In the NCAA players see potential NBA Draft picks and future NBA players on a weekly basis and predicting who will become that next NBA player sometimes can be as difficult as guessing correctly if Luka Doncic will make that next triple double in a NBA game or sometimes as easy as knowing that Giannis will be in beast mode every night for 48 minutes. It was March 5th, 2019 near the end of Brandon Childress (183-PG-1997, college: Wake Forest)’s junior year at Wake Forest when he was set to battle Duke again, a team he had previously never beat before but came close twice as a freshman, but on this night, getting that first win again would be stopped as he fell to 0-5, but once again came very very close to winning as he lost a nailbiter of a game 71-70. In the game he battled a very talented player with RJ Barrett, a player where there was no doubt that he would reach the NBA. In the game, Barrett was the top scorer with 28 points and Childress contributed 19 points. Despite scoring more points, Barrett wasn’t the best player on the floor as he coughed up the ball 7 times and Childress even had a better game rating than him. A few months later he was picked 3rd overall by the Knicks and the rest is history as he is on the way of becoming a superstar. And what happened to Childress? Well he had to toil 2 years in Estonia and now is one of the better point guards in a top 5 league easyCredit BBL, but on a losing team with medi Bayreuth. Ok so Barrett was a lot better statistically than Childress in the 2018-2019 season, but there have been guys with lesser stats than Childress reach the NBA. This just shows again that the NCAA and G-League is filled with hundreds of talented guards that could play in the NBA, but there are just not enough roster spots. The American guard never forgot this encounter and also knows how to handle seeing who makes the NBA and not. ‘RJ Barrett and I had a back and forth battle in that game. I woke up a bit in the second half. We were missing a big man and I think had we had him that night, then we would have gotten over the hump. I have seen so many guys that I got the best of in college go to the NBA. You have to run your race. It’s a journey. I remain positive because I know that there have been so many guys go to Europe and then go back to the NBA and stick like PJ Tucker. You just have to find the right opportunity and remain patient’, warned Brandon Childress. He will never forget battling RJ Barrett and knows he has to run the race in order to reach the highest level.

Brandon Childress was born on August 31st, 1997 in Detroit, Michigan and grew up in Winston Salem North Carolina. He played football as a kid and began to play basketball at the age of 9. He is the son of Randolph a guy that played in the NBA with Portland and Detroit and was overseas for more than a decade. Many will remember his time at Wake Forest where he was teammates with Tim Duncan and averaged 35,0ppg in the ACC tournament and scored 37 points in the title game and hit a game winner with 4 seconds over North Carolina that had Jery Stackhouse and Rasheed Wallace. His dad definitely had a huge basketball influence in his life. ‘He made a huge sacrifice for my mom and me by playing overseas so he could provide for us. I can always go to him for advice. Whatever I go through overseas, he has also seen it. When I’m frustrated or have a problem good, bad or ugly, I can go to him’, stressed Brandon Childress. Later the family moved to North Carolina where he played 2 years for East Forsyth high school. In his second season he helped lead his team to the Frank Spencer Holiday Classic title. He then played his last 2 years of high school ball at Wesleyan Christian Academy together with Harry Giles. He then chose Wake Forest (NCAA) where he would play from 2016-2020.

When you hear the name Wake Forest one instantly thinks of Tim Duncan and Chris Paul. For the guard who remembers Trey Jones being his most difficult cover in the NCAA had Chris Paul on his mind when he went to Wake Forest. ‘Chris Paul definitely played a role for me going there. I actually had met him before I went there when I was in high school. Wake Forest has had many great guards come out like Ishmail Smith and Muggsy Bogues. Whenever I did speak to him, I always try to ask him a few questions about basketball and try to pick something up’, stated Brandon Childress. In his freshman year he helped the school reach the NCAA tournament losing to Kansas. Often for NCAA players, there is a break out game where a player finally feels that they belong. Even after scoring 16 points in a big win over North Carolina, he didn’t feel like that game brought him on the NCAA map. ‘I felt like I belonged the first day I stepped on the campus of Wake Forest. It was just a matter of proving people wrong’, warned Brandon Childress. In his freshman year he was teammates with Mitchell Wilbekin who’s brother Scottie played at Florida (NCAA) and for years has been a top guard in the Euroleague. ‘I already knew of his brother. Scottie along with guys like Mike James, Shane Larkin and Malcolm Delaney are guys I pay attention to and have followed for years in Europe’, said Brandon Childress. He played a total of 124 NCAA games and was able to improve his scoring average each season. His game really took off in his last two years as he averaged 14.7ppg, 3.8rpg, 4.0apg, 1.5spg, FGP: 40.4%, 3PT: 36.8%, FT: 79.6% and 15.6ppg, 3.0rpg, 4.6apg, 1.2spg, FGP: 46.3%, 3PT: 32.5%, FT: 80.9% and there was a reason for that. ‘For me it was about understanding my role each season. In my first 2 years I followed the leaders and in my last 2 years I was the leader’, expressed Brandon Childress. He played 61 NCAA games in his last 2 years and scored in double figures in 52 games including exploding for 30 points against North Carolina State and had 24 points against Boston College and Notre Dame. He also finally beat Duke as a senior in an exciting 113-101 win where he contributed 17/5/5 stats. ‘It was one of the best feelings. It was the first time I had beat them. My dad had never lost to them, but he had had a lot of confidence in me. I did everything I could to help my team win’, remembered Brandon Childress. He played for legendary ex NBA player Danny Manning who helped Kansas win the 1988 NCAA title who was instrumental in helping his game during the 4 years. ‘Coach preached everyday that we wouldn’t be getting this treatment with private jets and fancy restaurants everywhere. I understood that when I got to Greece. People forget that he was the NBA’s best sixth man and an allstar. He had a lot of experience. He allowed me to play my game and just be myself’, remembered Brandon Childress who never lost a 1-1 battle against Wake Forest teammate Adrien White in practice.

The 183cm point guard who lists Bam Adebayo, Denis Smith, Oliver Hanlon, Harry Giles and Aaron Wiggins as his best teammates of all-time began his professional career in 2020 in Greece for GS Iraklis Thessaloniki (Greece-A1), but that was only a short stay. He played 1 basketball Champions League game and 5 Greek games. ‘I was there during COVID. It was tough. You couldn’t really go outside so I really focused on basketball. In Greece I saw the reality of overseas basketball. In most countries English is the second language so it wasn’t so hard for me to adapt. In some countries they speak little English. Americans just have to do some research before going to a country. I learned from the older vets like Skyler Bowlin how to act professional’, warned Brandon Childress. He then finished his rookie season with AVIS UTILITAS Rapla (Estonia-KML) averaging 17.4ppg, 4.1rpg, Assists-2 (4.8apg), 1.3spg, FGP: 47.9%, 3PT: 37.3%, FT-2 (86.1%); and in the LatEstBL league averaged 22.8ppg, 4.0rpg, 3.9apg, 2.3spg, FGP: 52.4%, 3PT: 37.3%, FT: 81.6%.He lost his first playoff series against Parnu, but had some massive games against Ventspils scoring 36 points and hit Tartu for 28 points. Last season he played with TalTech Tallinn (Estonia-KML) averaging 24.2ppg, 2.8rpg, Assists-2 (6.0apg), Steals-1 (2.2spg), FGP: 53.2%, 3PT: 40.4%, FT: 80.4%; and in the EstLatBL averaged 23.9ppg, 3.3rpg, 6.6apg, 1.6spg, FGP: 45.7%, 3PT: 40.7%, FT: 87.9%. He reached the semi-finals in the playoffs and lost a tough 2 game series to Kalev/Cramo where he exploded for 56 points in the 2 games. ‘It was a tough series. They had a great team that dominated the league. It was a big challenge but they were simply the better team. We really did all we could’, expressed Brandon Childress. He had big games against Rapla with 35 points, hit Tallinna Kalev for 33 points and got the best of Ventspils again scoring 32 points. He definitely left his mark in Estonia scoring in double figures in 41 of 42 games. Last summer he played NBA Summer League with the Sacramento Kings playing 1 game and will never forget getting this opportunity. ‘It was a total blessing. As a kid I always dreamed of playing in the NBA Summer League and had aspirations of playing in the NBA. I pray that I will get another opportunity to play in the NBA Summer League and then with more experience be able to exploit my talent. It’s great to see my name on the jersey and see old AAU and college teammates play. The NBA Summer League is also a good place to meet new players. I got positive feedback from the Kings as they told me to keep working hard’, said Brandon Childress.

The North Carolina native who lists Kobe, Lebron, Jordan and Tim Duncan on his personal NBA Mount Rushmore is playing his first season in the easyCredit BBL in Germany for medi Bayreuth. After paying his dues in lower leagues in Estonia, he was rewarded with a chance to play in a high league after having his share of ups and downs in his first 2 professional seasons. Even if medi Bayreuth are the door mat of the easyCredit BBL, he has learned to appreciate his time in a new country. ‘The fan base is amazing where ever I go in Germany. It has been a blessing being able to play against teams like Munich or Alba Berlin. I see that the basketball community is really small here. It is like a fraternity of guys I played with or against in the states. We check up on each other and wish each other good health’, stressed Brandon Childress. After reaching the playoffs in his first 2 seasons, the losing has been difficult. They won the first game of the season in exciting fashion 83-82 against Frankfurt, but after that the club lost 8 of 9 games that put them in this precarious situation. ‘Nobody expected our season to go like that after the first win. Even if we have young guys, it has been a learning curve. We have to be patient and control what we can control and do our best. The losing has been part of the journey. The main goal now is to keep the team in the league. The BBL is a very tough league with 2 Euroleague teams. The BBL is a lot more competitive than in Estonia. The atmosphere against in Munich is something I didn’t see in Estonia’, warned Brandon Childress in March 2023. The club played FC Bayern Munich tough losing 80-79, but have had problems improving their defense as they allow 89 points per game. They seem to be a better team than their record shows. ‘We recently had a coaching change and we still have to get used to things. We still have to break old habits. I feel like we are improving and I’m excited for the next games. We definitely are better than our record shows. I feel like we can turn the corner. We have enough time. We have to show the fans that we are willing to work hard. We have to do it for the fans’, stressed Brandon Childress in March 2023. Even if he is a veteran, he has been more than fortunate to be able to call team captain Bastian Doreth a teammate. ‘Basti has been a huge veteran. He has impacted me on and off the court. He is a huge role model for the community. He is a great mentor. He is the type of guy that you want to be like when you grow up. I hope they retire his jersey’, added Brandon Childress.

The ex Wake Forest (NCAA) guard who has Kobe Bryant as his GOAT and believes that the classic Coming To America movie with Eddie Murphy should have been left alone is a point guard that has difficulty describing his game to an NBA player, but rather lets people do that. ‘People have compared my game to Jeff Teague. I had a veteran my rookie season call me B Lillard, because I was one of the smaller guards that could really shoot the ball’, smiled Brandon Childress. Even if his stats show that he is a scoring point guard, he continues to work hard to prove his doubters wrong, because he is so much more than just a guy that can score and shoot. ‘I have been blessed to be able to shoot the ball really well, but people underestimate my play on the pick and roll. I feel like that my scoring opens up more opportunities for my teammates. I have shown that I can get 8 or 9 assists if I have to. I keep working on my facilitation and want to become an even bigger threat on offense’, warned Brandon Childress. Currently he is averaging 17,2ppg, 3,2rpg, 4,7apg and 1,2spg while shooting 36% from outside. He exploded for 37 points with 8 three’s in a tough loss to Heidelberg and hit Ludwigsburg for 35 points in a loss. He also wants to be known as a great defender as there are so many productive defensive guards in Europe. ‘I feel like sky is the limit for me as a defender’, warned Brandon Childress. He knows that in order to keep climbing the basketball ladder overseas, he will have to keep improving certain facets of his game. ‘I’m working on slowing the game down. I was in a shooting slump, but once I settled down and let the game come to me, my game became more efficient. I also want to become a better finisher’, warned Brandon Childress. It will be interesting to see where the basketball career of Brandon Childress will continue to go. He is just at the beginning of his basketball journey and race and knows he still has a lot of time to get to the peak of the mountain..

Guy Landry Edi (198-PF-1988, college: Gonzaga) is a 34 year old 198cm forward from France that is playing his second season with the Basketball Lowen Erfurt. He played at Midland College (JUCO) and played 56 NCAA games for Gonzaga (NCAA). After Gonzaga hee played 7 years in France playing 70 plus game sin the Pro A and Pro B and also played in Finland and Iceland. He spoke to germanhoops.com after sweeping the Dragons Rhondorf.

Congrats on the massive 72-65 game 2 win and sweep over the Dragons Rhondorf. How tough was this series? Rhondorf seemed to give you everything they had?

It was a tough series. Rhondorf is a good team that is well coached. We came in with experience in the playoffs. We knew they would make runs but we also knew if we stuck to what we do best that we would win.

What was your first reaction when you saw Devon Goodman wasn’t to play?

We didn’t know until game time that he wouldn’t play. I was surprised. The game actually became more complicated for us. We prepared for the game letting him shoot, but once he didn’t play we had to defend all. It was a quick adjustment we made and it worked. Bringing energy was key and we did that.

The Basketball Lowen Erfurt started slowly being down 6-0 as Paul Albrecht scored 3 baskets in a row. Did the Goodman shock ease your defensive pressure?

No I don’t think so. They also had a quick start in game one. That didn’t mean anything. It just told us we had to play better defense.

Erfurt then found their rhythm and led 21-13 after 10 minutes. You got going showing your special game. How much did your dunk push your teammates?

My dunk was a statement at that time. It gave my teammates energy and got the crowd involved. The dunk gave us a boost but they did come back. There was still a lot of time to play.

In the second quarter, Erfurt only got one basket from you and got a lot of production from guys like Lorenz Schiller and Jan Heber. Please talk a little about how each guy has helped the team best this season?

Lorenz has done a great job stepping up since Noah Kamdem was out. He is our best shooter and really opens up the floor. His play and presence also allows me to operate more. He really has stepped up and has been more of a threat. Jan is a point guard that also ahs stepped up big since his injury.

The Dragons Rhondorf staged a massive 11-5 run in the last 3 minutes of the third quarter to trail only 57-53. What was key for the guests making the comeback?

We got a little gassed. They only ran one play posting up the wing. They were just a little more aggressive than we were.

What words of wisdom did head coach Enrico Kufour give the team for the last 10 minutes?

He told us to stay composed. He told us just to keep doing what had gotten us there. He also wanted us to get more easy baskets on transition and push the ball more so they couldn’t set up their defense.

Erfurt only allowed 12 points in the fourth quarter. What adjustments did the team make on the defensive end?

We just knew that then was the time to step up our defense. We knew that if they wanted to beat us then they would have to do it with Bangala. We didn’t overhelp and knew only he could beat us. We knew key would be to slow down their shooters Koch and Buchholz.

Tyseem Lyles made the clutch shot of the night despite shooting 4/16 from the field and 1/9 from outside. Did you give him confidence to keep shooting?

I have told him to keep shooting since day 1. I kept telling him to keep doing what he does. The three he made set the game for us. At the end of the day his continuing to shoot the ball paid off for us. In the playoffs games won’t always be pretty. They adjusted well on me from game 1. We are a team and everyone did their part.

Zaba Bangala had a huge game with 23 points. What will you always remember from his game?

He is a very athletic and strong player. He has a lot of room for improvement. He can be a better player. I hope that he continues to keep working hard.

This was the lowest points the team gave up this season. Was this the best defensive game of the season?

I’m not sure if it was our best defensive game of the season. I feel like we have been a good defensive team all season long and we know we are a good defensive team. Game 2 didn’t look pretty but we got the win.

You most likely will meet the EPG Baskets Koblenz next. You lost both games to Koblenz. With what expectations are you going into the game?

We will fight. Koblenz had the best record in the Pro B. They are a very good team with experience and are well coached. They are a complete team that have good players at each position. We played well in Koblenz. I feel like we can beat them. We will go in focused and have energy. We know that people will write us off but we will fight until the end.

How are the Basketball Lowen Erfurt a better team now then the last time they met Koblenz?

We were a better team after the first game and a better team after the second game. We made changes on offense and defense and have created a good chemistry. Plus we got guys back from injury.

What will be key to upsetting the EPG Baskets Koblenz?

We need to do a better job rebounding and not let them get second chances. We have to be tough and just out tough them. Then I feel we can play eye to eye.

Thanks Guy for the chat.

Tags : GUY LANDRY EDI, BASKETBALL LOEWEN ERFURT, GERMAN BASKETBALL

Melik Martin (198-SF-1999, college: Drexel) is a 198cm forward from York who had a 5 year NCAA career playing 142 NCAA games. He played 4 years at Monmouth and in his last season averaged 12.5ppg, 5.7rpg, 1.7apg, 1.5spg, FGP: 52.2%, 3PT: 39.7%, FT: 71.9%. He then finished his NCAA career with Drexel University (NCAA) averaging 10.7ppg, 5.3rpg, 1.3apg, 1.1spg, FGP: 54.9%, 3PT: 36.1%, FT: 73.2%. He spoke to germanhoops.com about basketball.

Thanks Melik for talking to germanhoops.com. You’re a 198cm forward. If you had to compare your game to an NBA player who would best fit the description?

I am a wing. I play hard on both ends of the court, can drive to the rim, shoot from range, and ability to make decisions with the basketball. I’d compare myself to Jaylen Brown, he is a competitor.

You have a reliable three pointer and are a great defender. Please explain why you’re a lot more than just a 3 and D player?

More than a 3 and D player because I can bring the ball up the court under pressure. Also, I enjoy pushing the pace of the game for momentum by running the floor, rebounding and pushing, and getting dunks.

Your also a very athletic player. Is this something you were born with or is it something you gained with hard work?

For sure hard work. I’ve been in the weight room consistently since middle school, before committing to basketball. I’ve always had energy, just needed it to be targeted and God has worked things out.

On what areas of your game are you working on most now so you can continue to improve your game?

I am a versatile, but I need to get better. Games can get lengthy, guards are getting faster, craftier, and smarter, while bigs are getting bigger, stronger, and smarter. I am working to be more disciplined by being a student, pros play a different game within. Right now it’s getting to my spots and shooting from different angles. Been working on footwork, now working to pull together with confident finishes

You played at Monmouth from 2017-2021. You never averaged more than 5,1ppg in your first 3 seasons but in your fourth year you averaged 7 minutes more and made a huge jump as a scorer averaging 12,5ppg. What happened with your game in your last year there?

At Monmouth my confidence grew. Coach Rice always believed in me, I just had to believe.

In your freshman season you lost by 17 points against powerhouse Kentucky (NCAA) and played against future NBA players Washington, Knox, Dialo and Gilgeous-Alexander. What memories do you have of this experience and what Kentucky player stood out the most?

What I remember from that game is one of my teammates shooting a free throw and Kentucky players were arguing about who was getting the rebound. I realized then it was all about money

You had many memorable games at Monmouth but where does the 77-74 win over Rider rank where you poured in 24 points?

Definitely many memorable games. That game was a lot of fun. Glad we came out with the win. I want to continue to build upon moments like that.

You then played a fifth year at Drexel University (NCAA) averaging 10.7ppg, 5.3rpg, 1.3apg, 1.1spg, FGP: 54.9%, 3PT: 36.1%, FT: 73.2%. How important was it for you taking that extra year for your game? How did your game grow?

The extra year has helped me grow on and off the court. My ball handling, shooting, and defense has improved.

You had many memorable games at Drexel against schools like FDU and Delaware. What was your fondest moment at Drexel?

Definitely fun getting the dub while getting off in the games. My fondest moment at Drexel would have to be rowing with the team. That was a first for me and a nice icebreaker for team bonding.

How did head coach Zach Spiker give you that extra touch in helping you groom and prepare you for a professional career?

Coach Spiker helped groom me by giving me an opportunity to join his program for the year. Knowing you’re in an out can be difficult when trying to add to the culture but on a different schedule than everyone else. I wanted the experience so that I knew how to enter a program and be effective immediately.

Who won a 1-1 in practice you or James Butler?

JB and I never matched up like that. I think it would be a very tough game for sure. He’s smart, strong, and patient.

Who was the toughest player that you battled in the NCAA that reached the NBA?

During the games against Kentucky, Dialo definitely ran us up and down the court. SGA was slicing up our defense. Also have to mention Herro, he is a shooter who can run the floor.

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

My personal NBA Mount Rushmore would include Chris Paul, LeBron James, Michael Jordan, and Wilt Chamberlain.

What is your personal opinion of the neverending debate of who is the greatest of all-time Jordan or Lebron?

My opinion is that I have to lean towards LeBron because I grew up in his era. Jordan played during a different time where the game was rougher. I think LeBron has to play more of a mental game. That to say both of their highlights and careers are elite.

Did you see the sequel to the classic Coming To America? Should they have left it alone?

I did see the sequel, not going to say should’ve left it alone. Original was hilarious, and the follow up definitely had its moments.

Thanks Melik for the Chat

Tags : MELIK MARTIN, YORK MIGHTY ANTS, GERMAN BASKETBALL

Give the guy 10 more centimeters and who knows how the career path of Jeremy Ingram (183-G-1991, college: AAMU) may have gone in the last 5 years. The walking bucket who has that special mix of Kobe, Harden and Steph in his game has been parading around tiny and sometimes smelly gyms in Germany for years, but nothing has held him back from delivering on a nightly basis no matter who the club was from Idstein to Mannheim or his latest team Bargteheide. The guy comes to play every night and is an enforcer on the court filling the stat sheet like no other and is a competitor that teammates come to cherish and opponents come to loath simply because he is so good. But unfortunately for him there are so many other talented guards like him toiling around in the German Regionalliga that not every player can make the jump to higher leagues. It happens every so often that guys will make the jump like Tyseem Lyles did just a few years ago. After 2 very strong seasons in Hamburg with Eimsbuettel, the Brooklyn New York native jumped up 2 leagues to PS Karlsruhe and then moved back down a level to the Pro B and found a home in Erfurt belonging to the top guards in the German Pro B. Making these jumps can be made, but it isn’t always easy. How much more has this guy have to suffer in the Regionalliga? He deserves to be playing at a higher level. ‘I feel like my skills should have me in Pro A for sure but I also know the politics of playing out here in Germany so hopefully at least Pro B is in my future’, stressed Jeremy Ingram. Give Jeremy Ingram the ball and finally let him showcase his magic in the Pro A or Pro B.

A few weeks ago it looked like Jeremy Ingram who see the Warriors upending the Celtics in the 2023 NBA final and his team Bargetheide would be playing in the post season, but things changed and instead of still hanging around with his teammates training for the playoffs, he will take a little time off before focusing on the future. ‘I will probably hang around in South Germany for a while and chill with my family and just enjoy life. Hopefully take a trip to the beach soon’, said Jeremy Ingram. It was a very special season for Bargteheide, but not reaching the playoffs will be difficult to digest for the hungry guard. ‘The playoffs were definitely something I was looking forward to but for us to be in the position we ended the season was a big win for us also’, expressed Jeremy Ingram. But in the first month of the season nothing was rosy as the team were losing and had lost Ingram after the first game of the season to injury. He had sparkled with 26 points, but lost a brutal 77-76 nail bitter to Wusterhausen. ‘Those early season losses hurt us a lot. My early season injury also caused us a few of those games’, remembered Jeremy Ingram. The club did as best they could going 3-5 in his absence. When he arrived back ready for action, the team came alive and came together and went 13-4. ‘We just needed all our players back. 1st half of the season was full of injuries, illnesses, and players leaving because of work so we just had a lot going on. Our 2nd half was the complete opposite which helped us finish the season strong. The special part about this team is no one expected us to be in the playoff race. We beat every team except the top 3 teams which technically made us the 4th best team in our league and that says a lot. We definitely exceeded expectations’, remembered Jeremy Ingram.

Miles Schmidt-Scheuber and Jeremy Ingram in Idstein, Germany in Oct 2020

The explosive guard who mentions teammate German Tobias Schuemann (the most valuable Bee) as the most improved on a team played on a team where he experienced something special that he hadn’t ever seen before in his professional career in Germany. ‘I had fun with these group of guys and probably created the strongest bond on and off the court more than any other German team I ever played on’, warned Jeremy Ingram. The club had some massive wins and one that really stood out was the exciting and wild 112-111 win over Westerstede where he dropped 35 points, but that wasn’t his most memorable of the season. ‘ Our home game against Aschersleben was most definitely my favorite win of the season because it was so much riding on that game and we came up big to pull it out at the end’, commented Jeremy Ingram. Every guy gave his all to the success, but the team wouldn’t have been the same without the dominating play from guards Marcel Hoppe and Abdulai Abaker. All 3 combined for 67 points of the team 82 points per game. ‘I had so much fun playing with them because they are both very good in their own different ways. I think we all balanced each other out the whole season. I think they are 2 of the best players I have played with so far since I have been here in Germany’, warned Jeremy Ingram.

The ex Alabama A&M guard who lists Neustadt’s Dyon Doekhi and Matej Jelovcic and Marley Jean Louis from the Berlin Braves as his toughest opponents had another superb season averaging 25,7ppg, 5,6rpg, 2,9apg and 3,3spg showing he belonged to the top guards in the league. One can’t forget that even after he returned from injury, he wasn’t 100% fit. ‘I got better and better as the season went on. My 1st game back from injury I say I was like 75% and my final game I will say I was about 91%’, said Jeremy Ingram. He scored in double figures in all 15 games and scored 20 points or more 11 times including 39 points against Oldenburg and Wusterhausen and 35 points against Westerstede. His scoring and assists were down from his Mannheim season, but he also played 6 minutes less. Obviously the talent level he had in Bargteheide was different to Mannheim. He didn’t have to do everything like in Mannheim. ‘My points of course would be down because I shared the court with 2 other 20+ ppg scorers with Abu and Marcel. Abu was the main point guard so he averaged most of our assists and he did a very good job at that. My Rebounds per game is up a lot from last season and I’m still 1 of the leagues steals leaders so I say I had another successful season, especially since I played on a broken foot the whole season’, stressed Jeremy Ingram. He proved that he doesn’t always have to play on losing teams, but can be an impact player on a winning team as well. ‘ I consider myself a certified hooper. If I got better players on my team I’m good enough to share the love and play with them to make our team better. But if I need to go to work every game like I did in Mannheim I can do that too if I need be’, expressed Jeremy Ingram. The season just ended and he still has certain games and plays on his mind. ‘ I say Oldenburg and Wusterhausen was my most exciting, because I put on a scoring clinic type of games. My game against Aschersleben is my most memorable because I hit some huge shots down the stretch to win that game. I think I had 22 second half points. It was a tie game against Aschersleben. I think 74-74 with like under 1 minute to play and I hit a long deep 3 in between half court and the 3 point line ALL NET! The crowd , my team , everybody in the gym went crazy. By far my most memorable play of the season and I had some great plays but that specific 3 pointer stands out the most’, remembered Jeremy Ingram. It will be interesting to see where Jeremy Ingram will hoop next season. Especially in the north are teams like Itzehoe and Wedel who could easily use his services. ‘Well it’s still early right now and a lot of teams are still playing so they are focused on their own seasons right now. Hopefully I’m on some team’s radar though’, said Jeremy Ingram. Of course this guy will be on some teams radar’s for next season. He deserves a pro B shot next season and am sure he will get it.

Tags : JEREMY INGRAM, TSV BARGTEHEIDE, GERMAN BASKETBALL

Adrian Bergmann (199-PF-2001) is a 22 year old 199cm forward playing the 2022-2023 season with pro B team Dragons Rhondorf averaging 3,7ppg and 2,4rpg.. He began his basketball career with the Regnitzal Baskets (2 Regionallga) and then played in the Brose Bamberg organization from 2017-2020 helping their NBBL team reach the final in 2019. The last 2 seasons he played with BBC Coburg (Pro B) and last season suited up for the wiha Panthers Schwenningen (ProA) playing 19 games averaging 1.5ppg. He spoke to germanhoops.com about basketball.

Thanks Adrian for talking to germanhoops.com. Would it be a correct assessment to say you are still waiting for your professional break through. You didn’t see much minutes in Coburg or Schwenningen. How much fire is in you to finally have your break through?

That’s definitely true. I’m really looking forward to this season because I think I can finally show what I’m capable of doing on the court. I’m still a young player so I’m not in a rush, but this year will help me a lot improving as a leader and playing a major part in a good team.

Sometimes one needs to take a step back to make 2 steps forward. Kam Taylor did the same in 2017 coming from Pro A to Rhondorf and 4 years later reached the Euroleague. Do you see this opportunity as one where taking a step back could really benefit you?

I wouldn’t say signing in Rhoendorf was a step back for me. Of course if you look at the league I played in last season I took a step back, but for me it’s still a step forward. Having a bigger role in a good team still helps me improving my leadership skills and I will get more self confidence with playing a lot of minutes.

How were the talks with head coach Julius Thomas. What was your impression of him and what did you learn to appreciate about his basketball philosophy?

From the first phone call on I knew that it’s going to be a lot of fun playing for him. He’s known for being a great coach at a young age and I think that helps us players a lot. I just had a small peek at our systems and plays and the impression was very good. He knows exactly the strengths of each player und puts him them in a perfect set up that has the maximum output for the team.

Rhondorf likes your hard work and team play. What do you like about the organization Dragons Rhondorf?

It’s a well structured organization with a lot of young people like Julius or Yannick. I think everybody is on the same page with our goals so we all go in the same direction without any complications. So we are going to have a great season in front of us.

The Dragons Rhondorf have built a very interesting team with young and old. Do you see yourself being able to be an impact player?

My impact on the game is not scoring a lot of points or having crazy highlights every game. I’m more that type of player who plays hard defense and who tries to find the best option for the team. If the option in this moment is me scoring I’m not hiding myself. I think I can contribute in many ways to a win, but sometimes you don’t see it on the stat sheet.

How confident are you that being able to practice with veterans like Paul Albrecht, Flo Wendler and Flo Koch will help you develop further?

They all had a great career so far so they will go hard every practice and teach me new stuff and help develop the skills I already have to a higher level. When Julius told me about them being on the team I was even more excited for the season.

You’re a 199cm forward. If you had to compare your game to a NBA or German player in Germany who would best fit the bill?

Maxi Kleber in the NBA because he’s an athletic 3 and D guy.

You showed in the NBBL with Bamberg that you could be that reliable scorer. What other strengths do you have in your game?

As I mentioned earlier I’m that type of player who hustles a lot on defense and motivates the team if we have a bad quarter. I can defend the positions from guards to bigs, which is a good skill of mine. I’m always staying positive and off the court I’m a good teammate to hang around or if somebody needs help from me I’m always willing to help.

How have you seen your development of your three pointer? You couldn’t put in on display much the last 2 seasons. Will you take the advantage to get advice from sharp shooter Flo Koch?

In my last seasons I feel that developed my shooting. When I was in JBBL or NBBL I was always on the center spot so I never really took 3s. But since Coburg I started shooting a lot and I think now you have to respect me from the three point line. But I definitely need to improve on a quicker release and Flo will hopefully teach me.

Talk a little about your defensive game. How do you feel did it develop the last 2 years and what kind of defender do you still want to become?

I have improved a lot on being a physical defender especially in Schwenningen last year I really learned how to play hard on ball defense.

On what area’s of your game are you working on most so that you can continue to improve your game?

I’m working the most on ball handling and playing pick and roll with reading the situation so I’m flexible to also play a guard spot.

Last season you played with the wiha Panthers averaging 1,5ppg in 19 games. How tough was this season? Was coming from the Pro B with limited minutes a step to high to the Pro A?

Last year when I had the talks with Schwenningen I knew that my minutes were limited. I talked a lot with my Agent Robert Cardenas Ruda from ATHLEADZ about whether I should go to the Pro A or not, but I had to try it at least. And it opened up way more opportunities for me also for this season, because I could show myself in a higher league. And for my first Pro A Season, coming from a Pro B team with limited minutes I consider last Season as a good season.

2 years ago you played with BBC Coburg averaging 2.7ppg and 1,4apg. You had a couple good games but didn’t get a chance. What positives do you feel did you gain from this experience?

After the old Pro B Team from Bamberg (Baunach Young Pikes) didn’t exist anymore because of Corona I was very glad to still have a Pro B option to play in. I gained a lot of experience just being able to practice and go hard and use my chance when I had one. It helped me staying motivated every day and fighting for my minutes.

How vital was it having Chris Wolf on the team? Was he like a mentor for you? Could you find a special bond to him?

He is definitely a special guy to have in the team. He had a lot of health issues the last 2 Seasons but he kept staying positive and that’s what I found very special. I think being positive minded in the situation he was in is pretty hard but shows what character he has.

You began your career in the Bamberg system. How vital were your early years in this organization? What do you believe did you gain most from this experience?

It was the best what could have happened to me because back in the days when I was with Bamberg they were the best Team in the BBL and they’re youth program was one of the best in Germany. I learned a lot about what it’s like to be a professional player also off the court and the basic skills you need to play in Germany. The biggest experience I gained from Bamberg is that being on of the best is not about scoring and putting up crazy stats. It’s way more that influences your chance of getting on a good team and having a good career.

You reached the 2019 NBBL final in Jena losing a tough 84-80 final against FC Bayern Munich. You nailed a trey in that game. Both teams had some huge talent and your team held strong. What player do you remember really standing out the most for you?

Munich had Bruno and Kilian and they were really playing good and staying focused in the last quarter what killed us. But what was really standing out I think was our team. We had only 1 Loss the whole season and that was in the finals and we didn’t play our game the last 10 Minutes. But we had an almost perfect season just a tragic ending.

What memories do you have of teammate Henri Drell? He just played NBA Summer League. What impressed you most about his play then?

He’s a hard worker and his ability to play the guard position and shoot with his length is incredible. He was a very likeable guy also off the court.

Who was the toughest guy that you have faced so far on the court in your career?


Chris Sengfelder in an Individual Workout with Brose Bamberg.

Please name your 5 best teammates of all-time?

Finn Nowak, Moritz Plescher, David Cohn, Grant Sitton, Felix Edwardsson

Please list your personal NBA Mount Rushmore?


Magic Johnson Kobe Bryant LeBron James Dirk Nowitzki Wilt Chamberlain

Where do you rank Steph Curry now in the best point guards of all-time?

Top 2

What is your opinion of the neverending debate of who is the greatest of all-time Jordan or Lebron?

I think it’s hard to compare because it was to different era’s they played in. They we’re / are both the greatest players of their era, but I grew up with Lebron so for me he’s the goat.

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

I haven’t watched the film yet.

Thanks Adrian for the chat.

Tags : ADRIAN BERGMANN, DRAGONS RHOENDORF, GERMAN BASKETBALL

One of the great times in basketball is when players can battle one another in a do or die game while the fans can witness the extra special thrill of that amazing feeling of winning or having to suffer the agony of defeat in a moment where there is no consolation. That moment is exactly what the Telekom Baskets Bonn and SIG Strasburg felt in Bonn Germany. It was game 3 in the Basketball Champions League Quarterfinals for the exclusive ticket to the Final 4. The Telekom Baskets Bonn need 3 more wins to finally celebrate a title. But it was still a long way as they had to first take care of business against SIG Strasburg. The Telekom Baskets Bonn came well prepared into the contest having destroyed easyCredit BBL doormat medi Bayreuth by 44 points while SIG Strasburg had a positive warmup disposing of 7th ranked France Pro A club Dijon by 17 points. Had the Telekom Baskets Bonn had had a better grip on diminutive guard Marcus Keene in the last minutes and slowed him down from scoring 7 points at the end in game 1, then it would never have come to this game. This time Marcus Keene was cheering on his team from the bench and witnessed an incredible hard fought game from both teams for 40 minutes. It was a game where one saw that no team wanted to give any gifts away and one that carried itself with a high intensity from both sides. But a basketball game has 40 minutes and in the last 10 minutes, it was more than clear that the Telekom Baskets Bonn wanted it more and despite SIG Strasburg never giving up couldn’t match Bonn’s intensity. ‘My players took each possession personal’, warned Tuomas Iisalo. At the end of 40 minutes the Telekom Baskets Bonn simply overpowered SIG Strasburg 83-77 to reach their first Basketball Champions League Final 4 in club history. ‘This was a gutsy and epic game. We let game one slip away and just wanted it more tonight. Credit to Strasburg for being very competitive. Our biggest strength was our cohesiveness. We always stuck together’; warned Telekom Baskets Bonn guard Javontae Hawkins. SIG Strasburg gave it all they had, but a little extra fatigue and failed execution on both ends cost them the game. ‘We fought as a team and guys stepped up. You have to give credit to Bonn, because they protected their home court. Basketball is a game of runs and they made the last one’, stressed SIG Strasburg guard Tim Frazier.

Rodions Kurucs at the FT line

The do or die game began with a breathless atmosphere as the Bonn fans had their game faces on. SIG Strasburg jumped all over the Telekom Baskets Bonn getting the early 6-2 advantage. Most likely 2023 easyCredit BBL MVP TJ Shorts (175-PG-1997, college: UC Davis) got his team on the board first with an off balance shot, but the guests slapped them back with back to back three’s from ex NBA players Rodions Kurucs and Tim Frazier. SIG Strasburg was already establishing themselves on the offensive glass while Bonn had some lapses on defense. But the Bonn fans soon had something to cheer about as Bonn got their offense rolling as Hawkins sunk 3 free throws and deadly sniper Sebastian Herrera knocked down consecutive three’s to take the 11-8 lead. Both teams offenses was executing well as Leo Cavaliere and Frazier scored while for Bonn Hawkins made a crushing dunk from the wing and ex Warner Pacific (NAIA) small forward Collin Malcolm made a lay in for the Bonn 17-14 lead. But whenever TJ Shorts was on the bench, the game of Bonn stalled allowing the guests to close out the first quarter with a 12-4 run to lead 26-21 after 10 minutes. In the run the guests continued to profit from second chance opportunities and vital support from the bench as French player Lucas Beufort and ex Braunschweig center Martin Peterka dropped three pointers. Bonn did close out the first quarter with a typical wow moment between teammates as Shorts found Kratzer for the alley-oop slam dunk bringing back memories to the classic hook up between a Jared Jordan and Tony Gaffney a decade ago. ‘We didn’t have a good start and had a relapse. We couldn’t get stops and their 9 offensive rebounds really hurt us’, stated Javontae Hawkins. Bonn had 5 turnovers and were only shooting 25% from outside while SIG Strasburg had the overwhelming 14-8 rebound edge and shot 40% from outside.

Sebastian Herrera from outside

In the second quarter SIG Strasburg kept the lead and twice went on runs only to see the Telekom Baskets Bonn react each time and slap them back with 2 runs. Ex New Zealand Breaker Finn Delaney began the second quarter with a lay in spinning to the hoop, but SIG Strasburg still led 26-23. But Bonn couldn’t withstand a Strasburg run as they allowed 9 points while scoring only 2 trailing 35-25. In the run ex Detroit Piston Tim Frazier made free throws and nailed a trey. The aggressive guard never shows any emotion, but hurls up those no mercy three’s that puts a dagger through your heart. 208cm Marselle native Bodian Massa drilled home 10 and 20 footers. The guests had a nice offensive flow going as Bonn’s defensive intensity was way below the norm. But the Telekom Baskets Bonn found back to their game going on a 11-2 run to trail only 37-36. In the run Bonn got the usual deadly mid distance support from TJ Shorts who hit 20 and 15 footers while Hawkins followed his aggressiveness making a floater and lay in and Herrera nailed a line drive three from the corner. ‘TJ is tough as nails. He is one of the toughest guys I ever played against and played with. He always gets after it. He is so competitive and plays the right way. He is our vocal leader, but also listens. We need him so much’, warned Javontae Hawkins. SIG Strasburg halted the Bonn pressure and hit back with a 6-0 run to lead 43-36. In the run the French side got free throws and a hook shot from ex Brooklyn Net Rodions Kurucs while Massa snuck inside making the alley-oop dunk as Frazier supplied the dime. But Bonn supplied the last blow before the break with a 8-2 run to trail only 46-44 at half-time. Shorts as usual was at full speed and aggressive scoring an off balance shot and got to the free throw line while ex Wurzburg American Tyson Ward hit a trey. ‘It was an up and down roller coaster ride. These are the type of top games you want to be a part of. Tim Frazier is a big time player and made big shots for them’, said Javontae Hawkins. SIG Strasburg still had the 21-15 rebound edge, but Bonn kept them only to 1 offensive rebound in the second quarter. Bonn also did a better job taking care of the ball and forced the guests to 5 turnovers. The guests were at 40% form outside while Bonn still couldn’t find a three point rhythm shooting 28%.

Tim Frazier to the rim

The Telekom Baskets Bonn came out reborn in the third quarter grabbing the lead, but could never shake off SIG Strasburg as they regained the lead back in the last minutes to lead by 2 points after 30 minutes. Bonn stopped SIG Strasburg’s first 4 possessions and went on a lethal 8-0 run to lead 52-46. In the run the Telekom Baskets Bonn received good support from Finn Delaney who scored twice and Tyson Ward showed his three point strength connecting. After a Kurucs lay in, TJ Shorts stepped up as usual making a pull up jumper for the 54-48 lead. Bonn’s offense was flowing which paralyzed SIG Strasburg on defense. They couldn’t match Bonn’s intensity. Bonn also stepped up their defensive intensity forcing the guests to bad decisions and tough shots. But SIG Strasburg didn’t hide their heads in the sand but showed they were there in a do or die game going on a 9-2 run to regain the lead 57-56. In the run the guests got support from Frazier and Kurucs with buckets and ex easyCredit BBL player Deandre Lansdowne nailed a 20 footer as he took over a majority of the playmaking during the game. SIG Strasburg had a thin bench, but that adrenaline carried them over the top in this phase coupled with proper execution at both ends. Both clubs then would exchange leads 3 times, but Deandre Lansdowne supplied the last blow of the third quarter punishing Bonn with back to back three’s to give SIG Strasburg the 65-63 lead. ‘I never played against Lansdowne in Germany, but did this season in France. He is so tough. He is a big time player that made big time shots’, said Javontae Hawkins. ‘We fought hard and showed heart. We showed just how much we stick together. They were doing it before I came. We showed what we were made of in adversity. When they punched us, we got up and never gave up’, warned Tim Frazier. SIG Strasburg continued to lead the rebound battle 30-23 as they got 4 offensive rebounds. Bonn continued to be the better field goal shooting team, but still couldn’t shoot well from outside at 23%.

TJ Shorts at the FT line

In the fourth quarter the Telekom Baskets Bonn made the first punch which SIG Strasburg couldn’t handle as they never would be able to get over the hump and get the lead back. The Telekom Baskets heeded the words of Tuomas Iisalo after the third quarter and came out cruising on a crushing 13-2 run to lead 76-67 and they would never look back again. German big man Leon Kratzer was instrumental in the run scoring 3 baskets in the paint as his domination was evident. Ward also dropped a trey while Shorts added 4 points with a lay in and free throws. ‘We found our defensive identity. Coach prepared us well. Our practices are always hard and that translates over to our games. When we are all on a string and making the extra hustle plays, then we are very tough. Tyson Ward is one if not the best defender in the BBL. I think he could become the best defender in the Euroleague’, warned Javontae Hawkins. Even if that run seemed to shock SIG Strasburg at first, they still had some energy and slapped Bonn with a 5-0 run as Tim Frazier made a lay in and Deandre Lansdowne continued to have his range dropping a three pointer to trail only 76-72 with 3,00 minutes remaining. But that was as close as the guests would get as Bonn continued to execute offensively getting free throws from Sebastian Herrera and a 10 footer from Hawkins to give Bonn the 80-72 advantage. After Kurucs free throws, Ward made a key offensive rebound and a free throw to give Bonn the 81-75 lead. Lansdowne added a late lay in, but Shorts closed out the game with free throws. ‘The fans were huge. They are our sixth man. We showed relentless intensity on defense. It may look ugly at times, but when we do make mistakes, we find ways to make plays’, warned Javontae Hawkins. ‘Bonn did a good job sticking to their game plan. They made the last run’, stated Tim Frazier. The Telekom Baskets Bonn were led by TJ Shorts with 24 points. Javontae Hawkins added 15 points and Sebastian Herrera 13 points while SIG Strasburg were led by Tim Frazier with 20 points while Deandre Lansdowne added 17 points and Rodions Kurucs 14 points. The Telekom Baskets Bonn shot 45% form the field and 22% from outside and had 33 rebounds and 11 turnovers while SIG Strasburg shot 41% from the field and 34% from outside and had 35 rebounds and 14 turnovers.

Tags : TJ SHORTS, TELEKOM BASKETS BONN, GERMAN BASKETBALL

The Post season is what the faithful EPG Baskets Koblenz fans have been waiting for for 7 months as now the season really begins. Everyone knows in Koblenz that the club should of arrived in the playoffs with a spotless record, but the club had a little slip up against Hanau in their living room that cost them the perfect regular season. The gang led by head coach Pat Elzie still came into the playoffs well prepared having won 14 games in a row and had the best offense with 92 points per game and best defense in the league with 71 points allowed. Meeting the EPG Baskets Koblenz were the EN Baskets Schwelm who slipped into the playoffs on the last game day beating the TKS 49ers. Schwelm is a team that can have high scoring games on occasion as they averaged 81 points per game, but also allowed many points with 81. The EPG Baskets Koblenz saw an old teammate with Mr versatile CJ Oldham who had played in Koblenz in the 20-21 COVID season. On an untypical Monday night the EPG Baskets Koblenz welcomed the EN Baskets Schwelm and had many struggles during the 40 minutes, but overall were able to control the game and find their identity in the fourth quarter and steamroll past the EN Baskets Schwelm 97-76. When you only lost 1 game all season long, the expectations grow from week to week as the goal of moving up to the Pro A grows and grows. ‘We were nervous at the start. We had problems making shots but we remained stable on defense. We began to play our game in the second half. A win is a win’, warned ex easyCredit BBL player Marvin Heckel (190-PG-1997). The EN Baskets Schwelm battled all night long, but one noticed that they just didn’t have the man power and bench to combat the game of the EPG Baskets Koblenz. ‘We couldn’t match their physicality. You could see how much experience they have. We are still very young. Their deep bench helped and we simply had too much respect for them. We underestimated their quick hands as they forced us to many turnovers’, stressed ex easyCredit BBL player Chris Frazier.

Brian Butler at the FT line

The EPG Baskets Koblenz had 2 great minutes, but then their game fizzled as they allowed the EN Baskets Schwelm to play their game and have the surprising 4 point lead after 10 minutes. The EPG Baskets ran out to a 6-2 lead as they got a lay and free throws by ex Ehingen center Brian Butler and ex Temple (NCAA) guard Alani Moore made a lay in. The EPG Baskets Koblenz inserted a playoff press that worked wonders and defended aggressively and found good shots on offense. But that all came to an abrupt end as the guests strolled out on a 10-2 run to lead 12-8. The guests calmed down and suddenly had more room on offense. That was perfect for a player like the born shooter Chris Frazier who nailed 2 three’s. Give him just a spec of room and he will make you pay. Ex Leverkusen forward CJ Oldham also supplied 2 buckets. Koblenz lost their brutal defensive intensity and on offense attacked the zone aimless trying to break through an unbreakable wall. The EPG Baskets Koblenz actually found some offensive spark going on a 5-0 run as ex Pro A player Nicolas Sperber made an offensive rebound and put back and ex MLP Academics guard Leon Friederici supplied a trey to lead 13-12. But the guests continued to hit big shots as Germans Till Hornscheidt and Mailk Eichler connected from the parking lot for the 19-15. ‘We defended well for the first 2 minutes. We had no real offensive flow and had uncontrollable penetration. We had no concentration on our finishes’, stated EPG Baskets CEO Thomas Klein.

Johan Flaa from outside

In the second quarter the EPG Baskets Koblenz had to witness the EN Baskets Schwelm controlling the slim lead as Koblenz began well, but couldn’t be consistent. But in the last few minutes the EPG Baskets Koblenz found their game and walked into the locker room at the break with the 6 point lead. Eichler began the second frame with the lay in giving the guests the 21-15 lead. But that didn’t stand for long as Pat Elzie and his troops made a move going on a 9-2 run to regain the 24-23 lead. In the run ex Bremerhaven center Moses Poelking displayed his beast qualities making a runner and dunk, while Sperber continued to be aggressive draining a trey and assistant coach/player Yassin Turan sparkled with his quickness scoring on the drive. ‘We upped the speed and were more concentrated on the close outs. We defended better on 1-1 and pick and roll’, said Thomas Klein. But then came another lull by the EPG Baskets Koblenz as they allowed the EN Baskets Schwelm to get some confidence with their offense. A 5-o run led by a three pointer by German Marius Behr and step back jumper by Chriz Frazier gave the guests the 28-24 lead. One saw on occasion in the first half, that the nervousness of the EPG Baskets Koblenz was present. They had a lot of pressure and now had to perform. Koblenz was too much up and down, but here and there they played well in spurts. Alani Moore who had been more passive in the game changed that making a trey and lay in on transition to give his team the lead back at 32-31. The game showcased mini runs as ex FC Bayern Munich youth player Robert Merz supplied a runner and three pointer for the 38-34 Schwelm lead. But the EPG Baskets Schwelm then played their best basketball of the first half closing out the second quarter with a severe 12-2 run to lead 46-40 at the break. In the run, Koblenz got their offense rolling again. Marvin Heckel scored a trey a lay in while Brian Butler made a lay in. Pat Elzie then called a time out and drew up a beautiful play for Brian Butler. Marvin Heckel fed him for the thunderous alley-oop dunk. ‘That was a brutal alley-oop. Brian had a lot of hang time’, stated Thomas Klein. Friederici also added a three pointer.

Marvin Heckel to the hoop

In the third quarter the EPG Baskets Koblenz were able to control the game and lead for a long time by double digits, but at the end allowed the EN Baskets Schwelm to get under 10 points, but after 30 minutes trailed by 10 points. The EPG Baskets Koblenz came out and found a better rhythm on offense. They got vital three’s from Friederici who connected twice and Heckel also scored from down town for the 58-43 lead. The EN Baskets Schwelm did all they could to stick around, but couldn’t really get over the hump. Malik Eichler was able to give key support from the bench with a 6-0 run with a trey, lay in and free throw as the EPG Baskets Koblenz led only 62-49. The EN Baskets Schwelm continued to chip away and got buckets from Eichler, Oldham Merz and Behr, but couldn’t get the needed stops to get closer to Koblenz still trailing 66-55. The EPG Baskets Koblenz had no offensive rhythm which was the chance for the guests. They were in a little flow and got some more production from Till Hornscheidt who dropped free throws and Behr made a lay in as suddenly Schwelm were behind only 67-60. Sperber closed out the third quarter with a deep three pointer getting the perfect swing out pass from Heckel. ‘We didn’t have the fluid offense that we wanted. I think mentally we weren’t where we had to be. Missing so many shots in the first quarter affected us at times’, added Marvin Heckel. ‘Koblenz played a strange zone. I didn’t know why but maybe they were playing with us. We need to attack that better and the pick and roll’, stated Chris Frazier.

Roberz Merz at the FT line

The EPG Baskets Koblenz had their best phase in the game at both ends in the fourth quarter winning it 27-16. Norwegian guard Johan Flaa began the last frame with a lay to cut Koblenz’s lead to 70-62. The EPG Baskets Koblenz then didn’t waste anytime finding their strong offense as they went on a 9-0 run to lead 79-64. In the run Leon Friederici was a one man wrecking crew scoring 7 points. He was aggressive scoring two buckets including a rare bank shot jumper and 3 free throws. Alani Moore also supplied an acrobatic lay in after grabbing a loose ball. Koblenz played a strong zone while Friederici carried the EPG Baskets Koblenz. Hornscheidt and Sperber who finished with 11 points then traded three point bombs, but the EPG Baskets Koblenz still had the overwhelming 82-67 advantage. ‘Niclas played a good game. He hit big shots’, said Thomas Klein. The EPG Baskets Koblenz took the momentum of Sperber’s three pointer and rattled off 8 more unanswered points to ultimately decide the game leading 88-67. In the run the top South Pro B team was led by Heckel and ex easyCredit BBL player Dominique Johnson who were aggressive and scored in the lane. Koblenz were closing out well and were too physical for the guests while playing transition basketball. The EPG Baskets Koblenz didn’t have any lapses in the last minutes closing out the game in fine fashion. After Moore free throws and a Poelking lay in, EN Baskets Schwelm head coach Falk Moeller was handed a technical foul. Heckel remained aggressive and got to the free throw line two more times closing out the game. ‘This was our best quarter without a doubt. We hit our shots well and made good defensive pressure and forced them to turnovers. Plus we got out on transition’, added Marvin Heckel. ‘Experience was missing on our side. When guys like Friederici and Heckel are playing their game and making shots, It’s tough to come back’, said Chris Frazier. The EPG Baskets Koblenz had 6 guys in double figures and were led by Marvin Heckel with 20 points. Leon Friederici added 18 points and Brian Butler 16 points while the EN Baskets Schwelm were led by CJ Oldham with 15 points and 13 points by Malik Eichler while Chris Frazier added 11 points. The EPG Baskets Koblenz shot 43% from the field and 39% from outside and had 40 rebounds and 8 turnovers while the EN Baskets Schwelm shot 51% from the field and 31% from outside and had 28 rebounds and 14 turnovers.

It seemed like ages ago, but it was finally that time of year for the Pro B playoffs and the Dragons Rhondorf were finally there again. The last time they had reached the promised land had been in 2018 where they finished in third place and had been led by future Euroleague player Kameron Taylor. This season the Dragons Rhondorf finished with a solid 14-10 season in fourth place. The Dragons Rhondorf entered the playoffs having won 4 of their last 6 games, but had had tough loses on the road in Wolmirstedt and Wedel within 4 days. The Dragons Rhondorf knew that they had to step up now as there are no breaks in a tight 3 game series when you have a slim roster.They met a tough opponent with the Basketball Lowen Erfurt that finished in fifth place with a 13-11 record. They are a team that showcase 2 walking buckets with ex Gonzaga (NCAA) player Guy Landry Edi (198-PF-1988, college: Gonzaga) and American Tyseem Lyles. They entered the playoffs having won 8 of their last 9 games and had extra recovery time as they had been idle on the last regular season weekend game day. On a mild spring evening the Dragon Dome was packed with boisterous Dragon fans and about 15-20 motivated Lowen fans as they would witness a hard fought play off like game. Both teams gave it their all, but a tough Zaba Bangala foul in the waning seconds of the fourth quarter robbed Rhondorf of the win as they couldn’t pull it out in overtime losing 102-95. ‘When your up by 13 and let them come back, it’s a sign of everybody having fault. They did a good job matching our physicality. Our poor rebounding and 1-1 defense hurt us again tonight’, stressed Dragons Rhondorf forward Florian Koch. The Basketball Lowen looked like they were down and out being down by 13 near the end of the third quarter, but they never gave up pushing through to overtime and then closing out the game. ‘This was a very tough game. It took us a long time to find our game. It was a very physical game. We were lucky that Rhondorf’s three’s didn’t fall better’, stated Basketball Lowen head coach Enrico Kufour.

Diminykas Pleta at the FT line

The first quarter was a very tight affair as no team could get away from the other as there were 4 lead changes, but after 10 minutes the Dragons Rhondorf had the slim 1 point advantage. Both teams top guards Devon Goodman and Tyseem Lyles nailed three’s. Erfurt was deliberately forcing the Pennsylvania native to take three’s as he was at 29% and favors the drive as his quickness fools almost every opponent. Erfurt’s best player Guy Landry Edi was taking many shots, but early on connected only on 2 as the game was dead locked at 14-14. At that juncture, Rhondorf was excelling with team play while their 1-1 defense was suspect and the Lowen sparkled with their rebounding effort. Rhondorf also was unable to take advantage of the extended turnovers that Erfurt were having. Down the stretch 6 year Pro A player Paul Albrecht found some daylight scoring 7 kpoints and keeping the Dragons slightly ahead as the guests could erase a 5 point Rhondorf lead closing out the first quarter with a 4-0 run with buckets from Alieu Ceesay and Guy Landry Edi to trail 24-23. ‘This was a typical playoff fight between the 4-5 teams as no team gave away any gifts. You could sense early that both teams were prepared for a battle’, stressed Alieu Ceesay. The Baksetball Lowen Erfurt shot 59% from the field and 40% from outside and had 9 rebounds and 6 turnovers while the Dragons Rhondorf shot 50& from the field and 29% from outside and had 6 rebounds and 2 turnovers.

Florian Koch at the FT line

The second quarter remain a dog fight as there were 7 lead changes. The Dragons Rhondorf never led by more than 4 points and had to look up at the score board at the break down by 1 point. Devon Goodman continued to sparkle on offense keeping his team slightly ahead getting to the free throw line, making a trey and setting up German Adrian Bergmannn with a lay in on transition after making the steal. The guests kept ground getting superb support from their bench as Latvian guard Otto Fahrenhortsts made the first of three floaters on the night and Brooklyn, New York native Tyseem Lyes was aggressive and drove to the hoop twice for buckets for the 39-38 Erfurt lead. The Basketball Lowen continued to be the more aggressive team on the glass getting a few extra possessions and continued to slow down the Dragons three point shooting efficiency. Rhondorf also took good care of the ball. Goodman and Lyles then traded baskets, but Erfurt still led 41-40. Edi who played in Finland and Iceland then connected on a 20 footer and Fahrenhorsts made a lay in for the 45-42 Erfurt lead. In the closing seconds of the second frame, Goodman found Zaba baby Zion Bangala on the back door cut for the lay in at the buzzer, but the Dragons Rhondorf trailed 45-44 at half-time. ‘We played very aggressive. Our length helped on the boards and Tobias Bode gave us good support. Edi and Goodman continued to play with a groove’, added Alieu Ceesay. The Basketball Lowen Erfurt shot 53% from the field and 25% from the three point line and had 21 rebounds and 6 turnovers while the Dragons Rhondorf shot 43% from the field and 24% from the three point line and had 16 rebounds and 3 turnovers.

Tyseem Lyles jumper

In the third quarter the game remained tight, but midway through the quarter the Dragons Rhondorf finally went on that much desired run only to see it get shaved down from 13 to 6 points after 30 minutes. Even if the teams two best players put on a show in the first minutes as Edi added 7 points and Goodman 4 points, there were other guys who gave their 2 cents to the other team’s success. Bangala made a routine lay in, but it was the acrobatic pass from Goodman that made this play most likely the highlight play of the game as the American spun and looked like he would finish himself but instead served up Baby Zion for the easy basket. While the guests got a clutch three pointer from Lorenz Schiller who had 80 plus Pro B experience under his belt, but still no team was running away from the other as it was 53-53. Then came the first massive run of the contest as the Dragons Rhondorf exploded on a 16-3 run to lead comfortably 69-56. In the run the Dragons Rhondorf received 4 three’s. It was Florian Koch who started the rampage with back to back three’s. Sometimes that is all what it takes to get a team going. Koch also added 2 more free throws while ex Rostock guard Nicolas Buchholz dropped 2 three’s as 2013 Pro B champion with Leverkusen Florian Wendler made an offensive rebound and put back. The Dragons upped their intensity while the guests that live from their 1-1 play didn’t get shots to fall. The Dragons Rhondorf were unable to hold the momentum and relinquished a bitter 9-2 run to trail only 71-65 after 30 minutes. In the Erfurt run, they got impressive production from Fahrenhorsts who supplied 6 points and Edi made a tough three from the corner. ‘We got good stops on defense and got rebounds. We did a better job hitting shots that allowed us on the run’, stated Adrian Bergmann. ‘Rhondorf hit their three’s better. I lost Koch once and then he found his game. We played too slow and allowed them to paly their game’, added Alieu Ceesay. The Dragons Rhondorf shot 48% from the field and 33% from the parking lot and had 24 rebounds and 4 turnovers while the Basketball Lowen Erfurt shot 50% from the field and 29% from the parking lot and had 29 rebounds and 9 turnovers.

Florian Koch from outside

The Dragons Rhondorf kept their 7-8 point lead for a few minutes in the fourth frame, but then allowed the Basketball Lowen Erfurt to creep back into the game and then force overtime. Paul Albrecht and Devon Goodman executed for the 75-67 Rhondorf lead, but the guests just kept chipping away and went on a 6-0 run to trail only 75-73. Ceesay continued to give great stability from the bench scoring twice while Schiller also scored as the Dragon’s 1-1 defense continued to be inaccurate. Rhondorf halted the run and sped out on a 5-2 run to lead 80-75. A Goodman lay in and clutch trey from Jonas Falkenstein did the damage. The trading of the runs continued as Erfurt went on a 7-2 run to dead lock the game at 82-82. On the run young German Dominykas Pleta flew to the hoop with the crushing one handed dunk and Lyles made a finger tip role and Edi remained in attack mode at all times making 3 free throws. Rhondorf’s 1-1 defense was obviously lax with 5 team fouls on their shoulders. Koch free throws and a clutch Devon Goodman floater kept Rhondorf ahead 86-84 with 5 seconds to play. A Koch flagrant foul which was his fifth and Bangala foul with 1,5 seconds sent Erfurt into overtime. Rhondorf had fortune that Edi only made 2 of 3 to tie the game at 86-86. ‘We became more aggressive and helped each other. We were 100% ready and had energy’, said Alieu Ceesay. ‘Even if the flagrant foul and Bangala’s foul hurt, we had too many turnovers’, commented Adrian Bergmann. In overtime the Dragons Rhondorf began bad and then everything went downhill. The Basketball Lowen Erfurt stopped the Dragons first 4 possessions and punished them with Pleta and Edi lay in’s to lead 90-86. Rhondorf had no flow on offense and made poor decisions and just didn’t get the desired options. Finally on the fifth possession, Goodman connected on transition to trail 90-88, but that didn’t faze the guests as they spanked Rhondorf back with consecutive three’s from Edi and German Jan Heber who had 22 easyCredfit BBL games on his resume for the 96-88 lead. Goodman answered with a lay in and three pointer from Buchholz, but Heber answered with 4 free throws and Ceesay with 2 free throws to seal the game 1 win. ‘We took the momentum from the fourth quarter into OT and began well. Rhondorf didn’t react well to pressure and our three’s helped us’, said Alieu Ceesay. ‘Nothing worked for us on offense and we didn’t play well under pressure. The game turned to their favor quickly’, said Adrian Bergmann. The Basketball Lowen Erfurt had 6 guys in double figures led by Guy Landry Edi with 37 points. Jan Heber had a great game with 16/8/7 stats and Tyseem Lyles added 13 points while the Dragons Rhondorf were led by Devon Goodman with 37 points and 14 dimes. Florian Koch added 17 points and Nicolas Buchholz 14 points. The Basketball Lowen shot 49% from the field and 29% from outside and had 44 rebounds and 13 turnovers while the Dragons Rhondorf shot 45% from the field and 28% form outside and had 39 rebounds and 10 turnovers.

Tags : GUY LANDRY EDI, BASKETBALL LOEWEN ERFURT, GERMAN BASKETBALL

It was finally that time of year again where you know it’s time for playoff basketball in the Pro B when the days are longer and warmer. The Fraport Skyliners Juniors finished the regular season in third place with a 14-10 record and had had a great stretch in Feb and March winning all 6 games, but entered the playoffs a bit flat suffering a 2 game losing streak where they lost 2 tough games in crunch-time. They met the RheinStars Cologne who had finished in 6th place in the Pro B north with a 12-12 record. They came into the playoffs having won 4 of their last 5 games scoring 90 points or more 3 times, but had lost the last regular season game to the BSW Sixers. The Fraport Skyliners Juniors had to be sharp on offense as they met the leagues fifth best defensive team as they only allowed 76 points per game. On a mild Saturday spring night with a real zealous fan base from both clubs, both teams gave a crazy playoff atmosphere, but the RheinStars Cologne came out physical and aggressive and controlled the game for 4 quarters and withstood a Frankfurt come back attempt in the fourth quarter to prevail 73-62. ‘We did a good job sticking to our game plan being physical and taking them out of their stuff and playing fast. We had some lapses in the fourth quarter, but we closed out the game well’, stressed Cologne guard Ali Sow (185-PG-1998, college: Laurier). The Fraport Skyliners Juniors played a solid defensive game, but just couldn’t execute on offense the way they know how as their three point shooting was miserable. ‘We began slow. They were more aggressive. We couldn’t match it and they overran us. We didn’t have the confidence and hesitated on making decisions. We found a rhythm at the end and finished with a good feeling. We will be ready in game 2’, stated Frankfurt guard Nolan Adekunle.

Nolan Adekunle at the FT line

The RheinStars came out strong, but the Fraport Skyliners Juniors came back only to have a severe defensive lapse in the last minutes to trail by 6 points after 10 minutes. The RheinStars Cologne began quickly finding an offensive rhythm sharing the ball nicely as German veteran Steffen Haufs made a step back, American Elijah Schmidt made a lay in and ex PS Karlsruhe forward Antonio Pilipovic drained a trey. The Fraport Skyliners Juniors also found their groove finding German big Alexander Richardson for 2 baskets and a lay in by 2018 JBBL champion Nolan Adekunle. Frankfurt came back playing transition and allowing Adekunle to be aggressive as he nailed a three pointer for the 10-9 Frankfurt lead. Frankfurt had problems matching the Cologne physicality and then lost control in the last minutes as huge German talent Jannis Von Seckendorff who began his career in Rhondorf scored 7 points in a row to close out the first quarter. He made a lay in, tip in dunk and three pointer to lead 18-12. ‘He does so much that doesn’t appear on the stat sheet. He is our longest and best defender. He showed just how good he is”, stated Ali Sow. Both teams shot under 40% from the field while Cologne was at 25% from outside and Frankfurt was at 0%. Both teams had 10 rebounds but Frankfurt had 7 turnovers and Cologne 2 turnovers. ‘It was a real playoff battle that was defensive orientated. We played physical and were focused on each possession’, stated Ali Sow. ‘Cologne played physical and tough. They made tough shots. We didn’t get through screens and didn’t rotate on crosscourt passes and weren’t vocal’, said Fraport Skyliner Quantez Robertson.

Jannis Von Seckendorff to the hoop

In the second quarter, the Fraport Skyliners Juniors fell asleep in the last 5 minutes allowing a massive run to trail by 16 points at the break. The Fraport Skyliners Juniors began well going on a 9-4 run to trail only 22-21. The combination of Marco Voeller to Nils Leonhardt functioned twice as the ex Gotha big man showed that he is an excellent passer. He also showed he has range from outside drilling home a three and Drago Crnjac made a nice floater. The Fraport Skyliners Juniors had found a groove and seemed like they might change the game, but instead the RheinStars hit them back with an even bigger run of 15-0 to have the very comfortable 37-21 advantage at half-time. Ali Sow who entered the game averaging 23 points per game found his rhythm scoring 5 points, while German reserve and ex Dragon Rhondorf player Robin Straub hit a trey. Ex Trier guard Ruppert Hennen who is a bundle of energy added 5 points including an offensive rebound and put back and Von Seckendorff topped off the run with a big dunk. Cologne was playing great pick and roll defense and Frankfurt allowed too many open shots and their 1-1 defense was suspect. At the break the guests shot 43% from the field and 36% from the three point line and had 18 rebounds and 6 turnovers while the Fraport Skyliners Juniors shot 32% from the field and 7% from the three point line and had 17 rebounds and 12 turnovers. ‘Frankfurt was rushing their offense and weren’t patient. Frankfurt wasn’t talking on defense and Cologne had to many open shots’, said Quantez Robertson. ‘We had a flow on offense and moved the ball well. We couldn’t come to terms with their physicality’, expressed Nolan Adekunle.

Bennet Schubert to the rim

In the third quarter both teams heightened their offense scoring more, but that didn’t aid the Fraport Skyliners Juniors as they couldn’t get over the hump trailing by 22 points after 30 minutes. The guests got 5 points from Ali Sow and a trey from Ruppert Hennen while the Fraport Skyliners Juniors allowed Alexander Richardson to be a one man wrecking machine scoring 7 points. Pilipovoc made a trey, but the RheinStars Cologne still had the brutal 49-30 lead. The guests played nice team basketball and just had better options on the night and were executing better. Whenever Frankfurt had an answer so did the RhenStars Cologne. Frankfurt continued to have bad rotations and Cologne punished them with open shots. The RheinStars Cologne continued to execute well and got good production from their bench as Antony Bauer scored twice while ex easyCredit BBL player Andrew Onwuegbuzie made a lay in. Frankfurt got two buckets from Nolan Adekunle but just didn’t have much fire power on this night from other players. ‘We continued to play our game having a flow on offense and being physical on defense. We did a good job not giving up second chance points’, expressed Ali Sow. ‘We wanted to keep them to 73 points and did. We didn’t rebound well and not get enough stops to get closer. We also didn’t take good care of the ball’, added Nolan Adekunle. The RheinStars Cologne shot 46% from the field and 42% from the parking lot and had 26 rebounds and 9 turnovers while the Fraport Skyliners shot 35% from the field and 11% from the parking lot and had 27 rebounds and 15 turnovers.

Anthony Bauer at the FT line

The Fraport Skyliners sJuniors aved all their energy for a comeback, but it wasn’t enough. The Fraport Skyliners Juniors came into the fourth quarter spanking the RheineStars Cologne with a shocking 21.6 run to trail only 65-58. In the run Frankfurt was aided most by Nolan Adekunle who dominated and showed he can always be a major walking bucket as he led Frankfurt’s offensive comeback with 13 points and 4 three’s. It finally rained three’s as Felix Hecker also added one and Alexander Richardson remained aggressive scoring twice in the run. Frankfurt upped their defensive aggressiveness, but also was aided by some dumb RheinStars turnovers. But Frankfurt just ran out of gas as Cologne hit them with a 5-0 run to lead 70-58 with 2 minutes remaining. In the run Anthony Bauer nailed a three and Ali Sow dropped free throws. Voeller added a dunk and Felix Hecker an offensive rebound and put back to cut the guests lead to 70-62, but it was too little to late as time was running out. Von Seckendorff made a lay in to close out the game. ‘We had some lapses on defense and bad rotations. We were too complacent. Anthony Bauer is super physical and made a big shot. He always creates room and spaces the floor well’, stated Ali Sow. ‘We fought hard, but were back too many points. This was only one game, but it’s a whole series. We will be back and fight hard in game 2’, stated Nolan Adekunle. The RheinStars Cologne were led by Ali Sow with 18 points, 8 boards, 5 assists and 3 steals while Ruppert Hennen scored 13 points and Jannis Von Seckendorff 11 points while the Fraport Skyliners Juniors were led by Nolan Adekunle with 23 points while Alexander Richardson added 15 points. The RheinStars Cologne shot 44% from the field and 38% from outside and had 35 rebounds and 15 turnovers while the Fraport Skyliners Juniors shot 41% from the field and 23% from outside and had 34 rebounds and 16 turnovers.

Tags : ALI SOW, RHEINSTARS KOELN, GERMAN BASKETBALL

Christopher Miller (192-G-1993, college: Salem) is a 29 year old 193cm guard from Brooklyn, New York who is playing his eighth professional season and first with GoldCoast Wallabies NLB (2nd League). He played 3 seasons with the Giessen Pointers (Germany-RegionalligaThis season for Bensheim he averaged 19,5ppg, 3,8rpg, 2,0apg and 1,5spg. He has had experience in countries like El Salvador and Bosnia. He recently played for the South Shore Monarchs (TBL) playing 8 games averaging 22.4ppg, 5.6rpg, 4.3apg, 1.6spg, FGP: 50.8%, 3PT: 35.0%, FT: 83.3%. He began his basketball career at Clinton Community College and also played two years at Salem University (NCAA2). This season he teams up with Miles Schmidt-Scheuber with weekly chats about his basketball season.

Congrats on the big 86-790 win in game 1 over Morges Saint Prex. How vital was it getting this first win under your belt?

It was very vital to start the series in high gear. We respect our opponent and came out aggressively. It’s a long series even thouh only 3 games but it felt good to get the first one.

Talk a little about the 40 minutes. Was it a close battle from the first minute?


It was a tough battle between two teams that have championship aspirations. It was close all the way to the end back and forth. We made a few more plays on defense securing the win.

What memories do you have form crunch-time? What was key for being able to pull out the win at the end?

At the end it came down to defense and free throws to secure the win.

How key was the team performance on the offense glass? 7 guys helped out with offensive rebounds?

Rebounds can stop our defensive possession or add more time to our offense either way it helps us. We have a lot of athletes and we wanted to really attack the glass .

Talk a little about how vital the bench play was? Wallabies won it 11-2.

Our bench came in big especially on defense the point production might not have been so high but overal everyone was locked in and any advantage we can get we want.

You had a solid game of 17/7/3/3. I can imagine that your still seeking your peak in the playoffs?

At this point whatever it takes to get the win . I showed I can have better games. Showed that I can put in numbers this playoffs is about what can each of us do toward winning.

Will you get up extra shots between games as you were 0/4 from outside?

It was a tough shooting day for sure. I have been working on it . I felt they were good shots hopefully next game they fall.

What will be key in game 2 to wrap up the series?

Key to finish it off is just focus defense and team play . If we do these things I believe we have a chance.

Thanks Chris for the chat

Tags : CHRISTOPHER MILLER, GOLDCOAST WALLABIES, GERMAN BASKETBALL