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

Derek Cooke at the FT line

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

Cameron Hunt with the floater

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

Marcus Lewis with the runner

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

Stanley Whittaker at the FT line

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

Tags : JORDAN THEODORE, FRAPORT SKYLINERS FRANKFURT, GERMAN BASKETBALL

So there were the Fraport Skyliners Juniors again a week later with a do or die game in their own living room. A week earlier they had survived the first match ball against them in Cologne and then returned again for another do or die game in their living room and won in exciting fashion in crunch time. A week later they had 2 more do or die games against the BSW Sixers. Frankfurt had lost the first game on the road in Sandersdorf 70-62. Frankfurt had a horrible shooting night and had had problems taking care of the ball, but rebounded the ball pretty well. The Fraport Skyliners Juniors had showed once before being in the hole 0-1 against Cologne and wanted to do it again against top Pro B north team BSW Sixers, but they were able to pull out an upset getting smothered 77-57 by the BSW Sixers ending their season. The Fraport Skyliners Juniors did a good job competing in the first half, but in the second half were unable to match the Sixers intensity and just couldn’t crack their defense. The BSW Sixers were the best Pro B defensive team this season allowing 64 points per game, but according to Donte Nicholas there was nothing extra special about their defense. ‘. ‘We have no secret to the success of our defense. We are all committed and help the helper. We have that next man up mentality. We stuck to our game plan. We executed well, took care of the ball and made shots’, stressed ex Metro State (NCAA2) forward Donte Nicholas. It was a tough series for the Fraport Skyliners Juniors as they could only muster 58 points per game in the 2 game series as shots didn’t fall consistently while their defense was solid. ‘We didn’t hit our shots like in game one. Our start was ok but we shot poorly in the second half. When you don’t hit shots, your self-confidence goes down. They read our game well’, stated ex Hanau guard Felix Hecker.

Justin Onyejiaka from outside

The first quarter had 2 runs as the Frankfurt started one and the BSW Sixers ended with theirs as they had the slim 15-14 advantage after 10 minutes. The Fraport Skyliners Juniors defended well off the bat getting 4 stops, but couldn’t take total advantage of it getting only a trey from ex Addidas Next generation tournament center Jordan Samare. JBBL MVP Justin Onyejiaka got aggressive early and would hold it for 40 minutes scoring inside for the 5-0 lead. The BSW Sixers finally got on the board from Latvian Kristaps Klips who scored inside, but Frankfurt found their rhythm on offense getting 2 more lay ins from Onyejiaka and an offense rebound and put back from Alexander Richardson for the 11-4 lead. Frankfurt was aggressive while the Sixers rushed their offense and gave up some 50/50 balls. But Frankfurt couldn’t keep their advantage and intensity as the guests closed out the first quarter with a 11-3 run to lead 15-14 after 10 minutes. In the run the BSW Sixers received good support from Mr triple double Donte Nicholas who scored twice while 2018 JBBL champion Evans Rapique nailed a trey and 2018 JBBL champion Hendrik Warner (208-PF-2002) made a lay in. Frankfurt had problems with the defensive pressure and couldn’t get into their plays well while the gambling of the Sixers paid off. Frankfurt shot 38% from the field and 22% from outside and had 9 rebounds and 4 turnovers while the BSW Sixers shot 43% from the field and 14% from outside and had 9 rebounds and 4 turnovers. ‘Onyejiaka and Samare got some easy baskets, but Frankfurt was careless with the ball and had a lot of live turnovers’, stressed Fraport Skyliner Quantez Robertson.

Hendrik Warner to the hole

The second quarter was a real back and forth battle as there were 8 lead changes, but the BSW Sixers were able to get away from Frankfurt in the last minutes and led by 6 points at the break. The BSW Sixers once again didn’t start off too well getting stopped on their first 3 possessions, but once again all Frankfurt got out of it was a trey by Felix Hecker for the 17-15 lead. Warner then dead locked the game at 17-17 with a lay in. Both teams then exchanged punches as no team could escape the other. Onyejiaka continued to be aggressive and scored a three pointer while Nicholas was given too much room to wheel and deal and hit a trey for the 24-22 lead. Frankfurt would gain the lead back one more time in the second quarter with a Onyejiaka free throw 25-24. But the BSW Sixers then heightened their intensity and execution rate closing out the defensive quarter with a 9-2 run to lead 33-27. In the run the Pro B north club shared the ball nicely and continued to get solid production from Hendrik Warner who’s beast appearance couldn’t be handled by Frankfurt as he scored twice. Nicholas added another trey while Klips snuck inside for a lay in. Frankfurt was too lax on the 1-1 defense and too soft on the boards. Richardson added a lay in at the end. The BSW Sixers shot 43% from the field and 25% from the three point line and had 20 rebounds and 9 turnovers while the Fraport Skyliners Juniors shot 33% from the field and 24% from the three point line and had 18 rebounds and 9 turnovers. ‘Frankfurt allowed too many jump shots and shot too many three’s instead of attacking more’, added ex Auburn (NCAA) great Quantez Robertson.

Alvin Onyia at the ft line

In the third quarter the BSW Sixers got a 8 point lead, but Frankfurt supplied a punch with a run, but the guests punched back and led by 11 points after 30 minutes. Both teams got their offenses going rapidly as Sixers Germans Marco Rahn and Moritz Schneider connected while Frankfurt got support from Alexander Richardson with a dunk and old school hook shot, but still trailed 37-33. After Nicholas supplied an extra pass to hook up Rahn for a three pointer and 40-33 lead, Frankfurt erupted with a 5-0 run to trail only 40-38. Nils Leonhardt supplied Frankfurt with extra energy with a steal and coast to coast sprint and dunk and Onyejiaka nailed a three pointer. Frankfurt did a good job attacking more and getting their bigs involved and take advantage of mis matches while Justin Onyejiaka took on more responsibility. But Frankkfurt couldn’t match the Sixers intensity as they suffered a 14-5 run to trail 54-43 after 3 quarters. Nicholas continued to be a scoring machine scoring twice while Klips nailed a trey and Warner scored twice as he totally controlled the paint area. Warner had the game of his Pro B career scoring 24 points. ‘It all came together for Hendrik today. We wanted to see this from him all year long. He played like a man tonight. Now he needs to be consistent’, warned Donte Nicholas. Frankfurt didn’t take care of the ball and too often gave away gifts for easy steals. The BSW Sixers shot 45% from the field and 25% from the parking lot and had 29 rebounds and 11 turnovers while the Fraport Skyliners juniors shot 37% from the field and 25% from the parking lot and had 25 rebounds and 12 turnovers. ‘We worked a zone which was ok, but we couldn’t take advantage of it, because we didn’t execute on offense’, said Felix Hecker. ‘We made shots. When we can feed off our defense everything is a lot easier’, commented Donte Nicholas.

Evans Rapieque at the FT line

In the fourth quarter the BSW Sixers continued to play their game while the Fraport Skyliners Juniors couldn’t get over the hump and never got closer than 8 points. Evans Rapique who has 15 easyCredit BBL games on his account made a lay In giving the dime to Nicholas. Nicholas finished with 5 assists, one pass prettier than the next. ‘I love to pass the ball. I get a better feeling seeing someone making a basket from my pass and adding their flavor to it’, said Donte Nicholas. Frankfurt did a good job continuing to feed the bigs inside as Leonhardt made a dunk and Richardson scored twice, but Frankfurt couldn’t make any ground as the guests got a trey from Nicholas and a Warner dunk to lead 61-50. Frankfurt tried one more push as Justin Onyejiaka dropped a trey as Frankfurt trailed only 61-53, but that was as close as they would get. The BSW Sixers had seen enough and then slammed the door shut on Frankfurt with a 9-0 run to lead 70-53 and decide the game. In the run the BSW Sixers got lay in’s from Nicholas and Rapieque while Warner made a lay in getting another beautiful shovel pass from Nicholas and Rahn connected on a three pointer. Frankfurt got sloppy in the run as every play was a lob inside which the Sixers read every time and controlled the boards and made big rebounds. Onyejiaka would make another lay in, but the guests closed out the win with a Warner three pointer. ‘We were tired, but we did a good job keeping the intensity. When everyone is together and screaming on defense, it feels like we have 7 defenders’, stated Donte Nicholas. ‘Warner was really strong. They always had another guy step up. We simply missed too many open shots’, commented Felix Hecker. The BSW Sixers were led by Hendrik Warner with 24 points and Donte Nicholas added 21/7/5/4 stats while the Fraport Skyliners Juniors were led by Justin Onyejiaka with 20 points and Alexander Richardson added 13 points. The BSW Sixers shot 47% from the field and 29% from outside and had 40 rebounds and 14 turnovers while the Fraport Skyliners Juniors shot 37% from the field and 20% from outside and had 35 rebounds and 16 turnovers.

Tags : HENDRIK WARNER, SYNTAINICS MBC WEISSENFELS, GERMAN BASKETBALL

James Fleming (185-G-1991, college: FHSU) is a 31 year old 185cm guard playing his fourth professional season and first in Germany with pro A team Uni Baskets Paderborn averaging 9,4ppg, 2,0rpg and 1,3apg. He has previous professional experience in Italy, Luxemburg and Georgia. He began his basketball career with Fort Scott Community College (JUCO) and then played his last 2 years with Fort Hays State University (NCAA2) avergaing 9.6ppg, 2.3rpg, 2.1apg, FGP: 38.8%, 3PT: 34.1% and as a senior averaged 10.1ppg, 2.8rpg, 2.1apg, FGP: 44.0%, 3PT: 40.5%, FT: 82.9%. He spoke to germanhoops.com about basketball.

Thanks James for talking to germanhoops.com. Congrats on signing with German pro A team Uni Baskets. How blessed are to be able to continue your pro career considering this will only be your 4th season in a possible 8 since you finished school?

Thank you for the congrats. Yes I’m truly blessed to be in this situation. It’s something I would’ve never thought was possible having the resume that I had coming into this situation and considering I had a gap year.

How tough has your career been for you? Have you ever lost faith in the process and what honestly has kept you going?

My career has been pretty tough to say the least. My only thing is I didn’t quit. I give huge praise to God and also my family. I’ve lost faith at times it was hard. What’s kept me going is God. I needed to grow as a person to truly appreciate the small things before he would bless me with something bigger. I needed those hard times. That’s what’s molded me into who I am today. This is something I’ve wanted for a long time. But I knew that my work ethic and me being able to stay level headed and being a good person can in most cases get me into situations that my resume probably wouldn’t. I credit my character during these times. My younger brothers have been huge for my mentality as well as my fiance. On my bad days I know I can count on them to uplift me and give me that confidence to keep pushing forward.

What do you know in general about the country Germany and it’s basketball? Have you had any guys that you have known play here?

I don’t know much about the country itself but I’m looking forward to the experience on and off the floor. And yes I know Chavares Flannigan who just played for Paderborn who now plays for Vechta. Kendale I always knew of him because we all live in the same area.

The German Pro A is the strongest league that you will have played in. How confident are you that you will pass the test and be an impact player?

I’m very confident. I know in most cases by judging my resume I’m not supposed to be here in this situation so that’s what will keep me going and will keep me motivated all season long. I believe I deserved this opportunity a while ago but you can’t rush God’s timing. I’m where I need to be at this moment in time and I’m grateful.

Top easyCredit BBl player Kendale McCullum gave you the thumbs up to coach Steven Esterkamp. What ties do you have to him? Have you played against him before?

Kendale is a great guy. We actually met for the first time in person going to an open gym together. Ties I have with him are through Chavares Flannigan because they played college together at Wisconsin Parkside before Kendale left to play for Lewis university. Yes in open gym we’ve played against each other we have respect for one another and I believe that played a huge part in coach Esterkamp’s decision to bring me in.

Steven Esterkamp must have been a big reason why you chose to play for the Uni Baskets. What impressed you mot about his basketball philosophy?

I like coach Esterkamp. He’s very honest and straightforward. Also, From what I’m hearing he’s great at developing guys. Not only in his system but also for guys to reach higher levels.

Let’s talk about your game. You’re a 185cm guard. If you had to compare your game to an NBA player who would best fit the description?

Well from most guys that I play against they say I’m a combination of Damian Lillard and Lou Williams. So I’ll roll with that

The Uni Baskets love your leadership qualities. How big of a strength is this of yours?

This is a huge strength of mine because the places I’ve been my coach has always looked for me to lead in the locker room. Since I have a history of being one of older guys most guys usually gravitate towards me. I always have positive energy and I’ve faced a lot of adversity throughout my career so this is something I can bring to Paderborn to lead us to victories. As well as ups and downs throughout a season.

You can score the ball with ease but what other strengths does your game incorporate?

My leadership for sure. The ability to distribute the basketball as well as defense.

How developed is your playmaking and defense. What kind of player are you with these abilities and what type of player do you still want to become?

I would say my playmaking is pretty developed basically by playing a lot of basketball and training learning to make quicker reads in certain scenarios. My defense has improved since Georgia and I will look to pay more attention to my defense in Germany. I want to be the best I can be and reach the highest level possible.

You played last season with BC Zestaponi 2020 (Georgia-A League) averaging 16.2ppg, 3.5rpg, 2.5apg, 1.5spg, FGP: 53.6%, 3PT: 29.1%, FT: 81.0%. How tough was losing that playoff series to Kavkasia where in one game you scored 39 points in a tough 84-81 loss. Was that one of your toughest loses in your career?

Yes that was the toughest loss of my career by far. We had that game and just lost control in the final seconds.

In 2017 you played with Black Star Mersch (Luxembourg-Nationale 2) averaging 23.4ppg, 9rpg, 3.4apg. You made a name for yourself. What kind of experience was it playing in Luxemburg?

The experience in Luxembourg was ok. The living was good. On the court was a bit tough at times because of wins and losses.

Often guys make the next step in Luxemburg. What happened after that? Did you have failed representation?

Yes I had failed representation. But I will also admit I wasn’t very mature in those years. Because Luxembourg was a rich country I felt that at this point I had arrived as a player so I wasn’t going to play for less money. When in some situations you may have to take a pay cut to get ahead in the business. And I learned that later on in my career. I didn’t have a mentor to teach me these things it was all trial and error.

Between 2017-2021, I saw nothing on your eurobasket profile. Did you not play in this time? Did you get a normal 9-5 job and how tough was this time not playing?

During this time I still played but I played over the summer in China and did tours to stay in shape. Yes I had a 9-5. I would set my alarm to 5:30 am. Would get to the gym at 6:30. And I would do this every morning and I would have to be at work at 9:45 am. After work I would go back to the gym and do it again. It was super tough not playing but like I stated above I was looking at money and not focused on the opportunity itself. Sometimes taking a pay cut can work out because you can be in a better league. You play good in that league you can move into a better league for double or triple the amount that you played for in the previous year. So it was hard but I wasn’t the best mentally because I had no mentor to tell me how it all works and the outcome that could possibly happen.

You played your rookie season with Rutigliano (Italy-Serie D) leading the league ins coring with 28.3ppg. What do you remember being your wake up call to being overseas where you knew that you were far away from home?

Italy was awesome. I loved it there despite the level. The love was unconditional there which is what I was used too back at home. But I would say when the WiFi went out and I lost my game in Madden I knew from that point on I wasn’t at home haha.

You began your basketball career at Fort Scott Community College (JUCO). Every guy I have interviewed that played JUCO have said it was a very tough experience but one that was so important for their career. How was it for you?

JUCO gave me that killer mentality. That’s grown men basketball. I trained my hardest during that time because every night you can be playing against a top player especially in the Jayhawk conference and it’s a battle. So you always wanted to play your best and most importantly win.

You then played at Fort Hays State University (NCAA2) from 2013-2015 averaging 9.6ppg, 2.3rpg, 2.1apg, FGP: 38.8%, 3PT: 34.1% and 10.1ppg, 2.8rpg, 2.1apg, FGP: 44.0%, 3PT: 40.5%, FT: 82.9%. How do you feel did your game grow in the 2 years there?

Fort Hays I would say I really improved my 3 point shot. I’m not sure if the style has changed there since I left but I remember mostly If guys couldn’t shoot that well they wouldn’t fit well into coach Johnson system so me improving my shooting was crucial in that time.

How did head coach Mark Johnson groom and prepare you best for a professional career?

Coach Johnson prepared me. But I would say my junior college coach Michael Cook has played a huge role in developing me as a player and as a person.

Who won a 1-1 in practice you or Achoki Moikobu?

Haha Me of course. I love Coach AC. He’s doing a tremendous job coaching and moving around. We still speak from time to time. Great guy.

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

The toughest player I would say is Frank Kaminsky. He played at Benet HS and we lost to them my senior year in high school. He was super dominant.

Please name your 5 best teammates of all-time?

Josh Fleming- my brother (HS teammate). Donnell Cegers- teammate in Georgia. Duane Johnson teammate in Luxembourg. Vytautas Kamarunas- Georgia teammate. JJ Mina Italy teammate.

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

Michael Jordan, Kobe Bryant, LeBron James, Steph Curry

Bill Russell recently passed away. He won 11 NBA titles in 13 years. Why isn’t this guy the GOAT

Yes man that was terrible news. RIP to Bill Russell. Definitely an icon. But I didn’t really see him play. I grew up on most of the guys listed above.

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

And no I haven’t checked it out yet. That’s one thing I plan on doing in Germany is stepping up my movie game haha.

Thanks James for the chat.

Tags : JAMES FLEMING, UNI BASKETS PADERBORN, GERMAN BASKETBALL

Alani Moore II (178-PG-1998, college: Temple) is a 25 year old 178cm guard from Rockville, Maryland playing his second professional season and first in Germany with the EPG Baskets Koblenz averaging 15/4/5 stats. Last season he played with Sanaat Mes Rafsanjan (Iran-Superleague) playing 16 games averaging 18.8ppg, 4.0rpg, Assists-3 (4.7apg), Steals-4 (2.3spg), FGP: 44.7%, 3PT: 36.9%, FT: 76.9%. He began his pro career with the Houston Push (TBL) averaging 12.5ppg, 2.6rpg, 5.2apg, 1.5spg, FGP: 51.7%, 3PT: 40.0%, FT: 86.1%. He began his basketball career at the Montrose Christian school and also played at Friendship Collegiate Academy. He then played at temple (NCAA) from 2016-2020 playing a total of 122 NCAA games and as a senior averaged 8.4ppg, 2.8rpg, 2.6apg, 1.3spg, FGP: 28.3%, 3PT: 39.8%, FT: 86.1%. He spoke to germanhoops.com after the tough 79-78 loss in game 1 to the Basketball Lowen Erfurt.

The EPG Baskets Koblenz suffered a tough 79-78 loss in game 1 to the Basketball Lowen Erfurt. It’s the playoffs and have the opponents become tougher and tougher?

I would say so. They wanted to win as much as we did. They just had a little more fight and smarts then we did.

2 stats are crazy, Koblenz had the 16-7 offensive rebound edge and 5 turnovers to 14 of Erfurt. It’s mind boggling how the team couldn’t have taken better advantage of it.

We had to many careless mistakes. A big problem was not having enough will to get a good shot or the needed urgency to be aware of what we needed to do as well as execute on extra possessions.

You swept the season series against the Basketball Lowen Erfurt. Did they seem to really have come out with a real sense of urgency?

They did come in with real urgency. They did a good job executing their game plan. They pushed the ball well and got many transition points.

How vital was the tough Schwelm playoff series, What do you believe did the club learn from the tight Schwelm series?

We learned that we can’t take anyone lightly. Every team gives us their best punch. The will to win is a lot higher in the playoffs as well as guys being able to make crazy shots.

The EPG Baskets Koblenz didn’t start off bad, but scored 26 points, but still allowed 20 points. Top player Guy Edi had 7 of his 17 points in the first quarter. What makes it so difficult to contain him?

Edi is strong and versatile and a good shooter. We need to switch more aggressively on him and just stay in front of him. He knows how to use his body.

The second quarter was a real battle as you began well but the guests never let up trailing only 47-46. Tyseem Lyles gave the team consistent scoring. What’s the biggest challenge in stopping him?

We need to run him off the line. He is a good shooter and need to make him drive more. He is their main shooter and when he gets going, he gives his team a big boost.

Do you feel like a team like Erfurt got extra confidence after seeing how well Schwelm played against you?

Yes for sure. I’m sure they watched film and saw our flaws.

The EPG Baskets Koblenz had control in the third quarter and then lost it again in the last minutes leading only 62-61. Does the team think too much when they have a7-8 point lead instead of just continuing to play?

Our mentality is a concern. We begin to do things that we normally don’t do. Here and there the ball bounces differently and we have to be prepared for everything and always have the same mentality.

The fourth quarter was a real dog fight. Once again Koblenz had control but allowed the guests to come back. What was key in crunch-time for not being able to pull it out?

They stayed consistent. We tried to do the same. We weren’t as focused as we should have been and looked to much for fouls. We need to be locked in the whole game.

Koblenz shot very bad and now have a another do or die game now only on the road. What will be key to force another do or die game at home?

We have to play our game. We have to show why we were the number one team. We have to play hard and smart. We have to fight the course and have the dog and will to get the win.

Despite the successful season how tough has it been as a player dealing with the pressure and expectations? How have you dealt with it?

It hasn’t been that tough. I take each game the same. I need to step up and I always try to play as hard as I can. I have to get all on the same page and locked in.

Your having a very solid Pro B season with 15/4/5 stats. What has been the biggest challenge for you with your game being on a team where every guy can be a leading scorer on any night?

I play on and off the ball. I try to help as much as I can as a leader. I try to help the bigs, wings and guardswith little things and they do the same with me. I try to be a role model and leader.

What have you appreciated most about Marvin Heckel’s game? How has he helped your game most?

It is great to play with another guard that brings energy and playmaking. That helps take pressure off me. He is a great asset for me and vice versa.

There are some very interesting NBA playoff series with Denver-Phoenix, Boston,-Philadelphia and New York and Miami. Who do you have in these series

I got Phoenix in 6, Boston in 7 and Miami in 6.

Thanks Alani for the chat.

Tags : ALANI MOORE II, EPG BASKETS KOBLENZ, GERMAN BASKETBALL

Even if basketball is played all over the world, it sometimes still can feel a small world. Two years ago I had the opportunity to interview Bonzie Colson who had had a short NBA stint and was playing with SIG Strasburg at the time. 2 years later in 2023 I had the opportunity to interview another ex NBA player with Tim Frazier (185-PG-1990, college: Penn St.) now playing also with SIG Strasburg. The biggest difference between both outstanding players is that Frazier’s run in the NBA was a lot longer at 8 years. There is a special link between Frazier and Colson and I. During the NBA playoffs in 2019 when the Boston Celtics were battling the Milwaukee Bucks, both Colson and Frazier were on the Bucks roster. During the playoff series, I was in Boston visiting family and I saw both players before a game and got their autographs. I mean what are the chances that 2 players from one NBA team season would play on the same French team within a few years with me getting both of their autographs. I mean it isn’t a cake walk anymore getting NBA players autographs. Tim Frazier never lost the love to make fans young or old happy. Before a game 1 Basketball Champions League game in Bonn, there was a die hard autograph collector that would have made some American autograph seekers jealous as he had reserved a whole table and gotten every player’s autograph of SIG Strasburg before the game. Frazier must of signed 6-7 printed out photos of himself ‘You can look at it 2 ways. I always try to sign. For me it is a blessing that someone would want my autograph. I don’t take anything for granted. I know that one day nobody is going to want my autograph anymore. I have friends who are top 5 players in the NBA. They know that the more they sign the more the value goes down. So it makes sense that they sometimes don’t sign. Signing for kids is a no brainer. For me it is special when people ask me for an autograph. I always sign for people’, stressed Tim Frazier. He doesn’t remember signing for me and how could he when NBA players are bombarded around the clock each day from the shoot around before the game, departure to the game and arrival at the next hotel at 2.am. The autograph hounds are always present. But the ex NBA player had a laugh when he heard he had signed for me once in Boston. ‘It really is a small world. One day your signing for someone and the next day your running into that person again or being interviewed’, said Tim Frazier. Even if Tim Frazier had special encounters with Kobe, Giannis and Dirk and isn’t in the NBA at the moment, he still feels so blessed to be able to play the game he loves overseas.

Tim Frazier autograph from 2019 in Boston

Miles Schmidt-Scheuber and Tim Frazier meet again in Bonn Germany in 2023

Tim Frazier was born on November 1st, 1990 in Houston, Texas. He began to play basketball at age 5 at Strake Jesuit College Preparatory in Houston. As a senior he averaged 15.5 points, 7.7 rebounds, 5.5 assists, and 3.6 steals per game and led the team to a 37-1 record. He helped them become the first private school to reach the state tournament’s semifinals. He was a 3 star recruit for Rivals.com and committed to Penn State (NCAA). He graduated high school Cum Laude. He would play there from 2009-2014 playing a total of 135 NCAA games. ‘Coming to Penn State was a big change for me. It was first time that I saw snow. It was a big culture shock for me. The experience was awesome though’, stressed Tim Frazier.In his freshman season he played 31 games averaging 5.0ppg, 2.3rpg, 2.4apg. In his sophomore season he played 34 games averaging 6.3ppg, 3.9rpg, 5.1apg, 1.0spg, FGP: 43.0%, 3PT: 34.4%, FT: 75.3%. His biggest game that season was scoring 22 points in the upset win over Michigan State at the Big 10 tournament semi-finals. A downer that season was losing to Temple (NCAA) in the big dance as Jaun Fernandez won the game on a close out past him. ‘That was a tough loss. I was in tears mainly because that was the senior’s last game. I knew I had 2 more years and a few more chances’, remembered Tim Frazier. In his next season after the departure of guards Chris Babb and Talor Battle who both would play for the Telekom Baskets Bonn in Germany, he made a massive jump in his game averaging 18.8ppg, 4.7rpg, 6.2apg, 2.4spg, FGP: 44.0%, 3PT: 31.4%, FT: 79.1%. He scored in double figures in 30 of 32 games and had big games against Nebraska scoring 30 points and hit South Florida for 27 points. In his fourth season he played only 4 games and was out for the rest of the season with an injury. He was able to red shirt the season and averaged 16.3ppg, 4.5rpg, 3.8apg, 2.3spg. He returned for a fifth season and formed a strong duo with DJ Newbill and averaged 14.9ppg, 4.4rpg, 5.4apg, 1.6spg, FGP: 43.0%, 3PT: 29.1%, FT: 78.5%. He scored in double figures in 28 of 32 games including scoring 29 points a piece in wins against St Johns and Pennsylvania. His game grew a lot in his 5 years thanks to head coaches Ed Dechellis and Patrick Chambers. ‘I had pivotal experiences with both of them. Ed was a strict out of the book coach. He gave me confidence and a chance to play. Pat had coached future NBA players. His selling point was that he had coached Kyle Lowery. He took me to Villanova practices to watch their guards. He taught me what I needed to do to get to the NBA. He showed me how to be a good pro guard’, stressed Tim Frazier. He was named to the Bob Cousy Award watch list, was Third Team All-Big Ten, and named to the Barclays Center Classic all-tourney team. He was also a Senior CLASS Award finalist, and was handed the Big Ten Sportsmanship Award

The quick guard who remembers losing to Chris Babb in 1-1 battles at Penn State, but getting him back a few years later in Maine began his professional career in the summer of 2014 playing NBA Summer League with the Philadelphia 76ers averaging 3.4ppg, 4.0rpg, 2.0apg, 1.2spg, FGP: 28%, FT: 50%. Their paths would cross soon after again. He had a wild rookie season beginning with the Boston Celtics and then being released and played with the Maine Red Claws (D-League). He had a fine rookie campaign in Maine averaging 16.1ppg, 7.1rpg, Assists-1 (9.5apg), 1.7spg, FGP: 49.1%, 3PT: 36.4%, FT: 81.1%. He scored in double figures in 36 of 41 games and had massive games against Delaware with 34 points, and scored 30 points against Eire Bay. He also recorded 4 triple doubles. ‘I’m really thankful for Chris Babb who was so helpful and helping make the transition from college to the pro’s’, remembered Tim Frazier. His dream like everyone else outside the NBA was the NBA and he did anything he could to be close to it. ‘This is a crazy story. It was like a 3 hour drive from Maine to Boston. I came down a lot to watch games if I had a day off. Often I would buy a ticket and sometimes get tickets from Players. I would talk to the players after the game. Then one day I got a call from the 76ers. Michael carter Williams was hurt and they were playing in Boston. They had no point guard and called me the day of the game. I had no shoes and I went to Boston. I asked Avery Bradley and he gave me a pair of his. This was a surreal moment for me. Playing my first NBA game against the team that cut me. That led to a 8 year NBA career. You couldn’t have asked for a better story’, remembered Tim Frazier. He had brief stints with Philadelphia playing 6 games and 6 games with Portland. He finished the season with a double double 13/10 against Dallas and will never forget playing against Dirk Nowitzki. ‘Dirk was Dirk. He was so phenomenal in his prime. But even near the end he was still so good. He put me in the switch and made his fade away over me. There was nothing I could do. I’m from Houston and only heard good things about him and how much he did for the community’, stated Tim Frazier. Every player has their NBA wake up moment and it wasn’t any different for him. ‘Playing 1-1 after practice against Damian Lillard, CJ McCollum and Steve Blake was tough. I saw really how great they were. Even Blake who was at the end of his career could still move well. I scored maybe once. All 3 dominated me. They showed me I had to work very hard to be in the NBA. I asked Dam if I could work out with him. Now we are still doing it during the summers’, added Tim Frazier.

The Texas native who has Damian Lillard, Anthony Davis, Giannis, CJ McCollum and Markief Morris as his 5 best teammates of all-time played the 2015-2016 season with the Portland Trail Blaziers playing 32 games averaging 1.6ppg, 1.2rpg, 1.3apg, played 8 games with the Maine Red Claws (D-League) averaging 15.0ppg, 9.1rpg, 9.6apg, 1.4spg, FGP: 61.0%, 3PT: 40.0%, FT: 75.0%, and finished the season with the New Orleans Pelicans (NBA) playing 15 games averaging 13.1ppg, 4.5rpg, 7.4apg, 1.5spg, FGP: 43.8%, 3PT: 44.8%, FT: 75.4%. It was obvious his time with the Pelicans was his best time in the NBA. ‘I think my time with the Pelicans then helped solidify my career. Pelicans had guys banged up and they signed me. My play helped me get a contract for next season. I came from Portland where I didn’t play because guys like Lillard and McCollum were playing. Then I go to the Pelicans and play really well. I still watch highlights and think who is that guy?. I was waving people off. I was playing with so much confidence’, remembered Tim Frazier. He had some fine games against Chicago netting 20 points and collecting 11 dimes, hit Brooklyn for 19 points and 13 assists and had 15 assists against Minnesota. That season he played against the Lakers and Kobe Bryant 4 times wining all games. In the first 3 games he totaled only 10 minutes, but near the end of the season in one of Kobe’s last games as a professional he played 26 minutes having 7 points and 12 assists. He will never forget that last encounter with the black mamba. ‘We played before a packed house in New Orleans and my Mom was there. I’m sure he knew who I was. He took a picture with my mom. But it wasn’t one of those pics that you just take and move on, but he really took time and talked with her something he wouldn’t have had to do. He signed for every last person and signed everyone’s shoe who had one there. He took so much time and that goes a long way showing what kind of person he was. The way he presented himself there meant more to me then his 81 point game or his titles. He was so humble and put a smile on my face. I didn’t get a pic with him, but I thank him for how much he meant to the game and my family’, remembered Tim Frazier. In the 2016-2017 season he remained with the Pelicans and had a solid season playing 65 games averaging 7.1ppg, 2.6rpg, 5.2apg, FGP: 44.6%, 3PT: 31.3%, FT: 76.0%. He scored in double figures in 21 games and had 20 points or more 4 times including scoring 21 points against Golden State and Atlanta and 20 points against the Bucks and Clippers. He also registered 10 assists or more 8 times including 14 against the Hawks. He saw the early development of Anthony Davis as he was becoming a superstar in that time. ‘I remember Jrue Holiday got injured at a time where we had a tough schedule. Anthony kept us in each game. He made me look better than I ever was. I knew all I had to do was get in the lane and he would make me look good. 5 of my assists were from him. He is a guard in a big man’s body. He is a close friend of mine. I was his best man at his wedding’, stressed Tim Frazier.

The ex Penn State great who remembers ex Michigan (NCAA) great Trey Burke being his toughest cover in the NCAA played the 2017-2018 season with the Washington Wizards (NBA) playing 60 games averaging 2.9ppg, 1.9rpg, 3.3apg. He wasn’t able to get the minutes he did the 2 seasons before in New Orleans as with the Wizards averaged only 14 minutes and scored in double figures only twice and had 14 dimes against the Hawks. He was teammates with Polish beast Marcin Gortat a guy that began to make a name for himself early in his career in 2006 in Germany and then reached the NBA having a solid 12 year NBA career. ‘Marcin was great. He was one of the best screen setters that I ever played with. That is what he prided himself doing. One can credit all those John Wall dunks to him setting great screens. He was a laid back and funny guy that put in the work. I remember he always doing the hammer when he dunked. I was really fortunate to have been able to come across great teammates’, said Tim Frazier. In the 2018-2019 season his wandering from team to team in the NBA continued as he returned back to the Pelicans again averaging 5.0ppg, 2.9rpg, 4.4apg, and then moved to the moved to Milwaukee Bucks (NBA) playing 21 games averaging 4.6ppg, 1.9rpg, 2.5apg. He had some great games again that season scoring in double figures in 8 games and had 10 assists or more 5 times. He scored 29 points and 13 assists against Oklahoma and 20 points and 15 assists against Atlanta a team he always played well against. He was fortunate to be teammates with Greek Freak Giannis a player that is for many the best player in the NBA at the moment. ‘I can’t say a bad word about him. For me he is top 5 in best work ethic that I have ever seen. He has put in so much time in the weight room and it shows. He deserves all the success he has had. He wants all to succeed. He is such a dominant player and is just a great teammate, and parent. I saw in Greece how much of a house hold name he is. Everybody asked me about him. It is great to see how far he has come. He is still growing. He always wants to get better’, warned Tim Frazier. In the 2019-2020 season he played with the Detroit Pistons (NBA) playing 27 games averaging 3.6ppg, 1.2rpg, 3.4apg. Covid hit in the latter part of the season and his minutes were really sporadic. ‘That was a tough season. I just had to stay ready. I may not play for 2 weeks and then start a game. An experience like this makes you a pro. I may play 30 minutes or 30 seconds. At the end of the day you put the team first. You have to always be ready. I always put in the work so I would be ready when my number was called’, remembered Tim Frazier. He scored 17 points against ex team Washington and 13 points against Chicago.

Miles Schmidt-Scheuber and Marcin Gortat in Rhondorf Germany in 2006

The guard who lists Steph Curry and Damian Lillard (I knew his moves and had to stop him or I would hear it all summer long) as his toughest opponents on the court in the NBA played only 5 games for Memphis in the 20-21 season as COVID was in full swing. ‘That was a very tough season. I remember all the protocols. You had to have a seat empty between seats on the plane and got tested like 3 times a day. We couldn’t do anything. I stayed inside. You would stay in the hotel and still maybe catch it. I remember when I was first signed I had to quarantine 7 days. Everything was unknown. Nobody knew anything. We couldn’t do normal things together like eat a meal. It was a wild time’, stated Tim Frazier. In the 21-22 season he played only 12 games with Cavs and Orlando. Did he lose faith in the NBA process with Covid and playing very little games. ‘I don’t know if I lost faith. As you get older the window gets smaller. Now with younger guys getting drafted and the 2 way contracts, teams have the ability to develop young players better and the price tag is smaller. I never lose faith. If someone had told me coming out of college that I would play 8 years in the NBA, I would of hoped so. I never close the door on the NBA. Anything can happen. I have been fortunate to have built so many relationships with coaches. You never know what could happen. I could get a call this summer and get signed again by a NBA team. I want to have the best career I can now overseas’, added Tim Frazier. He got 2 ten day contracts with Orlando and one from the Cavs. ‘It was all about luck and opportunity. It was a tough season, but I just kept striving for my dream. So many guys would have died to be in my position’, explained Tim Frazier. Last season he had the opportunity to play with Germany’s biggest talent at the moment Franz Wagner who was a first round draft pick of Orlando in 2021. ‘Franz was great and has all the potential in the world. I remember when he scored 30 or 40 points I was like who is this guy. He has that Euro game and could become something special. He still had a good second season even if some of his scoring went down in the second half of the season. They have many scoring options. Every night it could be someone else like a Carter, Fultz or Wagner who is top scorer. He is a great teammate that roots for everyone. At the end of the day that will take him a long way. He already has a great skill level. He was a great teammate’, remembered Tim Frazier.

The ex Pelican who lists Allen Iverson as his favorite player of all-time and thinks the classic movie Coming To America should have been left alone began this season in Greece with AEK Athens (Greece-GBL) playing 13 games averaging 11.3ppg, 2.8rpg, 5.0apg, 2FGP: 46.3%, 3FGP: 34.4%, FT: 73.1%: and in the BCL: played 10 games averaging 6.3ppg, 2.5rpg, 5.2apg, 1.0spg, 2FGP: 28.0%, 3FGP: 34.3%, FT: 81.3%. It is never easy making the transition from many years NBA to overseas, but from his play, one wouldn’t have thought that he had any problems. Obviously the time difference and food was different, but one he got used to quickly. The biggest difference were the facilities. For European standards top, but then again still a league or 2 below what you witness in the NBA where everything is the best. He showed on the court that he belonged scoring 22 points against PAOK and Ionikos and 15 points against top Euroleague team Olympiakos. ‘Greece was a good test for me. Greece is a 2 team league. I showed against Olympiakos that I could compete. It was like playing against the Warriors.’, said Tim Frazier. Now he has begun a new chapter in his career with SIG Strasburg. The team has struggled in the France Pro A and is fighting to reach the playoffs. ‘It has been a culture shock. The intensity is so high overseas. Every game matters. In the NBA you play so many games not every game matters. I have grown fond of guys playing overseas because it isn’t easy. You see guys from the NBA not be successful here. It is a real grind’, stressed Tim Frazier. Two teammates he has really grown fond of have been two guys with massive chips on their shoulders. Explosive diminutive guard Marcus Keene who has had to grind his whole career and now slowly is being rewarded and Deandre Lansdowne who played division 2 in college and began in the third league in Germany 7 years ago. ‘Both guys are so mentally tough. Deandre beginning in the third league and now being captain speaks a lot for his work ethic. He tries to be the best player he can be. He will come to me during a game and tell me that we will get a play for me. He wants to help guys get going. That speaks a lot for him. When Marcus is hot, he is unstoppable. I saw it in college. He hit shots then. Now he is a wow factor about how he can take over games. He is a real competitor’, stated Tim Frazier. It will be interesting to see how well SIG Strasburg closes out the season. He is definitely a player who has seen it all in the NBA and is a real professional. Covid killed so many people which was the worst part. Everything else is just a side note concerning how Covid hurt people in other ways. Did he sometimes wonder where his career in the NBA may have gone without Covid? ‘Yes I do wonder. I think many guys would still have had jobs without it. It was a tough time then and still is today. I’m a firm believer in God and everything happens for a reason. The best place for me now is France. I’m happy my family is safe. I loved being in the NBA, but now the best place for me is France. I want to be the best person that I can be’, warned Tim Frazier. He is a guy that is thankful for everything in his life. That is exactly how it should be.

Having the what if phrases pop up is something that happens on occasion in so many different situations in life not only in sports. The question of what would have been the fate of the 2022-2023 Dragons Rhondorf had they had Mubarak Salami (198-SG-1996)? That is something that only God knows. This team had so much potential and were growing with the addition of him in January 2023. Until his death the Dragons Rhondorf had won 2 of their last 3 games and were in a groove and getting prepared for the latter part of the regular season. But then the unexpected happened and he was suddenly taken from us on February 24th. His tragic death shocked basketball Germany and put a massive dagger into the heart of the Dragons Rhondorf organization and all the others he had strapped on the jersey for. Suddenly a Paul Albrecht and Co would come to practice and see a vacant spot in the dressing room. He would be missing from the guard rotation forever. His death was so brutally saddening. Of course life went on after for the Dragons Organization as they came back on the court and gave all they had, but something was missing. The lethal game of Mubarak Salami was forever gone. His explosive offensive game was something they couldn’t replace on the floor and something that definitely could of gotten them over the hump in the Basketball Lowen playoff series. Even if life went on after February 24 for the Dragons Rhondorf, the season for me was over. The 2022-2023 Dragons Rhondorf season took an unexpected and unwanted turn upside down. Nothing was the same for me, but the memory of Mubarak Salami will forever be present.

After focusing on the youth in the last few years, the Dragons Rhondorf went into a different direction this season going more with age and experience. They hadn’t been to the playoffs since 2018 and wanted to get that taste of the post season again. The club had a healthy mix of old and young as captain Paul Albrecht led the veterans flanked by ex easyCredit BBL player Florian Koch and Florian Wendeler who came back after playing there some years ago where he averaged 5/4 in their Pro A season. The club also kept sniper Nicolas Buchholz and brought in role player Adrian Bergmann. A big addition was Zaba Bangala who was Mini Zion Williamson in a Swedish body who wrecked havoc in the paint area. American Devon Goodman was the back bone of the club who was the team’s MVP. It was a shame that he couldn’t play game 2 on account of injury. If he had played then there for sure would have been a do or die game back in the Dragon Dome on Sunday. It was a very talented roster, but also a thin one where one really wondered what could have been achieved if the club had had a few more fresh bodies on the bench.

The Dragons Rhondorf had a weird situation to begin the 2022-2023 season. Not only did they have to suffer and play 4 of their first 6 games on the road, but in reality it felt more like 6 away games. On account of renovations in their living room Dragon Dome in Bad Honnef, the ex Pro A team had to play their first 2 home games in a substitution location in Sankt Katharinen. The new non-permanent location was only 18 kilometers away, but still the so called home games still felt like home was far away. Despite the tough situation, the club still began the season on a very positive note going 4-2. They finally played their first real home game in their living room on November 26th beating Rist Wedel 102-97 and went into December with an optimistic 5-2 record. Despite that the club showed early on that consistency on defense was a problem as twice they showed great performances allowing 66 and 65 points, but also gave up 82 or more points 4 times. After that the season would be an up and down battle where they never were able to find a true defensive identity. In December they went 3-2 and was highlighted by a blow out win over Vechta, but also suffered a 24 point loss to rival RheinStars. In January, they went 1-3 and hauled in Mubarak Salami for extra offensive fire power as the club noticed that something was missing on offense and the bench was thin. Then came the team’s best phase of the season as they went 5-1. Their biggest win was against the BSW Sixers, but they also were swept by top pro B north team Lok Bernau as their defense stifled them twice this season. In between they had to witness the tragic death of Mubarak Salami. They closed out the season with a disappointing 0-4 record. Having their last 2 regular season games more than 500 kilometers away in Wolmirstedt and Wedel only 4 days apart surely wasn’t beneficial. They were fortunate to gain home court in the first round only because Vechta had lost their last game of the regular season. They came into the playoffs and should have won game 1 at home in the regular time against Erfurt, but instead let it slip away in overtime and in game 2 gave all they had, but lost after a massive come back. One had that what if question again what would have happened had Devon Goodman been on board. He had to sit out because of injury.

Devon Goodman was the unanimous choice of team MVP averaging 19,8ppg, 4,0rpg, 8,9apg and 2,0spg. The club hadn’t seen such a dominant import since Kameron Taylor and Curtis Hollis. His incredible quickness and drive will always be in the minds of everyone who witnessed him in the Dragon Dome. He scored in double figures in 20 of 23 games including closing out his last home game with 37 points and 14 dimes against Erfurt. He will most likely land in a higher league. I can imagine he will get offers from German Pro A teams. The second top scorer of the team was Florian Koch who had played 294 BBL games with Bonn, Ludwigsburg, Wurzburg and Ludwigsburg. He averaged 18,0ppg, 5,9rpg, 2,4apg and 1,4spg. He sparkled with his three point shooting, but also showed he was a team player filling the stat sheet. This was the best club transaction in years and a real enrichment to get a guy of his quality. The third top scorer was Swedish national player Zaba Bangala who averaged 14,6ppg, 8,6rpg, 2,1apg and 1,3spg. He was easily the clubs most improved player. Even if he had up and down phases and lost some gas down the stretch, the guy made huge strides from the start of the season.The fourth top scorer was ex Rostock guard Nicolas Buchholz who averaged 12,7ppg, 2,2rpg and 1,9apg. His scoring was down, but he knew that coming into the season as the club had more experience and scoring ability than the season before which slowed down his scoring average. His best game was his 24 points 3 rebounds and 5 assists against Herford where he drilled home 7 three’s. It wasn’t the easiest season for him having to find his role on a team with veterans, but a valuable learning experience. My unsung hero of the team was captain Paul Albrecht. He averaged 10,9ppg, 6,8rpg and 2,3apg. He came to play every night and gave all he had and showed always he is the ultimate team player. How can anyone not adore this guy? His smile is as warm and as soothing as a whirl pool after a marathon run. He is the identity figure of the team and I hope he plays many more years in Rhondorf. Florian Wendeler came back to Rhondorf after stints in Cuxhaven, Bochum and Cologne and averaged 4,6ppg and 3.8rpg. He is one of those guys where you know what you will get. He came from the bench and gave durability, hustle and a presence under the hoop with rebounds. Adrian Bergmann came form Schwenningen and averaged 3,7ppg and 2,4rpg. The three and D specialist always gave his best from the bench. The team player was the best example that his impact on the game wasn’t about scoring or giving crazy highlights but playing hard defense and finding the best option for his team. Young German Sam Nellessen played 16 games and averaged 8,3 minutes. I wish he would have been integrated more into the offense.

The most positive note for the Dragons Rhondorf season was that they finally reached the playoffs again after 5 years away. The team was mostly fun to watch in terms of offensive power as they knew how to put points on the board. The negative aspect was that they were unable to find a defensive identity. They allowed 80 points or more in 18 of 26 games. Their biggest problem was simply 1-1 defense and some how not being more consistent on slowing down the drive. They also had problems rebounding during the season which cost them some games as well. The thin bench surely also played a role. I would have liked to have seen the youth players get more of a chance. The 2022-2023 season will always have the tragic death of Mubarak Salami as it’s stamp. Everything else that occurred will more or less be like a side note in this season. This so sad occurrence is something that will always be present in Dragons Rhondorf history. Mubarak Salami was such a positive appearance in the Dragons basketball culture. The what if phrase will always be present in the 2022-2023 season. What if Mubarak Salmi hadn’t left us? How far would the Dragons Rhondorf have gone on the court? But more important how many more lives would he have been able to enrich and laid a positive influence on others with his character? Mubarak’s spirit will forever live on in the Dragon Dome and in many other places.

Tags : MUBARAK SALAMI, DRAGONS RHOENDORF, GERMAN BASKETBALL

Divine Myles (180-PG-1996, college: Stetson, agency: MSG) is a 27 year old 180cm guard from Alabama playing his 5th professional season and first with the Basketball Lowen Braunschweig. He played most of his career in Kosovo where he was parts of 3 seasons winning 2 titles. He also had experience in France with clubs Chorale de Roanne Basket (France-Jeep ELITE ProA) and Denain ASC Voltaire (France-ProB) as well as playing in Russia for VTB team BC Nizhny Novgorod. He played at Stetson University from 2014-2018 playing a total of 127 NCAA games. He spoke to germanhoops.com after the 86-71 win over the Fraport Skyliners where he had 11 points and 4 assists.

Congrats Divine on the thrilling 86-71 win against the Fraport Skyliners. How good did this victory feel after the bitter buzzer beater loss against BG Goettingen?

The win felt great. That win brought us up to another level. The loss to BG Goettingen was tough. We felt we should of won it. We wanted to come back home and give the fans a win back.

Was that buzzer beater possibly a blessing in disguise for the Frankfurt game? How would you describe how focused the team was?

We were extremely focused against Frankfurt. The loss before hurt a lot. We don’t want to fall out of the league. We did all we could to get the win.

The Basketball Lowen came out and led 25-15 after 10 minutes. Can you understand why Frankfurt didn’t have a sense of urgency despite leading 7-3 early.

It’s that time of year where guys are tired and beat up and ready to go home. I think they were a bit out of it. They couldn’t match our intensity when we applied pressure.

Braunschweig found to their game and quickly controlled the game and got away to begin of the second quarter starting with a lethal 10-2 run. Robin Amaize and Nicholas Tischler were instrumental in the run with points.

We usually start out well so it is important that the second unit keep the intensity up and that is what they did. They hit shots and played good defense. There was no drop in intensity.

In the third quarter the Fraport Skyliners had their best quarter keeping you to 10 team points. Why couldn’t Braunschweig crack the zone?

We never work on zone. I have been here 4 months and we haven’t worked on it.

The Fraport Skyliners cut down your lead to 59-54. What words of wisdom did head coach Jesus Ramirez give the team in the break leading up to the fourth quarter?

He didn’t really say much. It was more us talking to ourselves. We knew that they would try to go on a run. We were a collective unit and knew what to do. We knew that we had to make another run.

Braunschweig got 4 three’s to pull away and lead in double figures again. Did you sense that you wanted it more as a team than Frankfurt did?

When I looked at film again after the game you could see that we wanted it more. We all locked in and were great on the rebound. It was the biggest game of the season and we had a job to do.

Frankfurt wasn’t bad and were better in some stats but how key were the 18-4 free throws made for Braunschweig? Did that decide the game?

If you shoot more free throws you normally will win the game. We did a good job attacking and getting to our spots. We put our foot on the gas.

What was it like battling 33 year old ex Euroleague player Jordan Theodore? He had a tough shooting day?

He was my assignment. He has a great reputation. Me as a competitor did my job. I took it personal. I always go on the floor believing I’m the best on the court. He scored 6 points in the first half and 0 in the second half. I did my job.

If you think about it Braunschweig wouldn’t have been in this tough situation had it not lost the tough games against Ludwigsburg and BG Goettingen. How much better is this team than what their record actually states?

We are way better than what our record shows. I came on December 26th and Dustin also came in late. RJ also came late. I firmly believe that if we 3 had been here from day 1 then we would of made the playoffs. Our loses were close. We played Munich and Berlin tough and were close loses.

Braunschweig is in the drivers seat. You pretty much have to lose the rest of your games and Frankfurt win it’s last 3. How vital is having that game to game focus now?

Yes we have that game to game focus. We want to keep the level up. We have a week and half to go and want to finish strong. We next have a tough game in Bonn. It’s tough to play there. I would love to get that home win for the fans.

What has it been like being teammates with David Kramer? He told me 7 years ago his goal is the NBA.

He is a great player. He is a great competitor and scorer. He has a unique skill set. We push each other every day and both have that killer instinct. We feed of each other in games and practice. If I see him having a tough stretch, then I will tell him to remain aggressive and tell him his shot will start to fall. He does the same for me. I love to play with him.

Your having a very solid season in the easyCredit BBL. Is this league the toughest you have played in after seeing Kosovo and France Pro A and Pro B?

I think that the BBL and France Pro A are even in terms of atmosphere and fans and crowd. But I think that France is a bit more competitive than Germany.

Would Germany be an option for you next season? The easyCredit BBL has been a super stepping stone for many Americans moving up?

Yes I will look at my options after the season. Teams here like how I play here. I really like Germany. It has that state feel.

Who will reach the NBA final and win it all?

The Lakers will meet the Celtics in final and win.

Thanks Divine for the chat.

Tags : DIVINE MYLES, BASKETBALL LOEWEN BRAUNSCHWEIG, GERMAN BASKETBALL

When you have interviewed as many American Regionalliga players like I have over the years, there is one thing that always stands out and that is their overwhelming self confidence in their abilities. I mean what is wrong with being very sure in one’s own abilities. If you can back it up why not? Scoring 50 + points is no easy task to do at any level. I mean every now and then a guy will blast off to another galaxy and hit for 100 points like Jonathan Braeger did last season with Regionalliga team Baskets Vilsbiburg. But let’s stick to the 50 points something that is also super rare to do. In the German Regionalliga, it is done every now and then, but how often is that touch of Kevin Love involved in the stat line. A player has to be super aggressive to score 50 + points, but how does one describe that aggressiveness when at the same time he hauls down 25 rebounds? When I read the stat line recently, I was amazed, but then again no so much amazed as I read the master of disaster that was involved for the masterpiece was Ricardo Artis II (198-F/G-1993, college: Wiley). I mean he had been dominating the Regionalliga all season long. Coming into the massive playoff game against Koln DTV he had hauled down 10 rebounds or more 22 times and earlier in the season had hit the same team for 21 rebounds. That was a good omen and after 43 minutes he had led his team to a big 114-100 OT win with 51 points and 25 rebounds. Even if he had 21 rebounds in the first game, he didn’t go into this game more motivated. ‘I always have a motivation to show the world what I can do every time I step on that court. I’m a high level caliber player, who should be playing nothing less than BBL and Pro A basketball here in Germany. Last time we spoke, I told you I would try 30 rebounds. I was 5 rebounds off so I apologize to you for that’, joked Ricardo Artis II. Sometimes guys know right away if it’s going to be a great night. Ex easyCredit BBL player Valentin Blass who strapped on the jersey 14 times for the Telekom Baskets Bonn had to endure Artis’s prediction right off the bat. ‘After my first point, I went up to #38 Blass for Deutz and I told him I was going for 50. He told me ‘good luck.’ That’s the best luck someone has ever granted me. Haha. Dankeschoen #38 Blass.’, smiled Ricardo Artis II who played a season at Wiley College (NAIA).

The athletic scorer and rebounder who sees the Warriors and Bucks advancing in their current playoff series despite having early problems was a big part of SV Hagen-Haspe 70 (Regionalliga) advancing past Koln DTV. Despite the sweep, he didn’t think that it would have been so easy. ‘It feels good. I was a little surprised with the sweep. I had faith that we would win but I considered it being a dog fight and to go 3 games. I’m proud of my team but we are focused and we all know we still have two rounds to go’, warned Ricardo Artis II. Hagen arrived into the game averaging scoring 87 points per game, but to average 21 points more was mind boggling for some but not for him. ‘It’s playoffs, so I expected some type of urgency and will from this team. I believe we have the best offense in the league. Putting up points is something we do when we’re focused and executing the game plan. When we match our defense with offense, we’re a tough team to beat’, stressed Ricardo Artis II. It also doesn’t hurt when you have an explosive scorer like Artis on the team, because it gives his teammates confidence and understanding that they can be successful. ‘I believe it’s the guys realizing what we are capable of being. We beat the top teams in this league so we know how to get it done. It’s all about how great we feel like being that day and my team picked the perfect days to be great these last two weeks. I’m proud of my guys’, commented Ricardo Artis II. Koln was stacked with guys who had played in higher leagues and the club also had a better record then Hagen Haspe, but the underdog somehow got it done in fine fashion. ‘Executing the game plan, and just believing in ourselves was vital. Defense was also key of course like you mentioned. The fans played a big part in our success also. Thank you Haspe for the support. It’s important’, added Ricardo Artis II.

The ex North Lake College (JUCO) swingman who believes the Lakers will defeat the Bucks in the 2023 NBA finals had a crazy 2 game series against Koln DTV averaging a ridiculous 45,oppg and 18,0rpg. His memorable 51/25 game was the best game in his career. Scoring 30-40 games on a consistent rate like he does is normal, but 51/25? Is that normal? ‘When you believe in yourself at the level that I do, it’s not so incredible. I know what I’m capable of doing and I know the type of player I am. Those numbers are great don’t get me wrong but that performance will surprise a spectator before it surprises me. I believe I’m great and that’s why I continue to do great things’, expressed Ricardo Artis II. Having a once in a lifetime game seems more realistic at an earlier part of the season, but in the post season, the body has already taken his toil, but he always took good care of his body. ‘It was the most fun game of the season. I credit that to the fans that cheered for us. Also, I thank my coach for keeping us well prepared and conditioned throughout the week in practices and workouts. That week rest after the season helped my body a lot also’, said Ricardo Artis II. Can his self-confidence grow even more after a mind blowing performance like that? ‘I don’t think my self-confidence can get any higher than what I came to Germany with. My high confidence for myself is what makes me the immortal scorer I am. I truly think I’m unguardable. I can hurt you from many positions and I am a matchup nightmare. I play 1-5. My energy and tenacity is something that will be unmatched until I choose to retire. That’s just how it’s always been for me’, stressed Ricardo Artis II. The playoff journey continues for him now as they face tough team Ibbenburen. They destroyed Hagen Haspe by 39 points in the first game and then Artis and Co grinded out a thrilling 89-87 win. Hagen Haspe has had problems with the defensive rebound and will have to be sharper on the glass. ‘The key remains the same. Defense and continue to execute the game plan. We played small ball with no bigs. Our starting center was injured so I played the 5 so we could stretch the floor and have more space on offense. We were at a disadvantage in size which gave them extra opportunities but we also had advantages to be more faster and quick. I’m not worried. We’re the underdogs. It’s more pressure on them if you ask me’, expressed Ricardo Artis II. If he has an Explosive experience like his 51/25 game is unknown, but if he doesn’t he won’t be fazed. He has only one goal. ‘A game like that came from me just wanting to win. I’m playing with some more aggressiveness of course because of it being playoffs but I don’t have plans on topping that game. I have plans to win the championship. If I have 40/50 or 60 point games to get the job done then that’s great. But my objective is to win by all means necessary and give it all I got trying to’, warned Ricardo Artis II.

Tags : RICARDO ARTIS II, SV HAGEN-HASPE 70, GERMAN BASKETBALL

Even if a club may not always be spot on on offense, but if you can stick to your defensive principles then you will be rewarded every now and then. That is exactly what happened to the Fraport Skyliners in the playoff series against the RheinStars Cologne. In game 1, they didn’t defend bad, but couldn’t get their offense going as they shot only 23% from outside and scored 63 points. In a do or die game in Cologne, they had some bad phases and had to play pick up basketball, but when it counted most, they defended with real heart and finally had that offensive explosion they knew they could always do but didn’t always do scoring 33 points in the fourth quarter on the road. The Fraport Skyliners Juniors weren’t saved yet as they had another do or die game, but this time in their own living room against Cologne. The atmosphere had been good in game 1 as many Cologne fans were in the building, but this time extra more fans came from the Fraport arena after watching the easyCredit BBL team battle and now wanted to cheer on the Skyliners farm team move on to the next round against the BSW Sixers. On a mild early Spring day with a packed Basketball City Mainhatten and 37 fans from the RheinStars that had made the 2 hour drive to Frankfurt, nobody got disappointed as everyone witnessed a hard fought playoff battle. Both teams had averaged 70 points allowed in the first 2 games and in game 3, the Fraport Skyliners Juniors stayed faithful to their defensive aggressiveness and stuck it out and survived the crunch-time wining 83-74 and advancing to meet the BSW Sixers next weekend. ‘We fought very hard and showed a real team effort. We stuck together the whole series and came back from 13 down in Cologne. We can be proud of how we played tonight. We deserved to win this game’, warned Marco Voeller. Even minutes after the siren sounded, the whole Cologne squad was on the bench and were staring at their own fans who had supported them to the end. The players looked as if they had seen a ghost and were just totally shocked and down, but who could blame them? They had just played their hearts out. ‘We didn’t execute when we needed to and struggled against their zone. When we didn’t get stops, we became hectic on offense and had trouble making shots. Frankfurt is a very good team with a lot of talented young players’, stressed RheinStars Cologne center Shore Adenekan.

Jannis Von Seckendorff to the rim

The first quarter was a back and forth slapping as no team could get away from the other as there were 6 lead changes. Except for an early trey by ex Wurzburg forward Nils Leonhardt, both teams stuck to the drive in the first few minutes. Frankfurt got aggressiveness and execution from ex Vechta forward Justin Onyejiaka who scored twice while the guests got early production from second year Cologne big man Elijah Schmidt who also scored twice. Despite Frankfurt getting 4 early turnovers, the RheinStars couldn’t profit from it well. Frankfurt also got big man Alexander Richardson going early while Cologne also got buckets from ex Rhondorf youth player Jannis Von Seckendorff and ex Ansbach forward Anthony Bauer who hit his bread and butter mid distance shot as Frankfurt led 11-10. But then came the arrival of ex Trier guard Ruppert Hennene who is one of those guys who is always dangerous with his shooting and he showed why making back to back three’s for the 16-11 Cologne lead. Frankfurt had produced too many turnovers and struggled with their 1-1 defense as Cologne’s intensity was higher. But Frankfurt who showed in this do or die game that they wouldn’t put up with long lapses as they retaliated with a lay in by 2018 JBBL champion Nolan Adekunle and a three by ex RheinStars Cologne youth player Jordan Samare to dead lock the game at 16-16. The first remained a game of runs as Frankfurt still had no remedy how to contain Hennen as he scored 5 unanswered points including another trey, but Frankfurt punched them back one more time with an old school hook shot by Marco Voeller and another trey by Jordan Samare to dead lock the game at 21-21. ‘It was a back and forth game. It took Frankfurt a while to settle in. Frankfurt had problems containing Ruppert Hennen’, stated ex Fraport Skyliner Konstantin Schubert.

Jordan Samare at the FT line

The second quarter continued to be a close duel as the RheinStars had the lead for the most part allowing Frankfurt on a little run to recapture the lead back, but gave it up again at the end. The Fraport Skyliners Juniors had difficulty again getting into a groove in the first few minutes as the RheinStars got 3 stops including forcing them to 2 turnovers. Cologne executed well on offense going inside getting a floater from ex Koblenz guard Steffen Haufs and 2 baskets by Schmidt to have the 27-23 advantage. But the Fraport Skyliners Juniors then finally found their offensive rhythm again going on a 8-0 run to get the lead back at 31-27. In the run, Alexander Richardson and Onyejaika scored in the paint and Nolan Adekunle dropped a trey. Frankfurt did a good job being more aggressive on the offensive board and clogged the paint area better giving the guests little room to operate. Frankfurt kept the lead continuing their aggressiveness inside getting a lay in from Samare and tip in by Leonhardt, but couldn’t shake Cologne as Ruppert Hennen continued to wheel and deal and put Frankfurt’s defense into disarray. He hit another three pointer and made a beautiful finger tip lay in in best Tiny Archibald manner to cut Frankfurt’s lead to 36-34. Felix Hecker drilled home a big trey, but Cologne top guard Ali Sow finally found his groove making free throws and a few tough shots to give the RheinStars Cologne the narrow 45-42 lead at the break. The RheinStars shot 57% from the field and 53% from outside and had 16 rebounds and 8 turnovers while the Fraport Skyliners Juniors shot 43% from the field and 50% from outside and had 22 rebounds and 10 turnovers. ‘Samare and Richardson played well on the boards. Frankfurt continued to have problems containing Hennen. He has a good combination with his first quick step and shooting. If you give him a little room then he will punish you’, stated Konstantin Schubert.

Ali Sow at the ft line

The RheinStars Cologne upped their game in the third quarter and upped their lead by as much as 10 points, but once again the Fraport Skyliners Juniors didn’t hang their heads and made a run to cut the guests lead to only to 2 points after 30 minutes. Ruppert Hennen got his team on the board first with a 10 footer for the 47-42 lead. But Frankfurt then got some timely support from Justin Onyejaika who scored on transition and Alex Richardson made a tip in dunk as Frankfurt trailed only 47-46. But the RheinStars knew what was at stake and then played their best offense of the game going on a lethal 15-6 run to secure the comfortable 62-52 advantage. Cologne suddenly matched Frankfurt’s intensity level on the boards getting a dunk by Schmidt as Sow found a hole in the Frankfurt zone and Von Seckendorff made a tip in dunk. Sow was running the offensive show with his playmaking and scoring. He also added free throws and a lay in on transition and three pointer. Cologne did a good job containing Adekunle better as that scorer who could take over for Frankfurt in the scoring department was missing. Frankfurt was showing nerves as their offensive execution was lacking as their plays were more hurried. But the Fraport Skyliners Juniors clamed down and closed out the third quarter with a vital 8-0 run to trail 62-60. Vital in the run were Marco Voeller with two lay in’s and clutch shots by Mr energizer Philipp Hadenfeld. Point guard Alvin Oniyia began the run with Voeller with the perfect pick and roll play. Onyia would play a pivotal role in the fourth showing his absolute will to overcome all obstacles. ‘We defended well in the run at the end. We defended better and improved our 1-1 defense from the first half. We forced them to tough shots’, said Marco Voeller. ‘We had a bad phase not hitting shots and getting stops’, added Shore Adenekan. The RheinStars Cologne shot 52% from the field and 44% from the three point line and had 24 rebounds and 14 turnovers while the Fraport Skyliners Juniors shot 43% from the field and 37% from the three point line and had 31 rebounds and 15 turnovers.

Alexander Richardson at the FT line

The Fraport Skyliners stole the lead back early in the fourth and after giving it up once more regained it back and never gave it up again. Hadenfeldt began the fourth quarter with a three pointer as Frankfurt led 63-62, but Ali Sow stole it back with a lay in for the 64-63 advantage. But on this night, the Fraport Skyliners Juniors were just the more consistent team and picked best when to start their runs. Frankfurt reacted to the last Sow bucket with a 14-6 run to lead 77-70 and gain complete control of the game and never give up the lead again. Instrumental in the lead was 7 year man Alvin-Olebabe Onyia (181-PG-2000). He may only have scored 1 point but his 5 assists were worth like 50 points. He had suffered a tough blow to the floor earlier and suffered a cut. He was treated on the bench and returned back to the game. His actions reminded one of Larry Bird’s famous return in the 1991 playoffs against the Indiana Pacers. Bird shouldn’t of played that game in the first place as his back was badly injured. He then hit the floor where he thought he had broken his jaw. After treatment he returned back to the game and shot out the lights as the Boston Celtics won. It wasn’t quite as dramatic with Oniya, but he made 2 clutch assists to Richardson for baskets. ‘Alvin was extra motivated and his will and fight prevailed. He may get too emotional at times, but he is our bull dog and a good defender and team player. Those were 100% big plays he made for Richardson’, warned Marco Voeller.

Frankfurt displayed fine inside out basketball as Leonhardt also scored inside and Adekunle and Hadenfeldt supplied three’s. The momentum of the Fraport Skyliners Juniors rose with every new bucket. Sow gave the RheinStars all he had down the stretch making free throws to cut Frankfurt’s lead to 78-74 with 41 seconds to play. When your as good of a driver as Ali Sow, it is only logical that his self confidence is very high, but he didn’t anticipate getting blocked by the athletic Nolan Adekunle. Adekunle and Richardson then closed out the win with free throws. ‘Cologne really fought hard. We never gave up and stuck together until the end. We made big shots and big plays on defense and Hadenfeldt free throws’, added Marco Voeller. ‘We had no more rhythm on offense. Frankfurt attacked the rim and made big plays’, stressed Shore Adenekan. The Fraport Skyliners Juniors were led by Alexander Richardson with 17 points. Nolan Adekunle scored 13 points and Jordan Samare and Philipp Hadenfeldt added 12 points a piece while the RheinStars Cologne were led by Ali Sow with 24 points while Ruppert Hennen added 18 points. The Fraport Skyliners Juniors shot 46% from the field and 37% from outside and had 42 rebounds and 19 turnovers while the RheinStars Cologne shot 43% from the field and 28% from outside and had 35 rebounds and 18 turnovers.

Tags : ALVIN-OLEBABE ONYIA, FRAPORT SKYLINERS FRANKFURT JUNIOR TEAM, GERMAN BASKETBALL

The fight to escape the doormat area of the easyCredit BBL was as exciting for the Fraport Skyliners as the current Warriors-Kings series in the NBA where the latter jumped out to a surprising 2-0 start. Even with the arrival of ex Euroleague player Jordan Theodore, the team hasn’t been able to make so much ground simply because Braunschweig has also kept winning. Since the arrival of the ex Seton Hall (NCAA) great the Fraport Skyliners have won 2 of 3 games. They lost their last game in Munich where they played Germany’s most famous sports organization real tough losing only by 6 points. Their opponent was the doormat of the league with medi Bayreuth which was a must win. The Bavarian team were riding a 4 game losing streak and at the moment were only playing for pride. The Fraport Skyliners couldn’t go too relaxed into the game as they wanted to make ground on Braunschweig who had lost on abuzzer beater in Gottingen. On a mild early spring afternoon medi Bayreuth came out and played like a wounded animal as they spanked the Fraport Skyliners from the get go scoring 26 points and would display a beautiful offensive game averaging 29 points in the last 3 quarters to beat the Fraport Skyliners 113-107 without their top scorer Brandon Childress. ‘This was a real shootout. Frankfurt is a tough team that just kept fighting. We rebounded well in the first half and pushed the ball well. I am proud that we stuck together in the second half and didn’t crumble. The gym was loud, but we stayed solid and made our free throws at the end’, stressed ex George Mason (NCAA) guard Otis Livingston. One would of thought the Fraport Skyliners would play with a sense of urgency, but instead gave another frightful defensive performance where they allowed 15 three’s and countless open shots that made many guys feel like they were Steph Curry. ‘We didn’t play defense. We gave up too many open shots and didn’t communicate. When you let 2 guys score 67 points combined then it won’t be easy to win’, warned Quantez Robertson. ‘We hit lot of three’s. We get a lot of reps and that is what makes us feel comfortable taking three’s’, said Otis Livingston.

Derek Cooke at the FT line

The game began and before any Fraport Skyliners knew what had happened, medi Bayreuth led 16-3. The Bavarian squad found their range from outside quickly netting 2 three’s from ex Virgingia Tech (NCAA) forward Ahmed Hill (196-SG-1995, college: Virginia Tech) while Otis Livingston and German Kay Bruhnke also connected. Frankfurt was having problems getting into their offensive sets and were too soft on the glass allowing some early offensive rebounds. Frankfurt would get their offense slowly moving as Einaras Tubutis hit a trey and ex Iona (NCAA) guard Isaiah Washington hit a 10 footer and ex Eastern Kentucky (NCAA) guard Marcus Lewis sparkled with his 1-1 qualities, but the guests still led 19-10. The guests used their bench and got ample production as ex Vechta forward Nat Dialo scored as did ex FC Bayern Munich forward Sasha Grant. Bastian Doreth connected on a trey as Frankfurt trailed 26-12. Frankfurt did close out the first quarter with some energy as Washington connected for 5 unanswered points as medi Bayreuth led 26-17. The Fraport Skyliners shot a respectable 67% from the two point range, but their poor 33% from outside couldn’t match the superior 86% from outside from the guests. ‘We had a quick start. It was important for us to get our rhythm early. That helped us gain confidence and continue to play our style and execute’, stressed Otis Livingston.

Jackson Rowe with the jumper

In the second quarter medi Bayreuth continued to execute well against a non existent defense netting 29 points as the Fraport Skyliners were unable to get over the hump. Frankfurt came out with more energy in the first minutes as they got their big man ex G-League player Derek Cooke going as he scored 3 times including 2 dunks with an alley-oop dunk. On the one play Frankfurt showed possibly their best ball movement of the season. Washington also connected on a turn around shot as medi Bayreuth led only 31-25. Frankfurt were more aggressive attacking the paint area and were rewarded. But Frankfurt was unable to hold it as medi Bayreuth started to execute better on offense again nd get more stops as they went on a 9-2 run to lead 40-27. In the run the guests got their fast break game going scoring twice. Ex Cal State Fullerton forward Jackson Rowe also got going getting a lay in and getting to the free throw line twice. Skyliner legend Quantez Robertson then made a lay in as Frankfurt trailed 40-29. But on this day the guests had Ahmed Hill that would prove to be unstoppable. Hill scored an unbelievable 14 points in a row including three three’s to extend his team’s lead to 53-31. Frankfurt exhibited no communication on defense and on offense stuck to 1-1 play as team play was non existent. Hill’s highest point total of the season was 24 points against Bonn, but today he would eclipse that by 13 points. ‘When he starts getting hot, there is no telling how hot he will get. He is a player that does it all. He plays tough defense and rebounds well as well. His three’s today were just the cherry on the top’, smiled Otis Livingston. Lukas Wank took Frankfurt into the break with 5 points, but the guests and Hill had done most of the damage leading 55-36. ‘We were feeling it. When we can play our style we click. When we feel comfortable and see the ball going in a lot, it makes everything easier for us’, stated Otis Livingston. The Fraport Skyliners were shooting 63% from the 2 point area and 40% from the three point line and had 11 rebounds and 7 turnovers while medi Bayreuth shot 47% from the 2 point area and 77% from the three point line and had 15 rebounds and 3 turnovers.

Isaiah Washington with the jumper

In the third quarter the Fraport Skyliners showed what their offense is capable of exploding for 40 points, but they still couldn’t make much ground as medi Bayreuth racked up 29 points and still led by 8 points after 30 minutes. The Fraport Skyliners got some early production from Cooke with a lay in, trey from Lukas Wank and 2 baskets from Quantez Robertson, but still trailed 66-43. On defense they continued to allow Ahmed Hill to play his game as he produced 2 lay in’s and Livingston scored 5 points. Frankfurt then went on a 8-0 run as ex Seton Hall (NCAA) guard Jordan Theodore supplied 2 three’s to trail 66-51. The game continued to show runs as the Bavarian team retaliated with lay ins from Rowe and a lay in from ex Providence (NCAA) forward Kalif Young to lead 70-51. Frankfurt continued to battle and fight back as their offense executed well going on a 9-2 run to trail 72-59. Frankfurt was sparked by a Washington lay in and back to back three’s from Tubutis and ex FC Bayern Munich guard Joshua Obiesie. Frankfurt continued to chip away and drilled home 8 three’s in the quarter. Three’s by Lewis and Tubutis cut medi Bayreuth’s lead to 79-69. Frankfurt remained aggressive and got a three pointer by Washington and tap in by Tubutis as Frankfurt trailed only 81-76 as the Fraport arena was cooking. Hill closed out the quarter with a trey at the buzzer to lead 84-76. The Fraport Skyliners shooting percentages were sky high at 62% from the 2 point range and parking lot and had 17 rebounds and 8 turnovers while medi Bayreuth shot 55% from the 2 point area and 68% from the parking lot and had 21 rebounds and 6 turnovers. ‘Frankfurt played at a high level and showed how good their offense can be. They showed how explosive they can be. Washington got going’, stated Otis Livingston. ‘We hit three’s, but they also scored. We couldn’t get defensive stops when we needed to. When your down that much it’s tough to come back’, commented Quantez Robertson.

Nat Diallo at the FT line

The fourth quarter remained an offensive shoot out as both teams combined for 60 points, but despite cutting the lead down to 3 points, the Fraport Skyliners couldn’t get over the hump. Doreth and Washington traded three’s to begin the fourth quarter as Frankfurt trailed 87-79. Frankfurt got buckets from Cooke and Tubutis, but medi Bayreuth kept a hold on the lead getting extra special support from Rowe and Young who combined for 6 points taking some of the load off the shoulders of Hill and Livingston to lead 95-85. But Frankfurt just wouldn’t go away shocking the guests with a 7-0 run as Quantez Robertson supplied to three’s as Frankfurt trailed only 95-92 with crunch-time approaching. But that was the closest as the Fraport Skyliners would get as medi Bayreuth then slammed the door shut unraveling a 9-0 run to lead 103-92. Hill made a lethal 4 point play while Doreth hit a three pointer. Despite being less than 3 minutes to play, Jordan Theodore showed some of his offensive power hiting back to back three’s as Frankfurt trailed only 103-97 with 1,30 to play. Livingston and Theodore then traded lay ins, but Frankfurt was still down by 6 points. The hump was simply to large. Medi Bayreuth now did a super job containing their cool on the free throw line. Livingston scored 4 points and Hill 2 points. Theodore would score 2 more lay ins, but it was too little too late. ‘Key to get the win at the end was getting easy baskets and getting to the free throw line. We got the needed stops at the end, but we can still get better at that. We can’t allow teams to get to close’, warned Otis Livingston. ‘We had no communication on defense and couldn’t make open threes. We have to take it 1 game at a time now. We have to go on the road and get a tough win’, warned Quantez Robertson. Medi Bayreuth was led by Ahmed Hill with 37 points while Otis Livingston added 30 points and 8 assists. Jackson Rowe contributed 19 points. The Fraport Skyliners were led by Isaiah Washington with 23 points while Jordan Thoedore added 19 points and Lukas Wank had 16 points. Medi Bayreuth shot59% from the field and 65% from outside and had 30 rebounds and 7 turnovers while the Fraport Skyliners shot 56% from the field and 50% from outside and had 30 rebounds and 8 turnovers.

Tags : AHMED HILL, MEDI BAYREUTH, GERMAN BASKETBALL