So what is wrong with aiming for seemingly impossible heights? Some guys are living legends in their own minds while others can back it up. Ok so achieving a triple double in the easyCredit BBL in Germany is rare. Some guys have achieved it more than once like Luke Sikma and Rashid Mahalbasic, but a quadruple double? C.J. Bryce (196-SG-1996, college: NC State) is a talented player that had a solid NCAA career for 2 schools and played in arguably one of the best basketball conferences in the nation with the ACC. But despite doing that nothing was given to him as he played his rookie season in Hungary which isn’t exactly a top league in Europe. Still easyCredit BBL team s.Oliver Wurzburg took a chance on him and so far he hasn’t disappointed and put up not only stellar stats with 16,1ppg, 3,3rpg, 1,1apg and 1,0spg while shooting 43% from downtown, but displayed exquisite versatility. He has scored in double figures in all 15 games and scored 20 points or more 4 times. I can’t remember too many guys coming from Hungary and putting up stats like that in the easyCredit BBL. Some must be wondering what his secret is too adapting so well to a higher league? ‘There is no secret. Whatever you do in life, you must remain true to it. Whatever you put in life is what you attract, and my goal is to attract as much success as possible with basketball at this point. I have a great coaching staff around me and teammates that push me every day to continue to grow on the court’, stressed C.J. Bryce. He is putting up incredible stats and proving to be a stat filler for the hungry surprise team of the season s.Oliver Wurzburg. ‘I pride myself on impacting the game in every area possible for me. I think that is a quality that the greatest players of all sports possess. Offense and defense. Even the best teams have great offensive players and also great defensive players. I think it is important to be versatile in all areas of life. Maximize your potential. I look forward to putting up some triple doubles in the future! Maybe even a rare quadruple double’, warned C.J. Bryce. He most likely won’t achieve a rare quadruple double in the easyCredit, but his high energy versatile game will continue to power s.Oliver Wurzburg to success.

C.J. Bryce who lists NBA beast Zion Williamson as his toughest foe in the NCAA was born on October 30th, 1996 in Charlotte, North Carolina. He grew up in Huntersville and got his first basketball experience and played at North Mecklenburg high-school. He then played 2 years at the University of Noth Carolina Wilmington playing a total of 68 NCAA games. He gained success in both seasons winning the CAA title twice. ‘I would say the 2017 title was sweeter just because I remember winning my freshman year and seeing my older teammates playing so well and it really inspired moving forward because I really wanted that feeling of success again. I was blessed to receive tournament MVP as a sophomore and another chance to play in the NCAA tournament which on 1 team technically from our conference could participate in so it was very special for me and my team’, remembered C.J. Bryce. In his freshman season he averaged10.1ppg, 4.2rpg, FGP: 55.2%, 3PT: 43.3%, FT: 63.2% and in his second year picked up his game drastically and averaged 17.4ppg, 5.4rpg, 3.0apg, FGP: 54.0%, 3PT: 33.1%, FT: 68.0%. In his 2 years there he scored in double figures in 49 games. He had many great games like scoring 28 points against Towson or hitting Delaware for 27 points and Campbell for 26 points all in wins, but he will never forget scoring 16 points against NCAA powerhouse Duke and matching up against future NBA stars like Brandon Ingram and Grayson Allen. ‘It was great for me although winning is so important to me that the loss really stuck with me, because it was a winnable game for us. Duke was a very talented team. I really enjoyed the competition that game’, said C.J. Bryce. In his two years at Wilmington, he also was able to monitor the development of future NBA player Devontae Cacok who was the perfect role model for everyone. ‘Devontae dedicated his life to his craft and it has shown every year as he continues to improve and develop as a player. He always gave his all and nothing less, which has made him a great player but also speaks a lot about who he is as a person’, added C.J. Bryce. He was named to the CAA All-Rookie Team , All-CAA All-Tournament MVP -and was All-CAA First Team

After 2 years in Wilmington the guard who remembers beating teammate Torin Dorn in daily 1-1 battles in practice chose to make a change and went to North Carolina State who are best remembered for their 1983 Cinderella run and win with head coach Jim Valvano beating the highly favored Houston Cougars with Hakeem and Clyde Drexler. It was a no brainer for him to attend there. ‘I felt that I wanted the chance to play in the best conference in the country. I think that staying at Wilmington would have been a great decision also but I took a step outside my comfort zone with my decision to transfer. It really helped shape who I am today on and off the court’, stated C.J. Bryce. He had the chance to play some of the greatest schools in the NCAA like North Carolina and even beat Duke scoring 22 points. ‘I remember playing at Carolina and it was an amazing experience. The facilities and atmosphere there was on a different level. I remember missing the game winning shot against Carolina at home my junior year. After the game my coach simply told me that I was prepared for that moment. It shaped me. This is the way that I prepare now for life, being ready for whatever is thrown my way. Especially on the court, I work on all game situations at game speed. It was huge for us beating Duke. At that time I would say they weren’t the Duke that they were known for being, although still having some big time players on roster and a Hall of Fame coach, it was going to be tough for them to beat us at home that year. I would call it a top 10 moment in NC State history, but they just did it again this season’, stressed C.J. Bryce. He played 64 NCAA games in his 2 years at North Carolina State averaging 11.6ppg, 4.6rpg, 1.8apg, 1.1spg, FGP: 52.9%, 3PT: 34.5%, FT: 75.6% and in his senior year averaged 13.3ppg, 6.3rpg, 2.1apg, 1.3spg, FGP: 48.5%, 3PT: 33.3%, FT: 77.9%. One person that was vital in his development here was head coach Kevin Keatts who saw his potential at a young age. ‘Coach Keatts saw my potential in high school and took a chance on me and put me in the starting lineup as a freshman. He took another chance on me and brought me from the CAA to the ACC. He believed in me, and sometimes that all it takes to bring out the best in someone. I am glad I had the chance to play for him at those two levels’, remembered C.J. Bryce. He scored in double figures in 42 games and had big games against Georgia Tech scoring 24 points and against Miami scoring 22 points. Being able to be in North Carolina and play for 2 different schools is something that not many kids get a chance to do. ‘I loved playing so close to home. UNC Wilmington was a beautiful experience, being able to be so close to the beach and on top of that we had excellent back to back seasons making it to the NCAA tournament and playing against to top ACC teams in Duke and Virginia. I also really enjoyed Raleigh and being able to play at that level with a huge fan base and so much history on that campus’, remembered C.J. Bryce who believes that Lebron James is the GOAT.

The North Carolina native who lists Markell Johnson, Stanley Whittaker, Devontae Cacok, Allerick Freeman (redshirt year), and Omer Yurtseven (redshirt year) as his best teammates of all-time got his first taste of the pro life playing for the Charlotte Tribe (ECBL). He came overseas for the 21-22 season and balled with Hubner Nyiregyhaza BS (Hungary-A Division) averaging 20.6pp, 6.9rpg, 2.1apg, 1.0spg, FGP: 61.5%, 3PT-3 (44.9%), FT: 84.1%. Every American has that wake up call and for him it was definately not hearing English in the arena. ‘The first game in Hungary was my wake up call! The energy was so different in the building. Hearing the announcer speaking but not understanding anything he is saying pre game, to hearing the different horn from the scores table. The European game experience has been so different for me and with this being my second year I am still learning the ins and outs. At the end of the day basketball is basketball’, warned C.J. Bryce. This season he is playing for the s.Oliver Wurzburg who have won 8 games and are fighting for a playoff spot averaging 85 points as a team and allowing 85 points. They have been the big surprise of the league. The team is pretty much carried by him, the guard duo of Cameron Hunt and Stanley Whittaker and Xeyrius Williams. ‘We have a lot of offensive weapons, and we have really focused on our defense. We know that we can score but at this level everyone can score the ball. The games come down to how locked in we are on defense and we have bought in to that mindset that we want to stop everyone’, expressed C.J. Bryce. The team didn’t begin great and has picked up their play and are 5-2 since December. They have locked down on defense which has been massive for their success. ‘With this select group of guys playing together for out first time ever this season, we have had to grow and learn each other. We are learning to trust each other more every week and picking up on each others energies and approaches to the game. I think the more we continue to grow as a team off the court will on benefit us in the long run’, commented C.J. Bryce. Three guys who have been very instrumental for the success has been head coach Saso Fillipovski and the guard Duo of Cameron Hunt and Stanley Whittaker who have huge chips on their shoulders having played in the NAIA and have proved that heart can get you to places you may never have dreamed of. ‘Coach has a lot of experience and success with the game of basketball, and his knowledge for the game has been incredible to see. He has a mindset to improve in every aspect and this has been passed down to the players. We are a very young team so I think being able to learn from a coach of his caliber has been great for us all. Hard work beats talents on any given day. Those two guys have been incredible for us this season, and I have personally learned a lot from them playing the guard position. They have high IQ’s for the game and it definitely shows on the court’, warned C.J. Bryce. Tonight he will face the best team that he has ever faced as a professional with Alba Berlin. An upset would be another big step for the team in the Cinderella season. ‘I am excited for every game as it is truly a blessing to be able to play this game for a living. We want to beat them and every other team we play just as bad every game. Our first game of the season was against Bonn, which I believe was an eye opener for us. I think this game against Alba is a chance to see just how far we have come as a team. With them playing EuroLeague, they see the best European talent on a weekly basis. We look forward to a hard fought game from both sides and hopefully we can get the win on our home court’, added C.J. Bryce.

The versatile player who lists Magic, MJ, Lebron James, Wilt and Shaq on his personal NBA Mount Rushmore is a 196cm shooting guard that can’t compare his game to an NBA player simply because he is an evolving player. He has had the luxury of having played many different positions which can be credited for him evolving into a versatile player. ‘I was playing the power forward and center position my freshman year of high school. It has been a long journey and a lot of work to come into the shooting guard position. I would like to continue to progress into playing the point guard position. Even though scoring comes natural to me I love the passing game and getting others involved. I hope to show this part of my game at a high level one day’, stressed C.J. Bryce. His offensive game is growing and a big part of his game, but his defensive game has also made strides in only a short time in Germany. ‘I think that my defense has come a long way within just a few months of me being in Germany. I think it has come a lot from me working on my body and position. My reactions are becoming better and I am reading the game better than ever on the defensive end. I think I am a versatile defender. I can guard 1-4. On ball, off-ball, post-ups. My coaches this season have really pushed me from day one to become better in this area. I really want to continue to work on my position on the court as I think this is very important when it comes to defense. You can be very athletic but position can be the difference between and still and an open shot. I think Marcus Smart is a great example of an elite defender. His effort is unmatched on defense. But he also pays attention to the details and I think with more experience I can get to that level’, warned C.J. Bryce. He is already performing at a high level in the easyCredit BBL, but his drive and hunger to get even better is always on the rise. ‘I am working on my pick and roll reads the most at this point. I think that this area could really take my game to the next level. I think that if you can master the pick and roll in Europe then the NBA style of play becomes relatively easier, as there is more spacing and less physicality. I wish to continue to become a better scorer, but I think the more I become unpredictable with ball in my hands the more dangerous I can be on the offensive end’, stated C.J. Bryce. It will be interesting how much more his game will grow in the easyCredit BBL and where the Cinderella season of s.Oliver Wurzburg will end. He may never achieve the quadruple double, but his versatility will always be present as his hunger to improve will always drive him as he continues to move up the basketball ladder in the next years.

Tags : C.J. BRYCE, S.OLIVER WUERZBURG, GERMAN BASKETBALL

Jorke Aav

The NBBL season of Eintracht Frankfurt-Fraport Skyliners has been one to forget this season. The club has fought every game, but not been rewarded in any way by the basketball God. Two weeks ago they were so close to finally celebrating their first win of the season, but instead got a dagger rammed into their heart twice as they were leading in the regulation period and overtime only to see them get hit with a buzzer beater each time. That brutal loss took time to digest and they had a long time to think about it, because the game in Ibam was postponed last weekend. But it didn’t get any easier as their next opponent was the perfect Urspring team with a record of 8-0 came to Frankfurt. Urspring may only produce 65 points per game, but defend with passion and heart and allowed only 47 points per contest. Eintracht Frankfurt-Fraport Skyliners who entered the game with a poor 0-8 record really had their hands full, but as so often this season played really well, but as usual couldn’t finish the job. Like the game before vs Ludwigsburg, they should have won it in regulation time, but allowed Team Urspring to send it in overtime where Jorke Aavkardo (189-PG-2005) and Mateo Vidovic hit big shots to secure the win. ‘We had problems in the first half. They knew every play. We had to adjust to their zone. But as the game went on our man to man defense always got better. We depend on our defense’, stated team Urspring head coach Oliver Heptner.

Joscha Zentgraf at the FT line

The first quarter was a tight affair as no team could get away from the other. The guests got off to the quick 3-0 start as Estonian guard Jorke Aavkardo hurled a three pointer. His calmness and nice touch and execution rate would hurt Eintracht Frankfurt-Fraport Skyliners all night long. But Eintracht Frankfurt-Fraport Skyliners got going quickly rushing out on a 6-0 run to lead 6-3. Power forward and dirty work boy Joscha Zentgraf as usual was banging inside and drew two fouls, but made only 2 shots while Dusan Nikolic and Hector Izquierdo began aggressive and scored twice on drives. But the guests reacted well and got some offensive input going as the German with the English name Jared Grey showed his offensive qualities making a dunk and three pointer for the 10-6 Urspring advantage. That little burst of offense didn’t hinder the execution of Eintracht Frankfurt-Fraport Skyliners getting a 7-2 run to lead 13-12 as they got a clutch three pointer from Hector Izquierdo, a lay in from Alexander Lagerman on transition, and possibly the team’s dunk of the year from Dusan Nikolic who flew through the lane like a combination of Len Schoorman and Elijah Clarence and finished with the hard 1 handed dunk. But Eintracht Frankfurt-Fraport Skyliners ccouldn’t hold the lead as Aav stepped again unleashing that pretty three point shot as Team Urspring led 15-14 after 10 minutes. Crazy stats after one quarter showed the guests shooting incredibly well as 45% from the field and 60% from outside while Eintracht Frankfurt-Fraport Skyliners were shooting a weak 28% from the field and even worse 17% from outside despite trailing only by 1 point. Frankfurt were hustling more having the 11-8 rebound lead including 8 offensive rebounds and 4 turnovers while the guests had 5 turnovers. ‘It was tough for us to get going. We had a long drive and had to play on a Friday night. But as the game kept going, the better we got into the game’, stated Jorke Aavkardo.

Brenden Velaj at the FT line

In the second quarter showed Eintracht Frankfurt-Fraport Skyliners totally break out and hammer Team Urspring with a 26-12 explosion and lead by 13 points at half-time. Nikolic began the second quarter with a lay in as his aggressiveness got bigger in the second quarter for the 16-15 Frankfurt lead. Team Urspring then got on the board getting back to back buckets in the paint from Aav who besides having a routine good three, also was able to use his speed to hurt Frankfurt scored as did 18 year old Albanian Brendon Velaj who came to Germany from Albania as an immigrant without his parents and has been able to produce a solid life with the combination of school and basketball thanks to the Urspring program. Eintracht Frankfurt-Fraport Skyliners trailed 19-16, but the storm was about to hit Team Urspring. Eintracht Frankfurt-Fraport Skyliners exploded for an incredible 19-0 run to totally paralyze Team Urspring. In the brutal run everything functioned at both ends of the court. The duo of Lagermann and Izquierdo were a 2 man wrecking crew that the guests had no answer for. Nikolic began the charge with a lay in as his 1-1 skills seem to get better with each game. Flashy and athletic Alexander Lagemann then added 6 points with 2 lay ins and free throws and Izquierdo added 7 points with 3 lay in’s and a free throw while Zentgraf also scored free throws. It was the heightened defense by Eintracht Frankfurt-Fraport Skyliners that pushed their offense as they tried to get on transition each team and were then mostly rewarded with easy buckets as the guests always seemed a step to slow. Eintracht Frankfurt-Fraport Skyliners were always in attack mode and the classic and potent 1-1 skills of Lagermann and Izquierdo were too much for the guests. Team Urspring closed out the second quarter getting some solid bench support from German Jermy Wontroba who followed Aav’s aggressiveness getting to the free throw line and also made an off balance shot while Mr poster dunk specialist Linus Ihle made free throws. Eintracht Frankfurt-Fraport Skyliners got a dunk from Izquierdo in the last minute and a basket from Lagermann to lead 40-27 at the break. ‘Our defense was lacking man to man as there was no help. It was little details that they picked apart’, added Jorke Aavkardo. Eintracht Frankfurt-Fraport Skyliners upped their shooting from the field to 44%, but couldn’t hit the ocean from outside shooting 13% while the guests shooting percentages also dipped to 32% from the field and 33% from outside. Frankfurt had the 23-17 rebound edge and 10-7 offensive rebound edge and 7 turnovers while Team Urspring had 10 turnovers.

Dusan Nikolic with the lay in

Eintracht Frankfurt-Fraport Skyliners were able to keep the steady lead, but weren’t executing as well anymore like back in the second quarter, but still led by 10 points after 3 quarters. Lagermann made a super hustle play getting the rebound off his own miss and giving Frankfurt the first points of the second half and 42-17 advantage. Team Urspring couldn’t convert on their first 3 possessions, but then added a spark of energy getting 5 unasnwered points as Aav hit another trey and Ihle made a thunderous two handed dunk as Eintracht Frankfurt-Fraport Skyliners led 42-32. Both teams would produce their own little runs as now Eintracht Frankfurt-Fraport Skyliners got a three pointer from Nikolic and another hustle play by Lagermann as he was present on the offensive glass getting the rebound and put back for the 47-32 lead. But Eintracht Frankfurt-Fraport Skyliners were unable to keep this lead or extend it as Team Urspring were more confident and were executing better on offense. The guests countered with a lightening 5-0 run to cut the Frankfurt lead down to 47-38 as AAv made one free throw, Velaj made a put back and Vidovic drilled home a trey as Urspring trailed only 47-38. The guests inserted a zone and press that annoyed Frankfurt that didn’t allow Frankfurt to execute as much with their 1-1 play and disallowed easy points while on offense were calm and played their sets getting success. The Urspring defense forced Frankfurt to 7 turnovers in the quarter. Aav and Nikolic gave their team some added support down the stretch with baskets, but Team Urspring couldn’t really make any ground as Eintracht Frankfurt-Fraport Skyliners led 54-44. ‘We came back being stronger mentally. We worked harder and showed more pride and played better as a team. We attacked more and our press also helped’, added Jorke Aavkardo. Eintracht Frankfurt-Fraport Skyliners continued to shoot well from the field at 43% while their three point shooting was nonexistent and Team Urspring shot 32% from the field and 35% from outside. Eintracht Frankfurt-Fraport Skyliners still had the rebound advantage at 34-27 and 14-11 offensive edge and had 14 turnovers and 13 turnovers.

Justin Gray with the jumper

In the fourth quarter Team Urspring heightened their game another notch scoring 24 points foiling Eintracht Frankfurt-Fraport Skyliners attempt to gain their first win forcing the game into OT. Vidovic began the fourth quarter with a clutch three as he was continuing to get warmed up for his heroic OT run as Eintracht Frankfurt-Fraport Skyliners led 54-47. Eintracht Frankfurt-Fraport Skyliners continued to execute well on offense keeping some space between them and Team Urspring going on a 7-2 run to lead 61-49. Point guard Barnabas Bode made a lay in, Lagermann a crushing 2 handed dunk coming form the base line and Nikolic a lay in getting through the defense again. Ihle and Lagermann then traded buckets as Eintracht Frankfurt-Fraport Skyliners was still standing strong and it looked like they may finally pull out their first win of the season. But then came the crushing turning point of the game. In a short span of about 30 seconds Team Urspring totally punished Eintracht Frankfurt-Fraport Skyliners going on a 7-0 run as steals by Ihle and Velaj led to 2 Velah baskets and Aav dropped a trey and suddenly Frankfurt led only 64-60. Nikolic made a massive lay in under pressure and it looked like Eintracht Frankfurt-Fraport Skyliners could still pull it out in crunch-time, but Team Urspring just had the better nerves. The guests kept chipping away and executed as Aav made a lay in to cut the lead to 66-62. Frankfurt superb role player Marvin Esser made a huge lay in to lead 68-62, but Frankfurt just couldn’t hold down the fort. Eintracht Frankfurt-Fraport Skyliners allowed a crushing 6-0 run. Ihle came up with a big block and Grey made a dunk and AAV a three to tie the game at 68-68. ‘We are a good defensive team and that 7-0 run just showed the kind of team that we are. Our game starts on defense. If we stick to our defensive principles then that translates over to our offense’, warned Jorke Aavkardo.

Linus Ihle dunk

In the overtime period both teams were at eye level in the first few minutes, but Team Urspring then closed out the game strong with a run to clinch the win. Vidovic and Lagermann offered a back and forth battle as Vidovic displayed his fine inside out qualities with a catch and pop three and lay in while Lagermann continued to be aggressive and showing he is that go to guy with 2 clutch three pointers to dead lock the game at 73-73. But Team Urspring then closed out the game with a swift blow with a 11-2 run. Vidovic and and Aav combined for 5 points as Team Urspring led 78-73. Team Urspring still had that needed burst of energy on defense forcing Eintracht Frankfurt-Fraport Skyliners to a tough shot which Finley Pruver missed and then a turnover. Izqierdo did make a bucket after seemingly the 5th offensive rebound to trail 80-75 with 32 seconds to play, but the guests closed out the game with Philipp Schneck free throws and a powerful Ihle dunk. ‘We looked for Mateo Vidovic. He was very active and aggressive in the Ot. We pressed and remained aggressive. My shot kept falling and I felt very comfortable. I couldn’t have done it without my teammates’, stressed Jorke Aavkardo. Team Urspring was led by Jorke Aavkardo with 31 points. Mateo Vidovic added 16 points and Linus Ihle had 11 points, 6 rebounds, 6 steals and 3 blocks while Eintracht Frankfurt-Fraport Skyliners were led by Alexander Lagermann with 25 points and Dusan Nikolic added 22 points and Hector Izquierdo had 17 points. Team Urspring shot 40% from the field and 42% from outside and had 34 rebounds and 14 turnovers while Eintracht Frankfurt-Fraport Skyliners shot 43% from the field and 18% from outside and had 52 rebounds and 27 turnovers.

The Dragons Rhondorf continue to search for consistency. The ex pro A team began the season strong winning 4 of their first 5 games and showing no remorse on the road but haven’t been as lucky since mid November as since they have ridden a 5-4 record. They came into 2023 losing a tough nail bitter against Vechta 2, but last week found revenge against the RheinStars Cologne who had destroyed them at home 83-59. The Dragons continue to play with a 7 man rotation and so far everything is functioning. They met the 5-9 Iserlohn Kangaroos who had a positive 4-3 road record and were a way better team than what their record showed. They lost 3 very close games and played top team Sixers tough both times they met. It is no secret that the pro B is stuffed with many top guards and this weekend could have been the next great battle between Devon Goodman and Toni Prostran, but the latter had knee problems and couldn’t play. But the guests didn’t really need Prostran as they did fine without him playing tough for 3 quarters and then let Mr money ball Marko Boksic (203-PF-1993, agency: PEPI SPORT) take control in the fourth quarter and buckled down on defense to pull out the 74-68 victory. ‘We played tough all game. We kept playing hard and once our shots started to fall, the basket began to look bigger. We did a good man taking Goodman away from his strengths and stayed consistent down the stretch’, stressed Iserlohn guard Michael Cubbage. The Dragons Rhondorf had signed last season’s top scorer Mubarak Salami, but he only played a minute and couldn’t be a factor. The Dragons had problems taking care of the ball and executing consistently all night long that ultimately also cost them the game in crunch-time. ‘Little mistakes brought us down and we just didn’t execute well and sometimes forgot to play together as a team’, stated Mubarak Salami.

Emil Loch lay in

The first quarter had 2 stories as the Dragons Rhondorf began with a huge run only to watch Iserlohn end the first quarter with a big run and led only 22-16. The Dragons Rhondorf jumped all over the Iserlohn Kangaroos and exploded to lead 17-4. The Dragons found their offense rhythm quickly playing sound inside out ball as Germans Florian Koch and Nicolas Buchholz nailed three’s while Devon Goodman and Swedish youth national player Zaba Bangala scored in the paint. It also helped Rhondorf’s cause that the guests suffered their fifth team foul at the 7,09 minute mark. Iserlohn was hectic in their sets and were forced to tough shots. But Iserlohn calmed down and started to attack the rim more getting easy baskets from Germans Patrick Tekka and Emil Loch. Iserlohn stepped up their defense and got easy baskets as well. The guests also got key three’s from Germans Joshua Dahmen who is in his 15th season with the Kangaroos and from ex Ehingen forward Mathias Groh. Rhondorf got 2 key buckets from captain Paul Albrecht. The Dragons Rhondorf led 22-16 after 10 minutes. ‘We began well sticking to the game plan, but then made concentration mistakes which helped make them strong’, stated Mubarek Salami. The Dragons Rhondorf shot over 50% from the field and from outside and had 12 rebounds and 4 turnovers while the guests shot39% from the field and 25% from outside and had 7 rebounds and 4 turnovers.

Devon Goodman from outside

The game remained a close battle in the second quarter despite the Dragons leading by 8 at one point could only lead by 3 at the break. Iserlohn began to attack the paint more aggressively getting three baskets in a row by German forward Elias Marei. The German big who is playing his fourth season in Iserlohn continues to make progress and gain minutes this season finishing with a double double of 10/10. Iserlohn stayed on the Dragon’s tail 26-22, but the Dragons wouldn’t give up the lead. They got consistent execution getting a lay in by Bangala and three’s by Buchholz and Koch to lead 36-28. But the Dragons Rhondorf couldn’t keep up the pressure and momentum caving in and allowing a brutal 12-2 run to let the guests take the 40-38 lead. Boksic was getting warmed up for his fourth quarter heroics scoring 5 points while Dahmen added a runner and American Michael Cubbage a trey. Rhondorf couldn’t muster inside living off their three while Iserlohn did good work on the offensive board getting extra chances as well. Rhondorf closed out the second quarter on a high with 5 consecutive points as ex Giessen guard Florian Koch nailed a trey and Goodman made a lay in on transition. ‘Iserlohn made a big comeback. We made turnovers which helped them get back into the game’, added Mubarek Salami. The Dragons Rhondorf continued to shoot over 50% from the field and three point line and had 22 rebounds and 9 turnovers while Iserlohn shot 44% from the field and 29% from the three point line and had 14 rebounds and 4 turnovers.

Marko Boksic from downtown

The third quarter was a low scoring affair that showed Rhondorf lead briefly by 6 points, but couldn’t capitalize on it. The first few minutes saw both teams not execute until Samuel Mpacko and Buchholz traded three pointers as Rhondorf led 46-43. Iserlohn then went on a mini run as Cubbage made a finger tip lay in and Loch made a tap in on the glass as Iserlohn led 47-46. Rhondorf then had a super spurt of 2 minutes going on a 9-2 run to lead 55-49. Florian Koch was really potent in the run with 7 points and displaying his knack of being able to score in bunches. With the exception of a Koch three pointer, the Dragons attacked the rim three times and were rewarded with 2 Koch lay ins, and a Florian Wendeler lay in. But once again the Dragons couldn’t hold the lead and expand it. Instead they let Iserlohn break out a 6-0 run as Marei scored over Wendeler, Dahmen scored inside and Cabbage scored in the lane to tie the game at 55-55. Salami made a free throw giving Rhondorf the 56-55 advantage after 30 minutes. ‘They didn’t do anything special or different. We knew their game plan. We just had lapses in concentration and made so many little mistakes’, added Mubarak Salami. ‘We stayed cool and stuck to our principles. That helped us stay in the game’, said Michael Cubbage. The Dragons Rhondorf shot 51% from the field and 41% from the parking lot and had 30 rebounds and 15 turnovers while the Iserlohn Kangaroos shot 41% from the field and 24% from the parking lot and had 24 rebounds and 9 turnovers.

Mubarak Salami at the FT line

In the fourth quarter the Iserlohn Kangaroos had to withstand a Paul Albrecht 4-0 run to start, but then took control and never looked back being able to control a close and tight game and let Marko Boksic do his magic. Boksic didn’t waste anytime scoring 5 unanswered points to dead lock the contest at 60-60. The 5-0 run by Boksic turned into a 10-0 run as Cabbage added an off balance shot and free throw and Boksic struck again with a jumper as Rhondorf trailed 65-60. Iserlohn were calm and played their game while Rhondorf couldn’t find a rhythm and couldn’t tame the Boksic and Cabbage show. Bangala finally stopped the 10-0 run with a lay in to trail 65-62. But Boksic and Cabbage continued to execute scoring twice for the 69-63 lead. Goodman added a clutch trey to trail only 69-66. But Boksic then made the next money shot with a trey for the 72-66 lead with 47 seconds to play. ‘My team wanted me to have the ball and put me into a situation that I feel comfortable with. That makes it so much easier’, warned Marko Boksic. ‘I know where Marko likes to have the ball. It took us a while to find the reads and when we did he hit big shots’, added Michael Cubbage. Goodman added a quick lay in with 36 seconds to play to trail 72-68. But Iserlohn closed out the game with Boksic free throws. ‘We have been lacking a defensive identity all season and are still trying to figure it out. But tonight our intensity allowed us to win this game’, stated Michael Cubbage. ‘We were too slow covering Boksic. He got stronger with every new shot that he made’, said Mubarak Salami. The Iserlohn Kangaroos were led by Marko Boksic with 23 points. Michael Cubbage added 13 points and Elias Marei and Samuel Mpacko 10 points a piece while the Dragons Rhondorf were led by Florian Koch and Devon Goodman with 18 points a piece. Paul Albrecht added 12 points. The Iserlohn Kangaroos shot 43% from the field and 26% from outside and had 34 rebounds and 11 turnovers while the Dragons Rhondorf shot 45% from the field and 33% from outside and had 37 rebounds and 18 turnovers.

Tags : MARKO BOKSIC, ISERLOHN KANGAROOS, GERMAN BASKETBALL

Jeremy Ingram (183-G-1991, college: AAMU) is a 191 cm guard that was born in Alabama and has played his entire professional career in Germany for teams like Speyer, Idstein, Bensheim and recently SG Mannheim.This season he is playing for Regionalliga team Bargteheide. Last season with SG Mannheim he picked up South West Regionalliga player of the year while averaging (32.1ppg), 5.7rpg, 4.2apg, Steals-4 (2.6spg), FGP: 55.4%, 3PT: 35.4%, 9%. He began his career with Enterprise State Community College (JUCO) and then finished with Alabama A&M University (NCAA). He teams up with Miles Schmidt-Scheuber on a weekly basis this season to talk basketball.

Bargteheide suffered a brutal 113-83 loss to Neustadt. What makes Neustadt such a tough team to play?

Neustadt was a very strong team. The starting lineup and including the guys coming off the bench. They had a well rounded team that played together and moved the ball very well and it’s always hard to beat a team who is very disciplined like they were. Especially when we were not disciplined this game.

Talk a little about the contest. Does the final score indicate how the game was played or were there phases where the game was closer?

We led after the 1st quarter but we got away from our game plan 2nd quarter on and Neustadt pretty much ran away with it from there.

Neustadt shot the ball really well. What made it most tough on the defensive end to find an identity and keep them better contained?

They move the ball very well and when you moving the ball as well as they are , you usually finding shooters for open shots and they did that a lot.

They had very good guard play from Jelovcic and Braimoh. Talk a little what made their play so tough to control?

Well I wouldn’t say they were tough to control, but again the ball movement got them many open looks and they capitalized off of our bad shots and turnovers by getting out on the fast break.

The trio of Hoppe, Abakar and you had 64 of the 82 total points. Does the fact that there was little production from the rest worry you?

Nah, we actually just took most of the shots. We didn’t get more people involved like we should have this game. That’s something we talked about and will work on.

You had 25 points and shot well as usual from close range but only 3/12 from outside. Was it one of those days for you?

Rough day shooting the 3 ball . It happens. I had very good looks but I rushed a lot of shots because we were playing catchup most of the game and just a few of the 3s rolled in and out but it happens, I’ll bounce back. I always do!

How are you feeling now physically after your injury? At how much % are you now?

I say I’m about 85% 90%. I still don’t have my explosiveness back and first step and quickness still not all the way back yet but I’m working on it. Still a lot of soreness where the fracture is also so it’s been difficult to train hard to get back to where I want to be but things like this takes time I guess.

The next game is against 9-5 Braunschweig. What will be key for getting the season sweep?

I think we will be motivated since we lost so badly last game. I think we just need to get back to what made us successful in the past wins and we should be able to pull out this road win.

Thanks Jeremy for the chat.

Tags : JEREMY INGRAM, TSV BARGTEHEIDE, 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 79-73 win over Zurich. How good did it feel to get that first win in 2023?

It feels great to start the new year with a win. We have been working hard to change for the better as a team and everyone has a new focus. Hopefully we can keep going in the right direction.

Wallabies has been up and down since the end of November having a 3-2 record. What makes it so tough to find a consistency with this team?

I am not sure, hopefully this second half we put more wins than losses. First half we dropped a few that we should of won.

Talk a little about the 40 minutes. Was the whole game a close battle or were there phases where a team got away from the other?

The whole game was back and forth. GC plays a tough game and did not quit it was a great game to be a part of.

How fortunate do you feel having been able to win despite having 22 turnovers?

The turnovers could be worked on but we still showed toughness and made plays when it counted to get the win.

Matt Kellenberger shot out the lights with 6 three’s. Did you know beforehand that he had that capability?

Yes we always knew Matt is capable of this he is a very good shooter and he showed it this game hitting timely shots and catching fire to help us take the lead .

You had a solid game with 14/3/2 stats. How vital was starting the new year off being a force on defense?

My offense was ok. It could of been better, but my main focus was winning. Other guys were bringing the offense so I focused on my defense and just making plays for us on that side of the ball. At this point I just want to win no matter my stats.

How was the looks in the game for you? You took a lot of shots from close range but only 2 from outside?

I didn’t shoot so much mostly layups I stopped shooting because it wasn’t my night . We had 5 guys in double digits the ball was moving well which was good to see.

The next game is against Villars who have an identical record with you? You won the first game 79-75. What will be key for making the sweep?

This will be my first time playing this team but I think if we play with the energy and focus similar to last week we will have a good chance to compete.

Thanks Chris for the chat.

Tags : CHRISTOPHER MILLER, GOLDCOAST WALLABIES, GERMAN BASKETBALL

pic credit Basketball Champions League

It was Tuesday night when I reached Bryce Jones (183-PG-1994, college: Murray St.) in Germany. Limoges CSP Elite had just landed in Frankfurt and now the team was on their way to Ludwigsburg via bus to prepare for the big do or die Basketball Champions League game against the MHP Riesen. The American who played at Murray State (NCAA) was calm in his speech, but totally focused on telling his life long basketball journey to me. He is one of hundreds of very talented guards overseas who had to start in lower leagues and pay their dues. It took him 4 seasons of toiling around in Montenegro and Serbia to finally reach an elite league with the Pro A in France. He had that refreshing positive self confidence in his words, but nothing that was too overblown. Besides he could back it up with the consistency that he has had in his first 4 pro years. Plus he had needed no adjustment period in the Pro A and Basketball Champions League as he is putting up stellar stats. This Season he destroyed Euroleague team Asvel scoring 28 points in a convincing win and hit Benfica for 26 points in a easy win in the Basketball Champions League. Early in the interview he had a defying sentence that showed that he is fully aware that he has been putting in the work and has been able to be consistent wherever he has performed. He said, ‘I think that my name is on the rise’. Little did I know that 24 hours later, he would put up another magical game with 26 points, and aid his team in coming back from 22 points most in BCL history and making the shot to bring the game to overtime and then going the extra step and nailing a brutal buzzer beater that ended the MHP Riesen’s Basketball Champions League season. After that incredible display of firepower and killer instinct, the guy definitely raised some more eyebrows in Europe. He also showed he was the best player on the court and held his own against ex NBA player and Lebron James teammate Will Cherry. ‘That’s crazy. I didn’t know he was in the NBA. It adds confidence to me knowing that I belong. I have played against many at that level. I just want to remain humble and confident and keep working and see what happens’, warned Bryce Jones. With every new breathtaking performance by the Brooklyn native, you can be sure more and more clubs will notice maybe even Euroleague and Eurocup clubs? ‘Possibly, but I have no idea. I have no idea what is next. As I have told you before for me the most important thing is to always get better. I just need to keep my progress going forward. That is all that matters for me’, warned Bryce Jones.

pic credit Basketball Champions League

I reach the 28 year old 183cm Bryce Jones on Thursday afternoon after he and his teammates had landed at home in Limoges that is known for it’s decorated porcelain a little less than 16 hours after he and Limoges CSP Elite had made history being the first team in Basketball Champions League history to come back from 22 points down at halftime and win. There wasn’t celebrating in Ludwigsburg. ‘We pretty much chilled in the hotel. I don’t think there is any activity to be done in Ludwigsburg’, said Bryce Jones. It is difficult to imagine how massive this victory was for the organization. ‘This win is historic for the club. It is like another milestone. It is known that history will repeat itself. I’m really pleased that we could get it done and that I was a part of it’, said Bryce Jones. But at first it looked like the French team would have a long trip home as the German side jumped all over them and scored an unbelievable 36 points in the first quarter. It looked like the game was decided then. But it wasn’t the most points a team had put up against him in his career. ‘I’m pretty sure it wasn’t. They are a team that shoot the three really well. We went to zone early and tried to switch it up with mis match defense, but nothing worked. They swung the ball around really well and found their shooters. They got hot early which helped them’, stressed Bryce Jones. But the one sided game didn’t continue as Limoges rebounded and fought back into the game and trailed by only 11 at the break. ‘Our solid run calmed us down. We knew then that it was a game again. We were never rattled and just kept our composure. That comes from the experience that we have with certain guys’, said Bryce Jones. The American also knew that they couldn’t afford another first quarter in the third quarter and listened closely to what head coach Massimo Cancellieri barked at half-time. ‘He just told us to be real aggressive and pick full court. He also said to attack the ball, play with confidence and trust each other’, remembered Bryce Jones.

pic credit Basketball Champions League

Instant success didn’t come right away for Limoges ESP Elite, but it came very slowly, but step by step. Their offense was functioning better, but the MHP Riesen had an answer ready a lot of the time. A big problem were the errors that Limoges did on defense fouling too often behind the three point line that the German side gobbled up with free throws. ‘Some three’s were ill-advised and others were bad close outs. There were also some questionable calls. It was tough to keep fighting so hard and trying to stop elimination and then allowing those mistakes. That can break you, but we stayed calm and focused on moving to the next play and making up for it’, expressed Bryce Jones. The guard who played 3 seasons in Serbia has had many great games in his career and was feeling it all game long and then came up big at the end to send the game into OT. Despite him having the hot hand all game long, he believes it was only logical to get the ball during money time. ‘My mid range was working well in the game and coach wanted me to continue to have the ball in my hands. I played through the pick and roll and trusted myself and my teammates. I like to play for the big moments. I’m from Brooklyn and not afraid of anything’, warned Bryce Jones. The tide didn’t turn in the Overtime period as the MHP Riesen continued to keep up the pressure and rapidly led by 6 points with about 3 minutes to play. ‘It was a small scale and I thought here we go again. They began with good defensive pressure and just played the way they usually do and got the crowd into the game. We took a deep breath and responded. That first bucket was really important, because we then knew that we would be fine’, commented Bryce Jones. He made two huge baskets in the overtime to get the team real close. ‘The first shot was the toughest, because I had just been subbed in. But honestly I had had a real feel for my jumper the whole night. It all felt routine and as if no one was there remembered Bryce Jones.

pic credit Basketball Champions League

The last possessions by the MHP Riesen weren’t bad, but they just couldn’t execute. Johnson missed a shot close to the rim a shot he usually makes, but didn’t which kept Limoges CSP Elite alive. With the clock running down and the contest dead locked at 94-94, the French team had one last possession to win the game. Everybody in the arena knew he would make the last shot. He has been studying guys like Dam Lillard, James Harden and Kyrie Irving his whole life, but his buzzer beater from the right wing looked more like Kemba Walker. ‘Cardiac Kemba. All those players are very comfortable taking shots in a situation like that. When I couldn’t turn the corner, I stepped back to see how much space I had to my defender. I was fortunate that he jumped first and that showed me that he couldn’t time it so I just shot it like it was a natural routine’, expressed Bryce Jones. The shot definitely looked good which was followed by that surprised look by him. ‘I won’t lie but I knew it was going in. From the release, I had a good flick. It felt like an automatic shot. It was muscle memory. My surprised look was just a human reaction. Oh damn we just won. I had that look when I saw the red light. I knew then that we had really won and they can’t react. So that is when I went running’, laughed Bryce Jones. He has connected on some buzzer beaters in his career and this will always be a very special one. ‘I hit one against Thomas Jeffersson in high school in OT. That first one will always be the biggest, because it told me I can make that shot. I also made one in JUCO and one for Murray State to send a game to OT’, said Bryce Jones. He may have been the hero, but one guy who won’t be forgotten by him and was a bit in his shadow was Jayvon Graves who had a huge 24 points in the monumental win. ‘We don’t win the game without him. We were down 22 and he had the heart to take risks and make shots. We don’t comeback without him. I was extremely happy for him. He had an outstanding game. I will continue to be on him to keep going’, stressed Bryce Jones. This win was massive for the club, but they want more. The sky is the limit for Limoges ESP Elite. ‘We aren’t satisfied, but will keep working hard. I won’t make any predictions, but I feel very confident in myself and team. We will continue to battle against everyone’, warned Bryce Jones

Bryce Jones (183-PG-1994, college: Murray St.) is a 28 year old 183cm point guard from New York that is playing his 5th professional season and first with Limoges CSP Elite averaging 15/2/5 stats in the Pro A and 12/2/4 stats in the BCL. He played the last 3 seasons in Serbia with KK Borac Mozzart Cacak (Serbia-KLS) and last season with KK FMP Beograd (Serbia-KLS). He played his rookie season with KK Ulcinjska Rivijera Ulcinj (Montenegro-Erste Liga). He began his basketball career in Brooklyn, New York at the Boys and Girls high school. He then played 2 years at Jones County Junior College (JUCO). He finished his college career in the NCAA with Murray State averaging 12.7ppg, 4.0rpg, 4.2apg, 1.2spg, FGP: 42.0%, 3PT: 33.6%, FT: 87.1% as a junior and 12.2ppg, 3.3rpg, 3.5apg, 1.3spg, FGP: 40.0%, 3PT: 34.4%, FT: 88.8% as a senior. He spoke to germanhoops.com before a Basketball Champions League game in Ludwigsburg.

Thanks Bryce for talking to germanhoops.com. Your playing your first season in France Pro A with Limoges CSP Elite. How blessed do you feel having made this step in your 5th pro season? Is it fair to say that you have paid your dues?

It is an honor to play for this organization. It has a lot of history in French basketball. I have been a pro now 5 years and it feels like it has been a long road, but still feels like it went fast. I think that my name is on the rise. I believe I have been doing a good job here.

You had a great NCAA career but played your first 4 seasons in Montenegro and Serbia. Do you feel your size has slowed down your progression moving up the basketball ladder overseas?

No I don’t think so. I think the reason was that I began my pro career a year late. I had a tough start with the agent that I had. He sent me to a try out in Greece and I got cut. Then I returned home. I couldn’t find a job that first season. I also think that coming from a mid major, my stats weren’t really outstanding. I think that that could of played a role. But once I got that opportunity in Montenegro, I took it and ran with it.

What kind of an experience has it been playing in Limoges? What have you learned to enjoy most about the experience?

I think the best part has been the fans. They are a big part of it. They pack the gym every night. The fans really show a lot of love. They give you that family feeling. It’s pretty cool.

The team has a do or die game in Ludwigsburg in order to reach the next round. How big would you classify that game in your career up to now?

I think it’s one of the biggest games in my career. It means a lot to advance. I have to be honest that at this point in my career, I’m not in it for the accolades. Now it’s all about how I can get better.

The first game was a tight affair as you lost by little and in game 2 you blew them out on home court. They seem rattled and were missing a few key players. Limoges has the momentum. How confident are you that Limoges can pull it out?

I think key will be to stick to the game plan and to be able to execute against their defensive pressure. They are an aggressive and physical team and I think that if we stay calm and respond well to what they bring, then we have good chances to win.

Talk a little about your American teammates Javontae Hawkins and Jayvon Graves. What have you appreciated most about their games this season?

Jayvon is one of the best athletes that I have ever played with. He is a quiet kid, but he listens. He comes to me for advice. He doesn’t know the ropes yet so well so I try to do the best I can to help him. He is going to be a great player. Javontae is a go getter and can get a bucket at any time. I appreciate his scoring abilities and communication skills. I try to help him with playmaking so that he can reach the next level. He is a big time threat at any time. He is definitely a 4 level scorer.

Let’s talk about your game. You’re a 183cm point guard. If you had to compare your game to an NBA player who would you compare it to most?

I have no idea really, but I can tell you who I like to watch and study. Those players would be Kyrie Irving, Damian Lillard, James Harden and Kevin Durant

You’re a player that can fill he stat sheet with ease. What do you believe is your biggest strength?

I think that I can score at a high level if I put my mind to it. But I have this unselfish gene in me where I tend not to be as aggressive and rather get my teammates involved. But I do like to score. I can’t lie.

How did your game grow in Serbia? How are you a better player now then in 2019?

I think that my game grew through experience in my time there. In my first year, I didn’t really have to do much. We had a solid team. In my second year, I had more responsibility to have to score and do playmaking. I accepted the challenge and was able to adapt to the play in the league. In my last year, I had figured out the schemes and how teams scout me. The game slowed down and I picked teams apart. That experience has helped me stick to a routine and that is keeping me consistent.

You have proved that you can be a lethal playmaker in Serbia. What will be most key to be able to continue to this at higher levels?

I think key will be adjusting to the players and my teammates on the court. Also having a better feel for the game will help. There are so many leagues and all are different. It is all about how fast you can adapt to each level. Being able to play through mistakes is also important. That is how you learn.

What kind of a defender are you now and what kind of defender do you still want to become?

I feel like I’m a pretty solid defender at the moment. I have good hands and instincts on rotations. In the future, I want to be able to be that defender that can do things to help his team win. Doing the dirty work and hustle plays.

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

I’m working on my weak hand and developing more range from outside.

Last season you played for KK FMP Beograd (Serbia-KLS) averaging 15.7ppg), 3.1rpg, Assists-1 (6.7apg), 1.4spg, FGP: 50.2%, 3PT: 37.8%, FT-2 (93.8%). That was your third season in Serbia. Playing that long in 1 country like Serbia is untypical for an American. What did you learn to appreciate most about the country and it’s basketball?

We won a title during Covid. Budgets went down during that time elsewhere, so I decided to return. I did well my second year and in my third year I went to another Serbian team as they offered me good money. It was a logical decision. I knew the league and style. I was used to so much and I made a lot of friends. Everyone embraced me. I liked the coaches, food and language. It was a life changing experience for me. I’m really happy that I did it. I had good character and saw the good side of Serbia.

You played with KK Borac Mozzart Cacak (Serbia-KLS) from 2019-2021 averaging 11.0ppg, 2.8rpg, 4.6apg, 1.5spg, FGP: 47.7%, 3PT: 32.9%, FT: 86.5%; and in the Adriatic League averaged 10.9ppg, 2.8rpg, 4.0apg, Steals-4 (1.8spg), FGP: 46.7%, 3PT: 39.3%, FT: 80.6% and in his second season averaged 12.7ppg, 2.7rpg, Assists-5 (4.6apg), Steals-1 (1.7spg), FGP: 53.4%, 3PT: 27.8%, FT: 77.4%. What memories do you playing in Serbia during Covid? The circumstances surely didn’t hinder your game at all.

Covid was tough. My team had a great fan base. Our gym would always had been full had Covid not come. I wish I could of played in front of the fans. Each game felt like a practice game. It was always quiet. It was tough because so many games got cancelled. You had to be ready and take care of yourself.

You played your rookie season with KK Ulcinjska Rivijera Ulcinj (Montenegro-Erste Liga) averaging 20.2ppg, 5.0rpg, Assists-2 (6.5apg), Steals-2 (2.3spg), FGP: 56.2%, 3PT: 33.3%, FT-3 (88.8%). What do you remember being your wake up call to being a rookie overseas where you knew that you were far away from home?

My wake up call was going into the first restaurant and no one knowing English. Then I got into my apartment and turned on the TV and there was no English. That is when I realized that I was far away from home. That was the first time in my life where I got home sick. I had been traveling since I was 17. I really felt alienated. It was crazy.

You had a rare triple double against Zeta scoring 34 points, getting 12 rebounds and 11 assists. What memories do you have of that game? Where do you rank it in the best games of your career?

I knew I was playing well and had buckets in my head, but I honestly had no idea I had achieved a triple double until like 3 days after the game. I never checked the stat sheet. My performance made the newspaper and that is how I found out after my teammate brought it to the gym. I had had no idea that I had scored so much. It had been one of the most efficient games in league history. It is a top 5 game in my career.

You played at Jones County Junior College (JUCO) from 2012-2014 averaging10.8ppg, 4.5rpg, 5.0apg, 2.3spg
and 19.4ppg, 4.0rpg, 5.9apg, FGP: 45.5%, 3PT: 34.0%, FT: 80.2%. Most guys I have talked to have said that playing JUCO was tough but one of the best things they ever did. How was it for you?

I agree with you. Jones County is a special place. It’s a very small college in Mississippi. I had no idea that I would end up there. I went there with some friends from New York. We had an up and down season, but ended up winning the title. I sacrificed a lot of time in the gym. I always felt like we could win the national title and did. We proved each game that we were a good team. My JUCO experience was a lot better than my NCAA expereince I had more fun in JUCO. It was a life changing event. I did something that had never been done before in the history of Mississippi. No one can take that away form me. I made life long friends. I still talk to guys to this day. People downgrade Juco, but shouldn’t. All have the mindset to get a scholarship to go to division 1. So you have guys battling each other on a daily basis in order to get ahead. It was the best feeling getting that scholarship. I don’t necessarily recommend JUCO, but it can definitely help you out.

What do you remember from winning the JUCO title? Did that group of guys become brothers for life?

I have created a good bond with a number of guys.

You had many memorable games at Murray State but where do you rank the 85-84 win over Tennessee State where you logged 41 minutes and scored 12 points?

Yes it was. That game was historic. That game was crazy. I almost played the whole game. I was more in awe just in playing and watching Jonathan Stark hit the buzzer beater. I will never forget it.

How did head coach Matt McMahon groom and prepare you best for a professional career?

Coach was all about positivity. He always had super energetic and had positive energy. He was always in a good spirit.

Who won a 1-1 in practice you or Jonathan Stark?

We only played once and I beat him by 1 or 2 points.

Who is the toughest player that you ever faced in the NCAA that reached the NBA?

I don’t think anyone that I played against went to the NBA

Please name your 5 best teammates of all-time?

Leroy Fludd, Johnny Zuppardo, Dezi Rodriguez, Garret Nevels and Dusan Miletic

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

Jordan, Kobe, Lebron, KD

What is your personal opinion of the neverending debate of who is the greatest of all-time Jordan or Lebron and why isn’t Kobe mentioned more?

They are both completely different players and one of a kind. Lebron has the overall game and Jordan is the assassin. It is like picking between apples and oranges. It depends who you like better. I take Jordan.

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

They should of left it alone.

Thanks Bryce for the chat.

Tags : BRYCE JONES, LIMOGES CSP ELITE, GERMAN BASKETBALL

Usually when something was long ago and it feels like it was yesterday, I will come up with ‘man time really flies’. In a way it is hard to believe that I saw my first overseas basketball game live almost 20 years ago in Frankfurt. That was my introduction to German basketball and with me the rest is history. I’m still reporting and commentating games since that time. I recall that my first game was game 1 during the finals between the Opel Skyliners against GHP Bamberg as they were named then with legends like Dirk Bauermann, Demond Mallet and Steffen Hamann just to name a few, but there were many more. I would go on to see game 3 and then the exciting game 5 which would be the Opel Skyliners first BBL title. Even if time does fly, that really was a long time ago. What can I remember from game 5? Not much. I do know where I sat. I sat across from the visitor bench as it is today in the Fraport arena. I also remember taking a pic with Tyrone Ellis after the title win and one distant thing. I was sitting surprisingly in an area where many Bamberg fans were. They were known as very loud fanatics that loved their team. There is a reason why Bamberg is called Freak city. There was this passionate Bamberg fan that was chanting this name seemingly for the whole game. After a while the name was ringing in my head. I had had another experience like that during the 1989 Davis Cup semi-final match in Munich as Germany with Boris Becker faced Team USA with Andre Agassi and this German fan was chanting Eric Jelen the whole match. So back to the Bamberg fan. He was chanting Gert Kullamae and was wearing his jersey. Kullamae is a highly decorated player that had a 20 year professional career that saw him win 7 league titles in his homeland Estonia as well as titles in Holand, Belgium and Russia. He played in Bamberg from 2001-2004 and then closed out his career with Den Bosh and Tartu Rock and currently is a coach with BC Parnu. He was best known for shooting out the lights. Back in Bamberg he was teammates with the Latvian lion Uvis Helmanis and it isn’t a surprise that both have produced off spring. Helmanis son Kris plays in Germany with Pro A team Tuebingen while Kullamae son Kristian is playing this season in Lithuania. When it comes to ex players seeing their sons play professionally, then I can say time flies. When I saw my first basketball experience in Germany and saw Gert Kullame play, son Kristian was only 5 years old. It’s only obvious that he doesn’t remember much from his father’s days in Bamberg. ‘. I was too young. I have seen some videos from the tape when he was playing in Bamberg. He was a really good shooter, this you can notice immediately. But I don’t remember much more. But I remember more my father’s games at the end of the career when he played in Estonian club named Tartu Rock’, remembered Kristian Kullamaee (194-PG-1999). He won’t disagree with anyone saying that his dad was a massive help in his basketball development over the years. ‘He has been huge part why I play basketball. Being in the practice gym with him as a small kid while he had practice probably from there I got the love for the game. When I was 8 years old I went to basketball practice and then everything started. He has never been like a ‘real’ coach for me. There has been other people. But he is more like in a ‘helper’ role. Whenever I need advice or feeling like practice individually he has got my back and helped me out. Especially in the summer. Because he was an excellent shooter we have practiced a lot of shooting coming off screens and off the dribble. Various of ways. But most important I would say is that I can just listen for his advice/experience. Because he has been through it all and now I try to go through it as well. I think it’s a huge advantage for me that I have father like this who has seen it all’, warned Kristian Kullamaee.

The celebration in Frankfurt after the game 5 buzzer sounded and the Opel Skyliners defetaed GHP Bamberg for the 2004 BBL title

Miles Schmidt-Scheuber and Tyrone Ellis after the game 5 title win in Frankfurt in 2004

Kristian Kullame who lists Lebron, Jordan, Kareem, and Magic on his personal NBA Mount Rushmore was born on May 25th, 1999 and is a 194cm guard. He began his basketball career with Audentese SG/Noortekoondis (Alexela KML). After getting his feet wet in the basketball world in his homeland, he then decided to take his first job abroad and went to Germany a place where his dad had celebrated success 15 years earlier. He played for BiG Oettinger Rockets Gotha (Germany-ProA) and had to experience some growing pains at first as he only averaged 3,9ppg, but got more playing time with the second team OeTTINGER Rockets Gotha 2 (Germany-2.Regionalliga) averaging 20.7ppg. Even if he didn’t get many Pro A minutes that season, he was very fortunate to have had defense specialist Max DiLeo as a teammate who was instrumental for him in his first season abroad. ‘I remember DiLeo really well. He was already then a really good player and even better person. He helped me as 17year old guy a lot. But the most what I remember about him is just with what kind of intensity and will he played on the defensive end He made all those small hustle plays for the team. The things you don’t see in a stat sheet. He was a real team player and important piece. Both on the court and in the locker room as well’, stated Kristian Kullamaee. In his second season he got his first taste of the easyCredit BBL as Gotha had moved up. He only played 11 games averaging 3,5ppg and 1,3rpg, but he will never forget playing his first BBL game against his dad’s ex team Bamberg and scoring 10 points. ‘It was definitely a cool experience. We had problems with injuries that time so I was lucky to get the chance. Bamberg was at the time a Euroleague team as well so playing vs them was cool, expressed Kristian Kullamaee. He once again also played for Gotha’s second team in the Regionalliga averaging : 21.0ppg, 5.7rpg, 4.0apg, 1.7spg, FGP: 56.4%, 3PT: 36.3%, FT: 75.0%, In his third season, he went to play for Baunach and made his break through in the Pro A averaging 13.4ppg, 2.7rpg, 3.5apg, FGP: 53.7%, 3PT: 31.9%, FT: 77.2%. He scored in double figures in 22 of 29 games including a 34 point explosion against Trier and super games against Artland with 24 points and 10 dimes and 24 points and 14 assists against Tuebingen back to back. He looks back fondly at his time in Germany from 2016-2019 which was a time where his game developed well. ‘This was my first time out of Estonia. I left Estonia when I was 17. In those next 3 years I was able to play in many different leagues started from BBL and finishing u19. It was such a very valuable time and from there I got the first taste what it looks like to be a professional basketball player and how does this basketball world really works’, stressed Kristian Kullamaee.

The Eurocup guard who lists Doncic and Giannis as the toughest players he has ever faced then left Germany and made the next step in his career playing 2 years in the Spanish Leb Gold. One would have thought that he might try to stay in Germany and go to another BBL team, but his goal was something totally different. ‘After my contract in Germany was finished I signed with a Spanish agency and my goal was to make it to ACB. So the decision to move to Spain came from there. So everything was really logical for me. I don’t remember that much if I had offers from Germany because I had a goal to move to Spain’, expressed Kristian Kullamaee. In his first season he played for Real Canoe Madrid (Spain-LEB Gold 11.9ppg, 2.2rpg, 1.5apg, FGP: 55.5%, 3PT: 36.8%, FT: 75.8% and in his second season played for Palmer Alma Mediterranea Palma (LEB Gold) averaging 16.0ppg, 3.3rpg, 2.3apg, Steals-3 (1.6spg), FGP: 49.1%, 3PT: 31.2%, FT: 88.9%. In his 2 years in the Leb Gold he played 53 games and scored in double figures in 40 games. He had masterful games against Real Canoe with 27 points and hit Granada and Oviedo for 25 points apiece and Breogan for 24 points. Playing in the Leb Gold was the right decision in his basketball journey at that time. ‘I think Leb gold for a young player is a good league. I went there when I was 20 so definitely I improved a lot. I had in both teams amazing coaching staffs with who I had time to practice a lot of hours. Because in Leb there is mostly 1 game a week it gives you time to develop individually a lot. So I tried to really get myself ready for next steps’, stated Kristian Kullamaee.

The Estonian national player has played with many great teammates and has special love for a few of them. ‘I would play with 3 guards. My first guard would be Tyrese Rice. I was in a Brose Bamberg youth program so I got the chance to share the court with him in practice and that was amazing. He is one of the most skilled guards I have ever seen. The second guard is Vitor Benite from Burgos. And the third is Retin Obasohan with whom I was in Erfurt and who now is in Asvel. And for big guys I would put first Augustin Rubit. I was with him also in Bamberg. He was definitely the most skilled big I have shared the court with even if it was only in practice. And the other big guy would be Estonian legend Kristian Kangur who was also in Euroleague for some years. Playing in national team with him was amazing. I learnt a lot from him. He is a true professional’, warned Kristian Kullamaee. He has played with many great players in the Estonian national team. He played with the youth U-16, U-18 and U-20 teams. He already had a lot of success in early years winning the Euro Gold at the U-16 and Bronze at the Euro 18 and was always a key figure on the team. He made his debut in the men’s Estonian national team in 2018 and has seen how the country has made strides in the last years with a talented core of guys with Henri Drell, Maik Kalev Kotsar and himself. ‘Basketball in Estonia has a really interesting times right now. We have plenty of talented young players who try to get to the highest stage in Europe. I think Eurobasket 2022 showed it. We have potential to do really big things. So we need to hope that all players find teams where they have an important role and can develop. We definitely have potential for it’, warned Kristian Kullamaee. One player that people should keep an eye on is current NCAA player Kerr Krissa who is playing at Arizona. ‘He is definitely a really talented player. His father was a professional player as well so you can see basketball is in his DNA. I am happy for him that he has such a big role in such a big college like Arizona, I’m sure he will get most out of it. Playing with him made my life way easier because I could play off the ball as well. Without him we lack in national team little bit creating off the dribble so he helped in such a part a lot. I’m sure that in the next games we already know even more what to expect about each other on the floor. It is definitely important for us to have him on the national team’, stressed Kristian Kullamaee. He was part of the 2022 Euro Cinderella run where Estonia posted a 3-2 record and lost to Greece. He had a solid Euro averaging 7,0ppg,2,8rpg and 4,6apg. He scored 14 points in a huge 73-70 victory over Croatia. His biggest moment was playing against Luka Doncic in an exhibition game prior to the Euro 2022. ‘Playing against one of the best players in the world is amazing. Getting a chance to compete vs such level player is definitely a thing I will remember all my life. He is so skilled on the ball and the pace he is playing at. You never can force him out of his pace is crazy. Everything looks so easy and slow for him on the court’, warned Kristian Kullamaee.

Last season the versatile guard who believes that Luka Doncic could one day become the GOAT if he stays healthy made the next giant step in his career reaching the best club league in Europe with the Spanish ACB playing with Hereda San Pablo Burgos. He played only 15 games averaging 3.3ppg, 1.1apg; and played 4 Basketball Champions League games averaging 8.8ppg, 1.8rpg. It is a time that will be on his resume and he has to accept it. ‘This season was not a success story for me and for the team as well. I think everything happens for a reason. I don’t want to focus on it too much. I would rather focus on the present because like I said I have an amazing chance here in Lietkabelis’, said Kristian Kullamaee. There was a very competitive guard rotation in Burgos with Eddie Jarrell, Alex Renfroe and Tyus Mcghee and he got lost in the shuffle. ‘Because in ACB and Champions league there is a foreigner rule somebody needed to be out of the roster. As we had too many foreigners somebody was out. Competition for these spots was really big. So mostly I was the guy who did not make it. Because I competed with amazing players. I learnt a lot from players like Benite and Renfroe for example. Being with them on a daily bases as a 22 year old player gives you a lot. For sure valuable time and it helped me a lot to become more mature player’, remembered Kristian Kullamaee. He had some solid games like scoring 10 points against Manresa, but he will never forget putting up 8/4/4 stats in his ACB debut against Real Madrid in a losing cause. ‘ One of my goals was to be able to play in ACB and I was able to fulfil it. As it was vs such an historic club as Real Madrid made it even more special. Definitely something I will remember all my life. Being able to play vs such players like Walter Tavares for example was really cool’, added Kristian Kullamaee.

This season he made the jump to Panevezys 7bet-Lietkabelis (Lithuania-LKL) and even if it may seem like a little step back from the ACB to the Eurocup, sometimes one has to make a step back in order to gain 2 steps ahead in the future. Just ask Kameron Taylor who played his rookie season in Germany in the Pro A and then took a step back and played Pro B and then within 3 seasons reached the Euroleague with Maccabi Tel Aviv. Taylor will never forget just how valuable his time was with the Dragons Rhondorf in his career. The Estonian guard has made another new break through this season in Lithuania once again. ‘I can say I’m really happy for it. I think it’s the right spot for me at this point of my career. My goal was to play in good competition, what Eurocup and LKL definitely is. So I try to get the most out of it. And yes I agree that I am experiencing a real breakthrough. Because I have never played such an important role in such a competition. I have played important roles in Spain and Germany second divisions but this is something different. I think I have played alright but I personally think I have even more potential individually and as a team too. Hopefully in the end of the season I can say that I made an even bigger step forward both as a team and individually. So definitely exciting time right now for me’, warned Kristian Kullamaee. His game has totally taken off in Lithuania’s first division where he is averaging 14,0ppg, 3,3rpg, 3,6apg and 1,1spg while shooting 46% from outside while in the Eurocup he is also holding his own averaging 11,4ppg, 2,7rpg, 3,9apg and 1,9spg. He has benefited totally from the collective team ball that the team has played and ex Alba berlin player Nenad Cenak who is the head coach. ‘He was the person who invited me here this season. He saw potential in me and I really appreciate that he gave this amazing opportunity for me. I try to make the most out of it and help him/team as much I Can. I would say that he really knows how to give player freedom and keep him in the system at the same time. I think this is the biggest key. Everything looks really natural with him’, stressed Kristian Kullamaee. The guard keeps climbing the basketball ladder and his focus and desire and hunger will always remain massive, because despite having a famous dad, nothing was ever given to him in his basketball career. ‘I think nothing in life is for granted. You need to work hard to achieve your goals. And this is not only in basketball, in life overall as well. My goal was always to become a professional basketball player since I was really young. I have been in the basketball gym since a very young age, because of my father. So desire for basketball came really naturally to me and I have always been trying to get most out of it’, warned Kristian Kullamaee. After 3 years being away from Germany, he is back again facing ratiopharm Ulm in a Eurocup game this week. He will be motivated and ready to show everyone in Germany how his game has developed since then and will continue to keep the Kullamae name in top standing in the basketball circles.

Tags : KRISTIAN KULLAMAEE, PANEVEZYS 7BET-LIETKABELIS, GERMAN BASKETBALL

pic credit MLP Academics Heidelberg

Eric Washington (183-PG-1993, college: Miami, OH) is a 29 year old 182cm guard from Columbia, South Carolina playing his seventh professional season and second in Germany with the MLP Academics Heidelberg. Last season he played with the Niners Chemnitz averaging 7.8ppg, 1.7rpg, 2.8apg, FGP: 52.0%, 3PT: 21.7%, FT: 78.0%. He began his basketball career with W.J. Keenan High School. He then played in the NCAA playing 115 games for two schools with Presbyterian College (NCAA) and then finished at Miami University (NCAA). Before coming to Germany he played in countries like Cyprus and Bosnia and three seasons in Hungary. He spoke to germanhoops.com after leading his team to the wild 107-101 double OT win over Medi Bayreuth

Thanks Eric for talking to germanhoops.com Congrats on the crazy 107-101 2 OT win over medi Bayreuth. You have been involved in some crazy finishes like your buzzer beater against Frankfurt early in the season and others but where does this game rank in your career?

It is at the top but isn’t my craziest game. I believe that this win was pretty big from a team standpoint. The win was huge because we had lost 5 games in a row. It was bigger for a team win than a career game for me. I think this win could be the turning point. If we had lost it, it could have been real bad for us. We have lost some close ones this season, but this gives us a lot of hope. It gives us self confidence.

Usually a win after a long losing streak will help shift the momentum and help a team. How much do you see this win helping the team especially the way it was produced?

We led in the game for the most part but let them back in in the fourth and they made it a game again. A good team has to be able to keep the lead at home and stretch it out. We should never have let it get to OT. But the way we were able to win the game in OT says a lot about our team.

How key was the second quarter for the MLP Academics realizing that they can be a very potent scoring machine even without much input from you as you scored only 2 points?

I think it’s great when we have other guys step up when I’m not scoring. It forces opponents to adjust. At the moment teams are really loading up on me. They are forcing us to beat them without me. It will be interesting to see if we can win like that on a consistent rate. This forces teams to get a different look and force them to prepare in a different way. This makes it harder for opponents to scout. It is all still a process at this point of the season. We are still learning and trying to figure things out. Bayreuth have been in the league for years and have played BCL. For us to beat a great organization like that is huge.

Bennet Hundt was recently acquired and has come in and adjusted well. He made a nice alley-op pass in the second quarter to Bryan Griffin. How will his unique size and game be beneficial for the team now at this stage of the season?

He gives us another guy that can create and change the pace. The pick up was huge. He can make plays and his play makes it a lot easier for the rest. I can rest more and other guys can play their natural positions. He is a quick and solid guard that plays good defense and has positive energy and is a good guy in the locker room.

Heidelberg led by 11 points going into the fourth quarter, but allowed Bayreuth to creep back into the game. Did you relax too much as a team?

I wouldn’t say we relaxed too much but we weren’t able to take away their strengths. We didn’t lock in or stop their penetration or cover the three point line. We allowed Brandon Childress to get hot. They kept finding him and getting him shots. We weren’t able to finish deal earlier. We need to focus on getting better at that.

The fourth quarter was crazy as Bayreuth really let it rain three’s. Did it feel like they were the mini Golden State Warriors?

That is a big compliment. I think that they just got hot. They showed just how important the three pointer can be. If you make them it can close the gap or increase the lead quickly. We played ok defense. They made tough shots.

What was it like battling Bayreuth guard Brandon Childress? He nailed 4 three’s in the fourth quarter. What was most difficult in trying to contain him?

He is a good player. He is a good inside out player that can hit the outside shot at anytime while also putting it on the floor and being a creator. When a guy like that gets into a rhythm or any guy at any level, then it’s tough to stop. He was in attack mode and kept getting the ball and knocking down shots.

Does his 37 point explosion prove just how many talented guards are filled in the easyCredit BBL?

The BBL is heavy on good guards. You have to give a lot of respect. I think that he is one of the top guards in the league. I think that the team record overshadows how good he really is. You have to be ready every game in this league.

You took the game into OT with a three pointer. Take me through that last play? Was it designed for you?

We got a stop and then it was just me making a read in transition. I hadn’t hit a three in like the last 4 games. I just trusted the work that I put in each day. I initially wanted to attack, but then saw that my opponent faded back, so I decided to attempt the three. I rose up and took the shot and made it. I didn’t even realize how far away I really was.

In the OT period you were the hero again making a lay in with 1 second to go. With the success you had had in the game, were you totally feeling it on the last play?

I made a read again and had enough time. I had a chance to look at the clock when I caught the ball and had 3 seconds left. I knew that I had time. I was aggressive and took what the defense gave me and made the play.

In the second OT Heidelberg got big three’s from Vargas and Lasisi? What do you believe was key in the last minutes for grinding this out?

We trusted each other in OT. We made good passes for the 2 three’s. They were hockey passes. We found each other and made the defense move. We trusted them to make the shots. We played good basketball and the basketball God rewarded us.

You made the last free throws of the game. What kind of a feeling was it standing there with 10 seconds and giving your team the 6 point lead? Does one feel like your on top of the world knowing nothing can go wrong now?

I’m glad we could get the home win. The fans really deserved it. We lost the last 2 games, but the fans still showed up to support us. That is very impressive. For them to show up at the lowest point of the season where we lost 5 in a row says a lot. Seeing that kind of support makes us want to keep fighting. We will keep working if the fans keep showing.

You told me in October that you take it one game at a time. What is key at this point of the season for the team to improve most? Why does the team still give up so many points?

We have to figure it out in house. It’s about matchup and learning and trusting each other. The key is to understand what it takes to win.

You kept FC Bayern Munich to 4 points losing 87-83. Does a result like that give hope for future good results?

Of course. They are one of the best teams in the league. Playing them close shows you what is possible. The good teams are those that figure it out on a nightly basis.

Your having a great season averaging 19,7ppg, 4,3rpg, 7,0apg and 1,7spg. Right now you would be my choice for most improved. What has been your secret to total consistency despite your daily hard work?

I think key in my success has been continuing to love the game, understand the game and continue to grow as a person. One has to understand that in life there will always be ups and downs. Important for me is that as long as I don’t quit and keep working and appreciate my life, then I will produce. You need to trust the process and believe in yourself. When times do get tough just remember to take confidence with God and know that anything is possible. And be ready when your name is called.

Is it fair to say that your having your break out season this season after playing in lower leagues the last years?

I guess so. If that is what you think. The BBL is the biggest platform and best league that I have played in so far in my career. If this is the season where I get recognized then be it. I’m just doing what I have always done. I want to push myself to be the best each day. I’m really thankful for the opportunity by the MLP Academics.

You belong to the top guards but are lost a bit with other guards because of Heidelberg’s record. I can imagine that makes you more hungry each day to prove everyone over and over that your one of the best in the BBL?

I feel like every player is dealt a set of cards. I’m really thankful for the challenge. Taking on obstacles has allowed me to become the guy I am. It’s all about playing hard,

You obviously have the ball in your hands a lot but are turnovers and three point shooting 2 areas your focusing a lot on at the moment to improve?

Yes I guess you could say that.

In the game against FC Bayern Munich you were one of the best on the court with Isaac Bonga and had better games then ex NBA players Cassius Winston, Freddie Gillepse and Othello Hunter. Is that one of those games that you will always cherish?

I look at those guys as anyone else. I don’t treat those ex NBA players any different then the players from Bayreuth. I’m just very thankful that I got the chance to try to help my team win. I never pay any mind to the other players.

The Boston Celtics continue to be the best team. Do they have the right pieces finally to win this season?

Of course I think that they could. I think that they have a lot of motivation with the season they had last year and them being young. They are one of my favorites to win it all.

Where do you see Luka right now in the NBA? Is he the best or is Giannis still above him?

I think that Luka is really relevant now because he has done something nobody else has done. I don’t want to take away anything from Steph and Giannis because they have done it so consistently for so long. I have a lot of respect for Luka. He is definitely a MVP candidate.

What was the last movie that you saw?

I just finished the Watcher. I recommend to those who like suspense.

Thanks Eric for the chat.

Tags : ERIC WASHINGTON, MLP ACADEMICS HEIDELBERG, GERMAN BASKETBALL

Even if the last away games for the Fraport Skyliners didn’t offer the desired results against Alba Berlin and the Telekom Baskets Bonn, their results in their own living room Fraport arena in the last 3 games had been very refreshing. It took the 2000 BBL cup champion a long time to get going, but it seems like they have finally found their groove and being able to beat better ranked teams. Now it’s time for the 4-10 team who are in 16th place to keep their winning drive going, but against teams in the lower part of the standings as beating these teams are so important for their goal of remaining in the BBL. One of those teams arrived in the Fraport arena with the Hakro Merlins Crailsheim who were in 13th place with a 5-8 record. The team that recently fired ex Skyliner coach Sebastian Gleim came to Frankfurt having won their last 2 games against Braunschweig and Heidelberg and wanted to keep the streak alive in Frankfurt. On Sunday afternoon in Frankfurt, The Fraport Skyliners got up on the wrong side of the bed and literally stunk up their living room. Even if they had good spurts of offense, they never found a game identity on defense and had no answer how to combat the Hakro Merlins Crailsheim physicality and how to stop them 1-1 on the penetration. ‘ We were weak on defense and didn’t execute as well as we could on offense. They found shots and made plays and killed us on the boards’, stressed ex Auburn (NCAA) great Quantez Robertson. The Hakro Merlins Crailsheim played a solid game and both ends of the court and were rewarded for their effort. ‘I felt that we did good. It was more of a complete game for us. It is hard to be perfect for 40 minutes. I thought we played really well for 37 minutes. Our focus today was on defense. We were really aggressive and didn’t care about fouls. In the past we have been too passive on defense and teams took advantage of it. But today we sacrificed ourselves on defense and the offense took care of the rest’, stressed ex George Mason (NCAA) guard Otis Livingston II (180-PG-1996, college: GMU).

Quantez Robertson lay in

The Fraport Skylines began well, but after a few minutes of back and forth, they allowed a brutal run by the Hakro Merlins Crailsheim and couldn’t recover from it. The game was tied at 9-9 quicky as both teams got their offenses flowing quickly as the guests shared the ball nicely as ex Wichita State (NCAA) center Asbjoern Midtgaard made a lay in, ex wiha Panther Jaren Lewis a floater and free throws and Edon Maxhumi a three pointer. While the Fraport Skyliners did a good job getting ex Purdue (NCAA) big man Matt Haarms going with a dunk and 4 free throws. Teammate Isaiah Washington of Jelly Fam fame made a nifty pass that looked a little Doncic like. ‘That was a rap around pass. It looked crazy, but normal. Guys will make that pass when the opponent overplays’, stated Quantez Robertson. But then the game changed as the guests overpowered Frankfurt going on a brutal 19-5 run to lead 28-14. In the run the Hakro Merlins Crailsheim got 2 baskets from Otis Livuingston, a deep trey from Jaren Lewis, a Fabian Bleck lay in, a Bogdan Radosavjjevic and lay in from ex Fraport Skyliner Bruno Vrcic. The guests did a great job playing team ball and finding their spots really well. The Fraport Skyliners had little ball movement and relied on the quick offense that offered little points. Frankfurt did close out the first quarter well with a 5-0 run to cut the lead down to 28-19. Laurynas Beliauskas scored on the penetration while German national player Joshua Obiesie hit a trey. ‘After Haarms got some buckets, they began to rotate better on pick and roll. We had to make different options. We couldn’t hit shots after that start’, stressed Quantez Robertson. Both teams shot under 40% from outside while the guests shot 64% form the two point range and Frankfurt 43%. Crailsheim had the 12-7 rebound edge and 0 turnovers while Frankfurt had 3.

Bruno Vrcic at the FT line

The Hakro Merlins Crailsheim continued to control the game and led by as much as 16 points in the second quarter and led by 13 points at half-time. The difference between both teams was simple. Both executed, but the Hakro Merlins Crailsheim just did it at a better and more consistent rate. The guests continued to clobber Frankfurt on the boards. Frankfurt allowed guard Maurice Stuckey to get his own miss and make an easy put back. Quantez Robertson then made a lay in on transition and free throw but Frankfurt trailed 30-22. The Fraport Skyliners were running around in circles all day long as the Merlins ball movement was excellent and usually got open shots. A Stephens off balance shot, Stuckey three pointer and Jaren Lewis catch and pop jumper profited on the 7-0 run and 38-22 lead. Frankfurt got some energy and production from Washington and Robertson who scored, but they couldn’t make any ground as the Merlins kept executing as Jaren Lewis and Stephens scored for the very comfortable 45-31 advantage. Frankfurt allowed too many extra chances that the guests easily took advantage of. Here and there, the Fraport Skyliners got big buckets as German national player Lukas Wank and Washington hit three’s to cut Crailsheim’s lead to 47-39, but they couldn’t go into the break strong. They allowed a costly 5-0 run as Livingston made a 20 footer and Lithuanian forward Arunas Mikaluaskas hit a buzzer beater trey for the 52-39 Hakro Merlins Crailsheim lead. ‘We didn’t do a good job boxing out and gave them too many second chance points. We took too many quick shots and allowed them to get on transition’, commented Quantez Robertson.

Quantez Robertson at the FT line

The Hakro Merlins Crailsheim couldn’t muster much offense in the third quarter scoring 13 points, but their defense held the lead as the Fraport Skyliners once again couldn’t gain ground and get over the hump. Fans in the arena witnessed the first 7 possessions go without any points. Haarms got Frankfurt on the board first with free throws and Midtgaard scored the Merlins first field goal at the 7,18 minute mark to lead 54-41. After a stop, the Hakro Merlins Crailsheim received a clutch trey from Radosavljevic who had a solid game with 12/5/4 stats. ‘His good decision making, passing ability and pick and pop help us every game’, warned Jaren Lewis. The Fraport Skyliners then had their best faze of the game going on a 10-0 to cut the Merlins lead to only 57-51. In the run they got vital three’s from Beliauskas and Washington and a Wank lay in with the back door pass by Marcus Lewis. But the Fraport Skyliners couldn’t hold their momentum as they allowed a 8-3 run by the guests to lead 65-54 after 30 minutes. Crailsheim got their 5th team foul during the run, but Frankfurt didn’t bang the ball inside to draw fouls. Instead The guests crushed Frankfurt with the mid range game and penetration as Livingston scored twice and Fabian Bleck once. ‘When they cut the lead to 57-51, we stayed the course. We have had the experience this season to see teams make runs. We weren’t as composed earlier in the season but today we were. We weathered the run’, stated Otis Livingston II. ‘We stopped being aggressive. We didn’t go to rim and took jump shots and couldn’t execute the offense’, warned Quantez Robertson. The Hakro Merlins Crailsheim shot 61% from the two point range and shot 25% from outside and had 32 rebounds and 6 turnovers while the Fraport Skyliners shot 47% from the two point range and 35% form outside and had 24 rebounds and 11 turnovers.

Myles Stephens for 3

In the fourth quarter the Hakro Merlins Crailsheim continued to play their well rounded game at both ends and slam the door shut on the Fraport Skyliners. The Hakro Merlins Crailsheim began the fourth quarter on an electrifying 11-2 run to ultimately decide the game leading 76-56. In the run the guests began with 3 lay ins from Livingston, Stuckey and Bleck as there was no 1-1 defense existent by Frankfurt, then came a Mikaluskas dunk and a Bleck three pointer. Frankfurt’s offense was up and down all game long, but at least they finished the game with some rhythm. Belauskas produced the most damage scoring 10 points and 3 three pointers. Marcus Lewis also contributed a trey. The guests didn’t get as much support, but it didn’t matter as they had made most of the damage for 35 minutes. ‘We did a good job sticking to our game plan. So often this season we had had a big lead, but let teams come back to cut it down to 2-3 points. But that didn’t happen today. We kept the lead and got the job done’, stated Otis Livingston II. ‘We didn’t defend aggressively and allowed them to find their spots and allowed them to make the right plays’, stressed Quantez Robertson. The Hakro Merlins Crailsheim were led by Jaren Lewis with 16 points. Otis Livingston II and Bogdan Radosavljevic added 12 points a piece while the Fraport Skyliners were led by Laurynas Beliauskas with 21 points. Lukas Wank added 14 points and Isaiah Washington had 13 points. The Hakro Merlins Crailsheim shot 47% from the field and 31% from outside and had 42 rebounds and 8 turnovers while the Fraport Skyliners shot 38% from the field and 34% from outside and had 33 rebounds and 13 turnovers.

Tags : OTIS LIVINGSTON II, HAKRO MERLINS CRAILSHEIM, GERMAN BASKETBALL