So who would of thought that The EPG Baskets Koblenz would have so many problems in the playoffs after mowing down most of the competition in the regular season. After a tough grind out series against the EN Baskets Schwelm where the team was brought to the limit and won a do or die game in their living room, the biting of the fingernails continued in the Erfurt series. After a bitter 79-78 loss in game 1 at home, the troops of Pat Elzie had their second do or die game this time in enemy territory and mastered it with a 80-74 victory where once again their were no gifts given. Now the series was tied 1-1 and the EPG Baskets Koblenz had another do or die game, but this time in their living room. With a win they would book the ticket for the semi finals against the BSG Sixers and Pro A. The club had had do or die game experience and 400 Pro A plus and 100 plus easyCredit BBl experience on their roster now had to come together and for once play the kind of basketball they had showed during the regular season. It is no secret that the playoffs is a new season and every team is gunning for the EPG Baskets Koblenz. On a mild Friday night and the CGM arena as always was packed, but never before with 3000 plus fans. The EPG Baskets Koblenz didn’t let their fans down as this time it wasn’t a close contest, but one where they were able to control the game for the most part and won 108-83 ‘We did everything right tonight what we did during the regular season. We used all our weapons correctly and everyone played their role well. We attacked Edi early and brought him into foul trouble and kept Lyles off the 3 point line’, stated EPG Baskets Koblenz guard Leon Friederici (190-SG-1995) The CATL Basketball Lowen played their hearts out in the series, but in game 3 just didn’t have enough man power to get over the hump during the game. ‘I’m very proud of my team. Things didn’t always go right for us, but we never showed fear. When you lose your best player Edi then there is a big void at both ends’, stated Erfurt guard Tyseem Lyles.

Dominque Johnson at the FT line

The EPG Baskets Koblenz wasted no time jumping all over the CATL Baskets Lowen taking the early 8-2 lead. They attacked the rim getting 2 spectacular dunks form Brian Butler and lay in’s from American Alani Moore and ex Bremerhaven center Moses Poelking. The atmosphere in the CGM arena was breathtaking which sparked the Koblenz aggressive defense not allowing the guests a rhythm while Koblenz played with high intensity and moved the ball well early on. After a Erfurt timeout, they came better into the game going on a 10-4 run to dead lock the game at 12-12. Erfurt got more aggressive getting to the free throw line 3 times as young German Dominykas Pleta made 4 points and ex Gonzaga forward Guy Edi made 2 points on free throws and Lyles made a floater and ex Itzehoe forward Aileu Ceesay made an offensive rebound and put back. Erfurt heightened their defensive intensity and made things more difficult for Koblenz. But keeping a team like the EPG Baskets under wraps can only take so long as they escaped and then showed their offensive arsenal going on a 18-7 run to lead 30-19 after 10 minutes. In the run Koblenz spread the love around and got everyone involved. Koblenz remained aggressive in the paint getting lay in’s from 2019 NBBL finalist with Breitengussbach Leo Safer and ex PS Karlsruhe forward Dominque Johnson using a mismatch and getting a lay in while Sperber was also aggressive getting an offensive rebound and finishing with his left hand and Alani Moore made a lay in for the commanding 30-19 advantage. Koblenz’s aggressive defense had forced the guests to 8 turnovers. ‘Both teams played at a high intensity and attacked well. Koblenz moved the ball well and played transition getting easy baskets’, stressed ex EPG Baskets Koblenz assistant coach Tobias Hosper.

Lorenz Schiller from outside

The EPG Baskets continued to control the game not allowing the CATL Basketball Lowen to get over the hump as they couldn’t cut the Koblenz lead under 5 points. Despite Guy Edi being on the bench for great lengths because of 3 fouls, the Erfurt role players picked up the slack. Ex BBL player Marvin Heckel did a great job showing offensive power scoring 5 points, but Erfurt remained close thanks to the great player of Pleta who took on responsibility in Edi’s absence with 9 points and Erfurt trailed only 37-30. Pleta scored 4 free throws and connected on a trey and lay in. But the EPG Baskets Koblenz simply had too much firepower and weapons always ready for an answer. German Jan Heber gave Erfurt 2 key lay in’s, but Koblenz got massive support from the bench from ex Itzehoe forward Niclas Sperber who contributed 7 points including a pretty reverse lay up for the 48-38 Koblenz advantage. ‘I never saw Sperber like this. He was so focused and mentally prepared’, stated Tobias Hosper. Erfurt never gave up and continued to chip away getting added spark from their young Germans as Pleta made a big dunk. He was being put in great position by guards Lyles and Heber and little used 18 year old Lenni Kunzewitsch made a clutch trey to cut Koblenz’s lead to 48-43. But Koblenz didn’t let down after that closing out the second quarter strong with Friederici free throws and a Moore lay in to lead 50-43. ‘Both teams continued to play at a high intensity, but Koblenz rhythm had gone down a bit. Erfurt kept fighting and had patience getting good shots’, stated Tobias Hosper. Koblenz shot 48% from the field and 25% from outside, but the CATL Basketball Lowen shot an incredible 92% 11/12 from the 2 point range while both teams had 15 rebounds, but Erfurt had 11 turnovers and Koblenz 6 turnovers.

Niclas Sperber lay in

The third quarter continued to be a high scoring affair, but the CATL Basketball Lowen continued not being able to get over the hump and never got closer than 5 points early. Pleta continued to have his A game on and he scored the first 4 points of the third quarter as Erfurt trailed only 52-47. Koblenz then got some energy and support from 2017 BBL slam dunk contest winner Brian Butler with a lay in, Sperber lay in and Moore trey, but in the end led only 60-53 as Lyles connected for 2 three’s. Both teams continued to trade baskets as Koblenz got a 3 from Sperber and two lay in’s from Heckel while Erfurt got three’s from Ceesay and Edi to trail only 67-60. Edi then suffered his fourth foul and had to leave again to be ready for the stretch run in the fourth. One could sense that Edi’s inconsistent minutes put a strain on them mentally as they got away from the team game and played too much 1-1 play. Friederici gave Koblenz vital support with 5 points, but they just couldn’t shake Erfurt as they remained on Koblenz tail as they got key support from ex Jena German Lorenz Schiller with 5 points and Pleta made a lay in as Erfurt trailed only 77-70. Dominique Johnson closed out the third quarter with a trey and 80-70 advantage. ‘Getting Edi with his fourth foul early was important. He is an important help side defender and he hurt our spacing. We took away so much from their offense and defense with him out. That allowed us to focus more on Lyles and Heber’, stated Leon Friederici ‘I felt our rotations were good, but they just made shots. We lost a little toughness on defense. They did a good job taking me off the three point line’, commented Tyseem Lyles.

Guy Edi at the FT line

In the fourth quarter the EPG Baskets Koblenz were able to shift up one more gear as the CATL Basketball Lowen were unable to withstand their execution rate and on offense failed to execute as well as in the previous quarters. Koblenz began well as Marvin Heckel controlled the offense and got 2 easy lay in’s and Brian Butler also scored inside for the 88-73 advantage. Edi was back in the game and responded instantly with 4 points to cut Koblenz’s lead to 88-77. Koblenz then shifted into a top gear going on a brutal 9-0 run to lead comfortably 97-77. In the run it was Heckel who supplied a jumper, Moore a lay in and Friederici 4 points including a sweet dunk from the baseline. Friederici would add another crushing dunk a few minutes later. ‘I can’t remember ever making 2 dunks like that so close together in time. When I saw Sperber having his man in front, I had a clear path to the rim. A play like that gives the team momentum’, warned Leon Friederici Heckel had been instrumental in the fourth first scoring 3 times and then dishing out assist after assist in the run. ‘He had 5-7 plays in a row where he made the absolute right solutions. He made our defense better as well. He took what could have been a 6-7 point lead to a 12-13 point lead’, said Tobias Hosper. ‘When Heckel isn’t on the court, something is missing in our game. He knows our team so well. He is our most important player’, stressed Leon Friederici Koblenz had the momentum and didn’t let down, but finished the game strong going on a 11-4 run to close out the game. Moore added a trey, Butler scored twice inside and Friederici added another hard dunk. ‘Key in the fourth was playing fast and slowing their game down. We took away their transition game and they were tired at the end’, expressed Leon Friederici ‘We had fatigue. It was frustrating to see us giving our all and they were still hitting everything’, stated Tyseem Lyles. The EPG Baskets Koblenz were led by Leon Friederici with 25 points. Niclas Sperber added 18 points and Marvin Heckel had 17 points and 11 assists while the CATL Basketball Lowen were led by Dominykas Pleta with 25 points. Tyseem Lyles added 19 points and Guy Edi 13 points. The EPG Baskets Koblenz shot 55% from the field and 35% from outside and had 33 rebounds and 10 turnovers while the CATL Basketball Lowen shot 48% from the field and 34% from outside and had 31 rebounds and 19 turnovers.

picture credit Hakro Merlins

James Batemon (185-G-1997, college: LMU) is a 26 year old 185cm guard that recently moved from As Karditsas (Greece-GBL) to the Hakro Merlins Crailsheim currently averaging 14,0ppg, 1,5rpg and 5,0apg. He played the last 2 years in France with Jean D’Arc Vichy Clermont Metropole (France-ProB) averaging 17.2ppg, 2.8rpg, 4.3apg, 1.7spg, FGP: 46.2%, 3PT: 53.7%, FT: 83.7% and with Union Tours Metropole Basket (France-ProB) averaging 15.1ppg, 3.5rpg, 3.7apg, FGP: 49.1%, 3PT: 39.5%, FT: 83.4%. he played his rookie season with BK Ogre (Latvia-LBL, starting five): LatEstBL) averaging 17.6ppg), 3.9rpg, 3.4apg, FGP: 57.7%, 3PT: 45.7%, FT: 77.4%. before University he played AAU ball with the Milwaukee Bulldogs and at Riverside University high school. He then played 2 years with North Dakota State College of Science (JUCO) averaging 20.0ppg, 5.1rpg, 2.8apg, 1.4spg, FGP: 56.5%, 3PT: 34.3%, FT: 79.1% and in his second season averaged 20.8ppg, 5.6rpg, 5.7apg, 1.4spg, FGP: 53.2%, 3PT: 37.8%, FT: 81.4%. He then played at Loyola Marymount University (NCAA) from 2017-2019 averaging 17.4ppg, 3.7rpg, 4.6apg, 1.2spg, FGP: 50.4%, 3PT: 39.0%, FT: 79.7% and as a senior averaged 16.4ppg, 3.1rpg, 3.6apg, 1.6spg, FGP: 50.0%, 3PT: 28.5%, FT: 82.2%. He spoke to germanhoops.com before the game against the Fraport Skyliners.

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

Basketball is going pretty good now. I’m a little sad that the season is coming to an end. We fell a little short of making the playoffs. I just want to enjoy the last 2 games and get some wins and then enjoy the summer grind.

You came to Crailsheim in January after balling in Greece for some months. How would you compare the German and Greek first divisions? Players have said that the Greek league is a 2 team league. What league is stronger top to bottom?

Greece was slower and more physical. The BBL is also physical, but a lot faster and the refs call more fouls. The game and speed is quicker in the BBL. The German league has more teams and is stronger top to bottom as many teams are fighting for the playoffs.

You did win your second Fiba Europe Cup game, but you didn’t win your first easyCredit BBL game until your 8th try suffering a 7 game losing streak. How tough was this time for you mentally?

The losing streak wasn’t as tough for me mainly because I was new and had a fresh start. I was still trying to get connected to the guys and of course the losing was frustrating but I was trying to build more of a connection to the team.

You only played 2 BBL games with Otis Livingston who then left for Bayreuth. Do you sometimes wonder where the team would be now had he stayed?

You always have the what if’s. You always wonder how the team would be if you had a talented guard like him. I thought we played pretty well with and off each other. It was fun while it lasted.

You guys played well together. What did you learn to enjoy most about his game?

What I really enjoyed most about his game was that he was always in attack mode and kept teams on their heels. They always had to be ready when he was going downhill and getting us out on transition.

What was it like playing against top German team Alba Berlin in a span of 2 weeks. You lost the first game by 23 points, but played them very tough in the second attempt losing only by 6 points.

It was a great experience playing against Alba and it was similar to when I played against Panathinaikos. I was hopeful to play Olympiakos but then I got injured. It was a great experience. I can’t wait to play against those type of teams again and be on a team like that one day.

You got that first BBL win beating playoff team ratiopharm Ulm 76-68. What was it like sharing the court with ex NBA player Brandon Paul. Did his game amaze you or did he appear just like another normal player?

No disrespect to Brandon Paul, but I didn’t know him before we played against each other. That was new to me. I didn’t know he made the NBA. He played well and you could see he was an NBA guy.

Then came the perfect game for you in a win against Braunschweig. You were 9/9 from the field and 10/10 from the FT line. What does this game mean to you?

It was a special game for me, because it was my break out game. I already had scored 28 points against Heidelberg, but this was the first game where I didn’t miss any shots. It actually didn’t mean so much to me even if it was a record for most shots without a miss. I was just happy we got the win and move up the standings.

In your rookie season you had a very strong game against Rapala netting 34 points on 11/13 shooting. Was the game against Braunschweig your best game?

It was my best game scoring wise just because I didn’t miss a shot. I can’t think of any other better all around games so that game was one of my best in my career.

You then lost 2 games back to back combined by 5 points against Ludwigsburg and Wurzburg. Did those games prove that Crailsheim is a lot better than their record shows?

Yes we showed in those games that we are better than what our record shows. We had a lot of small errors this season that we just couldn’t turn around. Giving up offensive rebounds and small mental break downs on defense have hurt us. That was the difference between being a playoff team and a team near the bottom.

What has it been like playing with German veteran Maurice Stuckey? What have you learned to appreciate most about his game?

It has been great playing with MO who brings his veteran presence. His leadership and communication has been important and he has helped me adapt with many things. I appreciate how hard he goes and his love and commitment to the game. I really appreciate how hard he plays for his age.

What have you appreciated most about Myles Stephens? This guy has been massive on the defensive end showing his shot blocking skills at 196cm.

He is amazing and is like a glue guy and just does what the team needs. He is always guarding the other team’s best player and has made big steps shooting the ball. He has been massive on the defensive end and a guy that every team needs. You can see that he really enjoys the moment.

You came in and right away got adjusted well to the BBL showing consistency? What was the biggest adjustment for you coming from Greece?

The biggest adjustment was just getting in shape and being able to compete at this level. I had been injured for 2 months beforehand.

You filled the stat sheet better in Greece but your shooting the ball really well from outside. What do you attribute your hot shooting to with Crailsheim?’

A long pre season in Greece and just a lot of practices brought my shooting percentages down. But after my injury my shot just felt a lot better.

What have you enjoyed most about the easyCredit BBL? How do you feel has your game adapted to the playing style best?

I like that there are great fans and energy in every gym. There are also many great players in the BBL. Your in for a challenge every night. I feel like I have adapted well to the pace. I just love the energy of the league

What are your picks in the Boston-76ers series, Knicks-Heat Series and Warriors-Lakers series?

I got the Celtics, Heat and Warriors.

Thanks James for the chat.

Tags : JAMES BATEMON, HAKRO MERLINS CRAILSHEIM, GERMAN BASKETBALL

It has been more than 6.5 years since my first interview with Christopher Miller (192-G-1993, college: Salem). Back in September 2016, Isaac Bonga was still rather unknown and 2 years away from being a Laker, Luca Doncic was starting to do his thing in the Euroleague while NBA executives had no idea who he was except maybe Mark Cuban and Jayson Tatum hadn’t played a minute yet in the NCAA with Duke University. Time has really flown and back then Christopher Miller had just played a less than spectacular rookie season in the States with the semi pro league team Jamestown Jackals (PBL).He had played 2 years at Salem State University and never averaged more than 4,0ppg and now had aspirations of playing overseas. With no real resume, how the heck was he going to achieve that?. He luckily came in contact with Ron Howard a basketball junkie who had played overseas and wanted to give back to the basketball community and help young unproven but hungry players somehow get noticed and get their bodies into the door by organizing games with pro teams and helping them get signed with Howard Hoops. The majority of guys that actually get a job isn’t big, but some guys do make it. Some guys may play 1-2 years, but with bad pay return home and get a normal job. Sometimes guys get lucky and Christopher Miller was one of them. He played at the Howard Hoops exhibition in 2016 and exceled and got a job with VFL Bensheim. He had these words for me in our first ever interview. ‘I worked my whole life for this moment and now it’s time to embrace it’. He sure as heck did that as more than 6,5 years later and not 30 yet, he finished his 7th season overseas and the rest is history.

Since his rookie season with VFL Bensheim where he led the German Regionalliga 2 in scoring the Brooklyn New York native has played in El Salvador and Bosnia, but played most of his time in Germany for the Giessen Pointers where he was for 3 seasons. He became a top player in the German Regionalliga (4th league) and began this season with his old team VFL Bensheim, but then took on a new challenge and made the jump and live in the Swiss alps and played with the Goldcoast Wallabies (Switzerland-NLB) helping lead them to the playoffs. The team played a tough team called Morges-Saint-Prex in the playoffs who swept them during the regular season. After winning game 1, they lost the next 2 and their season ended. Their opponent let up 86 points in the first loss, but then stepped up their defense and allowed only 66 points on average in the last 2 games. ‘We are disappointed with the outcome of the post season especially after winning game 1. Credits to them, they showed to be the better team over a 3 game series. I’m not sure exactly but I’m sure they did focus on defense more just being menaces and tough. They won a-lot of 50/50 situations and got us in foul trouble’, said Christopher Miller. The club had a poor start to the regular season, but showed everyone that their second half wasn’t a fluke. ‘I feel that rocky start messed us up. We have been in playoff mode since January climbing from bottom of the league to highest 5th seed. Our second half run was amazing and I think we ran out of gas when we needed it the most’, stated Christopher Miller. The team had some veterans, but also had a lot of young talent and he is confident for the future of the team and is proud how they reacted after the slow start. ‘Our team is full of U22 players minus the imports. I hope they can take a-lot from this feeling and channel it into a positive way moving forward. I still think talent wise this is one of the best teams I have played for. I think we started off the second half with new focus and after a tough training camp over Christmas break we won a tough match up against GC which sparked our 9 game win streak. Looking back that week and game gave us a lot of momentum’, stressed Christopher Miller.

The versatile guard who can fill the stat sheet like no other and feels the Phoenix Suns can win it all this season had a real challenge coming from Germany to Switzerland, but he proved he can adapt to anywhere and rapidly. ‘This season was a lot for me honestly. I started 5 games with Bensheim. Then completely changed leagues / teams and got thrown into the fire. It was a bunch of learning and adjusting on the fly. It took a while to learn my teammates and the culture here. My main focus was just to show I can be a dominant player in this league and I did everything in my power to achieve that. I’m happy with this season. Blessed to be finishing up my 8th year on a good note’, commented Christopher Miller. With Wallabies he averaged 20,6ppg, 4,8rpg, 4,4apg and 2,9spg and shot a potent 37% from outside. He had had some very strong and consistent seasons with the Giessen Pointers, but was this season his best in Europe? ‘Overall I think this was one of my more complete seasons. To finish in top 3 in almost every category really shows the work that’s being put in during the offseason. I don’t think it’s the league per-say. I just think I came in with a-little bit more to prove no matter where it was’, warned Christopher Miller. The American who began his basketball career at Clinton Community College really showed his scoring skills, but also showed that he knew exactly when to do that and when to be the dime provider having his highest assist average in his career. ‘This club pushed me out of my comfort zone forced me to be a complete PG and defensive player. Just having to adapt to the athletes and speed of this level. My favorite moment was actually connecting on assists. I worked hard on being able to make a pass to my teammates and they catched it in a great spot and finish. So maybe throwing some lobs or finding a wideopen shooter getting the crowd hype is what I will miss’, expressed Christopher Miller. He scored in double figures in every game and score more than 20 points 10 times including 28 points apiece against Bernex and Baeren, 27 points against CNBS and 26 points against Grand-Saconnex.

Miles Schmidt-Scheuber and Chris Miller in Limburg, Germany in 2022

So after a strong and successful season in Switzerland, what is the next step for Christopher Miller. He hasn’t revealed anything, but the German Pro B may not be an option simply because he wasn’t appreciated there. ‘I will enjoy the off season and get to work on my craft. I don’t know what is next that part I can’t control but I can control the fact that I’ll be ready. At this point I played some of my best basketball and didn’t get any respect for it . My goal is to play somewhere that I am appreciated. Whatever decision I make next will be exactly that’, warned Christopher Miller. The 29 year old guard wants to keep moving up the ladder and knows he can’t be a slouch during the off season, but continue to be a gym rat and grind grind in the lab continuing to improve his shooting and passing. ‘This summer with my trainer Ronny Weihmann I will work on those same things. Progressing my three point shooting, ball handling and quickness. I want to be able to be plugged into any situation being the PG or SG and have the same dominant effect’, stressed Christopher Miller. I don’t know how often he thinks about the what if? I mean what if he hadn’t taken part with the Howard Hoops opportunity in Germany? ‘I was hesitant to take this chance with Ron Howard because I did not know him. Something told me to take that chance, and I am happy I did because he is true to his word and he has a brand that is growing all throughout Germany and Europe. He has placed players in big leagues and has a high success rate’, stressed Christopher Miller in 2016. He was one of the lucky players that made a good career overseas, but he also worked his butt off and has deserved every opportunity he has gotten. It will be interesting to see where he will land next season. I know he will get Pro B offers, but maybe he will surprise everyone and suit up in the German Pro A. I will be rooting for him because I always love the underdog.

Tags : CHRISTOPHER MILLER, GOLDCOAST WALLABIES, GERMAN BASKETBALL

Miles Schmidt-Scheuber and ex player Quantez Robertson May 1, 2023

It was Thursday afternoon on April 27th at 3,38 when my phone got a WhatsApp message from Fraport Skyliner legend Quantez Robertson (188-SG-1984, college: Auburn, agency: Interperformances). I wasn’t there to read it the message at that moment. I’m not always reachable and actually didn’t have my phone in my possession for a few hours. When I finally had my phone around 6,30pm I read the following message. ‘Hey I’m officially done playing basketball and this is my last year’. As I read this phrase, I tried to digest the information as 14 years of wonderful memories of Tez were circling in my mind. I mean everyone was expecting for him to retire after this season. He was in his 14th season and had been losing the last 2 seasons and he wasn’t actually getting any younger. Even if he finally deserves to stop playing and go home again and be in the States fulltime the first time since 2009, I was still very sad. I have been covering the Fraport Skyliners since 2004 and had never had such an intense working relationship with a player like Quantez Robertson which really had grown in the last years. In the last 3 years I regularly released Miles Basketball Minute articles featuring Quantez Robertson about the state of the Fraport Skyliners, but also other interesting topics like Lebron James, Charles Barkley, The Euro 2022, Autograph collecting, Derrick Allen, Rickey Paulding, summer vacation, making it into an Argentine newspaper with me, Easter and Reese’s, Peanut Butter Cups, PJ Tucker and of course Tom Brady was mentioned a few times. I loved shooting the breeze with Quantez Robertson and now writing entertaining articles with Tez quotes would possibly come to an end. Life goes on and I have to accept it. I saw Tez for the first time since hearing of his decision at the Pro B playoff game against the BSW Sixers on Sunday night and congratulated his wife that she finally had her husband forever back home in the States. Tez then put a smile on my face with a fancy tee shirt with Tez Mania plastered on the front. He looked down, but at that moment I had no idea he would never play again. I thought that he would finish out the season, but somehow he forgot to tell me that. 2 hours before the game on Monday against Wurzburg, the Fraport Skyliners officially released the announcement by Tez that he was retiring and injury would prevent him from finishing the season. After the big win over Wurzburg that was dedicated to him, I finally corner Tez in the hall away and started firing questions at him something he had always been used to. He came over relaxed when talking about why he chose to step away from the game. ‘I made the decision after the Braunschweig game. The doctor said my season was over because I had a foot injury. It was a tough decision, but once he made it clear to me how bad it was, the decision to retire was made easier. He told me if I kept playing then I could really hurt my foot for the long run’, stressed Quantez Robertson.

That this season was tough on the ex Auburn player who believes despite Steph Curry’s magical 50 points recently, he is still behind Magic Johnson in the all-time best point guards of all-time rating was no secret as being a big time competitor, you could sense the losing was really eating at him. The team was losing and were wrapped in the cellar with little hope of getting out. His minutes had diminished and as a competitor one does sense that the abilities are waning a bit. ‘I may not be as athletic as 10 years ago, but one thing is for sure I will always be a competitor. I think that I showed my whole career that I could compete at a high level’, stressed Quantez Robertson. His last home game was against medi Bayreuth where nobody ever could have thought that that would be his last home game, but it was. His first pro game was on October 9th 2009 against Trier where he steered 3 points, 4 rebounds and a block in 29 minutes in a loss and his last home game was on April 23rd 2023 where he had 13 points, 2 rebounds and 4 assists in a 113-107 loss against Bayreuth and his last pro game was on April 25th where he had 2 points, 3 rebounds and 2 steals in a 86-71 loss against Braunschweig. It won’t sink in yet, but in a few months he will realize that he isn’t playing the game he loves anymore. ‘I will really miss playing in an atmosphere like against Wurzburg. I really miss competing with my teammates and having fun after wins and just bringing joy to fans with wins and highlights’, commented Quantez Robertson. This season he played with many talented Americans like Isaiah Washington, Marcus Lewis and even had buddy Jordan Theodore back for a few games. He also had talented Germans on his side like second year man Lukas Wank. ‘Lukas was the most improved player on the team. He played a lot more this season and had a bigger role. He was a big reason for many of our wins. He never backed down against anyone and always played hard. His offense made strides’, expressed Quantez Robertson who felt the unsung hero of the team was the team. He scored in double figures in 9 games this season including 18 points in a tough loss to Bamberg and netted 14 points a piece in thrilling tight wins against Hamburg and Chemnitz in 4 and 5 point victories. He remembered exactly what his favorite game was this season. In that game I didn’t get on him about why he never dunks anymore. ‘It was the game where I made the dunk on the fast break. I think it was against Hamburg’, smiled Quantez Robertson.

Foto credit Fraport Skyliners

When you played 14 seasons and had 4,425 points, 1727 rebounds, 1370 assists and 742 steals and becoming the Fraport Skyliners all-time leading scorer and easyCredit BBL all-time steal leader, it is only common that you will have many many memories. So let’s go down memory lane with Tez. One can guess which one of his 479 games was his favorite, but he also had 3 other favorite games. ‘My favorite game was when we won the Fiba Europe Cup game. I also had 3 other favorite games and they were the 3 games when I played Jimmy Mckinney when he played with Tuebingen, Wurzburg and Bonn. Jimmy was really important for me at the start. He showed me the ropes’, stated Quantez Robertson. But he also had another favorite game. ‘My personal favorite game was when I scored 30 points in Russia against Saratov’, added Quantez Robertson. The steal king had many many great teammates and it is only logical that out of respect to everyone that he can’t name his 5 favorite teammates of all-time, but what about his toughest 5 opponents? He came up rapidly with 4, but then took a moment and added 2 more and certainly will never forget those nasty Bamberg teams. ‘My toughest opponents were Immanuel Mcelroy, Rickey Paulding, Reggie Redding, Isaiah Swann and from Bamberg Casey Jacobson and PJ Tucker’, said Quantez Robertson. Then I reveal my all-time Skyliners starting 5 from 2000 until today with Pascal Roller/Dashaun Wood, Tyrone Ellis, Quantez Robertson, Chris Williams and Mario Kasun. I then get a big laugh out of Tez wondering if that starting 5 could beat a NBA team’ ‘That is a pretty good starting 5, but we won’t beat a NBA team. NBA teams have a lot more fire power at every position’, warned Quantez Robertson. So what is Tez’s personal starting 5 in 14 years and all German starting 5 with him included? ‘I have Jordan Theodore at the point, Jimmy Mckinney at the 2, me at the 3, Mike Morrison at the 4 and Joe Voigtmann at the five. My German starting 5 is Pascal Roller, Dominik Bahiense De Mello, me, Danilo Barthel and Joe Voigtmann’, added Quantez Robertson.

Two guys that were instrumental in Quantez Robertson‘s career were Gordon Herbert and Murat Didin. Herbert was on hand before the Wurzburg game in the short ceremony and said some words. Many believe that Murat Didin discovered Tez, but contrary to belief it was actually ex Fraport Skyliner Aubrey Reese. ‘Gorde Herbert is one of the best coaches that I ever had. He trusted me on the floor. He always made sure we were ready to go on the floor. I remember telling him that we would win the Fiba Europe cup and we did. After we won the title, I gave him a big hug and said we did it. I’m really thankful that Murat Didin gave me an opportunity in Frankfurt, but it was actually Aubrey Reese who discovered my talent. I worked out with Aubrey and he told Murat about me. Murat was a wild and animated coach and we all loved him. We showed that we were just as crazy as him when we played. He got the crowd behind us and pumped us up and brought a lot of excitement’, remembered Quantez Robertson. But it wasn’t only the amazing wins and plays that he achieved on the court that will remain in his memory vault, but also things off the court. ‘I will never forget getting together with the guys at the end of the season and go paint balling. I also remember once early in my career riding go carts’, said Quantez Robertson. So what is the next step for Quantez Robertson after his playing days. He has been helping coach his kids in sports like Quantez Jr who is very talented at numerous sports, but now he could devote more time to his kids, but he could also imagine himself becoming a trainer or coach for others. But what about getting into entertainment? In 2018 I recommended to Tez and Mike Morrison to start a comedy show. I know they would excel at that. How often did I hear them joking around during Morrison’s 4 years in Frankfurt when I was waiting for them after games to talk basketball. The two jokesters shared a room on the road for four years and no matter if they were chilling in Russia, Estonia, Slovenia, Israel, Oldenburg or Bremerhaven, one can be sure that more practical jokes were done. A comical example of their good off court chemistry happened in the 2017-2018 season when Robertson was watching a Pro B playoff game of the Fraport Skyliners Juniors against Lok Bernau and watched a rare three by Frankfurt big man Tobias Jahn. The season before Morrison hit a big three against FC Bayern Munich in the playoffs and it had been the first in his professional career. ‘Tobias hasn’t taken many three’s this season. He played good offense and was getting rebounds. Morrison’s three was funnier. Jahn can shoot, but Mike can’t smiled Quantez Robertson. When Morrison heard of this comment by Tez, he was quick to reply. ‘Tez can say what he wants. The fact still remains that I have the highest 3 point percentage in the history of the BBL and when someone passes 100 percent let me know’, stressed Mike Morrison. So I brought up the Mo and Tez comedy show again to Tez in 2023. ‘That would be funny. We had our moments. We had wild and crazy times in the locker room, on the phone and on the road. We played a lot of cards’, remembered Quantez Robertson. I will keep pestering Tez and Mike Mo about that comedy show.

Tez, Miles Schmidt-Scheuber and MIke Morrison in the Fraport arena in 2019

I covered Quantez Robertson for 14 seasons. On the court I will always remember him as a diehard competitor who did everything to win. I loved watching his aggressive and relentless defense that annoyed team after team. He may always be remembered as a defensive stopper, but he was a very underrated passer and a guy that often enough helped out at point guard. Even if he wasn’t the greatest three point shooter, I liked watching his jump and release of his jump shot. Off the court, he was a real pleasant guy. We had a very good working relationship. He never refused an interview and I thank him for his professionalism. Especially in the last 3 years our player/reporter relationship grew. I had a lot of fun writing pieces on various topics and he was always a good sport to talk to me. I interviewed him hundreds of times after games as he gave me his insight about wins and losses. I looked back in my archive library and found that Tez made 67 titles of articles for eurobasket and German hoops in his 14 years. I gave him a lot of love and he is up at the top of players I have featured the most in my career. But how will the Skyliner legend remember me best?’ I answered every question you ever asked me Miles and it was many. No matter if I was in Germany or in the States you would call me. Even if I replied back late at times, I always answered you. You know I have a lot of love for you’, stressed Quantez Robertson. But is this the complete end of Miles and Tez and basketball articles? No it’s not. I’m not giving up on my Miles Basketball minutes with Quantez Robertson. He may not be playing anymore, but I will always find something interesting to talk with him about. If we don’t hear anything about the Mike Mo and Tez comedy show, then I will have to get the ball rolling. At the latest during the dog days of summer, I will check in with Tez and pester him with questions. But he is used to it and I’m sure we will talk again. Thanks Tez for 14 years of sweet basketball memories.

In a span of only 48 hours this week, the easyCredit BBL existence of the Fraport Skyliners was put in the most precarious state as their chances of coming back next season and balling in the BBL had taken a severe nose dive south. They just didn’t have the right mindset going up against 18th placed medi Bayreuth and 16th placed Braunschweig 2 teams they had to beat but couldn’t. Now with 3 games left in the season and 2 games behind 16th placed MBC, they needed a miracle now. It didn’t get any easier as they faced inspiring playoff team Wurzburg Baskets who were in 8th place and one of the big surprises of the season. With 2 ex NAIA players Stanley Whittaker and Cameron Hunt sharing the scoring guard duties, they have proved that you can still have come from the 4th college division and make an impact in a high league. The Fraport Skyliners had a must must must win situation and came to play showing massive heart as their backs were against the wall and won the game for Tez in grind out fashion over the Wurzburg Baskets 86-77 leaving them still one loss behind 16th placed MBC. Only 2 hours before tip off Skyliner legend Quantez Robertson announced his retirement. He injured his foot and was unable to finish the season. Frankfurt showed a spirited fight and were led by the hot scoring combo of Theodore and Lewis who combined for 53 points. ‘The place was sold out and we wanted to win it for Tez. The last games weren’t easy as we had many different line ups. I didn’t feel as good in the games against Bayreuth and Braunschweig, but I felt a lot better today. Key was coming out aggressive something we didn’t do before. Our emphasis was to set the tone’, stressed Fraport Skyliner guard Jordan Theodore (182-PG-1989, college: Seton Hall). The Wurzburg Baskets played catch up all afternoon long and just couldn’t get over the hump in crunch-time. ‘It was a tough game. Frankfurt shot the ball really well. They pretty much got what they wanted. Theodore and Lewis had big games and made timely shots. We have to hope that other teams lose’, stated Stanley Whittaker who congratulated Tez on a great career and wished him all the best in retirement after the buzzer sounded.

Derek Cooke at the FT line

The first quarter was the story of 2 runs, but the Fraport Skyliners had the slim 4 point lead after 10 minutes. The Fraport Skyliners didn’t waste any time jumping all over the Wurzburg Baskets as they quickly led 11-2 and then extended the lead to 16-4. In the run it was ex Seton Hall (NCAA) great Jordan Theodore who set the tone scoring 8 points including 2 three’s. 221cm giant Matt Haarms showed early presence inside scoring twice and German national player Lukas Wank connected on a turn around shot. Frankfurt didn’t overplay, but just played their game showing calmness and fine decision making while playing with high intensity. Frankfurt also pushed the ball well and took advantage of the guests low intensity. But it didn’t take the guests long to get their offensive rhythm going as they came cruising back closing out the first quarter on a 12-4 run to trail only 20-16 after 10 minutes. In the run the guests displayed their fine three point shooting getting a big trey from German Colin Welp off the bench and further three’s from ex NAIA guard Cameron Hunt and ex Appalachian State University guard Oshowen Williams. Williams scored on the buzzer and Frankfurt did a poor job with time management allowing the guests that last opportunity with enough time on the clock. ‘We came out aggressive and hit shots and let our defense dictate our offense. It was a game of runs and did a good job staying focused’, stated Jordan Theodore.

Cameron Hunt with the floater

The second quarter was a real battle as the Fraport Skyliners kept the lead, but could never fully shake the Wurzburg Baskets leading only by 2 points at half-time. In the first few minutes the Fraport Skyliners got steady support from ex Eastern Kentucky University (NCAA) guard Marcus Lewis who contributed 5 points while Jordan Theodore also dropped a trey. But Frankfurt was unable to gain ground as they got lazy on the boards allowing ex Colorado Sate big man Nicholas Carvacho to get 2 easy baskets in the paint as there was no defensive resistance. Williams added havoc adding a three pointer and Frankfurt was staring at an unflattering 28-25 lead in front of the eyes of ex Skyliner head coach Gordon Herbert. Frankfurt then attempted to play run and gun, but executed badly as they got beat twice by Williams who scored twice cutting the Frankfurt lead to 30-29. The diminutive 180cm guard began slowly missing his first few shots, but then roared back and was Wurzburg’s back bone. ‘We have a lot of trust in Oshowen. He made the right basketball plays when we needed them’, added Stanley Whittaker. Both teams continued to trade runs as Frankfurt scored 5 unanswered points as Lewis made a wild three point bank shot and Theodore scored on transition for the 35-29 advantage, but the guests struck back with a 6-0 run as Hunt made a floater and Whittaker added 4 points to tie the game at 35-35. Lewis carried Frankfurt into the locker room with a jumper and 37-35 advantage. ‘Wurzburg is on the bubble of making the playoffs and have good players. Williams is a good player and played his role well’, stated Jordan Theodore. Frankfurt shot a healthy 46% from the 2 point range and 43 from outside and had 33 rebounds and 8 turnovers while the Wurzburg Baskets shot 50% from the 2 point range and 26% from outside and had 28 rebounds and 5 turnovers.

Marcus Lewis with the runner

The Fraport Skyliners were in control of the game in the third quarter and withstood a few punches by the Wurzburg Baskets to lead 61-54 after 30 minutes. The Fraport Skyliners began well going on a 8-3 run to extend their lead to 45-38. Lewis only had a few good games out of his 19 including dumping 26 against Ludwigsburg this season, but he saved his best for his last home game as his consistency remained on display as he dropped another trey as did Lukas Wank. But Wurzburg got key play from their 2 top guards Cameron Hunt and Stanley Whittaker who kept their team in the game. Whenever Frankfurt tried to get away they had an answer. Two three’s by Whittaker and Hunt cut Frankfurt’s lead to 45-41 and 46-43 and after another Theodore three, Hunt did it again getting a lay in to cut Frankfurt’s lead to 51-48. Frankfurt once again had a positive spurt and tried to get away going on a 8-2 run to lead 59-50. In the run the 2000 BBL cup champion got good support from Marcus Lewis with a clutch step back three as well as Haarms free throws and a tap in by young German Justin Onyejiaka and free throws from Theodore. The Frankfurt offense was executing at a good rate and as usual shots just weren’t falling regularly for the guests. Wurzburg did finish the third quarter with some hope getting free throws from Hunt and a lay in by ex UC Irvine forward Collin Welp. ‘I wanted to get guys more involved in the third. I was a little slow, but I put on the back pack and was more aggressive and attacked as their pick and roll defense wasn’t working well’, stated Jordan Theodore. ‘They did a good job getting offensive rebounds and making three’s. We couldn’t get stops or make shots’, said Stanley Whittaker. Frankfurt continued to shoot solid over 40% and controlled the boards 33-28 while the guests only had 5 turnovers while Frankfurt had 8 turnovers.

Stanley Whittaker at the FT line

The Fraport Skyliners showed real heart in the fourth quarter as despite getting punched first, they never let down, but actually were able to punch back and control the game until the end. The Wurzburg Baskets showed how big their playoff ambition is beginning the last 10 minutes going on a 9-2 run shocking Frankfurt cutting their lead down to 64-63. In the run the guests stifled Frankfurt with three three’s as Hunt scored twice and Williams added one. Frankfurt did a horrible job not covering the line better and just allowing the Bavarian squad too much room. The tide seemed to have turned in favor of the Wurzburg Baskets as the momentum had shifted in their direction, But Frankfurt never quit. Skyliner legend Quantez Robertson was cheering from the bench and they just couldn’t let him down. Frankfurt must of thought if Wurzburg can let it rain three’s, then we can really let it rain three’s and that is what they did. Frankfurt stormed back going on a 15-7 run to lead 79-70 as Theodore hit back to back three’s and Lewis nailed 3 in a row. ‘Lewis has had an up and down season, but he showed he can play. He is also a hell of a defender. He did a good job on Whittaker. When his shots start to fall, he is hard to stop’, warned Jordan Theodore. Frankfurt wasn’t out of the clear yet as Wurzburg made one more push scoring 5 unanswered points as Williams dropped another trey and Whittaker made a runner cutting Frankfurt’s lead to 79-75 with plenty of time to play with 2,47. But The Fraport Skyliners had seen enough and closed the book shut ending the game with a lethal 7-2 run. Theodore made a runner and Derek Cooke a hard dunk for the 83-75 lead. Frankfurt’s defense was as tough as nails getting stops and a huge block by Cooke on Welp. Theodore added 3 free throws to put the exclamation mark on the win. ‘We stayed focused and knew that they would punch back. We contained their guards and rebounded well’, added Jordan Theodore. ‘We couldn’t get over the hump. We battled back, but they always had an answer. They played Frankfurt basketball’, added Stanley Whittaker. The Fraport Skyliners were led by Jordan Theodore with 28 points while Marcus Lewis added 25 points while the Wurzburg Baskets were led by Cameron Hunt with 23 points. Oshowan Willams added 17 points and Stanley Whittaker 15 points.The Fraport Skyliners shot 48% from the field and 50% from outside and had 41 rebounds and 10 turnovers while the Wurzburg Baskets shot 38% from the field and 28% from outside and had 36 rebounds and 5 turnovers.

Tags : JORDAN THEODORE, FRAPORT SKYLINERS FRANKFURT, GERMAN BASKETBALL

So there were the Fraport Skyliners Juniors again a week later with a do or die game in their own living room. A week earlier they had survived the first match ball against them in Cologne and then returned again for another do or die game in their living room and won in exciting fashion in crunch time. A week later they had 2 more do or die games against the BSW Sixers. Frankfurt had lost the first game on the road in Sandersdorf 70-62. Frankfurt had a horrible shooting night and had had problems taking care of the ball, but rebounded the ball pretty well. The Fraport Skyliners Juniors had showed once before being in the hole 0-1 against Cologne and wanted to do it again against top Pro B north team BSW Sixers, but they were able to pull out an upset getting smothered 77-57 by the BSW Sixers ending their season. The Fraport Skyliners Juniors did a good job competing in the first half, but in the second half were unable to match the Sixers intensity and just couldn’t crack their defense. The BSW Sixers were the best Pro B defensive team this season allowing 64 points per game, but according to Donte Nicholas there was nothing extra special about their defense. ‘. ‘We have no secret to the success of our defense. We are all committed and help the helper. We have that next man up mentality. We stuck to our game plan. We executed well, took care of the ball and made shots’, stressed ex Metro State (NCAA2) forward Donte Nicholas. It was a tough series for the Fraport Skyliners Juniors as they could only muster 58 points per game in the 2 game series as shots didn’t fall consistently while their defense was solid. ‘We didn’t hit our shots like in game one. Our start was ok but we shot poorly in the second half. When you don’t hit shots, your self-confidence goes down. They read our game well’, stated ex Hanau guard Felix Hecker.

Justin Onyejiaka from outside

The first quarter had 2 runs as the Frankfurt started one and the BSW Sixers ended with theirs as they had the slim 15-14 advantage after 10 minutes. The Fraport Skyliners Juniors defended well off the bat getting 4 stops, but couldn’t take total advantage of it getting only a trey from ex Addidas Next generation tournament center Jordan Samare. JBBL MVP Justin Onyejiaka got aggressive early and would hold it for 40 minutes scoring inside for the 5-0 lead. The BSW Sixers finally got on the board from Latvian Kristaps Klips who scored inside, but Frankfurt found their rhythm on offense getting 2 more lay ins from Onyejiaka and an offense rebound and put back from Alexander Richardson for the 11-4 lead. Frankfurt was aggressive while the Sixers rushed their offense and gave up some 50/50 balls. But Frankfurt couldn’t keep their advantage and intensity as the guests closed out the first quarter with a 11-3 run to lead 15-14 after 10 minutes. In the run the BSW Sixers received good support from Mr triple double Donte Nicholas who scored twice while 2018 JBBL champion Evans Rapique nailed a trey and 2018 JBBL champion Hendrik Warner (208-PF-2002) made a lay in. Frankfurt had problems with the defensive pressure and couldn’t get into their plays well while the gambling of the Sixers paid off. Frankfurt shot 38% from the field and 22% from outside and had 9 rebounds and 4 turnovers while the BSW Sixers shot 43% from the field and 14% from outside and had 9 rebounds and 4 turnovers. ‘Onyejiaka and Samare got some easy baskets, but Frankfurt was careless with the ball and had a lot of live turnovers’, stressed Fraport Skyliner Quantez Robertson.

Hendrik Warner to the hole

The second quarter was a real back and forth battle as there were 8 lead changes, but the BSW Sixers were able to get away from Frankfurt in the last minutes and led by 6 points at the break. The BSW Sixers once again didn’t start off too well getting stopped on their first 3 possessions, but once again all Frankfurt got out of it was a trey by Felix Hecker for the 17-15 lead. Warner then dead locked the game at 17-17 with a lay in. Both teams then exchanged punches as no team could escape the other. Onyejiaka continued to be aggressive and scored a three pointer while Nicholas was given too much room to wheel and deal and hit a trey for the 24-22 lead. Frankfurt would gain the lead back one more time in the second quarter with a Onyejiaka free throw 25-24. But the BSW Sixers then heightened their intensity and execution rate closing out the defensive quarter with a 9-2 run to lead 33-27. In the run the Pro B north club shared the ball nicely and continued to get solid production from Hendrik Warner who’s beast appearance couldn’t be handled by Frankfurt as he scored twice. Nicholas added another trey while Klips snuck inside for a lay in. Frankfurt was too lax on the 1-1 defense and too soft on the boards. Richardson added a lay in at the end. The BSW Sixers shot 43% from the field and 25% from the three point line and had 20 rebounds and 9 turnovers while the Fraport Skyliners Juniors shot 33% from the field and 24% from the three point line and had 18 rebounds and 9 turnovers. ‘Frankfurt allowed too many jump shots and shot too many three’s instead of attacking more’, added ex Auburn (NCAA) great Quantez Robertson.

Alvin Onyia at the ft line

In the third quarter the BSW Sixers got a 8 point lead, but Frankfurt supplied a punch with a run, but the guests punched back and led by 11 points after 30 minutes. Both teams got their offenses going rapidly as Sixers Germans Marco Rahn and Moritz Schneider connected while Frankfurt got support from Alexander Richardson with a dunk and old school hook shot, but still trailed 37-33. After Nicholas supplied an extra pass to hook up Rahn for a three pointer and 40-33 lead, Frankfurt erupted with a 5-0 run to trail only 40-38. Nils Leonhardt supplied Frankfurt with extra energy with a steal and coast to coast sprint and dunk and Onyejiaka nailed a three pointer. Frankfurt did a good job attacking more and getting their bigs involved and take advantage of mis matches while Justin Onyejiaka took on more responsibility. But Frankkfurt couldn’t match the Sixers intensity as they suffered a 14-5 run to trail 54-43 after 3 quarters. Nicholas continued to be a scoring machine scoring twice while Klips nailed a trey and Warner scored twice as he totally controlled the paint area. Warner had the game of his Pro B career scoring 24 points. ‘It all came together for Hendrik today. We wanted to see this from him all year long. He played like a man tonight. Now he needs to be consistent’, warned Donte Nicholas. Frankfurt didn’t take care of the ball and too often gave away gifts for easy steals. The BSW Sixers shot 45% from the field and 25% from the parking lot and had 29 rebounds and 11 turnovers while the Fraport Skyliners juniors shot 37% from the field and 25% from the parking lot and had 25 rebounds and 12 turnovers. ‘We worked a zone which was ok, but we couldn’t take advantage of it, because we didn’t execute on offense’, said Felix Hecker. ‘We made shots. When we can feed off our defense everything is a lot easier’, commented Donte Nicholas.

Evans Rapieque at the FT line

In the fourth quarter the BSW Sixers continued to play their game while the Fraport Skyliners Juniors couldn’t get over the hump and never got closer than 8 points. Evans Rapique who has 15 easyCredit BBL games on his account made a lay In giving the dime to Nicholas. Nicholas finished with 5 assists, one pass prettier than the next. ‘I love to pass the ball. I get a better feeling seeing someone making a basket from my pass and adding their flavor to it’, said Donte Nicholas. Frankfurt did a good job continuing to feed the bigs inside as Leonhardt made a dunk and Richardson scored twice, but Frankfurt couldn’t make any ground as the guests got a trey from Nicholas and a Warner dunk to lead 61-50. Frankfurt tried one more push as Justin Onyejiaka dropped a trey as Frankfurt trailed only 61-53, but that was as close as they would get. The BSW Sixers had seen enough and then slammed the door shut on Frankfurt with a 9-0 run to lead 70-53 and decide the game. In the run the BSW Sixers got lay in’s from Nicholas and Rapieque while Warner made a lay in getting another beautiful shovel pass from Nicholas and Rahn connected on a three pointer. Frankfurt got sloppy in the run as every play was a lob inside which the Sixers read every time and controlled the boards and made big rebounds. Onyejiaka would make another lay in, but the guests closed out the win with a Warner three pointer. ‘We were tired, but we did a good job keeping the intensity. When everyone is together and screaming on defense, it feels like we have 7 defenders’, stated Donte Nicholas. ‘Warner was really strong. They always had another guy step up. We simply missed too many open shots’, commented Felix Hecker. The BSW Sixers were led by Hendrik Warner with 24 points and Donte Nicholas added 21/7/5/4 stats while the Fraport Skyliners Juniors were led by Justin Onyejiaka with 20 points and Alexander Richardson added 13 points. The BSW Sixers shot 47% from the field and 29% from outside and had 40 rebounds and 14 turnovers while the Fraport Skyliners Juniors shot 37% from the field and 20% from outside and had 35 rebounds and 16 turnovers.

Tags : HENDRIK WARNER, SYNTAINICS MBC WEISSENFELS, GERMAN BASKETBALL

James Fleming (185-G-1991, college: FHSU) is a 31 year old 185cm guard playing his fourth professional season and first in Germany with pro A team Uni Baskets Paderborn averaging 9,4ppg, 2,0rpg and 1,3apg. He has previous professional experience in Italy, Luxemburg and Georgia. He began his basketball career with Fort Scott Community College (JUCO) and then played his last 2 years with Fort Hays State University (NCAA2) avergaing 9.6ppg, 2.3rpg, 2.1apg, FGP: 38.8%, 3PT: 34.1% and as a senior averaged 10.1ppg, 2.8rpg, 2.1apg, FGP: 44.0%, 3PT: 40.5%, FT: 82.9%. He spoke to germanhoops.com about basketball.

Thanks James for talking to germanhoops.com. Congrats on signing with German pro A team Uni Baskets. How blessed are to be able to continue your pro career considering this will only be your 4th season in a possible 8 since you finished school?

Thank you for the congrats. Yes I’m truly blessed to be in this situation. It’s something I would’ve never thought was possible having the resume that I had coming into this situation and considering I had a gap year.

How tough has your career been for you? Have you ever lost faith in the process and what honestly has kept you going?

My career has been pretty tough to say the least. My only thing is I didn’t quit. I give huge praise to God and also my family. I’ve lost faith at times it was hard. What’s kept me going is God. I needed to grow as a person to truly appreciate the small things before he would bless me with something bigger. I needed those hard times. That’s what’s molded me into who I am today. This is something I’ve wanted for a long time. But I knew that my work ethic and me being able to stay level headed and being a good person can in most cases get me into situations that my resume probably wouldn’t. I credit my character during these times. My younger brothers have been huge for my mentality as well as my fiance. On my bad days I know I can count on them to uplift me and give me that confidence to keep pushing forward.

What do you know in general about the country Germany and it’s basketball? Have you had any guys that you have known play here?

I don’t know much about the country itself but I’m looking forward to the experience on and off the floor. And yes I know Chavares Flannigan who just played for Paderborn who now plays for Vechta. Kendale I always knew of him because we all live in the same area.

The German Pro A is the strongest league that you will have played in. How confident are you that you will pass the test and be an impact player?

I’m very confident. I know in most cases by judging my resume I’m not supposed to be here in this situation so that’s what will keep me going and will keep me motivated all season long. I believe I deserved this opportunity a while ago but you can’t rush God’s timing. I’m where I need to be at this moment in time and I’m grateful.

Top easyCredit BBl player Kendale McCullum gave you the thumbs up to coach Steven Esterkamp. What ties do you have to him? Have you played against him before?

Kendale is a great guy. We actually met for the first time in person going to an open gym together. Ties I have with him are through Chavares Flannigan because they played college together at Wisconsin Parkside before Kendale left to play for Lewis university. Yes in open gym we’ve played against each other we have respect for one another and I believe that played a huge part in coach Esterkamp’s decision to bring me in.

Steven Esterkamp must have been a big reason why you chose to play for the Uni Baskets. What impressed you mot about his basketball philosophy?

I like coach Esterkamp. He’s very honest and straightforward. Also, From what I’m hearing he’s great at developing guys. Not only in his system but also for guys to reach higher levels.

Let’s talk about your game. You’re a 185cm guard. If you had to compare your game to an NBA player who would best fit the description?

Well from most guys that I play against they say I’m a combination of Damian Lillard and Lou Williams. So I’ll roll with that

The Uni Baskets love your leadership qualities. How big of a strength is this of yours?

This is a huge strength of mine because the places I’ve been my coach has always looked for me to lead in the locker room. Since I have a history of being one of older guys most guys usually gravitate towards me. I always have positive energy and I’ve faced a lot of adversity throughout my career so this is something I can bring to Paderborn to lead us to victories. As well as ups and downs throughout a season.

You can score the ball with ease but what other strengths does your game incorporate?

My leadership for sure. The ability to distribute the basketball as well as defense.

How developed is your playmaking and defense. What kind of player are you with these abilities and what type of player do you still want to become?

I would say my playmaking is pretty developed basically by playing a lot of basketball and training learning to make quicker reads in certain scenarios. My defense has improved since Georgia and I will look to pay more attention to my defense in Germany. I want to be the best I can be and reach the highest level possible.

You played last season with BC Zestaponi 2020 (Georgia-A League) averaging 16.2ppg, 3.5rpg, 2.5apg, 1.5spg, FGP: 53.6%, 3PT: 29.1%, FT: 81.0%. How tough was losing that playoff series to Kavkasia where in one game you scored 39 points in a tough 84-81 loss. Was that one of your toughest loses in your career?

Yes that was the toughest loss of my career by far. We had that game and just lost control in the final seconds.

In 2017 you played with Black Star Mersch (Luxembourg-Nationale 2) averaging 23.4ppg, 9rpg, 3.4apg. You made a name for yourself. What kind of experience was it playing in Luxemburg?

The experience in Luxembourg was ok. The living was good. On the court was a bit tough at times because of wins and losses.

Often guys make the next step in Luxemburg. What happened after that? Did you have failed representation?

Yes I had failed representation. But I will also admit I wasn’t very mature in those years. Because Luxembourg was a rich country I felt that at this point I had arrived as a player so I wasn’t going to play for less money. When in some situations you may have to take a pay cut to get ahead in the business. And I learned that later on in my career. I didn’t have a mentor to teach me these things it was all trial and error.

Between 2017-2021, I saw nothing on your eurobasket profile. Did you not play in this time? Did you get a normal 9-5 job and how tough was this time not playing?

During this time I still played but I played over the summer in China and did tours to stay in shape. Yes I had a 9-5. I would set my alarm to 5:30 am. Would get to the gym at 6:30. And I would do this every morning and I would have to be at work at 9:45 am. After work I would go back to the gym and do it again. It was super tough not playing but like I stated above I was looking at money and not focused on the opportunity itself. Sometimes taking a pay cut can work out because you can be in a better league. You play good in that league you can move into a better league for double or triple the amount that you played for in the previous year. So it was hard but I wasn’t the best mentally because I had no mentor to tell me how it all works and the outcome that could possibly happen.

You played your rookie season with Rutigliano (Italy-Serie D) leading the league ins coring with 28.3ppg. What do you remember being your wake up call to being overseas where you knew that you were far away from home?

Italy was awesome. I loved it there despite the level. The love was unconditional there which is what I was used too back at home. But I would say when the WiFi went out and I lost my game in Madden I knew from that point on I wasn’t at home haha.

You began your basketball career at Fort Scott Community College (JUCO). Every guy I have interviewed that played JUCO have said it was a very tough experience but one that was so important for their career. How was it for you?

JUCO gave me that killer mentality. That’s grown men basketball. I trained my hardest during that time because every night you can be playing against a top player especially in the Jayhawk conference and it’s a battle. So you always wanted to play your best and most importantly win.

You then played at Fort Hays State University (NCAA2) from 2013-2015 averaging 9.6ppg, 2.3rpg, 2.1apg, FGP: 38.8%, 3PT: 34.1% and 10.1ppg, 2.8rpg, 2.1apg, FGP: 44.0%, 3PT: 40.5%, FT: 82.9%. How do you feel did your game grow in the 2 years there?

Fort Hays I would say I really improved my 3 point shot. I’m not sure if the style has changed there since I left but I remember mostly If guys couldn’t shoot that well they wouldn’t fit well into coach Johnson system so me improving my shooting was crucial in that time.

How did head coach Mark Johnson groom and prepare you best for a professional career?

Coach Johnson prepared me. But I would say my junior college coach Michael Cook has played a huge role in developing me as a player and as a person.

Who won a 1-1 in practice you or Achoki Moikobu?

Haha Me of course. I love Coach AC. He’s doing a tremendous job coaching and moving around. We still speak from time to time. Great guy.

Who was the toughest player that you ever battled on the court that reached the NBA?

The toughest player I would say is Frank Kaminsky. He played at Benet HS and we lost to them my senior year in high school. He was super dominant.

Please name your 5 best teammates of all-time?

Josh Fleming- my brother (HS teammate). Donnell Cegers- teammate in Georgia. Duane Johnson teammate in Luxembourg. Vytautas Kamarunas- Georgia teammate. JJ Mina Italy teammate.

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

Michael Jordan, Kobe Bryant, LeBron James, Steph Curry

Bill Russell recently passed away. He won 11 NBA titles in 13 years. Why isn’t this guy the GOAT

Yes man that was terrible news. RIP to Bill Russell. Definitely an icon. But I didn’t really see him play. I grew up on most of the guys listed above.

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

And no I haven’t checked it out yet. That’s one thing I plan on doing in Germany is stepping up my movie game haha.

Thanks James for the chat.

Tags : JAMES FLEMING, UNI BASKETS PADERBORN, GERMAN BASKETBALL

Alani Moore II (178-PG-1998, college: Temple) is a 25 year old 178cm guard from Rockville, Maryland playing his second professional season and first in Germany with the EPG Baskets Koblenz averaging 15/4/5 stats. Last season he played with Sanaat Mes Rafsanjan (Iran-Superleague) playing 16 games averaging 18.8ppg, 4.0rpg, Assists-3 (4.7apg), Steals-4 (2.3spg), FGP: 44.7%, 3PT: 36.9%, FT: 76.9%. He began his pro career with the Houston Push (TBL) averaging 12.5ppg, 2.6rpg, 5.2apg, 1.5spg, FGP: 51.7%, 3PT: 40.0%, FT: 86.1%. He began his basketball career at the Montrose Christian school and also played at Friendship Collegiate Academy. He then played at temple (NCAA) from 2016-2020 playing a total of 122 NCAA games and as a senior averaged 8.4ppg, 2.8rpg, 2.6apg, 1.3spg, FGP: 28.3%, 3PT: 39.8%, FT: 86.1%. He spoke to germanhoops.com after the tough 79-78 loss in game 1 to the Basketball Lowen Erfurt.

The EPG Baskets Koblenz suffered a tough 79-78 loss in game 1 to the Basketball Lowen Erfurt. It’s the playoffs and have the opponents become tougher and tougher?

I would say so. They wanted to win as much as we did. They just had a little more fight and smarts then we did.

2 stats are crazy, Koblenz had the 16-7 offensive rebound edge and 5 turnovers to 14 of Erfurt. It’s mind boggling how the team couldn’t have taken better advantage of it.

We had to many careless mistakes. A big problem was not having enough will to get a good shot or the needed urgency to be aware of what we needed to do as well as execute on extra possessions.

You swept the season series against the Basketball Lowen Erfurt. Did they seem to really have come out with a real sense of urgency?

They did come in with real urgency. They did a good job executing their game plan. They pushed the ball well and got many transition points.

How vital was the tough Schwelm playoff series, What do you believe did the club learn from the tight Schwelm series?

We learned that we can’t take anyone lightly. Every team gives us their best punch. The will to win is a lot higher in the playoffs as well as guys being able to make crazy shots.

The EPG Baskets Koblenz didn’t start off bad, but scored 26 points, but still allowed 20 points. Top player Guy Edi had 7 of his 17 points in the first quarter. What makes it so difficult to contain him?

Edi is strong and versatile and a good shooter. We need to switch more aggressively on him and just stay in front of him. He knows how to use his body.

The second quarter was a real battle as you began well but the guests never let up trailing only 47-46. Tyseem Lyles gave the team consistent scoring. What’s the biggest challenge in stopping him?

We need to run him off the line. He is a good shooter and need to make him drive more. He is their main shooter and when he gets going, he gives his team a big boost.

Do you feel like a team like Erfurt got extra confidence after seeing how well Schwelm played against you?

Yes for sure. I’m sure they watched film and saw our flaws.

The EPG Baskets Koblenz had control in the third quarter and then lost it again in the last minutes leading only 62-61. Does the team think too much when they have a7-8 point lead instead of just continuing to play?

Our mentality is a concern. We begin to do things that we normally don’t do. Here and there the ball bounces differently and we have to be prepared for everything and always have the same mentality.

The fourth quarter was a real dog fight. Once again Koblenz had control but allowed the guests to come back. What was key in crunch-time for not being able to pull it out?

They stayed consistent. We tried to do the same. We weren’t as focused as we should have been and looked to much for fouls. We need to be locked in the whole game.

Koblenz shot very bad and now have a another do or die game now only on the road. What will be key to force another do or die game at home?

We have to play our game. We have to show why we were the number one team. We have to play hard and smart. We have to fight the course and have the dog and will to get the win.

Despite the successful season how tough has it been as a player dealing with the pressure and expectations? How have you dealt with it?

It hasn’t been that tough. I take each game the same. I need to step up and I always try to play as hard as I can. I have to get all on the same page and locked in.

Your having a very solid Pro B season with 15/4/5 stats. What has been the biggest challenge for you with your game being on a team where every guy can be a leading scorer on any night?

I play on and off the ball. I try to help as much as I can as a leader. I try to help the bigs, wings and guardswith little things and they do the same with me. I try to be a role model and leader.

What have you appreciated most about Marvin Heckel’s game? How has he helped your game most?

It is great to play with another guard that brings energy and playmaking. That helps take pressure off me. He is a great asset for me and vice versa.

There are some very interesting NBA playoff series with Denver-Phoenix, Boston,-Philadelphia and New York and Miami. Who do you have in these series

I got Phoenix in 6, Boston in 7 and Miami in 6.

Thanks Alani for the chat.

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

Even if basketball is played all over the world, it sometimes still can feel a small world. Two years ago I had the opportunity to interview Bonzie Colson who had had a short NBA stint and was playing with SIG Strasburg at the time. 2 years later in 2023 I had the opportunity to interview another ex NBA player with Tim Frazier (185-PG-1990, college: Penn St.) now playing also with SIG Strasburg. The biggest difference between both outstanding players is that Frazier’s run in the NBA was a lot longer at 8 years. There is a special link between Frazier and Colson and I. During the NBA playoffs in 2019 when the Boston Celtics were battling the Milwaukee Bucks, both Colson and Frazier were on the Bucks roster. During the playoff series, I was in Boston visiting family and I saw both players before a game and got their autographs. I mean what are the chances that 2 players from one NBA team season would play on the same French team within a few years with me getting both of their autographs. I mean it isn’t a cake walk anymore getting NBA players autographs. Tim Frazier never lost the love to make fans young or old happy. Before a game 1 Basketball Champions League game in Bonn, there was a die hard autograph collector that would have made some American autograph seekers jealous as he had reserved a whole table and gotten every player’s autograph of SIG Strasburg before the game. Frazier must of signed 6-7 printed out photos of himself ‘You can look at it 2 ways. I always try to sign. For me it is a blessing that someone would want my autograph. I don’t take anything for granted. I know that one day nobody is going to want my autograph anymore. I have friends who are top 5 players in the NBA. They know that the more they sign the more the value goes down. So it makes sense that they sometimes don’t sign. Signing for kids is a no brainer. For me it is special when people ask me for an autograph. I always sign for people’, stressed Tim Frazier. He doesn’t remember signing for me and how could he when NBA players are bombarded around the clock each day from the shoot around before the game, departure to the game and arrival at the next hotel at 2.am. The autograph hounds are always present. But the ex NBA player had a laugh when he heard he had signed for me once in Boston. ‘It really is a small world. One day your signing for someone and the next day your running into that person again or being interviewed’, said Tim Frazier. Even if Tim Frazier had special encounters with Kobe, Giannis and Dirk and isn’t in the NBA at the moment, he still feels so blessed to be able to play the game he loves overseas.

Tim Frazier autograph from 2019 in Boston

Miles Schmidt-Scheuber and Tim Frazier meet again in Bonn Germany in 2023

Tim Frazier was born on November 1st, 1990 in Houston, Texas. He began to play basketball at age 5 at Strake Jesuit College Preparatory in Houston. As a senior he averaged 15.5 points, 7.7 rebounds, 5.5 assists, and 3.6 steals per game and led the team to a 37-1 record. He helped them become the first private school to reach the state tournament’s semifinals. He was a 3 star recruit for Rivals.com and committed to Penn State (NCAA). He graduated high school Cum Laude. He would play there from 2009-2014 playing a total of 135 NCAA games. ‘Coming to Penn State was a big change for me. It was first time that I saw snow. It was a big culture shock for me. The experience was awesome though’, stressed Tim Frazier.In his freshman season he played 31 games averaging 5.0ppg, 2.3rpg, 2.4apg. In his sophomore season he played 34 games averaging 6.3ppg, 3.9rpg, 5.1apg, 1.0spg, FGP: 43.0%, 3PT: 34.4%, FT: 75.3%. His biggest game that season was scoring 22 points in the upset win over Michigan State at the Big 10 tournament semi-finals. A downer that season was losing to Temple (NCAA) in the big dance as Jaun Fernandez won the game on a close out past him. ‘That was a tough loss. I was in tears mainly because that was the senior’s last game. I knew I had 2 more years and a few more chances’, remembered Tim Frazier. In his next season after the departure of guards Chris Babb and Talor Battle who both would play for the Telekom Baskets Bonn in Germany, he made a massive jump in his game averaging 18.8ppg, 4.7rpg, 6.2apg, 2.4spg, FGP: 44.0%, 3PT: 31.4%, FT: 79.1%. He scored in double figures in 30 of 32 games and had big games against Nebraska scoring 30 points and hit South Florida for 27 points. In his fourth season he played only 4 games and was out for the rest of the season with an injury. He was able to red shirt the season and averaged 16.3ppg, 4.5rpg, 3.8apg, 2.3spg. He returned for a fifth season and formed a strong duo with DJ Newbill and averaged 14.9ppg, 4.4rpg, 5.4apg, 1.6spg, FGP: 43.0%, 3PT: 29.1%, FT: 78.5%. He scored in double figures in 28 of 32 games including scoring 29 points a piece in wins against St Johns and Pennsylvania. His game grew a lot in his 5 years thanks to head coaches Ed Dechellis and Patrick Chambers. ‘I had pivotal experiences with both of them. Ed was a strict out of the book coach. He gave me confidence and a chance to play. Pat had coached future NBA players. His selling point was that he had coached Kyle Lowery. He took me to Villanova practices to watch their guards. He taught me what I needed to do to get to the NBA. He showed me how to be a good pro guard’, stressed Tim Frazier. He was named to the Bob Cousy Award watch list, was Third Team All-Big Ten, and named to the Barclays Center Classic all-tourney team. He was also a Senior CLASS Award finalist, and was handed the Big Ten Sportsmanship Award

The quick guard who remembers losing to Chris Babb in 1-1 battles at Penn State, but getting him back a few years later in Maine began his professional career in the summer of 2014 playing NBA Summer League with the Philadelphia 76ers averaging 3.4ppg, 4.0rpg, 2.0apg, 1.2spg, FGP: 28%, FT: 50%. Their paths would cross soon after again. He had a wild rookie season beginning with the Boston Celtics and then being released and played with the Maine Red Claws (D-League). He had a fine rookie campaign in Maine averaging 16.1ppg, 7.1rpg, Assists-1 (9.5apg), 1.7spg, FGP: 49.1%, 3PT: 36.4%, FT: 81.1%. He scored in double figures in 36 of 41 games and had massive games against Delaware with 34 points, and scored 30 points against Eire Bay. He also recorded 4 triple doubles. ‘I’m really thankful for Chris Babb who was so helpful and helping make the transition from college to the pro’s’, remembered Tim Frazier. His dream like everyone else outside the NBA was the NBA and he did anything he could to be close to it. ‘This is a crazy story. It was like a 3 hour drive from Maine to Boston. I came down a lot to watch games if I had a day off. Often I would buy a ticket and sometimes get tickets from Players. I would talk to the players after the game. Then one day I got a call from the 76ers. Michael carter Williams was hurt and they were playing in Boston. They had no point guard and called me the day of the game. I had no shoes and I went to Boston. I asked Avery Bradley and he gave me a pair of his. This was a surreal moment for me. Playing my first NBA game against the team that cut me. That led to a 8 year NBA career. You couldn’t have asked for a better story’, remembered Tim Frazier. He had brief stints with Philadelphia playing 6 games and 6 games with Portland. He finished the season with a double double 13/10 against Dallas and will never forget playing against Dirk Nowitzki. ‘Dirk was Dirk. He was so phenomenal in his prime. But even near the end he was still so good. He put me in the switch and made his fade away over me. There was nothing I could do. I’m from Houston and only heard good things about him and how much he did for the community’, stated Tim Frazier. Every player has their NBA wake up moment and it wasn’t any different for him. ‘Playing 1-1 after practice against Damian Lillard, CJ McCollum and Steve Blake was tough. I saw really how great they were. Even Blake who was at the end of his career could still move well. I scored maybe once. All 3 dominated me. They showed me I had to work very hard to be in the NBA. I asked Dam if I could work out with him. Now we are still doing it during the summers’, added Tim Frazier.

The Texas native who has Damian Lillard, Anthony Davis, Giannis, CJ McCollum and Markief Morris as his 5 best teammates of all-time played the 2015-2016 season with the Portland Trail Blaziers playing 32 games averaging 1.6ppg, 1.2rpg, 1.3apg, played 8 games with the Maine Red Claws (D-League) averaging 15.0ppg, 9.1rpg, 9.6apg, 1.4spg, FGP: 61.0%, 3PT: 40.0%, FT: 75.0%, and finished the season with the New Orleans Pelicans (NBA) playing 15 games averaging 13.1ppg, 4.5rpg, 7.4apg, 1.5spg, FGP: 43.8%, 3PT: 44.8%, FT: 75.4%. It was obvious his time with the Pelicans was his best time in the NBA. ‘I think my time with the Pelicans then helped solidify my career. Pelicans had guys banged up and they signed me. My play helped me get a contract for next season. I came from Portland where I didn’t play because guys like Lillard and McCollum were playing. Then I go to the Pelicans and play really well. I still watch highlights and think who is that guy?. I was waving people off. I was playing with so much confidence’, remembered Tim Frazier. He had some fine games against Chicago netting 20 points and collecting 11 dimes, hit Brooklyn for 19 points and 13 assists and had 15 assists against Minnesota. That season he played against the Lakers and Kobe Bryant 4 times wining all games. In the first 3 games he totaled only 10 minutes, but near the end of the season in one of Kobe’s last games as a professional he played 26 minutes having 7 points and 12 assists. He will never forget that last encounter with the black mamba. ‘We played before a packed house in New Orleans and my Mom was there. I’m sure he knew who I was. He took a picture with my mom. But it wasn’t one of those pics that you just take and move on, but he really took time and talked with her something he wouldn’t have had to do. He signed for every last person and signed everyone’s shoe who had one there. He took so much time and that goes a long way showing what kind of person he was. The way he presented himself there meant more to me then his 81 point game or his titles. He was so humble and put a smile on my face. I didn’t get a pic with him, but I thank him for how much he meant to the game and my family’, remembered Tim Frazier. In the 2016-2017 season he remained with the Pelicans and had a solid season playing 65 games averaging 7.1ppg, 2.6rpg, 5.2apg, FGP: 44.6%, 3PT: 31.3%, FT: 76.0%. He scored in double figures in 21 games and had 20 points or more 4 times including scoring 21 points against Golden State and Atlanta and 20 points against the Bucks and Clippers. He also registered 10 assists or more 8 times including 14 against the Hawks. He saw the early development of Anthony Davis as he was becoming a superstar in that time. ‘I remember Jrue Holiday got injured at a time where we had a tough schedule. Anthony kept us in each game. He made me look better than I ever was. I knew all I had to do was get in the lane and he would make me look good. 5 of my assists were from him. He is a guard in a big man’s body. He is a close friend of mine. I was his best man at his wedding’, stressed Tim Frazier.

The ex Penn State great who remembers ex Michigan (NCAA) great Trey Burke being his toughest cover in the NCAA played the 2017-2018 season with the Washington Wizards (NBA) playing 60 games averaging 2.9ppg, 1.9rpg, 3.3apg. He wasn’t able to get the minutes he did the 2 seasons before in New Orleans as with the Wizards averaged only 14 minutes and scored in double figures only twice and had 14 dimes against the Hawks. He was teammates with Polish beast Marcin Gortat a guy that began to make a name for himself early in his career in 2006 in Germany and then reached the NBA having a solid 12 year NBA career. ‘Marcin was great. He was one of the best screen setters that I ever played with. That is what he prided himself doing. One can credit all those John Wall dunks to him setting great screens. He was a laid back and funny guy that put in the work. I remember he always doing the hammer when he dunked. I was really fortunate to have been able to come across great teammates’, said Tim Frazier. In the 2018-2019 season his wandering from team to team in the NBA continued as he returned back to the Pelicans again averaging 5.0ppg, 2.9rpg, 4.4apg, and then moved to the moved to Milwaukee Bucks (NBA) playing 21 games averaging 4.6ppg, 1.9rpg, 2.5apg. He had some great games again that season scoring in double figures in 8 games and had 10 assists or more 5 times. He scored 29 points and 13 assists against Oklahoma and 20 points and 15 assists against Atlanta a team he always played well against. He was fortunate to be teammates with Greek Freak Giannis a player that is for many the best player in the NBA at the moment. ‘I can’t say a bad word about him. For me he is top 5 in best work ethic that I have ever seen. He has put in so much time in the weight room and it shows. He deserves all the success he has had. He wants all to succeed. He is such a dominant player and is just a great teammate, and parent. I saw in Greece how much of a house hold name he is. Everybody asked me about him. It is great to see how far he has come. He is still growing. He always wants to get better’, warned Tim Frazier. In the 2019-2020 season he played with the Detroit Pistons (NBA) playing 27 games averaging 3.6ppg, 1.2rpg, 3.4apg. Covid hit in the latter part of the season and his minutes were really sporadic. ‘That was a tough season. I just had to stay ready. I may not play for 2 weeks and then start a game. An experience like this makes you a pro. I may play 30 minutes or 30 seconds. At the end of the day you put the team first. You have to always be ready. I always put in the work so I would be ready when my number was called’, remembered Tim Frazier. He scored 17 points against ex team Washington and 13 points against Chicago.

Miles Schmidt-Scheuber and Marcin Gortat in Rhondorf Germany in 2006

The guard who lists Steph Curry and Damian Lillard (I knew his moves and had to stop him or I would hear it all summer long) as his toughest opponents on the court in the NBA played only 5 games for Memphis in the 20-21 season as COVID was in full swing. ‘That was a very tough season. I remember all the protocols. You had to have a seat empty between seats on the plane and got tested like 3 times a day. We couldn’t do anything. I stayed inside. You would stay in the hotel and still maybe catch it. I remember when I was first signed I had to quarantine 7 days. Everything was unknown. Nobody knew anything. We couldn’t do normal things together like eat a meal. It was a wild time’, stated Tim Frazier. In the 21-22 season he played only 12 games with Cavs and Orlando. Did he lose faith in the NBA process with Covid and playing very little games. ‘I don’t know if I lost faith. As you get older the window gets smaller. Now with younger guys getting drafted and the 2 way contracts, teams have the ability to develop young players better and the price tag is smaller. I never lose faith. If someone had told me coming out of college that I would play 8 years in the NBA, I would of hoped so. I never close the door on the NBA. Anything can happen. I have been fortunate to have built so many relationships with coaches. You never know what could happen. I could get a call this summer and get signed again by a NBA team. I want to have the best career I can now overseas’, added Tim Frazier. He got 2 ten day contracts with Orlando and one from the Cavs. ‘It was all about luck and opportunity. It was a tough season, but I just kept striving for my dream. So many guys would have died to be in my position’, explained Tim Frazier. Last season he had the opportunity to play with Germany’s biggest talent at the moment Franz Wagner who was a first round draft pick of Orlando in 2021. ‘Franz was great and has all the potential in the world. I remember when he scored 30 or 40 points I was like who is this guy. He has that Euro game and could become something special. He still had a good second season even if some of his scoring went down in the second half of the season. They have many scoring options. Every night it could be someone else like a Carter, Fultz or Wagner who is top scorer. He is a great teammate that roots for everyone. At the end of the day that will take him a long way. He already has a great skill level. He was a great teammate’, remembered Tim Frazier.

The ex Pelican who lists Allen Iverson as his favorite player of all-time and thinks the classic movie Coming To America should have been left alone began this season in Greece with AEK Athens (Greece-GBL) playing 13 games averaging 11.3ppg, 2.8rpg, 5.0apg, 2FGP: 46.3%, 3FGP: 34.4%, FT: 73.1%: and in the BCL: played 10 games averaging 6.3ppg, 2.5rpg, 5.2apg, 1.0spg, 2FGP: 28.0%, 3FGP: 34.3%, FT: 81.3%. It is never easy making the transition from many years NBA to overseas, but from his play, one wouldn’t have thought that he had any problems. Obviously the time difference and food was different, but one he got used to quickly. The biggest difference were the facilities. For European standards top, but then again still a league or 2 below what you witness in the NBA where everything is the best. He showed on the court that he belonged scoring 22 points against PAOK and Ionikos and 15 points against top Euroleague team Olympiakos. ‘Greece was a good test for me. Greece is a 2 team league. I showed against Olympiakos that I could compete. It was like playing against the Warriors.’, said Tim Frazier. Now he has begun a new chapter in his career with SIG Strasburg. The team has struggled in the France Pro A and is fighting to reach the playoffs. ‘It has been a culture shock. The intensity is so high overseas. Every game matters. In the NBA you play so many games not every game matters. I have grown fond of guys playing overseas because it isn’t easy. You see guys from the NBA not be successful here. It is a real grind’, stressed Tim Frazier. Two teammates he has really grown fond of have been two guys with massive chips on their shoulders. Explosive diminutive guard Marcus Keene who has had to grind his whole career and now slowly is being rewarded and Deandre Lansdowne who played division 2 in college and began in the third league in Germany 7 years ago. ‘Both guys are so mentally tough. Deandre beginning in the third league and now being captain speaks a lot for his work ethic. He tries to be the best player he can be. He will come to me during a game and tell me that we will get a play for me. He wants to help guys get going. That speaks a lot for him. When Marcus is hot, he is unstoppable. I saw it in college. He hit shots then. Now he is a wow factor about how he can take over games. He is a real competitor’, stated Tim Frazier. It will be interesting to see how well SIG Strasburg closes out the season. He is definitely a player who has seen it all in the NBA and is a real professional. Covid killed so many people which was the worst part. Everything else is just a side note concerning how Covid hurt people in other ways. Did he sometimes wonder where his career in the NBA may have gone without Covid? ‘Yes I do wonder. I think many guys would still have had jobs without it. It was a tough time then and still is today. I’m a firm believer in God and everything happens for a reason. The best place for me now is France. I’m happy my family is safe. I loved being in the NBA, but now the best place for me is France. I want to be the best person that I can be’, warned Tim Frazier. He is a guy that is thankful for everything in his life. That is exactly how it should be.

Having the what if phrases pop up is something that happens on occasion in so many different situations in life not only in sports. The question of what would have been the fate of the 2022-2023 Dragons Rhondorf had they had Mubarak Salami (198-SG-1996)? That is something that only God knows. This team had so much potential and were growing with the addition of him in January 2023. Until his death the Dragons Rhondorf had won 2 of their last 3 games and were in a groove and getting prepared for the latter part of the regular season. But then the unexpected happened and he was suddenly taken from us on February 24th. His tragic death shocked basketball Germany and put a massive dagger into the heart of the Dragons Rhondorf organization and all the others he had strapped on the jersey for. Suddenly a Paul Albrecht and Co would come to practice and see a vacant spot in the dressing room. He would be missing from the guard rotation forever. His death was so brutally saddening. Of course life went on after for the Dragons Organization as they came back on the court and gave all they had, but something was missing. The lethal game of Mubarak Salami was forever gone. His explosive offensive game was something they couldn’t replace on the floor and something that definitely could of gotten them over the hump in the Basketball Lowen playoff series. Even if life went on after February 24 for the Dragons Rhondorf, the season for me was over. The 2022-2023 Dragons Rhondorf season took an unexpected and unwanted turn upside down. Nothing was the same for me, but the memory of Mubarak Salami will forever be present.

After focusing on the youth in the last few years, the Dragons Rhondorf went into a different direction this season going more with age and experience. They hadn’t been to the playoffs since 2018 and wanted to get that taste of the post season again. The club had a healthy mix of old and young as captain Paul Albrecht led the veterans flanked by ex easyCredit BBL player Florian Koch and Florian Wendeler who came back after playing there some years ago where he averaged 5/4 in their Pro A season. The club also kept sniper Nicolas Buchholz and brought in role player Adrian Bergmann. A big addition was Zaba Bangala who was Mini Zion Williamson in a Swedish body who wrecked havoc in the paint area. American Devon Goodman was the back bone of the club who was the team’s MVP. It was a shame that he couldn’t play game 2 on account of injury. If he had played then there for sure would have been a do or die game back in the Dragon Dome on Sunday. It was a very talented roster, but also a thin one where one really wondered what could have been achieved if the club had had a few more fresh bodies on the bench.

The Dragons Rhondorf had a weird situation to begin the 2022-2023 season. Not only did they have to suffer and play 4 of their first 6 games on the road, but in reality it felt more like 6 away games. On account of renovations in their living room Dragon Dome in Bad Honnef, the ex Pro A team had to play their first 2 home games in a substitution location in Sankt Katharinen. The new non-permanent location was only 18 kilometers away, but still the so called home games still felt like home was far away. Despite the tough situation, the club still began the season on a very positive note going 4-2. They finally played their first real home game in their living room on November 26th beating Rist Wedel 102-97 and went into December with an optimistic 5-2 record. Despite that the club showed early on that consistency on defense was a problem as twice they showed great performances allowing 66 and 65 points, but also gave up 82 or more points 4 times. After that the season would be an up and down battle where they never were able to find a true defensive identity. In December they went 3-2 and was highlighted by a blow out win over Vechta, but also suffered a 24 point loss to rival RheinStars. In January, they went 1-3 and hauled in Mubarak Salami for extra offensive fire power as the club noticed that something was missing on offense and the bench was thin. Then came the team’s best phase of the season as they went 5-1. Their biggest win was against the BSW Sixers, but they also were swept by top pro B north team Lok Bernau as their defense stifled them twice this season. In between they had to witness the tragic death of Mubarak Salami. They closed out the season with a disappointing 0-4 record. Having their last 2 regular season games more than 500 kilometers away in Wolmirstedt and Wedel only 4 days apart surely wasn’t beneficial. They were fortunate to gain home court in the first round only because Vechta had lost their last game of the regular season. They came into the playoffs and should have won game 1 at home in the regular time against Erfurt, but instead let it slip away in overtime and in game 2 gave all they had, but lost after a massive come back. One had that what if question again what would have happened had Devon Goodman been on board. He had to sit out because of injury.

Devon Goodman was the unanimous choice of team MVP averaging 19,8ppg, 4,0rpg, 8,9apg and 2,0spg. The club hadn’t seen such a dominant import since Kameron Taylor and Curtis Hollis. His incredible quickness and drive will always be in the minds of everyone who witnessed him in the Dragon Dome. He scored in double figures in 20 of 23 games including closing out his last home game with 37 points and 14 dimes against Erfurt. He will most likely land in a higher league. I can imagine he will get offers from German Pro A teams. The second top scorer of the team was Florian Koch who had played 294 BBL games with Bonn, Ludwigsburg, Wurzburg and Ludwigsburg. He averaged 18,0ppg, 5,9rpg, 2,4apg and 1,4spg. He sparkled with his three point shooting, but also showed he was a team player filling the stat sheet. This was the best club transaction in years and a real enrichment to get a guy of his quality. The third top scorer was Swedish national player Zaba Bangala who averaged 14,6ppg, 8,6rpg, 2,1apg and 1,3spg. He was easily the clubs most improved player. Even if he had up and down phases and lost some gas down the stretch, the guy made huge strides from the start of the season.The fourth top scorer was ex Rostock guard Nicolas Buchholz who averaged 12,7ppg, 2,2rpg and 1,9apg. His scoring was down, but he knew that coming into the season as the club had more experience and scoring ability than the season before which slowed down his scoring average. His best game was his 24 points 3 rebounds and 5 assists against Herford where he drilled home 7 three’s. It wasn’t the easiest season for him having to find his role on a team with veterans, but a valuable learning experience. My unsung hero of the team was captain Paul Albrecht. He averaged 10,9ppg, 6,8rpg and 2,3apg. He came to play every night and gave all he had and showed always he is the ultimate team player. How can anyone not adore this guy? His smile is as warm and as soothing as a whirl pool after a marathon run. He is the identity figure of the team and I hope he plays many more years in Rhondorf. Florian Wendeler came back to Rhondorf after stints in Cuxhaven, Bochum and Cologne and averaged 4,6ppg and 3.8rpg. He is one of those guys where you know what you will get. He came from the bench and gave durability, hustle and a presence under the hoop with rebounds. Adrian Bergmann came form Schwenningen and averaged 3,7ppg and 2,4rpg. The three and D specialist always gave his best from the bench. The team player was the best example that his impact on the game wasn’t about scoring or giving crazy highlights but playing hard defense and finding the best option for his team. Young German Sam Nellessen played 16 games and averaged 8,3 minutes. I wish he would have been integrated more into the offense.

The most positive note for the Dragons Rhondorf season was that they finally reached the playoffs again after 5 years away. The team was mostly fun to watch in terms of offensive power as they knew how to put points on the board. The negative aspect was that they were unable to find a defensive identity. They allowed 80 points or more in 18 of 26 games. Their biggest problem was simply 1-1 defense and some how not being more consistent on slowing down the drive. They also had problems rebounding during the season which cost them some games as well. The thin bench surely also played a role. I would have liked to have seen the youth players get more of a chance. The 2022-2023 season will always have the tragic death of Mubarak Salami as it’s stamp. Everything else that occurred will more or less be like a side note in this season. This so sad occurrence is something that will always be present in Dragons Rhondorf history. Mubarak Salami was such a positive appearance in the Dragons basketball culture. The what if phrase will always be present in the 2022-2023 season. What if Mubarak Salmi hadn’t left us? How far would the Dragons Rhondorf have gone on the court? But more important how many more lives would he have been able to enrich and laid a positive influence on others with his character? Mubarak’s spirit will forever live on in the Dragon Dome and in many other places.

Tags : MUBARAK SALAMI, DRAGONS RHOENDORF, GERMAN BASKETBALL