James Washington (182-PG-1987, college: MTSU) is a 35 year old 182cm guard from St Louis, Missouri playing his 12th professional season and first with Energa Kotwica Kolobrzeg (Poland-1Liga). He played at Western Illinois University and Middle Tennessee State university before turning pro in 2011 and playing in Germany for TBB Trier. His career has taken him to other countries like Sweden, Belgium, Croatia, Romania and France. He gave his thoughts about Lebron James breaking the NBA all-time scoring record from Kareem Abdul Jabbar.
Lebron James has beaten Kareem Abdul Jabbar’s NBA all-time scoring record. Did you stay up to watch history? I tried my best to stay up. It came on a little after 4 am here in Poland. I was able to watch most of the 1st quarter. But I dozed off unfortunately.
How does one put this record into perspective best? It stood almost 40 years?
It’s enormously difficult to put this into perspective. Mainly because LeBron just continues to improve year after year. The crazy part is he is not even close to being finished. He scored 36 points in 26 minutes.
Was it another normal day at the office?
A normal day for him after the jump ball and after his first basket in my opinion. It’s very challenging to block out so much attention and media at that level. So I wouldn’t necessarily call it an overall normal day last night.
Do you know that you are linked in a way indirectly to Lebron James? You played with his friend and ex high school teammate at Trier Dru Joyce.
Dru Joyce is a great friend and big brother of mine. He was an amazing teammate and even better person/mentor. Proud of how he is doing as a college coach at the D1 level. We still keep in contact all the time. We still have countless debates back and forth about who is the greatest between Jordan and Lebron.
How much is that ball going to be worth? Man, Priceless!!! I don’t think Bron will ever let that ball go. So we probably will never know.
Russell Westbrook made the pass. Do you think that in 20 years the pass could be remembered more than his triple doubles? That could be a debate of how some people look at it. But in my opinion that was only an assist you would get in the NBA. And Westbrook triple doubles were CRAZY.
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? You know how it is in live action at the highest level. Your usually going to take the easiest basket you can get. But I actually thought he was going to try to do the Kareem sky hook to pass him and pay homage while doing so.
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?
Funny I just mentioned that. But social media is already going wild. And I think the topic will heat up even more as the week continues. But if he would have gotten the record with the sky hook? That would have been super crazy!
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? My mother was a big Lakers fan so I was a little educated about his body of work on the court. But I would say most of the younger guys don’t understand. He played 20 seasons like Lebron, scored 38,000 plus points like LeBron, but with only 1 made 3 pointer.
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?
Lebron can probably play for 5 more seasons. So nobody knows how much he will end up scoring. But with the development of the game today at such a young age. Unfortunately I think his record could be broken. Maybe one of these young talents like this Victor Wembanyama kid from France could be one to do it.
If Luka Doncic continues to play to 40 stays fit and becomes a physical specimen like Lebron, could he dethrone him? Yes if Luka plays for that long, I think he can get it. But in my opinion if Luka wins a ring or 2, he won’t play close to the age of 40.
Does this record finally give Lebron the GOAT status over Michael Jordan?
No!!!! I still can not give Lebron the GOAT label. For me LeBron has always been a guy that fills the stat sheets. So him breaking all these records are of course super impressive. But he didn’t win enough for me. At the end of the day the game is about winning. Jordan had 6 rings and never lost in the finals. That’s ridiculous!
What is your favorite Lebron moment that you witnessed live or on TV? I would probably have to say when he caught the lob and dunked on Jason Terry. People made it to a meme still to this day.
Miles Schmidt-Scheuber and TJ Shorts in Frankfurt in 2022
TJ Shorts (175-PG-1997, college: UC Davis) is a 25 year old 175cm point guard from Tustin, California playing his fourth professional season and third in Germany and first with the Telekom Baskets Bonn currently averaging 18,6ppg, 3,5rpg 7,4apg and 1,2spg. Last season he played with the Hakro Merlins averaging (20.6ppg), 3.4rpg, Assists-3 (7.0apg), 1.9spg, FGP: 54.9%, 3PT: 41.7%, FT: 83.3%. In 2020-2021 with the Hamburg Towers he averaged 14.3ppg, 2.8rpg, Assists-4 (5.3apg), Steals-3 (1.7spg), FGP: 49.3%, 3PT: 28.1%, FT: 71.8%. In his rookie season he played with with BK Ventspils (Latvia-LBL) playing 12 FIBA Europe Cup games averaging 14.6ppg, 2.8rpg, Assists-4 (6.3apg), Steals-5 (2.0spg), FGP: 66.7%, 3PT: 25.0%, FT: 82.4%; and played 20 LatEstBL games averaging 11.8ppg, 3.3rpg, 5.0apg, 1.4spg, FGP: 63.8%, 3PT: 25.0%, FT: 75.6%. He began his basketball career at Tustin High School and then played two years at Saddleback JC (JUCO) He finished at the University of California – Davis (NCAA) playing 31 games averaging 14.6ppg, 3.7rpg, 4.5apg, 2.0spg, FGP: 53.8%, 3PT: 33.3%, FT: 72.7% and in his senior year averaged 15.2ppg, 4.7rpg, 4.3apg, 1.6spg, FGP: 53.0%, 3PT: 27.9%, FT: 71.8%. He spoke germanhoops.com after the 88-61 win against the Fraport Skyliners.
Congrats TJ on the 88-61 win in Frankfurt against the Fraport Skyliners. Was this another normal day at the office for the team?
I wouldn’t say it was a normal day at the office for us. Even if their record doesn’t show it, they are a high quality team. I am proud of how the team fought and took control of the game after we were able to find our rhythm on offense and defense.
The Telekom Baskets Bonn broke free in the second quarter scoring 26 points. It rained three’s. What was key in the team breaking free.
We wanted to take away their strengths and play off their spots. On offense we let the ball move and when we are focused and are dynamic then we know that we will get good shots. We also were able to play at our pace and apply pressure on their defense.
In the second half, Frankfurt fought back and couldn’t get over the hump and in the fourth Bonn slammed the door shut in their faces with a 26 points outburst and 18-1 run to start. How would you describe Bonn basketball in this phase?
We showed a glimpse of our identity. We were able to get easy shots. We know that our defense will carry our offense. When we see one go in then we are capable of going on those 18-1 type runs.
This may have been your last battle against Quantez Robertson who is playing his 14th season with one club the Fraport Skyliners. How is something like that possible in todays day and age where money and moving around is the norm? I have nothing but respect for Tez. He is a guy that has done real good things in the BBL. In today’s game guys are looking to make the next step and reach next level. The game will take you places where you won’t know where you will be next. You just have to learn to cherish the in moments and not take anything for granted.
The Telekom Baskets Bonn are having a great season and have upped their performance from last season. What have you been able to appreciate most this season about playing in the easyCredit BBL? I appreciate the team that we have and they are all great guys. We all get along very well and that is very rare. We have that college basketball feel in Bonn. We are friends on and off the court. This family feeling helps us be successful. Our chemistry is at such a high level that it has helped us carry us on our run this season. I hope we can continue to keep it going.
The hunger to win a title is gigantic with the fans, but also for the players. Your still searching for that first chip. Do you personally feel that special excitement about what this club could do this season? There is definitely excitement and a buzz around the team. We don’t want to get ahead of ourselves as the season is still very long. We want to continue to take it game by game. Important for us is to take care of the little things and continue to get better. We know that there are a lot of different facets that goes into winning a title.
The coach and team chemistry is very special this season. What other special attributes do you feel does this club have this season that has been instrumental in winning? I mean it is tough to pinpoint just 2 things, but those 2 things are definitely important. You have to give a lot of credit to the coach who was able to build a team and be able to hand and pick guys that would buy into the system and have it work and have the players sacrifice into the team. It is really rare to find a group of guys like that.
The Telekom Baskets Bonn lost twice to Alba Berlin but play against them again at the end of April. What will it take to beat this club in a 5 game playoff series?
We know the quality that they have. We know that they have Euroleague type players and coaches and it will take a lot to beat them. You have to be focused on every possession. They will punish you on every mistake that you make. You have to focus on each possession and not try to do to much. We will continue to build the next months, but continue to take it a game at a time.
The club recently picked up Jovantae Hawkins. Everybody knows what he can bring to the club. How does your game get more elevated now with his presence?
He knows coaches system from Crailsheim and knows what to do on defense. He will have an easy transition. He is another offensive threat that can create his own shot, has length and is athletic. It will be great to play with him and learn his game and continue to build chemistry with him.
What has it been like practicing with young point guard Zach Ensminger? How have you been able to try to help him best so that his development continues to strive? We shoot together each day after practice. He is young and like a sponge. He puts in extreme work. He really does he can so he can implement himself into the lineup.
After having a great last season despite being injured, did you come into this season with a special mission that obviously has reflected once again in your play?
Even if I had had that injury last season, I came into this season with the same mindset. I came into this season like usual with a chip on my shoulder and wanting to leave an imprint on the game and have people remember me. I want to continue to help my team anyway I can and evolve to the next level.
Your playing another great season while playing 3 minutes less in the easyCredit BBL. How much of a challenge has it been being able to win and put up big time stats while having more talented players than in Crailsheim? It isn’t really a challenge for me but I believe that it is easier for me to play with high caliber players. It makes the game easier when you have great centers and wings. I don’t feel like I have to do much in order to be successful. All that matters is winning.
How much fun has it been playing with this bunch of guys. Obviously the trust has to be huge. Talk a little about how special this group is?
It is so much fun playing with this team. Winning also helps. We hang out a lot off the court which helps build that chemistry on the court. We practice very hard and there is always a lot of trash talking. We bring out the best in each other. We continue to build a special connection that translates onto the court. I knew on the first day that we would have a special group.
How instrumental has head coach Tuomas Iisalo been for your game. What part of your game has grown most under his tutelage? He instills a lot of confidence in me. He allows me to be myself. He gives me a lot of advice and criticism on how to be successful. He is a smart coach that watches a lot of film. I’m always all ear when he talks. We trust each other and continue to grow in our relationship. I’m very thankful that he has trusted me.
What kind of player are you now and what kind of player do you still want to become? I’m the same player now that I have always been. I’m team orientated and does all to win. I’m very competitive and just try to learn and improve each day. I always want to get better and am never satisfied. The day when I’m satisfied is the day I stop to play.
Is this the year of the Boston Celtics? Will they finally win it all? I think it might be. They have great players with Taytum and Brown. If they stay healthy going into the playoffs it could be possible. The east is tough with guys like Giannis and Harden. They have to stay healthy.
Lebron James recently became the NBA’s all-time leading scorer. Is he the GOAT now? Yes for me. I have always had Lebron as the GOAT. There are no more arguments. There will always be a discussion. Both are great in their own right. But Lebron is my era and is my GOAT:
Stanley Whittaker (183-PG-1994, college: Keiser) is a 28 year old 183cm point guard playing his fourth professional season and first in the easyCredit BBL with s.Oliver Wurzburg currently averaging 17,7ppg, 2,8rpg, 4,8apg and 1,4spg. Last season with PS Karlsruhe he averaged (22.3ppg), 5.1rpg, Assists-3 (6.6apg), 1.4spg, FGP: 48.9%, 3PT: 43.0%, FT: 84.6%. He played his rookie season in Lithuania and had his break through with UBSC Raiffeisen Graz (Austria-BSL) playing 24 games: Score-2 (21.5ppg), 6.3rpg, Assists-2 (8.0apg), Steals-1 (2.6spg), FGP: 49.3%, 3PT: 40.5%, FT: 78.4%. He played his college ball at Frank Phillips (JUCO) and Keiser (NAIA). He spoke to germanhoops.com about Lebron James becoming the NBA’s all-time scoring leader.
Lebron James has beaten Kareem Abdul Jabbar’s NBA all-time scoring record. Did you stay up to watch history?
I actually woke up in the middle of the night and luckily I caught a bit of the 3rd quarter and was able to witness it live!
How does one put this record into perspective best? It stood almost 40 years? Just a consistent level of availability and greatness over a long period of time.
He scored 36 points in 26 minutes. Was it another normal day at the office?
Yeah you can sense the urgency and energy was shifted to just breaking the record. Glad he lifted that ‘burden’ haha. Sure he wanted to get through with it but really relish in that moment at the same time.
How much is that ball going to be worth? I’m not even sure to be honest. I’ll like to guess that Lebron will put that ball up somewhere nice.
Russell Westbrook made the pass. Do you think that in 20 years the pass could be remembered more than his triple doubles?
No I don’t think so. Russ has a historic record himself that’ll keep growing as long as he’s playing.
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 figured it’ll be a mid to high post basket, Lebron is much more comfortable and efficient from there.
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? I can’t really say, you never know how social media may perceive it. Maybe they’ll take it as Lebron was paying homage, or they’ll take it as a disrespectful act.
Kareem is such a gentleman. You didn’t grow up with him, but what does his legacy mean to younger guys? Can they even understand what that guy did?
I mean for me, his legacy is cemented and he’s one of the greats of our game. The path he took and everything he had to endure on his journey speaks volume. He paved the way for the game to be where it’s at today, one of the pillars of our game and should always be granted that respect and honor.
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? Yeah over 40K points is tough. I’m not sure if it’ll be broken but you can’t say that it won’t either.
If Luka Doncic continues to play to 40 stays fit and becomes a physical specimen like Lebron, could he dethrone him?
I don’t think Luka wants to play that long tbh. But if he actually puts his mind, body and kind of make it a goal, it’ll be a challenge but maybe he can, anything is possible.
Does this record finally give Lebron the GOAT status over Michael Jordan? I don’t think so. Lebron is Lebron though. Jordan is Jordan
What is your favorite Lebron moment that you witnessed live or on TV?
Maybe one of those playoffs runs in Cleveland when he came back after Miami. Really liked the 2018 one.
Current NBA guys exploding for 50 plus points like Luka, Lebron , Devin or Steph is no surprise but that happening overseas is very rare as in many leagues defense is actually played. You won’t see that kind of dominance in the 2 top leagues Euroleague and ACB, but you will see absurb point totals in lower leagues where defense isn’t stressed as much. Especially in the German Regionalliga, you will see a handful of Americans putting up points and demonstrate their walking bucket talent. In the 2022-2023 season, the Regionalliga has boasted a number of guys putting up crazy point totals like Shawn Scott, Terry Winn and Jeremy Ingram not to mention Mr Regionalliga legend Rickey Easterling who has been doing it for 10 plus years. Another talented baller to add to that list is Ricardo Artis II (198-F/G-1993, college: Wiley) who has had no problem hitting teams for 42 points, 37 points twice and 35 points while never scoring less than 21 points. He is another one of the many Cinderella stories rampant in the Regionalliga as in a way he is playing his rookie season overseas as it took him 5 years to break in over here as he had been playing semi-pro basketball in the States. He takes nothing for granted and has an idea why his arrival in Germany took so long. ‘I’m completely grateful for the opportunity. It’s been a goal of mine outside of my NBA dreams. I don’t think you could find anyone with more heart, passion and drive for this game. I give it all I got don’t matter the circumstances. I honestly don’t know but my representation definitely could’ve been better. I’ve always been a guy that stood out in a crowd of greats. I never knew what it took to get where I am today or how to do it. I just knew that somehow, someway I would get here. I never stop believing in myself’, stressed Ricardo Artis II. One also can’t forget that when you play in the NAIA, you aren’t always taken seriously and there is that stigma that makes clubs look the other way. A question I love asking pro ballers when they are dominating a league does it feel like a man playing among kids. Interestingly enough, having this feeling is nothing new for him. ‘Truth is, I always felt like a man among kids. That’s how I play and that’s the confidence I keep to remain dominant. It’s great that my scoring numbers look like that because I’m a player that focuses on doing everything and not just scoring on the court’, warned Ricardo Artis II. He is that special player that has always had that man among kids feeling. Allowing him to dominate
Ricardo Artis II who lists Royce O’Neale, Taeshawn Thomas, Kenrich Williams, Taquan Zimmerman, Bruce Massey, Perry Jones, and Tyler Hansbrough as his toughest foes on the floor was born on July 23, 1993 in Austin, Texas. The basketball career of the American has been an unending grind and struggle and it started early when he was 20 years old when he played JUCO. Often a guy will play at a JUCO school and then after 1-2 years make the jump to a NCAA school. But he didn’t do that. He had to experience the JUCO life at 3 schools. It began at with Eastfield College (JUCO) where he right away was an impact player averaging 15.7ppg, 9.6rpg, 1.9apg, 2.3spg, 1.4bpg. He reached the Elite 8 and was a Region 3 champion and reached the all-national tournament team. His journey then continued at McLennan Community College (JUCO) where he averaged 12.9ppg, 6.5rpg, 1.2apg, FGP: 54.2%, 3PT: 25.0%, FT: 69.9%. His last JUCO tour of duty continued and ended at North Lake College (JUCO). For most guys that played JUCO, it was an incredibly tough experience, but for most one of the best if not the best thing they ever did to prepare them for their professional journey and it wasn’t any different for him ‘I struggled a lot. It took me a while to grow up and to find a coach who believed in me. I’ve had skills and talents since high school. I could always play. I just had to figure out a way to put it all together. Each of those Juco colleges were learning tools. On and off the court. I learned a lot about myself and who I really am. I wouldn’t trade it for the world. Everywhere I been has created what I am today. I endure it all’, stressed Ricardo Artis II. His struggle then continued as he wasn’t rewarded with an NCAA gig, but played in the NAIA for Wiley College. Playing at Wiley paved the road to becoming a professional even if it did take him longer to get overseas than other guys. ‘Wiley was great. I set records and it was historic season we had. It helped me grow a lot. It was a tough season for me off the court that last year. I grew more as a person off the court than on the court. But it was successful year for sure and it also helped me grow a lot as a player’, stated Ricardo Artis II. He averaged 16.0ppg, 9.0rpg, 1.7apg, 1.1spg, FGP: 55.0%, 3PT: 31.7%, FT: 74.8% and one of his best games was surely his 34/20 explosion in the victory against Southwestern, but the game he remembers most was the 61-59 loss against Hope International in his last NAIA game. ‘I took a buzzer beater half court shot to win the game with secs on the clock when I should have gave it to my PG Cory Jones because he had a knack for hitting half court shots’, added Ricardo Artis II. At Wiley he scored in double figures in 27 of 33 games and scored 20 points or more 10 times including hitting Southwest for 34 points and 31 points against LSU-Shreveport. An important individual in his year at Wiley was head coach Jameus Hartsfield who showed him the correct way. ‘Jameus to me was a great mental coach for me. I feel like he kept me balanced and it transitioned to my spirit out there on the courts. I thank him for that. But who prepared me the best was my high school coach Billy White Jr. I can’t thank him enough for the player and man I am today. He was like a dad/coach to me. I’m Forever grateful for them both’, warned Ricardo Artis II. He left Wiley having racked in All-RRAC First Team , RRAC All-Tournament Team and All-NAIA D1 Honorable Mention -2017.
After Wiley the athletic player who lists Cory Jones, Chuck Guy, Myron Taylor, Bruce Massey and TJ Maston as his 5 best teammates of all-time opted to chase the professional dream. It is very tough to come overseas coming form the NAIA, but it has been done, but the chances are minimal. Most of the time, it is connections and great fortune for NAIA guys to come overseas. Year after year passed and he continued to dream of the overseas gig while playing in various semi-pro leagues in the States including the UBL, ABA, PBA and TBL. Often guys will give up after a few years, but not him. He stuck out the grind for 5 years. ‘I actually wanted to give up many of times. It’s been so tough. Believing in yourself when nobody else does hurts. It hurt me continuously over and over again. Especially as a father. At times, It felt like I was chasing something that I would never reach’, warned Ricardo Artis II. What makes the semi-pro grind even more difficult is that he is up against hundred’s of guys chasing the same dream and he can’t be 24/7 working on his craft in the gym, because he has to live from something besides the marginal money from semi-pro teams. ‘I worked 9-5 jobs continuously throughout my years. My toughest moments came from working those jobs because I knew where my heart wanted to be. But I had to do what I had to do for my family. Juggling it all was tough and a struggle’, remembered Ricardo Artis II. He had many great games, but scoring a bunch or winning a title wasn’t his fondest memory of his 5 year run on the semi-pro tour. ‘My nicest memory was actually one of my worst when I broke my hand. It showed me how it could all end that day without the correct health and body. My mind body and spirit is important for me’, expressed Ricardo Artis II.
The scoring machine who lists Kobe, Jordan, Lebron, Magic, and Shaq on his personal NBA Mount Rushmore finally found himself on a flight across the Atlantic to Germany in 2022 as he signed a contract in Germany’s fourth division Regionalliga with Hagen-Haspe. The Regionalliga is no glamour league, but he has been used to playing in lower leagues his whole life. ‘This league isn’t anywhere near where I pictured I would have to start with the talent I have but I’ve always took advantage of opportunities that are given to me so in this case it’s no different. The love and support I get here is amazing’, commented Ricardo Artis II. For many Americans, the first thing they suffer when landing in Europe is the culture shock. It hasn’t ben any different for him as he has to handle the German language and also witnessing the starring of people because of his height, hair and American style. But that hasn’t affected his overwhelming play on the court as he is currently averaging 29,4ppg, 11,7rpg, 3,1apg and 3,6spg in 36 minutes of work per game. The double double monster has been battling all season with American Shawn Scott another former NAIA player who took 3 years to get overseas for the scoring title. ‘That’s my game. I’ve been a consistent double double man since my college days. The battle with Shawn Scott is fun. He is a great player. He actually left to a different team so I think I am far ahead from the next person on the scoring title now that he’s gone. I wish him the best’, said Ricardo Artis II. Americans always get a special respect from German players simply because their Americans and come from where basketball was invented. ‘The respect from my teammates have improved me to being the leader that I am today. They allow me to lead them the way I lead a group. I have a lot of passion for this game and you can see it in my play on the court. They’ve noticed it and adapted great to my leadership. They’ve treated me well and they’ve been playing great basketball’, stressed Ricardo Artis II. He has scored in double figures in every game and scored more than 20 points in all games and scored 30 points or more in 10 games. He has registered 16 double doubles and hammered Leverkusen 2 for 42 points. He also had other top games against Ibbenburen with 37 points and hit Wulfen for 35 points. He also had a monster game against Koln DTV with 32 points and 21 boards. Could he reach 30 rebounds one day? ‘I actually knew I was going to have a 20 point rebound game sometime in between the season. It’s just something I’ve always done in a season since college. The most I got was 25 in college in my juco years. 30 rebounds though? I never thought about that but since you mentioned it I will add it to my bucket list of goals. We’ll see’, warned Ricardo Artis II.
The Texas native who has Jordan and Lebron 1-2 in the Goat debate is a 198cm swing man that believes his game doesn’t resemble just one player, but a mixture of Scottie Pippen, Dennis Rodman and Jimmy Butler. Obviously his scoring and rebounding really standout, but he fills the stat sheet at ease and his game has so much more to offer than just double doubles. Being that 2 way player will help him climb the basketball ladder more than just being the hero with double doubles. ‘Defending is one of my best traits. I don’t like when I’m scored on and I think that’s what makes me great. The more you try to score on me and do score on me, will only make me play defense tougher. That’s always kept me successful as a defensive player. I’m averaging nearly around 4 steals a game on the season. That goes unnoticed. I guard the best player don’t matter the position 1-5. I think I should be in the talk of defensive player of the year as well as player of the year. I take a lot of pride on that side so hopefully that doesn’t remain unnoticed due to my scoring and rebounding. I’m also a great passer’, warned Ricardo Artis II. Certain aspects of his shooting game continue to be a work in progress like his three point shooting and free throw shooting. ‘The different gyms have been keeping me on my toes with my 3 point shooting. But that’s no excuse. I think I shoot better at home I don’t know the statistics on that. But it’s something that can be fixed. Sometimes they fall, sometimes they don’t. Shooters shoot and that’s what I will continue to do. I want to become a 90%+ free throw shooter I feel as if I can reach that level. I could be really dominant due to the amount of times I get fouled from my aggressive play. I think I’m at around 80%. I need to be better’, warned Ricardo Artis II. It will be interesting to see where the basketball journey of Ricardo Artis II will go in the next years. He should continue to move up the basketball ladder, because he can ball at higher levels than the Regionalliga. All he needs is a chance. Maybe one day one will Ricardo Artis II and Shawn Scott going head to head again down the road in a higher league. They both are living the Cinderella story and are still a long way away from midnight.
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.
Bargteheide suffered a tough 97-63 loss to tough team BG Berlin. You got ejected from game. Was this the first time it happened in your career?
Yes I have never been ejected from a game in my life until now but its ok. It happens to the best of them.
Talk a little about the 40 minutes. Did BG Berlin set the tone from the start or did they decide the game later in the contest?
They started the game off on a 15-0 run so they pretty much controlled the entire game.
BG Berlin have a very impressive roster with ex BBL players Seiferth and Fuelle, ex Pro A player Jean Louis and top regio player Shawn Scott. What made this team so hard to defend against? Well players 1-10 were pretty much all good players. You can tell they spent a lot of money on this roster. Especially since the substitutions that came in was just as talented as the starters.
Bargteheide shot a weak 12% from outside at 4/31. What was giving your team the biggest problems in the set play?
We just didn’t have a good pregame warmup which didn’t help and for some reason we just could not knock down shots in this beautiful gym for some reason.
You scored 10 points and shot 3/18 on the night. You were really pumped for the game. Was this one of those nights where you weren’t feeling it?
I was getting hit and undercut on at least 50% of my jump shots. Players were running into me which is why eventually got ejected but I guess since I’m much quicker than most people on the floor I don’t get those calls.
Please talk about the ejection from the game. How did the refs see the call?
The refs were letting me get hit or players was running into my body and hitting my elbows while I was shooting almost every shot. It’s weird because we all saw it , my coach was talking to them , I was also numerous times. They kept letting it happen which was very frustrating and I’m usually always even kill in a basketball game. Then I get a clean steal which they called a foul so I had just had enough of them and my emotions got the best of me. Even though I didn’t go directly at the ref, they said I threw my hands up so I got 2 technical fouls for reacting to 2 horrible referee calls.
You next battle Westerstede that have 5 less wins. A must win situation?
If we want to make the playoffs we now have to win every game the rest of the season.
Florian Wendeler (205-C-1993) is a 29 year old 205cm center playing his 5th season for the Dragons Rhondorf and currently averaging 5,0ppg and 4,1rpg.. He began his basketball career with the Bayer Giants Leverkusen. He also has played with teams Cuxhaven, Bochum and Cologne. He is in his 10th Pro B season and has played more than 200 pro B games. He spoke to germanhoops.com last summer about basketball.
Thanks Florian for talking to germanhoops.com. Welcome back to Rhondorf. You played there from 2013-2017. What did you miss most from having the Dragons jersey on?
Definitely the atmosphere in a packed DragonDome and the great fans supporting the team. From what I’ve seen in my two games in Rhoendorf last season, there are mostly the same guys who already been there five years ago, so I think it won’t be too hard for me to reconnect with the fans.
After leaving the Dragons you went to raise your game in Cuxhaven, Bochum and Cologne. Your 28 years old. What were the main reasons for coming back? Could you imagine ending your career with the Dragons?
I had a great time playing in Rhoendorf and met a lot of great people there that are still good friends, so I always kept Rhoendorf in great memory. Now I got a good opportunity to find my way back to Rhoendorf and I have a good feeling that we will have a great time again next season. Since my focus already shifted a little bit towards my career after Basketball and I don’t know how many years I got still left to play on a professional stage, I can very well imagine my self ending my career in Rhoendorf.
When you played with the Dragons you never averaged more than 19 minutes and was a role player. With what kind of expectations are you coming back to Rhondorf?
I just want to find a good role for myself that I feel comfortable with and that helps my team to win games. I won’t care too much about playing lesser minutes if that’s what it takes to be successful as a team. But I definitely think I am a better player now than when I left and I can probably call myself a veteran by now so my role will definitely change to my first stay in Rhoendorf.
Do you feel like you are ready for a bigger offensive role or are you happy with the smaller role?
Like I just said, I take it as it comes and just want to contribute as much as I can. But I think I already showed especially in Cuxhaven and Bochum that I can raise my numbers with a bigger role so I would definitely be ready for that.
How excited are you to be playing together with the Senegal sensation Ousmane Ndije? He could be the next NBA player?
Since we played him last season I know what big of a talent he is and he could definitely be one of the best young players in Pro B. So, if we actually play together next season, I would definitely be excited to see him help us win games.
What kind of player were you in 2017 when you left Rhondorf and what kind of player have you become in 2022? In 2017 I was still a young rather unexperienced player with a lot of upside who wasn’t really sure what basketball still had left for me. Now five years later I am definitely a more complete player who knows his strengths and weaknesses and how to help a team. I probably improved in all aspects of the game and still got the same fire and hustle in me to bring that on the court.
Your 28 years old now. Would you say that you are in your prime now? What kind of a player do you still want to become?
Since I started playing basketball rather late, I think there is still a lot for me to improve on. I feel like I still got a lot of potential left when it comes to basic basketball skills like shooting or ballhandling. And I can still run and jump and got the same power so there is definitely still some upset left.
You played the last two years with the RheinStars Cologne. How tough were these 2 years for you with Covid? Do you feel like your game could still grow despite the tough times?
Covid was definitely tough for everybody. At least in professional sports we were lucky enough that we could still play and fulfill our job. But it obviously wasn’t the same with limited or no fans at all. But basketball wise I don’t think that much changed. We still had the same practice schedules and routines than we would have had without covid. Motivationally it was tough for me because just like most athletes you go through your practice week with the goal to be ready to perform in front of a big crowd and do your best to win games. Games with a great atmosphere in packed gyms is the highlight for every athlete.
What kind of an experience was it being teammates with Vincent two two Golson? He has made the next step to France. What do you remember being your most fondest moment with him? Two two is a great guy and obviously a really talented basketball player. It is crazy to see him breaking defenses apart with his speed and skill level and get all kinds of finishes around way bigger guys. Already in the first season we played together he was one of the best players in Pro B until his injury and when he came back last season he was an even better player. He got a great work ethic and I wish him all the best for his future career.
You also played 2 seasons in Bochum. In your first season you averaged 13,6ppg. Did you realize in that season that once you get more minutes and trust from your coach that you can be avery good player?
My first year in Bochum was the best season of my career no doubt. We had a great team chemistry with amazing guys in and around the team so for me playing basketball was a lot of fun that season. I am very thankful for Gary Johnson (who was a big reason to convince me to come to Bochum) and my teammates that year because they always trusted and supported me 100% which was a big factor why I could put up these numbers. I actually realized that already the year before with Cuxhaven but Bochum was the next important step to perform even better with a better team and a well-functioning club.
In Bochum you were teammates with oldie Marco Buljevic and talented American Montrael Scott. Talk a little about your memories of these guys and their importance then to the team? Marco and Monty are both great guys and I really enjoyed playing with them. Marco helped us probably more with his experience and his character. He is just a really funny guy who is absolutely great for the atmosphere around the team. Unfortunately I didn’t play that many games with him because of all kinds of injuries he had during that time but he is still an amazing and absolutely reckless shooter and could also help us on the court in the games he could play. Monty on the other hand was a more quiet but still funny and nice guy and obviously talented basketball player. Since we struggled a bit with injuries on the guard position in that season, he was really important for us as a ballhandler and playmaker and did a great job with that.
In 2017-2018 you played for Cuxhaven averaging : 9.2ppg, 6.4rpg, 1.2spg, FGP: 55.4%, 3PT-3 (57.1%), FT: 67.2%. This was your break out season. How important was this season for your self-confidence?
Yes I would definitely say, this was my breakout season. To move to Cuxhaven was a very important step for me personally and basketball wise. I knew that I had to change something after my last season in Rhoendorf and Cuxhaven gave me a great opportunity to get a fresh start. Just like in Bochum I had a coach in Markus Roewenstrunk (now Jackson) who gave me a lot of trust and confidence. That combined with a bigger role and more minutes was a big confidence boost for me. Although we weren’t successful as a team, it was still a great season for me personally because I finally knew how good of a player I can be in a bigger role.
You were a young player with Rhondorf the same way Viktor Frankl-Maus was. How was it for you guys in those early days. What kind of a relationship did you have with him on and off the court?
It was a really great time back then. We had a great mix of older experienced and young but talented guys. For the younger guys like Vik and me we had to show in every practice and game that we were ready to play and deserve more minutes from the veteran guys. So we worked hard and had a great competition within the team which I think helped everybody a lot. And the veterans helped us with their experience just how it should be in well working teams. Since we also lived together for two years together with Sascha Tratnjek we had always had a close and good relationship and I was really looking forward to play with him again in Cologne. Unfortunately that didn’t work out as planned due to his injury.
You were also teammates with a young Kostja Mushidi who had a tough youth but now has made it into a good BBL player. Did it surprise you that he was able to overcome all adversary and become a good player after all? He was one of the biggest talents in Germany back then. So I would have been more surprised if he wouldn’t have made it into a good BBL player. But of course it wasn’t always easy for him to find his spot but he seems to be on a good way now.
How important were coaches Boris Kaminski and Christian Mehrens in your early development as a player? How did they help you most?
They were both very important for me. Boris Kaminski gave me a chance to play major minutes in a very good Pro B team when I was still a young and raw player. And Christian Mehrens is probably the biggest reason why I developed some kind of Post-Up game and footwork by now. He really taught me a lot in my early career and was the best big man coach I could hope for. But one other Rhoendorf coach was even more important for my basketball career. Matthias Sonnenschein was the reason why I actually started playing basketball with 15 years old and put a lot of effort in to get me to a level that allowed me to move on to play NBBL in Leverkusen and start my professional career.
What was it like battling Aaron Nelson on a daily basis? Did you win any of the battles?
He was definitely a tough matchup who was really hard to stop offensively. He had various ways to score and most of the times found the right way to score. So he might have won most of the battles in practice. But I definitely found my ways to score as well so I tried to make his life in practice as hard as possible. And I made sure that I won a couple of battles too.
You begam your basketball career with the Bayer Giants Leverkusen. You lost by 40 points to the Fraport Skyliners Juniors and played against future Euroleague players Johannes Voigtmann and Danilo Barthel. Would you have thought then that they could reach that level’? They were amazingly talented at that time and already great players in their young age. And Frankfurt showed to be a great club developing young German big guys which they definitely did with these two. So yes I thought that they could have a great career in basketball. But it takes a lot more than talent to become a high level Euroleague player and they managed to do just that so nothing more to say than congrats on a great career so far. And I can still enjoy watching them play on TV now.
Who was the toughest player that you have faced in your career on the court?
I have faced a lot of great players over my career like current NBA players Dennis Schroeder or Daniel Theis (who was a really tough matchup in my first seasons in the pro B) or like you just mentioned current national team players Joe Voigtmann and Danilo Barthel. But the matchup that was the most memorable was probably in my Pro A season with Rhoendorf when we played Baunach (Farm Team Bamberg) with Johannes Thiemann and Leon Kratzer. They were both still young but already very talented. In the end we lost the game by more than 40 points and the two bigs combined for over 50 points and 25 rebounds and we stood absolutely no chance.
Please name your 5 best teammates of all-time?
Basketball wise I definitely have to mention Josh Parker in my first Pro B season with Leverkusen where he won the MVP and had the biggest impact that we won the championship. He’s the player who impressed me the most over my career. Another great player and human being I had the joy to play with is Fabi Thuelig who was our absolute key player in my first time with Rhoendorf. But when we talk about being a great teammate on and off the court I got to name Felix Engel and Mark Gebhardt from my time in Bochum just to name two alongside a lot of other amazing guys I had the pleasure to call my teammates. But like I already said this season really stood out for me and these two are just players that every coach and player would love to have in their team.
How far will Germany get at the 2022 European Championships?
I think Germany got a strong roster right now and it seems like all the guys want to play the European Championship. So I really think Germany could be ready for a surprise. I would like to see Germany maybe compete for a medal and I think it’s their best chance over the last couple years.
It is often that a player will have 1 or 2 things that will stick out most in their career and it it isn’t any different for new Fraport Skyliner Derek Cooke Jr. (206-F/C-1991, college: Wyoming). Especially his ex NCAA school Wyoming won’t forget Feb 11, 2014 where the then junior unleashed a brutal throw down dunk against San Diego State University that reached ESPN Sports Center play of the day. Back then it was current NBA player Larry Nance Jr who supplied the dime. For Cooke the whole scenario was kind of amusing since he usually never got those kind of plays during games, but saw them on a regular basis in practice from Nance jr. ‘He can supply the dunks. He is a very athletic player that plays above the rim. He needs to have that point guard that will see him roll and all he needs to do is it pass up and Derek will do the rest. Fans will love him. He is always smiling and plays with positive energy’, warned ex Fraport Skyliner Tyrone Ellis. The other thing that stands out in his resume is his passport activity as he has been a globe trotter since he turned professional in 2015 and in this season is on the move again as he jumps form Italy to Germany for his second stint of duty. Last season he played 3 games for Brose Bamberg and now starts a new chapter with the Fraport Skyliners where he will have his hands full. Dunks are always nice for the highlight reel and fans, but the first order of business is for the club is to remain in the easyCredit BBL and Derek Cooke Jr. could be an instrumental part of that if he can play his hard nosed game under the boards at both ends of the court.
Derek Cooke Jr. who would like to work with kids one day was born on August 23, 1991 in Washington DC and grew up on Fort Washington. He attended Friendly High School and was playing football loving the Atlanta Falcons and not basketball. He wasn’t a star his senior year and then took a year off and worked 2 jobs at Target and Hollister. He then by chance slipped into basketball as Cloud County Community College head coach Chad Eshbaugh gave him a scholarship. He was able to work on his skills while competing for minutes and then was rewarded with a 3 year division 1 career at the University of Wyoming. There he played a total of 100 NCAA games and was able to improve his scoring and rebounding each season and helped lead the team into the NCAA tournament in 2015 for the first time since 2002. He turned professional in 2015 and since then has played for 12 organizations and played in countries like Greece, Australia, Canada, Belarus winning the league title with Tsmoki-Minsk (Belarus-Premier League) , Israel and Italy. He began the season with Nutribullet Treviso Basket (Italy-Serie A) playing 17 games averaging 7.5ppg, 7.0rpg, 1.1apg, 1.1spg, 2FGP: 50.5%, FT: 34.0%. He also had his time in the G-League playing two seasons with the Northern Arizona Suns and with the Raptors 905. He had the privilege to play for ex Fraport Skyliner guard Tyrone Ellis who helped win Frankfurt’s only BBL league title in 2004 and coached him in Arizona. Ellis coached him more than 6 years ago, but still remembers his first impression of him and what he thinks of him when he hears his name. ‘My first impression was that he was a big athlete. He is a great young man. He is very professional and has that big smile. He is a great athlete that is very coachable’, stressed Tyrone Ellis.
Miles Schmidt-Scheuber and Tyrone Ellis in Frankfurt in 2005
When one inspects the stats of Derek Cooke who has a game comparable to a Kenneth Faried or Tristan Thompson, he doesn’t necessarily stand out as a scorer, but is a player that does other vital things that helps a team be successful. ‘He does things that don’t show up on the stat sheet. He keeps plays alive. He sets good screens and is a great locker room guy. He does a lot of the dirty work and brings a lot of value to the team’, warned Tyrone Ellis. He will take a lot of pressure of young Dutch 221cm giant Matt Haarms especially rebounding the ball an area where Frankfurt has had difficulty doing this season. He will bring certain special assets to the offense system. ‘He is a big finisher above the rim. He rolls very hard and puts a lot of pressure on the weak side. If you have a shooter and point guard then you will usually always get a dunk or open three’, stated Tyrone Ellis. He has had a long career and one thing that stands out is that he has never averaged a block per game in a season. What kind of a defender is he? ‘He isn’t a shot blocker. He is a good pick and roll defender and is very good at altering shots’, stressed Tyrone Ellis. He is definitely the kind of player that Frankfurt needs right now. He is sprouting with experience and is ready to give his all to a team clinging to life. ‘Derek is a constant positive energy in the locker room. And he is always willing to do the dirty work. If the point guard plays pick and roll then Derek will get guys open and attack the rim’, commented Tyrone Ellis. It may have been a long time since Ellis last worked with Cooke Jr, but the memories will always remain on and off the floor. ‘I loved watching his evolution in the G-League. He came in as a raw talent and then was invited to the Suns camp. It was just great seeing him develop. I will also never forget meeting his family. The excitement the family had to see their son play pro ball was great. You could see that he was a mentor for his younger brothers’, remembered Tyrone Ellis. It will be interesting to see where the journey will go on the court for Derek Cooke Jr. and the Fraport Skyliners. How much he will be able to make an impact in the tough home game on Sunday against the Telekom Baskets Bonn is uncertain. But he will definitely bring energy on the floor and give the fans something to smile about when he unleashes his thunderous dunks. The Fraport Skyliners will definitely be stronger under the basket against Bonn.
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 huge 90-47 win over Baeren. Was this more than just a normal day at the office?
Anytime we can put a win of this margin together should be celebrated. We came in focused and kept it over the course of the game.
How important can a blow out win be so late in the season?
It is very important things are clicking well for us and it shows that we are hungry and ready to take care of business.
Talk a little about the 40 minutes. How quickly did the team decide the win? Was it over by half-time?
We started off hot from the beginning playing great defense. Led the whole game. Our coaches really did a great job preparing us for this game.
Obviously defense won you this game. What do you feel was the biggest strength on the defensive end on this night?
We communicated and played with intensity. We had very little miscommunication and rebounded well.
Wallabies totally crushed them on the boards securing 16 offensive rebounds. Was this one of the best rebounding games of the season? Our bigs have really stepped up and started rebounding like crazy. They are the reason for this stat for sure.
You had another solid game with 28/5/2/2/2 stats. How happy were you with your game?
I’m happy that I was able to contribute to the win. Most importantly but I’m never satisfied with my play.
On the offensive end it seemed like you picked your spots well again.
My goal is to simplify the game and be aggressive. I’m happy the efficiency is showing. I want to score big but not take a lot of shots to do so.
You next play Grand Saconnex a team you beat by 34 points. What will be key to getting the win? The Key to this game is respecting our opponent. Just because we won easily before doesn’t necessarily mean it will be the same . We have to stay humble, focused and execute our game plan.
Conley Garrison (185-G-1999, college: Furman, agency: GoEmpire Group) is a 24 year old 185cm guard from Bolivar, Missouri that is playing his first professional season with the VfL SparkassenStars Bochum (Germany-ProA) currently averaging 14,5ppg, 4,7rpg, 4,3apg and 2,0spg. He began his basketball career at Bolivar High School and then played at Drury (NCAA2) from 2017-2021 playing a total of 111 games and averaged 17,0ppg in his last 3 years there. He played an extra season at Furman University (NCAA) playing 33 games averaging 9.6ppg, 4.1rpg, 2.5apg, 1.3spg, FGP: 62.5%, 3PT: 42.2%, FT: 77.1%. He spoke to germanhoops.com about basketball
Thanks Conley for talking to germanhoops.com. Congrats on signing with the VfL SparkassenStars Bochum (Germany-ProA). What is the greatest thing about being able to call yourself a professional player?
I think the best thing is the realization of a lifelong dream. It is still weird for me when people ask what I do for work, and I get to respond that I’m a professional basketball player.
What do you know in general about the country Germany and it’s basketball? There have been some guys that have played in Germany like Brandon Lockhart, Brandon Kimbrough and Cameron Adams that had played at Drury. Did you reach out to anyone?
I am not very familiar with Germany, but my wife has been doing a lot of research. I have spoken a little with Brandon Kimbrough, who coached me for two years at Drury. He has given really good advice!
What was your impression of head coach Felix Banobre in your first talks? What did you appreciate most about his basketball philosophy?
Everything I’ve heard about Felix has been positive. I’m really excited to be playing for a coach with as much passion as he has.
You’re a 185cm guard. If you had to compare your game to a NBA player who would best fit the description?
I like to compare my game to Patty Mills. I think a combination of Patty Mills and Alex Caruso would best describe how I play.
Your shooting really stands out. You shot better than 40% in 4 of 5 college seasons. But you are so much more than a good shooter. Talk a little about your game and what other strengths you have?
I am a player who plays as hard as I can at all times and I also make a lot of hustle plays to go along with my ability to shoot the ball and make plays.
You have a very good IQ and have versatility. What kind of playmaker are you now and what kind of playmaker do you want to become?
I think I am a good playmaker in transition but I would like to become better in the halfcourt.
You are also a very good defender. Is it fair to say that you’re a two way player? How much of a factor does your defense play on a night where your shot isn’t falling?
I was taught to never judge your performance based on how well you shoot the ball, because sometimes shots just don’t fall. You can always control your effort, which I believe is 90% of defensive success.
On what areas of your game are you working on most now as you continue to improve your game?
I am working on having more of a scorer’s mindset.
You played at Drury (NCAA2) from 2017-2021. How vital were these 4 years in your basketball development? What kind of player were you in 2017 and what player were you when you left in 2021?
These years were important as I was able to diagnose my weaknesses at an early age and use the facilities on campus to really improve.
You reached the GLVC final in 2019 and 2021. Which final loss was more bitter?
2019. We had won 12 in a row to that point and it didn’t feel like we were going to lose again.
You had so many great games at Drury, but was your explosions against Mckendree or Illinois-Springfield your fondest moments on the court?
My favorite memory at Drury was a conference tournament game against the one seed in 2019. We won in overtime after being down by 7 points in that overtime period.
You then played an extra season in the NCAA with Furman University (NCAA) averaging 9.6ppg, 4.1rpg, 2.5apg, 1.3spg, FGP: 62.5%, 3PT: 42.2%, FT: 77.1%. What do you remember being your biggest adjustment coming from the NCAA2?
The biggest adjustment was the different role I needed to serve for the team to be successful. At Drury, I was a scorer and playmaker. At Furman, they needed shooting and toughness, which I thought I did at a high level.
How tough was not winning a title in school? You reached the SoCon final losing a bitter 64-63 game to Chattanooga. What will you always remember about that game?
A crazy game. That is why they call it March Madness! I will always remember the feeling I had after that game as I’ve used it for motivation plenty of times already.
You had many memorable games in the NCAA, but was your 19 points in the exciting 70-69 win over Wofford your favorite?
Individually, yes. That game occurred on Senior Day in front of a lot of my family against our rival in Wofford. My overall favorite game was the conference semifinal game. I love the win or go home games.
How did head coach Jimmie Williams give you that extra push to help groom and prepare you for a professional career?
Jimmie has been amazing for my development. He has been a great coach and great friend since the season ended.
Who won a 1-1 in practice you or Carter Whitt?
Carter came in this past offseason, after I had already graduated.
Who was the toughest guy besides your brother that you have faced on the court that reached the NBA?
I have only played against a handful of NBA players, but there weren’t any that caused me too many problems.
Please name your 5 best teammates of all-time? The most enjoyable teammates I’ve had:
Brandon Emmert, Cal Hartley, Lane Duncan, Andrew Ballock, and Alex Hunter
Please list your personal NBA Mount Rushmore?
MJ, LeBron, Kareem, Bird
Where do you rank Steph Curry now in the best point guards of all-time? –
I think he’s the best ever.
What is your opinion of the neverending debate of who is the greatest of all-time Jordan or Lebron?
Jordan
Did you see the sequel to the classic Coming To America? Shouldn’t they have left it alone?
Mubarak Salami after dropping 25 points in the big comeback win over the BSW Sixers Feb 18, 2023
Over the last years I have had the habit of liking to talk often to the same player after games from the home team. In Frankfurt I like to rap with Skyliner legend Quantez Robertson simply because he tells it how it is. In Rhondorf a few years ago I liked talking to Curtis Hollis and since last season, it had been captain Paul Albrecht. He is a guy who is always in a good mood win or lose and can be funny also. But he recently got hurt, and I had to find someone else. The first game after Albrecht was out, I had a lengthy chat with American Devon Goodman. I do prefer Americans, but after the Dragons Rhondorf last home game where they came from behind to win 97-90 against the BSW Sixers, I asked head coach Julius Thomas to get Mubarak Salami (198-SG-1996). I had interviewed him before last season via email, but never often face to face. Last season, I met him for the first time and right away found him to be a friendly guy. He recently had come from Pro B north team Wolmirstedt to help the Dragons Rhondorf slim rotation for the stretch run. I remember greeting him at his first Dragons game for him against Iserlohn and that warm smile hit me. Last weekend against the Sixers the German had just had his break out game with the Dragons scoring 25 points and being an instrumental player along with Goodman in the win. He gave great insight to the win in my post game interview. When I was done, I thanked him for his time and said ‘see you at the next game’. Unfortunately that would be my last encounter with him. Mubarak Salami tragically died on Feb 24th in a brutal car accident near Hannover, Germany. I found out at 10:30 pm Saturday night and was in total shock. It was so sad. I’feel so sorry for his mother and siblings.
The scoring ace who has Nigerian, Ghana, Swedish and German roots was a guy that had seen many different basketball places, but mostly in the north of Germany near his home base Hamburg. He began his basketball career at TSG Bergedorf and played with the Sharks Hamburg U-19 team. He was discovered by Suekran Gencay who pretty much steered him in the right direction when he needed it most. ‘Suekran helped me to take basketball seriously, to see it from a different perspective and to show me what potential I have. I grew up in a rather bad environment, didn’t trust anyone, used to be very wild and messed up a lot. Suekran had a hard time with me, but over the years I’ve learned to express my emotions with basketball and to put my strength into it’, expressed Mubarak Salami in 2022. In the following years he got experience playing with Regionalliga teams like VFL Stade, Basketball Club Rendsburg and The TSV Neustadt Temps. Early in his career he also had the privilege to play for Pat Elzie and the Itzehoe Eagles. ‘Pat Elzie is an incredible coach. It was my first time getting to know organized basketball and Pat taught me an incredible amount in a short time. I am very grateful to him for that’, stressed Mubarak Salami in 2022. He really blossomed the last 2 years totally exploding with the Eimsbuetteler TV Hamburg (ProB) leading the Pro B in scoring with 26,0ppg and 28,0ppg under the guidance of Sukran Gencay. I and very many people always wondered why was this exceptional player not playing in higher leagues? He was simply way to good for the Pro B.
The walking bucket who had role models like Dirk Nowitzki, Allen Iverson and Kobe Bryant of course was on the radar of numerous teams in the Pro A and had offers from easyCredit BBL teams. But he chose a very big and noble role over being a possible bench player in the BBL. Having 2 or 3 siblings can be a difficult task to handle for a mother and father, but what about 6 siblings? That is an unbelievable high number and above the norm. Imagine having to be the perfect single parent? His mother was a single parent and he chose family over his own career. He became the father figure running the house hold for years and being there for his kids at school functions. This makes his death even more tragic as the big brother leaves 6 younger siblings all who adored him. There are some heart warming videos on his Instagram page showing how much his siblings loved him. After sacrificing the game for years to help his mom raise his siblings, he decided to continue to go on his mission to climb the basketball ladder and moved away from Hamburg. But that decision was only made when he 100% knew that he could leave the family. His siblings were growing older and he was confident that one of his siblings could take over his role and help mother with younger kids.
Miles Schmidt-Scheuber and Mubarak Salami in the Dragon Dome in 2022
It was time to show the basketball Germany that he could help winning clubs win and not just score 40 points on any given night for a losing team. He began in Wolmirstedt where he averaged 14.1ppg, 5.3rpg, 3.4apg, 1.1spg, 2FGP: 63.8%, 3FGP: 16.7%, FT: 65.2% and helped post a 5-3 record. He then moved to Rhondorf in Jan 2023 where he averaged 13,0ppg, 4,0rpg, 2,2 apg and 1,4spg. In both places he proved that he isn’t an ego player something some felt he was because of his high scoring and many shots he took for other clubs. But that wasn’t the case at all. When he played for losing teams, he was the best on the club and his teammates relied on him taking full responsibility. This season in Wolmirstedt and Rhondorf he demonstrated that he can take a back seat for the good of the team. He showed in both places that he has a knack for knowing when to score and when to facilitate. He was especially motivated to become the best passer that he could studying the passing of guys like Luka Doncic, James Harden and Lebron James. He had his best game of the season in his last game against the BSW Sixers where he helped stage an incredible comeback producing 25 points and hitting 3/5 three pointers an area he wasn’t known for striving in. He shot 37% with the Dragons the highest ever in his career and seemed to be adjusting well to the team and to his game in his new environment. It would have been so interesting to see where the Dragons Rhondorf would have landed with Mubarak Salami in 2022-2023. But unfortunately we will never know.
I will always have fond memories of him. He left a lasting impression on everybody. ‘I’m very shocked and saddened to hear about the death of Mubarak. I talked to him before the season and recruited him to come to Koblenz, but we couldn’t come to an agreement. We always stayed in touch with each other over all these years. He was a huge talent and a very nice young man. My prayers go out to his family and friends. Rest in peace Mubi. God bless’, stated EPG Baskets head coach Pat Elzie. I remember knowing of him the last years, but had never seen him play live. Last season I was so excited to finally see him play for the first time in Rhondorf. We did an interview a few days before the game and he gave me great information about his game and career for my telecast. He and Eimsbuettel had no chance in Rhondorf losing 116-74, but he produced 33/7/6 stats. In January 2023 I was so happy when he signed with the Dragons Rhondorf. Now I could finally see him more. I will never forget seeing him again in the Dragon Dome in his first game against Iserlohn. He gave me that warm smile that was so infectious and something his siblings will only remember in their thoughts. He was a guy that profited from his penetration. There was a reason why I nicknamed him Mr Drive in the last games whenever he scored a bucket. He had a secret to why he was so successful to being able to score in traffic and just be unstoppable. ‘I mainly developed my scoring moves through instincts while gambling. And when I realized how good I can actually be, I worked a lot on these moves and developed them further. This resulted in some unconventional moves that are not easy to defend’, warned Mubarak Salami in 2022. I interviewed him after the big win against the BSW Sixers and will forever remember my last encounter with him. He was a good guy with a real good heart. We will forever miss his breathtaking drives to the hole, but moreover miss the person Mubarak Salami the most. I would like to send my condolences to the Salami family. R.I.P. Mubarak Salami.
German Hoops 