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 on the overwhelming 79-50 win over Acad Fribourg. Everything seems to be clicking for the team or not?
We are clicking well still not where we want to be but winning is always good and we are happy about that.
You celebrated your 7th win in the last 8 games. What steps has the team made in the last 4 games?
We started to put full games together and focus more on defense. Our chemistry is building and the wins are a result .
Talk a little about the 40 minutes. Was the game decided by the break?
They gave us a tough fight and they are a talented team. We knew if we didn’t start out from the beginning it would be a long night for us. Our plan was to take them out of the game early as best as we could .
It was another superb defensive performance as you allowed only 2 three’s. What was the biggest team strength on the night?
Our biggest strength is that we are not satisfied. We feel we didn’t do the best job defensively. I still feel we could be a better team defensively. However to hold a team to only 2 three pointers made is a big thing.
You had another strong scoring game, but I know that your 5 turnovers will gnaw at you. Does that ruin your free Sunday or can you block that out quickly?
It’s something to learn from. I’m focused on winning and I’m not perfect and have some things to work on but as long as I’m contributing to a win I can fix the other stuff later.
How much did your defense dictate your offense?
We got a lot of transition buckets and limited them to one shot possessions at times. More stops means more opportunities to score so I’d say it dictated a lot
On what areas of your game are you working on most to be best prepared for the stretch run?
Mental toughness. It’s the end of the season and it won’t get any easier. Just staying locked in is the key for post season success.
You next play against CNBS who have identical wins with you. You lost the first game this season. What will be key to getting win?
Key is continue doing what we are doing . Play together focus on defense. If we do this we will have a good chance.
March 2021 seems like it was ages ago as COVID was in full swing, Franz Wagner was still far away from the NBA as he was putting on the final touches with his development at Michigan (NCAA) and masks was a normal occurrence in basketball arena’s. For 15 year Marko Rosic (175-PG-2005), he was playing his first season with Orange Academy and had highly talented players around him on a daily basis. One of those was Jeremy Sochan, a young Polish player who was having a solid pro B season, but not necessarily one that had me jumping around with excitement. I had another Polish youngster by the name of Igor Milicic on my radar and thought he was the real deal. He definitely was talented, butdidn’t go the route I expected, instead it was Jeremy Sochan who exploded having a great freshman season at Baylor (NCAA) and currently plays for NBA team San Antonio Spurs averaging 10,0ppg. I definitely was totally wrong about Jeremy Sochan, but Rosic saw close hand how special a player Jeremy Sochan was. ‘I knew that he would go far and reach the NBA one day. But I never expected him getting such a good role. I really liked his defense, because he can defend many positions’, expressed Marko Rosic. He will never forget his time during Lock Down and being able to experience Jeremy Sohan not only on the court, but also off the court on a regular basis. ‘We spent a lot of time together during lock down. The nicest memory I have of Jeremy was playing basketball outside in the yard in the winter. We connected together very nicely. It was nice seeing how everyone at the boarding school Orange Academy grow together as a family’, stressed Marko Rosic. Often guys that make it big become arrogant and unapproachable and live in their own galaxy, but that didn’t happen with Jeremy Sohan. ‘I remember Jeremy always saying never forget from where you came from. I’m still in contact with him today’, commented Marko Rosic. Not only is Jeremy Sohan a special player, but so is Marko Rosic.
Marko Rosic who lists Real Madrid’s Jan Vide, FC Bayern Munich’s Amar Licina and EPG Basket Alani Moore as his toughest opponents so far in his career was born on April 5, 2005 in Hamm, Germany and grew up in Werne and has Serbish roots. His parents come from Kralijevo, Serbia. He began his career in Munster where he played 2 years of JBBL (U-16) from 2018-2020. He then was up for a new challenge and came to Orange Academy for the 2020-2021 season. He feels totally blessed to be able to play for this ambitious organization that currently belongs to the top youth addresses in Germany. ‘Many young players would love to be in my position. The conditions at Orange Academy are excellent. I can practice in the gym at any time. This season was very important for my development in that I’m averaging 19 minutes per game and gaining more experience at the men’s level. Plus being able to practice as much as I want with individual training as well as my shooting and ball handling has been vital. I watch a lot of Euroleague and easyCredit BBL. I love to watch guys like Milos Teodosic and TJ Shorts. They really have helped shape me as a player’, stated Marko Rosic. It has been a tough season for Orange Academy as currently they are riding a 7-13 record and sit in 10th place 3 wins away from the last playoff spot. They lost 7 of their first 8 games and just couldn’t recover from that disastrous start. ‘We got into a hole early and just couldn’t get out. Many things didn’t go our way. We had many injuries. Losing Julius Ferber really hurt us. We didn’t have the best atmosphere in the team after that losing streak. But we are young and all want to prove themselves. We try to get the best out of every situation in practice and games’, expressed Marko Rosic. Every teammate he has has something special to offer and it isn’t any different with Tobias Jenson and the white Scottie Pippen Joel Zwick. ‘Tobias is long, quick and strong. He is the total opposite to me. He is more of a scorer, but if he has to can be a playmaker. We always play against each other in practice. He brings out the competitive nature in me when we battle in practice. Joel has a lot of talent, but I honestly think that sometimes he doesn’t show everything that he has. I think highly of him. He is a great defender. He worked very hard on his shot and you can see everyday how far he is coming as a shooter. You can see how much time he invests. He has a lot of potential. It will be interesting to see where his journey will go’, added Marko Rosic.
The lightening quick point guard who lists Jordan Mueller, Sebastian Pachucki, Joel Cwick, Jacob Ensminger and Jeremy Sohan as his best teammates of all-time played his first full NBBL (U-19) season last year after not being able to play in 2020-2021 as the season was cancelled because of COVID. Last season in the NBBL he averaged 16.6ppg, 6.4rpg, Assists-3 (5.8apg), 1.8spg, FGP: 36.1%, 3PT: 36.8%, FT: 83.3% and scored in double figures in 10 games and in the Regionalliga averaged 7.9ppg, 2.9rpg, 3.2apg, FGP: 41.6%, 3PT: 24.1%, FT: 73.8%. He had some huge games in the NBBL hitting Wurzburg AK for 35 points and Urspring for 31 points while in the Regionalliga he scored 19 points against Saarlouis and 15 points against Limburg. This season he has had triple duty seeing action in the Pro B, Regionalliga and NBBL plus going to school and looking for his degree and not everything has been rosy. ‘Going to school and finishing is very important for my parents. They want me to have something to fall back on. I have had my ups and downs on the court. I didn’t play as much in the Pro B at the start because there were many guys at my position and I asked Chris Ensminger that I wanted to focus on the Regionalliga. I also had some health issues, but I’m fine again. I found my flow again in my game. I hit a game winner against Bensheim in the Regionalliga and scored 18 points against Erfurt last weekend in the Pro B. I’m really happy how I’m playing at the moment’, said Marko Rosic This season in the Regionalliga he is averaging 12,8 ppg, 4,0rpg, 8,7apg and 1,9spg and in the Pro B is averaging 6,3ppg, 2,2rpg, 2,9apg and 1,1spg. Orange Academy next battle against top Pro B team EPG Baskets Koblenz that are 17-1. His stats are obviously stronger in the Regionalliga than Pro B, but it isn’t because of the lower physicality in the Regionalliga. ‘Many doubt me because I’m small and weigh 60 kilos. I don’t think that physicality is a problem. I use my quickness and court vision to my advantage. I don’t have many finishes but use more my floater and mid distance shot’, stated Marko Rosic. Orange Academy are seeking revenge in Koblenz. Orange Academy have nothing to lose and will have the first loss in their minds. ‘The first loss was close. They played zone at the end which surprised us as a young team. Koblenz is very experienced and it will be difficult to play there. We are coming in with the mind set not to lose. We are hungry to win. We will see what will happen’, warned Marko Rosic. He contributed 13 points in the loss, but coughed up the ball 5 times. It isn’t easy playing against top Pro B guard Alani Moore. Watching film has always been massive for him. ‘I talk a lot with my dad about my game. Those 5 turnovers is way to much for a point guard. I’m very critical with myself and rewatched the game right away. I need to be more under control with my ball handling. But I also watch good things in my game. I try to soak up as much from a guy like Moore. He is very quick like me. I saw his moves and I really learned a lot from his game. He is a tough defender so it is ideal going up against him’, stressed Marko Rosic.
Marko father Ivan Rosic coach of Hamm
The ex Munster player who lists Kobe, Shaq, Kevin Durant, Steph Curry and Michael Jordan on his personal NBA Mount Rushmore is a 175cm point guard who is very thankful that he has had his father as a mentor. Dad Ivan who currently coaches in Hamm has played a huge role in his son’s basketball development. He decided to remain in Hamm when he had other coaching offers. He sacrificed his career so that he could be around him and help him get to the next level. He can’t see his games live so they talk a lot on the phone and train together during the summers. He was a point guard in his playing days and Marko has kept a big piece of advice from his dad that he brings on the floor each day. ‘He wants the best for me. He told me that scoring isn’t the most important thing. You don’t need to look for yourself, but for your teammates. Getting an assist will make two happy and make the team stronger. He also has been instrumental in helping me with leadership qualities. Off the court I’m quiet. He really helped me come out of my shell’, warned Marko Rosic. He is more of a pass first point guard and I would have thought he would compare his game to a Ricky Rubio, but I was wrong. He hasn’t watched much of Rubio on film. He compares his passing game more to his favorite player Milos Teodosic and the whole package to Argentine national player Facundo Campazzo. He also watches a lot of American TJ Shorts who plays for easyCredit BBL team Telekom Baskets Bonn. He has shown at all 3 levels with Orange Academy that he can fill the stat sheet with ease. ‘I think that my biggest strength is getting my teammates involved. I also think that my leadership is strong as well as my organization, pushing the ball in transition and my mid range shot. I haven’t shown my 3 ball as much yet even though I did go 3/5 against Erfurt last weekend. I think that I also have shown that I can be that extended arm of the coach on the court and hold the team together’, warned Marko Rosic. He knows that if he wants to reach the next level, he will have to be even better with his flaws and strengths. ‘I work mostly on my ball handling and three pointer. But I continue to want to be able to hit my mid range shot as well as becoming an even better passer and also becoming an even better leader’, said Marko Rosic. Often getting that extra experience with a national team is vital for the development of a player and at what level a player can still reach, but at the moment he isn’t with any national team. ‘Germany haven’t called me, because I’m too small. Serbia have too many guards at my position’, added Marko Rosic. He has a very precise basketball dream and for once it isn’t the NBA. ‘I want to play in the Euroleague and for Roter Stern Belgrade. I think that it is important to set small steps. My goal now is to reach the easyCredit BBL’, warned Marko Rosic. It will be interesting to see where Marko Rosic‘s journey will go. His teammates definitely think highly of him. ‘He definitely belongs to the best German guards in that he is always able to create an open shot for his teammates. He is also a very good scorer which he doesn’t always show because he is a pass first guy. He also reads the game well. He is already a very strong leader for his age and knows how to lead a team’, stressed Joel Cwick. I definitely will be rooting for him, because I always love very small point guards. I was always the smallest and know what it’s like to pretend your tiny Archibald and loves to make the assist.
How often have we heard about how talented a young athlete is? Those big time gems seem to be all over the place, but to be honest sometimes it’s more the parents wanting to think that their kid is that 1 in a million. But then again there are those really talented kids that got on the scene at a young age like a Ricky Rubio who played his first Euroleague game at age 14 or a Lional Messi who joined FC Barecleona at age 14 signing on a napkin. You see these young phenoms in all sports and in the last years also in German basketball as guys like Isaiah Hartenstein and Franz Wagner demonstrated in very young years that they were very special on the court. But there are also other really talented German kids in basketball that aren’t wooing everyone with their shooting or dunking, but are actually giving their 2 cents on the sidelines. 20 year Tom Walther is one of these guys. There have been other young German head coaches in Germany like a Thorsten Leibenath or Bjoern Harmsen that reached the highest level, but has there ever been a 20 year old German assistant coach in the German second division (Pro A)? I think I need to check the Guinness Book of World Records if there is any information about this. ‘ I didn’t check but I can imagine there aren’t many coaches that young in pro Basketball. But for me it’s not about records, I’m just happy about the opportunity’, stressed Tom Walther . The German basketball scene is a small one and it didn’t surprise me when I learned that Tom Walther not only knew Fabian Beierlein another German guy that is a basketball workaholic and probably knew Dashaun Wood’s stats in 2011 better than the ex Wright State guard himself when he wasn’t even a teenager yet, but is friends with the Bayreuth native. ‘Fabian is one of my really close friends even if we talk mostly through the phone, because of the distance. We discuss almost all things that come with basketball and he was also involved in my decision to sign in Tuebingen. It’s always nice to meet him’, said Tom Walther . Tom Walther is proving that not all talented German kids connected to basketball have to be basketball players as he is working with the Tigers Tuebingen.
I reach Tom Walther last summer on a steamy hot day in August as he was enjoying the last days at home in Leipzig as well as was working out with friend Grant Teichmann of the Dresden Titans before heading to Tuebingen for his new basketball adventure. I had always known about him but other than assuming he was a teenage basketball fan, I knew nothing about him. That changed very quickly when I saw his name under basketball highlight videos for players on You Tube and when I saw him behind the bench for the BSW Sixers last season. ‘I think I started doing highlight videos sometime in 2019, just for fun. I did youth coaching already before but it helped me to build a good worldwide network. Over time I started to work with different agencies, mainly for Matt Slan from Slan Sports’, commented Tom Walther . He was born on October 30th, 2002 and knew pretty rapidly that basketball was in his blood, but more on the bench than on the court. He began his coaching career in Leipzig with USC Leipzig in 2016 when he was 13 years old. He was an assistant coach for the Leipzig U-12 and U-14 teams and later was head coach for the Leipzig U-15 and U-16 teams. He joined the organization in 2016 in a time where there was much turmoil going around, but he stuck through it. ‘When I began it was a hard time, but in 2016 I was a teenager who helped in youth basketball without the knowledge of a basketball organization that I have today’, stated Tom Walther . Getting his first break in the coaching business in Leipzig was massive and he will never forget who was most instrumental for him then. ‘Dominik Braun, Head of department of USC Leipzig, was the most important person for me. I was his assistant coach for years in u12 und u14 basketball and he was one of the main reasons why I stuck to basketball and became the coach that I am today. In 2020-2021 he gave me the chance to be a head coach in youth basketball for the first time. He was trusting me and I know I can always ask him for advice’, remembers Tom Walther . He also recently got his primary school degree from the Friedrich-Schiller-Schule Leipzig.
Miles Schmidt-Scheuber and Tom Walther in Rhondorf in 2021
The ex eenager who believes that 4 time NBA winner Steph Curry is the best shooting point guard of all-time then got another break and for the first time got out of his comfort zone of being at home and working with USC Leipzig and landed a job with Pro B team BSW Sixers in Sandesdorf. This was his first real introduction to men’s basketball at a higher level. It was a lot of learning by doing and the players that didn’t know him right away must of thought ‘what is this kid doing here and giving me orders’. But in the end the club experienced a good season reaching the playoffs sweeping Erfurt and then losing a tough 3 games series to ambitious organization Wolmirstedt. ‘ It was a crazy experience. I knew nothing about pro basketball coaching in the beginning and I was younger than most of the players. But Coach Chris Schreiber gave me the chance to develop myself and to grow into the role as an Assistant Coach. I learned pretty fast how to prepare the opponent and I learned something new basically every week and every game. I’m really thankful for that opportunity’, stressed Tom Walther . When your young, it is always vital to soak in as much as possible and that is exactly what he did learning as much as possible from Darren Stackhouse, the younger brother of NBA legend Jerry Stackhouse. ‘Darren was one of the main reasons why I started to work for the Sixers in late September 2021. He was supposed to be the Sixers Assistant coach but as he also was JBBL AC for MBC and worked with me together in Leipzig’s youth basketball so there wasn’t much time left for Pro B. So he really pushed the idea of me also coaching in Pro B and we both ended up on the coaching staff of Chris. I won’t forget his humor and our meals after the Pro B home games, together with player Sven Papenfuss’, commented Tom Walther .
The kid who has Lebron James as his personal GOAT now has taken on new challenge with Pro A club Tigers Tuebingen. A few years ago the Tigers Tuebingen was a former easyCredit BBL team that was declining and being forgotten in the Pro A. But all of a sudden with the emergence of rising coach Danny Jansson, the club belongs to the top teams in the Pro A. Last season they earned moving back to the BBL, but opted to remain in the Pro A. It was a no brainer that he would join this organization when a guy like Jansson comes calling. ‘Our first contact was last summer when Danny sent a message to my highlight page, asking for a video for a press release of Tuebingen. I used the chance to introduce myself as a coach and after I saw that last year’s AC Hussain Dassouki wasn’t coming back for this season I reached out to Danny and after a meeting in Tuebingen and multiple phone calls we’re working together now ‘, remembered Tom Walther . Sometimes you have to be aggressive like a point guard to get some success and that is exactly what he did in keeping the contact with Jansson. When your 35 and get your first assistant coaching job in the Pro A, you will be happy, but when your 19 years, the feeling must be like a boy in a candy story. ‘I’m really excited and I can’t wait to start working. I visited Danny and the Tigers organization earlier this summer, they gave me a really good feeling and I felt welcome straight from the beginning. I expect a really good and competitive league this season, you can win or lose every game. Last years Pro B felt already really competitive but in Pro A you typically have better Germans and you’re also allowed to have more import players on the court which will be interesting to see and to scout.’, said Tom Walther last summer. In the few talks and live conversations that he has had with Jansson, he has got to know a honest and hard working man that also knows when to have fun. But getting more experience doesn’t stop with Jansson as he also will be working together with assistant coach Hanot Zabaleta Carro. ‘It’s always good to have more experienced guys around you. Hanot is responsible for our S&C, a part of coaching that I haven’t done so far, so I’m looking forward to learn from him in this aspect. But life is more than basketball so I’m interested in learning more about him and the Spanish culture in general’, expressed Tom Walther . The young German is part of the success of the Tigers Tuebingen as they are in second place with a 19-7 record chasing Rasta Vechta.
It is interesting to see that some of his biggest coaching influences aren’t the big legends like Pesic, Blatt or Aito, but moreover guys like Simon Cote, Pete Strobl and Chris Schreiber. He also enjoys listening to podcasts from around the world with various coaches to attain different knowledge. He understands that being an assistant coach in the Pro A isn’t only a step up in level, but also in how he has to prepare in comparison to what he saw last season with the Sixers. ‘ I think the biggest difference is the versatility of the players. In Pro B it was often possible to categorize players in one play type. Also the Pro A is having more games, so my time management for the reports and videos will be different’, stated Tom Walther . 30 years ago watching film was a lot more difficult than today as you can find a lot more easy access to watching players online. One thing is for sure, he has watched many highlight films in the last years. ‘The biggest strength is that I love to watch basketball, that way it’s easy for me to watch a lot of video and to focus on different aspects of the game. I also found a way to work fast and effective when it comes to cutting and editing the footage’, added Tom Walther . Being versatile is a massive trait for any player and it isn’t any different as a coach. ‘I want to establish myself as a Coach which means improving in all aspects of coaching, video wise, individual wise, teaching wise and also in S&C aspects’, warned Tom Walther . The last years he worked very hard off the court to get his German high school degree and his schooling hasn’t stopped yet. He plans to continue his studies in Stuttgart despite also having his coaching duties with the Tigers Tuebingen. He just can’t say no to an extra challenge. ‘ It will be a huge challenge, especially in the beginning. Fortunately there will be the chance to work from home and online for university, that way I’ll be able to attend morning practices. I’ll surely miss some practices but I won’t be a rare face in the gym. For me personally it is important to get a degree to have a plan b, in case coaching isn’t working out for me in the future’, warned Tom Walther . He is very smart for 20 having a plan B ready. But he showed once before that he can shuffle school and basketball and I’m certain he will do it again. He has been on a mission since he was 13 and so far everything has worked out. Why shouldn’t it continue in Tuebingen? The Tigers Tuebingen are also on a mission and together they will conquer all.
One of the exciting aspects of pro sports in Germany for fans no matter if it’s soccer, ice hockey or basketball is that your club can never take off a game. It isn’t like in the NBA where a team like the Knicks in the past could flounder around for a few seasons and always play against a Golden State the next season, because in Germany if you struggle in a season, you can find yourself a league lower the next season and everything changes for that club especially financially. Pro A club Art Giants Duesseldorf a team that only some years ago were in the Regionalliga (4th division) and daydreaming of moving up made the jump up to the Pro A this season, but now are on the verge of moving down again as they currently are having a head to head battle with Leverkusen to remain in the league as Schwenningen is in last place and will be the first team to move down. Of course, it is double bitter when you play your heart out and lose by 1 point on back to back weekends against Tuebingen and Giessen. One player who is in the middle of the drama has been C.J. Anderson (197-G-1996, college: UMass, agency: One Motive Sports) an American who is in his third professional season after playing in Hungry and Austria and came in January to help in the stretch run. The Pro A is an underrated league that has many very talented American guards that could play in the top league easyCredit BBL. Despite coming in late, he has played solidly in the Pro A. He probably could of played somewhere earlier, but it was more about not going somewhere and then seeing quickly having made the wrong decision. ‘Yes it was more about the right fit and staying ready when the call comes. I enjoyed the fact I was able to spend time with family’, said C.J. Anderson. So far he is giving his all and has played solidly in the Pro A averaging 10,1ppg, 4,5rpg, 2,9apg and 1,0spg. ‘My role is to be a playmaker and defend. It’s easy to score when you’re surrounded by shooters and guys that can create their own shot as well. Basketball is basketball. You adjust to the level just by playing the game. I embrace any challenge’, warned C.J. Anderson. Of course being able to play with 2 high quality players like Booker Coplin and Ryan Richmond has sweetened the experience. ‘It’s been great to play with those guys. It was easy to build chemistry with them both. I appreciate that they have accepted me to be able to play my game in order to compliment theirs’, added C.J. Anderson.
C.J. Anderson who lists Trae Young and Jordan McCrae as the toughest players that he ever faced on the court is a 26 year old 197cm guard that was born on May 10th, 1996 in Memphis, Tennessee. He attended Whitehaven high school and then enjoyed a 4 year career at the University of Massachusetts (NCAA) from 2014-2018 playing a total of 125 NCAA games. He did not have a big offensive scoring role in his first 3 seasons. He averaged 10 minutes in his first season and then they rose to 24 and 21 minutes. He never averaged more than 4,9ppg in his first 3 seasons. ‘It was tough because I had to wait my turn. It’s not easy coming from being one of the best in your high school to having to understand that it’s all about timing and patience’, stated C.J. Anderson. But in his senior year, he finally got a real chance logging 35 minutes per game and averaging 11.0ppg, 5.0rpg, 4.9apg, FGP: 42.6%, 3PT: 40.5%, FT: 81.3%. ‘My senior year I was given an opportunity to go out there and go to work. We didn’t have a huge roster so I was asked to do more and be myself’, remembered C.J. Anderson. In his senior year he scored in double figures in 19 games including hitting Quinnipiac for 23 points in a tough 68-66 loss, Richmond for 22 points in a 25 point loss, but helped beat La Salle scoring 21 points in a great 69-67 win. After playing his first 3 years for Derek Kellogg, he finally got the trust from Matt McCall in his senior year. ‘The best advice I was given by him was to go out there and just have fun. He saw I was playing a little tense for a period of time and told me to remember why I started to play the game’, said C.J. Anderson who remembers beating teammate Carl Pierre in every 1-1 match they played against each other.
The American who lists Michael Jordan , Kareem Abdul Jabaar , Lebron James, and Stephen Curry on his personal NBA Mount Rushmore began his professional career in 2018 in the G-League. He split time with the Erie Bay Hawks (NBA G League) averaging 2.8ppg, 2.3rpg, 1.4apg, and in March’19 signed with the Sioux Falls Skyforce (NBA G League) averaging 2.3ppg, 2.0rpg, 1.0apg. He surely wished for a different type of rookie season, but in the long run, it was an learning experience for him. ‘It was a tough situation. You had to learn how to adjust to when it’s your time in the G league. You could have 5 straight games where you play none or 5 minutes and then the next the team needs you to play 25 minutes. You have to take advantage of that opportunity. The NBA is the greatest experience of my life. The whole lifestyle and resources there are the best I’ve ever been a part of’, stressed C.J. Anderson. He was able to learn from ex NBA player Calbert Cheaney and simply will never forget having received the opportunity to be part of a NBA farm team. ‘He was a very down to earth man. He was always giving advice and didn’t mind helping me with my game or just studying the game. I realized I was part of a NBA organization by the way they took care of the players. The best experience was when it was time to play the game we had everything and more for what we needed for the game’, remembered C.J. Anderson.
The big guard who lists Leron Black , Chris Chiozza , Anton Beard , Marcanvis Hymon , and Jaylen Adams as his 5 best teammates of all-time came overseas in 2021 and played with Oroszlanyi Sportegylet E Lions (Hungary) averaging 9.6ppg, 5.3rpg, 2.9apg, 1.1spg, FGP: 54.1%, 3PT: 32.4%, FT: 74.7%. Every American has that first wake up call where he senses that there is a culture shock and not necessarily a Mcdonalds around the corner. ‘My wake up call was when I first got into my home and realized that everything was totally different from America’, said C.J. Anderson. He scored in double figures in 14 games including 22 points against DEAC and 22 points against ZTE KK and even had a Kevin Love type of game hauling down 21 boards against PVSK-Veolia. Last season he made the jump to team Basket Swans Gmunden (Austria-BSL) averaging 9.9ppg, 4.6rpg, 4.1apg, FGP: 55.4%, 3PT: 30.0%, FT: 60.7%. He was able to celebrate his first chip winning the Super Cup. ‘It was a great experience winning the SuperCup. We will remember the entire atmosphere and feeling of winning such a special accomplishment’, added C.J. Anderson. He was surrounded with serious talent in Gmunden with talented guards Stephon Jelks and Eric Washington who are making their marks in the easyCredit BBL this season. Being able to hold his own against guys like this gives him hope to continue to move up he basketball ladder. ‘I’m so happy for Stephon. He is my brother for life and I’m so happy that he has this opportunity. I want to have the opportunity to play a role in the NBA or play in the EuroLeague or Australia NBL. I saw that Eric was special. His mindset was on another level. That’s what takes you there. The talent was already there. It’s all about when you’re given the opportunity’, stated C.J. Anderson.
The Tennessee native who has Michael Jordan as his GOAT and feels that the classic movie Coming To America should have been left along is a big guard who models his game around John Wall and Herbert Jones. ‘I love to facilitate , score , and defend at a very high level’, warned C.J. Anderson. He is a very versatile player and like all Americans has a high self-confidence rate and knows he can impact the game in many ways. ‘My biggest strength is that I can do it all and that I can play alongside all. It helps a lot that I can adjust with anyone’, commented C.J. Anderson. His versatility is also a part of his game that will continue to affect his defensive game and most likely how well he can move up the basketball ladder and recommend himself for greater tasks in higher leagues. ‘My versatility is what helps me. I can play and defend the 1-4. I truly believe it can help with being able to mix and match with different 5’s on the court’, warned C.J. Anderson. In in the NCAA, he shot the ball at 40% from outside, but as a professional overseas, his three point shooting continues to be a work in progress. Currently he is shooting only 11,1% from outside. ‘I want to improve shooting the 3. I can shoot the ball but I enjoy finishing with contact and taking The mid range pull up’, stated C.J. Anderson. It will be interesting how C.J. Anderson finishes up his third professional season overseas in Germany with the ART Giants Duesseldorf. He won a title last season in Austria and won’t do it this season in Germany, but helping save the team from moving back to the Pro B will be worth as much as a title in Duesseldorf.
Matt Freeman (207-F-1997, college: UCSB) is a 25 year old forward from New Zealand that is playing his third professional season in Germany and first with the Eisbaeren Bremerhaven currently averaging 9,5ppg, 5,6rpg and 1,8apg. Last season he played with PS Karlsruhe averaging 10.3ppg, 4.6rpg, 1.4apg, FGP: 45.9%, 3PT: 43.5%, FT: 86.5% an din his first season played with the ROMERSTROM Gladiators Trier (Germany-ProA) averaging 11.8ppg, 3.5rpg, 1.3apg, FGP: 53.3%, 3PT: 36.9%, FT: 69.0%. He got his first basketball experience in New Zealand with the North Adelaide Rockets and then went to the States from 2014-2020. He played at Westlake high school and then at the University of Oklahoma (NCAA) from 2016-2019 playing a total of 84 games. He then finished at the University of California Santa Barbara (NCAA) averaging 9.5ppg, 4.2rpg, 1.9apg, FGP: 46.3%, 3PT: 38.3%, FT: 88.5%. He spoke to germanhoops.com about basketball.
Thanks Matt for talking to germanhoops.com. This is your third professional season and third German Pro A team. Is it fair to say that Germany has become like a second home for you?
I think at this point Germany will always be a part of me. Being such a traveller I think I have many second homes now so really home for me will always be in New Zealand. But nonetheless I have loved my experience in Germany thus far and I’m excited for all that is to come!
You had a very good game against Bremerhaven with Trier and overall had a 2-1 record against them. What was your memories in general about this team?
Obviously this will be a new team with a new coach so the play style will be different. Though, from my experience they always play with a high intensity and score a lot of points.
What is your general impression of head coach Steven Key. What stood out most about his basketball philosophy and character?
With my conversation with Coach Key I felt our feelings were mutual on how work ethic should be, playing basketball as a unit and not individually, and building strong relationships throughout the team and organization to reach the highest level of success. I’m excited to get to work and play for him!
Let’s talk about your game. You’re a 208cm forward. To what NBA player would you compare your game to?
I’ve always looked at guys like Ryan Anderson & Kevin Love as they’re power forwards who can shoot the ball extremely well. But I also love the way they understand their role and are solid in other areas of the game that help themselves and their team to be successful.
You’re a 208cm forward. Would you classify yourself a modern day big man?
I think big men today are definitely able to shoot the ball a lot better than they used to. So in that regard yes. But I also consider myself to be more of a point forward who can bring the ball up and control tempo so I think that side of my game is more uncommon in today’s big man.
You can fill the stat sheet. Would you also call your versatility one of your bigger strengths?
For sure. I’ve always prided myself in my passing ability as a big man and obviously the way I shoot the ball. I think basketball is a game where you don’t have to do it all but being able to/being as versatile as possible only increases your worth as a player. I continue to work on all aspects of my game because I love the game and there’s always so much more to learn every day you put in the work.
On what area’s of your game are you working on most now so you can continue to improve your game as you move up the basketball ladder?
I think for me this off season has been about physical growth and learning how to draw contact and finish whilst still being balanced. I think it’s a simple concept but a hard one to master. I’m liking where I’m at with it now and excited to see it translate into this season.
Last season you got many passes from Stanley Whittaker. What did you appreciate most about his game and will he make the next step in the easyCredit BBL?
Stan is an incredible player and loved him as a team mate. We had a great relationship and I think what we appreciated most about each other was our mutual respect/passion for the game and the ‘do whatever it takes’ mentality to win. Even if we were down 20 I could always count on him not to give up. I have no doubt wherever Stan is he will be successful.
What do you feel is still missing from your game to reach the easyCredit BBL?
I think my answer is similar to what I said about what I am currently working on. But in addition to that I think my continuous physical growth will help me defensively to guard multiple positions. Being able to do that makes you valuable at the highest of levels in basketball.
You played your rookie season with the Romerstrom Gladiators. What do you remember being your wake up call to being a rookie in Germany where you knew that you were very far away from home? I think the biggest wake up call was being out in public and not having people speak English. I’m terrible at learning languages so it will always be hard for me but definitely something I have gotten used to. Other than that the feeling of playing basketball for a job. Knowing that at any moment you could be sent home is a big reality check. Definitely a motivating factor to never stop working hard.
How tough was going into your rookie season with Covid. You got signed very late. Did you ever lose hope in the basketball process?
It was very tough mate. There was a very long period of drought in finding a job. I actually did start to look into other opportunities outside of basketball but I never stopped working on my game in case that call came, and thankfully it did.
You hail from New Zealand. How much of a role did your experience at Westlake high school play a role in you deciding to go to the NCAA?
Westlake was an awesome high school. I made life long best friends but also it put me in a pool of great Basketballers. Many of whom went to college in the US before me. So I think the exposure to that environment definitely convinced me to play in the NCAA but it was also a dream of mine even prior to going to high school there.
You played 3 seasons at the University of Oklahoma. Your NCAA career began well scoring 15 points in a loss to Northwestern State in your first NCAA game. You showed quickly that you knew how to be efficient in the minutes you got. Despite never averaging more than 11 minutes per game in a season what benefits did your 3 years there under Lon Kruger give you? Coach Kruger has a long history of knowledge in the game of basketball. I think it was a great opportunity to learn through his experience what it takes to be successful. Although that time didn’t exactly come at OU with him I think it’s fair to say it helped me in becoming the player I became when I transferred to UCSB.
What do you remember from the intense battles with Jamuni Mcnease who played in Germany some years ago? I’m sure the work in daily practices made you better despite you not getting as many minutes?
Jamuni was my room mate and my best mate for life. I talk to him all the time. He knows I’ll give him buckets any day & time of the week. But no doubt, my brother Muni is a tough dude who I’ve seen do some of the most athletic things ever. I’m excited at the opportunity to play with him again some day.
What was your memories of NBA superstar Trae Young? What kind of bond did you have to the freshman? Do you still have contact to him or is he in his own world now?
Funnily enough Trae and I actually dated different girls who were on the dance team so we spent a fair bit of time with each other off the court. But he was obviously a natural superstar from high school onwards. I still have his contact but we haven’t spoken in a few years since he made the NBA.
You then finished at the University of California Santa Barbara (NCAA) averaging 9.5ppg, 4.2rpg, 1.9apg, FGP: 46.3%, 3PT: 38.3%, FT: 88.5% Was the 69-67 Cal Poly win in your last NCAA game one of your best wins ever? My brother Jaquori hit the game winner!
How did head coach Joe Pasternack groom and prepare you best for a professional career? As intense as Coach P is, I will be eternally grateful for everything he did for me. He restored faith in me that I can play basketball professionally at the highest level. As hard as he was on me, he did it because I needed it and he knew it would bring out the best in me, which it did.
Who won a 1-1 in practice you or Amadou Sow? Love Amadou, tough ass kid. We had great battles. But I’m taking me every time.
Who is the toughest player that you ever faced on the floor so far in your career that reached the NBA? There’s been a few honestly but I remember Kenrich Williams at TCU, Jarrett Allen at Texas and probably Azubuike at Kansas. They were all damn tough.
Please name your five best teammates of all-time? Man I almost can’t answer this. I’ve had some amazing team mates over the years. But if I have to answer I’d have to say the guys who are my life long friends who I still talk to all the time. Logan Hunt, Jamuni McNeace, Daniel Harper, CJ Cole, Patrick Geha & Ty Lazenby
Please name your NBA Mount Rushmore MJ, Lebron, Kobe, Shaq
What is your opinion of the neverending debate of who is the greatest of all time Jordan or Lebron?
I think it’s stupid to try and compare two different Eras. The game continues to evolve every year. Jordan was the goat in his generation and Lebron in his. Simple. If they had played in the same era then I have absolutely no idea. They would both be different players had they played in each other’s Eras.
Did you see the sequel to the classic Coming To America? Shouldn’t they have left it alone? I heard not so good things about it so still haven’t seen it! Don’t want it to ruin the original for me!!
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 on the 124-101 win over Westestede. It had a little NBA feeling from the score didn’t it?
Yea that just means exactly like the NBA, no defense was being played. Nah, but it was a fast break fast pace game most of the whole game.
Talk a little about the 40 minutes. They scored a lot also. When was this game decided early or was it a lot closer than it looked?
We controlled the game the whole time but they also scored a lot because they hit many 3s and a lot of and 1s. Even with that we pretty much had the game won in the 1st quarter.
Was this game decided on the boards? You grabbed an incredible 23 offensive rebounds. Did you have some extra Kevin Love’s? Was this the best performance on the boards this season?
Rebounding was big for sure but I think we won because we had so many guys play well. Even guys coming from the bench.
Bargteheide had 6 guys reach double figures in points. Where do you rate this offensive performance on the season?
As a team, probably our most explosive offensive game of the season for sure. It was nice to see other guys get buckets especially coming from the bench.
Were you extra motivated after the ejection last weekend? You had another fine game.
Anytime I have an ‘off game’ I always go extra hard that next week with my training to make sure I bounce back even harder. So you will rarely see my have 2 off nights in a row.
You had a stat line of 29/5/6/3 and shot the ball well. How do you rate your performance considering what happened last weekend?
I had 17 points in the 1st quarter and I believe I was like 5/5 and didn’t miss a shot so that was my best 1st quarter of the season and I have had some amazing 1st quarters this season.
What do you go through mentally when you reach the line only 3 times? How tough is that offensive balance in general so you can get all areas flowing every game?
I don’t mind not going to the line as much some games because games like this one I get it going from the outside so I’m not attacking the basket as much. Abu Abaker usually is taking most of the free throws because he puts a lot of pressure on the defense every play which opens up the outside for me.
You next play Aschersleben a team you beat by 5 this season. What will be key to getting win?
The key is to play a lot better and more aggressive defense than we did last weekend. We also need to minimize our mistakes. It won’t be an easy win but I believe my team can get the job done.
There was a very very strange feeling as one entered the Dragon dome. It had been 3 weeks since the last game and big win over the Sixers. Everyone was thrilled after the big win. The club went into the Fiba window break confident and returned 3 weeks later without Mubarak Salami who will never return ever again. His tragic death some weeks ago really has hit everyone connected to the team. After postponing the game in Wolmirstedt the Dragons Rhondorf returned back to their living room and had to be ready for work against the TSK 49ers as life went on. The 49ers came to Rhondorf with an identical 11-8 record and had won 5 of the last 6 contests. They also sought revenge for the 82-66 loss against Rhondorf at the start of the season. On a rather mild March day the mood in the Dragon Dome was upbeat, but one could also sense that touch of sadness in the air as the Mubarak Salami death effected everyone. It had only been 18 hours since the Dragons had arrived back home from the Salami funeral in Hamburg after they had been on the road for 20 hours and nobody could of expected an incredible showing. But Rhondorf stuck together as a team and came through in crunch-time overcoming a furious comeback by the guests winning 88-82. ‘This was a big win. We didn’t really know what to expect. Our motto coming into the game was find a way. Each player had to find a way to give their best despite the difficult circumstances. It was very emotional. We left at 5am yesterday for the funeral in Hamburg where it snowed all day. Everyone was frozen. We stayed together and gave everything we had. We couldn’t prepare as well as usual. I’m really proud how we played’, stressed Dragons Rhondorf captain Paul Albrecht. The TKS 49ers fought until the end, but at the end couldn’t pull out the win after their star player Andrii Kozhemiakin fouled out in the last minutes. ‘We had many injuries and guys missing. It was tough to play under the circumstances. We broke down in the third quarter. We could of won this game, but it was tough to lose it on an and one three pointer’, stated TKS 49ers big man Leonard Hampl
Robin Jorch jumper
.The first quarter was a back and forth battle where the TKS 49ers were able to execute their offense very well taking advantage of the Dragons Rhondorf weak 1-1 offense and let Andrii Kozhemiakin play his game. The 49ers did a good job getting easy baskets inside as ex Boise State center Robin Jorch scored 2 buckets while the Dragons Rhondorf concentrated on getting baskets inside as well as Swedish national player Zaba Bangala showed his dominance while Devon Goodman (184-PG-1997, college: Pennsylvania) ran circles around the 49ers defense. The 49ers also had a thin rotation and got much needed support from their young German role players as Lukas Wagner and Fredinand Von Saldern scored baskets, but the game was dead locked at 13-13 as no team could shake the other. The Dragons Rhondorf had done a great job for the first half of the first quarter in not allowing Kozhemiakin get inside and score and instead kept him away from the zone and allowed him to playmake, but in the last 5 minutes, he broke through and led his team on a brutal 9-2 run scoring all his teams points and allowing the 49ers to lead 22-15. But the Dragons Rhondorf held on and stayed together getting valuable baskets in the paint from Goodwin, ex Giessen guard Florian Koch and ex Artland Dragon Paul Albrecht as the 49ers led 26-23. ‘We knew that the 49ers really depended on the game of Kozhemiakin. He really attacks the rim well. We stopped him well at first, but then he punished us and did a good job carrying his team’, stated Paul Albrecht. The TKS 49ers short an incredible 91% from the two point range and 33% from outside and had 9 rebounds and 4 turnovers while the Dragons Rhondorf shot 56% from the two point range and 25% from outside and had 7 rebounds and 2 turnovers.
Paul Albrecht at the FT line
The second quarter continued to be an open battle as no team could go on a massive run as the TKS 49ers had a slim 2 point lead at half-time. The Dragons Rhondorf came out with force going on a lethal 9-2 run to take the 32-30 lead. In the run the Dragons Rhondorf got great support from Zaba Bangala as he scored 3 baskets and 7 points. The chemistry and timing between Bangala and Goodwin was refreshing as the American made pretty pass after pretty pass finding baby Zion while the big man also contributed a three pointer testing his 13% on the season. Ex Pro B champion Florian Wendeler also added a massive dunk. Rhondorf raised their intensity at both ends and punished the guests on second chance opportunities. They also showed different defensive looks which the guests couldn’t come to terms with. The game remained tight as The TKS 49ers broke the run continuing to attack the zone getting easy buckets from Kozhemiakin, and Leonard Hampl for the 36-32 advantage. Paul Albrecht found his groove on offense adding 5 points including a trey to tie the game at 40-40. Goodman continued to be a menace with his drive and quickness scoring on a lay for the 43-42 lead, but the dramatic ended with a Lukas Wagner three pointer at the buzzer as the TKS 49ers led 45-43 at the break. ‘We have had 1-1 problems on defense all season. We practice so hard during the week to correct, but we just can’t execute it in games’, stressed Paul Albrecht. The TKS 49ers continued to shoot well from the two point range at 61% and 33% from the three point line and had 16 rebounds and 5 turnovers while the Dragons Rhondorf shot 58% from the two point range and 31% from the three point range and had 19 rebounds and 6 turnovers.
Devon Goodman drives to hoop
In the third quarter the Dragons Rhondorf broke the game open being able to lead by double figures and lead by 16 points after 3 quarters as they finally got their three pointer to cook and get guys involved that had been quieted in the first half. The Dragons Rhondorf stormed out into the third quarter with a brutal 22-7 run to lead 65-52. In the run the Dragons Rhondorf attacked the zone with ease as Goodman scored twice while Wendeler and Bangala also contributed lay ins. But it wasn’t only penetration that carried the Dragons but they also demonstrated their fine inside out game as Buchholz, Albrecht and Koch added three pointers. The Dragons offense was flowing and their team basketball was a joy to witness. They heightened their defensive pressure which sparked their offense as well. The Dragons Rhondorf continued to keep up the offensive pressure and the 49ers were beginning to tire a bit as only top player Andrii Kozhemiakin was able to keep his play at a high level as he kept his team in the game with two lay ins. The Dragons Rhondorf closed out the third quarter with a potent 9-2 run getting three’s from ex Coburg forward Adrian Bergmann and Koch and a 20 footer by Goodman to lead 74-58 after 3 quarters. ‘We broke free finding our offensive rhythm. We weren’t all on the same page in the first half, but shock it off in the third quarter. We changed the game and kept Kozhemiakin under wraps’, stated Paul Albrecht. ‘They found their offensive rhythm. We knew that Buchholz and Koch were good shooters. We played zone but they hit shots with us always a meter off’, stated Leonard Hampl. The Dragons Rhondorf shot 66% from the two point range and 45% from the parking lot and had 27 rebounds and 8 turnovers while the TKS 49ers shot 59% from the two point range and 25% from the parking lot and had 20 rebounds and 9 turnovers.
Andrii Kozhemiakin at the ft line
The TKS 49ers made a great come back in the fourth quarter even being able to cut the Dragons lead down to 3 points in crunch-time, but the Dragons Rhondorf kept their composure not allowing the 49ers get over the hump. The TKS 49ers went on an incredible 15-4 run to cut the Dragons lead down to 78-73 despite Andrii Kozhemiakin playing at full tilt on defense with 4 fouls. In the run the TKS 49ers played superb team basketball getting input from their role players. Hampl and Wagner scored the first 4 points and Robin Jorch also scored with a lay in and Kohemiakin added 7 points with a trey and 4 free throws. ‘Andrii is so important for us. He is a shifty point guard that can always give us a lot of scoring. He had good anticipation on defense. He was unlucky getting his fifth foul’, commented Leonard Hampl. The Dragons Rhondorf got too lax already thinking they had the game in the bag. Their intensity dropped and unneeded turnovers shifted the game back in the direction of the 49ers. ‘We went back to man and strengthed our pick and roll defense. That led to easy fast break baskets’, expressed Leonard Hampl. The game continued to be a hard fought battle as Goodman and Albrecht scored while Kozhemiakin and Yannick Hildebrandt scored as Rhondorf still led 83-77. The TKS 49ers continued to fight and just didn’t wouldn’t leave the Dragons back door as Wagner made a clutch trey in crunch-time to cut the Dragons lead to 83-80. But then came the final turning point of the game as Florian Koch nailed a deadly step back three pointer which ended in a 4 point play and Kozhemiakin’s fifth foul as Rhondorf led 87-80. ‘Flo is so important for us. He was the best three point shooter at a time for a reason. We got stops and were able to execute in deciding moments. We knew we had the game won after that’, smiled Paul Albrecht. ‘We were in game. That Koch shot hurt us. We went from minus 3 to minutes 7. It was tough losing like that in last minute’, added Leonard Hampl. The Dragons Rhondorf Were led by Devon Goodman with 19 points and 12 dimes and Zaba Bangala with 19 points while Florian Koch added 18 points and Paul Albrecht 17 points while the TKS 49ers were led by Andrii Kozhemiakin with 34 points and Lukas Wagner added 15 points. The Dragons Rhondorf shot 56% from the field and 40% from outside and had 33 rebounds and 13 turnovers while the TKS 49ers shot 49% from the field and 26% from outside and 27 rebounds and 13 turnovers.Tags : DEVON GOODMAN, TELEKOM BASKETS BONN, GERMAN BASKETBALL
Miles Schmidt-Scheuber and Bubba Furlong in Frankfurt 2023
Bubba Furlong (206-C-1999, college: NWOSU) is a 24 year old 206cm center from Waco, Texas playing his rookie season in Germany with Pro B team White Wings Hanau. He played 3 years at Sam Houston State (NCAA) playing a total of 75 NCAA games and then finished at Northwestern Oklahoma State (NCAA2) playing a total of 44 games and averaging 12.2ppg, 7.6rpg, 1.8apg, 1.2spg, 2.5bpg, FGP: 55.5%, 3PT: 32.5%, FT: 67.6% as a senior. He spoke to germanhoops.com about Lebron James breaking the NBA all-time scoring record of Kareem Abdul Jabbar.
Lebron James has beaten Kareem Abdul Jabbar’s NBA all-time scoring record. Did you stay up to watch history?
I did it was crazy seeing him take over in all-time scoring.
How does one put this record into perspective best? It stood almost 40 years?
The record was broken 38 years ago the year LeBron was born. And it’s going to be tough for anyone to break it now with him not being done playing
He scored 36 points in 26 minutes. Was it another normal day at the office?
Oh for sure 36 points in 26 minutes is easy for LeBron
How much is that ball going to be worth?
Probably worth millions. What’s even cooler is someone from my hometown Waco Texas was guarding him in that moment. Kenrich Williams.
Russell Westbrook made the pass. Do you think that in 20 years the pass could be remembered more than his triple doubles?
Oh no I think Westbrook will be known for being a triple double machine
His record breaking basket was a step back over Kenrich Williams. Is that the kind of shot you expected knowing the kind of player he is? Or would you have expected a dunk for the spectacular finish?
I think the shot was perfect he’s changed his game over the years and now he’s shooting more. Just like MJ and Kobe both did as they got older
There obviously is a lot of respect for Kareem, by the basketball world, but what would have happened on social media if Lebron had gotten the record with a sky hook shot?
He would’ve been paying homage to Kareem I think that would’ve been cool
Kareem is such a gentleman. You didn’t grow up with him, but what does his legacy mean to younger guys? Can they even understand what that guy did?
Great players know who Kareem was. He changed the game of basketball
Lebron will have more than 40,000 points when it’s all over. Back in 1984 people said it would never be broken? Will this record be broken?
If anyone will break the record it would be Luka if he keeps playing like he is but he even said he’s not going to play that long.
If Luka Doncic continues to play to 40 stays fit and becomes a physical specimen like Lebron, could he dethrone him?
I think he could get it yes
Does this record finally give Lebron the GOAT status over Michael Jordan?
I think he just solidifies how good he really is and we’re seeing greatness in our time
What is your favorite Lebron moment that you witnessed live or on TV?
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 on the 95-59 win over Grand Saconnex. You have a neat little winning streak going. Does each win feel a bit better?
We are working hard. It feels good to put together a winning atmosphere with the team. We have a new energy and would like to keep it going.
Talk a little about the 40 minutes. When was this game decided?
We came out from the beginning again with the energy , focused on defense and followed the game plan to the best of our abilities.
There was one shocking stat line of 29 turnovers. How does a team achieve that in such a lopsided win where so much else was working? Most of those turnovers were simple mistakes from our offense moving too fast of a miss communication. We were getting Alot of stops on defense so our turnovers weren’t costing us as much as they should have. We have to focus on those more for the future 29 turnovers are unacceptable .
The team is playing their best defense of the season allowing only 53 points per game in the last 3 games. What has been the main reason for the consistent play?
We have a team full of offensive threats but the main reason for this is we are all locked in on the defensive end. We are starting games better and not giving up second chance points. Credits to our coaches pushing the intensity and making us focus our attention to the defensive end of the stat sheet.
The team got a lot of good support from various guys like Dario Pelizza who supplied 11 points. What have you learned to appreciate most about his game this season?
Dario is a very hard worker who has improved tremendously each week. He has a lot of plays that don’t show up on the stat sheet like deflections good on ball defense or hockey assists. He is a guy who’s presence is felt. He had a great game last week. I believe he is capable of these offensive outputs and more.
You had a solid game of 18/5/6 stats. You continue to be a very good from close. Was this one of those game where you didn’t need to rely on the 3?
This game was good it was a balanced game I was happy that We had multiple guys in double figures. I chose my spots and was happy with my percentage shooting. I don’t worry about if it’s is a 2 or 3 my focus is getting mine with out taking too many shots or missing too many shots.
The next game is against Acad Friborg whom you lost to by 11 points. What will be key to getting the win this time? The key this time is remembering we are a way better team than last time we played them first off. I also think the key is focusing on defense and team play if we can do this we can have a good chance to defeat a tough team like them.
Marcus Foster (191-G-1995, college: Creighton) is a 27 year old 191cm guard from Texas that is playing his 5th professional season and first with BC Rytas Vilnius (Lithuania-LKL). Last season he split time with the Rio Grande Valley Vipers (NBA G League) averaging 16.4ppg, 3.6rpg, 3.9apg, FGP: 56.5%, 3PT: 38.4%, FT: 70.4%, then played with ASP Promitheas Patras (Greece-A1) averaging 12.1ppg, 2.8rpg, 1.5apg, FGP: 66.7%, 3PT: 35.5%, FT: 66.7%. In 2020-2021 he played with Panathinaikos OPAP Athens (Greece-A1) averaging 6.0ppg, 1.2rpg, 2FGP: 48.5%, 3FGP: 41.7%, FT: 55.6% in the Euroleague and 5.3ppg, 1.7rpg, 1.5apg, 2FGP: 55.9%, 3FGP: 7.4%, FT: 64.3%, in the Greek league and in Feb.’21 moved to Turk Telekom Ankara (Turkey-BSL) averaging 8.2ppg, 1.4rpg, 1.8apg, FGP: 49.0%, 3PT: 30.0%, FT: 66.7%; and 8.8ppg, 2.7rpg, 2.8apg, 1.2spg, FGP: 40.6%, 3PT: 26.1%, FT: 39.1% in the Basketball Champions League. In 2019-2020 he played with Hapoel Unet Holon (Israel-Winner League) averaging 20.2ppg, 3.5rpg, 3.4apg, FGP: 58.3%, 3PT: 42.3%, FT: 73.9%; and in the BCL averaged 17.8ppg, 2.9rpg, 3.8apg, 1.1spg, FGP: 61.9%, 3PT: 35.4%, FT: 73.1%. He split his rookie season with DB Promy (South Korea-KBL) averaging 25.2ppg, 5.2rpg, 3.8apg, FGP: 58.5%, 3PT: 32.0%, FT: 75.1%, and in Mar.’19 moved to Champville (Lebanon-LBL) averaging 10.7ppg, 4.3rpg, 2.3apg, 1.0spg. He began his basketball career at Wichita Falls High School and then played 2 seasons at Kansas State averaging 15.5ppg, 3.2rpg, 2.5apg, FGP: 42.3%, 3PT: 39.5%, FT: 73.4% and 12.5ppg, 2.3rpg, 1.9apg, FGP: 44.2%, 3PT: 34.7%, FT: 70.3%. He then finished at Creighton University averaging 18.2ppg, 2.9rpg, 2.4apg, FGP: 54.1%, 3PT: 34.1%, FT: 70.1% and 19.8ppg, 3.9rpg, 2.7apg, 1.0spg, FGP: 54.1%, 3PT: 41.3%, FT: 74.4% as a senior. He spoke to eurobasket before a Basketball Champions League game in Germany against the Telekom Baskets Bonn.
Thanks Marcus for talking to eurobasket. Where are you at the moment and how is basketball life treating you? I am in Vilnius Lithuania getting ready to finish the important part of our season. We have a big stretch coming up in the Lithuanian league and also in champions league. Doing good would be a lot better if there wasn’t so much snow here.
Your playing your first season with BC Rytas Vilnius (Lithuania-LKL,). What kind of an experience has it been playing in Lithuania, the small country with so many talented ballers. What have you appreciated most about the country and it’s basketball? The experience is going better than I thought it would. The Lithuanian league is better than I thought it would be and what I have heard from other players I’ve talked to that played in the lead in the past. For me being in a smaller country it is a little bit different I’ve been lucky enough to play in some great places like Greece, Israel and Turkey. The city of Vilnius is a very beautiful place, the thing I love most about the basketball is the love of the game from the fans and not just Rytas fans but fans from other teams.
BC Rytas Vilnius (Lithuania-LKL) is one of the top teams in Lithuania and have a rich history. What does it mean to you to wear it’s jersey?
For me having to play for Rytas and knowing the history of the club makes it even more special for me to step out on the court every time and give it my all for the city. And I understand how important it is to get the club back on top in Europe
BC Rytas Vilnius (Lithuania-LKL,) is fighting for the country title with Zalgiris and a number of other teams. Your having success with 2 Americans and a number of Lithuanian role players. Have you ever seen the team basketball focus so dominant as with this organization? It is very different for me being on a team that only has two Americans but with this team we do have great Lithuanian players which makes it easier for me to be successful having such a good team surrounded by me. It’s like every club it’s always important to focus on basketball to have the most success you could have.
After playing your first 3 seasons overseas and having played NBA Summer League, you played last season in the G-League with the Rio Grande Valley Vipers (NBA G League) averaging 16.4ppg, 3.6rpg, 3.9apg, FGP: 56.5%, 3PT: 38.4%, FT: 70.4%. How high can one value a G-League title considering all the ups and downs and comings and goings that an organization has to deal with?
With the team I had it was obvious from the beginning that we were the best team in the G league. So having the championship was special because of the team we had with such great players. Each player on the team could have been on another team and been the main guy but we came together and all had one goal of winning the championship.
Nowadays the League and G-League have gotten so young that one rarely sees older guys. But you had the fortune being teammates with Gerald Green and helping win a title. What will you always remember from him as a teammate? G league is a very young League it’s a good development for guys that are trying to make the NBA. When I found out the Gerald Green would be my teammate I was very excited because he was always somebody I idolized with his style of play. I remember I used to tell my friends if I ever would play in the NBA I would want to have the role of a Gerald Green. When I remember most is from day one I am just wanting to win the championship. He always talked to us about how close he came to win the NBA championship and now after his career in the NBA was over he just wanted to have that championship to finish his career
You had a really consistent G-League season and really upped your stats in the last 2 months. Do you feel like you were ever close to a NBA call up?
Yeah for me towards the end of the season everything started clicking and it became easier for me to play my game. Yes I was close to a 10 day and two-way with the Rockets. Because of the season I had my agent had some conversations with some general managers and they definitely considered signing me to some contracts in the NBA for this season.
You had a good NCAA career and have played well as a professional player. Is Europe now your main focus or is the NBA still a reality for you? Older guys from overseas have made the NBA in recent years. For me the NBA is a goal but it’s not my focus though if I do achieve it I will definitely be happy but if I do not achieve it it would not make a difference to me. My main focus is just trying to enjoy the game of basketball because some people don’t get to do what I do every day which is wake up and have basketball as a job.
After having your break out season in Israel, you then played the 20-21 season with Panathinaikos OPAP Athens (Greece-A1) averaging 6.0ppg, 1.2rpg, 2FGP: 48.5%, 3FGP: 41.7%, FT: 55.6%;in the Euroleague and 5.3ppg, 1.7rpg, 1.5apg, 2FGP: 55.9%, 3FGP: 7.4%, FT: 64.3%, in the Greek league and in Feb.’21 moved to Turk Telekom Ankara (Turkey-BSL) averaging: 8.2ppg, 1.4rpg, 1.8apg, FGP: 49.0%, 3PT: 30.0%, FT: 66.7%; and in the BCL averaged 8.8ppg, 2.7rpg, 2.8apg, 1.2spg, FGP: 40.6%, 3PT: 26.1%, FT: 39.1%. How tough was this season? What did you learn about the season and yourself?
This was one of the toughest years for me basketball wise because it was the first true taste of European basketball. I was in two situations that did not fit me at the time but being a younger player at the time I was still trying to figure out how to be successful on a high level. I learned that playing at a high level like Euroleague everybody is very talented but the reason why guys stick around is because they do more than one thing and they bring value to their team. So what I learned is every situation is not going to be perfect and I have to figure out ways to stick by working on my weaknesses.
Despite losing a Euroleague game to FC Barcelona, you scored 24 points. Was that one of your best games overseas? I’ve had some big games overseas scoring 30 points but this game will always be one of my favorite games I’ve had when playing a team like Barcelona and you are one of the top scores from your team that I will always be a special moment for me being so young at the time.
In 2019-2020 you played with Hapoel Unet Holon (Israel-Winner League) averaging 20.2ppg), 3.5rpg, 3.4apg, FGP: 58.3%, 3PT: 42.3%, FT: 73.9%; and in the BCL averaged17.8ppg, 2.9rpg, 3.8apg, 1.1spg, FGP: 61.9%, 3PT: 35.4%, FT: 73.1%. Is it fair to say that Israel was your best season so far as a professional. Did the league suit your game or what do you feel was the reason for your domination?
That was definitely the best season I ever had all around. the Israel league is more of a offensive League and fast paced so that was one of the reasons why I was so successful but also the coaches I’ve had that season helped me and put me in situations for me to be successful.
Even though you lost both games to Euroleague Powerhouse Maccabi Tel Aviv you belonged to the best players on the court scoring 20 plus points in both games. Did you feel like you had arrived overseas with these performances? Yes because that year I felt that team could have made a run to the final four.
You played your rookie season with DB Promy (South Korea-KBL): 51 games: Score-4 (25.2ppg), 5.2rpg, 3.8apg, FGP: 58.5%, 3PT: 32.0%, FT: 75.1%, in Mar.’19 moved to Champville (Lebanon-LBL) averaging 10.7ppg, 4.3rpg, 2.3apg, 1.0spg. What do you remember being your wake up call to being overseas where you knew that you were far away from home?
.Playing in South Korea is a different experience so from day one I knew that I was a overseas basketball player because me and the other American on my team were the only ones that spoke English not even my coach spoke English so I had a Korean translator on the team
How much fun was Korea? You scored 47 and 42 points. Did it sometimes feel like you were a man among boys?
Korea will always be one of my favorite years just because it was really just waking up and playing basketball. We really didn’t run much plays and you were playing three or four games a week so I barely practiced, and they were forcing me to shoot 20 shots a game and with my style of play it was easy for me to have big games like that.
You had a solid Portsmouth Invitational Tournament (Pre-NBA Draft) averaging 13.3ppg, 3.3rpg, 5.3apg, 1.7spg, FGP: 42.9%, 3PT: 31.3%, FT: 62.5% and played NBA Summer League in Las Vegas, NV (Sacramento Kings): 3 games: 1.3ppg, 2.0rpg, 3.3apg. What do you remember about this time. What did you learn about the NBA process and what feedback do you remember getting from the Kings?
Portsmouth was a good start to my whole pre-draft process it was my first time being in NBA setting. I Just remember being nervous because it was the start of the NBA process and I wanted to do very good. I always think about my first summer league with the Sacramento Kings because I got hurt with my hamstring and I ended up only playing one game in summer league. I remember leading up to the first games I was doing very well I was one of the best players on my team and was going to get a lot of minutes but got hurt right before the games. I remember the kings telling me if I would not have got hurt I possibly would have played myself into a two-way contract. I got a training camp invite from the kings and I always regret not going because they had a lot of interest in me.
You began your basketball career at Kansas State averaging 15.5ppg, 3.2rpg, 2.5apg, FGP: 42.3%, 3PT: 39.5%, FT: 73.4% and 12.5ppg, 2.3rpg, 1.9apg, FGP: 44.2%, 3PT: 34.7%, FT: 70.3%. You had 2 good seasons but were criticized in your second for focusing too much on the NBA. What did you learn about yourself in these 2 years and what positives did you get out of Kansas State? For me nobody ever thought I would make the NBA so when that started going into my mind and people are saying I was a draft pick it was hard for me to stay the same person that I was. If I would’ve played how I played my first season at Kansas State I would probably have been a first round draft pick but what I learned from that situation is everything happens for a reason what you have to do is learn from your mistakes and continue to grow not just as a basketball player but as a man.
You then went to Creighton. How thankful were you for head coach Greg Mcdermott for giving you the chance to play there and how did he groom and prepare you best for a professional career?
I’m always thankful for coach Mac, because he helped me in many ways not just on the basketball court. Basketball wise he is one of the best offensive coaches in America so his style of coaching fit how I played which made it easy for me to be very successful under him.
You had 2 great seasons averaging 18.2ppg, 2.9rpg, 2.4apg, FGP: 54.1%, 3PT: 34.1%, FT: 70.% and 19.8ppg, 3.9rpg, 2.7apg, 1.0spg, FGP: 54.1%, 3PT: 41.3%, FT: 74.4%. What kind of player did you become at Creighton? I became a smarter player and also a leader. My first year I took a lot of bad shots wasn’t a great defender and coach Mac stayed on me that off-season to become better at those two things which carried over to me being the leader of my team and having an even better year my second year
Do you still get asked about your magical buzzer beater against Depaul in the 76-75 win? What memories do you still have?
Every time I go to Omaha Nebraska people bring up that game and many others. For me it was a special game because it was the game I scored my 2000 point with that buzzer beater. I remember my close friend one of the managers on the team was keeping count until I made 2000 points I remember at shoot around him telling me you know you only need 29 points to get 2000 you might as well do it tonight and with that last shot at the buzzer that was 29 points so it was a special moment and great that my team won.
You only scored 5 points in your last NCAA game against Kansas State and hugged your ex coach Bruce Weber after the game. Did you guys wrap up the history you had at KSU over the years? For me it was tough playing my old coach there was a lot of emotions there but ending my career like that will always be tough for me but it doesn’t determine the type of career I had with playing that game it was a good way to end everything and move on from the past.
Who won a 1-1 in practice you or Khyri Thomas?
I can’t lie it would have been even some days I would have good days against him and some days he would lock me up. Khyri Thomas is one of the best defenders I’ve ever gone against I was always glad that he was on my team and not having to guard me in real games.
Who is the best player that you ever faced in the NCAA that reached the NBA? Marcus Smart is one of the best players offensively and defensively I’ve ever had to play. His energy and competitiveness is unmatched. He brings it every single game and this is why he is still in the NBA and a very important part of the Boston Celtics.
Please name your 5 best teammates of all-time?
Shane Southwell he was my teammate my freshman year at Kansas State and he believed in me when I didn’t even believe in myself TJ cline my teammate from Holon. We spent a lot of time together which made our connection on the court very strong Maurice Watson my point guard from my first year at Creighton. He was like a big brother to me and he taught me how to lead a team with my actions in my words Ben Bentil and Ioannis Papapetrou my two teammates from Panathinaikos that year was very tough for me basketball wise like I said and they always made sure my head was in a good place because they knew how good of a player I could be so they guided me while I was there.
Please list your personal NBA Mount Rushmore? Kobe Bryant, Michael Jordan, Lebron James, Shaq, Stephen Curry
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 Kobe Bryant is the best player to ever play basketball. I am a big Kobe Fan and I personally never got to witness Michael Jordan play in his prime so I do not like to judge players outside of my lifetime so for me I always put Kobe over everybody
Did you see the sequel to the classic Coming To America? Shouldn’t they have left it alone?
Yes I have seen coming to America and like every classic movie from the past I think it always should be left alone. Not many sequel movies are even close to the first one.
German Hoops 