The young guns Kaya Bayram and Johan Gruenloh

The Holiday season for the Dragons Rhondorf saw two sides as they went into Christmas having to somehow digest the poor 83-52 loss to neighbor RheinStars Cologne between the turkey and chocolate cake, but then again a week later were able to go into 2023 with an extra bang with the fireworks after destroying Iserlohn 100-82. The 8-4 Dragons Rhondorf wanted to continue the grand winning streak in 2023 with their overpowering offense and at times shaky defense. Their first opponent in 2023 was new Pro B team Rasta Vechta 2 who arrived in Rhondorf with a 5-7 record. They are definitely a very talented team and their average record doesn’t really show how good they are and have been a dangerous opponent for many teams this season. Despite losing the last two games to Wedel and Itzehoe in close fashion, they wanted to finally break their 3 game losing streak in Rhondorf. Both teams met for the second time this season and first time in 2023 after Rhondorf had destroyed them on the road in the first meeting and this time it was another high scoring affair that reached OT, but at the end it was a full team effort for the absent JJ Culver with the help of the young guns Gruenloh and Bayram that powered Rasta Vechta 2 to the 99-93 victory. ‘Both teams fought hard for 40 minutes. No teams gave away any gifts. They had injuries and so did we plus we had no JJ Culver. I felt like we controlled Goodman better than the first time. We had a few problems stopping their transition three pointers. But overal we played good team basketball and made the big shots when we needed them’, stated Rasta Vechta 2 guard Kevin Smit. The Dragons Rhondorf played a solid offensive game as usual, but continue to have problems defending with passion as they had massive problems all night long controlling certain plays of the guests. ‘I felt like we fought all game, but then again, it doesn’t feel like it even though we feel dead now a few minutes after the game. I felt like we played well offensively, but our percentages weren’t that great. They played good offense and we gave up too many offensive rebounds’, stressed Dragons Rhondorf forward Paul Albrecht.

Johan Gruenloh with the hook shot

The Dragons Rhondorf stepped on the court with only a 7 man rotation as Zaba Bangala and Jonas Falkenstein were out while Rasta Vechta 2 were without JJ Culver, Killian Brockhof and Noah Janen. The first few minutes was a back and forth tug of war as no teams could get away from the other. The guests spread the offensive love around getting baskets from Noah Bedime, ex RheinStar Leon Okpara and 2022 NBBL champion Kaya Bayram while Rhondorf got baskets from ex Bochum center Florian Wendeler, ex Rostock Seawolf Nicolas Buchholz and free throws from ex Schwenningen forward Adrian Bergmann as the game was deadlocked 7-7. But Rasta Vechta then found some daylight and broke free going on a 8-3 run to lead 15-10. In the run, the guests were led well by aggressive point guard Kaya Bayram who had a full load of responsibility with Culver out as he led the offense well hitting a trey while 6 year Vechta man Tim Insinger made a lay in and Bayram fed Gruenloh for the powerful 2 handed dunk. Rhondorf were a step behind on defense not upping their intensity and on offense made some bad decisions and got scolded by the Vechta offense. But basketball will always be a game of runs as the Dragons closed out the first quarter with a satisfying 11-6 run to tie the contest 21-21 after 10 minutes. In the run Rhondorf let it rain three’s as ex Giessen 46ers Koch, Albrecht and Bergmann connected. Bayram ended the quarter with a three pointer. ‘We didn’t shoot that well, but ended the quarter well making a lot of three’s. We always like to say that we don’t want to rely on our three’, smiled Paul Albrecht. Vechta was shooting better from the field at 42%, but the rebounds and turnovers were even at 11 and 2 apiece.

Devon Goodman at the FT line

In the second quarter, both teams had one run and then it was a close battle as no team led by more than 4 points. The Dragons Rhondorf began with more intensity and watched as Devon Goodman put on a show scoring 7 unanswered points to give his team the 28-23 advantage. The ex U Penn player could have had the dunk of the season, but missed in spectacular fashion, but he quickly wiped away the embarrassment and scored 3 lay in’s with 2 on transition as he and Paul Albrecht made steals. But Rasta Vechta 2 didn’t waste any time and just produced 2 three pointers in a flash as Bayram and Smit who has 50 easyCredit BBL games on his resume connected and Rhondorf only led 29-28. The Dragons continued to keep the slim lead as they executed at a fine rate on offense getting a Buchholtz trey, Goodman lay in and Bergmann jumper, but Rasta Vechta 2 had answers as Gruenloh made an impressive tip in dunk which was followed by Insinger and Smit three’s to dead lock the contest at 37-37. Florian Koch dropped a clutch three, but Smit made a lay in as the Dragons Rhondorf had the slim 41-39 advantage at half-time. ‘The Dragons Rhondorf shot an unsatisfying 33% from the field and 39% from the three point line while Rasta Vechta 2 shot 41% from the field and 35% from the three point line while both teams had 24 rebounds a piece and Rhondorf had 3 turnovers and Vechta 6 turnovers. ‘I think that Goodman was annoyed that he hadn’t had a really good game in this arena yet. That miss dunk sparked him. He is our TJ Shorts. We really needed him to take over’, stated Paul Albrecht.

Leon Okpara from downtown

In the third quarter the Dragons Rhondorf did a good job keeping the lead, but they weren’t able to lead by more than 7 points as Rasta Vechta 2 stayed on their tail. In the last few minutes, the Dragons Rhondorf lost control of the game and Rasta Vechta 2 went on a shattering 17-5 run to have the 67-61 lead after 30 minutes. Devon Goodman continued to be super aggressive and kept attacking the rim scoring a lay in, but also remembered his 34% from outside and nailed a trey. Rasta Vechta 2 continued to play smart and executed their offense and shared the ball. Gruenloh continued to play very efficient and just made plays. He made a beautiful off balance shot and made a pretty old school hook shot His totally calm and cool play for 17 is unbelievable. ‘He works so hard on his game. He has that cool north German way in his play. The only guy I can remember being so cool in his play at that age was Sebastian Herrera. He has a huge future. His body, shooting skills, IQ and defense speak for him’, warned Kevin Smit. Okpara also added a jumper as Vechta trailed only 48-47. But then came the brutal lightening speed of draining three’s that the Dragons possess as Koch and Albrecht scored for the 54-47 lead. Bayram and Sam Nellessen then traded baskets as the Dragons Rhondorf led 56-50. But Rasta Vechta 2 then made a huge turn in the game closing out the third quarter with a commanding 17-5 run to take the 67-61 lead. The run began with a another Bayram trey which was followed by a Roman Bedime lay in on transition and Dutch player Sydnee Bijisma made a trey for the 58-56 lead. Gruenloh then added 5 points as his incredible versatile offensive play sparkled which was added by a Okpara runner and Smit lay in for the 67-56 lead. The run could have been a lot worse out of the eyes of the Dragons, but Albrecht closed out the quarter strong with 5 points. ‘We got the game going in our direction. We got a lot of stops and went on a run and made open shots. Gruenloh and Bayram carried us. It is fun to play with young talented kids like that’, stressed Kevin Smit. The Dragons Rhondorf shot 37% from the field and 41% from the parking lot and had 33 rebounds and 7 turnovers while Rasta Vechta 2 shot 47% from the field and 36% from the parking lot and had 35 rebounds and 9 turnovers. ‘Bayram was on fire. Vechta is known for producing many talents like Herkenhof and Van Slooten. Gruenloh is so cool. You think he can’t do much because he is so skinny, but he has great moves and a nice touch’, warned Paul Albrecht.

Nicolas Buchholz from outside

The fourth quarter was a very tight affair as the Dragons Rhondorf fought back and came back and grabbed the lead only to lose it again and then force overtime. The Dragons Rhondorf began strong in the fourth quarter getting 5 points from Koch on free throws and a trey from Buchholtz as Vechta led 67-66. 21 year old Roman Bedime who played with the Berlin Tigers (NBBL) before coming to Vechta was a huge asset in the fourth quarter on both ends. He made 3 big blocks including 2 consecutive ones on Florian Koch and made big plays on offense. He also showed his touch with a three pointer to keep the 70-66 lead. He finished with 14 points 8 boards and 4 blocks. Rhondorf was strong in this phase getting 2 offensive rebounds form Wendeler and Koch which led to 5 consecutive points by Koch and the 73-72 Rhondorf lead. It seemed like Rhondorf had the momentum back, but once again the guests showed how quickly their offense can turn the tide of the game as Smit and Bayram hit consecutive three’s for the 78-73 lead with crunch-time having arrived. Rhondorf felt no pressure as they kept fighting and got a huge offensive rebound and put back by Koch and Goodman free throws cut the Vechta lead to 80-79. Bedime continued to be a pest making 2 lay in’s from the wing coming in as the cuter, but Rhondorf had an answer each time getting a trey from Koch and Albrecht basket to force overtime at 84-84. ‘Bedime was annoying. They played short role and we committed too much and they always had a free player and could finish well. Bedime hurt us’, expressed Paul Albrecht. Rhondorf continued to shoot poorly at 38% from the field and better from outside at 41% and had 44 rebounds and 11 turnovers while Rasta Vechta 2 shot46% from the field and 36% from outside and had 41 rebounds and 13 turnovers. ‘Bedime was so important for us. He made big blocks on Koch. We got good stops and found our cutters. All played for the team. We needed a team effort with Culver out’, said Kevin Smit.

Florian Wendeler with the lay in

In the overtime period Rasta Vechta 2 got the lead first and never looked back. Vechta began with Bedime and Smit buckets from the 88-84 advantage. Wendeler answered with a reverse lay up, but Rhondorf just couldn’t step up their defense and they allowed easy baskets inside as Okpara and Bedime scored for the 92-86 lead. Wendeler scored again to cut the Vechta lead to 92-88, but the guests continued to execute as Okpara stayed aggressive until the end getting a trey and lay in for the 98-91 lead with less than a minute to go which was enough for the win. ‘Our execution was very good. We were able to find our bigs. We found our cutters, shots and played good defense’, added Kevin Smit. ‘We were a bit fatigued. I feel we were a bit too stubborn on offense. We forced to many shots instead of playing calm and finding the right shot’, added Paul Albrecht. Rasta Vechta 2 was led by Kaya Bayram with 20 points and 8 assists. Leon Okpara and Johann Gruenloh (210-C-2005) added 16 points a piece while the Dragons Rhondorf were led by Florian Koch with 22 points while Devon Goodman had 22 points, 8 rebounds and 10 assists. Rasta Vechta 2 shot 48% from the field and 37% from outside and had 48 rebounds and 13 turnovers while the Dragons Rhondorf shot 36% from the field and 38% from outside and had 48 rebounds and 12 turnovers.

Tags : JOHANN GRUENLOH, RASTA VECHTA, GERMAN BASKETBALL

Winning streaks always come to an end even if nobody wanted it in Koblenz recently. A few days before 2023, the EPG Baskets Koblenz had to digest a tough 3 point loss to the undefeated Hanau White Wings. That gave the players a lot to think about over the new year. They didn’t have much time to think about their first loss of the season as they were back in action only 5 days later and came together and celebrated a huge 81-70 win on the road in Leitershofen. They had to refocus and met the Basketball Lowen Erfurt back in their own living room who were sporting a 5-7 record. Erfurt came to Koblenz having lost 4 of their last 5 games including a embarrassing 36 point loss to Coburg in their last game of 2022. They wanted to finally get on the winning track in 2023 and came close, but the EPG Baskets Koblenz pulling out a nail bitter 79-70 over the Basketball Lowen Erfurt. The EPG Baskets Koblenz controlled the first half, but totally stunk up the building in the third quarter and allowed the guests to take their first lead of the game in the fourth quarter, but when it counted most, they executed in crunch-time. ‘We came out strong, but lost control in the second half. But luckly we refocused and locked in at the end. We fought hard and got buckets when we needed them’, stressed EPG Baskets Koblenz guard Alani Moore II (178-PG-1998, college: Temple). The Basketball Lowen Erfurt gave all they could, but in the end couldn’t muster up the needed energy to gain stops. ‘We fought hard, but didn’t have the same energy that we had in the second half in the first half. We are working on trying to play consistent for 40 minutes. Our defensive effort showed in the second half that we can be the team we want to be in our mind. We were like 2 different teams tonight. It is still a work in progress’, stated Basketball Lowen Erfurt guard Tyseem Lyles.

Guy Landry Edi at the FT line

The first 3-4 minutes was a tug of war as the game was pretty even as both clubs found their rhythm fairly quickly as the EPG Baskets Koblenz led 9-7. Quick diminutive guard Alani Moore II was a spark as he was a pit bull on defense getting 2 steals and racking up 5 points while Germans Marvin Heckel and Moses Poelking scored. The guests got 5 points from their number one go to guy French forward Edi Guy Landry with 5 points while ex Fraport Skyliner Junior Noah Kamdem scored a basket. But then came the turning point of the first quarter as the EPG Baskets Koblenz closed out the first quarter with a swift and brutal 15-6 run to lead 24-13 after 10 minutes. In the run, Koblenz got vital production from ex easyCredit BBL player Dominique Johnson who supplied 7 points while Heckel hit 2 three’s and Leo Saffer made a big dunk. It seemed like with the injury to sniper Leon Friederici, Johnson felt the need to be extra aggressive and it paid off. Koblenz fine ball movement sparked by their aggressive defense which forced the guests to permanent contested shots was their recipe for success. ‘It was a good quarter. We weren’t that great on the box out, but we had very good motion on offense’, stated EPG Baskets Koblenz manager Thomas Klein.

Leo Saffer at the FT line

The EPG Baskets continued their domination in the second quarter despite not hitting shots as well anymore until the last 3 minutes where they allowed a Erfurt run to stay in the game. The EPG Baskets Koblenz kept up the pressure from the first quarter and cruised out on an overwhelming 14-6 run to extend their lead to 38-19. In the run Brian air Butler scored 5 points as he was aggressive and used his quickness and agility to get by Noah Kamdem, Dominique Johnson hit a trey and German Moses Poelking made a hard two handed dunk and also made a beautiful back door pass to Moore for the lay in which was the best ball movement of Koblenz up to that point. Koblenz continued to play strong defense with a high intensity and on offense were aggressive and made easy baskets. Koblenz had a little fortune that during the run, the guests missed a number of give me baskets. But the EPG Baskets Koblenz couldn’t hold their momentum as Erfurt got more aggressive and got to the free throw line as Edi and Lyles scored. Koblenz had 2 defensive lapses allowing Edi to fly in for an offensive rebound and put back and left a Jan Heber totally open to drill home the trey. Koblenz got a off balance jumper by Johnson and a Brian Butler basket as he executed the pick and roll perfectly with Marvin Heckel. ‘The first 5 minutes were good, but then we gave up the game. We weren’t mentally strong on defense and didn’t attack as aggressively anymore. We couldn’t match their physicality’, stated Thomas Klein. The difference in the game were the shooting percentages as Koblenz shot 50% from the field and Erfurt only shot 9% from outside while Koblenz also controlled the boards 23-19.

Tyseem Lyles from outside

The third quarter began like a horror show as there were 6 turnovers in the first 6 possessions in 1,03 minutes. It didn’t get any better for the EPG Baskets Koblenz after that either. The Basketball Lowen would explode for 29 points and after the turnover party went on a 4-0 run with baskets from Heber and Edi to cut the Koblenz lead down to 44-33. Johnson finally got Koblenz on the board with a runner at the 7,38 minute mark. Erfurt continued to execute as they got more aggressive getting to the foul line and got lay ins from Heber and ex Itzehoe German Aileu Ceesay. Both teams got to the 5 foul limit quickly so both teams shot free throws and Erfurt finally began to nail three’s as Lyles scored twice and Edi scored to cut the lead down to 55-50 The Basketball Lowen continued to pressure Koblenz and finally executed consistently on offense as Heber made a 20 footer, Edi made a jumper and Lyles a 20 footer to get their first lead of the game 58-57 after 30 minutes. ‘We had no communication and played slower than usual. We let them attack and we weren’t the aggressor’, said Alani Moore II. ‘We started to switch all pick and rolls and we picked up our effort and energy. We also executed better’, added Tysem Lyles.

Brian Butler with the hook shot

In the fourth quarter the Basketball Lowen continued to fight, but just couldn’t keep up their energy as the EPG Baskets Koblenz used their excellent 1-1 play in crunch-time by American Alani Moore II to get the lead and they then never looked back. Johnson began the fourth quarter with a pull up jumper giving Koblenz the 59-58 lead, but bang Erfurt struck back with a three from young German Leo Doring to steal the lead back at 61-59. After Johnson tied the game with a lay in, Ceesay gave Erfurt the lead back 63-61 with a lay in. Johnson continued to be the aggressor scoring his third basket in a row in the fourth quarter tying the game at 63-63 with a lay in. Edi and Heckel traded baskets and the game was dead locked at 65-65. Then came the turning point of the game as Dominique Johnso missed a dunk, but that led to a 15-5 Koblenz run to end the game. The missed dunk led to an offensive rebound and Moore lay in. Poelking them made a huge block which led to a Johnson trey and 70-65 advantage. Erfurt would stay strong getting a Edi trey to cut the Koblenz lead to 70-68, but Moore remained aggressive with an off balance shot and 72-68 lead. After Moore free throws which was 6 points in a row by him, Ceesay made an off balance shot to keep Erfurt alive trailing only 74-70. But the EPG Baskets then slammed the door shut with a commanding 5-0 run getting stops and free throws by Poelking, Moore and Johnson to win the game. ‘Erfurt fought back very hard. After a missed dunk like Johnson, you either lose the game mentally or let the arena carry you. The fans carried us and we were able to control game until the end. We were mentally and physically stronger at the end. Alani Moore II was the match winner. He had a do or die moment. He came back in the game with 4 fouls. But he played aggressive and helped us get win’, expressed Thomas Klein. ‘We were a bit fatigued at the end. We also made some mistakes that we didn’t do all game. They are a good game and punished us with our mistakes’, said Tyseem Lyles. The EPG Baskets Koblenz were led by Dominque Johnson with 25 points. Alani Moore II added 17 points and Brian Butler 13 points while the Basketball Lowen Erfurt were led by Edi Guy Landry with 26 points and 10 rebounds while Tyseem Lyles added 14 points. The EPG Baskets Koblenz shot 44% from the field and 29% from outside and had 41 rebounds and 15 turnovers while the Basketball Lowen Erfurt shot 38% from the field and 27% from outside and had 40 rebounds and 18 turnovers.

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

Scoring 100 points in a basketball game is no easy feat and something that is about as difficult to do as score 10 goals in a Ice Hockey game, score 8 touchdowns in a game or hit 6 home runs in a game. All these feats are very hard to do and scoring 100 points is just so unusual, but it has been done. The most famous 100 point game is the Wilt Chamberlain one from 1962, but there have also been other well known guys who have accomplished it like Croatian legend Drazen Petrovic who scored 112 points in his homeland in 1985 while in the last decade Jack Taylor who played at Grinnell College scored 138 points in 2012 and 109 points in 2013 against Faith Baptist and Crossroads College. It has been done even in Germany as last season American Jonathan Braeger scored 100 points in a Regionalliga game. This season the last American with the name of JJ Culver (193-G-1997, college: WBU) to score 100 points in the United States is balling his first season in Germany with Rasta Vechta 2. The American did it in 2019 with NAIA team Wayland Baptist University against Southwestern Adventist University. That historic event may have been more than 3 years ago, but he still has fond memories to this day. He also knows it couldn’t have been accomplished without his special basketball family. ‘When you have great teammates anything is possible including scoring 100 points. And I’d say during half time was the point my team wanted to see how many points I could score’, remembered JJ Culver. The ex 100 point man has come to Germany and currently is conquering the Pro B this season.

JJ Culver who lists Ruben Lopez, Maurice, Josh Throns, Jack Nobles, and Sammy as his best teammates of all-time was born on December 14th, 1997 in Lubbock, Texas and attended Coronado high school. That the Culver family stand for excellence in sports is an understatement. JJ’s older brother Trey was a stellar athlete at Texas Tech for track and field and tied the fourth best mark in collegiate history in the high jump. His younger brother Jarrett reached the NCAA final with Texas Tech and was a #6 draft pick in 2019 and played with Minnesota, Memphis and is currently with the Atlanta Hawks. It is only normal that JJ developed a chip on his shoulder having such a competitive relationship with NBA brother Jarrett. ‘It does give me a chip on my shoulder! He’s an amazing player and he gives me great advice. I also give him advice on things that I see. We have a close bond’, warned JJ Culver. The American played at Wayland Baptist University (NAIA) from 2016-2020 playing a total of 126 games. In his freshman year he averaged 9.8ppg, 3.9rpg, 1.4apg, 1.7spg, FGP: 56.0%, 3PT: 30.7%, FT: 67.4%. He might have only scored in double figures in 13 of 29 games, but showed his explosiveness hitting Oklahoma S for 36 points in a big 113-107 victory. In his second season he averaged 10.7ppg, 5.4rpg, 2.2apg, 1.6spg, FGP: 39.3%, 3PT: 29.1%, FT: 67.2%. He scored in double figures in 12 of 34 games including scoring 32 points against Jarvis Christian in a 97-82 win. His game really took off in his junior season as he gave consistency a new meaning as he averaged 17.6ppg, 6.6rpg, 3.0apg, 1.8spg, FGP: 51.6%, 3PT: 37.6%, FT: 77.8%. He scored in double figures in 24 of 32 games including 35 points in a 106-74 crushing win over Langston. He took another massive step in his senior year as he averaged 23.1ppg, 6.4rpg, 3.2apg, 2.7spg, FGP: 46.2%, 3PT: 34.3%, FT: 76.8%. He scored in double figures in 32 of 33 games and scored 30 points or more 7 times including his 100 point game and hit Bellevue for 40 points in a tough 79-78 loss. ‘The best achievement besides the 100 points would be winning the regular season and getting a ring. I was so proud of the players and staff and everyone who supported us. And that elite 8 team was very special’, stated JJ Culver. He racked up many achievements in his 4 year NAIA career with SAC Tournament Finalist -2018, NAIA D1 Elite Eight -2018, SAC Regular Season Champion -2019, All-SAC Player of the Year -2019, All-SAC First Team -2019, NABC All-NAIA D1 First Team -2019, and NAIA All-Star Game -2020. It is only logical that he is extremely blessed for having gotten the total trust from head coach Ty Harrelson in his 4 year career. ‘He coached me hard, told me to keep working, he supports me, tells me about his experience, and much more. I could go on forever’, warned JJ Culver.

JJ Culver and Ty Harrelson

The Texas native who lists NBA player Malik Beasley as his toughest foe on the court when he was on the NBA Summer League squad of the Minnesota Timberwolves began his rookie season in Lithuania and split time with 2 teams with Ereliai Mazeikiai (Lithuania-NKL) playing 3 games averaging 1.7ppg, 2.3rpg, 2.3apg,and then in Nov.’21 moved to BC Silute (Lithuania-NKL) playing 24 games averaging 7.1ppg, 2.5rpg, 1.1apg, 1.2spg, FGP: 60.7%, 3PT: 29.1%, FT: 71.4%. That first station overseas is never easy for an American and he remembers hard times when his stomach was growling for some fine American food. ‘I knew I was very far away from home when I didn’t see as many fast food restaurants in Lithuania’, smiled JJ Culver. His minutes at BC Silute were unstable as one game he played 32 minutes and the next only 8 minutes, but he did show some of his unique skills scoring 26 points against Delikatesas and 22 points against Telsiai. Even if he had serious battles against American teammate Delante Jones in practice, it proved more than worthwhile. ‘Our battles were amazing!! He’s one of the best teammates I’ve ever had! He’s like a brother to me. We both helped each other grow so much! I literally can’t say enough about how great a teammate he was’, commented JJ Culver. He closed out his rookie season with a tough 5 game playoff loss to LSU-Atletas. ‘I’ll never forget how close we were to winning that series. Just got to keep learning and keep moving forward’, expressed JJ Culver.

The explosive scorer who lists Michael Jordan, Kobe Bryant, Lebron James, Steph Curry, and Larry Bird on his personal NBA Mount Rushmore is playing his second professional season in Germany. When he first heard about the offer, he didn’t know much about the country, but knew how competitive the leagues were. He decided to join Rasta Vechta 2 who compete in the third division. It was a no brainer to come to Vechta, because his ex coach Ty Harrelson was coach of Rasta Vechta of the second division. ‘I love Coach Harrelson and he’s helped me with many things throughout my life. He’s the best coach I’ve ever had’, warned JJ Culver. He was able to play once for Harrelson scoring 3 points in 11 minutes against PS Karlsruhe, but this season he is primarily playing for ambitious and up and coming German head coach Hendrik Gruehn who led Rasta Vechta 2 last season from the Regionalliga up to the Pro B and helped the Vechta U-19 team reach the top 4 in Frankfurt. After sitting out the 20-21 season and having growing pains in Lithuania last season, he has come in very hungry this season. ‘I’m very confident! I just trust the work that I’ve put in and I just got to continue to work and get better’, warned JJ Culver. He has been rewarded averaging 16,7ppg, 6,6rpg, 3,6apg and 2,6 spg. He scored 30 points in a 89-81 win over Schwelm and 28 points in a tough 102-91 loss to Rhondorf. The team is only 5-7 and still searching for a defensive identity. This weekend Culver and co will be seeking revenge and first win of 2023 in Rhondorf. Coach Gruhn is ecstatic that he made the right choice with Culver. ‘I saw him coming in as being a great defender that always plays with intensity and aggressiveness for the team. And that is exactly what he has given us this season. He sets the tone on defense and is a huge role model for the young kids. He understood right away that he is playing for a farm team where the first priority is to develop the young players. He is a guy that can come through in tough situations and even win a game. He has a great character and is always smiling. He is a gym rat. We sometimes have to throw him out of the gym’, smiled Hendrik Gruhn.

JJ and brother Jarrett

The guard who has Jordan as his GOAT and Steph Curry as the greatest point guard of all time is a 193cm guard that compares his game to Curry. He continues to watch a lot of film on the Golden State Warrior and already did this in school with Ty Harrelson seeing how he read screens and got open. He has always been a scorer and it continues in Germany. ‘It’s always been in my genes. I love to score and I also love winning’, warned JJ Culver. Offense has always been what he is known for, but he also has proved to be a 2 way player. ‘One of my main strengths is defense. Defense is very important and that’s what wins championships. I see myself as a great defender now and I want to become the best defender I can be’, stressed JJ Culver. His chip continues to be heavy as this phenomenal talent is only at the beginning of his career. He knows what has to be done in order for his chances to move up the basketball ladder to improve. ‘I’ve been working on my mid range, one and two dribble pull ups, and fade aways. I’m also keeping my strengths sharp, which include 3’s, layups, driving, and more’, added JJ Culver. It will be interesting to follow where the journey of JJ Culver will go in the next years. It is also interesting to know what he gets asked more on a regular basis, about his 100 point game or that he is the brother of NBA player Jarrett Culver. ‘I get asked how it feels to have scored 100 points a lot. I tell everyone it was an amazing feeling and a special day’, stressed JJ Culver. There is the answer. But the love for each other will always be there even when each guy would say they would win in a 1-1 battle on the court. After his 100 point feat Jarrett tweeted with ‘JJ you a legend brother’. That is exactly how brotherly love should be. Always there for one another no matter what.

Tags : JJ CULVER, RASTA VECHTA, GERMAN BASKETBALL

James Palmer Jr. (196-G/F-1996, college: Nebraska) is a 26 year old 196cm forward from Washington DC playing his fourth professional season and first with JL Bourg Basket (France-Betclic ELITE ProA). Last season he played with Arged BM Stal Ostrow Wielkopolski (Poland-EBL) averaging 15.3ppg, 4.0rpg, 3.4apg, 1.3spg, FGP: 62.2%, 3PT: 41.7%, FT: 77.5%; and played 6 BCL games averaging 15.2ppg, 6.3rpg, 3.0apg, FGP: 41.5%, 3PT: 47.8%. He played his first 2 pro seasons with Agua Caliente Clippers of Ontario (NBA G League) averaging 19.1ppg, 4.1rpg, 2.8apg, 1.2spg, FGP: 51.3%, 3PT: 29.8%, FT: 77.5% and in his second season averaged 16.1ppg, 4.7rpg, 2.7apg, FGP: 45.3%, 3PT: 25.4%, FT: 78.3%. He began his basketball career with St. John’s College High School and then played 2 seasons and 71 NCAA games with the University of Miami (NCAA) averaging 3.7ppg, 1.4rpg and 3.5ppg, 1.2rpg. He then finished at the University of Nebraska (NCAA) averaging 17.2ppg, 4.4rpg, 3.0apg, FGP: 51.3%, 3PT: 30.9%, FT: 73.8% as a junior and 19.7ppg, 4.2rpg, 3.0apg, 1.4spg, FGP: 40.1%, 3PT: 31.3%, FT: 76.2% as a senior. Before turning pro he played at the well known Portsmouth Invitational Tournament (Pre-NBA Draft) averaging 18.3ppg, 3.3rpg, 3.3apg, Steals-3 (2.0spg). He spoke recently to germanhoops.com before a Eurocup game against ratiopharm Ulm

Thanks James for talking to germanhoops.com. Where are you at the moment and how is basketball life treating you?

my experience in Bourg is great. I’m thankful for this opportunity.

Your playing your second pro season overseas and first with JL Bourg Basket (France-Betclic ELITE ProA). You already played in Poland last year, but as a kid form Washington DC, what kind of an experience has it been experiencing the culture of old town Bourg? It has less than 3,000 people. Is it like a culture shock?

No it’s not a culture shock at all. I’m able to adjust to just about anywhere so it’s pretty cool being in a small town.

You played in the NCAA and then the G-League that is totally different basketball compared to Europe. You had a solid season in Poland and have heightened your game in France. How do you explain being able to be consistent since coming from the States?

Just trusting all the hard work I put into this game I think is the reason I’m able to stay consistent at a high level. Focus and being coachable is key.

Since your days in Nebraska you have not only been a scorer but a stat filler. How do you feel has your game grown the last 2 years since coming from the G-League?

In the last two years I think my game has grown tremendously. In the summer I work on weaknesses so that I don’t have any weaknesses. Also keep my strengths sharp at the same time. Breaking down what I didn’t and do during the past season has helped me grow a lot. Each year I aim to be great in all aspects.

On what area’s of your game do you feel do you still need to work on to make the next step to the Euroleague? Possibly upping your assists more and three point percentage?

The areas of my game to make it to euroleague would be just reading the game and learning when to attack and when to play time clock management

Last season you played with BM Stal Ostrow Wielkopolski (Poland-EBL) averaging 15.3ppg, 4.0rpg, 3.4apg, 1.3spg, FGP: 62.2%, 3PT: 41.7%, FT: 77.5%; and in the BCL averaged 15.2ppg, 6.3rpg, 3.0apg, FGP: 41.5%, 3PT: 47.8%. What do you remember being your wake up call to being overseas where you knew that you were far away from home?

I can’t really say I had a wake up call honestly at the end of the day I’m doing what I love.

What memories do you have from your first playoff series as a professional getting swept by Legia? You lost all 3 games by not more than 11 points combined?

My first playoff series didn’t go as planned but it was learning experience.

In Poland you were teammates with ex NBA player Kobi Simmons. What kind of a relationship did you have with him? You must have had NBA stories to tell each other?

Yea Kobi is a great guy and teammate. Very fun to be around

After your NCAA career, you had a good NBA Summer League with Phoenix and then was in training camp with the Los Angeles Clippers. What memories do you have from that first breath of the NBA? What kind of feedback do you remember getting from the coaching staff about reaching the NBA?

My first years coming out of college were great I learned a lot from NBA veterans. Just how they go about everyday life on and off the court. Their work ethic and just realizing and taking it in all in

You played your first 2 pro seasons with the Agua Caliente Clippers of Ontario (NBA G League) averaging 19.1ppg, 4.1rpg, 2.8apg, 1.2spg, FGP: 51.3%, 3PT: 29.8%, FT: 77.5% and in your second season averaged 16.1ppg, 4.7rpg, 2.7apg, FGP: 45.3%, 3PT: 25.4%, FT: 78.3%. There are guys with lesser stats in the G-League that reached the NBA. How disappointing was not reaching the big show?

It wasn’t really disappointing because you can’t worry about anything else when it comes to things like that. Can’t compare to the next man. Also I was hurt when I was in consideration to be called up so I just go with Gods plan and execute.

What memories do you have from your first G-League game where you exploded for 40 points in a 121-120 win over the Suns. There were countless NBA guys on the floor and you were the best on the court.

My first game ever game as a pro was definitely nerve wrecking but fun at the same time. It was a great game that went all the way down to the last few seconds. Definitely something I will not forget.

After 2 years in the G-League what was the best example for you that the NBA will always be a business first before anything else?

Yea the NBA is definitely a business just based off how they operate things there and what goes on behind closed doors.

Is the NBA still an option for you or are you concentrating 100% on a career overseas now?

The NBA will always be my dream but my head is where my feet are currently.

You began your NCAA career at Miami. In your first 2 seasons you never averaged more than 13 minutes and 3,0ppg. How disappointing was this time? What do you remember being the most challenging thing?

It was a little disappointing but I always stayed in the gym and always stayed positive through the ups and downs. I knew my time would come sooner or later.

You beat Duke twice in 2 different seasons. There aren’t many guys that can say they did that. That Duke team your freshman season was crazy stocked with future NBA talent. Was that one of the best if not best team you played against in the NCAA?

Yea that Duke team was definitely one of the top teams I played in my college career.

You then finished at the University of Nebraska (NCAA) where you totally took off averaging 17.2ppg, 4.4rpg, 3.0apg, FGP: 51.3%, 3PT: 30.9%, FT: 73.8% as a senior averaging 19.7ppg, 4.2rpg, 3.0apg, 1.4spg, FGP: 40.1%, 3PT: 31.3%, FT: 76.2%. How do you feel did your game grow in those 2 years?

My game grew tremendously and my confidence is what ultimately took over in order for me to be successful. Great 2 years at Nebraska

How did head coach Tim Miles groom and prepare you best for a professional career?

He prepared me well because he wasn’t afraid to coach me or light a fire under me. He knew that I was always able of giving just a little more. Also gave me the confidence so I love him for that.

Who won a 1-1 in practice you or Anton Gill?

I’m not sure if we actually played 1v1 against each other

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

I faced a lot of guys that made the NBA. Miles Bridges, Jahlil Okafor, Grayson Allen, Carsen Edwards, just to name a few

Please name your 5 best teammates of all-time?

I had a lot of great teammates so it’s hard to just point out a specific group of teammate that were my best

Please name your personal NBA Mount Rushmore?

Michael Jordan, Kobe Bryant, Kevin Durant, lebron James

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

I think Jordan is the greatest to ever touch a basketball honestly

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

Yes I seen it and I think it was a good movie just like the first one.

Thanks James for the chat.

Tags : JAMES PALMER JR., JL BOURG BASKET, GERMAN BASKETBALL

Jaleen Smith (190-SG-1994, college: UNH, agency: BeoBasket) is a 28 year old 193cm guard from Freeport, Texas that is playing his sixth professional season and second with Alba Berlin . He played two seasons with the MHP Riesen Ludwigsburg averaging 15.2ppg, 5.0rpg, Assists-3 (5.3apg), Steals-2 (1.8spg), FGP: 49.2%, 3PT: 32.7%, FT: 87.5%; and 10.7ppg, 3.6rpg, 2.4apg, 1.6spg, FGP: 53.1%, 3PT: 33.6%, FT: 82,8% the season before. In 2018-2019 he played with the MLP Academics Heidelberg (Germany-ProA) averaging 12,7ppg, 3,9rpg and 2,7apg. In his rookie season with New Hampshire (NCAA) from 2013-2017 where he played a total of 120 NCAA games. He improved his scoring, rebounding and assists average each season and as a senior he played 32 games averaging 15.8ppg, 6.4rpg, 4.3apg, FGP: 52.4%, 3PT: 35.8%, FT: 78.1%. He spoke to germanhoops.com after the 99-74 win over the Fraport Skyliners.

Thanks Jaleen for talking to germanhoops.com. Congrats on the 99-74 win over the Fraport Skyliners. You didn’t play tonight. The team didn’t need you on this night.

We have 9 import players and tonight it was my turn to sit. It was good to get rest. It really doesn’t matter who plays for us, because everyone gets the job done.

Alba Berlin came out firing and won the first quarter 28-17. Was that typical Alba Berlin basketball?

We played with more rhythm. We did a good job coming out and playing our game. It was typical Alba Berlin game.

Alba Berlin began with a 10-4 run to start the second quarter, but the Fraport Skyliners came back going on a 19-8 run to trail 46-36. What did Alba Berlin get away from?

We had a lot of turnovers and lost our focus. Frankfurt had a lot of young guys and we thought the game would be easy. But give Frankfurt credit because they kept fighting and kept game close.

The Fraport Skyliners got 6 lay ups and a mid distance shot. How can a top defensive team like Alba Berlin give up easy buckets?

We just weren’t focused on defense.

51 points were scored in the third quarter as Alba Berlin won the quarter 27-24. Frankfurt kept fighting but couldn’t get over the hump. Ben Lammers showed he can score in bunches.

The third quarter was tight. They started to make shots and then missed, because they were getting fatigued. Ben is really tough to guard. The mid distance shot for him is an easy shot whereas for other bigs a tough shot.

Alba Berlin closed out the game well. What is your summary of the game and what positives can you take form the win?

We won by the margin of what we expected to. You have to win these games. It is still a long season and we have a lot of work to do.

You haven’t seen too many of the lower teams except Bayreuth but what does your gut feeling say about the Fraport Skyliners?

Frankfurt was missing guys. They are still really a good team. They were missing Marcus Lewis and didn’t have fire power. Despite that I still think that they will stay in the league.

Quantez Robertson has taken a very much reduced role this season in his 14th year. How much of an annoying player is he still at age 38?

Tez was playing the 4 and 5 tonight and our big men had trouble scoring against him. He is still strong and one of the best defenders in the league. He is still a pesky player. You see guys like him, Darden and Polas still proving that they can compete against the younger guys.

The team is playing great in the easyCredit BBL, but struggling in the Euroleague. Is the record in the Euroleague deceiving because you lost 5 games by 5 or less points and some real heart breakers to FC Barcelona, Monaco and FC Bayern Munich?

I also think that our record is deceiving. The games in the Euroleague come down to the end. 3 or 4 mistakes have cost us a few games. All games are tough in Euroleague.

The team is averaging 13 points more per game, but allowing 6 points more. How is the offense better than last season and on what area’s do you need to clean up the defense?

We have to keep working on defense and I feel like we will continue to get better. I think we also need to practice more. Our offense is well oiled. We know how to play well with each other.

Alba Berlin has 8 guys averaging between 8-12 points per game in the easyCredit BBL. Has the team gotten a tad more unselfish this season?

We all enjoy anyone scoring. It doesn’t matter if it’s Luke Sikma or a guy coming off an injury, we cheer for everyone. We are genuinely happy for the success of each other. It doesn’t matter if it’s the top or last player on the squad, we want to see everyone do well.

Alba Berlin is allowing 79 points per game. 7 years ago the Fraport Skyliners and Gordon Herbert averaged allowing under 70 points for the season. It seems like the competition has gotten better in the easyCredit BBL?

I think that the game is more fast paced now with more possessions and points. I think that if you see a team holding another team under 70 points, it is more old school basketball. Our style is fast paced so we will always score points.

The roster is almost identical. You lost Oscar Da Silva and gained Yannick Wetzell and Gabriele Procida. Talk a little about the new guys and what you appreciate most about their game?

Their both great guys. Gabriel is an excellent athletic shooter at the 2-3 position. Yannick play like a seasoned post player even if he is still young. He has the chance to model his game after Luke Sikma.

Your playing another very solid season with Alba Berlin doing the most you can in the minutes you get. You playing 2 more Euroleague minutes and 2 minutes less in the easyCredit BBL. But your stats are better. How vital was that first season of grooming with Alba Berlin?

My first season helped me play more off the ball. I feel like I’m as comfortable playing off the ball as on the ball this season.

You have shaved your turnovers down. Do you credit that to knowing your teammates better and heightening your IQ in the last season?

I think like you said it’s a combination of knowing my teammates and being smart when and where to pass the ball. Plus being aggressive and finding my spots.

Your shooting the ball a lot better from outside at the moment in the easyCredit BBL. What has been bigger the self-confidence or shot selection?

My teammates are as usual doing a great job finding me. Now it’s not step backs or shooting with movement, but getting more spot up shots which has helped my percentage.

You have had some really good games in the Euroleague. Do you sense like your getting even more respect this season in comparison to last season?

I don’t care what other’s think. I just hoop how I hoop. If I get more respect now then great.

You recently led all scorers in a win over Asvel where you battled ex Bonn guard Parker Jackson-Cartwright. What was your overall impression of him in the Euroleague?

I know he started off different, but has gotten better. I think that with his confidence and that of his team for him will help him find his form from last season in the BBL.

Luka Doncic’s game has exploded in the last week with 3 50 points games out of 5. Do you still hope that you will be able to battle him one day on the court?

I actually played against him last summer in a friendly game. His IQ is simply different from everyone else. Giannis and Luka are on another level in comparison to other NBA players. It was amazing to witness him in person.

We are in 2023 now. Did you make any new years resolutions?

No I didn’t. I just hope for another title with Alba Berlin.

Thanks Jaleen for the chat.

Tags : JALEEN SMITH, ALBA BERLIN, GERMAN BASKETBALL

It isn’t often that you will come across American players balling overseas that played at St Vincent-St Mary high school in Akron, Ohio. The school probably wouldn’t stand out as much as it has in the last 20 years had it not produced a famous alumni. He isn’t just famous, but currently the greatest basketball player and for many the GOAT the same way Tom Brady is in the NFL. The question is who is the GOAT of all sports, but that’s for another article. I’m talking about The King Lebron James. Over the last 20 years there haven’t been too many guys go pro from St Vincent-St Mary’s. Some notable guys have been Jakarr Sampson, Jerome Lane and Jalen Hudson just to name a few. There actually are 2 more guys with Dru Joyce and Romeo Travis who had the distinction of being Lebron’s teammates at St Vincent and helping win 3 state titles from 2000-2003. These are 2 guys that could probably write a book about their experiences with Lebron James and have enough stories to fill the time for the next 30 Thanksgivings and are brothers for life. But every now and then there will be an exceptional talent that played at St Vincent-St Mary and then made it to the pro ranks. The newest is Jayvon Graves (190-G-1998, college: Buffalo) who is balling this season with for Limoges CSP Elite (France-Betclic ELITE ProA). It can be imaginable having to hold up the torch for excellence and success at St Vincent-St Mary’s wasn’t always easy. ‘I never felt pressure playing at St. V but the pressure can come from when teams always target your team because of LeBron’s name and the program that has been built there. He’s a legend and has done so much there for myself and others so you are always honored to have him mentioned’, stressed Jayvon Graves. He is one of the few lucky professional players that was able to breathe the exceptional Lebron Mystique on a daily basis.

Miles Schmidt-Scheuber interviewing Dru Joyce in Frankfurt in his rookie season in Germany in 2007 when he played for ratiopharm Ulm

Miles Schmidt-Scheuber and Romeo Travis in Ulm in 2008

The guard who remembers going back and forth with Ronaldo Segu in daily 1-1 battles at Buffalo was born on December 29, 1998 in Malvern, Ohio and grew up there. He not only excelled at basketball at a young age starting at age 6, but also was a talented baseball and football player. He helped lead the well known high school St Vincent-St Mary’s to it’s first high school title and first since 2011 helping it to a 25-5 record and averaged 21,5ppg, 4,9rpg and 2,5apg and produced a fine double double of 22p/10r in the title game. Being able to win a title there is something he will never forget. ‘This meant everything to me because it capped off my high school career the perfect way. I made it to state 3 of my 4 years but I finally was able to win it my last year after having a really good individual season and I was able to play with some of my best friends and make memories. I was also able to play under great coaches who taught me a lot, especially assistant coach Illya McGee who I developed a great relationship with on and off the court’, said Jayvon Graves. He was named All-Ohio player of the year and Ceveland.com Boys Basketball Player of the Year as well. Having been able to play for Dru Joyce Sr was vital in his early development and just having the Joyce family present in his life then was massive. ‘Coach Dru has played a major role for my career, he trusted me to be the player I eventually became. He lets your role grow each year as long as you put in the work. He is a great coach but even a better person. Little Dru gave me some good lessons and even offered me some advice before I came to Limoges because he also played here before’, stressed Jayvon Graves. He also played AAU for the King James shooting stars.

Jayvon Graves and St Vincent St Mary´s head coach Dru Joyce Sr

Despite having NCAA offers from 13 schools, The Ohio native who lists Shai Gilgeous-Alexander and Markus Howard as his toughest foes in the NCAA opted to attend the University of Buffalo which was a great choice as he reached 2 NCAA tournaments and won the MAC title twice beating Toledo and Bowling Green. ‘ For me personally winning the MAC championship my sophomore year against Bowling Green was sweeter because I contributed a lot in that game and our team was really rolling as we were ranked 14th in the country so it was a great moment’, remembered Jayvon Graves. As a freshman he averaged only 16 minutes averaging 5,3ppg, 2,2rpg and 1,0apg. One of his first big moments was reaching the NCAA tournament and battling against an always tough Kentucky team losing 95-75 and had to duel against future NBA player Shai Gilgeous-Alexander. ‘Playing against Kentucky was a good experience. We had just beat a really good Arizona team the game before and played Kentucky tough all game. They had over 5 NBA pros that year. Shai was a tough match up because he controlled the pace of the whole game’, stated Jayson Graves. He made another jump in his sophomore season averaging 24 minutes and averaging 9.8ppg, 4.2rpg, 1.9apg, FGP: 55.4%, 3PT: 37.6%, FT: 62.5%. He reached the NCAA tournament again helping beat Arizona State, but then losing to Texas Tech. He had his best season as a junior as the school lost 3 key players to graduation and averaged 17.1 ppg, 5,4rpg and 2,5apg. He had a 33 point explosion in a double OT win over Kent State. ‘This game was my most memorable for sure because I had only 3 points in the first half. All of my family was in the stands because Kent State is only 20 minutes from where I live. Also they were a really good team’, added Jayvon Graves. In his senior year he put up solid stats again despite Covid being a pest for everyone averaging 14.2ppg, 6.1rpg, 3.8apg, 1.4spg, FGP: 48.8%, 3PT: 28.1%, FT: 57.5%. ‘The biggest challenge of my senior year was trying to get a rhythm. We never knew when a game would get cancelled or if some places would have fans in the stands. For school it was easier for me because every class was online so I had more time’, expressed Jayvon Graves. He played 56 NCAA games in his last 2 seasons and had 50 games where he scored in double figures. Another memorable game was beating Dru Joyce’s old school Akron 80-78 and registering a rare triple double of 13/10/11. He couldn’t of had all this success without the superior guidance of head coach Nate Oates who was also a big reason why he chose to play at Buffalo and Jim Whitesell. ‘Coach Oats and Whitesell have prepared me a lot for the next level. They made sure I focused on the details, always played hard, and held me accountable. To get on the floor a lot as a freshman and then start as a sophomore under Oats I had to play good defense. And under coach Whitesell he trusted me to make plays and he also put me in the position to develop into a point guard my senior year’, warned Jayvon Graves.

The ex Buffalo (NCAA) player who lists Michael Jordan, Lebron , Kobe, and Magic Johnson on his personal NBA Mount Rushmore began his professional career in 2021 and played a season with the Austin Spurs in the G-League. Often guys will choose the G-League first to get a taste of how brutal that first season can be and then head overseas. ‘The G League experience for me was good.In fact I was able to learn from good vets, play a key role at most parts of the season, and play against guys with a lot NBA experience and a lot of talent. We had eyes on us a lot of times in the year based off of San Antonio not being far away as well as the Covid outbreaks allowed for many call ups for guys throughout the season’, remembered Jayvon Graves. The G-League is a very tough league, because everyone wants to reach the NBA. Sometimes guys get lost in the shuffle. He did the most out of his situation. ‘When some guys were playing with us that the NBA team drafted a lot of times my minutes would drop as well as guys that had bigger names based off of already spending time in the NBA it could be tough but mentaly I stayed positive and was able to put up good numbers for many games throughout the season and showed what I can do with the minutes I got’, commented Jayvon Graves. He played 40 games with Austin averaging 7.4ppg, 3.0rpg, 2.4apg, FGP: 45.9%, 3PT: 36.7%, FT: 77.3%. He scored in double figures in 15 games. He had some good spurts like hitting Texas back to back with 20 and 18 points and later in his last game against them scored 16 points, but to keep consistency is just very difficult and getting that fair chance to be able to become a player that can score and get a good amount of shots because of all the players coming and going. ‘I think it all depends on the situation and organization you are in. You just have to control what you can control’, warned Jayvon Graves. He had a great game against Iowa with 16/8/8/4 stats showing what he can do when given the opportunity. ‘I think this game was in my top 2 or 3 games that year. I felt like I showcased my abilities all over the stat sheet and also that game I forced one of their players into many turnovers which is big for me because I pride myself on being a good defender’, remembered Jayvon Graves.

This season the guard who can’t mention just 5 great teammates of all-time simply because he has played with so many is playing his first season overseas with Limoges CSP Elite (France-Betclic ELITE ProA). ‘ This experience has been a pretty quick adjustment for me. I came into a situation with good teammates that have welcomed me and I have a good role on the team. I learned to appreciate the wins of each game no matter how they come by. Also the fans out here, the games are very intense and the crowd always shows their excitement at home games and on the road’, stressed Jayvon Graves. Despite putting up solid stats in the France Pro A with 8/2/2/1 stats and in the Basketball Champions league with 9/3/2/1 stats, he did have a wake up call to being overseas for the first time and also still getting adjusted to certain rules on the court. ‘The wake up call for me was Thanksgiving and Christmas being away from home from family seeing them all together and enjoying the good meals. I would say the biggest adjustment has been that there is no three seconds on defense so it’s more of a crowded paint when attacking but I think I have adjusted well’, said Jayvon Graves. Being overseas for the first time is never easy for an American and despite having missed the last few games because of a minor back problem, he is 100% again, it is having strong ties to other American vets like teammates Bryce Jones and Jovontae Hawkins that makes the whole overseas experience a lot easier. ‘ Bryce has been a great presence for me with him being a veteran overseas he’s told me good advice on and off the court. When he was hurt I had to step up into a larger role to begin the season and now that he’s back we’ve been battling and making each other better in practice. Javontae was my host when I took a visit to Fordham University and ever since then we kept in touch so whenever I got this opportunity to play with him, I was excited to be with someone familiar. He plays hard and is versatile he can do a lot of different things on the floor’, warned Jayvon Graves.

The ex high school state champion of Ohio who has Jordan and Lebron 1-2 on his GOAT list is a 190cm guard that compares his game to a trio of fine NBA players with Jrue Holiday, Donovan Mitchell, and Jamal Murray. ‘I watch a lot of different guys so not just one specific’, said Jayvon Graves. If you watch his game, it becomes apparent that he can do so much for the success of a team and not just one or two things. ‘I would describe myself as a versatile player that can do whatever the team needs to get the win’, stressed Jayvon Graves. His three point shooting is still a work in progress, but going in a positive direction as his goal is too hit that shot consistently and hold the 40% or better mark. ‘I work on my shot a lot, I think with the right shot selection that will hit the 40% mark very soon. I am in different roles and positions often so my shots come from many different spots. So I just have to keep trying to be consistent’, added Jayvon Graves. He is just at the start of his professional career and knows improving will be the key to reaching the highest level one day. ‘I’ve been studying film with someone after every game so there are a few specific things we’ve talked about trying to improve in the off season but in general right now I just want to stay consistent and aggressive’, warned Jayvon Graves. Lebron James is still going strong at age 38 and whenever he does retire, will without a doubt go out as the greatest skilled player of all-time. Getting asked about Lebron James must be a daily thing for him even overseas. One has to wonder how often he had the pleasure of shaking Lebron James’s hand and just indulging in small talk? ‘I have encountered him multiple times but it has always been positive. My freshman year he came and talked to us at practice and every year while I was there he came to at least one game a year just supporting us and telling us to keep winning and doing our thing’, remembered Jayvon Graves. It will be interesting how far a guy like Jayvon Graves will go in the next years in his quest to become the best player he can. One thing is for sure, Jayvon Graves will always have A few mindboggling stories to tell anywhere he is in his life about having special experiences with Lebron James.

Tags : JAYVON GRAVES, LIMOGES CSP ELITE, GERMAN BASKETBALL

You have to wonder how much American players suffered overseas before facetime. Back in the day not seeing your loved ones sometimes for up to 8-9 months was a tough pill to swallow especially for rookies. Sometimes guys weren’t even going home for Christmas and were lucky to get a Mcdonalds X-mas dinner considering in some countries like Romania didn’t necessarily have one on every corner like in cities in Detroit or Atlanta. So going home for the holiday season for at least a few days or even a week was a massive luxury. It isn’t any different in 2022. Granted having Facetime is an incredible invention, because you can see your loved ones on your phone, but it isn’t anything like the real thing coming off that plane and being able to hug your mom at the airport and begin discussing when your going to get your favorite home cooked meal. So it was a no brainer for American baller Jeremy Ingram (183-G-1991, college: AAMU) to return home to Texas to celebrate Christmas with his mom. But when your playing in the Regionalliga (4th division Germany) and the league is on a 2 week break, you want to get as much of time with your loved ones as possible. But sometimes that big heart and unending love for basketball will make you make decisions that others probably wouldn’t make. A few days after Christmas, he went from San Antonio, Texas to Bremerhaven on instant request to play in an exhibition game. ‘Basketball has been my safe place my whole life. It has gotten me through high school, college, and some of my best moments in life has been revolved around basketball. Crazy thing is , I still get the same feeling when I’m hooping now as I did when I was very young just falling in love with the game’, warned Jeremy Ingram.

But before we go to Bremerhaven, let me rewind back to the first half of the season of Ingram’s team Bargteheide. The season began with a brutal 77-76 loss where he contributed 27 points, but got injured. The explosive guard who is playing his seventh professional season had to sit and watch for almost 2 months and saw his team go 3-5. Despite having a losing record, he was extremely proud of their effort. ‘My team fought and worked everyday in practice. Even though they lost a few games when I was gone, they got better and improved as a team so when I did get back we were all ready to turn our season around’, stated Jeremy Ingram. He had never had a serious injury in his pro career until now and had to do a lot of soul searching, but his hard work in rehab rewarded him and his team. ‘I learned that at any moment the game can be taken from me so I should enjoy every single moment and never take playing basketball professionally for granted. I also learned that I am relentless and tough as nails because I was supposed to be sitting out until February but I came back early and have been playing on a slightly fractured left foot’, stressed Jeremy Ingram. The American finally return to action on November 19th leading his team to a thrilling 112-111 win over Westerstede where he exploded for 35 points. Big wins followed against Aschersleben and Rendsburg. He is putting up insane MVP type of stats of 28/5/2/6 in this period despite not being 100%. ‘I think I am a very important piece for my team and hopefully they feel the same. Everybody on our team is an important piece though and we going to need everybody to finish this season even stronger. I was actually playing those games on 1 good foot so I wasn’t even close to 100%, maybe like 70%. My foot is actually still slightly fractured. Hopefully its fully healed in the next 2 months’, added Jeremy Ingram. When you inspect his game, there isn’t much he can improve on except cutting down on turnovers, but he isn’t too worried about that area of his game. ‘I have the ball in my hands a lot and I am a very creative player with the ball so I will have a few turnovers. Turnovers is not a big concern for me because I actually do not turn the ball over a lot so I think I’m ok in that area. Since my injury I have been a step slow so I’m working on getting that back’, commented Jeremy Ingram. Winning is always his biggest priority, but also growth within the team is a big factor on his menu. ‘I would say our biggest goals is to finish the season very strong and have fun doing it as a family’, expressed Jeremy Ingram.

Miles Schmidt-Scheuber and Chris Cumings in Limburg in 2022

The guard who played at Alabama A&M went into the break averaging 26,3ppg, 5,0rpg, 2,0apg and 5,0spg. Even if he has many concerns about the state of his home country and is more than blessed to be overseas there is nothing like being at home. ‘I just think America is not really a safe place to raise a family right now. I love America but I think it’s just not right for me at the moment. Too many random mass killings, politically unstable and simply too much going on right now. So I think being overseas is what’s best for me. It was very important for me to go see my family for the holidays which was the main reason I went back for a week. And it was a good break to give my fractured foot more time to heal. I also love going back so I can eat a lot of American food’, warned Jeremy Ingram. Just being able to be able to go home from time to time and spend precious time with his mom is something that he wouldn’t trade in for anything. Just being able to sit down in the living room and remember the good old days when she would shoot out the lights on him in the front yard until a few years later he began blocking her shots is something that he doesn’t want to miss. ‘My mom pretty much raised me on her own, took me to all my games, supported me and stood by me when nobody else did so she deserves a lot of the credit to where I am today. She was always my biggest fan’, said Jeremy Ingram.

Jeremy Ingram and Miles Schmidt-Scheuber in Idstein in 2020

The ex TV Idstein guard who recently proclaimed that Luka Doncic is the oldest 23 year old player he has ever seen because of his smartness was home fueling up on his favorite food suddenly got a call from his old coach Chris Cummings from SG Mannheim if it was possible to come to Germany during the break to play in an exhibition game in Bremerhaven organized by Walter Kruso. When your able to play for your old coach, it is obviously a no brainer and combined having that special love for the game you can make the jump from San Antonio to Bremerhaven on instant request. ‘I’ve learned a lot from Chris. I learned a lot about basketball and about life in general. I also had my best season ever playing for him so he is not just a coach to me but a friend also’, warned Jeremy Ingram. One can say that he came and he conquered scoring 50 points in the game. He had to showcase his magnificent talent against various players from different leagues. ‘I would compare the level of play to the level of the league I’m playing in now. The other teams coach actually coaches in my league now. There were Reg players, a few former top league players on my team, and Pro A players. The other team played good but it’s hard to win when you let 1 person score 50 from the other team but they definitely were a decent team’, stated Jeremy Ingram. After the game, he took a lot of time posing for pictures and just enjoyed the moment. ‘I had so much fun performing in front of A big crowd like that. I enjoyed putting on a show for all those people and the atmosphere was electric. It was also nice playing with my homeboy D. McGee who is playing for Mannheim this season. We had fun out there together’, added Jeremy Ingram. It isn’t easy to score 50 points in a career except maybe when your Luka Doncic who hit 50 in 3 of the last 5 games, but he is in his own galaxy, but for the American he had been so close before, he finally got that 50 point chip off his shoulder. ‘I mean when I’m having these high scoring games I’m not really starting the game thinking to score 50 , I’m just trying to do everything I can to win. But this is my first 50 point game and I’ve had 49, 48, 47 so it felt good to finally get 50’, said Jeremy Ingram. There are so many talented guys in the Regionalliga looking to move up the basketball ladder, but there are few as humble as Jeremy Ingram. His chip is massive, but he knows he will get to a higher place. ‘There were some important people at the game definitely. I met a lot of important people, even top league coaches from other countries so I say it was a very successful event for me personally. I should have been playing in 1 of the top leagues by now but its ok I’m thankful for where I’m at now and I will just keep working even harder to get where I deserve to be’, warned Jeremy Ingram. He doesn’t have much time to reflect on his 50 point game as the season resumes next weekend against Wusterhausen. He knows exactly what his goals are for 2023. ‘I don’t usually make resolutions, but I’m declaring more success, better health for me and my family, and knowing this year is going to be the biggest and most successful year for my basketball career’, stressed Jeremy Ingram. If he keeps playing the way he is like a real MVP, then only good things will come his way.

Tags : JEREMY INGRAM, TSV BARGTEHEIDE, GERMAN BASKETBALL

Sometimes expectations of a player can be so massive especially when they begin to talk about themselves. Ego’s are everywhere and not only in the NBA. That Dirty Harry aka Clint Eastwood was very confident in his abilities was a given, but supposedly also captain Briggs played by versatile actor Bradford Dillman liked talking about himself as Eastwood calls him a legend in his own mind. But let me stick to basketball players. That NBA players have ego’s is a common thing and the higher you go on up the totem pole to the greatest of all-time the more inflated Ego’s go. Back in 2012 Bleacher report came up with a list of the most egotistical NBA players of all-time and I was surprised to see which guys were named at both ends of the list. First of all at #10 Shaq who I would of thought would be near the top of the list while at #1 was the great Rick Barry. As a kid in 1980, the only thing I can remember about him was being an almost flawless free throw shooter. Other guys on that list are legends like Jordan, Lebron, Wilt and Oscar Robertson. It is no secret that NBA players in general think very highly of themselves. It is simply a component that is needed for them to be successful on the court. But it isn’t only NBA players, but also guys who never made the NBA. It is often even those guys with chips larger than Mount Everest that think the world of themselves simply because they have been doubted their whole careers. Guys that did well in the NCAA and have to begin in some town in Germany with a meager population of 15,000 that play in the third or the fourth division. There have been many guys I have covered over the years that never had an ego problem. One guy that comes to mind is ex St Johns forward Ron Mvouika who played for the legendary Chris Mullin. This dude had a lot of talent, but never reached high levels in Europe. I can remember him telling me this in an interview. ‘A lot of people see some Paul George in my game. I take it as a compliment since he is one of my favorite players in the game actually but there are similarities in my game and his game. I don’t jump as high as him though and can’t absolutely not dunk the ball the way he does but outside of that, we have similarities. I probably pass the ball better than him though so Paul if you ever read this interview one day, know that’, said Ron Mvouika. Another guy who has sprouted big words has been rookie Isiah Small (202-SF-1998, college: Texas St.), but he even went a step further in mentioning an even more greater NBA player and a guy who is stated often in NBA Mount Rushmores With Magic Johnson. ‘My passing ability is way better than Magic Johnson, I believe I’m one of the best passers in the world The type of defender I am now is one of a kind, probably one of the best one on one defenders out in Europe & over the next years during my professional career I want to be known as one but yet the best defender that came across Europe’, warned Isiah Small who never saw the classic movie Coming To America.. Those are some gigantic words, but so far he has had a very potent rookie season in Germany with Pro B team Lok Bernau. It was only common that my expectations were huge when I saw Isiah Small play for first time in Rhondorf. He finished the game with 14 points, 8 boards, 4 assists, 2 steals and a block. I didn’t see the total Magic Johnson passing package, but he did unleash one no look pass that was sweet. I was very impressed by his versatile play as he made a big impact for his team at both ends of the floor.

Isiah Small who lists Quentin Grimes of the New York Knicks as his toughest cover in school was born on September 15th, 1998 in Jersey City, New Jersey and attended Henry Snyder High School. He then had to pay his dues and played at Seward County Community college and showed there what consistency is all about averaging 14.8ppg, 6.9rpg, 1.8apg, 1.3spg, FGP: 59.2%, 3PT: 28.1%, FT: 61.0% as a freshman and 15.0ppg, 6.6rpg, 2.2apg, 1.3spg, 1.8bpg, FGP: 62.5%, 3PT: 23.7%, FT: 56.7%in his second season. JUCO is for most guys a blessing in disguise, because it can be a torture for some, a roller coaster ride for others or a brutal time, but after it, players will never argue that is was a bad experience despite the growing pains. ‘For me it was probably one of the best experiences of my life. Because one that was my only offer and school that I had, they took a chance on me and I ran with it and never looked back. Basketball made the journey more fun because juco is a struggle mentally and physically even emotionally, you’ll go nights without eating or barely eating but with the teammates I had, we made sure we found a way that we all eat, being all alone away from your family sleepless nights. If you made it out of JUCO you’ll make it through anything in life! LITERALLY’, warned Isiah Small. He was an instrumental factor in helping the school reach the Sweet 16 and they definitely could have gone further had certain factors gone their way. ‘Nevertheless if we were fully healthy I truly believed that we would’ve won that whole thing, throughout the whole year we knew that we would be in that position but in our heads the outcome was different from what happened. I would never forget just being down at halftime and we all looking at each other knowing we were not at our full best but we didn’t come this far to lose by so much, so just try not to look at the clock and just cut each run short. From the start we weren’t playing at our best but in the second half we gave it all we got even though we lost, we created a bond that’s gone land will last forever, and how I went viral from stealing the ball off an inbound play and dunking on dude man. That was the best part of the game’, remembered Isiah Small. He then transferred to Texas State at San Marcos and played 3 years there playing a total of 84 NCAA games. In his last 2 years he averaged 10.9ppg, 5.7rpg, 1.6apg, 1.2bpg, FGP: 58.8%, 3PT: 42.1%, FT: 70.7% and as a senior 10.8ppg, 7.2rpg, 1.5apg, 1.1spg, FGP: 50.5%, 3PT: 28.0%, FT: 70.0% Despite putting up consistent stats in his last 2 years, he remembered his stay there as an up and down period. ‘My three years playing at Texas Sate, each year was a learning process for myself and my game, from my first year was just learning and trying to see where I can fit in at and try not to do much because we had one of the best players in the sunbelt with Nijal Pearson, everything ran through him. So I just stood back and watched the type of player he became and tried to install that into my second year, where things were kind of tricky and tough because of the coaching change, but we figured things out. I believe that was my breakout year & my final year was probably my toughest year, because everything just felt like things were falling apart, I wasn’t myself anymore, dealing with school, basketball and my mental health. I just had a love and hate relationship with myself and basketball that year but overall we won back to back conferences and went to the NIT. I believe each year put me in a position to understand that there’s different ways to develop your game, from watching and studying film, never losing confidence in yourself and just staying consistent and being fully committed’, stressed Isiah Small. He scored in double figures in 35 of 84 games including 24 points against La-Lafayette and 21 points against UT Arlington. Head coach Terrence Johnson played an important role for him becoming the player that he is today. ‘He prepared me to be mentally tough for any obstacle that can be thrown my way, from being on me every day in practice, not caring if I had a great or terrible game, he wouldn’t let me get too high or low. He always stayed consistent with being who he is and installed that confidence and consistency will get you through everything in life. He knew the type of player that I can be, always told me to turn the corner. He installed quotes in my head that I’ll never forget, but most importantly he made me embrace everything that’s difficult and not run from it. The things he used to say to me, I pass it along to my teammates and keep it with me forever’, warned Isiah Small who beat teammate Nighael Ceasar on a regular basis at 1-1 in practice.

Miles Schmidt-Scheuber and Isiah Small in Rhondorf, Germany after he dropped 14/8/4/2/1stats in a 77-69 win with his team Lok Bernau

The New Jersey native who lists Devin Bentley, Reggie Miller, Caleb Asberry, Nighael Ceasar and Tyrique Gordon as his 5 best teammates of all-time began his rookie season in Germany with Pro B team Lok Bernau that is also the farm team of Euroleague team Alba Berlin. One thing definitely hasn’t changed for him coming from Texas where eating steak belongs to the norm is that the food overseas and game continues to tickle his fancy. ‘The coolest thing about this experience on the court is that I get to play with lots of freedom and off the court experience is just enjoying my time being across the water. Eating different kinds of foods and visiting different restaurants’, expressed Isiah Small. He is playing on a very young squad that has some of Germany’s biggest talents with guys like Ellias Rapique, Rikus Schulte and Nils Machowski. He doesn’t take the opportunity for granted being able to challenge himself every day with highly talented guys. ‘ I just cherish everyday as a blessings to be a part of this program and just try my best to turn it around. I would say I have profited most becoming more of a vocal leader’, warned Isiah Small. It isn’t always easy for guys coming from the NCAA to get adjusted to European ball, but so far the American has shown that he can adapt quickly averaging 16,6ppg, 7,2rpg, 1,8apg and 1,3spg. Having had that NCAA experience also has helped the Swiss Army knife get the respect form the young Germans. ‘The skill level overall is completely different from playing with German’s & NCAA players. NCAA players are more one on one style of play and with Lok Bernau Germans are more team playing style. I believe that overall they all accepted the type of person I am. I won’t say role model but some players had questioned on what was college basketball like and the atmosphere’, warned Isiah Small. The 203cm forward who compares his game to NBA player Jerami Grant is a player that is flashy and that can do so much. He is sneaky, but at times also position-less, can hit the three, create for others and play great defense. ‘Put me on the court and no matter what position it is, I will find a way to make nothing turn into something’, warned Isiah Small. Even if he has a very healthy self-confidence, he is realistic enough to know that he still needs more work to do to get better. ‘I believe I’m still trying to adjust to overseas basketball, just with the footwork and pace being so different, I still don’t believe I’m playing to my best ability just yet. But once everything clicks it’s going to get scary, but my secret is telling myself everyday that I belong and to never take this opportunity for granted’, warned Isiah Small who has Kobe, Jordan, Lebron and Kevin Durant on his personal NBA Mount Rushmore. It will be interesting to watch where his journey will continue to go. He definitely has the skill level to compete against higher level players at higher levels. But the physicality gets even tougher the higher you go, so getting stronger should be a focus of his in the years to come. I definitely will be on the watch for some future fancy Magic like passes. But one thing I don’t understand is how you put a Kevin Durant over Magic Johnson on the NBA Mount Rushmore?.

Tags : ISIAH SMALL, SSV LOKOMOTIVE BERNAU, GERMAN BASKETBALL

If you’re a basketball fanatic living in Koblenz, the domination of the EPG Baskets has been refreshing and enjoyable this season. The club led by new coach Pat Elzie keep blowing away team by team week by week. Last week they destroyed the mighty FC Bayern Munich by 45 points, before that Erfurt actually only lost by 20 and before that Ludwigsburg were crushed by 56 points. There are seemingly no more close game in Koblenz. But the EPG Baskets Koblenz aren’t the only team making waves in the Pro B south, but if you have been in a closet then you may not have noticed that White Wings Hanau was actually sporting the best record in all of Pro B with an incredible 11-0 record. They also had been blowing out opponents at an alarming rate, but not as badly as Koblenz had. They are without a doubt the surprise team of the season as they are wining with a team that on paper couldn’t match the talent that Koblenz had. Hanau averaged 90 points per game and gave up only 73 points and were led by a trio of Furlong, Albrecht and Martinez who aren’t necessarily house hold names. On a very warm late December evening, the EPG Baskets Koblenz met the undefeated Hanau club and for a big change had to play catch up for 40 minutes something they weren’t used to and almost made it over the hump in the last minute but lost a heartbreaker 86-83 to the White Wings Hanau. After the tough loss, EPG Baskets Koblenz head coach Pat Elzie was very disappointed that his club couldn’t show a better performance. ‘Hanau played a good game and were prepared for us. We weren’t present in the first half. We had too many unneeded turnovers and missed so many easy shots. We played better defense in the second half, but it was too late. We had a lot of difficulty stopping the drives’, stressed Pat Elzie. The White Wings Hanau demonstrated from the get go that they were ready to play and just played consistent team basketball for 40 minutes. ‘It was a real dog fight. It came down to a couple of seconds at the end and we did all we could to get the win. We knew that they had never had to come back this season, but they played with a lot of heart. Bruno Albrecht (189-SG-2001) shot well as usual. We played well inside and our guards played well at both ends.Everyone contributed tonight’, smiled Bubba Furlong. ‘I’m at a loss of words. It was so nice playing in front of a full house. It was more sad that we lost’, added Brian Butler.

Bruno Albrecht from outside

Before the EPG Baskets Koblenz had even blinked, the guests already led 7-0. Koblenz looked like they crawled out of the wrong end of the bed. Big rugged center Bubba Furlong began with a hook shot over Butler and ex Rhondorf sniper Bruno Albrecht added 5 points. Hanau played smart finding their spots while Koblenz had little intensity. The EPG Baskets finally got on the scoreboard at the 7,14 minute mark as ex easyCredit BBL player Dominque Johnson dropped a trey. Koblenz slowly began to find their game while Hanau had a lapse which allowed the home team to crawl back. Butler was really key in this phase as he made a dunk and a heads up play catching an airball for the lay in and Koblenz trailed 9-7. Butler had a great game with 17 points and 14 boards and won the duel against Furlong in the paint as he only had 10 points and 3 rebounds, but the American had his moments against Butler. Butler was disappointed after the loss and wasn’t impressed by the battle with the best center in the Pro B. ‘It was a normal match up for me. Our game plan was to get him in foul trouble and we did. We had a lot of trash talk, but it was nothing special’, said Brian Butler. But Hanau found back to their game and went on a 8-3 run to lead 17-11. In the run they got key free throws from Bruno Albrecht, Philipp Hecker and Philipp Walz as well as an old school hook shot from big Soren Urbansky. After 10 minutes the White Wings Hanau led 19-14. ‘Hanau played very clever and executed their set play. We weren’t attacking the rim aggressively and couldn’t execute the easy things’, stated EPG Baskets Koblenz manager Thomas Klein.

Marvin Heckel at the FT line

In the second quarter the White Wings Hanau continued to keep the lead and led by as much as 9 points, but couldn’t completely shake the EPG Baskets. Even if Koblenz was inconsistent, they would have some positive spurts here and there as American Alani Moore contributed a trey and German forward Moritz Huebner supplied a 20 footer as they trailed only 20-19. But the White Wings Hanau continued to execute at a good rate while defending well and went on a 10-3 run to extend their lead to 30-22. In the run, the guests recieved solid support from German Sebastian Brach who scored twice inside while Bubba Furlong made a tip in and ex Pro A player Tim Martinez also scored with a lay in. The White Wings Hanau were seeking the 1-1 play and executed with this annoying self-confidence and high rate of execution that must of given Pat Elzie severe head aches. The EPG Baskets continued to fight and on offense searched for better shots. They retaliated going on a 6-2 run to Trail Hanau only 32-28 as Brian Butler scored in traffic, Johnson made free throws and Niclas Sperber scored on transition something Hanau did well taking away in the first half. Koblenz wasn’t able to hold this momentum as Hanau closed out the second quarter going on a lethal 9-1 run to lead 41-29 at the break. Hanau continued to play smart getting a lay in from Urbansky against the zone, a catch and pop jumper from Sebastian Brach and 4 of 5 free throws from Bruno Albrecht who was tearing apart the EPG Baskets Koblenz. ‘Albrecht was so calm and nothing rattled him. He always made the big plays. We had no rhythm. This was our worst half of the season. Hanau played at a high level on offense and were physical on defense. We took way to many unqualified shots and were starting to force things’, expressed Thomas Klein.

Bruno Albrecht at the FT line

In the third quarter both teams combined for 51 points, but Hanu still kept their nose in front and the EPG Baskets Koblenz couldn’t get over the hump. Pat Elzie must of told his boys something right, because they came back on the court reborn and rattled off a rapid 9-0 run in only 1,22 minutes to cut Hanau’s lead down to 41-38. In the run, Koblenz got support from Leon Friederici who supplied 5 points while Johnson made a lay in and Moritz Huebner scored on transition. ‘We were more physical and were able to play transition. We also went to get the rebound. We showed what is possible in a minute of play. The arena got warm’, said Thomas Klein. But the guests showed how quickly basketball can be a game of runs as they slapped Koblenz back with a 8-0 run to lead 49-38. In the run the guests got back to back three’s from Bruno Albrecht and Philipp Hecker while Walz made a big dunk. The EPG Baskets Koblenz did a better job taking away the drive, but couldn’t stop the three. Now the game really turned into a game of runs as the EPG Baskets countered with a quick 8-2 run to be back in the game. In the run, Koblenz got continued good play from Brian Butler who scored 2 baskets while Johnson made a catch and pop shot and Alani Moore connected on a runner as Hanau led only 51-46. But once again as Koblenz had the momentum on their side, it was ripped away again as the guests had a good offensive phase scoring 10 points leading 61-52. They hit 2 more three’s as Albrecht and Walz connected and also got 2 clutch buckets from Urbansky who was the beast and gave excellent support for Furlong who was in foul trouble. Butler continued to be hot scoring twice including a monster tip in dunk. ‘Soren had a big night. I knew he would get the job done when I was in foul trouble. He took over the game’, commented Bubba Furlong. In the last minute, Sebastian Brach made a trey while Moore made a step back jumper and Friederici a three pointer to trail only 64-57. ‘We executed well on offense and continued to battle on the defensive end. I think that we defended so well because we followed the scouting report and knew their plays’, stated Bubba Furlong. ‘We took away their drive and what do they do? They hit unbelievable deep three’s. We gave up easy baskets and couldn’t control Bruno Albrecht‘, stated Thomas Klein.

Brian Butler driving to the hole

The EPG Baskets Koblenz never gave up and just continued to chip away at the Hanau lead in the fourth quarter and it came down to a last second shot for overtime that didn’t want to fall. The EPG Baskets Koblenz began well going on a 4-0 run to trail only 64-61 as Heckel made a runner and little used Leo Saffer a dunk and suddenly the arena was boiling. But as so often happened in the game, the EPG Baskets once again were so close, but couldn’t get over the hump as the guests strolled out on a 9-3 run to lead 73-64. After another deep trey from Albrecht, the White Wings Hanau showed again why they are such a great paint team as Urbansky scored twice and Furlong once. Again it was time for Koblenz to rally and they went on a 6-0 run to trail only 73-70. Leon Friederici supplied 4 points as he found his spots and Heckel remained aggressive and made 2 free throws. But Koblenz had mental lapses and allowed a 7-0 run. Two baskets from Hanau led to 2 forced shots that were missed. Hanau got continued big support from Albrecht with 5 points and lay in’s from Walz and Urbansky as Hanau led comfortable 82-70 with 3,18 to play. Koblenz never gave up and smacked Hanau with a brutal 8-0 run as they stepped up their defense got steals that led to easy baskets. Friederici once again had the hot hand supplying 6 points while Johnson made a lay in as Koblenz trailed only 82-78. Furlong stopped the run with a bucket as Hanau led 84-78. With a minute to go, Koblenz got back to back baskets from Johnson and Friederici as Hanau led only 84-82 with 33 seconds remaining. With 9 seconds remaining, Brian Buttler made only 1 of 2 free throws. Walz made 2 free throws for the 86-83 lead. The EPG Baskets Koblenz had one more attempt for OT, but missed. ‘We took the mistakes off the table in crunch-time. We cut down on the easy mistakes in the third quarter. Walz made a big rebound to help secure the win’, stressed Bubba Furlong. ‘I give a lot of respect to Hanau. We had an uncontrollable fight. We had too many passive plays which allowed easy baskets. The game was lost in the first 3 quarters’, stressed Thomas Klein. The White Wings Hanau were led by Bruno Albrecht with 29 points. Soren Urbansky added 14 points and Phillipp Walz and Philipp Hecker had 11 points a piece while the EPG Baskets Koblenz were led by Leon Friederici with 20 points while Brian Butler added 17 points and 143 boards. The White Wings Hanau shot 48% from the field and 31% from outside and had 40 rebounds and 17 turnovers while the EPG Baskets Koblenz shot 46% from the field and 21% from outside and had 37 rebounds and 14 turnovers

Tags : BRUNO ALBRECHT, EBBECKE WHITE WINGS HANAU, GERMAN BASKETBALL

photo credit White Wings Hanau

I have to be honest when you watch an incredible team like the EPG Baskets Koblenz on a regular basis this season, it can be difficult to keep certain other factors in perspective in the Pro B south. The 9-0 EPG Baskets have been blowing away opponents this season at ease the same way Luka Doncic does his defenders this season. They have without a doubt the best team on paper and this season with the help of new head coach Pat Elzie have put it all together and most likely if nothing goes completely wrong will move up to the Pro A. But wait a minute the EPG Baskets Koblenz aren’t the best team in the Pro B. It is actually the White Wings Hanau who have an unbelievable 11-0 record. Yes 11-0. The White Wings Hanau are 11-0. No disrespect to the organization, but if someone had told me in August 2022 that this team would be 11-0 shortly before 2023, I would of laughed and said that’s like believing now that the Detroit Pistons will turn it around in the second half of the season. Bubba Furlong (206-C-1999, college: NWOSU) actually had a good feeling about the team in late summer and would have had his thumbs up if someone had predicted a 11-0 start. ‘I would’ve believed them, even though we’re young we have a lot of great talent and we play well together’, smiled Bubba Furlong. The big man also has a simple recipe that has made the success become a reality. ‘We come to work everyday and try to get better. We believe we can win then it’s just up to making the right plays and paying attention to scouting reports’, warned Bubba Furlong. If one looks at the roster and compares it too many other rosters in the Pro B south, one recognizes that the club lacks experience and well known players. What does Bubba Furlong say to those haters that say his team is a group of no names that are overachieving? ‘I would say if we’re a team of no names, maybe our names should be known and the others whose names are known should be the no names. We’ve had to work hard for the success we’ve had this year. We have a great roster’, warned Bubba Furlong.

photo credit White Wings Hanau

I reach Bubba Furlong who played 2 seasons at Sam Houston State University (NCAA) on a mild late December morning as he is basking in the 11-0 success of his team. Life is very good as he was able to welcome his mother and sister who came from the States to spend time with him in Hanau for the holidays. Basketball life is obviously a lot more enjoyable when your winning and so far this season everything has come together nicely. The club racks up 90 points per contest and on defense found an identity quickly and allows only 73 points per game. They had a few lax defensive games, but fortunately for them, they scored over 100 points per game. They have kept teams to under 70 points 6 times. ‘I would say we’re defensively aggressive all the time. We like to constantly change things on defense to keep teams guessing’, stressed Bubba Furlong. The guy who deserves a lot of credit is Spanish head coach Marti Zamora-Mas who already did a fine job leading Hanau into the playoffs last season, but couldn’t get by a strong Munster team. This season the team has made huge steps and the chemistry was developed rapidly as the club came together on and off the court. ‘Coach deserves a lot of credit and puts us in the position to be great on the court and our scouts are on point to where we can be better prepared in game. We do team stuff outside of basketball, like dinner, or going to the Christmas market all together. Little things like that help, but we also hangout by ourselves some which definitely helps’, expressed Bubba Furlong.

photo credit White Wings Hanau

The ex Northwestern Oklahoma State University (NCAA2) center who is totally flashed by Luka Doncic’s 60 point game and is one of his favorite players has had a great supporting cast this season. One of the main scoring options has been young German guard Bruno Albrecht who is averaging 20,3ppg and already showed signs of his talent in Ehingen and Rhondorf keeps being consistent. It will be interesting to see if his game can translate to the Pro A in the future. ‘Bruno can shoot it lights out! And his ability to create his own shot in the one on one has really been successful’, said Bubba Furlong. Two other key supporters have been German Sebastian Brach who is averaging 11,6ppg, 5,8rpg and 4,3apg and ex pro A player Tim Martinez who is averaging 11,0ppg, 3,0rpg and 1,9 apg. ‘Tim & Manny (Sebastian) have been key because they bring great offense and defense every night! Really need guys like that to make a team great’, expressed Bubba Furlong. And where would the White Wings Hanau be now without Bubba Furlong? That is a good question. He never got a chance in the NCAA and then moved to the NCAA 2 where he proved he could be a big time player. Now in the Pro B he is proving that he be a lethal contributor and hardly needed any adjustment time. ‘ I just had to let the game come to me. European basketball is very different than American basketball. Once I let it come to me it was just about putting the ball in the basket’, stated Bubba Furlong. So where does he rank the Pro B in comparison to the NCAA 2 in terms of skill level and the competitive level among teams? ‘ Pro B is a higher level, there’s differences though. In the states it’s about athleticism. Athleticism only gets you so far here. You have to have a high basketball IQ and talent. Athleticism here is just a plus’, added Bubba Furlong. He had a slow start, but then started scoring consistently in game 3 until now. He has understood how he can be successful on a regular basis in the Pro B. ‘I’ve used my size and my mobility to my advantage. Most bigs can’t move, but I’ve never been just a big man. I can dribble, pass, shoot. And I’m not afraid to guard your best players’, warned Bubba Furlong. Currently he is averaging 14,5ppg, 9,5ppg, 2,4apg, 1,7spg and 1,4bpg. He scored 21 points against the Wizards and Leitershofen and has registered 5 double doubles. He is confident he can average a double double this season. ‘I always say it’s hard to find rebounds when there’s a lot of makes. But definitely just got to keep chasing the ball’, stressed Bubba Furlong. Before the season he stated that he wants to become the defensive superior threat to all offensive players, but so far his shot blocking hasn’t been as dominant as it was in school. But he is confident that he will grow in the second half of the season. ‘Shot blocking here is different from in the states just continuing to learn and get better’, commented Bubba Furlong.

photo credit White Wings Hanau

The EPG Baskets Koblenz has been advertising the big showdown of the season weeks ago for the FC Bayern Munich game on December 17th which was nice as they crushed Germany’s most famous club, but really the real showdown of the season is today against the White Wings Hanau. Combined both teams are 20-0, but tonight after 40 minutes, there will only be one winner and one undefeated team. ‘It will be a dog fight. And it will come down to which team makes less mistakes, and who wants it more. We’re sticking to our game plan. We will be ready’, warned Bubba Furlong. The big man is a rim protector and will have his hands full with the talented and quick Koblenz guards like Alani Moore and Marvin Heckel. Did he do anything special when scouting against these skilled players? ‘I scout them like any other players. They’re great players, but I’ve been playing against great players my entire life. They lace their shoes just like I lace mine’, stressed Bubba Furlong. One great match up will be 2017 easyCredit BBL slam dunk champion Brian Butler who is the man with the fancy moves against the Athletic big Bubba Furlong. He definitely knows who Butler is and knows that he will have to sparkle and be ready. ‘I’ve seen his film. Just will come down who wants to win more’, warned Brian Butler. It will definitely be a battle and the EPG Baskets Koblenz will have their hands full. Obviously Bubba Furlong would love to go in 2023 with a big road win and 12-0 record, but does he have any New Year resolutions? ‘Cherish the little things and be better next year than I was this year’, warned Bubba Furlong. If Bubba Furlong is better in 2023 than 2022, then look out, because all Pro B teams will have to do extra in the second half of the season as both he and the White Wings Hanau will continue to want to prove all doubters wrong.

Tags : BUBBA FURLONG, EBBECKE WHITE WINGS HANAU, GERMAN BASKETBALL