Jayson Edwards (175-PG, college: Lake Region) is a 175cm guard from Plymouth, Minnesota that played Germany this season for New Isenburg (Regionalliga).. He played at Robbinsdale Cooper High School and played 2 years at Lake Region State College (JUCO) playing 29 games averaging 4.8ppg, 2.2rpg, 3.0apg and in his second year played 28 games averaging 6.4ppg, 2.4rpg, 2.1apg, FGP: 34.0%, 3PT: 23.8%, FT: 66.3%. He spoke togermanhoops.com about basketball.
Thanks Jayson for talking to germanhoops.com. Where are you at the moment and how is basketball life treating you?
Hey, yeah thanks for speaking with me. Life is good.
How have you witnessed Covid in the last 2 years? How much of a role did it play for you getting jobs overseas?
My first year was Covid central. It shut the season down.
We last spoke 2 years ago at the Howard Hoops tour in Frankfurt, Germany. In the past the Howard Hoops tour has helped guys get jobs in Germany. Was there any interest then from teams?
Going on Howard Hoops tour opened up a lot of doors for me. I gained interest from the team I’m going to play for now Neu Isenburg.
How in general did you benefit from the Howard Hoops tour headed by Ron Howard? Teams and Gm’s did see your game.
I was able to score at a high level. Teams and GM’s know I am athletic, quick and can shoot the ball.
I remember 2 years ago you were teaching 7th graders basketball. What has been the biggest joy that you have gotten from doing this?
I’m very passionate about it. I remember looking up to my coaches I want to be able to pass what I know down to them.
Do you believe that coaching could be something that you could do long term down the road?
Yeah definitely, down the road.
You played at Ultimate Hoops in Minesota and averaged 24,0ppg. How vital was this experience for continuing to keep your self confidence sharp?
It was a good experience. I was just being me, having fun being aggressive.
You also played in a Mexican tour. What kind of an experience was that and how do you feel did your game benefit from this in general?
Wonderful experience. I’ve never been to South America, a change of scenery. I gained a network out there.
As you have grown and gotten older in the last 2 years how do you feel has your game developed further?
I’ve put in countless of hours in the gym. I believe my game has developed a ton and that’s what I’m going to show this season
Your playing in Germany this season for Neu Isenburg a Regionalliga team in Germany’s 4th division. How did this job come about?
I had a friend who played for the club. He mentioned to his coach that I was in town. I joined a practice. Then Covid had shut down the season before I could sign with them.
You have had a very good relationship with coach Vassili in the last 2 years. What have you learned to appreciate most about him?
I respect him. He definitely can coach. He brings a positive direction and vision to the club. He’s also very genuine.
How aware are you that this team will be in your hands. You must be very excited. How confident are you that you will be able to be an impact player in the league?
I’ll be whoever to impact winning.
On what area’s of your game have you been concentrating on most this summer so you will be best prepared for the new challenge in Germany?
Just mental toughness. Not everything is going to go as planned. To just stay tough through tough moments to help me prosper as a player.
Where do you rank Steph Curry now in the discussion of the best guards of all-time?
He’s one of my favorite players so he’s pretty high on my list. Definitely top-five for sure
Did you see the sequel to the classic Coming To America? Shouldn’t they have left in alone?
The winning ways of the Dragons Rhondorf since the tragic death of Mubarak Salami continue as with 2 games to go in the regular season, the club led by head coach Julius Thomas is on a quest to finish the last 2 games in style before the post season starts. The home court advantage in the playoffs is a massive focus that they definitely want to take advantage of. They returned back into their living room after a huge 99-92 overtime win in Giessen despite Jacob Ledoux exploding for 33 points, the Dragons had 5 guys in double figures once again led by Devon Goodman (184-PG-1997, college: Pennsylvania) with a double double. In their last regular season home game, they welcomed the EN Baskets Schwelm who came with German veterans Chris Frazier and CJ Oldham and an ambitious American with Josh Boutte. The Dragons Rhondorf had easily disposed them of 80-65 on the road, but definitely a team they didn’t want to underestimate as they were fighting for the last playoff spot. On a mild early spring night, the Dragons Rhondorf Came out scoring but so did the EN baskets Schwelm as fans quickly witnessed high scoring which didn’t end until the buzzer, but in crunch-time the home team was able to make the crucial points and stops which propelled them to massive 109-101 win as their chances for home court advantage in the playoffs rose. ‘We didn’t do a good job rebounding in the first half as we couldn’t finish plays. We did a good job on stopping their pick and roll and rebounded better in the second half and had better ball movement. When you score 109 points, you played great offense, but then again allowing 101 points is too much’, stated ex Giessen 46ers Florian Koch. The EN Baskets Schwelm were fighting for the last playoff spot and were in the game until the end, but just couldn’t get over the hump as they fell 2 wins behind the 8th placed team for the last playoff spot. ‘We fought until the end. We knew that they were a very good offensive team and we just couldn’t stop it. We had a chance at the end, but overall we had big problems stopping them in the paint as they shot a very high percentage and we couldn’t handle them 1-1’, stressed ex Rostock Seawolves guard Chris Frazier.
Marius Behr from outside
The first quarter was a real dog fight as no team could run away from the other as there were 6 lead changes and the EN Baskets Schwelm had the slim 25-24 advantage after 10 minutes. Chris Frazier of the EN Baskets Schwelm that was coined the born shooter by Joe Asbery was surely on the scouting report of the Dragons Rhondorf, but they let him get free for 5 points as the guests had the rapid 5-2 lead. But the Dragons Rhondorf finally got their offense rolling as they attacked the rim time in and time out as German Florian Wendeler, Devon Goodman and Paul Albrecht took charge in the 6-0 run and 8-5 advantage. But the EN Baskets Schwelm did’t only have Chris Frazier, but had a capable arsenal of other guys that could execute at will as German 2017 NBBL champion with FC Bayern Munich Robert Merz connected on a 20 footer, Johan Flaa of Norway hit a trey while ex Detroit Mercy (NCAA) big man Malik Eichler gave suitable support from the bench with 2 baskets and Schwelm had the 16-15 lead despite 2 three’s by Nicolas Buchholz. But the EN Baskets Schwelm continued to show that they are more than a capable three point shooting team getting valuable three’s from 21 year old German Till Hornscheidt and Chris Frazier for the 22-17 lead. Hornscheidt continued to be aggressive scoring 3 more points for the 25-17 advantage. But the Dragons Rhondorf didn’t wilt at the end, but finished it strong getting 7 unanswered points to close out the first quarter trailing only 25-24. Buchholz connected on 3 free throws and 2023 Pro B MVP candidate Devon Goodman showed his road runner qualities scoring twice in the paint. ‘We executed great on offense, but couldn’t get stops. We let Frazier get going early that helped get his team going. Our 1-1 defense was unacceptable’, stressed Florian Koch. Both team shot over 50% from the field, but the guests shot an incredible 83% from outside while Rhondorf shot only 33%. The guests had the 8-5 rebound edge and 8 turnovers while Rhondorf had 7 turnovers.
Florian Koch at the FT line
The second quarter continued to showcase 2 clubs that had their offense working like a clock work but also two teams that couldn’t get their defensive execution working consistently. Both teams got some solid support in the first few minutes from their bigs Josh Boutte who played JUCO ball at Dodge City and Swedish national player Zaba Bangala, but the game was still close as the Dragons Rhondorf had the slim 34-31 lead. Devon Goodman continued to be a menace with his drive and quickness carrying his team and having the slim lead, but even when Rhondorf had the tight lead, the EN Baskets Schwelm had an answer as Hornscheidt scored and Frazier connected on a trey for the 44-43 lead,. After Paul Albrecht made free throws, it was Hornscheidt again who used his quickness when ever he could to his advantage making a sweet cross over and leaving Florian Wendeler in the dust to tie the game at 46-46. Hornscheidt who averages 8 points per game finished with 20 points, but his production was nothing out of the ordinary for his teammates. ‘He is big shot Till. He is always ready to play for us. He hustles on defense and got some offensive fouls for us’, expressed Chris Frazier. Despite CJ Oldham being in foul trouble, the ex Akron (NCAA) forward scored twice in the last minute, but the EN Baskets Schwelm couldn’t keep the lead as Koch took the Dragons Rhondorf into the break with a three pointer dead locking the game at 51-51. ‘We couldn’t control their bigs well enough. They fought very hard and made life difficult for us. They got way too many rebounds’, stated Florian Koch. The Dragons Rhondorf shot 62% from the field and 38% from the three point line and had 10 rebounds and 10 turnovers while the EN Baskets Schwelm shot 56% from the field and 67% from the three point line and had 17 rebounds and 11 turnovers.
Till Hornscheidt at the FT line
In the third quarter the Dragons Rhondorf were able to get an even better flow in their offense and buckle down a bit more on defense and led by as much as 11 points, but the EN Baskets Schwelm finished strong trailing only by 6 points. The EN Baskets Schwelm caught Rhondorf napping early on the offensive boards as Josh Boutte made a put back for the 53-51 lead. But the Dragons Rhondorf then went on a lethal 10-0 run to break open the game leading 61-53. On the run, ex Rostock guard Buchholz nailed 2 three’s while Bangala scored inside and Goodman scored on transition. The Dragons Rhondorf stepped up their defense making the shot attempts more difficult for Schwelm while their defense with blocks from Bangala and Koch sparked their offense. The guests got some key baskets from Robert Merz and Frazier, but the Dragons Rhondorf let it rain more three’s from Buchholz as he hit 2 more for the 68-57 advantage. The EN Baskets Schwelm always had an answer as they got valuable support from ex Bochum forward Marius Behr who connected for 2 three’s while Hornscheidt also made a trey as Rhondorf only led 72-68. Rhondorf kept up the offensive pressure with a Koch basket but the guests continued to get sound execution from Hornscheidt who added 5 more points as the EN Baskets Schwelm trailed only 77-73. Albrecht added an off balance shot and Frazier a runner at the buzzer, but the Dragons Rhondorf still led soundly 81-75. ‘We stressed the big point. Everybody knows we have the worst defense in isolation and one thing we have preached all season long is not to let the opponent use their strong hand and let them go with their weak hand and not let them get good shots. We were able to do this better’, stressed Paul Albrecht. ‘We had crazy turnovers and our early misses led to transition points for them. We did a good job on the offensive board’, said Chris Frazier. The Dragons Rhondorf shot 65% from the field and 40% from the parking lot and had 22 rebounds and 14 turnovers while the EN Baskets Schwelm shot 50% from the field and 57% from the parking lot and 23 rebounds and 12 turnovers.
Devon Goodman from outside
The Dragons Rhondorf continued to keep the lead in the fourth quarter, but could never totally shake the guests as they were only trailing by 3 points with less than a minute to play. The Dragons Rhondorf got early production from Wendeler who spun his way to the rim for 2 points and Albrecht nailed a trey for the 87-77 lead. But as usual the EN Baskets Schwelm were far away from hanging their heads as they were carried by their captain Chris Frazier who added 5 points to trail only 91-87. But the EN Baskets Schwelm got horrible news at the 6,07 minute mark as CJ Oldham fouled out. But that didn’t faze the guests as they continued to execute well keeping track with Koch and Goodman three’s by getting a trey from Merz and lay in’s from Johan Flaa and Behr to trail only 97-94. The Dragons Rhondorf then produced a 5-0 run with buckets from Albrecht and Koch for the 102-94 advantage. But Frazier stormed back with a three pointer to trail only 102-97 with a minute to go. After a quick lay in by Goodman, the guests had one last spec of energy getting a lay in from Boutte and Merz to trail only 104-101 with 35 seconds to go. Goodman then missed 3 of 4 free throws and it seemed like the Dragons Rhondorf may go down under pressure? ‘I wasn’t nervous after he missed the free throws. We have so much trust in him. He does so much for the team. I love him. He is one of the top 3 guys I have ever played with ‘, stated Paul Albrecht. The Dragons Rhondorf then buckled down on defense getting key stops and Paul Albrecht closed out the game with 4 free throws. ‘It was a real shoot out. They hit everything at the end, but we always had an answer. We got to the free throw line at the end and played defense the way we should’, commented Paul Albrecht. ‘Our mistakes and decisions hurt us at the end. They simply had more experience, but we gave all we had’, added Chris Frazier. The Dragons Rhondorf were led by Devon Goodman with 26 points. Florian Kloch added 24 points and Nicolas Buchholz added 20 points while the EN Baskets Schwelm were led by Chris Frazier with 23 points. Till Hornscheidt added 20 points and Robert Merz 15 points. The Dragons Rhondorf shot 67% from the field and 46% from outside and had 28 rebounds and 18 turnovers while the EN Baskets Schwelm shot 52% from the field and 55% from outside and had 29 rebounds and 16 turnovers.
James Gist (206-C-1986, college: Maryland) is a 36 year old 206cm center that was born in Silver Spring, Maryland and grew up in Olney, Maryland and is playing his 14th professional career and first with at Bahcesehir Koleji Istanbul (Turkey-BSL). He began his basketball career at Our Lady of Good Counsel High School. He then played at Maryland’ (NCAA) from 2004-2008. He was drafted at #57 in 2008 by the San Antonio Spurs. He then went overseas and has had an incredible career where he has won 16 professional titles and played a total of 287 Euroleague games. His most successful time was with Panathinaikos Athens where he played parts of 7 seasons. He also garnered experience in countries like Italy, Russia, Serbia, turkey, Spain, Greece, Germany and France. He spoke to eurobasket before a Basketball Champions League game against the Telekom Baskets Bonn.
Thanks James for talking to eurobasket.com. Where are you at the moment an dhow is basketball life treating you at the moment?
Thank you! I am currently playing basketball in Istanbul, Turkey for Bahceehir Koleji S.K. It hasn’t been the most successful season so far, but I believe our team will make things right by the end of the season.
Your playing your 15th pro season and have won 16 titles in your illustrious career. What keeps you going now at age 36?
It’s the motivation to win as much as possible while I still have the ability to play the game I love. I never had the attitude as a player to only play for money or no ambition. My goal has always been to win no matter where I am playing. I’m blessed to still be able to play the game I love after 15 years.
Your playing your first season with Bahcesehir Koleji Istanbul (Turkey-BSL). What does it mean for you playing in the country where you were in born? Do you feel like you have a special connection to Turkey?
It is a very interesting fact that I was born in Turkey. People are always surprised when they hear that I was born in Adana. Istanbul is one the best cities that I have had and the opportunity to live and play basketball and it feels good to be back after 11 years playing in other countries.
It is your first season in 11 years not playing in the Euroleague. What kind of an experience has it been playing in the BCL? How much of a difference is it to the Euroleague?
It’s been a very interesting season in BCL for me. It’s a big difference from Euroleague when it comes to the quality of basketball however it is still very competitive and you have to respect all teams within the competition. On one hand, Euroleague is comprised of the top teams from each domestic league in Europe which is what makes that competition so competitive, and on the other hand, you have BCL which is probably the 4th and 5th best team from the domestic leagues around Europe. For me that is the only difference, but within both competitions you have some players with amazing talent.
What kind of an experience has it been playing for Bahcesehir Koleji Istanbul (Turkey-BSL). How competitive is the BSL? How is this league different than other leagues you have played in?
Bahcesehir has been an amazing club to play for. They are a new team in the Champions League competition and they are fairly new to the Turkish League as well so they are trying to build a winning tradition within the club. The club is very professional and they have great potential to be a top team in any competition they play in. For me, the Turkish League has been one of the strongest domestic leagues in Europe when compared to Spain, France or the Adriatic League I would say that Turkish League could easily be 2nd or 3rd best domestic league in Europe.
You have had many many many incredible teammates in your career, but what has it been like being teammates with Mr Eurocup Jamar Smith? What have you appreciated most about his game and character?
Jamar Smith is great guy and we have really built a strong friendship that goes beyond basketball when we became teammates. Throughout my career I have had the opportunity to play against Jamar a few times and I have always admired the type of player he was. He can score in many different ways at a very high level and for me I’m just happy to be on his team this year instead of being an opponent.
Last season you played with ASVEL Lyon-Villeurbanne Basket (France-Betclic ELITE ProA) averaging 5.6ppg, 3.3rpg, FGP: 55.5%, 3PT: 26.1%, FT: 70.2%;and in the Euroleague averaged 6.0ppg, 2.5rpg, FGP: 54.3%, 3PT: 18.5%, FT: 53.3%. You won the Pro A title over Monaco in an exciting series. What was so special about this team?
I had a special tie with this team because the current owner of the team, Tony Parker, was a former teammate of mine when I played with the San Antonio Spurs. For me it was an easy decision when I received the phone call about Asvel wanting me to come play for them. We had a difficult season as a team in the Euroleague competition, however, we were able to turn things around and finish the season with a French League National Title. It means a lot to know that I have been able to play in many different countries and say that I was a champion there.
2 seasons ago you played with FC Bayern Muenchen (Germany-BBL) averaging 6.0ppg, 3.5rpg, FGP: 56.8%, 3PT: 33.3%, FT: 66.7%; and in the Euroleague averaged 5.6ppg, 3.0rpg, FGP: 47.9%, 3PT: 16.7%, FT: 63.8%. What did you appreciate most about the famous German organization FC Bayern Munich and what did you enjoy most about the total experience?
Bayern Munich may have been the most professional organization that I had been apart of during my entire European career. I had the opportunity to be coached by one of the best coaches in Europe, Andrea Trinchieri, and I had the opportunity to play with some of the best young talent in Europe with Vladamir Lucic, Paul Zipser, Wade Baldwin and Jalen Reynolds. We had a very talented team and I know we would have been able to achieve so much more if we would have been able to have our fans at the games that season. Due to the pandemic and regulations that season we were unable to have fans at the games to witness how good we really were.
In the 2019-2020 season you played with KK Crvena Zvezda MTS Beograd (Serbia-KLS) aaveraging 11.1ppg, 4.2rpg, 1.6apg, FGP: 59.3%, 3PT: 45.5%, FT: 72.3%; and in the Euroleague averaged 7.0ppg, 4.4rpg, 1.3apg, FGP: 44.4%, 3PT: 21.1%, FT: 59.3%. You were teammates with Lorenzo Brown. He seems to have gotten better with age. Is he a role model for you?
Lorenzo is a good friend of mine and he was great to have as a teammate. It has been an honor to watch him grow over the past few seasons into one of the most dominant players in Europe at this point. His understanding of the game, athleticism, and ability to make all his teammates better is unmatched. He has been able to showcase his talent during the Eurobasket with Spain and now leading his team Maccabi Tel Aviv to a strong playoff run.
You spent 7 seasons with Panathinaikos Athens winning 11 titles. Were these 7 years the nicest in your career? What was your most fondest title with Athens? Spending 7 years in Athens with a Panathinaikos was one of my most memorable moments during my European career. I reached a lot of milestones not only with basketball but also in life. My son was born in Athens and I also got married. I have a lot of really great memories from Greece.It’s not easy to pick just one title to say which was the best. If I had to choose I would probably say the first national championship that I won with Panathinaikos because we beat Olympiakos 3-0 and they were the current Euroleague Champions at the time.
You played for Rick Pitino. What kind of coach was he in Europe? Do you feel like he had to change his methods a bit from how he coached in the States.
Rick Pitino is a great coach. He understands what it takes to win at the highest levels and for this reason he will forever be a Hall of Fame coach. As a coach, you have to adjust to your players and understand how to motivate them to give the best performances. Every team is different and therefore the approach must be different, however, the message always remains the same. He was able to motivate our team and give us an idea that we can believe in, which lead to us winning 7 games in a row to finish the Euroleague regular season campaign and make the playoffs.
You played with so many incredible players like Mike James, Keith Langford, Antonis Fotsis, Ionnis Bourousis, Dimitris Diamantidis and Mike Batiste to just name a few. Which one of these players had the biggest impact on you?
I would probably have to say Diamantidis. Even though I had the opportunity to play with him in his final seasons, I was able to witness greatness. His work ethic, his IQ, and his passion to the game was one of kind. Once I got the opportunity to play alongside him, I realized why he was one of the greatest players to play the game.
From 2016-2018 you played 7 times against Luka Doncic posting a 2-5 record. What was your impression of him then and if some one had told you this guy would become a NBA superstar right away what would you have thought?
I would say the most impressive thing for me about Luka at the time was that he played on a very talented Real Madrid team at such a young age and the players and coach trusted him with the biggest moments. And Luka delivered every time. I knew he was special because he could do everything, my biggest question was always where is his limit. As a player you always look to improve each year in some aspect of your game. For Luka, he could shoot the ball extremely well, he has a very high IQ, he controls the pace of the game very well and he is not scared of the big moment. He had won the Eurobasket, he won Euroleague. Possibly one of the most decorated players coming from Europe to the NBA. I always wondered where is his limit because he has already done everything. At this point I think the only thing left for him to do is win an NBA Championship.
In the 2011-2012 season you had your first tour of duty in Turkey with Fenerbahce Ulker Istanbul (Turkey-TBL) averaging 7.4ppg, 4.5rpg, 1.3spg, FGP: 54.5%, 3PT: 32.1%, FT: 76.9%; in the Euroleague and in the Turkish League averaged 9.1ppg, 5.3rpg, FGP: 53.6%, 3PT: 32.7%, FT: 68.5%. What memories do you have of the TBL league from then to now. How has the league changed?
That year was much different than the rest because it was the time during the NBA lockout season so a lot of the NBA players had signed contracts in Europe and some of the players signed in Turkey. I had the opportunity to play alongside Thabo Sefolosha until the NBA lockout was over, and also was able to play an exciting game against Deron Williams during his time in Besiktas. The Turkish Basketball League has always been highly competitive, I think the main difference now is that there are more teams in and near to Istanbul now. Before, the only teams were Fenerbahce, Galatasary, Efes, and Besiktas.
In the 2010-2011 season you played for to BC Partizan MT:S Beograd (Serbia-A League) averaging 11.3ppg, 6.0rpg, 2.0apg, 1.2spg, FGP: 53.9%, 3PT: 42.4%, FT: 60.4%;and in the Euroleague averaged 11.4ppg, Reb-2 (6.9rpg), 1.6apg, 1.0spg, 1.0bpg, FGP: 34.4%, 3PT: 46.7%, FT: 68.1%. You were teammates with a very young Vladiimir Lucic. 10 years later you would be teammates with him again in Munich. How crazy was seeing the development he had made in 10 years?
Lucic has become one of the most iconic players in Bayern Munich history and I’m not surprised. He is tough and he has the Serbian mentality in his DNA. I’m never surprised by the development of any players from the Eastern European region or Ex-Yugoslavia. They breed some of the best basketball players in the world. It was an honor to be able to play alongside Lucic once more and I wish him nothing but health and continued success.
In 2009-2010 you played with Lokomotiv Kuban (Russia-A Superleague) averaging 11.4ppg, 4.2rpg, 1.5spg, Blocks-1 (1.2bpg), FGP: 45.0%, 3PT: 31.3%, FT: 70.0%. You were teammates with Gerald Green who had come to Russia after playing his first 4 years in the NBA: Some years later he returned to the NBA where he would have a long career. How much do you feel did he benefit from seeing a totally different world in Russia? I think that Gerald Green was and still is an NBA talent. The time spent in Russia really motivated him to prove everyone wrong and show that he truly belongs in the NBA.
You played your rookie season with Angelico Biella (Italy-Serie A) averaging 13.0ppg, 6.0rpg, 1.7spg, FGP: 55.4%, 3PT-1 (50.6%), FT: 70.5%. What do you remember being your wake up call to being a rookie overseas where you knew that you were far away from home?
It would have to be when I arrived to my apartment building and I saw the size of the elevator. It was so small that my agent and I could barely fit in together. I couldn’t even bring my bags in the elevator it was so small. In that moment I knew I was no longer in America haha.
You were drafted by the San Antonio Spurs in 2008 and played at 3 NBA Summer Leagues. What kind of feedback do you remember getting from coaches? Why didn’t a NBA career come out of it?
It was a difficult situation for me during that time. I was a rookie that came to San Antonio during a time where they were still making a serious championship run. And at my position I was playing behind. Theo Ratliff, Antonio McDyess, Matt Bonner, Richard Jefferson, and of course Tim Duncan. There was no way I was getting minutes over those guys at the time and coach Popovich explained that to me. He also explained that he wanted me to get more playing time and experience and the only way to do that was to go to Europe. During those 3 seasons the Spurs kept my NBA rights but after my third year I no longer wanted to be patient with the process and I forced their hand for training camp which eventually led to my release. That was when I signed with Partizan and my Euroleague career began.
You played at Maryland (NCAA) from 2004-2008. You reached the NCAA tournament in 2007 and left the school as the second best shot blocker. What was your fondest moment there?
College in America was probably the best 4 years of my life as a young adult. I was able to play for one of the top colleges in the country in one of the best leagues in the country and for one of the best coaches to ever coach. I would say that my best memory was beating UNC (North Carolina Tarheels) on their home court when they were 17-0 on the season. We handed them their first loss of the season and I will forever remember that moment. Also I must add that there was no greater feeling than beating Duke University at their home arena as well. That was one of the biggest rivals in college basketball at the time so we always had great battles.
How did head coach Gary Williams groom and prepare you best for a professional career?
Coach Williams taught me how to be a student of the game of basketball. He taught me how to watch film and to understand how simple the game can be. One of the greatest lessons a coach could teach me.
Who won a 1-1 in practice you or Ekene Ibekwe?
Honestly, I don’t believe Ekene and I ever played 1 on 1. As a team we were all very competitive and we all loved basketball. We would play 5 on 5 everyday, even in the offseason when many ex-players returned and NBA players as well. We played for so many hours all the time it just became second nature and part of our daily routine. But I don’t believe Ekene and I ever played 1 on 1.
Who is the best player that you ever faced in the NCAA that reached the NBA?
The best player I ever guarded was probably between Craig Smith who was at Boston College or Al Thornton who played at Florida State. I also had the luxury to play against Chris Paul and JJ Reddick as well. I’ve shared the court with many great players, honestly too many to name, but Craig Smith and Al Thornton were my biggest matchups.
Please name your 5 best teammates of all-time?
Marcus Williams, Dimitris Diamantidis, Gerald Green, Mike Batiste, Stephane Lasme
Please list your personal NBA Mount Rushmore?
Michael Jordan, Lebron James, Kobe Bryant, Shaquille O’Neal
What is your opinion of the neverending debate of who is the greatest of all-time Jordan or Lebron and why isn’t Kobe mentioned more?
For me Michael Jordan is the greatest of all time. Lebron will have the best numbers in every statistical category and we may never see someone pass his stats for many many years. Kobe will forever be mentioned because of the ‘Mamba Mentality’ and only the fans who followed Kobe and Jordan their entire careers would be able to say how great those two players really were.
Did you see the sequel to the classic Coming To America? Shouldn’t they have left it alone?
Unfortunately, I did not see the sequel to the classic Coming To America. I’m just not a big fan of remakes and sequels to all-time classics. I believe they should all be left alone.
Jeremy Ingram (183-G-1991, college: AAMU) is a191 cm guard that was born in Alabama and has played his entire professional career in Germany for teams like Speyer, Idstein, Bensheim and recently SG Mannheim.This season he is playing for Regionalliga team Bargteheide. Last season with SG Mannheim he picked up South West Regionalliga player of the year while averaging (32.1ppg), 5.7rpg, 4.2apg, Steals-4 (2.6spg), FGP: 55.4%, 3PT: 35.4%, 9%. He began his career with Enterprise State Community College (JUCO) and then finished with Alabama A&M University (NCAA). He teams up with Miles Schmidt-Scheuber on a weekly basis this season to talk basketball.
Congrats Jeremy on the satisfying 86-81 win over Aschersleben. How did it feel having another challenge after winning the last 3 games easily by 100 points or more?
This game was super fun and exciting all the way down to the last buzzer. People are calling it a real thriller!
Talk a little about the 40 minutes. Was this a back and forth tug of war game?
Aschersleben actually got off to a pretty decent lead against us and pretty much controlled the 1st half. 2nd half we came out with even more intensity and made this a tough game for them. Both teams fought hard to the last buzzer and therefore it was pretty much a back and forth game the whole 2nd half.
When you look at the stats, this game was pretty even. Where was the game won?
We turned up our defense in the 2nd half and we also hit more big shots in the clutch than they did.
Dajuan Moorer was a real pest. What was most difficult getting a hold on him under the boards? Actually, he wasn’t a real big threat to us. I think our big men did a great job in limiting his productivity.
Talk a little about German Tobias Schuemann’s input. How valuable was his effort in the win?
Tobias was this week’s ‘Most Valuable Bee’. He had a great game and played huge for us with some huge rebounds and putbacks and had 5 blocked shots. Not only this, but he hit some important shots also.
You had another solid game with 28 points. How would you rate your own performance?
I had a lot of buckets in the clutch this game and scored most of my buckets in the 2nd half when it mattered most. And seeming that this was a very important game and was a very tight game the whole time I would consider this a performance I won’t forget.
You have one game left in the regular season against the 7-15 Rendsburg team. You beat them the first time by 41 points. Do you feel like it could be that easy again?
It’s the last game of the season and we know we have to win to keep our playoff hopes alive so I’m sure we will take care of business. It’s in their gym though so we can’t take this game for granted.
What has been your biggest March Madness surprise and who will reach the final and win it all?
I haven’t really kept up with College march madness as much because I’ve been so focused on our German Regionalliga march madness.
Aher Uguak (201-SF-1998, college: Loyola, IL) is a 24 year old 201 cm forward from Edmonton, Canada that is playing his rookie season in Germany with medi Bayreuth. He received his first pro experience last summer with the Edmonton Stingers (CEBL) averaging 9.7ppg, 3.2rpg, 2.0apg, FGP: 54.9%, 3PT: 40.8%, FT: 73.9%. He began his basketball career at Harry Ainlay High School. He then played his freshman year at the University of New Mexico and then finished at Loyola University of Chicago (NCAA) playing a total of 129 games and reaching 2 NCAA tournaments. He was able to improve his scoring average each season and as a senior averaged 8.9ppg, 4.3rpg, 1.7apg, FGP: 60.3%, 3PT: 32.4%, FT: 70.1%. He spoke to germanhoops.com about basketball.
Thanks Aher for talking to germanhoops.com. Where are you at the moment and how is basketball life treating you at the moment?
I’m in Chemnitz, Germany and basketball life is treating me well. I can’t complain.
Your playing your rookie season overseas for the Niners Chemnitz. What kind of an experience has it been playing for this ambitious organization? I have had ups and downs this season, but overall it has been a great experience and journey with the Niners. The fans are incredible. It has been a good thing to be a part of.
The team is fighting for the playoffs. How confident are you that this goal can be reached with the roster that you have?
I’m very confident we can reach it. A couple months ago we had a good stride and were near the top. But then we suffered some injuries and hit a bump in the road. I’m not to worried about our record now. We will make a good push in the stretch run.
The club is one of the few in the easyCredit BBL that has little Americans. What kind of an experience ha sit been for you playing together with so many different nationalities? I’m from Canada and am used to diversity. I was blessed to be able to grow up in Canada. Having only 2 Americans hasn’t affected me at all. I’m used to it.
How much credit does head coach Rodrigo Pastore get for the success? He has transformed the Niners into an excellent easyCredit BBL team.
Coach Pastore deserves a lot of credit for the success that the club has had in the last years. I see from his methods what it takes to be successful. It stands at the top and he passes it down to all. It is a small city and he simply has done a great job keeping the team in the BBL and competing at a high level.
What kind of an experience has it been playing together with talented Germans Kevin Yebo and Jonas Richter? Richter has moved up to the national team and Yebo made the jump from the 4th league to the ist?
Both are great guys. Both guys welcomed me here with open arms. I know exactly what kind of guy Kevin is. He doesn’t drive so I drive him to practice. He is an even better player. Kevin’s energy is infectious on all. It doesn’t matter if he scores 25 points or only 4 points, he is always the same., Jonas is a very versatile player. Both guys are very unselfish.
What was your wake up call to being overseas as a rookie where you knew that you were far away from home?
When I got here trying to get a Doner. I’m used to using a debit card but everyone carries cash here. The language barrier was huge. Nobody knew English. I went to the grocery store where I could get change. I had problems communicating there while my food was waiting. It was tough to communicate. I realized that it was a lot different at home.
Let’s talk about your game. You’re a 201cm forward. If you had to compare your game to an NBA player who would you pick? I have been compared to a Mikal Bridges. He is a two way player. My favorite player is Paul George. I want to become a two way player.
Is it fair to say your a guy that can do a bit of everything. What are your biggest strengths on the court? I’m versatile for sure. This season I have played the positions 1-5. I want to be a player that can help out at all positions.
Your three seems to be a work in progress. Do you feel this could become a weapon in your arsenal down the road? I have been shooting great in practice, but not in games. My percentages could be higher. I think my percentages will add up as the season carries on. My shot is a work in progress.
What kind of a defender are you now and what kind of defender do you want to become? I’m a good defender now, but want to become a great defender. I want to be able to make better reads off the ball. I also want to be able to defend better on screens.
On what areas of your game are you working on most so you can continue to climb up the ladder? Making reads and shooting off the dribble.
How has Rodrigo Pastore helped you most in your game in the last months? He has put me in a position so I can flourish. Being able to slip on ball screens and developing further has helped me as well.
You came to Canada fleeing the civil war in Sudan when you were 8 months to Canada. How much of a bond do you still have to Sudan today? I do have a bond to Sudan and speak the language, but I still haven’t been back. I’m working on a passport.
You played football first and at age 14 turned to basketball from Gridiron football because of your cousin Luol Deng. Do you ever wonder how your sports life would have gone had you not been cousins with Deng? Do you feel like you might never have played basketball?
I actually played both sports. He was a reason I chose basketball. But there were also 2 other reasons. I had a huge growth spurt and began to get better playing basketball and decided to keep playing it and I feel I had a better chance to become good so I became serious about it. I also didn’t like to play football in the cold.
You began your professional career with the Edmonton Stingers (CEBL) averaging 9.7ppg, 3.2rpg, 2.0apg, FGP: 54.9%, 3PT: 40.8%, FT: 73.9%. What kind of an experience was this. How did you like the CEBL? It seems to be a league on the rise?
The CEBL is definitely a league on the rise. I didn’t know much about it at first. It was nice to play at home coming out of school and being near my family and friends. I think it was the best decision that I made at that time. It also helped my game getting that first pro experience coming out of school.
You began your NCAA career at the University Of New Mexico and played only 18 games averaging 1,8. How tough was your freshman season and what positives did you get out of it?
It was definitely tough. I separated my shoulder at the start and when I came back it was tough getting into the rotation. The team was struggling and they made a coaching change. I saw a lot of adversery coming out of the gate, but seeing that definitely helped me grow at a young age.
You played at Loyola University of Chicago (NCAA) from 2087-2021. You won the MWC title twice against Drake. Which one was sweetest? Possibly the 2022 one where you had 16/10 stats? That 2022 title was the more sweetest. We finished fourth in the conference and we had a lot of doubters. Everybody wrote us off going in so it was sweet to win it.
You played maybe your best game as a freshman in the NCAA tournament against Creighton losing but scoring 18 points. What memories do you have of that game? That game was a while ago. It was fun to play in the post season and I didn’t take anything for granted. It was a great game even if we lost it.
You reached the NCAA Sweet 16 in 2021 beating Georgia Tech and Illinois before losing to Oregon State. What memories do you have of that magical run? We played great defense and were ranked #1. I didn’t play my best offensive game, but was proud the way I played defense shutting down my opponents.
How did head coaches Porter Moser and Drew Valentine groom and prepare you best for a professional career?
Porter implemented a lot of the culture into me and teached me that the little things are important. Drew was an extension of Porter as he had been his assistant. He helped me to be myself and gave me a lot of self confidence. I thank them 100%.
Who won a 1-1 in practice you or Chris Knight? We not play 1-1. He didn’t hang around after practice, but he was still a great player.
Who is the toughest player that you have faced so far that reached the NBA?
Lauri Markkanen.
Please name your 5 best teammates of all-time? That is a tough question because I don’t want to hurt anyone. I would say all my Loyola teammates.
Please list your personal NBA Mount Rushmore of past or present heads?
Lebron, Jordan, Steph Curry and Tim Duncan
What is your personal opinion of the neverending debate of who is the greatest Michael Jordan or Lebron James? I never saw Jordan play live. Lebron is my goat.
Did you see the sequel to the classic coming to America? Shouldn’t they have left it alone?
Christopher Miller (192-G-1993, college: Salem) is a 29 year old 193cm guard from Brooklyn, New York who is playing his eighth professional season and first with GoldCoast Wallabies NLB (2nd League). He played 3 seasons with the Giessen Pointers (Germany-RegionalligaThis season for Bensheim he averaged 19,5ppg, 3,8rpg, 2,0apg and 1,5spg. He has had experience in countries like El Salvador and Bosnia. He recently played for the South Shore Monarchs (TBL) playing 8 games averaging 22.4ppg, 5.6rpg, 4.3apg, 1.6spg, FGP: 50.8%, 3PT: 35.0%, FT: 83.3%. He began his basketball career at Clinton Community College and also played two years at Salem University (NCAA2). This season he teams up with Miles Schmidt-Scheuber with weekly chats about his basketball season.
Congrats Chris on the 70-59 win over CNBS. It was the fifth win in a row. Is the team peaking now?
We are very happy with our wins. I think we are coming together nicely right on time to have a good playoff run. We have been working hard and have been focused to turn things around for the better.
Talk a little about the 40 minutes. What phase of the game do you feel did you have the game won? You had 6 turnovers more but dominated the boards.
It was a very ugly game for us. We even went down 8 and it looked like the game was slipping away from us. We just stayed at it and understood we are a different team. It felt good to grab a win like this despite our poor play most of the game.
This seemed to be a real team effort as there was no huge scorer on your team, but it was well balanced.
Yes the ball was moving everyone did what was best for the team to win. For a lot of us it wasn’t our night individually but as a team we got it done.
The teams shot a combined 5/21 from outside. Was it just a lot of bricks or good defense on the line?
Just seemed like one of those days where shots didn’t fall. No excuses but I know that won’t happen again .
I think this was one of your games where you weren’t happy with how you played but just happy the team came together to get the big win.
Yes exactly we are clicking and have been doing what it takes to put that W on the board . Some games I perform well some not as well as I’d like . Most times I’m angry at my play if I don’t have a game that is up to my standards but I’m always happy with the victory
Your last regular season game is against Pully who you lost by 35 points early in the season. Will we see a different kind of game?
I never played against this team. We have respect for them and understand they haven’t been beaten. At the same time we aren’t the same team and would love to see how we match up against them.
What has been your biggest March Madness surprise?
FDU for sure New Jersey is always doing something special. Basketball needs New Jersey.
Chris Frazier (182-SG-1990, college: Dubuque)r is a 32 year old 182cm guard playing his 9th professional season and first with pro B team En Baskets Schwelm currently averaging 14,0ppg, 2,5rpg and 2,3apg.. He played the last 2 seasons with Pro A team wiha Panthers Schwenningen averaging 8.4ppg, 1.3rpg, 1.1apg, FGP: 64.1%, 3PT: 45.0%, FT: 86.4% and last season averaged 10.0ppg, 1.8rpg, 2.4apg, FGP: 52.2%, 3PT: 37.0%, FT: 88.5% he played BBL with Crailsheim and also gathered experience with Magdeburg, Atland, Rostock and Iserlohn. He also has NCAA 3 experience having played at the University of Dubuque. He spoke last summer to germanhoops.com about basketball.
Thanks Chris for talking to germanhoops.com Where are you at the moment and how is basketball life treating you?
Hey Miles, always good talking to you. Right now I am in Velburg in Bavaria. I stay with my parents throughout the summer and I am currently getting myself ready for the season coming up.
How long did you go after last season without touching a ball?
I went a little longer without touching a ball this year. I decided to enjoy the summer a little bit more than usual.
Before we talk about your new challenge with the EN Baskets Schwelm, lets look back a bit. You played the last 2 seasons with the wiha panthers Schwenningen. When looking back do you sometimes wonder how your career would have gone had times been normal and there not been Covid. I didn’t break my foot when I had my first BBL chance or if I wouldn’t have stayed in the pro B so long, but things happen for a reason so I’m good where I’m at right now.
Was the last season a good example what can happen when despite having a very talented team, you can still not reach the playoffs because of a chemistry not being able to be built because of conflicting characters of teammates?
Yeah that is true. We were very talented on paper, but there were some that couldn’t buy into what we should have been able to do, but at the end we held it together and played together to hold the league so it worked out at the end. Do you feel like the playoffs could have been reached had Justin Pierce and David Cohn functioned better. We actually played some of our best basketball when those two were together. It’s hard to point where it all went wrong, but I think we were our best when they both were together.
You had a pretty solid season averaging 10.0ppg, 1.8rpg, 2.4apg, FGP 52,2%, 3PT 37.0%, FT: 88.5%. How would you rate your last season in the ProA.
I could have done better. I was playing really well before I dislocated my shoulder during the season and when I came back I just couldn’t find my rhythm. Don’t want to use that as an excuse though I had opportunities to play better.
There were many games where it seemed like you were hardly an option on that night and on other games was the main scoring option. Is having to play like this not knowing how much of a role you will have in a certain game tough for players self-confidence?
Yeah it’s a tricky thing. You score 24 one night and the next game you only get 4 shots, but that’s a part of the game. I’m a team player and I don’t need to be the #1 scoring option every night. It does mess with your confidence though because it puts pressure on you not to make mistakes.
Did you ever have talks with head coach Alen Velcic about your role? Was there never a chance for you to have been the number 1-2 option on a regular basis.
We have had many talks, but it was never about my role. He gave me the freedom to shoot my shots when I felt I was open. Like I said I’m a team player and being the #1 option isn’t critical unless it’s really what my role is meant to be.
You had 2 really good games against Paderborn and Itzehoe. We’re those your fondest moments in the last season.
Yes and No. Only because I should of had bigger games than that and helped my team make it to the playoffs.
Despite the tough last season, it seemed like there still could have been a chance for you to remain in Schwenningen. Was the uncertain future of the organization a factor for you departing?
No, I had great talks with Coach Alen. It was just a personal choice to move on and take on another challenge.
You had 2 solid seasons in the ProA. Why take a step back to the Pro B and Schwelm? What were the main reasons for going to the EN Baskets Schwelm?
Yeah I had great seasons in the ProA and I thought I would remain there to be honest. Covid and the War changed our Market and the league looks like it wants to get younger. I wanted to go to Schwelm to help the next group of guys to make their next steps in their careers. Of course I still want to be one of the best in the league though haha I’m only 32.
How hungry are you for a strong ProB season? Is their support from head coach Falk Moeller that you will have a major role on offense?
Oh I’m always hungry to have a good start to the season. The support from coach is there, but it’s for both sides of the court and of course off the court as well.
Do you do less now in the off season because you are older? How does your off season workout plan look like.
Like I said earlier I took a little more time off this year. I had to work on my golf game, but now I hit the weight room a lot and I go running almost everyday just to get in the best shape that I can. You can never get in Basketball shape on your own though.
Where do you rate Steph Curry now in the discussion with the all-time best PG?
Tough question. He is definitely up there, but the PG position has changed over the years. PG’s are usually scoring guards now so I’d still say top 5, but that’s a tough one.
How well do you see Germany doing at the 2021 European Championships?
Also a tough one. A lot of NBA guys are playing this year. It won’t be easy, but I think Germany could be a sleeper team.
With every new loss, the reality of the Fraport Skyliners returning back to the easyCredit BBL next season sinks a bit more like a Boeing 747 in the approach to Frankfurt airport, but on the other hand the 200o BBL cup winner was only 1 win away from the 16th placed team. But their current 6 game losing streak didn’t give much hope of a turnaround simply because they continue not being able to put up a solid game for 40 minutes and just physically and mentally fall apart in the second half of games. As midnight wascreeping closer each week, their chances didn’t any better against the always pesky Niners Chemnitz who continue to be a nasty opponent for any team as head coach Rodrigo Pastore continues to do incredible things with his roster each season. Currently Chemnitz was in 1oth place and still with every chance of reaching the playoffs with a 10-11 record, but they also had some soul searching to do as they came to Frankfurt riding a 4 game losing streak, but with more time to prepare as their Fiba Europe Cup season had ended early. The Fraport Skyliners had added drama as Geert Hammink had been let go 48 hours earlier. ‘We had to change our mind set and refocus and execute coach Klaus’s game plan’, said Quantez Robertson. On a mild late winter day the Fraport Skyliners welcomed the Niners Chemnitz and had to put up with a frenzy of three’s, but in the second half they controlled the three point line allowing only 5 three’s and on offense executed well sharing the ball and allowing their brilliant 1-1 qualities shine through as they received a 89-84 must win. ‘We knew that this was a huge game as we wanted to keep pace with the league. We were put off guard a little when the coaching change came, but Coach Klaus Perwas allowed us to play off our strengths. We got the needed confidence from him and trusted each other more and more in the second half. We saw more open three’s and executed very well. Coach Klaus simplified the offensive and defensive schemes and we used our talent. He put us in position to be ourselves’, stressed Fraport Skyliner guard JJ Frazier. The NIners Chemnitz had a smooth rhythm in the first half, but in the second half couldn’t play their game the way they wanted to and had problems getting stops as Frankfurt got more consistent. ‘We had energy and hit three’s early, but in the second half got beat by their good 1-1 play and we had too many turnovers. We have to defend better in the second half’, warned Niners Chemnitz forward Kevin Yebo.
Mindaugas Susunskas from outside
In the first quarter there were numerous runs on both sides as no team could get away from the other as the Niners Chemnitz had the 25-21 lead after 10 minutes. In the first few minutes the game was tight as no team could get away form the other. Fraport Skyliner lifer Quantez Robertson got the hot hand early testing his 28% three point shooting percentage nailing two three’s while the guests also hit 2 three’s from ex BG Goetingen guard Dominic Lockhart and Lithuanian sniper MIndaugas Susinskas to dead lock the game at 8-8. The Fraport Skyliners knew coming into the game that the Niners Chemnitz were a great three point shooting team, but they were unable to stop them letting it rain three’s as they connected 3 more times from the parking lot as ex Loyola University of Chicago (NCAA) forward Aher Uguak, Lockhart and ex Gevi Napoli Basket (Italy-Serie A) guard Arnas Velica connected for the 17-8 led. Frankfurt gave up too many three’s and had problems on the defensive glass. New Frankfurt head coach Klaus Perwas did a superb job with time out management calling a timeout something which most likely hadn’t happened under Geert Hammink. But Frankfurt didn’t let that swift action of offense effect their mindset and they slapped Chemnitz right back with their own 9-0 run to dead lock the contest at 17-17. In the run ex ZZ Leiden forward Einaras Tubutis connected for two three’s and Robertson nailed his third three of the quarter. The game continued to have runs as the Niners Chemnitz continued to play their steady offense closing out the first quarter on a 8-4 run to lead 25-21. Ex Buffalo (NCAA) guard Wes Clark hit a 20 footer and free throws while Susinskas made another trey while Frankfurt got a jumper from Frazier and free throws from German national player Lukas Wank. ‘We gave up too many three’s. They gave us all that we could handle. We knew that we had to slow down their shooting’, stated JJ Frazier. The Fraport Skyliners shot 40% from the 2 point range and 63% from outside and had 5 rebounds and 4 turnovers while the Niners Chemnitz shot 40% from the 2 point range and 55% from outside and had 9 rebounds and 4 turnovers.
Lukas Wank at the FT line
The Niners Chemnitz continued to execute well on offense and allowed the Fraport Skyliners to stick around never being able to shake them as they led 46-42 at half-time. Frazier and Susinskas traded baskets in the first minute as Chemnitz still led 28-23. Frankfurt continued to attack the rim when they could getting a finger tip lay in from Frazier and also played transition whenever they could getting a big dunk from Tubutis to trail only 30-27. The Fraport Skyliners at this juncture needed more support from Derek Cooke, Marcus Lewis and Isaiah Washington (185-G-1998, college: LBSU, agency: Players Group) as they all had the goose egg, but instead it was 2004cm Hungarian forward Marko Filipovity who staged a shooting clinic nailing 3 three’s in a row for the 39-30 lead. Washington also connected for a trey upending his personal goose egg. Whenever the Niners Chemnitz threatened to run away with the game, the Fraport Skyliners always had an answer something they didn’t have in other games this season that they would lose. Lewis also erased his goose egg crawling out of his shell with a lay in and Washington and Robertson supplied three’s cutting the guests lead down to 41-38. Frankfurt showed they could play longer spurts of aggressive defense that translated into stops. Velica added another trey, the team’s 11th of the first half to lead 44-38. But Frankfurt had an answer again as Derek Cooke also slipped out of his shell with a lay in and tip in dunk as the Niners Chemnitz led 46-42 at the break. Einaras Tubutis was a huge energizer in the first half at both ends of the floor. ‘He has a very high IQ which I think is rare for bigs. He is always thinking on the fly. When he talks, I listen. He is right 95% of the time. He is always a few steps ahead on each play. He was injured this season and I expect to see more big production from him’, warned JJ Frazier. The Niners Chmenitz shot 57% from the 2 point range and 48% from the three point line and had 17 rebounds and 8 turnovers while the Fraport Skyliners shot 57% from the 2 point range and 53% from the three point line and had 11 rebounds and 6 turnovers.
JJ Frazier from the parking lot
In the third quarter both teams continued to battle away as the Fraport Skyliners would earn their first lead. There would be 5 lead changes as the Fraport Skyliners had the upper hand after 30 minutes leading by 3 points. The Fraport Skyliners stormed out of the break with a swift 5-0 run to gain their first lead of the game at 47-46 as Washington made a lay in and Frazier a three pointer. The Fraport Skyliners were getting more input from their Americans as Frazier dropped another three and Lewis made a lay in for the 52-50 lead. Frankfurt stepped up their defense again and were guarding the 3 point line better as Chemnitz didn’t let in rain three’s. Not everything was gold what the Fraport Skyliners touched as they would suffer lapses on defense. Wes Clark nailed 2 three’s and 2017 NBBL champion Nelson Weidemann scored on penetration as the Niners Chemnitz led 60-56. Klaus Perwas called another key timeout calming his guys down. It definitely helped as the Fraport Skyliners stepped back on the court ready for battle and closed out the third quarter with a 10-3 run to lead 66-63 after 30 minutes. In the run Frankfurt received clutch three’s from Lukas Wank, a lay in by Tubutis who by chance got a loose ball that was close to a Lewis turnover and a Washington lay in. ‘We had to switch out on their shooters better. We didn’t want Filipovity beating us anymore. We did a good job flushing him off the three point line, like their other shooters’, stressed JJ Frazier. The Niners Chemnitz would only make 5 three’s in the second half. ‘We didn’t play good defense. Frankfurt began to hit their shots better. We had no answer for them’, commented ex Ehingen forward Kevin Yebo. yThe Fraport Skyliners shot 62% from the 2 point area and 48% from the parking lot and had 22 rebounds and 8 turnovers while the Niners Chemnitz shot 46% from the 2 point area and 42% from the parking lot and had 24 rebounds and 10 turnovers.
Aher Uguak at the FT line
The fourth quarter continued to be a real scrappy duel, but half way through the quarter and 5 lead changes, the Fraport Skyliners would take charge and never look back. The Niners Chemnitz began the fourth quarter solid going on a 6-.2 run to lead 69-68 as Kevin Yebo supplied 4 points and Susinskas made a jumper. Frankfurt continued to be wide awake on offense getting a Lewis lay in and massive two handed stuff by Wank for the 72-69 advantage. The Niners would take one last lead as Nelson Weidemann supplied 5 points with a trey and free throws for the 74-72 Niners lead. But the Fraport Skyliners then showed just how lethal a 17th placed team can be shortly before crunch-time as they went on a 11-0 run to lead 83-74 and have the Niners near to getting out the surrender flag. In the run Frankfurt got huge buckets from Washington who made a trey and lay in while Cooke made a reverse lay up and lay in. Frazier also made free throws after making a spectacular steal on the baseline stripping the ball from Yebo and giving his team possession. ‘I was stuck between helping the big and my own guy. I knew that I had to get to the ball before the play happened. I was just in the right place and it worked out for me’, added JJ Frazier. Of course the Fraport Skyliners did make it exciting in the last minute giving up 2 three’s to Susinskas to cut Frankfurt’s advantage to 84-80 with 29 seconds to go. After a Washington free throw, Lukas Wank made a play that would give most coaches headaches attempting an alley-oop pass to Lewis. Wank made the perfect pass and Lewis made the throw me down dunk. But was that risky play correct to do at that point of the game. ‘You have to be able to trust the player who your throwing the ball to. It’s all about ball placement. If you throw Marcus the ball, you know he will catch it. He is a great athlete and finisher’, warned JJ Frazier. Velica made a lay in with 4 seconds to cut Frankfurt’s lead to 87-84, but Robertson sealed the win with 2 free throws. ‘We have to learn to make the right decisions at the right time and just finish games better. Frankfurt played very well and hit shots. We just couldn’t get stops when we needed to’, stressed Niners Chmenitz assistant coach Virgil Matthews. ‘We made free throws and most importantly didn’t turn over the ball. When we were on offense we executed well. The last 2 minutes was beautiful execution’, stated JJ Frazier. The Fraport Skyliners had 6 guys in double figures led by Isaiah Washington with 18 points. Lukas Wank and Quantez Robertson supplied 14 points a piece and JJ Frazier and Derek Cooke supplied 12 points apiece while the Niners Chemnitz were led by Marko Filipovity with 18 points. Arnas Velica added 13 points and Kevin Yebo 12 points. The Fraport Skyliners shot 55% from the field and 42% from outside and had 32 rebounds and 11 turnovers while the Niners Chemnitz shot 42% from the field and 40% from outside and had 34 rebounds and 14 turnovers.
The Fraport Skyliners road to the playoffs continues to be going at full throttle as they continue to play superb basketball in the stretch run. After a weak January where they lost 3 of 4 games, they found their mark in February and entered their game against Leitershofen with a 4 game winning streak. They really improved their defensive work allowing only 62 points on average against solid Bavarian clubs Coburg and Oberaching. Frankfurt continued to want to fight for home court advantage and next met 8-12 Leitershofen who were clawing to life for that last playoff spot and had a must win situation in Frankfurt’s living room. Leitershofen came to Frankfurt on a roll with a 2 game winning streak having beaten the AC Wizards and Speyer. They had revamped their offense showing their explosiveness averaging 94 points in the last 2 games and best scoring this season during the 2 game span. On a mild late winter day the Fraport Skyliners Juniors welcomed BG Hessing Leitershofen and remembered their 76-70 loss against them on the road and this time showed how explosive they can be when the team comes together on offense as they displayed a offensive show winning 100-78. ‘This was an important win for us. We have a nice winning streak going towards the playoffs. We played a lot of transition and shot the ball well. They switched against us, but we always adjusted well and found solutions’, stressed Fraport Skyliner Junior Philipp Hadenfeldt. The guests began slow and had to play catch up basketball all night long as they couldn’t come to terms with Frankfurt’s explosive offense and transition. ‘We didn’t bring it tonight. We lacked energy all night long. We looked out of shape. They beat us on transition and the boards’, stated Teachloach Pal.
Alvin Oniya at the FT line
The Fraport Skyliners Juniors didn’t waste anytime jumping all over BG Hessing Leitershofen as they led 11-0 after a few minutes. The Fraport Skyliners Juniors demonstrated their high class inside out basketball as they sprayed three’s from Justin Onyejiaka (195-F-2004) and Nolan Adekunle and Jordan Samare scored inside while Adekunle also added a lay in. On defense The Fraport Skyliners Juniors played hard nosed while being aggressive and forcing the guests to countless turnovers. Ex Giessen guard Lucas Mayer finally got BG Hessing Leitershofen on the board with a runner at the 6,07 minute mark. The guests finally calmed down and before The Fraport Skyliners Juniors knew it they were only leading 18-15. BG Hessing Leitershofen attacked the rim more getting buckets from Stjepan Lopalovic, Mayer and Pal. Pal But the Fraport Skyliners Juniors found back to their offensive rhythm closing out the first quarter with a 10-1 run to lead comfortably 28-16. In the run The Fraport Skyliners Juniors continued to shine on offense getting a lay in from Samare and trey from Adekunle while 3 and D specialist Bennet Schubert nailed free throws. Frankfurt continued to defend with a high intensity forcing turnovers and getting easy baskets. ‘They slept at the start, but then found their rhythm. We reacted well against their defense and always had solutions which helped us have the big lead after one quarter’, stressed Philipp Hadenfeldt. The Fraport Skyliners Juniors shot 53% from the field and 56% from outside and had 8 rebounds and 4 turnovers while BG Hessing Leitershofen shot 46% from the field and 20% from outside and had 7 rebounds and 8 turnovers.
Marc Kaufeld to the rim
In the second quarter The Fraport Skyliners Juniors continued to keep the lead by double digits, but let up a bit at the end allowing the guests to trail only by 6 points at the break. Hadenfeldt and 2017 NBBL champion Mario Vazquez traded baskets as Frankfurt led 28-20. The Fraport Skyliners Juniors continued to execute well getting baskets from Alvin Oniya and a trey from Jordan Samare while the guests also executed soundly with a lay in from German Marc Kaufeld who is in his 10th season with BG Hessing Leitershofen and a trey from Lewis Londene who is in his seventh season with the team, but The Fraport Skyliners Juniors still led 33-27. Then came possibly the prettiest play of the game as Bennet Schubert made an incredible save of the ball that resulted in an assist as the ball went straight to Philipp Hadenfeldt who dropped a three for the 36-27 advantage. ‘I was a bit surprised the ball came to me. That was a big play form him. He is known to make the hustle plays’, said Philipp Hadenfeldt. BG Hessing Leitershofen continued to chip away at the Frankfurt lead getting some big baskets from Mayer who supplied the nifty finger tip role and an offensive rebound and put back by Pal cutting the Frankfurt lead to 39-34. Frankfurt got key baskets inside by Samare and Alex Richardson who finally scored as he had misfortune early on missing easy shots inside. Pal scored on the buzzer after getting a beautiful shovel pass form Mayer on the penetration, but The Fraport Skyliners Juniors still led 42-36. ‘Samare is a good weapon for us. He showed his inside out game. When he can use his pick and pop game, it is really hard to defend. He carried us’, commented Philipp Hadenfeldt. The Fraport Skyliners Juniors shot 75% from the field and 41% from the three point line and had 19 rebounds and 7 turnovers while BG Hessing Leitershofen shot 48% from the field and 17% from the three point line and had 17 rebounds and 11 turnovers.
Jordan Samare from outside
In the third quarter the Fraport Skyliners Juniors found back to their explosive offense scoring 30 points while buckling down on defense and allowing only 17 points as they led 72-53 after 30 minutes. The Fraport Skyliners Juniors broke free with a 7-0 run to lead 49-36 lead. In the run Frankfurt got support from Hadenfeldt with another trey while Samare and Richardson continued to dominate the paint area with lay in’s. BG Hessing Leitershofen was rushing their offensive sets and were stopped 5 times before Vazquez finally broke the ice at the 7,28 minute mark for the first Leitershofen field goal. The Fraport Skyliners Juniors continued to execute well on their set play and just crushed the guests on transition as Onyejaika scored back to back on transition and Samare made a dunk and Hadenfeldt a trey. But Frankfurt couldn’t make any ground as BG Hessing Leitershofen stayed with them getting key baskets Vazquez and Mayer to trail 58-46. The Fraport Skyliners Juniors were able to up their lead a bit more as they got key three’s from Samare and Hadenfeldt while upping their defensive intensity and being more disruptive. The guests got a Nino Tomic three pointer and off balance jumper from Mayer, but couldn’t muster much more as they trailed 72-53 after 30 minutes. ‘We played good inside out basketball. They switched a lot and we were able to take advantage of the mismatches’, said Philipp Hadenfeldt. ‘We couldn’t find a good offensive rhythm and they really hurt us on transition’, stated Teachloach Pal. The Fraport Skyliners Juniors shot 45% from the field and 42% form the parking lot and had 30 rebounds and 11 turnovers while BG Hessing Leitershofen shot 45% from the field and 25% from the parking lot and had 26 rebounds and 20 turnovers.
Lucas Mayer at the FT line
The Fraport Skyliners Juniors continued to score easily on offense pouring home 28 points in the fourth quarter, but also allowed BG Hessing Leitershofen to score 25 points, but overall had a big enough lead that that didn’t effect the score. The Fraport Skyliners Juniors began with a 8-2 run to lead 80-55 as Nolan Adekunle supplied most of the damage with 7 points as his hot outside shooting and athleticism was too much to handle for BG Hessing Leitershofen. The Fraport Skyliners Juniors continued to get the ball inside and use the mismatches to their favor as Richardson scored twice as Frankfurt led 86-58. The game was more as decided as The Fraport Skyliners Juniors lost some concentration and allowed the guests to sneak out on a 14-3 run to cut Frankfurt’s lead to 89-72. In the run BG Hessing Leitershofen got massive support from Pal who scored 7 points while Londene hit a three pointer and Meo Martin made an offensive rebound and put back. But The Fraport Skyliners Juniors didn’t play around anymore and closed out the game well with a 11-6 run. Dragon Crnjac added 5 points and Schubert a lay in ‘When you lead by so much your concentration tends to go down even if you don’t want it to. They hit some three’s even if they aren’t the best three point shooting team’, said Philipp Hadenfeldt. ‘Frankfurt thought the game was over early. You always have to fight until the buzer and that is what we did. We attacked the rim more which helped us in our comeback’, stated Teathloach Pal. The Fraport Skyliners Juniors had 5 guys in double figures as Justin Onyejiaka scored 21 points. Jordan Samare added 20 points and Nolan Adekunle 17 points while BG Hessing Leitershofen were led by Lucas Mayer Teachloach Pal with 18 points a piece. The Fraport Skyliners Juniors shot 45% from the field and 36% from outside and had 37 rebounds and 13 turnovers while BG Hessing Leitershofen shot 50% from the field and 34% from outside and had 37 rebounds and 27 turnovers.
The EPG Baskets continue to roll by the Pro B south competition the way the Telekom Baskets Bonn are doing in the easyCredit, but the only difference is that they have only 1 loss and continue to show that nothing is in their way of reaching their massive goal of the Pro A. Their only slip up was a bitter 86-83 loss to Hanau in their living room 3 days before the new year, but since then have had a perfect record of 10-0. In this successful stretch in 2023, they haven’t had that total dominance offensively like they had before the Hanau loss, but still have played very good offensive basketball and still managed 90 plus points in 5 games. They have played solid defense and continued to shape that incredible chemistry that continues to grow as they will need that working to perfection when the post season comes. Ratiopharm Ulm farm team Orange Academy traveled to Koblenz with a less than spectacular record of 7-13 and were in danger of missing the playoffs and had a must win situation. Plus they had revenge on their mind after suffering a 87-77 loss at home early in the season. On a mild Friday night in late winter the EPG Baskets Koblenz welcomed a weakened Orange Academy who were without key players like David Fuchs and Tobias Jenson and dominated for 40 minutes racking up an impressive 109-73 victory in front of 1,079 fans. ‘We had a good start and later had some lapses, but everyone saw what were capable of when we can lead again between 20-30 points in only 3 minutes. Our biggest strength on offense was our penetration and transition and on defense we began with bad communication, but as soon as we found our principles, we got into transition which sparked our game’, stated EPG Baskets Koblenz guard Marvin Heckel (190-PG-1997). Orange Academy gave a spirited battle despite missing key players, but just couldn’t match Koblenz’s intensity or physicality for 40 minutes. ‘You could see that Koblenz is a Pro A level team. I’m still happy how we played. They scouted us very well and we had little solutions. They did a good job closing down our options’, stated Orange Academy guard Marko Rosic.
Moses Poelking at the FT line
The first few minutes was a tight battle as it took the EPG Baskets Koblenz a little time before they found their offensive rhythm, but once they did, they let their offensive arsenal take over as they lead easily by 12 points after 10 minutes. Massive 17 year old German talent Joel Cwik scored the first two Orange Academy baskets as he performed a tough runner and then split the defense and used his long arms to make a difficult lay in. While Koblentz got it’s first two baskets by Marvin Heckel who once again showed that stopping him on the penetration is easier said then done. The EPG Baskets Koblenz then slowly found their rhythm going on a 7-0 run as Brian Butler scored twice and ex Temple (NCAA) guard Alani Moore caught Orange Academy napping as he caught Dominque Johnson’s air ball and made a reverse lay up for the 13-6 advantage. Koblenz did a great job keeping possessions alive being more aggressive on the offensive glass and really annoyed the guests with the trap defense. The EPG Baskets Koblenz really poured it on inside with their physicality taking advantage of their length and size as Moses Poelking was like a hulk ramming home 2 dunks and making a lay in while the team’s three ball was also functioning as Heckel and Leon Friederici added three points in the offense onslaught to lead 25-13 after one quarter. ‘I liked our speed and athleticism and how we ran transition. Our 1-1 defense was good and our ball movement was excellent. All in all the game showed a high level’, stressed EPG Baskets Koblenz manager Thomas Klein.
Antonio Dorn with the lay in
In the second quarter the EPG Baskets Koblenz continued to play very well at both ends, but in the second phase of the quarter lost some concentration for a few minutes, but still recuperated well to lead by 17 points at half-time. The EPG Baskets Koblenz began well with a 9-2 run to extend their lead to 34-15 as their bench contributed valuable points as big Man Leo Saffer made a dunk, Moritz Huebner connected on a three pointer and assistant coach/player Yasin Turan nailed free throws. The EPG Baskets Koblenz did a good job continuing to keep the intensity and pressure very high on Orange Academy and tried to push the ball at every instance. Orange Academy then got some vital support from German Latrell Grosskreutz who scored 7 points as they annoyed the EPG Baskets Koblenz at their own game playing superb transition as they trailed 38-24. Orange Academy got nothing easy as they had to fight for every shot and here and there got some scoring in bunches as Simeon Dimitrov made a lay in and German big man Antonio Dorn made a lay in after retrieving the shovel pass from Dimitrov, but the EPG Baskets Koblenz still led 42-28. Both teams finished the second quarter trading baskets as Orange Academy got jumpers from Germans Lenny Liedtke, Marko Rosic and Antonio Dorn while Koblenz countered with buckets from Heckel and Butler as the EPG Baskets Koblenz led 46-35 and Orange Academy was clawing back into the game slowly. But Alani Moore who had another incredible game silenced Orange Academy with 5 points in the last minute. ‘I’m just trying to improve my game every day so I can be the best that I can in the playoffs. I want to pace myself better and on defense not gamble as much’, stated Alani Moore. The EPG Baskets Koblenz led 52-35 at the break. ‘We had little gas for 3 minutes, but made up for it in the last 2 minutes playing fast again and having a good lead at the break’, commented EPG Baskets Koblenz manager Thomas Klein.
Moritz Huebner from outside
Orange Academy had their best scoring out put in the third quarter with 27 points, but they couldn’t get over the hump as they allowed 24 points and still trailed by 14 points after 30 minutes. German Lenny Liedtke had the hot hand in the first minutes supplying 7 points while Marko Rosic dropped a three pointer as Orange Academy stayed in range in their come back attempt, but still trailed by 14 points. The EPG Baskets Koblenz then went on a 6-0 run to lead 66-46 as Johnson supplied a trey and Heckel once again drove to the rim for two easy points. I had never seen Heckel score at such ease getting to the rim. ‘Heckel is so quick at the moment. He is so quick footed and simply so lively. The guests had to work hard for every shot and couldn’t come to terms with our physicality. We continued to play great transition’, added Thomas Klein. Orange Academy still had a lot of energy and now played their best basketball of the game going on a 12-1 run to trail only 73-62. The EPG Baskets Koblenz lost concentration again and Orange Academy showed that they have enough talent to come back against a top team. In the run they got clutch shots from Liedtke and Dorn, but also vital support from the bench from Dimitrov and German Lucca Bretz. Leon Friderici closed out the quarter with 3 free throws as the EPG Baskets Koblenz led 76-62. ‘We just had difficulty defending them in the run and they hit shots. But as usual it was just a question of time that we would find back to our game’, warned Marvin Heckel. ‘We are a young team and knew that we had to run. We wanted to rebound the ball, get stops, push and create’, stressed Marko Rosic.
Lenny Liedtke at the FT line
In the fourth quarter the EPG Baskets Koblenz were able to shift up 2 more gears overpowering Orange Academy winning the quarter soundly at 33-11. Alani Moore gave the EPG Baskets Koblenz instant energy at the start with 5 points as they led 81-62. Grosskreutz countered with a trey, but the EPG Baskets Koblenz came back with forceful play in the paint as Germans Niclas Sperber and Poelking made easy lay ins for the 85-68 advantage. . ‘There is no stopping our big men. They scored at ease all night long’, added Thomas Klein. The EPG Baskets Koblenz then demonstrated that there would be no more lapses as they totally overpowered Orange Academy as they closed out the game with a brutal 24-5 run. Koblenz continued to drive and drive and drive at the rim and score with ease as Heckel and Johnson scored. ‘I wasn’t more lively today then other games. I’m not really sure why I could score so easily tonight. I think when I get going on transition, it really sets me off for the other parts of my game’, stated Marvin Heckel. Moore then added a pretty reverse lay up after delivering an unstoppable cross over and Huebner added a three pointer for the 95-71 lead. ‘Alani Moore uses his speed so well and reads the game so well. That is probably why he gets so many rebounds’, smiled Thomas Klein. The EPG Baskets Koblenz continued to execute in the direction of 100 points as Moore and Heckel scored again in the paint. EPG Baskets Koblenz head coach Pat Elzie then went deep into the bench inserting kids Tevin Schnable and Oluwadamilola Ade-Eri who combined for 7 points in 5 minutes to close out the 40 minutes. ‘They got tired in the fourth quarter. We continued to run a lot on transition. We knew how to overpower them’, stressed Marvin Heckel. ‘I think the end result doesn’t show how we really played. They have a deep bench and when they can still throw a Johnson and Friderici at you, it gets tough. We got tired and made more turnovers and missed more shots’, stressed Marko Rosic. Young 17 year old Orange Academy players Marko Rosic (8p and 7a) and Joel Cwik who added 5 points benefited from another game where they saw a lot of action and combined for 49 minutes. ‘They had a great opportunity this season in the Pro B and Regionalliga to get better. It is split second decision making that they have to make at this level’, stated Ilija Omrcen. The EPG Baskets Koblenz were led by Marvin Heckel with 20 points. Alani Moore added 19 points, 6 rebounds, 10 dimes and 4 steals while Moses Poelking contributed 13 points while Orange Academy was led by Lenny Liedtke and Antonio Dorn with 17 points a piece. The EPG Baskets Koblenz shot 59% from the field and 40% from outside and had 44 rebounds and 16 turnovers while Orange Academy shot 43% from the field and 33% from outside and had 26 rebounds and 23 turnovers.
German Hoops 