De’Jon Davis (201-SF-1998, college: CBU) is a 24 year old 201cm forward from Oakland, California playing his third professional season and first in Germany with the MLP Academics Heidelberg. Last season he played withAS Apollon Patras (Greece-GBL) averaging 9.5ppg, 6.0rpg, FGP: 58.6%, 3PT: 29.5%, FT: 66.7% . He played his rookie season with Petrolina AEK Larnaca (Cyprus-OPAP Basket League) averaging 15.7ppg, 7.4rpg, 1.4apg, FGP-3 (59.9%), 3PT: 36.2%, FT: 72.9%. He began his basketball career with Oakland Technical High School and then played at California Baptist University from 2016-2020 playing a total of 122 games and as a senior averaged 11.6ppg, 9.6rpg, FGP: 55.8%, 3PT: 43.5%, FT: 74.5%. He spoke to germanhoops.com about his basketball career.

Thanks Dejon for talking to germanhoops.com. Your playing your first season in Germany for the MLP Academics. What kind of experience has it been playing for this organization and living in the city that has one of the most famous castles in Germany.

It has been real fun. Heidelberg is a beautiful city. My family really loves it. We feel very comfortable here.

It’s still early, but how would you compare the Greek first division to the easyCredit BBL? Is the BBL more structured compared to the up and down tempo in Greece?

I would actually say that it is the opposite. I have seen the BBL as being more up and down and fast paced. I felt like Greece was a lot slower and we ran our sets more.

The MLP Academics are playing their second season in the easyCredit BBL that have a new coach and many new players. How do you see yourself fitting into the system as a very versatile offensive player that also can make an impact on the defensive end?

I think that I fit in really well. I love taking the mismatches inside, but also love to shoot on the perimeter. I have also always been a very defensive minded player. This season It has taken me longer to get a feel for coaches system, but I’m getting a better hang of it now. I’m having more fun now.

What kind of an experience has it been playing with the experienced Shy Ely? What kind of an aura does he sprinkle on and off the court for you?

Shy is one of my go to guys when I need advice. He is one of the leaders on the team. He helps me on reads and how to help on defense like when I’m hugging my man to much. I definitely go to him for help, because he has so much wisdom.

Eric Washington dished out 14 assists in the first game and then scored 16 points in a row to beat Frankfurt. How have you been impressed by his game and is he more than just an incredible facilitator?

Eric has been one of my favorite guys to play with. He is a great point guard. You really don’t find many guys like him that can facilitate well, but can also score at such a high rate. He is a pass first guard, but a great scorer as well. I knew from the start that he would lead us to having a great season. He encourages everyone and we follow him. It has been very fun to play with him.

Let’s talk a bit about your game. You’re a 201cm forward. If you had to compare your game to an NBA player who would best fit the description?

I have always liked to stay away from comparisons and have never focused on it. For me, I try to work best on my skill set to become the best player that I can be. Most people have compared me to Dwight Howard because of my big shoulders. Others have compared me to Amare Stoudemire.

You’re a scorer and rebounder, but what other areas of your game do you sparkle in?

My energy is something that I mostly bring to the game. I am very active on the court. I become very animated when there is a big play and my motor is high. My energy level is contagious and gets guys going.

You had a steal and block in the first game against Ludwigsburg. What kind of a defender are you now and what kind of defender do you still want to become?

I love to block shots and be active on the help side. I also like to switch. It isn’t something my current system does, but I believe like I’m versatile. I want to improve on hard hedging and stopping the guard and get back faster to my man.

Last season you played for AS Apollon Patras (Greece-GBL) averaging 9.5ppg, 6.0rpg, FGP: 58.6%, 3PT: 29.5%, FT: 66.7%. After a super rookie season in Cyprus, you needed no adjustment period to the stronger Greek league. How do you feel did your game grow in Greece?

Greece was more of a learning season.- My season in Greece was good, but not up to my expectations after my season in Cyprus. I have to deal more with my mentality and continue to work hard to get better. I believe that I finished my season strong in Greece. That definitely helped raise my confidence.

You had 2 strong games against Euroleague powerhouse team Panathinaikos with 12/8 and 12/10 games. What did you learn about your game in these 2 games where you understood you belonged with ex NBA guys like Okaro White and Jeremy Evans?

I learned in those games that I could play with those guys because of my physicality and rebounding instinct. These games were important for my game and I want to keep growing having the mentality of staying strong and improving.

You played your rookie season with Petrolina AEK Larnaca (Cyprus-OPAP Basket League) averaging 15.7ppg, 7.4rpg, 1.4apg, FGP-3 (59.9%), 3PT: 36.2%, FT: 72.9%. What do you remember being your wake up call to being overseas where you knew that you were far away from home?

I had 30 points on the road. I believe it was my third game. My wife was there but that was it. We enjoyed the moment, but I wasn’t able to enjoy the moment with other family and my old coaches. That was hard, but that is the choice we make to play the game we love. These are sacrifices that I need to make.

How special was this team? You won the league title and cup?. What will you never forget from this club?

I loved the team in Cyprus very dearly. I still talk to guys from that team today. I remember when I got there the whole team embraced me as if I had been there forever. There were 35 year old veterans that encouraged me every day. It felt amazing. I think the biggest reason why we were successful was because we were so close. We loved each other. It was like a brother hood.

Despite winning the league title over Kervanos, you couldn’t match your 29 points from game 1. Had Keravnos found your number after game 1?

That was very interesting. I had had many very good games against that team in the regular season and then also in game 1. After my 29 points in game one, their coach made it a point that I didn’t score again. They sent double and triple teams against me. But that opened up the floor for my teammates to shine. We showed that we were truly versatile and not a one man show.

You played at California Baptist University (NCAA) from 2016-2010 playing a total of 122 games. You really took off with your game in your last 2 seasons averaging 10/9 and 11/9 stats. How did your game grow in those last 2 years? You seemed to have no adjustment going from the NCAA 2 to NCAA.

My game grew a lot. In my first 2 years in division 2, I played the 5, but in my last 2 years I played the 4. In my first 2 years I didn’t shoot the ball in the post but only rebounded and played defense. In my last 2 years coach wanted me to become a versatile 4. I worked hard the two summers and the coaches really developed me well. The development there helps me be able to play both the 4 and 5 today.

How cool was it playing in the CBI against Loyola? What memories were you able to take with you?

I remember losing on a hook shot at the buzzer. I remember still being happy after losing because we had had a good first year in Division 1. I was really excited to get back to work and prepare for my senior year.

You had many great games in school but was your 31/15 explosion in the exciting 88-87 win over Seattle one of your most memorable?

That still ranks as my most memorable game in my career. That is top 3 if not #1. It was senior night and my last game in that gym. My whole family was there. It was a very special night. It is a game that I cherish and will never forget. Whenever I think of the game, it puts a big smile on my face.

How did head coach Rick Croy groom and prepare you best for a professional career?

I love coach Croy. Every time I am home, I go back to school and train with him. He does a great job not only preparing guys for the future, but also challenges you in a way to become the best version of yourself. He worked hard with me on my shot and defense. Even if it was hard and frustrating at times, he encouraged me to get to the next level. I believed him. I put in the work. I look up to him so much. My family loves him. He is like family. I actually just talked to him after the buzzer beater win against Frankfurt.

Who won a 1-1 in practice you or Bul Kuol?

I think that it was a tie.

Who was the toughest player that you ever faced in your life that reached the NBA?

The Martin brothers Cody and Caleb from Arizona.

Please name your 5 best teammates of all-time?

Derek Ogbeide, Alperen Sengun, Cleveland Thomas, Quinton Synder and Georgios Tsalmpouris.

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

Lebron, Shaq, Magic, Kobe, Kevin Garnett

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

There are so many arguments for both sides. There is no deciding factor. Every person has their own opinion.

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

It wasn’t bad, but the first one was better.

Thanks Dejon for the chat.

Tags : DE’JON DAVIS, MLP ACADEMICS HEIDELBERG, GERMAN BASKETBALL

Nate West (180-PG-1998, college: LeTourneau) is a 24 year old 180cm point guard from Houston, Texas playing his second professional season and first with Union Neuchatel Basket (Switzerland-SBL). Last season as a rookie he played with USK Praha (Czech Republic-NBL) playing 43 games averaging 16.6ppg, 4.4rpg, 3.3apg, 1.0spg, FGP: 42.5%, 3PT: 34.2%, FT: 77.4%. He played at LeTourneau University (NCAA 3) from 2016-2020 playing a total of 112 games and. He recently played a pre season game in Germany and had a chat with germanhoops.com about basketball.

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

I am currently in Neuchatel Switzerland. I’d say basketball life is treating me well. I have the opportunity to play for Union Neuchatel this season.

Your playing your second professional season and first with Union Neuchatel Basket (Switzerland-SBL). After having a very solid rookie season in the Czech Republic you moved to the SBL which is a bit surprising when you could of played in higher leagues. Why did you chose this step?

One of my high school coaches advised me to play where I was most wanted when I was deciding where I would play in college. I followed his advice in moving to Union Neuchatel.

How blessed are you to be able to play the game you love for a living? Very few D-3 guys go overseas. Of course it helped you that you had incredible stats in your last 2 seasons. I’m very sure you don’t take any of this experience for granted?

It is definitely a blessing to be playing especially given all the competition for each spot on a team. There are many great athletes just in my home state of Texas alone. I take this opportunity very seriously because it has always been my goal to play at a professional level.

You had a very good rookie season and proved you can play with the best. How much of a role has height played in your basketball life in terms of how people see your game? Have you always had a chip on your shoulder?

My height has always been the focus of coaches and teams over the years given taller players are expected to succeed. My teammates have mostly been taller than me since I first began playing and even more so in high school and at the college level. I think people are at times surprised by what I can do at my size. I’m not sure I have a chip on my shoulder. I have to believe in myself and my ability to make shots and to secure wins in order to succeed in this game. Mostly I work hard at my game and set goals for myself.

Let’s talk a bout your game. If you had to compare your game to an NBA player who would best fit the description?

Trae Young

You fill the stats sheet like a Russell Westbrook. What part of your game would you say is your biggest strength?

I think my biggest strength is my ability to see what is happening on the court and using that to help my teammates find better shots.

In school you were a very consistent and good shooter but haven’t eclipsed the 40% mark. Where do you see yourself as a shooter now and what kind of shooter do you want to become?

It is always my goal to continue to improve my shooting ability given it is a big part of what coaches notice about my game and what has brought me this far. I want to be a shooter that people can’t ignore on the court.

Your also an aggressive defender. What kind of defender are you now and what kind of defender do you want to become down the road?

I want to become a defender that can’t be scored on easily, that the other team does not want to run their offense near me

On what areas of your game are you working on most so you can continue to climb the basketball ladder?

I work to become a better overall player and make sure I put up many practice shots so that my shooting percentage stays consistent.

You didn’t begin your pro career until 2021 after finishing school in 2020. How tough was it sitting out that one year? Did Covid and your NCAA 3 school play a role in you not finding the suitable team?

I was very excited to play at the professional level and then Covid hit. It was tough waiting a year to play. Coach Miller at Letourneau University helped put me in the best position to find a team. The teams that showed interest in me that year ended up not running while they made adjustments for the pandemic. I continued to work out and play that year until an opportunity to play in Ireland opened up but then secured a spot playing for USK Praha.

You played your rookie season for USK Praha (Czech Republic-NBL) averaging 16.6ppg, 4.4rpg, 3.3apg, 1.0spg, FGP: 42.5%, 3PT: 34.2%, FT: 77.4%. What do you remember being your wake up call to being a rookie overseas where you knew that you were far away from home?

The wake up call I had was in practice when I first got to Europe. The coaching style was different than coaches at home. Also, the way the game is played is a lot different than how we play in the US. The adjustment period was the wake up call.

What memories will you always have form the Opava playoff series? Do you feel like you would have won had you had Kyle Mangas?

The Opava series had a lot of fans at the games and I will never forget that. I also will not forget going out there and fighting with my team. We didn’t have our whole team due to injury so just going out there and fighting with them will never be forgotten. Kyle and I were teammates and roommates. We had a certain chemistry on the court and he is very talented. Having him would have definitely made that series much closer.

You played at LeTourneau University (NCAA3) from 2016-2020 playing 112 games and breaking countless school and ASC records.How special was it winning the 2020 ASC title?

Winning the ASC title was important to me. I wanted to win that for myself, my team and for Coach Miller. It was even more special to win my least year playing for Letourneau.

You had Belham’s number scoring a school and ASC record 67 points and in another game had a triple double. Were you more than just in the zone on this night?

On the day I scored 67 points it was Senior day so it was my final home game at Letourneau. I had many family members and friends there for that day and wanted my last game at the school to be special. I was playing on what had been my home court and the shots were going in.

You made an incredible transformation in your 4 years improving your stats each year. How would you describe your development over that period?

I had a great coach who made sure I had the opportunity to grow as a player. I spent many hours in the gym aside from our team practices. I played a lot of minutes and my coach trusted me to play my game

How did head coach Dan Miller groom and prepare you best for a professional career?

Coach Miller prepared me by giving me the opportunity to play at nationals twice in my time at Letourneau. Each one of these opportunities helps get you ready for the next level. He believed in me and my ability to play professionally and that made me believe even more in myself.

Who won a 1-1 in practice you or Justin Moore?


I won.

Who is the best player that you ever battled in the NCAA that reached the NBA?

DeAaron Fox

Please name your 5 best teammates of all-time?

Derrick Alston, Kyle Mangas, Tomas Kyzlink, Justin Moore, Dalan Ancrum

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

Kobe Bryant, Stephen Curry , Lebron James, Michael Jordan

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

Kobe

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

I have not seen the sequel.

Thanks Nate for the chat.

Tags : NATE WEST, UNION NEUCHATEL BASKET, GERMAN BASKETBALL

Alvin Oniya stood at the free throw line with 3,7 seconds to play as the Fraport Skyliners Juniors were only a short breath away from winning their second game in a row and first against FC Bayern Munich after having lost their first 3 games. A weekend is always sweetened when you can beat Germany’s most famous sports organization FC Bayern Munich. The game was already decided as Frankfurt was leading 86-72, but something spectacular and special was still on the menu to happen and something that doesn’t happen regularly in basketball. Oniya missed the second free throw which was rebounded by a Munich player and quickly passed to 16 year old German wunderkind Ivan Kharchenkov who is the half brother of Nikita Khartchenkov (201-SF-1987) who has celebrated a 20 year professional career and like him was also a much heralded young prospect with Khimki Mocow caught it and took a step forward and between his own three point line and center court threw up a last desperation shot that saw nothing but net. I was writing something down and didn’t notice that he had shot it, so It took me 2 seconds to realize during my live call that he had been the shooter. Those last second shots are very unusual shots, but that wasn’t just a special shot from the young kid. The Pro B and NBBL (U-19) player of FC Bayern Munich is a very special player. He is playing his second season with the FC Bayern Munich Pro B team and NBBL team and was already a key player for them last season at age 15. In the loss to Frankfurt he logged 32 minutes scoring 16 points on 6/13 shooting, grabbed 5 rebounds and dished out 4 assists and had 2 steals. It is no secret that clubs are already keying in on his game and fighting for touches is nothing new for him even at the Pro B level. In the first 4-5 minutes of the game, he wasn’t getting good looks so he let his facilitation skills take over as he had some beautiful hook ups with big man Mohammad Silla. His game is being noticed more and more and there is simply adulation where ever he plays from his peers and elders. ‘I had heard of him already last season. I really liked what I saw today. He has good size and can create his own shot that could become a consistent shooter’, stressed Marco Voeller (Fraport Skyliners). One Fraport Skyliner who was really instrumental in the Frankfurt win was Philipp Hadenfeldt who had a double double of 10 points and 11 assists. He has seen many top talents in his career and Kharchenkov doesn’t have to hide himself. ‘I have seen guys like Isaiah Hartenstein, Kostja Mushidi, Isaac Bonga and Bennet Hundt and he is just as talented as they were at age 16. He acts so mature for his age and is so calm for his age. You don’t see that often at his age and very important if you want to play at a high level’, stated Philipp Hadenfeldt. Last season I saw him only play once, but this season I was in for a double header treat. A day later the U-19 team of FC Bayern Munich faced off against Eintracht Frankfurt-Fraport Skyliners. Frankfurt gave it a good fight, but FC Bayern Munich took control in the third quarter and never looked back. Kharchenkov didn’t have a good shooting afternoon scoring only 8 points on 2/11 shooting, but otherwise filled the stat sheet well with 4 rebounds, 3 assists and 3 steals. Luka Pesic the grandson of basketball legend Svetislav Pesic stole the show as his hot shooting in the second half gave the guests the needed energy and boost to win the game. Eintracht Frankfurt-Fraport Skyliners head coach Miran Cumurija didn’t scout differently because a great phenom was in the house, but is more than aware of his abilities. ‘We didn’t scout Munich’s player personal mainly because they run plays so we scout them as a team. A team like IBAM run no plays so we scout their players more. Ivan is the absolute package and has what a future pro needs. He can do a lot at the Pro B and NBBL level and has proved it, but at the end of the day has to do it consistently and be able to take it to the next level. He is an absolute top talent’, warned Miran Cumurija. Ivan Kharchenkov is the real deal at age 16 and has the game in his blood.

When I was a kid I had a Guy Lafleur (Montreal Canadians legend) jersey and was so proud that we shared a birthday together and now it happened again as Ivan Kharchenkov and I also share a born day as were born on September 20. The big guard who compares his game as a mix between Luka Doncic, Steph Curry and Devin Booker began his career in Bavaria in Landsberg. When he was 11 years old he once scored 105 points of his team’s 107 points. He then moved to Jahn Munich where he could play for his dad and at age 12 scored an incredible 84 points against Bamberg. It was then no secret that a club like FC Bayern Munich would want his services. He played his first pro game at age 15 and 5 days against the EPG Baskets Koblenz scoring 16 points. His consistency at the men’s level continued as he would score in double figures in the next 4 games including 17 points against Dresden and Frankfurt and 15 points against Giessen. He is a player that you can already describe being a 3 level scorer. He also loves to play the pick and roll, post up and use the mismatches and bullying which is perfect for his strong body. But his versatile scoring is most definitely his biggest strength. ‘He has a scorer’s mentality and knows how to use his body to his advantage. The most interesting thing about him is that he is a versatile scorer and has the right mentality that isn’t necessarily always a German virtue. He is currently one of top 3 German prospects at the wing’, stated ratiopharm Ulm U-16 head coach Jochen Lotz. He then had some so so games, but then picked up his game again with 15 points against Coburg and a season high against Frankfurt with 25 points and then had 10 points against Speyer and Hanau until his season was ended in early January due to breaking his ankle. He averaged 12.7ppg, 1.8rpg, FGP: 52.7%, 3PT: 32.8%, FT: 75.0% in the Pro B and in the NBBL averaged 10.9ppg, 3.1rpg, 1.4apg, 1.9spg, FGP: 52.8%, 3PT: 19.5%, FT: 80.6%. There he had some potent games against Bamberg with 22 points and 16 points against IBAM.

The first meeting between Miles Schmidt-Scheuber and Ivan Kharchenkov in October 2021 in Frankfurt

He was out for 6 months and one would think, it would take some time to come back after a tough injury like that, but his strong performance at the U-16 European Championships in the summer of 2022 proved that he was actually able to heighten his game. He worked like a dog in the gym and it all paid off. ‘Normal would be for a player too have problems finding to his game after a tough injury like that. But Ivan isn’t normal. He has game in his blood. He went from rehab to the court and instantly had his game back’, stressed a well known German skills and development coach. The guard who lists Omari Knox as his toughest opponent in the Pro B and Benjamin Schroeder as his toughest opponent in the NBBL had a fantastic U-16 tournament averaging 13.3ppg, 5.5rpg, 2.9apg, 1.6spg, FGP: 51.9%, 3PT: 28.6%, FT: 66.7%. He had massive games against Romania with 23 points and hit Belgium and Sweden with14 points apiece. ‘The European Championships was very important for him, because he could compete against the best at his age. He was a leader on the court. Winning the Gold should be able to give him an extra boost and signal him that he can be that leader in a team. He is now in his second season in the Pro B. It is always vital to begin as young as possible to play against men, because that will make it easier to get to the next level’, warned Rasta Vechta 2 head coach Hendrik Gruhn. The European Championships was probably even more important for his self-confidence after a brutal injury than just grinding in the gym. He has continued to make strides in his development in the first month of the season in the NBBL averaging 14,0ppg, 4,3rpg,3,3apg and 4,7spg. He hit Jena and IBAM for 17 points apiece. In the Pro B he also has upped his stats currently averaging 16,5ppg, 6,5rpg, 2,5apg and 2,8spg. He scored 21 points against Hanau and 15 points against Oberaching and 14 points against Orange Academy. It is still early into the season, but it will be interesting to see how his game continues to develop during the season. One guy who probably already has his calendar marked for the game against FC Bayern Munich is EPG Baskets Koblenz manager Thomas Klein who is a die hard basketball fan and observer and has already proclaimed his respect for the kid. ‘He is the best small forward that I have seen at his age in the last 5 years. I think that he could play for a Euroleague team in 2-3 years. I’m sure that NBA scouts have him marked in their note books’, said Thomas Klein.

Even if his scoring abilities is what stands out, he does have other fine qualities like his passing skills. He has harmonized well with Mohamad Silla on the pick and roll and showed early on that he isn’t one of those guys that will keep shooting and practicing inadequate shot selection when his shot isn’t falling, but instead will find his teammates when his shot isn’t falling. ‘I think that his passing is very developed. He looks like a Pro B player that knows when to score and knows his role. He first has to bring his teammates into the game, but when he needs to score, he will. He simply knows when it is his time to score and when to play team basketball’, warned Fraport Sklyiner Junior Drago Crnjac. A question I love asking players in interviews is what they feel is their hidden strength in their game. If one looks at the game of Kharchenkov, one could say that his defense went from a weakness to a hidden strength as it seems to be off the radar at the moment. ‘Ivan is one of the most talented guys I ever saw. I saw him for the first time in the U-12 when he was with Jahn Munich. He was seen as a talented scorer that could hit the deep three, but was a lazy defender. But now he is a good defender. Last year in the scouting report, it said that he was a bad defender, but that was a mistake. He was already a good defender last season. He is physical and knows how to use it. He is quick on his feet and it looks like he has fun defending’, stressed Fraport Skyliners Juniors head coach Sepehr Tarrah. But there are also other people noticing his defense other than coaches. ‘I thought he was a weak defender last season, but in one season he has gone from weak to good. He is so good around the blocks. Munich defends very well and that helps his game. I think that he plays more physical than men on men’s teams. He has understood the worth of defending at a young age’, warned Drago Crnjac.

But there is also one more quality in his game that could separate him from being a great player from being only a good player. The 198cm German who lists Swedish youth national player Julius Price as his toughest opponent at the international level has something that a certain famous German tennis player named Boris Becker had at a young age. Who can forget how competitive the Leimen native was at 17 at Wimbeldon when he plowed through opponent to opponent as he had absolutely no fear. Becker believed he could beat anyone and it isn’t any different with Kharchenkov

. ‘You can see that he always wants to win. He simply has the right mindset to help his team win. That isn’t coachable. He has the killer instinct which will continue to help him make steps in his career’, stated Hendrik Gruhn. Becker was scared of nobody and neither is Mr Real Deal Kharchenkov. ‘He is fearless. He wants to beat everyone every time that he is on the court. That is a quality that not many have. You aren’t born being fearless. It must have come form the smallest atom in his body’, laughed a well known German skills and development coach. It will be interesting to see where the journey of Ivan Kharchenkov will continue to go. It is a bit surprising that he still in Munich considering he had offers from Euroleague teams Real Madrid and Zalgiris last summer. It is brutally hard to get into the rotation with FC Bayern Munich if you’re a young German player as only Jason George has broken through in the last years, but who knows maybe he will find his way into the BBL rotation quicker than people think. His talent level at the moment is undeniable as everyone who has seen him play clearly sees his potential. ‘He may not be at Luka Doncic’s level when he was 16, but I don’t know if Germany has a better talent right now under the age of 18 than him’, warned Drago Crnjac. I will definitely continue to keep an eye on this rare jewel and I’m very happy that I found my personal own nickname for him ‘The Real Deal’. People may find new nicknames for him in the coming years, but what he has shown so far on a national and international level is definitely worthy of being called ‘The Real Deal’.

Tags : NIKITA KHARTCHENKOV, ETB

Derrick Gordon (190-G-1991, college: Seton Hall) is a 30 year old 190cm guard that was born in Plainfield, New Jersey and decided to retire after a 2 year career overseas. He played his rookie season with BC Apollon Limassol (Cyprus-OPAP Basket League) averaging 12.7ppg, 5.4rpg, 3.0apg, Steals-5 (2.0spg), FGP: 44.1%, 3PT: 25.0%, FT: 56.1% and last season he played with the ROMERSTROM Gladiators Trier (Germany-ProA) averaging 7.1ppg, 1.9rpg, FGP: 40.0%, 3PT: 38.9%, FT: 76.2%. he played at 3 NCAA schools with Western Kentucky, UMass and Seton Hall playing a total of 133 games and won the Sunbelt tournament and Big East tournament. He is the only player in NCAA history to have played in the NCAA tournament for 3 different teams. He spoke to germanhoops.com about his last season in Germany.

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

I live in Los Angeles. I actually just retired from professional basketball. I am very happy, overallI had a great career. I am excited for the next chapter of my life.

You played your second pro season in Germany with the Romerstrom Gladiators. It was a very tough season. Does one think more about injury after one has achieved a difficult one like you had?

I am rarely injured so me getting hurt especially being out for 5 months was a tough one to deal with.

What do you believe was the most difficult aspect that professional athletes have to deal with when being injured? Is it more the physical or mental side?

A little bit of both I would say. Especially since I knew how much I could be out there helping my teammates. It was one of the hardest things to go through but I was able to overcome those challenges.

After a strong rookie season in Cyprus, you arrived in Trier and began very well with 3 wins as your play was very good. Everything was rolling for you. What do you believe helped you most in this time that you could adjust so well to the play?

Just confidence in myself, that was one of the main things I was focused on that upcoming season. I was playing really well but most importantly I cared more about winning.

Then came 3 loses in a row. What happened to Trier in that phase? You played Jena and Vechta tough and then had a bad loss against Hagen?

We took some tough losses to teams that we know we could beat. It happens, most importantly we stayed together as a team.

You then hurt your knee in the game against Ehingen. I guess the best news was that you got the win. Your scream of pain was heard in the whole arena. What was going through your mind in those minutes after your injury? You must have had many thoughts running through your mind.

I thought at that time my career was over, I was crying because I knew it was a pretty bad injury. I’m thankful that I didn’t need surgery.

Then came a long 5 month rehab period. What kind of an experience was that for you’? What did you learn about yourself in that time?

It was an interesting experience. That was the longest I ever had to sit out for an injury. But it made me stronger mentally and I was ready to bounce back and get on the court.

Was there a teammate in that time who really stood by you or some person that really was instrumental in helping making your rehab as comfortable as possible?

I was close to all my teammates in Trier, I love those guys and will be life time friends with them. It was a brotherhood.

Trier played well without you and made the playoffs. You came back for the series against Leverkusen but played only 28 minutes total in the 4 games. Were you totally fit again?

I was for sure totally fit again and ready to play. I was shocked cause I knew I should have played a lot more but that was the coach who made that decision.

Was it just coaches decision that you didn’t play more of a role in the Leverkusen series? It must have been tough not getting the minutes like before your injury?

Yes of course its very frustrating especially know what I was able to do on the court before I got hurt. We did have a coaching change during the season and he was a very young coach so he was put in an unexpected position when the coach got let go.

How tough was losing that’ series. Trier won game 1 and then lost the next 3 in close battles with a combined score of only 14 points. What was key for not getting over the hump?

It sucked of course, no one likes losing and I couldn’t believe the season was over right as soon as I got back. Our gameplan could have been a lot better but I’m not the coach I just have to go out there and do my job when I am in the game.

Do you feel like controlling Spencer Reaves better could of made the difference?

He was one of their key playesr, I could have for sure stopped him and most of the points that he scored.

If you had to pick one player that you felt developed the best during the season who would you take?

Garei Zeeb I would say. He has so much potentially, at some point I wouldn’t be surprised if I see him in Euro league

You have announced your retirement after only 2 years. You hinted that there was a specific reason why you decided to hang it up?

Personally it was just time to let it go. I know some people may think it is because of the injury I had and that wasn’t the case at all. When I got back to LA in May I just needed to do some thinking. I was fully happy not playing anymore and didn’t have that drive to want to continue to keep playing. I have two businesses that I am super excited about and I am also working on my own book. I am glad I got to end my career on my terms and not someone else’s.

What is the next step for you? You have written a book. Can you explain a little what awaits readers?

Like I mentioned I will be opening up two businesses of mine in Los Angeles that I am super excited about along with my book. My book will basically be about my life and journey and things that I went through when I was in the closet. I am all about helping people and I want to help that next guy who may be struggling.

You also have announced exciting new projects. What can we await from you in the future?

You will have to stay tune and follow my social media. I didn’t announce them yet

How would you like to have fans to remember the player Derrick Gordon?

That I was a guy who left it all out there every night, I’m a true winner and that is all I care about.

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

In my opinion it will have to be between Kyrie and Steph

What is your take on the whole Kevin Durant drama? Do you feel all the talk and hate is hurting his legacy?

Haha yes it’s a lot going around the KD situation but I hope it all works out for him wherever he goes.

What was the first eatery you visited when you touched down back in the States?

Fresh Corn Grill restaurant, they make amazing salmon there. I love it.

Thanks Derrick for the chat.

Tags : DERRICK GORDON, ROMERSTROM GLADIATORS TRIER, GERMAN BASKETBALL

Only a few years ago, the Fraport Skyliners and FC Bayern Munich belonged to the best U-19 youth programs in Germany, but at the moment are going through some growing pains. Fc Bayern Munich haven’t won the U-19 title since 2019 and Frankfurt last won the JBBL title in 2016. They are still respected youth programs, but who would have thought that both teams would only be 0-5 combined so far this season. Eintracht Frankfurt-Fraport Skyliners are still looking for an identity at both ends as they are averaging only 61 points per game on offense and allowing 75 points per game. FC Bayern Munich on the other hand started 0-2, but their record is deceiving because their loses were nail-bitters with 74-72 against Jena and 76-70 against their rival IBAM. One thing was clear in that one team would leave the floor with their first win of the season. It took a lot of time before FC Bayern Munich finally showed their true colors as they allowed for Eintracht Frankfurt-Fraport Skyliners to stick around until the end of the third quarter, but then took full control and never looked back until the final buzzer winning comfortably 86-60. After the match one could sense that Munich Brazilian head coach Paulo Prestes who had been drafted in the NBA in 2010 by the Minnesota Timberwolves wasn’t particularly happy with the overall effort, but took the win at the end as a positive sign and new beginning for the season. ‘We started the season with 2 loses something we didn’t expect. We didn’t find our identity until the third quarter. Frankfurt played aggressive and with confidence and we missed a lot of open shots. When our three’s weren’t going in, we weren’t aggressive enough going to the basket’, stated Paulo Prestes. Frankfurt played a courageous and hard fought game, but FC Bayern Munich was simply to much to contend with for 40 minutes. 20 year old Drago Crnjac of the Fraport Skyliners Juniors took in the game and was impressed by the performance of Frankfurt, but not overall surprised by the Munich win. ‘Frankfurt played very well for 27 minutes. Turnovers was a big problem. There was a huge difference in skill level. Munich had a starting 5 of Pro B players. Frankfurt stayed with them for a long time, but Munich simply was more consistent and made more shots’, stated Drago Crnjac.

Joshua Zentgraf at the FT line

FC Bayern Munich began like they were in a frenzy leading 10-2 after only 1,57 into the game. FC Bayern Munich had a simple recipe inserting the nasty full court press forcing turnover after turnover and then getting easy baskets as well as attacking the rim in their set plays. FC Bayern Munich got buckets from German Christian Skladanowski with 2 dunks, 2 lay in’s from the Duracell energizer Amar Licina who was practically unstoppable on the drive and a dunk from German Luis Wulff (199-PG-2004, agency: BeoBasket) who has been with the club since the U-10 and has played 1 easyCredit BBL game. Eintracht Frankfurt-Fraport Skyliners had extreme difficulties with the Munich press as they only had 2 guys help when it should have been 3. Big German wunder boy Ivan Kharchenkov didn’t get touches, but sparkled with his facilitation. But sometimes when things work so well, you lose focus and get careless and that is exactly what occurred with FC Bayern Munich as Eintracht Frankfurt-Fraport Skyliners fought back going on a 9-2 run to trail Munich only 12-11. In the run Eintracht Frankfurt-Fraport Skyliners did a super job upping their intensity and aggressiveness at both ends. They attacked the rim with force as Finley Pruever and Joscha Zentgraf drew fouls and scored while other Germans Fabrice Heberer nailed a trey and Barnabas Bode scored in the lane. FC Bayern Munich then found some rhythm again and could keep the lead. FC Bayern Munich received valuable support from the bench getting buckets from Desmond Yiamu and German Luka Pesic to lead 18-13. Heberer then hit another trey, but Munich kept up the pressure getting added support from their bench Nikola Tomic supplied a three pointer, Dominik Dolic scored on a lay in and the quick and shifty Luka Pesic hit a jumper for the 27-20 Munich lead after 10 minutes. ‘Frankfurt had problems with the Munich press, but came back into the game with better rebounding. They traded in their lack of speed with physicality. They forced Munich to tough shots’, explained Drago Crnjac.

Christian Skladonowski at the FT line

FC Bayern Munich kept their lead in the second quarter, but couldn’t keep the consistency as Eintracht Frankfurt-Fraport Skyliners came back and trailed only by 2 points at half-time. Eintracht Frankfurt-Fraport Skyliners began very well as hustler and banger Joscha Zentgraf gave Eintracht Frankfurt-Fraport Skyliners extreme energy to begin with back to back baskets to cut FC Bayern Munich’s lead to 30-24. Then came the weakest phase of both clubs as there were 9 possessions in a row where it was raining bricks and no points. After a Skladowski basket, Eintracht Frankfurt-Fraport Skyliners countered with a superb 1-1 play by Hector Izquierdo and a clutch three by Fynn Noll to trail FC Bayern Munich 33-29. Eintracht Frankfurt-Fraport Skyliners was defending with passion and were fortunate that Ivan Kharchenkov had a cold spell. Eintracht Frankfurt-Fraport Skyliners never gave up and remained with the guests as they got key baskets from German Alexander Lagemann who remained aggressive and was a force inside, got free throws from Izquierdo and a key lay in by Heberer as Eintracht Frankfurt-Fraport Skyliners trailed only 37-35. FC Bayern Munich took a time out and head coach Paulo Prestes got loud with the words ‘aren’t you guys ashamed’? The guests were missing shots that U-10 players would make while Eintracht Frankfurt-Fraport Skyliners continued to attack inside and were getting rewarded with their continued physicality. Lagemann then tied the game with a lay in, but Licina must of thought that two can play that game and also made a lay in giving FC Bayern Munich the 39-37 lead at the break. ‘Frankfurt did a good job pursuing the mismatches with guys like Lagemann, Izquierdo and Zentgraf. Frankfurt switched everything and Munich couldn’t get the ball to the basket quick enough to get the advantage’, stated Drago Crnjac. FC Bayern Munich was shooting a pathetic 34% from the field and 15% from outside and had 23 rebounds and 7 turnovers while Eintracht Frankfurt-Fraport Skyliners shot 40% from the field and 33% from outside and had 23 rebounds and 16 turnovers.

Alexander Lagemann driving to the rim

In the third quarter Eintracht Frankfurt-Fraport Skyliners continued to stay with FC Bayern Munich, but the cut in the game occurred in the last few minutes as the guests would never look back again. Izquierdo began with a lay in to tie the game at 39-39, but FC Bayern Munich struck back with a 7-0 run to lead 45-39. FC Bayern Munich used their aggressive press that worked well as Kharchenkov scored on a lay up and then Licina made 2 steals that led to 2 fast break buckets from Luis Wulff. Eintracht Frankfurt-Fraport Skyliners had some mental lapses and the Munich press was perfect for their game. But Eintracht Frankfurt-Fraport Skyliners continued to play hard and went on a 10-6 run to trail Munich only 51-49. Eintracht Frankfurt-Fraport Skyliners really executed well playing fine inside out basketball as Znetgraf was aggressive making free throws and a lay in while Sergio Grothe and Bode connected on three’s. Eintracht Frankfurt-Fraport Skyliners didn’t only have problems containing the quickness of Amar Licina but also the elegance of Luis Wulff who made a trey and runner to give FC Bayern Munich the 56-49 lead. Frankfurt remained aggressive attacking the hole as Lagemann scored cutting the guests lead to 56-51. But then came the turning point of the game as FC Bayern Munich finally found their identity going on a 10-1 run to lead 66-52 after 30 minutes. In the run FC Bayern Munich got good support from their bench once again as Dolic and Pesic stepped up. Dolic made a turn around shot and lay in while Pesic made a pretty floater and lay in on transition. ‘Dolic and Pesic were the game changers. They played great. They did what they were asked of’, stressed Paulo Prestes. ‘Pesic and Dolic gave Munich new energy and they took command. That just showed how deep Munich was’, stated Drago Crnjac.

Ivan Khrachenkov penetrating to the hoop

FC Bayern Munich took the momentum of the end of the third quarter into the fourth quarter and finished the game strong winning the fourth quarter 20-8. Eintracht Frankfurt-Fraport Skyliners had to accept a lethal 10-3 run by FC Bayern Munich right off the bat as their bench continued to be excellent. Pesic continued to be ruthless scoring 7 points with a trey, finger tip role and off balance lay in. Skladanowski also added a dunk while Eintracht Frankfurt-Fraport Skyliners got a three pointer from Kenny Wefing. After Eintracht Frankfurt-Fraport Skyliners got a turnaround shot from bench player Victor Malinowsky, FC Bayern Munich went on their next run of 10-3 to close out the contest. FC Bayern Munich got added support from Lenny Agigbata with a lay in and big dunk while Desmond Yiamu made a lay in on transition and Nikola Tomic made a lay in. Eintracht Frankfurt-Fraport Skyliners got the last basket of the game as Colin Tolke scored off the bench. ‘Munich didn’t play 1-1, but played well as a team. Frankfurt were denied on the drives as the Munich help was there and when Frankfurt did find their shooters, they couldn’t execute’, commented Drago Crnjac. FC Bayern Munich was led by Luca Pesic with 16 points. Luis Wulff scored 13 points and Amar Licina and Christian Skladowski scored 10 points apiece while Eintracht Frankfurt-Fraport Skyliners were led by Joscha Zentgraf with 10 points. FC Bayern Munich shot 44% from the field and 15% from outside and had 37 rebounds and 12 turnovers while Eintracht Frankfurt-Fraport Skyliners shot 35% from the field and 32% from outside and had 46 rebounds and 39 turnovers.

Tags : LUIS WULFF, FC BAYERN MUENCHEN 2ND TEAM, NBBL BASKETBALL

Times come and go and who knows in one year when the Fraport Skyliners face off against the EWE Baskets Oldenburg, the game could be a game with 10 players minus legends Rickey Paulding and Quantez Robertson. Who will forget the last 2 games between the 2 legends last season, but this season the game began without them as Paulding wasn’t there because he is retired and Quantez Robertson unfortunately has turned into a role player coming from the bench. It was very strange not seeing the energy game and winner smile of Rickey Paulding, but on the other hand the Fraport Skyliners had other worries. After possibly the worst first half in their history last weekend against the Basketball Lowen Braunschweig, the 2016 Fiba Europe Cup winner desperately needed a blast off type reaction. The team had begun at 1-4 and were on a quick roller coaster ride down, but had to shift gears and get back up the mountain. But that was easier said than done as the EWE Baskets Oldenburg came to town. The team began solid at 3-2 under the guidance of new head coach Pedro Calles, but still had much potential. They didn’t play their best basketball, but when crunch-time came, they hit the big shots and gladly took on the turnover gifts that the Fraport Skyliners gave them as they pulled out a hard fought 77-70 win. After the big win ex Giessen 46er Alen Pjanic was all smiles as his team had won their fourth game. It wasn’t a pretty game for the guests, but a win is a win something the Fraport Skyliners can’t buy anywhere. ‘We had the game under control, but then allowed them to come back into the game. We wanted to give them more contested shots, but they got some open ones where they executed. We did a good job stopping them inside in the second half. But I feel like we played too slow. We should of played faster’, stated Alen Pjanic. Every new loss for the Fraport Skyliners has to hurt so much, because they have been in every game and in 4 games there was only a combined point total of 8 points. It was another tough loss for Frankfurt as it continues to put them deeper into the hole and harder to crawl out of. ‘I thought we ganged rebound well and our help defense was also better and we shared the ball well. But when it counted most in the fourth quarter we had too many turnovers at the wrong time with live balls that they made easy scores. We were too careless with the ball’, stated Quantez Robertson.

Jordan Samare at the FT line

The Fraport Skyliners didn’t have a good start into the game as they quickly lost their forward Einaras Tubutis after 28 seconds and couldn’t muster much offense as the guests jumped out to the 11-5 lead getting to the free line and getting baskets from ex Western Washington (NCAA) guard Trey Drechsel, ex Hagen center Owen Klassen who was massive on defense with 5 blocks and free throws from new German national player Max DiLeo. Frankfurt got support from captain Lukas Wank who contributed 5 points, but then picked up 3 quick fouls. The guests continued to put a lot of pressure on Frankfurt and kept the lead as ex Crailsheim guard Dewayne Russell (180-PG-1994, college: GCU) hit a 20 footer and made free throws. But the Fraport Skyliners got some energy in the last minute getting a lay in from ex Wurzburg guard Joshua Obiesie and a lay in from Martinas Geben who had been denied the ball well by the EWE Baskets. Frankfurt’s offense had gotten better with a few three’s as the guests hadn’t hit a trey and were only at 29% from the field. Both teams had 10 rebounds, but Frankfurt had an unacceptable 7 turnovers. ‘I feel like we were too physical and got out of position. That led to our bad start. It also didn’t help us that we lost Tubutis at the start’, stated Quantez Robertson.

Dewayne Russell with the pull up jumper

The second quarter was a tight affair as no team could get away from each other. The Fraport Skyliners actually got the lead, but soon lost it again as the guests controlled the game until the break. Frankfurt began very well as they got consecutive three’s from German Jordan Samare and American JJ Frazier. But they couldn’t go on a bigger run, because they couldn’t get stops. Canadian big man Owen Klassen scored back to back baskets including a pretty hook shot and harmonized beautifully with American Tanner Leissner. Rusell and Quantez Robertson then traded baskets as Frankfurt led again 24-22. But that lead was short lived as Klassen was on a rampage scoring again with a massive 2 handed dunk. The guests had their offense moving well and got a bucket from ex Monmouth guard Max DiLeo who was fed a behind the back pass from Russell and Leissner remained aggressive and made a tip in as Oldenburg led 28-24. Dewayne Russell was a key figure in this phase as his playmaking and hustle plays caried his team. He made a hustle play that resulted in a trey by 2021 NCAA champion with Baylor Macio Teague for the 31-25 advantage. The guests were working hard inside getting rebounds while Frankfurt’s offense was stoic. Owen Klassen didn’t only have scoring rebounding and blocking on his menu, but also showed he can dish making a nice back door pass to Leissner for the 35-28 Oldenburg lead. But Frankfurt didn’t fade away but stayed in the game getting two baskets from Lithuanian sniper Laurynas Beliauskas and a huge three by Obiesie to cut the guests lead to 35-33. But even in good phases on offense, they couldn’t get stops. The EWE Baskets strolled into half-time with a 8-3 run to lead 43-36 after 20 minutes. Teague remained aggressive hitting a runner and trey and Klassen scored in the paint while Frankfurt got a three pointer from Frazier. ‘They played good pick and roll. They found guys in the middle and drove well and we were always a step behind’, added Quantez Robertson. The Fraport Skyliners shot better than the EWE Baskets Oldenburg over 40% while Oldenburg shot 29% from the parking lot. Oldenburg continued to have the 20-18 rebound edge while Frankfurt had 10 turnovers.

Jordan Samare for 3

In the third quarter The EWE Baskets Oldenburg continued to control the game and led in double figures after 30 minutes. The guests displayed fine inside out basketball as they began to get production inside as Leissner and Klassen continued to be a wrecking tandem. Leissner scored twice and on the second bucket got a behind the back feed from Klassen for the 47-38 lead. Then the team let it rain three’s as Drechsel hit back to back to back three’s for the 56-42 advantage. The EWE Baskets Oldenburg also upped their defensive intensity getting key blocks and forcing Frankfurt to turnovers. Leissner then added a trey for the 59-44 advantage as he was so open that it felt like the nearest defender was on the Main river near the arena. The offenses of both teams was like day and night as their was variety and real sharing of the ball with the guests while Frankfurt’s offense was slow and predictable. But as was so often the case in the game, Frankfurt had positive lapses. They finished the third quarter with a 6-2 run to trail 61-50. In the run Frankfurt received key transition baskets from Obiesie and Quantez Robertson who also swiped his 707 steal in the EasyCredit BBL. Pjanic closed out the third quarter with a lay in. ‘We had wrong rotations and weren’t talking. We continued not to take care of the ball and Russell continued to find guys for easy baskets’, expressed Quantez Robertson. Both teams shot solidly and were around 40% from the field and outside while Oldenburg still had the edge on the boards while Frankfurt had 13 turnovers.

MaCio Teague from down town

In the fourth quarter the Fraport Skyliners played catch up ball and tied the score with 3,48 to play, but then couldn’t execute in crunch-time and coughed up the ball too much. The Fraport Skyliners came out on fire totally shocking the Ewe Baskets Oldenburg racking up a lethal 11-0 run to dead lock the contest at 61-61. In the run they got 2 huge three’s from Beliauskas and Samare and a pretty left handed hook shot from 221cm center Matt Haarms and a 2 handed dunk from Obiesie. Samare finished with 10 points in 25 minutes and got extended minutes because of the injury to Lorenz Brenneke and really stepped up. ‘Even though he had played the night before in the Pro B, he played hard and aggressive and did what was asked of him. He hit open shots something that we expect from him’, stated Quantez Robertson. The early 4 point play from Beliauskas really carried Frankfurt with which Oldenburg had no answer for. Now the game was a real tight affair as both teams traded baskets. Frankfurt was carried by JJ Frazier as he made some huge shots including a tip in and trey while Oldenburg got free throws and a pull up jumper by Russell to tie the game at 68-68. ‘We had good stops and shared and moved the ball well that resulted in us making open shots’, said Quantez Robertson. ‘The 4 point play gave them energy. They got the momentum on their side. We also felt the energy of the fans who were also in the game’, said Alen Pjanic. But the Fraport Skyliners folded under pressure allowing a 9-2 run to the guests ending the game. Two costly Frankfurt turnovers led to a Russell pull up jumper and Teague three pointer. Geben did hit a 15 footer, but Frankfurt then coughed up the ball again that led to a Drechsel lay in. Russell ended the game with free throws. ‘Our will got us to the win. We knew that if we could play our concept, then they would have no chance. We also got key defensive rebounds at the end’, stressed Alen Pjanic. The EWE Baskets Oldenburg were led by Dewayne Russell with 18 points. Trey Drechsel added 15 points while MaCio Teague and Owen Klassen chipped in with 13 points a piece while the Fraport Skyliners were led by Laurynas Beliauskas with 16 points. JJ Frazier added 14 points and Joshua Obiesie contributed 11 points. The EWE Baskets Oldenburg shot 43% from the field and 38% from outside and had 44 rebounds and 14 turnovers while the Fraport Skyliners shot 39% from the field and 36% from outside and had 36 rebounds and 15 turnovers.

Tags : DEWAYNE RUSSELL, EWE BASKETS OLDENBURG, GERMAN BASKETBALL

It took some time, but the Fraport Skyliners Juniors finally celebrated their first victory over the season smothering Porsche BBA Ludwigsburg last weekend after suffering a 3 game losing streak to begin the season. They finally found a defensive identity and played inspired team basketball. They definitely needed to keep their spark and positive attitude as it didn’t get any easier as FC Bayern Munich 2 came to town. It seems like the farm team is getting younger every year as this season have an average age of only 17 years. It is always an incredible experience seeing which big talents they bring to Frankfurt and this time they had Ivan Khartchenkov who already scored 16 points with 15 years and 5 days last season against top team EPG Baskets Koblenz. FC Bayern Munich 2 began the season off slow losing it’s first 2 games, but came to Frankfurt with a lot of self-confidence having defeated Orange Academy and number 1 team Oberaching last weekend. But their winning ways couldn’t continue as they met a tough and prepared Frankfurt squad as the game was pretty even for long phases, but the Fraport Skyliners Juniors took advantage of a tiring Munich squad that was missing 2 key performers with Kalu and Dongmo as Philipp Hadenfeldt (189-PG-1999) put the game out of reach in crunch-time with big baskets and his playmaking was spot on as he dished out 11 assists in the 86-75 victory. It was Frankfurt’s second win in a row putting them at 2-3 while the guests also moved to 2-3. ‘We expected a game like this. Munich played very hard and that is a reason why we couldn’t get away from them. We played against a very physical and aggressive team, but never gave up. Our experience and big shots in crunch-time was the difference’, stated Fraport Skyliner guard Philipp Hadenfeldt. FC Bayern Munich played a solid game, but their 21 turnovers hurt them in different phases of the game, but especially in the fourth quarter as they couldn’t stay with Frankfurt. ‘Congrats to Frankfurt. They played a very good offensive game. We started the game well, but missing 2 key players showed in the fourth quarter as we didn’t have the strength to finish the game’, stated FC Bayern Munich 2 head coach Mihajlo Mitic.

Jordan Samare at the FT line

The Fraport Skyliners Juniors were without Alexander Richardson while FC Bayern Munich 2 were without Martin Kalu, Maxwell Dongmo and Alec Agnigbata. The Fraport Skyliners Juniors began the game well going on the rapid 5-2 lead as big men Jordan Samare and Marco Voeller scored. But the guests didn’t waste any time as they got an offensive rhythm going on a 6-0 run to lead 8-5 as 2019 NBBL champions Jeremia Agyepong and beast Mohamed Silla scored as did flashy guard Amar Licina. 16 year old phenom Ivan Khartchenkov wasn’t getting shots, but instead showed his facilitation skills getting a few assists including a pretty shovel pass to Silla. But it didn’t take Khartchenkov long to finally get on the scoreboard as he drilled home a trey for the 13-7 lead. Frankfurt was having it’s ups and downs on offense, but stayed in the game due to Justin Onyejiaka’s athleticism as he scored twice in the paint to trail Munich only 15-13. FC Bayern Munich’s offense was very disciplined and they were sharing the ball well while Frankfurt didn’t have that sound rhythm yet which helped the guests close out the first quarter with a 7-2 run to lead 22-15 after 10 minutes. In the run Munich got added support from Khartchenkov with a jumper, Luxemburg U-20 national player Dan Mantz added a 20 footer and Agyepong a lay in. FC Bayern Munich Shot over 60% from the field and 40% from outside and led the rebound edge 11-5. ‘Munich sparkled with their individual class. Munich hit three’s and got good support from Licina and Skladanowski while Frankfurt’s offense was not up to par’, stated basketball expert Manuel Schust.

Ivan Khartchenkov with the pull up jumper

The Fraport Skyliners Juniors stepped up their offense in the second quarter overpowering the guests with 27 points and heightened their defense using the zone and led 42-38 at the break. Ivan Khartchenkov did start off the second quarter with a trey for the 25-25 advantage, but Frankfurt broke back going on a 6-2 run to trail Munich only 27-24. Frankfurt upped their presence in the zone and did a better job rebounding as Marco Voeller scored twice as did ex Wurzburg forward Nils Leonhardt. On his one bucket, Voeller muscled home 3 offense rebounds and finished with 5 on the night. The three’s weren’t falling so Frankfurt attacked the paint more and were rewarded. The Fraport Skyliners Juniors didn’t let up but continued to play a good zone while getting in passing lanes and forcing turnovers which allowed Frankfurt to get out on transition. This led to a 11-4 Frankfurt run and 35-31 lead. Ex Alba Berlin athletic forward Nolan Adekunle was instrumental in the run scoring 3 baskets while Philipp Hadenfeldt made an acrobatic lay in and Justin Onyejiaka also scored on transition. Frankfurt had done a pretty good job on Silla with the zone, but couldn’t keep up as the Sienna Leon center took charge in the last minutes scoring 3 times in the paint as he was a mis match problem for Frankfurt. But Frankfurt kept the upper hand and led as they got good support from Jordan Samare with 5 points and Alvin Onyia ended the second quarter with a buzzer beater lay in after getting the perfect pass from Hadenfeldt. Both teams shot over 50% from the field and despite Frankfurt rebounding better still trailed FC Bayern Munich 21-19 on the boards. ‘The Frankfurt zone worked well allowing them to play transition as Munich’s game lost pace’, added basketball expert Manuel Schust.

Justin Onyejiaka with the lay in

FC Bayern Munich won the third quarter and retook the lead 61-59. The game remained close as no team continued to be able to get away from the other. The guests got vital support from Montenegro guard Amar Licina who tested his 27% three point shooting percentage scoring back to back three’s while Christian Skladanowski also stepped up with 2 baskets. Frankfurt got baskets from Leonhardt and Samare to keep pace. Hadenfeldt had 11 assists on the night and some more spectacular than the other as he found Leonhardt for the lay in. ‘I saw Nils go to the basket in the corner of my eye. I was near the line and let the ball get away, but somehow saved it and passed it to him. He was the only option and I was lucky no Munich player was there’, commented Philipp Hadenfeldt. The next sweet pass didn’t take long as this time he fed Jordan Samare for the crushing dunk. ‘I saw that the Munich defense came up a bit leaving Jordan all alone. I made the quick pass from behind the three point line which they didn’t react quickly enough’, said Philipp Hadenfeldt. Munich kept the lead with a three pointer from 2019 NBBL champion Luis Wulf, but Frankfurt never gave up and got that instant spark again by Adekunle as he scored a trey and runner and suddenly Frankfurt stole the lead back 53-52. But Frankfurt was unable to keep the lead as FC Bayern Munich continued to execute well on offense and Luis Wulf who has been in the organization since joining the U-10 team scored 5 more points and ex IBAM (NBBBL) player Marco Frank added the needed energy form the bench with 2 baskets. Samare did add a three pointer, but Frankfurt trailed by 2 points after 30 minutes. ‘They did hit more three’s, but we just played our game and stayed with them’, stated Philipp Hadenfeldt. ‘I don’t think that it was their zone that hurt us the most, but it was their aggressiveness which we had no response to’, said Mihajlo Mitic. Both teams shot over 50% from the field, but the guests got stronger again on the boards and had the 33-23 rebound edge while Frankfurt had the 6-13 turnover advantage.

Christian Skladonowski at the FT line

The Fraport Skyliners Juniors went on a scoring spree again in the fourth quarter like they did in the second quarter with 27 points as their defense stepped up while the energy of the guests decreased. The Fraport Skyliners escaped out on a rapid 5-0 run to retake the lead 64-61 as Adekunle dropped another trey and Voeller connected on free throws. But that didn’t faze the guests as they slapped Frankfurt with a 7-0 run to retake the lead 68-64. In the run, they received a Silla lay in and Licina used his Duracell qualities with free throws and a trey. But sometimes one team just takes off and the other just shuts down and that is exactly what happened as Frankfurt went on a brutal 14-2 run to retake the lead 78-70 and decide the game. German Christian Skladanowski was removed and once that happened nothing worked anymore for the guests. He and Silla were rocks in the paint, but with his absence, Frankfurt took advantage as Voeller scored 5 points and Samare made a lay in while Adekunle made free throws for the 73-70 lead. Hadenfeldt then put a lid on the game with consecutive baskets in the paint. The Fraport Skyliners Juniors played with confidence and just took advantage of the guests wanning energy and nonending defensive pressure pushed Munich’s turnovers past 20. Khartchenkov stopped the run with a sweet 20 footer pull up jumper, but Frankfurt wanted more and added a 8-0 run to lead 86-72. In the run Frankfurt got more support from a three pointer from Adekunle and free throws form Onyia and Hadenfeldt. With the game almost over, Ivan Kharchenkov heaved up a last second three pointer from way behind center court making a buzzer beater which sweetened his scoring stats for the game. ‘Nobody thought he could ever make that when he let it go, but once it was up, it looked pretty good. I think that them getting to team fouls early helped us as well as having many offensive options that could score. We played good defense and knew their plays and took away their strengths. It also helped that they were without 2 key players’, said Philipp Hadenfeldt. ‘Skladanowski was out a month and just didn’t have more energy today. They defended aggressively until the end and changed the angles forcing us not to pass well. We had no entry’, stressed Mhajlo Mitic. The Fraport Skyliners Juniors were led by Nolan Adekunle with 22 points. Jordan Samare added 19 points while Marco Voeller added 13 points while FC Bayern Munich was led by Ivan Khartchenkov with 16 points while Smar licina had 15 points and Mohamed Silla added 14 points and 12 rebounds. The Fraport Skyliners Juniors shot 49% form the field and 35% form outside and had 32 rebounds and 7 turnovers while FC Bayern Munich shot 53% form the field and 32% from outside and had 41 rebounds and 21 turnovers.

Tags : PHILIPP HADENFELDT, FRAPORT SKYLINERS FRANKFURT JUNIOR TEAM, GERMAN BASKETBALL

Not only did Bryce Taylor (195-SG-1986, agency: BeoBasket) have a long and successful 13 year professional playing career that spanned 12 years in Germany and 392 easyCredit BBL games, but he also had something that not all players can boast having had. And that is being able to learn from some of the best coaches in his career. He already had a superb coach with Ernie Kent at Oregon (NCAA) that helped lead the school and Taylor to a Pac-10 title in 2007. And it didn’t change when he went overseas. He was able to learn from legendary coach Svetislav Pesic in Munich who led Germany to the surprising 1993 Euro win over Russia. Soon after he experienced the barking from eccentric Italian coach Andrea Trinchieri in Bamberg and topped off his career learning the finer points of the game from rising Spanish coach Pedro Calles. He didn’t waist any time hanging out at the beach in Malibu for some months in the summer of 2021, but quickly latched on to the Indiana Pacers where he learned from well known coach Rick Carlisle. Now in his second season in the coaching world, he is back in Germany and reunited with Pedro Calles in Oldenburg. The California native has a special connection to Calles in that he first saw him work as an athletic trainer in Artland in 2012 and after that saw his rise in German basketball from Vechta to Hamburg. Playing his last season in Hamburg for Calles left a lasting impression on him. He always knew that Calles was special even already in 2012. Would he have believed then that Calles would become the coach he has become had somebody predicted it in 2012? ‘Yes, I would have. Pedro was always a hard worker, a serious person, very organized and detail oriented. I saw a bright future for him during this time. In our year together in Hamburg, I learned a lot from Pedro. He is one of the main reasons I decided to think about coaching. During the season I battled injuries and he handled my situation with transparency, dignity and respect. We see the game in a similar way and I always loved Spanish basketball, the way the game is played in the ACB and the philosophies that are taught by the best coaches in the country. From a basketball perspective I appreciated our defensive concept and strategy. He is an excellent communicator and was able to impact the team with fresh energy each and every day. He was always organized and prepared and that was something I admired and wanted to take with me when I left Hamburg. I was offered to to stay and work with the Towers last season in some capacity, but I decided to pursue my opportunity with the Pacers instead. This season it will continue to develop as we develop our coaching staff chemistry’, stressed Bryce Taylor.

But one thing will be different in Oldenburg this season for everyone and will need some serious time for adjustment. Bryce Taylor who believes that Steph Curry could be the greatest point guard of all-time won’t see that winner’s smile from Rickey Paulding every morning. Paulding finally retired from the game in 2022 after serving the EWE Baskets for 15 years. It really doesn’t matter who you are, but if you have some connection to basketball in Germany and hear the name EWE Baskets, you won’t be able to hide the fact that the first thing that comes to mind is Rickey Paulding. ‘Absolutely, Rickey Paulding represents so much for this club and the Easycredit BBL as well. Ricky is the standard bearer of greatness when it comes to Americans in European basketball’, said Bryce Taylor. One of my favorite spots around the EWE Baskets arena’s that has really grown in the last decade is the incredible mural dedicated to Paulding. It is something that will remind people daily about the memories of the legendary player who made a name at Missouri (NCAA). ‘It’s really special, I don’t think anybody throughout European basketball, as an American, has a mural like that. We had great battles as opponents, and I will always remember having to be ready to play my A game against him when we matched up. This mural will always take me down memory lane, that is for sure’, added Bryce Taylor. He didn’t have any talks with Rickey Paulding about taking the coaching job in Oldenburg, but surely will have dealings with him this season in some capacity as Paulding will still have ties to the organization and be back in Oldenburg every so often.

The American guard who began his easyCredit BBL career with the Telekom Baskets Bonn comes to Oldenburg with the best qualifications as he was lucky and fortunate enough to have worked in the NBA with the Indiana Pacers in his rookie season after being a player. He was an assistant player development coach which entailed so many different things. He helped with video edits as well as working out the players individually before and after practice. He also aided in pre-game warmups and was always on call for any assignments needed from the coaching staff and video coordinator/director of strategy. He also stayed in shape and showed the young guns why he was a top player in the BBL as he also was a practice player. Nothing was handed to him in this job. He came to the Pacers and it was just like when he was a rookie in Italy in 2008. He was beginning to make a name for himself in life after being a top player overseas. ‘My experience in the NBA was awesome, I was starting over and had to humble myself and that was a great experience. Nobody cared that I played a long career overseas, and I had to prove myself from 0 I worked some G- League practices as well. I learned how high of a level the NBA is, the players are extremely talented and work hard every day. The staff has dozens of people who are the best in the world at what they do. The coaches are extremely smart and were always on point whenever they addressed the team. I learned too much in this year to pinpoint a single thing, but this definitely showed me what I needed to work on so I can continue to improve as a person within this game and as a coach’, expressed Bryce Taylor. He also had the opportunity to work together with head coach Rick Carlisle that as a player was able to call Larry Bird his teammate and later coached legend Dirk Nowitzki. It is only obvious that he took every opportunity he had to be a constant positive pest in terms of questions, questions and questions. ‘Rick was great to learn from and watch every day. He is a great basketball mind and leader. I was a sponge this season being around him daily, seeing how he communicated with the team and the players. He’s been in the NBA for 30 years so he’s basically seen every situation before and I really was just taking notes on everything’, commented Bryce Taylor. When you look up and down a NCAA team’s bench you see players, but also a handful of guys in suits with clipboards at least more than half then what you see on coaches in the easyCredit BBL. The NBA is another dimension of how much organizations value the use of teachers, but then again the budgets are also in another galaxy. ‘The biggest difference was the amount of coaches, we had 10-12 coaches with various responsibilities. There are also 82 games, plus preseason and playoffs, this is a heavy load to carry and its necessary for this to be spread amongst the staff. Our coaching staff had coaches with different focuses, such as player development, offense, defense, analytics and so forth’, stated Bryce Taylor. He was able to work with many great NBA players and remembers 2 guys that he will always have fond memories of spending worthwhile time with. ‘I really enjoyed working with all of the guys, I especially liked working with Chris Duarte because he went to the University of Oregon (my alma mater) so we had that built in connection. But the young core of players is strong there and I think the future is bright in Indiana. Malcolm Brogdon is a true pro and a very hard worker. I loved working with him. We played against each other a lot this season’, remembered Bryce Taylor.

Miles Schmidt-Scheuber and Bryce Taylor in Frankfurt in 2015

The former guard who thinks that Malcolm Brogdon will be a major difference maker for the Boston Celtics this season is already in Oldenburg ready for his new challenge. He was already in Germany in early summer and did a special training in Baden-Baden with the German Basketball Federation DBB and received his B-license for coaching. Sometimes it takes ex professional players a while to make the transition from player to life after, but for Taylor he needed no rest and is just sprouting with zeal about working in the easyCredit BBL on the sidelines. ‘I’m looking forward to everything, collaborating with the coaching staff, learning from Pedro, supporting and teaching the players, getting to know the other staff and fans as well. Jumping into practices on the court and building some sweat equity with the players too’, stressed Bryce Taylor. In pre season there is a lot of time for team bonding. Usually teams will go on a training camp trip and longer road trips are the norm. There will be enough free time for Bryce Taylor to break out some interesting stories from his NBA rookie year last season. He could entertain guards Dewayne Russell, Max DiLeo and Macio Teague with some stories he had dueling Brad Wanamaker back in the day when he was with FC Bayern Munich as well as their 1-1 talks in Indiana last season. He definatley won’t forget being together with Wanamaker last season. ‘ That was awesome to reconnect with Brad, we had a chance to talk on the very first day about our battles with Bamberg vs Bayern Munich. It was funny because nobody else from the staff truly understood what that rivalry meant but we were laughing about these unforgettable moments. We talked a lot about his journey and what it took for him to make it and then stick in the NBA. I believe his versatility is what has allowed for him to carve out a solid NBA career. He is very physical, and makes winning plays as a back up guard. He can defend multiple positions and can put pressure on the defense as a driver and playmaker. Philly guards usually play with a certain toughness and a high basketball IQ and Brad fits that mold’, warned Bryce Taylor. But There is one guy where I think everyone will pay special close attention to when he begins to talk. I’m sure if one night all are hanging out in the lobby of a hotel, nobody will call it an early evening when he unwraps his special stories about Rickey Paulding who he fought 17 times in the easyCredit BBL. That will be a worthwhile entertaining evening that nobody would forget.

Tags : BRYCE TAYLOR, VEOLIA TOWERS HAMBURG, GERMAN BASKETBALL

Macio Teague (193-SG-1997, college: Baylor) is a 25 year old 193cm guard from Cincinnati, Ohio who is playing hi second professional season and first overseas in Germany with the EWE Baskets Oldenburg. Last season as a rookie he played with the Salt Lake City Stars (NBA G League) averaging 11.9ppg, 4.3rpg, 3.4apg, FGP: 45.2%, 3PT: 25.3%, FT: 89.7%. he began his basketball career at Walnut Hills High School averaging 26.4ppg, 7.5rpg; and broke the high school single game scoring record with a 51-point game. He then played at the University Od North Carolina-Ashville from 2016-2018 averaging 15.4ppg, 4.6rpg, 2.7apg, 1.1spg, FGP: 47.8%, 3PT: 45.5%, FT: 88.6% and 16.7ppg, 4.4rpg, 2.5apg, 1.6spg, FGP: 39.9%, 3PT: 42.4%, FT: 87.1%. He then played Baylor University (NCAA) from 2019-2021 winning the NCAA title in 2021 averaging 13.6ppg, 4.7rpg, 1.9apg, 1.0spg, FGP: 44.9%, 3PT: 35.8%, FT: 82.2% and as a senior averaged 15.8ppg, 4.0rpg, 1.7apg, FGP: 53.7%, 3PT: 39.5%, FT: 82.7%. He also played nBA Summer League with the Utah Jazz Blue (NBA Summer League in Salt Lake City) averaging 15.3ppg, 2.7rpg, 1.0spg, FGP: 37.1%, 3PT: 40.0%, FT: 88.9% and at the MGM Resorts NBA Summer League in Las Vegas) averaging 10.4ppg, 3.2rpg, 3.4apg, FGP: 52.8%, 3PT: 33.3%, FT: 71.4%. He spoke to germanhoops.com before a easyCredit BBL game against the Fraport Skyliners.

Foto credit EWE Baskets

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

I’m currently in Germany. Basketball life is treating me well. I’m trying to get 1% better each day.

Your playing your first season overseas in Germany with the EWE Baskets Oldenburg. What kind of experience has it been playing in the BBL and what have you enjoyed most about playing for the EWE Baskets?

It has been a good experience. I think the best thing about overseas basketball is how the game is very team orientated. I’m really enjoying my time in Oldenburg.

Your averaging the least amount of minutes in your career with 19 currently averaging 7/3/1. What has been the biggest adjustment for you coming from the States to Germany?

The playing style has been the biggest adjustment so far. The game is more physical, is refed differently and the strategies are also different.

How vital has a guy like Max Di Leo been in practice for you getting better suited to the pace? He is a very annoying defender?

Max has been very important for the team success. He is a great player that is doing great things to help the team and me.

Have you met EWE Baskets legend Ricky Paulding? What kind of an impression has he left on you?

I have never met him. He seemed to have been a great player. He has a mural in the down town area which is cool. He seems to be a very prominent figure in Oldenburg.

What has it been working together with Bryce Taylor? He is a guy that played at the high levels overseas and last year was with the Indiana Pacers. What kind of interaction have you had?

I have had great interactions with Bryce. He has a phenomenal basketball mind. He has played at so many high levels and been in the NBA. His insight about the game is tremendous.

How much of a priority is it for you to get a more consistent three pointer? For some reasons your percentages have dropped since North Carolina Ashville.

It isn’t necessarily a priority of mine. I just go out and play and try to become 1% better each day.

On what area’s of your game are you working on most now so you can continue to climb the basketball ladder with your game?

I’m working on becoming more vocal and becoming a better leader.

You played your rookie season with the Salt Lake City Stars (NBA G League) averaging 11.9ppg, 4.3rpg, 3.4apg, FGP: 45.2%, 3PT: 25.3%, FT: 89.7%. What do you remember being your wake up call to being a rookie in the NBA/G-League?

I didn’t really have a wake up call. Everything was very different in the G-League. It was just different to what I had been used to.

You had a solid G-League season, but probably not good enough to warrant a NBA call up. What were your highs in the season and how did your game grow from your NCAA senior year?

I think that I grew a lot in my rookie season. Being able to play with different combinations of skilled players and learning different concepts of the game was important.

How excited are you to battle your ex G-League teammate Derrick Alston JR this season? I’m sure it doesn’t surprise you he is leading the BBL in scoring? Do you believe that one of you too could be in the NBA in a few years?

Maybe so but I think he will be in the NBA next season. He is really talented and the typical type of wing the NBA is looking for.

After winning the 2021 NCAA tournament, I would of thought that all 3 Davion Mitchell, Jared Butler and you would get drafted. But your name wasn’t called. How quickly were you able to come to terms with that mentally?

It is the same way that I have to cope with other things. I had a call from the Utah Jazz and was able to play NBA Summer League and was invited to training camp. I just have to keep working

How much of a role model is ex Baylor (NCAA) player Ishmail Wainwright? He began in the second division in Germany and with in a few years was in the NBA. What do you appreciate most about his story?

I appreciated that he played football in school and then went back to basketball. I felt that was really unique. He is a very talented player. He came to Baylor when I was there. I had a few interactions with him. He is a really nice guy. I like him as a person.

You began your basketball career the University of North Carolina-Ashville. You put up very good stats in your 2 years there. Did you want more of a challenge after 2 years? Is that why you left for Baylor?

My coach there left to take a better paying job. I felt like I had the opportunity to transfer to a high major school and Baylor happened to be that school.

I can imagine you will never forget playing against Longwood. You had their number every game.

I don’t remember too much except that I had some really good games against them. I do remember having made 6 three’s at half-time.

You won the 2021 NCAA title with Baylor. How tough and how can one rate the title winning it during Covid? What do you remember being the biggest challenge?

It might have been a challenge but I honestly felt like we had a really good team. I thought it was really hard to lose. We really played defense. Even when we didn’t play particular well, we could still score 70 points. When we played really well, teams had no chance against us.

You scored 35 points against Texas Tech and had a school record 10 three’s. Did you have that incredible after that first made three where you knew it would be a great night?

I made my first 3 in the corner and my second one on the left wing. Then I didn’t take another three for something like 7 minutes. Then I made a deep three from the top of the key. Then I had an airball despite being fouled. I was still 3/3 at half-time. Then I made 2 more and I felt like it could be a good night. Then a graduate student kept yelling use it or lose. From then on I just kept shooting and my teammates kept finding me.

Baylor had an incredible NCAA run beating Gonzaga. What do you feel was the biggest hurdle during the run that the team was able to get by?

We began the run having Hartford under control. We then got by Wisconsin despite it not being pretty. The hardest hurdle was Villanova. We only had 20 points at the half. Coach told us we had to get stops. As soon as we did that we would blow them out. Mitchell was cooking and Harper came alive somewhat. Arkansas played fast like us, but their defense wasn’t as good as ours. We had a blow out in the semi’s and in the final it was lights out against Gonzaga.

In the NCAA final, you had to battle against Jalen Suggs. What do remember you remember from his game?

I remember him being a real good passer who could go downhill when he was aggressive and was a capable three point shooter. He also had the ability to get his team going on transition.

How did head coach Scott Drew groom and prepare you best for a professional career?

I remember having an ok practice and our associate coach come up to me and say ‘Are you the best player’? and continued saying ‘The coach and best player can’t ever have bad practices’. ‘Have you ever seen him have a bad day’? ‘As the best player you can’t have a bad day’. That stuck with me. I never saw him have a bad day. He was never grumpy and never allowed anything off the court affect him as a coach on the court. He was a stand up guy.

Who won a 1-1 in practice you or Davion Mitchell?

It really depended where we played. In the post I would win and on the perimeter he would win.

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

Cade Cunningham

Please name your 5 best teammates of all-time?

My Baylor teammates

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

I don’t like to rank players, because it takes away from how much they contribute to the game.

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

I never saw Jordan play. Lebron has impacted the game in so many ways. I can’t answer that.

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

Yes they should of. I took the family DVD of Coming To America on a plane 10 years ago and forgot it. My family is still mad about it and let me know about it every year.

Thanks Macio for the chat.

Tags : MACIO TEAGUE, EWE BASKETS OLDENBURG, GERMAN BASKETBALL

Thomas Alexander (197-SG, college: Arkansas Tech) is a 197cm guard that is playing in Germany with BG Dorsten currently averaging 28,0ppg, 6,5rpg and 3,5apg. He has previous professional experience in countries like Luxemburg and El Salvador. He also played with the Southwest Flight (EBL). He began his basketball career with Eastern Oklahoma State College (JUCO) averaging 9.8ppg, 4.3rpg, FGP: 37.2%, 3PT: 34.6%, FT: 73.2% and then moved to Arkansas Tech University (NCAA2) averaging 9.1ppg, 3.3rpg, 1.0spg, FGP: 44.1%, 3PT: 29.4%, FT: 70.8%. He spoke to germanhoops.com about basketball during the summer.

Thanks Thomas for talking to germanhoops.com. Congrats on continuing to grind. You have played in places like El Salvador, Mexico and Luxemburg despite having finished school in 2016. Why has it been difficult for you finding jobs the last 7 years?

I have to say it was difficult, because I had no support behind me to help me, I didn’t have the resources I have today and I would like to shout out those two, Drew Kelso and Thomas Sandlim from One Motive Sports Agency for giving me the opportunity to show my talents in front them to prove I deserve to be a professional.

What has continued to drive you to never lose trust in the basketball process? Or have you lost faith in the process over the years?

I would have to say just having true & genuine love for the game. You can take the player from the game but you can’t take the game from the player. I knew professional basketball is what I wanted, no matter how long it took me, now matter how stressful it would get. The love of the game never left me. There were plenty of days I wanted to just give it all up but I just couldn’t. It didn’t feel like the right thing to do. I’m glad I chose not to give it up.

Your journey continues in Germany with 2 Regionalliga team BG Dorsten. How blessed do you feel being able to continue to play the game you love for a living? Not too many NCAA 2 players go on to have a professional career.

Miles this is a huge blessing, it finally feels like everything is starting to work in my favor. Drew has been able to land me 3 overseas jobs within 10 months, regardless of how long I was there, I was there. Drew made it happen and I’m very grateful for him. I’m extremely blessed to be able to still play this game. I’ve worked very hard to be in this position. I believe a lot of division 2 players are being overlooked, even some division 3 players. We all have the same goals, we’re not any different from those who played Division 1, we just had to take another route.

What do you know in general about the country Germany and it’s basketball? Have you had any friends play here before?

I honestly don’t know much about Germany. I remember my father telling me that my family stayed there before I was born. He’s retired from the US Military, but he was stationed there at a point of time. I actually do have good friends playing in Germany, Spencer Reaves, he plays for the Bayer Giants, also Chris Miller who played in the German Pro B league. I can’t remember the name of the team he played with though.

How did the connection to BG Dorsten come about? I can imagine finding jobs without an agent is always challenging.

I have to give all the credit to Drew Kelso. He made all of this happen. I had no ideal where I would be going next, he just told me to just stay in the gym, be patient, and trust the process.

Let’s talk about your game. You’re a 197cm guard :If you had to compare your game to an NBA player who would best fit the description?

I would have to compare my game to Paul George. A Three way scorer, inside, mid range, and behind the perimeter, nice ball handler for his height, and he can hold just about any position on the floor if needed. I see a lot of comparison in my game when I watch him play

Scoring and rebounding stands out in your game. What other strenghths does your game incorporate?

My other strengths are defending, passing, dribbling, blocking, being quick on my feet, quick to recover on defense, my length, athleticism, and good court vision.

You can defend the positions 2-4. How has your defense matured over the years and what kind of defender do you still want to become?

My man to man defense has become a lot better, becoming more quicker & lighter on my feet has helped me on the defensive side tremendously, of course there is always so much to do to become a better defender, which is a goal for me. I want teams to know me for having good defense.

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


I work on every area the most honestly. When I go to the gym I don’t just work on one aspect of my game. I work on all aspects of it.

You last played in Luxemburg for BC Mess (Luxembourg-Nationale 2) averaging 25.8ppg, 10.2rpg, 1.6apg, 0.6spg, 0.9bpg, FGP: 53.8%, 3PT: 39.6%, FT: 82.1%. How vital was this season for you getting your foot in the door in Europe?

I knew if I didn’t play well, I probably wouldn’t have another chance to play in Europe and I couldn’t afford that. There are definitely a lot of areas to play in but Europe is a great place to have a career.

One of your first pro teams was Denver-FAS San Salvador (El Salvador-Liga) averaging 22.0ppg, 9.2rpg, 3.5apg, 1.7spg, FGP: 55.1%, 3PT: 29.8%, FT: 67.6%. How would you compare that league to the semi-pro leagues in the states in skill?

El Salvador honestly had good players out there, it just wasn’t a respectable league, I could see players from El Salvador keeping up with how we play in the states.

You were teammates with Chris Miller who since then has carved out a nice career and recently helped lead his team to the German Pro B. What memories do you have of him?

Chris Miller is a great guy! One of the beat guards I’ve played with. We definitely enjoyed our time over in El Salvador. I remember him scoring 40 points his first game, his mid range game is top tier, that’s what made him stand out, his mid range game. Nowadays, you don’t see too many attempts in the mid range area, the three pointer has taken over the game lol.

You began your professional career in the States with the Southwest Flight (EBL). What memories do you have of your rookie season and what was your wake up call where you knew that you were a pro?

I remember just wanting to be in a better situation, with basketball as far as my career but I was making the most of it. I kept a smile, attended every game, and played my heart out. I want to during the season of the EBL, the middle of the season, everyone started asking me ‘when are you going pro’ or asking me ‘why aren’t you in the pros yet’ that’s when I knew it was time to stop messing around and really try to make something happen for myself with this basketball.

How tough is the competitiveness in the semi-pro leagues in the States. Please give an example where you saw just how fierce it is with all the players?

They’re definitely tough, depending on the League you’re playing in. Our top semi pro league which is ‘The Truth League’ and ‘Dunbar League’ are two very competitive leagues in the state of Arkansas, and that’s just Arkansas, you have the ‘Drew League’ in California that’s well known. All type of NBA players go there and play in that league. LeBron James himself has even played, so that tells you the amount of competitiveness coming into the leagues in the states.

You played at Eastern Oklahoma State College (JUCO) averaging 9.8ppg, 4.3rpg, FGP: 37.2%, 3PT: 34.6%, FT: 73.2%. Every guy that I have spoken to that played JUCO raved about how tough the expereicne was, but one they would never not done. How was the expereicne for you?


Being at Eastern Oklahoma taught me valuable lessons in many ways, it had its ups and downs. The experience was definitely one of a kind. I don’t regret going there though, it was a stage in life that helped me see life from a different perspective.

in 2015-2016 you played at Arkansas Tech University (NCAA2): 12 games: 9.1ppg, 3.3rpg, 1.0spg, FGP: 44.1%, 3PT: 29.4%, FT: 70.8%. What kind of an experience was this for you? What were the greatest positives that you gained from there?

I loved playing at Arkansas Tech University. I miss all my teammates from there. It was one of the greatest college experiences. I was on a bigger stage than JUCO so I felt I had something to prove. Arkansas Tech brought the best out of me. One of the positives it brought out of me was making me more of a confident player.

How did head coach Chad Kline groom and prepare you best for a professional basketball career?

Coach Kline taught me the importance of respect and how far being respectful can take you in life.

Who won a 1-1 in practice you or Marquis Yates?

Definitely Marquis lol .. he was much stronger than me. He was also a great ball handler and shooter, it wasn’t easy taking to take the ball from him or keep him from getting inside the paint for an easy two points. He’s one that should be a professional. He can play some ball.

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

I actually never played anyone in college that made it to the NBA. I don’t know if it counts but I played Bobby Portis (Power Forward for the Milwaukee Bucks) in high school lol.

Please name your 5 best teammates of all-time?

Imara Ready Junior, Kahron Ross, Kevaughn Allen, Archie Goodwin, Bobby Portis

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

1. Michael Jordan 2. LeBron James 3. Kobe Bryant 4. Kareem Abdul-Jabbar

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

Why can’t it be two GOATS

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


I don’t think I have actually. I loved the first Coming to America though.

Thanks Thomas for the chat.

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