzzer. ‘A win is a win. Even if it wasn’t our best game, we won. We let our bench play. There were so many fouls which was crazy’, stressed Thomas Klein. ‘We knew the game was over. Koblenz shifted down a few gears. We gave our best. Sandersdorf is strong. Donte Nicholas is a machine. I feel we have a chance’, warned Mario Matic. ‘We knew the game was over. We didn’t want to get hurt. We didn’t play with the right mentality. We have to always give 100%. Schwelm will be a tough opponent. I’m looking forward to playing against Chris Frazier. I think that if we play our game, be aggressive and play fast then we will have good chances to win’, warned Dominique Johnson. The EPG Baskets Koblenz were led by Leon Friederici with 24 points. Alani Moore added 15 points and Marvin Heckel 13 points while the TSV Oberaching Tropics were led by Fynn Fischer with 18 points while Janosch Kogler and Bernhard Benke added 12 points a piece. The EPG Baskets Koblenz shot 41% from the field and 32% from outside and had 35 rebounds and 12 turnovers while the TSV Oberaching Tropics shot 41% from the field and 29% from outside and had 39 rebounds and 27 turnovers.
It was 20 minutes after the Telekom Baskets Bonn-SIG Strasburg Basketball Champions League game 48 hours ago and like so often this season, I was talking to TJ Shorts. Usually we have talked about positive things this season, because his team out of the eyes of the opponents lIke James Bond in the famous Octopussy movie who had a nasty habit of surviving have actually had a nasty habit of winning. It never fails looking at Maud Adams as she is easy on the eyes. But this time TJ Shorts had to talk about losing a real tough 77-76 nail bitter to SIG Strasburg that has put Bonn in the hole in the best of three quarter finals series. As always the 2023 easyCredit BBL MVP candidate was well spoken, to the point and had a lot of class despite losing and missing the last shot for the possible win. ‘You win some and you lose some’, stated TJ Shorts.
Miles Schmidt-Scheuber and TJ Shorts in the Telekom Dome in Bonn in 2022
This is a phrase that a Quantez Robertson and Jordan Theodore (182-PG-1989, college: Seton Hall) could just as well have told me on May 31st, 2016 as the Fraport Skyliners season ended after a brutal 3-1 semi-final loss to ratiopharm Ulm after they had disposed of the mighty Alba Berlin. That season a month earlier the 2000 BBL cup winner had masterfully won the Fiba Europe Cup, but couldn’t finish the job and win their second league title after 2004. ‘That was a tough fought series. We were put in the hole early and had to fight back. Usually when your down 2-0 you have slim chances to come back. They made many free throws and we weren’t able to supply punches earlier in games’, remembered Quantez Robertson. Jordan Theodore did all he could with 23 points, but who could forget the clutch three’s from German Per Guenther? 5 months ago when the Fraport Skyliners were experiencing their first crisis, I proclaimed to bring back Jordan Theoodore right away and then Quantez Roberston was still a bit more diplomatic answering how important Jordan Theodore was for the Fiba Europe Cup title. ‘He definitely was a key player down the stretch as he made big shots. But it was also a collective team effort. John Little played some great defense on Chris Wright and the big guys with Joe Voigtmann, Danilo Barthel and Mike Morrison also did a good job. They also got good effort from Brandon Davies and Malik Wayans, but we all stepped up as a team and buckled down on defense’, remembered Quantez Robertson. But now on April 7th, 2023 he has changed his opinion a bit. I don’t think we would have won it without him. He played such a big role. But of course we had so many other important players as well that brought different things to the table. We had so many guys that could score, but Jordan kept us together with his strong personality’, stressed Quantez Robertson. The connection between then head coach Gordon Herbert and Jordan Theodore was also key. ‘Jordan was an extension of coach on the court. When he called a play, we had to execute. He was vocal and always held guys accountable’, remembered Quantez Robertson. The Fraport Skyliners pulled a coup bring Jordan Theodore back in hopes of saving the season. ‘It is great news that the Skyliners could bring Jordan Theodore back. Having the combination of him and Tez together is very special. The 2015-2016 season was one of the most successful season’s in their history. Getting Jordan back was a really good statement from the club’, expressed German national coach Gordon Herbert. Almost 7 years after Jordan Theodore played his last game in a Fraport Skyliners jersey, will we see the old Jordan Theodore?
Quantez Robertson reaches me on an early Thursday night. He calls me at dinner time. It is 5 minutes to feeding time for me and my family, but for Tez I find the time and let my food get a little cold. He is in good spirits and why shouldn’t he be. His old buddy from the good old days is back on his team ready to bark the plays of Klaus Perwas. It may have been more than 2,500 days since Tez and Theodore were teammates, but their days together doesn’t seem like a blur. ‘It was long ago, but then again not so long ago. We have never lost contact and he visited Frankfurt a few years ago. I think I saw him like 4-5 times in the last 7 years’, stated Quantez Robertson. So what has Jordan Theodore been doing since his Skyliner days? He definitely has seen the world. He has played 230 games for 7 organizations in countries like Turkey, Italy, Greece and Russia and lived in exotic locations like Istanbul and Venice. Along the way he kept up his winning ways winning 4 titles and racking up some MVP awards. He also settled down and married a Turkish woman who was also a basketball player. It really didn’t matter where he played, he was able to be consistent where ever he played and in most seasons averaged scoring in double figures and averaged 5 assists in a season in the VTB league and led the Turkish BSL league in assists with 7,2apg. He had a great season with Milan winning 2 titles and averaging 11.6ppg, 2.0rpg, 4.3apg, FGP: 49.1%, 3PT: 29.4%, FT: 86.5% in the Euroleague. After that season, I was hoping he could establish himself as a Euroleague player, but it didn’t happen. ‘I think that the opportunity to play longer in the Euroleague didn’t present it’s self for Jordan. I believe that he could of played longer in the Euroleague. But sometimes as a player you go for the sure thing instead of chasing things that won’t present it’s self’, warned Quantez Robertson.
Miles Schmidt-Scheuber and Jordan Theodore in Bonn in 2019
Jordan Theodore was able to return to the Fraport Skyliners mainly because his season in Russia had ended. He laced up his sneakers for BC Samara (Russia-VTB United League) and averaged 11,3ppg, 3,0rpg, 5,2apg and 1,2spg. He continues to show consistency with age and will have to bring his A game again. He is in a tough situation with the Fraport Skyliners, a team that isn’t winning like the first time he was here, but losing. Now at 33 is Jordan Theodore in his prime or past it? How was that first impression live after 7 years for Tez? ‘He isn’t past his prime. I feel like he still has some good years ahead of him. He has always taken good care of his body and stayed healthy’, warned Quantez Robertson. His biggest strength with his abilities on the court was getting to the rim. Often as players get older they lose a step or two. ‘Jordan is still pretty fast. He can still get to the rim. He still has the first step off the dribble. He is still crafty and can pick his stops. He hasn’t lost a step’, stressed Quantez Robertson. But it isn’t just his play on the court that the Fraport Skyliners will need, but also other vital components that Theodore still has in his bag. ‘His veteran leadership has grown. He is still a good defender. If you remember he came to Frankfurt in 2015 not known as a defender. He didn’t understand certain defensive concepts, but Gordie and Klaus helped him become a good defender and I feel that really helped him over his career after. He is still pesky on ball and tough to post up’, warned Quantez Robertson. ‘When Jordan came to Frankfurt in 2015, he had a lot to prove and was very motivated. He had an outstanding season. He is a tremendous competitor and a closer. Whenever the game was on the line, he wanted the ball. He became more of a complete player’, stressed Gordon Herbert. It will be interesting to see how Theodore functions under Klaus Perwas. ‘He will be that scorer and playmaker under Klaus. I think it is great they can work together again. They may bump heads at times, but they both know the game’, commented Quantez Robertson.
Miles Schmidt-Scheuber and Quantez Robertson at the Fiba Europe Cup parade in Frankfurt in 2016
As usual the Fraport Skyliners have a must win scenario on Easter Sunday in Rostock. One always stated that it was tough to play in Freak City, but over the years other places have popped up that are nasty with Chemnitz, but also Rostock is a annoying place for teams. For many Rostock have the best fans in the league and the Fraport Skyliners will definitely feel that energy and passion. ‘We as players live for the crowds. Having a noisy crowd is what some shine in. Fans like Rostock’s brings out the competitive edge in players. We want to silence the crowd on Sunday’, warned Quantez Robertson. The Fraport Skyliners have good memories of the first game against Rostock as they had one of their best scoring explosions of the season letting it rain 15 three’s. They know they will have to be more alert on the glass as they allowed 14 offensive rebounds in the crushing victory in Frankfurt. ‘We have to play our brand. We have to be physical, execute, knock down open shots, keep them off the offensive glass, not allow second chances and limit them to one shot’, warned Quantez Robertson. It continues to be a tough season for the 38 year old veteran in his 14th season with the Fraport Skyliner. Is his role a bit different with the arrival of Theodore? ‘No my role is the same. I continue to be vocal, get defensive rebounds, push the ball and be aggressive knocking down shots’, said Quantez Robertson. One thing is always certain, there is no game where he doesn’t give 180%. ‘I want to close out the season and try to do all I can to help win as many games as possible. I will play hard and be there for my team until the end and always lead by example’, warned Quantez Robertson. We have to enjoy every game until the end with Jordan Theodore and Quantez Robertson as it might be the last time we ever see them play together again. ‘I don’t know if I have only 3 more homes games. It might be. When the time comes to make that decision, I’ll let you know’, warned Quantez Robertson. The game against new BBL team Rostock with possibly the best fans in the league and the return of Jordan Theodore could be one of the most anticipated games in many years for the Fraport Skyliners considering they are playing for their lives. Getting a win would be so vital for the Fraport Skyliners. ‘I coached against Jordan twice in Russia. He is in good shape. He gives the Skyliners someone who make plays for himself and others. If you have to coach effort then your in trouble, because you don’t have to do that with Jordan He is a winner’, warned Gordon Herbert. There were many times in the 2015-2016 season where Jordan Theodore got Frankfurt out of holes. If there is one guy who can help the Fraport Skyliners most now it’s Jordan Theodore. The Fraport Skyliners will need his strong personality again now in keeping everyone together in the stretch run to remain in the easyCredit BBL.
Xeyrius Williams (206-PF-1997, college: Akron) is a 25 year old 206cm forward from Ohio that played his third professional season and first in Germany with s.Oliver Wurzburg averaging 9,2ppg, 3,8rpg, 1,0apg and 1,0spg. Last season he played with Aris Thessaloniki (Greece-GBL) averaging 10.1ppg, 4.8rpg, FGP: 45.4%, 3PT: 33.8%, FT: 60.9%. He played his rookie season with Egis Kormend (Hungary-A Division) averaging 8.9ppg, 5.2rpg, 1.0spg, 2FGP: 47.9%, 3FGP: 34.1%, FT: 83.3%, in Dec.’20 moved to JP-Auto Jaszbereny KSE (Hungary-A Division) averaging 14.8ppg, 6.8rpg, 1.4apg, 1.0spg, FGP: 56.5%, 3PT: 43.4%, FT: 80.6%. He began his basketball career at Wayne high school and then played at the University of Dayton (NCAA) ( from 2015-2018 playing 75 games. He finished his NCAA career at The University of Akron (NCAA) averaging 13.9ppg, 9.5rpg, 1.3apg, FGP: 48.0%, 3PT: 29.9%, FT: 90.8%. He spoke to germanhoops.com about basketball.
Thanks Xeyrius for talking to germanhoops.com. Before we get to basketball, I want to find out more about your unique name. It is a name that I have never heard before. Was there a special reason why your parents gave you that name?
My name actually came from a combination of a few things, first my parents liked the Greek mythology so they loved the name Zeus and then they also knew of a Persian king named xerxes and they somehow came up with my name
You played with easyCredit BBL team s.Oliver Wurzburg. What do you know in general about the country Germany and it’s basketball? Did you seek advice from ex teammate Tyler Cheese who played in Germany last season?
I just know that the country is beautiful place to live and he also shared with me about some of the restaurants and what to expect living wise.
Two Akron legends Dru Joyce and Romeo Travis who won 3 Ohio high school titles with St Marys and Lebron James played in Germany. Did you ever reach out to them or meet them before?
I did not reach out to them prior to signing
After playing in Hungary and Greece, you then came to Germany. What were the main reasons why you chose this organization?
I chose this organization because I think it will be a great opportunity for me to continue winning like we did in Greece, and showcase my skills in a very competitive league.
The club was very confident in your abilities. You had a very solid season in Greece. Do you feel like you were ready to become an impact player in a top league in Europe?
I had a very productive and successful summer where I improved a lot on my game to make sure I am in the best spot physically and mentally to tackle the obstacles this season will throw my way.
Let’s talk a bit about your game. You’re a 206cm forward. If you had to compare your game to an NBA player who would best fit the description?
I feel that I am similar to a KD especially with my body type and my ability to face up in the post is similar to Carmello
You can shoot the ball, score, rebound and defend. Are you the classic definition of a modern day forward?
I don’t think there are certain definitions I just do what the game needs and try to do it to the best of my abilities.
You’re a guy that can do a lot at both ends of the court. What other strengths does your game incorporate?
My ability to be a leader to lead by example on and off the court with my work ethic and commitment to doing the little things.
Your also a talented shot blocker. How would you define your defensive game now and where do you still want to go with it?
I can always improve defensively. It’s something that I think takes heart and will to do it. It is not the prettiest part of the game but it is a very important part of the game.
On what area’s of your game are you working on most now so that you can continue to improve your game?
Mid range pull up has to become deadly still building on my faceup and footwork in the post. I got to continue to be crafty and smart when playing offensively and defensively making reads and creating more. finishing, everything in my game can be improved upon.
Last season you had a solid season with Aris Thessaloniki (Greece-GBL) averaging 10.1ppg, 4.8rpg, FGP: 45.4%, 3PT: 33.8%, FT: 60.9%. You played against top Euroleague team Panathinaikos 4 times and won the first game against them. You had solid games. When you look back at those games what do you believe is still missing from your game to be a Euroleague player?
Just doing these things consistently. Scoring at all 3 levels. no matter what the defense does. I have to find a way to be effective whether that be scoring or creating for my teammates.
What do you remember from your battles in those games with Okaro White? How much did a guy like that motivate and elevate your game?
It was really fun to match with him he is a really good and smart defender so it was fun to watch some of the little things he does and incorporate them in my game.
You split your rookie season with Egis Kormend (Hungary-A Division) averaging 8.9ppg, 5.2rpg, 1.0spg, 2FGP: 47.9%, 3FGP: 34.1%, FT: 83.3%, in Dec.’20 moved to JP-Auto Jaszbereny KSE (Hungary-A Division) averaging 14.8ppg, 6.8rpg, 1.4apg, 1.0spg, FGP: 56.5%, 3PT: 43.4%, FT: 80.6%. What do you remember being your wake up call to being overseas where you knew that you were very far away from home?
There was no wake up call, I was just in a position where I was put inside of a box could not play my game so I was less productive than what I was capable of.
You played 3 seasons at Dayton (NCAA). It was kind of an up and down affair. Do you sometimes wonder if you would have finished there had you not suffered that injury in your junior season?
I just didn’t like the plan that the new coaching staff had for me. I felt that my best choice was to go elsewhere
You really had some good games at Dayton (NCAA). Despite leaving after 3 years what benefits do you still think did you get out of the experience?
Definitely knowing how to play in front of a crowd and I learned a lot about improvement knowing how to work and develop my game when I was playing under Archie Miller.
In your junior year you were teammates with Giannis brother Kostas. What kind of an experience was it battling him in practice?
It was good. He has elite level length with his wingspan and ability to block shots it was great to play against that pro level height and wingspan.
You then moved to the University of Akron and after sitting out a season had a superb senior year averaging 13.9ppg, 9.5rpg, 1.3apg, FGP: 48.0%, 3PT: 29.9%, FT: 90.8%. How did your game grow in your senior year?
it was a lot of confidence from being healthy and the confidence John Groce had in me. I am happy I intrusted him with my senior year
What kind of an experience was it being teammates with Tyler Cheese. He had a lot of misfortune winning just 1 game in Germany last season? The guy definitely has game. Do you feel like one day your paths will meet again on the court somewhere in the world?
With this pro game the possibilites are endless but being teammates with Cheese was a great experience. We were able to win together and he is a very good player.
I can imagine your favorite game was your buzzer beater win over Eastern Michigan. How often do you think have you watched that in the last years?
My favorite game was actually our final game against Kent state with that being our rival it was nice to send them home with a L.
How did head coach John Groce groom and prepare you best for a professional career?
He emphasizes a lot of little things that pro’s are expected to do on and off the court with work ethic and how we carry ourselves it keeps me grounded thinking back to these things.
Who won a 1-1 in practice you or Jaden Sayles?
I still win to this day when me and Jaden Sayles play one on one but he is a very good player who is looking to start his pro career here this season so excited to see where ball takes him
Who was the toughest player that you battled in the NCAA that went to the NBA?
I think it was Ben Simmons. I played him in high school. He is a very good player to no surprise he is an nba all star
Please name your 5 best teammates of all-time?
I have had great teammates over the years too many to count they all are hall of famers in my eyes
Please list your personal NBA Mount Rushmore?
Lebron, Jordan, Steph, Kobe and Shaq
What is your personal opinion of the neverending debate of who is the greatest of all-time Jordan or Lebron?
I don’t really get into that debate I just like to hear people’s opinions.
Did you see the sequel to the classic Coming To America? Shouldn’t they have left it alone?
I never saw the sequel but I know the first was hilarious that’s why it is what it is a “classic”
Even if the easyCredit BBL has arrived in the very exciting stretch run for the battle of the top spot between the Telekom Baskets Bonn and Alba Berlin is very exciting as well as the fight to stay in the league at the bottom of the standings, there is also another gripping part of the season for Bonn with the Basketball Champions League. The Telekom Baskets Bonn have had a great BCL season and arrived into the quarterfinals with an incredible 6-0 record and now faced the always annoying SIG Strasburg who had had a 4-2 record in the last round. Bonn have ripped through the BCL team like a freight train and with their momentum from the easyCredit BBL season have a very legitimate shot of not only reaching the final 4 but winning the whole thing. But before reaching the final 4, they had to get by SIG Strasburg who had played a solid BCL season, but have been struggling in the France pro A season currently battling to get into the playoffs. Fans in Bonn were able to witness some real talent with the likes of ex NBA players Tim Frazier and Rodions Kurucs as well as ex easyCredit BBL player Deandre Lansdowne and electrifying 175cm player Marcus Keene (178-PG-1995, college: CMU). On a mild spring evening a few days before the Easter madness in Germany fans weren’t disappointed as they saw a hard fought game from start to end with the better end going to SIG Strasburg who were able to escape with a grind out 77-76 win stopping BCL MVP candidate TJ Shorts on the last play. ‘We new from the start that a high energy team like Bonn would go on runs. For us it was very important to stay together during their runs. We did a good job sticking to our game plan. We had lost our last 4 games where we got away from the game plan. We moved the ball and played our game. We did a good job with defensive rebounds and got out on the break’, stated ex Hamburg Tower Deandre Lansdowne. The Telekom Baskets Bonn played a great game, but at the end suffered some defensive lapses and couldn’t withstand the brutal physicality of the guests. ‘We knew it would be a dog fight. Credit to Strasburg. They stole one on the road. They made more winning plays at the end. We came up short but luckily it’s a 3 game series’, stressed Telekom Baskets Bonn guard TJ Shorts.
Rodions Kurucs hook shot
The Telekom Dome was sold out as 6,000 screaming fans were in the arena and rapidly witnessed TJ Shorts do his thing as his mid range game destroyed the guests as he hit 3 in a row for the 6-2 advantage with only 1,25 minutes played. The diminutive guard as usual did a fantastic job finding his spots and using his quickness not to have to take contested shots. But before Bonn fans really knew what happened, SIG Strasburg escaped on a 16-6 run to lead 18-12. In the run the guests spread the ball around and got easy lay in’s from French forward Leonard Cavaliere and Deandre Lansdowne while small ex Eastern Michigan guard Marcus Keene scored 2 baskets showing that he can match the intensity and execution rate of Shorts. SIG Strasburg continued to defend be aggressive and physical on the defensive end and had taken Shorts away from his game. SIG Strasburg just played smooth inside out basketball getting 2 more three’s from Lansdowne and French player Paul Lacombe and a lay in from ex NBA player Rodions Kurucs. But the Telekom Baskets slowed down the guests closing out the first quarter with a 13-4 run to retake the lead at 25-22. In the run Bonn executed well using the extra pass getting lay ins from ex Wurzburg guard Tyson Ward and ex Warner Pacific (NAIA) forward Collin Malcolm while he also nailed a trey as did ex Brose Bamberg guard Karsten Tadda. TJ Shorts closed out the first quarter with a runner and 25-20 Bonn advantage. ‘They began quickly but we withstood their punch and punched them back. Shorts showed why he is a MVP candidate. He knows how to find his spots’, stressed Deandre Lansdowne.
Michael Kessens at the FT line
The Telekom Baskets Bonn kept the lead in the second quarter but could never totally shake SIG Strasburg as they stood in striking distance and trailed by 2 points at half-time. Ex Brooklyn Net Rodions Kurucs was alert on the glass and began with a tip in off his own miss as SIG Strasburg trailed 25-24. But With TJ Shorts always playing at a high intensity and in attack mode, the Telekom Baskets were able to break free again with a 7-0 run to lead 32-24. Shorts made a pull up jumper and 2 of 3 free throws while ex Crailsheim guard Javontae Hawkins added a three pointer. But the game remained a game of runs as now SIG Strasburg saw an opening and went on a 7-3 run to trail 35-31. 205Cm big man Bodian Massa made an offensive rebound and put back, Lacomb hit another trey and Marcus Keene made a difficult shot in traffic. But Bonn survived the SIG Strasburg punch and delivered a new one getting another clutch three from Malcolm and big dunk from Leon Kratzer for the 40-34 lead, but the guests also were good and having answers as Keene continued to be a menace making a 20 footer and very difficult shot in traffic and Lansdowne a bucket on transition, but the Telekom Baskets Bonn still had the slight advantage at the break 42-40. ‘Keene is our Shorts. He scored a lot but also created for others. We did a good job rebounding as a focus of ours was to take away their offensive rebounds’, stated Deandre Lansdowne.
Ike Udanoh at the FT line
The contest continued to be a dog fight and it seemed like SIG Strasburg might break the game open, but instead were hit again by a sudden Bonn punch right before the buzzer sounded after 30 minutes. The Telekom Baskets had a real bad start to the second half as they couldn’t execute on their first 6 possessions. But SIG Strasburg couldn’t muster more than 5 points to lead only 45-42. Lansdowne and Massa had supplied offensive punch with points. The Telekom Baskets Bonn had many 50/50 balls in the game and one helped them get an easy transition basket by Shorts which got them some energy. Ex Trier guard Sebastian Herrera then scored on the back door cut and ex Fraport Skyliner Michael Kessens made a floater for the 48-45 Bonn advantage. Shorts was instrumental in the turn around after the poor start as he let his creating do the talking. The guests then tied the game at 49-49 as Lacombe made a lay in. Bonn struck back with a trey by Brit Deane Williams for the 52-49 lead. Then came a three point explosion on 5 in 6 possessions started by SIG Strasburg as they went on a 11-0 run to lead 60-52. Ex NBA player Tim Frazier who played 8 years in the big show had sparkled defensively, but been quiet on offense rattled off 2 three’s while Keene hit another. It looked like the guests would go into the fourth quarter comfortably, but instead Shorts and Herrera added 2 three’s in the last minute as Bonn trailed only 60-58. ‘Those last 2 Bonn three’s really hurt. We wanted to go into the fourth with momentum. Bonn ran great plays for Shorts’, said Deandre Lansdowne.
TJ Shorts lay in
In the fourth quarter the Telekom Baskets Bonn entered crunch-time up by 8, but forgot that a game has 40 minutes and allowed SIG Strasburg back into the game. The Telekom Baskets Bonn stole the lead back 61-60 with a Herera trey to begin the fourth. The lead would go back and forth with a Kurucs spin move and lay in and Shorts lay in for the 63-62 Bonn lead. The Telekom Baskets Bonn couldn’t hold the lead as they gave up back to back buckets to Lansdowne and Keene for the 66-63 advantage. Then it seemed like the Telekom Baskets Bonn had supplied the last punch as they broke out on a lethal 11-0 run sparked by a technical foul by SIG Strasburg head coach Luca Banchi to lead 74-66. Bonn did a good job attacking and getting to the free throw line as Malcolm and Hawkins scored. Bonn also moved the ball well setting up a lay in by Ward and trey by Shorts. With 2,50 to play the contest seemed decided. The Telekom Baskets Bonn were playing at a high intensity and just wanted it more than the guests. But somehow the guests were able to flip switches and get back into the game despite the minutes dwindling. Frazier made a lay in and Keene a tough fade away with 1,47 to play and suddenly Bonn only led 74-72. Bonn got to the free throw line but Kessens and Shorts missed 2 free throws as Bonn led only 76-72. In the last minutes the guests had done a better job of packing the paint and cutting off the back door options and allowed no pick and roll. One could see that the whole MVP chants for Shorts hadn’t escaped Marcus Keene as he saved his best for last. A flagrant foul by Hawkins also helped the guests gather momentum. Keene made a reverse lay up with 56 seconds and then the guests got a stop on Kratzer and Keene did his magic again hitting a clutch trey to get the 77-76 lead. ‘I just play my game for 40 minutes. I trust my abilities and my teammates trusted me to make that shot’, said Marcus Keene. ‘He is a scoring machine at all 3 levels. We watched a lot of film on him and will watch even more film now. You have to make it as tough as possible against guys like that’, stated TJ Shorts. The Telekom Baskets Bonn had one more play to win the game. Everyone knew that Shorts would have the ball. The question was would he finish or facilitate. He opted to go himself, but met his match in Kurucs who played aggressively on him and forced him to an air ball. ‘We tried to get the weakest link on me. I tried to create a play. Credit to Kurucs who guarded me well. You win some and you lose some. We will be back’, warned TJ Shorts. ‘We knew the last shot would go to the MVP. I told the guys not to switch off him. We wanted to make it as tough as possible for him. We have had problems the last weeks making stops like this. We had theA mind set to push as hard as possible and get the stop’, stressed Deandre Lansdowne. SIG Strasburg was led by Marcus Keene with 24 points and Deandre Lansdowne added 16 points while the Telekom Baskets Bonn were led by TJ Shorts with 24 points while Collin Malcolm added 13 points and Sebastian Herrera 12 points. SIG Strasburg shot 55% from the field and 35% from outside and had 38 rebounds and 20 turnovers while the Telekom Baskets Bonn shot 40% from the field and 30% from outside and had 31 rebounds and 11 turnovers.
German Hoops 