Jeremy Ingram (183-G-1991, college: AAMU) is a191 cm guard that was born in Alabama and has played his entire professional career in Germany for teams like Speyer, Idstein, Bensheim and recently SG Mannheim.This season he is playing for Regionalliga team Bargteheide. Last season with SG Mannheim he picked up South West Regionalliga player of the year while averaging (32.1ppg), 5.7rpg, 4.2apg, Steals-4 (2.6spg), FGP: 55.4%, 3PT: 35.4%, 9%. He began his career with Enterprise State Community College (JUCO) and then finished with Alabama A&M University (NCAA). He teams up with Miles Schmidt-Scheuber on a weekly basis this season to talk basketball.
Bargteheide suffered a tough 97-63 loss to tough team BG Berlin. You got ejected from game. Was this the first time it happened in your career?
Yes I have never been ejected from a game in my life until now but its ok. It happens to the best of them.
Talk a little about the 40 minutes. Did BG Berlin set the tone from the start or did they decide the game later in the contest?
They started the game off on a 15-0 run so they pretty much controlled the entire game.
BG Berlin have a very impressive roster with ex BBL players Seiferth and Fuelle, ex Pro A player Jean Louis and top regio player Shawn Scott. What made this team so hard to defend against? Well players 1-10 were pretty much all good players. You can tell they spent a lot of money on this roster. Especially since the substitutions that came in was just as talented as the starters.
Bargteheide shot a weak 12% from outside at 4/31. What was giving your team the biggest problems in the set play?
We just didn’t have a good pregame warmup which didn’t help and for some reason we just could not knock down shots in this beautiful gym for some reason.
You scored 10 points and shot 3/18 on the night. You were really pumped for the game. Was this one of those nights where you weren’t feeling it?
I was getting hit and undercut on at least 50% of my jump shots. Players were running into me which is why eventually got ejected but I guess since I’m much quicker than most people on the floor I don’t get those calls.
Please talk about the ejection from the game. How did the refs see the call?
The refs were letting me get hit or players was running into my body and hitting my elbows while I was shooting almost every shot. It’s weird because we all saw it , my coach was talking to them , I was also numerous times. They kept letting it happen which was very frustrating and I’m usually always even kill in a basketball game. Then I get a clean steal which they called a foul so I had just had enough of them and my emotions got the best of me. Even though I didn’t go directly at the ref, they said I threw my hands up so I got 2 technical fouls for reacting to 2 horrible referee calls.
You next battle Westerstede that have 5 less wins. A must win situation?
If we want to make the playoffs we now have to win every game the rest of the season.
Florian Wendeler (205-C-1993) is a 29 year old 205cm center playing his 5th season for the Dragons Rhondorf and currently averaging 5,0ppg and 4,1rpg.. He began his basketball career with the Bayer Giants Leverkusen. He also has played with teams Cuxhaven, Bochum and Cologne. He is in his 10th Pro B season and has played more than 200 pro B games. He spoke to germanhoops.com last summer about basketball.
Thanks Florian for talking to germanhoops.com. Welcome back to Rhondorf. You played there from 2013-2017. What did you miss most from having the Dragons jersey on?
Definitely the atmosphere in a packed DragonDome and the great fans supporting the team. From what I’ve seen in my two games in Rhoendorf last season, there are mostly the same guys who already been there five years ago, so I think it won’t be too hard for me to reconnect with the fans.
After leaving the Dragons you went to raise your game in Cuxhaven, Bochum and Cologne. Your 28 years old. What were the main reasons for coming back? Could you imagine ending your career with the Dragons?
I had a great time playing in Rhoendorf and met a lot of great people there that are still good friends, so I always kept Rhoendorf in great memory. Now I got a good opportunity to find my way back to Rhoendorf and I have a good feeling that we will have a great time again next season. Since my focus already shifted a little bit towards my career after Basketball and I don’t know how many years I got still left to play on a professional stage, I can very well imagine my self ending my career in Rhoendorf.
When you played with the Dragons you never averaged more than 19 minutes and was a role player. With what kind of expectations are you coming back to Rhondorf?
I just want to find a good role for myself that I feel comfortable with and that helps my team to win games. I won’t care too much about playing lesser minutes if that’s what it takes to be successful as a team. But I definitely think I am a better player now than when I left and I can probably call myself a veteran by now so my role will definitely change to my first stay in Rhoendorf.
Do you feel like you are ready for a bigger offensive role or are you happy with the smaller role?
Like I just said, I take it as it comes and just want to contribute as much as I can. But I think I already showed especially in Cuxhaven and Bochum that I can raise my numbers with a bigger role so I would definitely be ready for that.
How excited are you to be playing together with the Senegal sensation Ousmane Ndije? He could be the next NBA player?
Since we played him last season I know what big of a talent he is and he could definitely be one of the best young players in Pro B. So, if we actually play together next season, I would definitely be excited to see him help us win games.
What kind of player were you in 2017 when you left Rhondorf and what kind of player have you become in 2022? In 2017 I was still a young rather unexperienced player with a lot of upside who wasn’t really sure what basketball still had left for me. Now five years later I am definitely a more complete player who knows his strengths and weaknesses and how to help a team. I probably improved in all aspects of the game and still got the same fire and hustle in me to bring that on the court.
Your 28 years old now. Would you say that you are in your prime now? What kind of a player do you still want to become?
Since I started playing basketball rather late, I think there is still a lot for me to improve on. I feel like I still got a lot of potential left when it comes to basic basketball skills like shooting or ballhandling. And I can still run and jump and got the same power so there is definitely still some upset left.
You played the last two years with the RheinStars Cologne. How tough were these 2 years for you with Covid? Do you feel like your game could still grow despite the tough times?
Covid was definitely tough for everybody. At least in professional sports we were lucky enough that we could still play and fulfill our job. But it obviously wasn’t the same with limited or no fans at all. But basketball wise I don’t think that much changed. We still had the same practice schedules and routines than we would have had without covid. Motivationally it was tough for me because just like most athletes you go through your practice week with the goal to be ready to perform in front of a big crowd and do your best to win games. Games with a great atmosphere in packed gyms is the highlight for every athlete.
What kind of an experience was it being teammates with Vincent two two Golson? He has made the next step to France. What do you remember being your most fondest moment with him? Two two is a great guy and obviously a really talented basketball player. It is crazy to see him breaking defenses apart with his speed and skill level and get all kinds of finishes around way bigger guys. Already in the first season we played together he was one of the best players in Pro B until his injury and when he came back last season he was an even better player. He got a great work ethic and I wish him all the best for his future career.
You also played 2 seasons in Bochum. In your first season you averaged 13,6ppg. Did you realize in that season that once you get more minutes and trust from your coach that you can be avery good player?
My first year in Bochum was the best season of my career no doubt. We had a great team chemistry with amazing guys in and around the team so for me playing basketball was a lot of fun that season. I am very thankful for Gary Johnson (who was a big reason to convince me to come to Bochum) and my teammates that year because they always trusted and supported me 100% which was a big factor why I could put up these numbers. I actually realized that already the year before with Cuxhaven but Bochum was the next important step to perform even better with a better team and a well-functioning club.
In Bochum you were teammates with oldie Marco Buljevic and talented American Montrael Scott. Talk a little about your memories of these guys and their importance then to the team? Marco and Monty are both great guys and I really enjoyed playing with them. Marco helped us probably more with his experience and his character. He is just a really funny guy who is absolutely great for the atmosphere around the team. Unfortunately I didn’t play that many games with him because of all kinds of injuries he had during that time but he is still an amazing and absolutely reckless shooter and could also help us on the court in the games he could play. Monty on the other hand was a more quiet but still funny and nice guy and obviously talented basketball player. Since we struggled a bit with injuries on the guard position in that season, he was really important for us as a ballhandler and playmaker and did a great job with that.
In 2017-2018 you played for Cuxhaven averaging : 9.2ppg, 6.4rpg, 1.2spg, FGP: 55.4%, 3PT-3 (57.1%), FT: 67.2%. This was your break out season. How important was this season for your self-confidence?
Yes I would definitely say, this was my breakout season. To move to Cuxhaven was a very important step for me personally and basketball wise. I knew that I had to change something after my last season in Rhoendorf and Cuxhaven gave me a great opportunity to get a fresh start. Just like in Bochum I had a coach in Markus Roewenstrunk (now Jackson) who gave me a lot of trust and confidence. That combined with a bigger role and more minutes was a big confidence boost for me. Although we weren’t successful as a team, it was still a great season for me personally because I finally knew how good of a player I can be in a bigger role.
You were a young player with Rhondorf the same way Viktor Frankl-Maus was. How was it for you guys in those early days. What kind of a relationship did you have with him on and off the court?
It was a really great time back then. We had a great mix of older experienced and young but talented guys. For the younger guys like Vik and me we had to show in every practice and game that we were ready to play and deserve more minutes from the veteran guys. So we worked hard and had a great competition within the team which I think helped everybody a lot. And the veterans helped us with their experience just how it should be in well working teams. Since we also lived together for two years together with Sascha Tratnjek we had always had a close and good relationship and I was really looking forward to play with him again in Cologne. Unfortunately that didn’t work out as planned due to his injury.
You were also teammates with a young Kostja Mushidi who had a tough youth but now has made it into a good BBL player. Did it surprise you that he was able to overcome all adversary and become a good player after all? He was one of the biggest talents in Germany back then. So I would have been more surprised if he wouldn’t have made it into a good BBL player. But of course it wasn’t always easy for him to find his spot but he seems to be on a good way now.
How important were coaches Boris Kaminski and Christian Mehrens in your early development as a player? How did they help you most?
They were both very important for me. Boris Kaminski gave me a chance to play major minutes in a very good Pro B team when I was still a young and raw player. And Christian Mehrens is probably the biggest reason why I developed some kind of Post-Up game and footwork by now. He really taught me a lot in my early career and was the best big man coach I could hope for. But one other Rhoendorf coach was even more important for my basketball career. Matthias Sonnenschein was the reason why I actually started playing basketball with 15 years old and put a lot of effort in to get me to a level that allowed me to move on to play NBBL in Leverkusen and start my professional career.
What was it like battling Aaron Nelson on a daily basis? Did you win any of the battles?
He was definitely a tough matchup who was really hard to stop offensively. He had various ways to score and most of the times found the right way to score. So he might have won most of the battles in practice. But I definitely found my ways to score as well so I tried to make his life in practice as hard as possible. And I made sure that I won a couple of battles too.
You begam your basketball career with the Bayer Giants Leverkusen. You lost by 40 points to the Fraport Skyliners Juniors and played against future Euroleague players Johannes Voigtmann and Danilo Barthel. Would you have thought then that they could reach that level’? They were amazingly talented at that time and already great players in their young age. And Frankfurt showed to be a great club developing young German big guys which they definitely did with these two. So yes I thought that they could have a great career in basketball. But it takes a lot more than talent to become a high level Euroleague player and they managed to do just that so nothing more to say than congrats on a great career so far. And I can still enjoy watching them play on TV now.
Who was the toughest player that you have faced in your career on the court?
I have faced a lot of great players over my career like current NBA players Dennis Schroeder or Daniel Theis (who was a really tough matchup in my first seasons in the pro B) or like you just mentioned current national team players Joe Voigtmann and Danilo Barthel. But the matchup that was the most memorable was probably in my Pro A season with Rhoendorf when we played Baunach (Farm Team Bamberg) with Johannes Thiemann and Leon Kratzer. They were both still young but already very talented. In the end we lost the game by more than 40 points and the two bigs combined for over 50 points and 25 rebounds and we stood absolutely no chance.
Please name your 5 best teammates of all-time?
Basketball wise I definitely have to mention Josh Parker in my first Pro B season with Leverkusen where he won the MVP and had the biggest impact that we won the championship. He’s the player who impressed me the most over my career. Another great player and human being I had the joy to play with is Fabi Thuelig who was our absolute key player in my first time with Rhoendorf. But when we talk about being a great teammate on and off the court I got to name Felix Engel and Mark Gebhardt from my time in Bochum just to name two alongside a lot of other amazing guys I had the pleasure to call my teammates. But like I already said this season really stood out for me and these two are just players that every coach and player would love to have in their team.
How far will Germany get at the 2022 European Championships?
I think Germany got a strong roster right now and it seems like all the guys want to play the European Championship. So I really think Germany could be ready for a surprise. I would like to see Germany maybe compete for a medal and I think it’s their best chance over the last couple years.
It is often that a player will have 1 or 2 things that will stick out most in their career and it it isn’t any different for new Fraport Skyliner Derek Cooke Jr. (206-F/C-1991, college: Wyoming). Especially his ex NCAA school Wyoming won’t forget Feb 11, 2014 where the then junior unleashed a brutal throw down dunk against San Diego State University that reached ESPN Sports Center play of the day. Back then it was current NBA player Larry Nance Jr who supplied the dime. For Cooke the whole scenario was kind of amusing since he usually never got those kind of plays during games, but saw them on a regular basis in practice from Nance jr. ‘He can supply the dunks. He is a very athletic player that plays above the rim. He needs to have that point guard that will see him roll and all he needs to do is it pass up and Derek will do the rest. Fans will love him. He is always smiling and plays with positive energy’, warned ex Fraport Skyliner Tyrone Ellis. The other thing that stands out in his resume is his passport activity as he has been a globe trotter since he turned professional in 2015 and in this season is on the move again as he jumps form Italy to Germany for his second stint of duty. Last season he played 3 games for Brose Bamberg and now starts a new chapter with the Fraport Skyliners where he will have his hands full. Dunks are always nice for the highlight reel and fans, but the first order of business is for the club is to remain in the easyCredit BBL and Derek Cooke Jr. could be an instrumental part of that if he can play his hard nosed game under the boards at both ends of the court.
Derek Cooke Jr. who would like to work with kids one day was born on August 23, 1991 in Washington DC and grew up on Fort Washington. He attended Friendly High School and was playing football loving the Atlanta Falcons and not basketball. He wasn’t a star his senior year and then took a year off and worked 2 jobs at Target and Hollister. He then by chance slipped into basketball as Cloud County Community College head coach Chad Eshbaugh gave him a scholarship. He was able to work on his skills while competing for minutes and then was rewarded with a 3 year division 1 career at the University of Wyoming. There he played a total of 100 NCAA games and was able to improve his scoring and rebounding each season and helped lead the team into the NCAA tournament in 2015 for the first time since 2002. He turned professional in 2015 and since then has played for 12 organizations and played in countries like Greece, Australia, Canada, Belarus winning the league title with Tsmoki-Minsk (Belarus-Premier League) , Israel and Italy. He began the season with Nutribullet Treviso Basket (Italy-Serie A) playing 17 games averaging 7.5ppg, 7.0rpg, 1.1apg, 1.1spg, 2FGP: 50.5%, FT: 34.0%. He also had his time in the G-League playing two seasons with the Northern Arizona Suns and with the Raptors 905. He had the privilege to play for ex Fraport Skyliner guard Tyrone Ellis who helped win Frankfurt’s only BBL league title in 2004 and coached him in Arizona. Ellis coached him more than 6 years ago, but still remembers his first impression of him and what he thinks of him when he hears his name. ‘My first impression was that he was a big athlete. He is a great young man. He is very professional and has that big smile. He is a great athlete that is very coachable’, stressed Tyrone Ellis.
Miles Schmidt-Scheuber and Tyrone Ellis in Frankfurt in 2005
When one inspects the stats of Derek Cooke who has a game comparable to a Kenneth Faried or Tristan Thompson, he doesn’t necessarily stand out as a scorer, but is a player that does other vital things that helps a team be successful. ‘He does things that don’t show up on the stat sheet. He keeps plays alive. He sets good screens and is a great locker room guy. He does a lot of the dirty work and brings a lot of value to the team’, warned Tyrone Ellis. He will take a lot of pressure of young Dutch 221cm giant Matt Haarms especially rebounding the ball an area where Frankfurt has had difficulty doing this season. He will bring certain special assets to the offense system. ‘He is a big finisher above the rim. He rolls very hard and puts a lot of pressure on the weak side. If you have a shooter and point guard then you will usually always get a dunk or open three’, stated Tyrone Ellis. He has had a long career and one thing that stands out is that he has never averaged a block per game in a season. What kind of a defender is he? ‘He isn’t a shot blocker. He is a good pick and roll defender and is very good at altering shots’, stressed Tyrone Ellis. He is definitely the kind of player that Frankfurt needs right now. He is sprouting with experience and is ready to give his all to a team clinging to life. ‘Derek is a constant positive energy in the locker room. And he is always willing to do the dirty work. If the point guard plays pick and roll then Derek will get guys open and attack the rim’, commented Tyrone Ellis. It may have been a long time since Ellis last worked with Cooke Jr, but the memories will always remain on and off the floor. ‘I loved watching his evolution in the G-League. He came in as a raw talent and then was invited to the Suns camp. It was just great seeing him develop. I will also never forget meeting his family. The excitement the family had to see their son play pro ball was great. You could see that he was a mentor for his younger brothers’, remembered Tyrone Ellis. It will be interesting to see where the journey will go on the court for Derek Cooke Jr. and the Fraport Skyliners. How much he will be able to make an impact in the tough home game on Sunday against the Telekom Baskets Bonn is uncertain. But he will definitely bring energy on the floor and give the fans something to smile about when he unleashes his thunderous dunks. The Fraport Skyliners will definitely be stronger under the basket against Bonn.
Christopher Miller (192-G-1993, college: Salem) is a 29 year old 193cm guard from Brooklyn, New York who is playing his eighth professional season and first with GoldCoast Wallabies NLB (2nd League). He played 3 seasons with the Giessen Pointers (Germany-RegionalligaThis season for Bensheim he averaged 19,5ppg, 3,8rpg, 2,0apg and 1,5spg. He has had experience in countries like El Salvador and Bosnia. He recently played for the South Shore Monarchs (TBL) playing 8 games averaging 22.4ppg, 5.6rpg, 4.3apg, 1.6spg, FGP: 50.8%, 3PT: 35.0%, FT: 83.3%. He began his basketball career at Clinton Community College and also played two years at Salem University (NCAA2). This season he teams up with Miles Schmidt-Scheuber with weekly chats about his basketball season.
Congrats on the huge 90-47 win over Baeren. Was this more than just a normal day at the office?
Anytime we can put a win of this margin together should be celebrated. We came in focused and kept it over the course of the game.
How important can a blow out win be so late in the season?
It is very important things are clicking well for us and it shows that we are hungry and ready to take care of business.
Talk a little about the 40 minutes. How quickly did the team decide the win? Was it over by half-time?
We started off hot from the beginning playing great defense. Led the whole game. Our coaches really did a great job preparing us for this game.
Obviously defense won you this game. What do you feel was the biggest strength on the defensive end on this night?
We communicated and played with intensity. We had very little miscommunication and rebounded well.
Wallabies totally crushed them on the boards securing 16 offensive rebounds. Was this one of the best rebounding games of the season? Our bigs have really stepped up and started rebounding like crazy. They are the reason for this stat for sure.
You had another solid game with 28/5/2/2/2 stats. How happy were you with your game?
I’m happy that I was able to contribute to the win. Most importantly but I’m never satisfied with my play.
On the offensive end it seemed like you picked your spots well again.
My goal is to simplify the game and be aggressive. I’m happy the efficiency is showing. I want to score big but not take a lot of shots to do so.
You next play Grand Saconnex a team you beat by 34 points. What will be key to getting the win? The Key to this game is respecting our opponent. Just because we won easily before doesn’t necessarily mean it will be the same . We have to stay humble, focused and execute our game plan.
Conley Garrison (185-G-1999, college: Furman, agency: GoEmpire Group) is a 24 year old 185cm guard from Bolivar, Missouri that is playing his first professional season with the VfL SparkassenStars Bochum (Germany-ProA) currently averaging 14,5ppg, 4,7rpg, 4,3apg and 2,0spg. He began his basketball career at Bolivar High School and then played at Drury (NCAA2) from 2017-2021 playing a total of 111 games and averaged 17,0ppg in his last 3 years there. He played an extra season at Furman University (NCAA) playing 33 games averaging 9.6ppg, 4.1rpg, 2.5apg, 1.3spg, FGP: 62.5%, 3PT: 42.2%, FT: 77.1%. He spoke to germanhoops.com about basketball
Thanks Conley for talking to germanhoops.com. Congrats on signing with the VfL SparkassenStars Bochum (Germany-ProA). What is the greatest thing about being able to call yourself a professional player?
I think the best thing is the realization of a lifelong dream. It is still weird for me when people ask what I do for work, and I get to respond that I’m a professional basketball player.
What do you know in general about the country Germany and it’s basketball? There have been some guys that have played in Germany like Brandon Lockhart, Brandon Kimbrough and Cameron Adams that had played at Drury. Did you reach out to anyone?
I am not very familiar with Germany, but my wife has been doing a lot of research. I have spoken a little with Brandon Kimbrough, who coached me for two years at Drury. He has given really good advice!
What was your impression of head coach Felix Banobre in your first talks? What did you appreciate most about his basketball philosophy?
Everything I’ve heard about Felix has been positive. I’m really excited to be playing for a coach with as much passion as he has.
You’re a 185cm guard. If you had to compare your game to a NBA player who would best fit the description?
I like to compare my game to Patty Mills. I think a combination of Patty Mills and Alex Caruso would best describe how I play.
Your shooting really stands out. You shot better than 40% in 4 of 5 college seasons. But you are so much more than a good shooter. Talk a little about your game and what other strengths you have?
I am a player who plays as hard as I can at all times and I also make a lot of hustle plays to go along with my ability to shoot the ball and make plays.
You have a very good IQ and have versatility. What kind of playmaker are you now and what kind of playmaker do you want to become?
I think I am a good playmaker in transition but I would like to become better in the halfcourt.
You are also a very good defender. Is it fair to say that you’re a two way player? How much of a factor does your defense play on a night where your shot isn’t falling?
I was taught to never judge your performance based on how well you shoot the ball, because sometimes shots just don’t fall. You can always control your effort, which I believe is 90% of defensive success.
On what areas of your game are you working on most now as you continue to improve your game?
I am working on having more of a scorer’s mindset.
You played at Drury (NCAA2) from 2017-2021. How vital were these 4 years in your basketball development? What kind of player were you in 2017 and what player were you when you left in 2021?
These years were important as I was able to diagnose my weaknesses at an early age and use the facilities on campus to really improve.
You reached the GLVC final in 2019 and 2021. Which final loss was more bitter?
2019. We had won 12 in a row to that point and it didn’t feel like we were going to lose again.
You had so many great games at Drury, but was your explosions against Mckendree or Illinois-Springfield your fondest moments on the court?
My favorite memory at Drury was a conference tournament game against the one seed in 2019. We won in overtime after being down by 7 points in that overtime period.
You then played an extra season in the NCAA with Furman University (NCAA) averaging 9.6ppg, 4.1rpg, 2.5apg, 1.3spg, FGP: 62.5%, 3PT: 42.2%, FT: 77.1%. What do you remember being your biggest adjustment coming from the NCAA2?
The biggest adjustment was the different role I needed to serve for the team to be successful. At Drury, I was a scorer and playmaker. At Furman, they needed shooting and toughness, which I thought I did at a high level.
How tough was not winning a title in school? You reached the SoCon final losing a bitter 64-63 game to Chattanooga. What will you always remember about that game?
A crazy game. That is why they call it March Madness! I will always remember the feeling I had after that game as I’ve used it for motivation plenty of times already.
You had many memorable games in the NCAA, but was your 19 points in the exciting 70-69 win over Wofford your favorite?
Individually, yes. That game occurred on Senior Day in front of a lot of my family against our rival in Wofford. My overall favorite game was the conference semifinal game. I love the win or go home games.
How did head coach Jimmie Williams give you that extra push to help groom and prepare you for a professional career?
Jimmie has been amazing for my development. He has been a great coach and great friend since the season ended.
Who won a 1-1 in practice you or Carter Whitt?
Carter came in this past offseason, after I had already graduated.
Who was the toughest guy besides your brother that you have faced on the court that reached the NBA?
I have only played against a handful of NBA players, but there weren’t any that caused me too many problems.
Please name your 5 best teammates of all-time? The most enjoyable teammates I’ve had:
Brandon Emmert, Cal Hartley, Lane Duncan, Andrew Ballock, and Alex Hunter
Please list your personal NBA Mount Rushmore?
MJ, LeBron, Kareem, Bird
Where do you rank Steph Curry now in the best point guards of all-time? –
I think he’s the best ever.
What is your opinion of the neverending debate of who is the greatest of all-time Jordan or Lebron?
Jordan
Did you see the sequel to the classic Coming To America? Shouldn’t they have left it alone?
Mubarak Salami after dropping 25 points in the big comeback win over the BSW Sixers Feb 18, 2023
Over the last years I have had the habit of liking to talk often to the same player after games from the home team. In Frankfurt I like to rap with Skyliner legend Quantez Robertson simply because he tells it how it is. In Rhondorf a few years ago I liked talking to Curtis Hollis and since last season, it had been captain Paul Albrecht. He is a guy who is always in a good mood win or lose and can be funny also. But he recently got hurt, and I had to find someone else. The first game after Albrecht was out, I had a lengthy chat with American Devon Goodman. I do prefer Americans, but after the Dragons Rhondorf last home game where they came from behind to win 97-90 against the BSW Sixers, I asked head coach Julius Thomas to get Mubarak Salami (198-SG-1996). I had interviewed him before last season via email, but never often face to face. Last season, I met him for the first time and right away found him to be a friendly guy. He recently had come from Pro B north team Wolmirstedt to help the Dragons Rhondorf slim rotation for the stretch run. I remember greeting him at his first Dragons game for him against Iserlohn and that warm smile hit me. Last weekend against the Sixers the German had just had his break out game with the Dragons scoring 25 points and being an instrumental player along with Goodman in the win. He gave great insight to the win in my post game interview. When I was done, I thanked him for his time and said ‘see you at the next game’. Unfortunately that would be my last encounter with him. Mubarak Salami tragically died on Feb 24th in a brutal car accident near Hannover, Germany. I found out at 10:30 pm Saturday night and was in total shock. It was so sad. I’feel so sorry for his mother and siblings.
The scoring ace who has Nigerian, Ghana, Swedish and German roots was a guy that had seen many different basketball places, but mostly in the north of Germany near his home base Hamburg. He began his basketball career at TSG Bergedorf and played with the Sharks Hamburg U-19 team. He was discovered by Suekran Gencay who pretty much steered him in the right direction when he needed it most. ‘Suekran helped me to take basketball seriously, to see it from a different perspective and to show me what potential I have. I grew up in a rather bad environment, didn’t trust anyone, used to be very wild and messed up a lot. Suekran had a hard time with me, but over the years I’ve learned to express my emotions with basketball and to put my strength into it’, expressed Mubarak Salami in 2022. In the following years he got experience playing with Regionalliga teams like VFL Stade, Basketball Club Rendsburg and The TSV Neustadt Temps. Early in his career he also had the privilege to play for Pat Elzie and the Itzehoe Eagles. ‘Pat Elzie is an incredible coach. It was my first time getting to know organized basketball and Pat taught me an incredible amount in a short time. I am very grateful to him for that’, stressed Mubarak Salami in 2022. He really blossomed the last 2 years totally exploding with the Eimsbuetteler TV Hamburg (ProB) leading the Pro B in scoring with 26,0ppg and 28,0ppg under the guidance of Sukran Gencay. I and very many people always wondered why was this exceptional player not playing in higher leagues? He was simply way to good for the Pro B.
The walking bucket who had role models like Dirk Nowitzki, Allen Iverson and Kobe Bryant of course was on the radar of numerous teams in the Pro A and had offers from easyCredit BBL teams. But he chose a very big and noble role over being a possible bench player in the BBL. Having 2 or 3 siblings can be a difficult task to handle for a mother and father, but what about 6 siblings? That is an unbelievable high number and above the norm. Imagine having to be the perfect single parent? His mother was a single parent and he chose family over his own career. He became the father figure running the house hold for years and being there for his kids at school functions. This makes his death even more tragic as the big brother leaves 6 younger siblings all who adored him. There are some heart warming videos on his Instagram page showing how much his siblings loved him. After sacrificing the game for years to help his mom raise his siblings, he decided to continue to go on his mission to climb the basketball ladder and moved away from Hamburg. But that decision was only made when he 100% knew that he could leave the family. His siblings were growing older and he was confident that one of his siblings could take over his role and help mother with younger kids.
Miles Schmidt-Scheuber and Mubarak Salami in the Dragon Dome in 2022
It was time to show the basketball Germany that he could help winning clubs win and not just score 40 points on any given night for a losing team. He began in Wolmirstedt where he averaged 14.1ppg, 5.3rpg, 3.4apg, 1.1spg, 2FGP: 63.8%, 3FGP: 16.7%, FT: 65.2% and helped post a 5-3 record. He then moved to Rhondorf in Jan 2023 where he averaged 13,0ppg, 4,0rpg, 2,2 apg and 1,4spg. In both places he proved that he isn’t an ego player something some felt he was because of his high scoring and many shots he took for other clubs. But that wasn’t the case at all. When he played for losing teams, he was the best on the club and his teammates relied on him taking full responsibility. This season in Wolmirstedt and Rhondorf he demonstrated that he can take a back seat for the good of the team. He showed in both places that he has a knack for knowing when to score and when to facilitate. He was especially motivated to become the best passer that he could studying the passing of guys like Luka Doncic, James Harden and Lebron James. He had his best game of the season in his last game against the BSW Sixers where he helped stage an incredible comeback producing 25 points and hitting 3/5 three pointers an area he wasn’t known for striving in. He shot 37% with the Dragons the highest ever in his career and seemed to be adjusting well to the team and to his game in his new environment. It would have been so interesting to see where the Dragons Rhondorf would have landed with Mubarak Salami in 2022-2023. But unfortunately we will never know.
I will always have fond memories of him. He left a lasting impression on everybody. ‘I’m very shocked and saddened to hear about the death of Mubarak. I talked to him before the season and recruited him to come to Koblenz, but we couldn’t come to an agreement. We always stayed in touch with each other over all these years. He was a huge talent and a very nice young man. My prayers go out to his family and friends. Rest in peace Mubi. God bless’, stated EPG Baskets head coach Pat Elzie. I remember knowing of him the last years, but had never seen him play live. Last season I was so excited to finally see him play for the first time in Rhondorf. We did an interview a few days before the game and he gave me great information about his game and career for my telecast. He and Eimsbuettel had no chance in Rhondorf losing 116-74, but he produced 33/7/6 stats. In January 2023 I was so happy when he signed with the Dragons Rhondorf. Now I could finally see him more. I will never forget seeing him again in the Dragon Dome in his first game against Iserlohn. He gave me that warm smile that was so infectious and something his siblings will only remember in their thoughts. He was a guy that profited from his penetration. There was a reason why I nicknamed him Mr Drive in the last games whenever he scored a bucket. He had a secret to why he was so successful to being able to score in traffic and just be unstoppable. ‘I mainly developed my scoring moves through instincts while gambling. And when I realized how good I can actually be, I worked a lot on these moves and developed them further. This resulted in some unconventional moves that are not easy to defend’, warned Mubarak Salami in 2022. I interviewed him after the big win against the BSW Sixers and will forever remember my last encounter with him. He was a good guy with a real good heart. We will forever miss his breathtaking drives to the hole, but moreover miss the person Mubarak Salami the most. I would like to send my condolences to the Salami family. R.I.P. Mubarak Salami.
If you entered the Eisbaeren Bremerhaven arena last Saturday afternoon and saw a bunch of old Eisbaeren players coming together once more to play the game they love in front of their fans for the club 20 year anniversary celebration, you would of seen a player where one could of yelled in excitement ‘Who was that’. There was a 37 year old player who was all the over the court and exploded for 33 points and one could of thought that it was still 2010 or 2011. The still athletic player who still had his impressive offensive game going at full throttle was Torrell Martin (196-SG-1985, college: Winthrop). He played his last professional game in the 2014-2015 season. He was back to play a friendly pick up game with ex teammates like Terrell Everett and Lou Campbell and it seemed like he had never left. He played 3 years in Bremerhaven from 2009-2012 and had many memorable games. I had to back track a bit, but after finding an old article I had written, I came upon a game from November 2011 where he and the Eisbaeren visited Frankfurt and won a defensive battle 63-55 as my title said it all with ‘Torrell Martin doesn’t need to display traffic dunks but shows his taste of Ray Allen’ meaning he can shoot the ball well and doesn’t always need to dunk for the highlight reel. ‘I try to motivate Martin to be like Ray Allen to come off screens and use his athleticism and hit open shots’, warned Jamison Brewer after the game in 2011. Even current Fraport Skyliner legend and lifer Quantez Robertson had his two cents to say about how Martin made massive shots in the last 2 minutes including an in your face jumper and catch and pop jumper to decide the game in favor of Bremerhaven. ‘We were unable to get back on transition defense and Torrell Martin got off some screens and hit easy baskets and got them going at the end’, stressed Quantez Robertson. Even more than a decade later Torrell Martin remembers just how much of a pest Quantez Robertson was. ‘I will never forget Quantez Robertson. He pushed me so hard. I always went hard at him and to see him still playing is a lot of motivation’, stated Torrell Martin. Martin had many great memories as a professional player, but it’s no secret that his 3 best seasons were in Bremerhaven.
Torrell Martin began his basketball career at Airport high school and then had an illustrious career at Winthrop (NCAA) from 2003-2007 winning 3 Big South conference titles and being MVP twice. He also helped lead Winthrop to 3 NCAA tournaments and in his last 3 seasons averaged 14,0ppg and 5,0rpg. After playing NBA Summer League in 2007, he began his professional career with the Orlando Magic, but got cut and then headed overseas and played his rookie season with ASCO Slask Wroclaw (Poland-DBE) averaging 10.2ppg, 5.4rpg, 1.5apg, 1.7spg, 2FGP: 57.8%, 3PT: 38.5%, FT: 69.0%;and played 12 ULEB Cup games averaging 10.7ppg, 5.3rpg, 1.2apg, 2.0spg, 2FGP: 46.3%, 3FGP: 41.8%, FT: 69.2%. In his second pro season he split time with Kepez Bld Antalya (Turkey-TBL) averaging 13.0ppg, 6.7rpg, 1.2apg, 1.9spg, FGP: 49.0%, 3PT: 29.4%, FT: 75.0%, and played with Kavala/Panorama (Greece-A1) averaging 10.4ppg, 5.5rpg, 1.4apg, FGP: 48.8%, 3PT: 31.0%, FT: 40.0%. Then came his hey day with the Eisbaeren Bremerhaven where he played from 2009-2012. Despite playing 3 seasons with them, he only played a total of 74 games as so often in his career, injuries played a role. The most successful season was the first where the team reached the semi-finals losing a tough 5 game series to the Deutsche Bank Skyliners. ‘That team was very special. We were so locked in that season. We just came up a bit short’, remembered Torrell Martin. His last 2 seasons weren’t as successful anymore and he also had more injury woes, but he still had some potent games against teams like ratiopharm Ulm, Alba Berlin and had some huge games against Frankfurt. He definitely will always have the Eisbaeren Bremerhaven in his heart. ‘Bremerhaven were the 3 best years in my career and the best city that I played in. Injuries did play a role because I could never give the city my full abilities. But I gave them enough for them to see I gave them all my worth. I wish I could of given the city a championship’, warned Torrell Martin.
If one looks at the rosters of the Eisbaeren Bremerhaven in the years from 2009-2012, it is in a way shocking that the club didn’t have more success and were unable to bring a championship to the diehard fans. Martin had incredible teammates every season including some ex NBA players and very skilled German players. He definitely won’t forget those years and his former teammates. ‘I had a great point guard with Lou Campbell and Jeff Gibbs was fire. I had so many other great teammates like Kevin Lyde, Rodney Buford., Brandon Broks, Phil Zwiener and Jan Lipke’, stressed Torrell Martin. He also will never forget how the fans treated him especially after he came home and felt like an MVP. ‘My fondest moment was when I was snubbed of MVP at the allstar game. I had 24 points and 6 dunks but they gave it to Kyle Hines. Much respect to him. He is a monster. I wanted to bring that back to the city. When I came back for the next game the fans were chanting MVP as if I had got it. I really appreciated that’, stressed Torrell Martin. One guy who didn’t return to the Eisbaeren Bremerhaven 20 year anniversary was jeff Gibbs the smallest center to ever play in the easyCredit BBL as he incredibly is still active and playing his 21st professional season at age 42 and 13th in a row in Japan. ‘He is a warrior. I knew back then that he would play a very long time. He had a different kind of motor. He is the type of guy I compared myself to with that motor’, said Torrell Martin. On the court he also remembered some fierce battles, but his favorite wasn’t against top teams Alba Berlin or Brose Bamberg. ‘Playing BG Goettingen in the playoffs and beating them there in that atmosphere. That whole series was crazy. I loved it. They had some great players and were really fired up. We gave it to them. Shout out to my boys Chris Oliver and Chester Frazier’, added Torrell Martin.
His time with the Eisbaeren Bremerhaven came to an end in 2012. After that his resume looks like one of a basketball globetrotter. He played his last 3 years in France for 6 teams like Sluc Nancy Basket Pro (France-ProA), Entente Orleans 45 (France-ProA), Chorale de Roanne Basket (France-ProA) and Elan Bearnais Pau-Lacq-Orthez (France-ProA). Stat wise one would have concurred that he lost his form as injuries played a role again, but he didn’t see it that way. ‘I did find my form, again. They thought I was done in Germany. It took me about a year to find my coordination again. I took a lot of contracts and played with many teams. At that point of my career with no kids or pressure financially I did what I wanted to do’, remembered Torell Martin. After the 2014-2015 season he surprisingly retired. He was 30 years old and in good shape, but he had other plans. ‘I didn’t feel like I was too young to retire. You start to play very young in the states and then play at college for free. So if you can play 6-7 seasons then it’s very good. My body was shifting and it told me to get the best of life. That is what I did and I was able to build my training company. Incidentally I built up my body while I was building up my company. I stopped playing early so I could chase my other career. My body was tired but not done. I had had a batchelor of theater and went out to California. I wanted to be more than just an athlete.’, warned Torrell Martin who believes that it is ridiculous to compare Jordan and Lebron as for him there will always be 2 GOATS. So what has Torrell Martin been doing with his life since retiring in 2015? He continues to build his training company that in 2023 has branched out to 8 countries. He lives half the year in Spain and the other half at home in the States where he has a fitness center. He also knows that he will be forever be linked to Bremerhaven and the fans even in the future. ‘Stay tuned there is more to come I will be back multiple times each year. I will have craft camp coming out soon as well as an App, so watch out for that. Every day training with me. This is something where people can learn my moves and much more about the game. So you can be an overall better player. I will be selling that on my website’, said Torrell Martin.
Torrell Martin returned back to Bremerhaven, but one thing was definitely different. The club no longer is in the easyCredit BBL something that definitely takes getting used to. It is no secret that when you had your most success as a professional and had your longest stint with an organization, that you will still have ties to everybody involved there. ‘I didn’t follow it to much the last years but I did check in with certain players. The most important thing for me was keeping in contact with the fans. There is new management now so I have become locked in and hope to continue to have a good relationship with them’, stated Torrell Martin. One could of predicted that he would return back in great shape, but that his basketball skills would still be immaculate was something that one didn’t necessarily count on. But one adage that he still had and most American ballers have is their self-confidence. 33 points was definitely not enough for him. ‘I thought I was going to drop 40 points. I scored 33 points and could of scored more, but I opted for some assists. The game was fun. The thing that I enjoyed most was seeing the guys and their families. I still don’t have an immediate family of my own, because I’m still building my dynasty. Being able to see Craig Callahan play in front of his son who was born in Bremerhaven meant a lot to me’, expressed Torrell Martin. Ex opponent John Bynum who played with the Eisbaeren Bremerhaven but years before Martin did predicted that Martin would come best in shape and he was right while Martin saw another player in pretty good shape as well. ‘Terrell Everett was in best shape. I wasn’t surprised but more proud. What many don’t know, he and I worked out like crazy before the game. We weren’t playing games, but were very serious’, warned Torrell Martin. He couldn’t play against John Bynum again last weekend, because he was hurt and served as an assistant coach. He also couldn’t dunk during the game. ‘John and I had many battles back then. It would have been fun if we had played together again. I can still dunk really well today. I chose not to dunk in the game because it hurts my body more now when I jump high. That is how I was able to reinvent my game over the years by not having to jump high. But if someone tries me I will dunk on them’, warned Torrell Martin. One thing is for sure Martin’s athleticism and traffic dunks will definitely never be forgotten in Bremerhaven.
Josh Boutte (198-PF, college: Angelo St., agency: BIG) is a forward that is playing his third professional season and first with the EN Baskets Schwelm. Last season he played with the TuS 59 HammStars (Germany-Regionalliga) averaging 17.5ppg, Reb-2 (14.1rpg), 1.7apg, FGP: 59.1%, FT: 43.5%. He played his rookie season with MC El Brasil Santa Ana (El Salvador-Liga MB) averaging 20.0ppg, 20.0rpg, 2.1apg, 1.7spg, 1.3bpg, FGP: 46.1%, FT: 61.1% and played with KB Lipjani (Kosovo-Superliga) averaging 13.0ppg, 11.8rpg, 1.7apg, 1.3spg, FGP: 57.1%, FT: 31.6%. He began his basketball career with Westgate High School and then played two seasons with Dodge City Community College (JUCO) averaging 16.0ppg, 10.6rpg, FGP: 63.1%, FT: 47.2% and in his second season averaged 16.0ppg, 11.7rpg, FGP: 58.2%, FT: 46.7%. He then played a season with Sam Houston State University (NCAA) averaging 5.5ppg, 3.3rpg, FGP: 61.6%, FT: 66.7% and as a senior played with Angelo State University (NCAA2) averaging 7.1ppg, 7.2rpg, FGP: 52.6%. He spoke to germanhoops.com about Lebron James becoming the NBA all-time leading scorer. .
Lebron James has beaten Kareem Abdul Jabbar’s NBA all-time scoring record. Did you stay up to watch history? Most Definitely, my role model as a kid coming up
How does one put this record into perspective best? It stood almost 40 years?
I would say the dedication and the love for the game. Love the game it’s going to show love back
He scored 36 points in 26 minutes. Was it another normal day at the office?
Yes this one he came out with it on his mind like always
How much is that ball going to be worth?
I would say millions!!!
Russell Westbrook made the pass. Do you think that in 20 years the pass could be remembered more than his triple doubles?
No his triple doubles will Always stand out first
His record breaking basket was a step back over Kenrich Williams. Is that the kind of shot you expected knowing the kind of player he is? Or would you have expected a dunk for the spectacular finish?
The step back came in his prime years but the signature Tomahawk would have been icing on the cake
There obviously is a lot of respect for Kareem, by the basketball world, but what would have happened on social media if Lebron had gotten the record with a sky hook shot?
The media would have went crazy! That’s what everyone thought the last shot was going to be
Kareem is such a gentleman. You didn’t grow up with him, but what does his legacy mean to younger guys? Can they even understand what that guy did?
I know he was a humble guy and a walking bucket with those hook shots, no one back then or in today’s era could have stopped him. One of the best legacy ever.
Lebron will have more than 40,000 points when it’s all over. Back in 1984 people said it would never be broken? Will this record be broken?
I think it’s possible
If Luka Doncic continues to play to 40 stays fit and becomes a physical specimen like Lebron, could he dethrone him?
Most definitely but that’s tough because bron spends millions on his body every season
Does this record finally give Lebron the GOAT status over Michael Jordan? Yes. Lebron never missed a season. That’s tough!
What is your favorite Lebron moment that you witnessed live or on TV?
When he went back and won that championship in Cleveland! And he shouted ‘Cleveland this one for You!!!
It is no secret with all the incredible shots and passes Luka Doncic has done that he would be crowned Magic. He is on his way to possibly becoming the GOAT, but not only on the court is Doncic incredible, but also off the court he has a big heart for his fans. One could imagine that after having to put up with fans day in and day out in the NBA, that his humbleness and generosity could have waned a bit over the last years, but it hasn’t. No matter where he goes, someone wants a piece of that Luka Magic. It wasn’t any different at the 2022 Euro when he was in Cologne with Slovenia and no matter if before or after the game, he always had time for his fans in front of the team hotel. I witnessed it myself and it isn’t only fans and journalists like myself, but also teammates that are amazed by his humbleness. Imagine coming to Madrid as a 16 year old from Sweden and a year later at age 17 being teammates with Luka Doncic with Real Madrid. That is exactly what happened to Swedish national player point guard Melwin Pantzar (190-PG-2000). He had the unbelievable honor to witness Doncic play his last season in Europe before going over the pond to conquer the NBA. So often you see Luka Doncic sporting that massive smile on photos or on camera where you just wish he could be your best friend. Pantzar was able to experience exactly how humble of a guy he was when he played his first ACB game. ‘Luka was a great teammate. I remember when I made my debut with the first team, he was the one who took a selfie with me after the game and congratulated me. Which was a wonderful gesture. He treated everybody the same way even being a superstar. He tried to help the younger players always’, remembered Melwin Pantzar. Not many guys can boast that they were able to practice with Luka Doncic on a daily basis. I would have guessed his mid range game or passing would have been that are where he would of soaked up the most from. ‘His passing and how he was able to move with his own speed. You can see it today in his game, that he plays at his own pace, which is amazing’, stressed Melwin Pantzar who once guarded him in the World Cup qualifiers when Sweden played Slovenia.
Luka Doncic signing autographs at the 2022 Euro in Cologne
Melwin Pantzar who lists ex NBA player Shane Larkin as his toughest foe in his career besides Luka Doncic was born on April 20th, 2000 in Valsta Sweden. He came to Real Madrid in 2016 and would remain 3 years. In his first season he played with their farm team averaging 5.0ppg, 1.9rpg, 1.3apg and played also for the junior team. In his second season he finally made his ACB debut and also continued to play for Real Madrid 2 (EBA) and made a massive jump averaging 11.4ppg, 3.5rpg, 2.6apg, 1.0spg, FGP: 46.7%, 3PT: 31.8%, FT: 85.9%. He had some huge games in the EBA scoring 26 points against Guadalajara and 22 points against Almansa. He also played 3 ACB games playing a total of 33 minutes and scored 4 points in 20 minutes against Gran Canaria. He began that game and for him being nervous was an understatement. ‘Yes I was and still I am. But you just got to play it through’, warned Melwin Pantzar. Americans that come overseas always have a wake up call to being overseas for the first time and for him he obviously had a wake up call to being a member of Euroleague team Real Madrid. ‘It was a dream coming true. Seeing some of the best players in Europe each and every day. It was kind of a shock in the beginning but then you get used to it. My wake up call was when I started to play 1on1 with Sergio Llull’, remembered Melwin Pantzar. In his last season he was able to only get into 5 ACB games and made his Euroleague debut against Baskonia scoring 3 points and dishing out an assist in 8 minutes. His 3 years in Madrid was obviously an eye opening experience and one he will never forget especially learning the art of basketball every day from Spanish national player Sergio Llull. ‘When I left to Real Madrid I wasn’t really a pure PG. But when I came there they tried to teach me more how to take care of the team. When to attack, how to set people up and lead the team. Sergio Llull was the first person I heard about arriving to Spain. And seeing him playing at that level he did when he won EL MVP was just amazing. Always making the clutch shots, a true inspiration’, added Melwin Pantzar‘.
The defensive specialist who lists Facundo Campazzo Dee Bost Sergio Llull Jeffery Taylor and Edy Tavares as his 5 best teammates of all-time then made the move to RAS Monaco Basket (Jeep ELITE ProA). Here he had tough competition once again as he played only 5 Pro A games averaging 3.2ppg, 2.0rpg, 1.2apg while also playing 1 Eurocup game and also playing with their U21 (France-ProA U21) averaging 12.9ppg, 5.4rpg, 5.4apg, 2.8spg, FGP: 45.8%, 3PT: 10.0%, FT: 77.6%. He even achieved a rare triple double against Le Mans in the youth league. Once again he profited much and remembers 2 people helping him immensely along the way. ‘It was a really good experience, even though cut short due to COVID. But I loved it there, Sasa Obradovic who is an amazing and really demanding coach taught me a lot of things. Especially on the defensive end. It was good for me to play with the U21 team. Norris Cole was a great guy, he tried to help me out when he noticed something I did wrong. He brought positive energy every day’, remembered Melwin Pantzar. He won’t only never forget guys like Doncic, Llull and Cole, but also living in world class cities. ‘Madrid is a really big city, so you could explore it more. I was there for 3 years so I had my restaurants that I got to know with time. Monaco was smaller, but very beautiful, especially the water’, remembered Melwin Pantzar. After playing for top organizations Real Madrid and Monaco, the young Swede took a step back to play with Real Valladolid Baloncesto (Spain-LEB Gold). Sometimes taking a step back later results in being able to take 2 steps forward. So far this decision has paid off as he has continued to raise his game each season and currently is averaging 15,7ppg, 3,5rpg, 3,6apg and 1,8spg. ‘It was the most important decision of my career until now I would say. After almost not playing in my last year in Madrid and just playing a bit in Monaco I really needed to take a step back and enjoy just playing basketball again. I’ve gotten way more confident in my game, had coaches who believed in me, was allowed to make mistake and getting more mature when it comes to reading the game’, stated Melwin Pantzar. Being able to play with against very talented Spanish players as well as in one of if not the best second division overseas has helped him mature and develop further. ‘It’s been a great experience, Spanish players are really smart and read the game very well, which is what I needed to get better at. The league is physical and high pace. I don’t think they really care which country you from, but more how you play the game. I would say Leb Oro is an underrated league. There are people here that I know for sure would be able to play in the highest leagues in Europe. You could see how good the teams are also, for example when teams go down from ACB, how hard it is to go up again’, commented Melwin Pantzar.
The talented guard who has Dwyane Wade LeBron James MJ and Shaq on his personal NBA Mount Rushmore played for all Swedish youth national teams and won the Addidas Next generation tournament in Munich in 2018. ‘A fun memory that I will remember all my life. Playing international at that age was something big. Just seeing how big basketball is and how many big talents Europe have. I would say Goga Bitadze, Deividas Sirvydis and Theo Maledon stood out’, remembered Melwin Pantzar. He has been part of the Swedish national team since 2020 and is a part of a young core of players with Bobi Klintman, Pelle Larson, Elliot Cadeu, and Kenny Photo who are the future of Swedish basketball. Just like with club basketball, he continues to make strides and develop further with the Swedish national team. His minutes and responsibility continue to climb. ‘My role was mostly defensive at the beginning, matching up with the other teams best player. But with time the coaching staff gave me more and more freedom on offense also, setting up my teammates and attacking the rim. I don’t really think about that right now, I’m happy as long as I can contribute and we winning games’, stressed Melwin Pantzar. Just like with Sergio Llull in Madrid, he has found his mentor in Swedish veteran Tobias Borg in the national team. ‘He’s helped me a lot, he’s a real veteran. Always showing up to camp in shape and focused. It’s a pleasure playing and seeing how he tackles every game/practice’, expressed Melwin Pantzar. He had some big games against Israel scoring 18 points and 11 points.
The ex Real Madrid player who believes that Lebron James is the GOAT is a 190cm guard that likes how Euroleague players Pierra Henry and Corey Higgins play. One could compare his game to Milwaukee Bucks point guard Jru Holiday, because he likes to attack the rim, draw fouls and kick out the ball to his teammates and not to forget defends with passion something that gets him hyped before games. His defense is something that often gets his offense going as he loves to run the break. ‘I’m a defender who’s going to try to pressure so my opponent isn’t comfortable, be a bit annoying on ball. If I’m off ball I’m trying to read the attack so I can steal the ball from the weak side most of the time, or on handoffs. I would like to get better at being closer to my man on pin down screens’, warned Melwin Pantzar. He knows that in order to get back to the Euroleague, he will need to make certain adjustments with his offensive game. ‘I’m working mostly on my shooting. 3s, pull up 3s, and of 1on1. I would like to get a better floater also’, stressed Melwin Pantzar. It will be interesting to see where the basketball journey of Melwin Pantzar will go in the next few years. What really is riding in his corner is that he is still so young with 22. One thing that also really stands out is his character. He is a guy that hasn’t taken anything for granted in his career, but is super humble. Not many guys can say they played with Real Madrid and Luca Doncic as a teenager. He knows that getting back to places like that will take continued hard work. ‘I’m really thankful, some days you forget how fortunate you are playing basketball each and every day. It’s a big thing playing for a club such as Real Madrid, it’s one of the biggest clubs in the world, and Monaco which is a kind of up and coming club with great ambition. It was two great experiences’, stressed Melwin Pantzar. It won’t surprise anyone when that really great great next experience comes about.
Jeremy Ingram (183-G-1991, college: AAMU) is a191 cm guard that was born in Alabama and has played his entire professional career in Germany for teams like Speyer, Idstein, Bensheim and recently SG Mannheim.This season he is playing for Regionalliga team Bargteheide. Last season with SG Mannheim he picked up South West Regionalliga player of the year while averaging (32.1ppg), 5.7rpg, 4.2apg, Steals-4 (2.6spg), FGP: 55.4%, 3PT: 35.4%, 9%. He began his career with Enterprise State Community College (JUCO) and then finished with Alabama A&M University (NCAA). He teams up with Miles Schmidt-Scheuber on a weekly basis this season to talk basketball.
Congrats on the convincing 102-87 win over Oldenburg. Was this just another fine day at the office for Bargteheide?
They played very good at home so we are just happy to come away with the win.
Talk a little about he 40 minutes. Was this another game where you were in control for the 40 minutes?
They played us pretty good and hit a lot of shots that kept them in the game but we pretty much controlled this game from start to finish. Shout out to them for the valuable effort they put up.
Outside shooting and taking care of the ball were huge. What other area’s of the team game sparkled?
I think we played great defense at times, especially out on the perimeter. We had twice as many steals as they did so I think we did a pretty good job defensively.
Is it fair to say that the last 2 games were the best back to back offensive performances of the season? Do you feel like the team can continue to sustain this?
I think when we won 4 or 5 straight games in a row was our best stretch this season. But these 2 performances from the last 2 games were also pretty good. I feel like we can if we keep everyone healthy and keep our confidence that we have right now.
You had another explosive game with 39 points. When did you know that you had to take more responsibility than usual?
Well honestly my foot has been feeling a lot better lately so I’m able to do a lot more moves and do more things with the ball than I was able to first coming back from injury. So I have just been more aggressive than usual but my teammates has also stepped up their game also.
You shot the three well and took 9 shots. Were you feeling it early?
Well for the past 3-4 games I have had great explosive first quarters and when I get off to these good starts it’s usually going to be a long night for the other team.
With NBA minutes you could have had a quadruple double. Was this one of your better games this season at both ends?
By far my best overall game of the season, maybe even 1 of my best overall games of my career.
The next game is against top team BG Berlin 2000 and top scorer Shawn Scott. How much are you looking forward to this battle?
Well to be honest I haven’t really saw him play or don’t know much about him but I don’t care who’s in the other jerseys, I’m coming for blood regaardless.
Playing BG Berlin 2000 will be another test. Will the team be ready defensively?
We will prepare all week and we know this game will not be easy but I’m sure our coach will prepare us as well as she can and it’s our job to come out and handle business.
German Hoops 