If Joe Asberry gives an unproven American player toiling in the German Oberliga (6th division) Named Abe Valentine the magical words that he has a plan for him, then there is a good chance that his aim could become reality. The plan for Valentine is to get him up the basketball ladder and playing in a higher league. Joe Asbery isn’t a house hold name in the United States, but in Germany he is a legend. He is a guy that has seen it all from crime to drugs, but also playing against legends like Gary Payton, Jason Kidd and Brian Shaw and being teammates with German legendary player Christian Welp. He could easily write a best seller combined with all his experiences around the globe and his unique and comical personality that is infectious on every one he has dealings with. He had a 11 year professional career that saw him toil in the lower leagues of Germany and off the court has been a special kind of spokesperson for young kids and drug prevention, guest speaker, worked in the Alba Berlin organization, been a master of ceremonies for UBC Hannover and been a mentor for young Americans coming overseas trying to live the dream of being a professional basketball player. Joe Asberry dominated the German Regionalliga back in the day and definitely could of played in a higher league, but as usual politics got in the way. He knows what is going through the heads of these American players and has made it a massive priority to help them get better jobs. He has helped great players like Chris Frazier, Elijah Allen, Darren Galloway, Alieu Cesay, Kevin Yebo and Pierre Bland get jobs in higher leagues. Talented guards are as wide spread in Europe as are the Lebron haters globally and Abe Valentine is one of those many gifted players. Currently he is dominating the German Oberliga for the BC Lions under the guidance of head coach Joe Asberry. It is no surprise that Asberry has had a huge effect on the American. ‘Coach Joe was the main reason why I came and he is a great guy. He has helped me market myself better as well as give me good insight on the German market and how I can move myself up quickly like he did. He’s a legend out here and I need to take all the knowledge I can from him’, stressed Abe Valentine (185-G-1992, college: Clark Summit) Even if Valentine is living in Berlin, he will never be bored. Even if he can’t get out, all he needs is to hang out with coach Joe, because an evening with him will never be tedious. ‘I can’t narrow one down because coach has a lot of great stories but I will say my favorite thing about his stories is how high he jumped back in the day and he really used to put everyone on a poster which to me is incredible’, added Abe Valentine
Joe Asberry and Miles Schmidt-Scheuber in Koblenz in 2015
Abe Valentine who remembers the toughest players that he ever faced in his life were Brandon Knight (AAU) CJ McCollum (played in the same state of Ohio) and Anderson Varejo (worked out with him for years and gave me a lot of knowledge) is a 185cm 30 year old guard from Elyria, Ohio that began his basketball career at Open Door Christian High School. He then played at Baptist Bible PA (NCAA3) and in his senior year the school changed it’s name to Clark Summit University (NCAA3). He showed that he was able to be a consistent player averaging 17/3/3 stats in his last 3 years. He remembers having Evan Dougoud’s number in practice 1-1 games and spent 4 unforgettable years there. ‘After my first year there was a name change because we switched over to a university and it helped a lot as far as people noticing the team. The best moment there was probably beating the number 2 team in division 3 (Cabrini u 24-0) where we gave them their first loss of the season after I had a 36 point game. Another moment I can’t forget there is that I scored over 1500 points there which is very difficult to put up numbers like that (1854 points)’, remembered Abe Valentine In his senior year he averaged 17.0ppg, 5.5rpg, 3.2apg, FGP: 42.6%, 3PT: 36.2%, FT: 81.1% and had a big advantage of being able to showcase his abilities against well known teams. ‘My game grew a lot my senior year because we got to play 2 division 1 schools my senior year with Liberty University and Delaware State University where both games I had 20 plus points’, remembered Abe Valentine He also couldn’t have made that great leap as a player in school without the suitable coaching staff that pushed him. ‘Mike Show helped me develop my confidence as well as giving me workouts with high level players. Coach Nietz was his assistant for those years as well before he took the head coaching job so he was also a part of my growth in a different way’, remembered Abe Valentine
The American who lists Kevin Douglas (d1 college/ pro) Michael Terry (d2 college) Eric Mann (d3 college and Hs) Dan Decker (d3 college ranked best shooter in d3) and Adam Brinkley (d3 college defensive player of the year) as his best teammates of all-time has had professional experience in Spain playing for Martinez Valls help leading the team to a 23-2 regular season record and also played for CB Aridane on the Canary Islands. ‘Living on the Canary Islands of Spain, it was always hot and there was a lot of things to do outside of basketball to keep the high stress down of playing professionally and it was great living there’, remembered Abe Valentine The game of the guard who lists Kobe, Mike, Kareem, Lebron, and Wilt on his NBA Mount Rushmore is a player where his game reflects a defensive minded Devin Booker who has been overlooked in his career just like Valentine. If you think just lighting up the score board is his biggest strength, it actually isn’t. ‘I won first team all defense in Spain and I pride myself on the defensive end and I always want to guard the team’s best player no matter the position because it’s a mindset! Another strength I have is bringing a team together not just on the court but off the court as well because this is needed to win’, warned Abe Valentine He may already be 30, but still sees many more years to go in his career and is constantly grinding in the lab to get better. ‘I’m still working on my floater right now and getting that better as well as working on my high post footwork as a guard is really good for me because no guard will ever expect having to guard another guard at the high post with moves’, expressed Abe Valentine
The Ohio native who believes like many other that Michael Jordan is the GOAT because he dominated his era more than anyone else is playing his first season in Germany in the sixth division Oberliga for the BC Lions despite easily being able to play in the third division called Pro B. He is averaging 30/10/5 stats while shooting 40% from down town. The money is less than peanuts, but he is sly enough to know that if he explodes on the court, then people will notice. ‘They offer a lot better conditions than any other team in this league as well as teams above this league so I thought to myself why not, let’s get the German market to know my name and see where that can take me after this year’, said Abe Valentine It remains tough going to work every day for little pay and recognition especially after having played at a higher level in Spain, but he knows that Germany could be his ticket up the ladder. Seeing how so many guys in higher leagues like ex opponent Caleb Homesley are being treated so well is another driving force for him to go the extra mile in the lab. Just knowing that he not only held his own against Homesley who played in Germany last season in the first division and currently is in one of Europe’s top leagues VTB with Russian team Zenit in a college basketball game, but was actually the best player on the court that night continues to drive him forward. ‘Actually in my conference there was over 10 guys to play overseas from my senior year class so yes you can say the chip on my shoulder is very large. I also got to play against Liberty university which is a division1 school and gave them 20 and their whole starting 5 is now playing at a high level over here in Europe, but I have never been the type to quit so that’s what keeps me going’, warned Abe Valentine
The explosive scorer who like so many believes that the classic Coming To America movie should have been left alone recently gave fans of the BC Lions so much joy with an incredible buzzer beater. Like so many other guys around the globe who have hit buzzer beaters, there was doubt about the outcome when it left his hands. ‘There were 2 seconds left and I always feel if there is time on the clock that there is a chance to win the game! After they went up they had to shoot a free throw after a and one play and he missed it on purpose so I got the rebound and took one dribble and just let it fly! As soon as it left my hands I thought man that is a great shot to go in and then it banked in for game! Then the whole crowd and my teammates rushed me and started cheering’, remembered Abe Valentine The gym didn’t have more than a few hundred fans, but the fans are so passionate and dedicated that the joy and excitement after the long heave went in felt like a mini Madison Square Garden. ‘It felt really good because the goal this year is to move up and we are on pace to do that! Now everyone believes that we have a good shot to win it all and there’s no better feeling than that’, explained Abe Valentine His head coach Joe Asbery has massive aspirations to move his team up to the second Regionalliga and with the drive and leadership of Abe Valentine that could be possible. He knows that he doesn’t have so many more years left, so he has to make the most of it now. But the passion he has won’t make him stop until he continues to move up the basketball ladder. ‘I would say my love for the game will never fade because anyone that has seen me play knows that I play on both sides with a lot of passion and a lot of heart and this is why all my teammates really respect me’, stated Abe Valentine At the moment he and Joe Asbery are a match made in basketball heaven, because they both love the game so much and have a huge chip on their shoulders. With their combined zeal and drive, success isn’t bound to be faraway.
Drew Gordon (206-C-1990, college: N.Mexico) is a 32 year old 206cm center from San Jose, California that is playing his 11th pro season and first with Fukuoka Rizing (Japan-B2 League,. He has had experience in the NBA for the Philadelphia 76ers. Most of his career has been spent playing overseas where he has played in countries like Serbia, Italy, Turkey, France, Lithuania, Russia, Poland and the Ukraine. He won 2 professional titles in Italy and Poland and before turning pro played at UCLA and the University of New Mexico. He spoke to germanhoops.com earlier in 2022 about his basketball career
Brothers Drew and Aaron Gordon
Thanks Drew for talking to germanhoops.com Where are you at the moment and how is basketball life treating you?
Hey what up everyone! I am currently in Denver watching my brother play in the NBA playoffs against the Warriors. Basketball life for me is going well. Obviously the situation in the Ukraine was unfortunate and a very sad situation. We have not been able to get documentation for our new born son, who was born out in the Ukraine right before the war escalated. Therefore we have been waiting to go somewhere else to play until his documentation is received here in the states.
Your at home in the States after playing in the Ukraine this season. What kind of feelings do you get when you see the sad footage on the news about the war. When did it sink in that you were there?
Its sad man, I wish that everyone would come to a peaceful conclusion to it all. The Ukraine is a very beautiful place so to see it being damaged is sad. However, while being out there, we didn’t feel a threat of war at all really. It wasn’t until the very end of our stay in Kyiv did we feel any sort of distress. It was always on the back of our minds obviously, but it was business as usual right up until the very end.
Most guys got out of the Ukraine while some guys had to escape. What memories will you always have of the time that you had in the Ukraine?
Mainly my teammates, we had a great group of guys this year that really wanted to win. We were living in Kyiv which was a great place to be able to walk around and see the rich history of the Ukraine. Something that will also be an ever-lasting memory is trying to help teammates and friends escape once they got stuck. Very odd feeling knowing that you can only help so much. You worry about their safety and their families safety and wellbeing.
You played with Budivelnyk Kyiv (Ukraine-Superleague) playing 29 games averaging 13.9ppg, Reb-1 (10.6rpg), 1.9apg, 1.2spg, FGP: 60.9%, 3PT: 20.0%, FT: 59.0%. Would it be fair to say that you were playing your best personal season since 2015-2016 when you balled in France. How tough was just stopping the season?
It was tough man, I wasn’t really planning on leaving until the embassy shut down. I liked the basketball we were playing and I happened to fit well into coaches system. I was playing well yes, but a lot of that comes from the team. How we interacted with each other and the chemistry that we had made it easy for lots of guys to play really well. It was unselfish basketball which is always a fun way to play. It sucks that the season had to stop.
How is your approach now to overseas ball? Will this experience in the Ukraine really influence how you chose your next job?
I don’t think it will influence it much. This was a terrible and unfortunate thing that happened in the Ukraine but its’ not like it happens all over the world every year. I just want to make sure me and my family are safe and the living is good. Its tough to go a full year with wife and kids in a place where living is tough. I want to make sure they enjoy where they are at. Its much better for everyone’s mental.
You have played 10 professional seasons and in 8 countries. I’m still waiting for you to play in Germany. Have you ever had any offers and what memories do you have playing against Bamberg, Berlin and Ulm?
Yeah I played against Alba a few times. Walking the Berlin wall was super dope. I actually have a picture of me standing in the same spot I believe 9 years apart. Maybe 8 years but still a super cool place. I would love to play in Germany! My guy Brandon Ashley said he loved playing there so I would love to try to go play there for a year or two
Last season you split time in Russia with Avtodor Saratov (Russia-VTB) averaging: 8.7ppg, 6.7rpg, 2FGP: 55.1%, 3FGP: 33.3%, FT: 71.4%, in Jan.’21 moved to Lokomotiv Kuban (Russia-VTB) averaging 13.3ppg, Reb-2 (7.7rpg), 2.0apg, FGP-3 (68.5%), 3PT-3 (50.0%), FT: 50.0%; and in the Eurocup averaged 9.0ppg, 6.2rpg, 1.8apg, FGP: 66.7%, FT: 62.5%. This was the first time in your career since 2013-2014 where you split time with two organizations. What is always the toughest during a season for a player when you have to change scenery?
Yeah it was tough. Avtodor was a tough place to play. And an even colder place to live. We had some good players on the team. I still keep up with Nate and Markel. But I think the toughest part when coming on to a new team is being able to fit into the system. Taking that gamble on going to a new team and hoping the coach and players accept you. And you are able to produce right when you get to the new team.
In 2019-2020 you played with Stelmet Enea BC Zielona Gora (Poland-EBL) averaging 10.7ppg, 6.7rpg, 2.1apg, FGP: 60.1%, FT: 66.7%: and in the VTB United League averaged 13.3ppg, Reb-4 (8.3rpg), 2.1apg, 1.0spg, FGP: 56.3%, 3PT: 25.0%, FT: 75.3%. It was only your second pro title. What kind of a feeling did it give you being a Corona champion?
It was frustrating. I’ll take the title but we didn’t get a chance to play that final game and lift the trophy like we were planning on doing. We didn’t get a chance to enjoy the championship because we were too busy trying to get our butts home before the airports closed and we were stuck in Poland. Playing for Zan was great, we still stay in contact. He was a coach that really knew how to interact with the team.
In 2018-2019 you returned to the States and played with the Long Island Nets (NBA G League) playing 35 games averaging 7.3ppg, 6.8rpg, FGP: 55.9%, 3PT: 15.6%, FT: 62.0%. What kind of an experience was that and after being three years away from the NBA do clubs lose track with all the many players coming and going? It was a rough time for sure. I wanted to stay in Europe, but for our family the best move was to come back into the states because we were expecting our son Zayne, so we wanted to be back around family for that. I was playing behind Alan Williams and he was playing really well so I was taking the time to work on my body and prep for the baby coming. I think you touched on it earlier with this, but unless the team really has their eyes on you it is tough to get a fair shake in the league.
I guess when you average only 15 minutes in the G-League, it will be tough to get a NBA call up. Do you feel like 30 minutes would have done the trick?
Yeah man, 15 minutes spread out over the length of the game is tough to really get rocking and get into a groove of playing. Specially when the team is tailored to only be looking at a few guys. I feel like if I was able to rock out then I would have had a much better chance for sure. However, it wasn’t in the cards.
Does one notice that sometimes you can be really efficient in the minutes but when an organization is eyeing only certain guys and focusing on young guys, that it will be a reach to get that shot?
For sure it is! I feel for a lot of the G-league guys. You can have a crazy P.I.R and still not get a look. There are certain things that teams are looking at so it makes it tough. With covid being a thing guys had/have more chances at getting call ups with dudes catching covid. But I feel like unless you are a two-way player its super tough to get that look
In 2017-2018 you played your first time in Russia with Zenit Sankt Petersburg (Russia-VTB) averaging 11.1ppg, Reb-5 (6.7rpg), FGP: 62.6%, FT: 57.1%; and in the Eurocup averaging 12.4ppg, Reb-5 (7.0rpg), 1.1apg, FGP: 58.7%, 3PT: 25.0%, FT: 54.4%. This was your first time in Russia.talk a little about this experience living in a beautiful city and competing in the VTB League a place you always were successful in. We loved it in saint Petersburg ! That was one of the prettiest cities we had played in. I was hoping to be able to stay on with Zenit at the end of the year because again we had a solid group of guys. I think if we stuck together we would have been able to do some crazy stuff the following year. It took us a second to get adjusted, especially in the cold weather and the short days, but we ended up loving it. The VTB league is always fun to play in, I feel like its one of the strongest leagues and you end up playing against a lot of guys that bounced out of the NBA so its always competitive and a good time seeing a lot of guys you use to play against in the states.
You played a number of time against Mr Euroleague Kyle Hines. If you look back at your numerous head to head battles, who would you say came out the winner most times? I would say it went back and forth. I usually had pretty solid games against CSKA. But its been years since I have been able to play against him again. Hopefully I can tell you for sure that I got the better of him the next time we meet.
In 2016-2017 you played in the land of basketball with Lietuvos Rytas Vilnius (Lithuania-LKL) averaging 10.6ppg, Reb-3 (7.1rpg), 1.5apg, FGP: 59.7%, 3PT: 19.1%, FT: 64.0%; and in the Eurocup averaged 12.6ppg, Reb-1 (9.6rpg), 1.4apg, 1.2spg, FGP: 58.3%, 3PT: 15.8%, FT: 58.7%. What kind of an experience was it playing for such a historical organization and what one experience will you always remember that clearly shows this country is fanatic for basketball?
The fans were awesome! I loved the energy that the fans brought. Vilnius is such a cool place to play also. The downtown was awesome to be able to walk around in, good eats as well. I will say Lithuania ball was much more physical than I originally thought. And playing every team so many times was kind of rough. I think we ended up playing a team something like ten times because of regular season, the cup, and playoffs. For me I don’t want to play a team 10 times over in a single season. But being able to play in the arena with the fans going crazy was always fun. Shout out the the Rytas fans.
In 2015-2016 you played with Champagne Chalons-Reims Basket (France-ProA) playing 30 games averaging 14.0ppg, Reb-2 (9.6rpg), 1.5apg, 1.3spg, FGP: 62.5%, 3PT: 20.8%, FT: 72.7%. After coming from your NBA season, how vital was this season for your early career? You had a very good season which helped you get back on the map overseas. I mean yeah its always a good thing to hit the group running. Oddly enough coming from the NBA there weren’t a lot of teams who were super interested. Its like I made the jump to the NBA then Europe forgot about me when I tried to get back. So playing well was a must. Well, playing as I usually play.
You were teammates with so so many guys in your career. But the question how good can you remember guys? I covered Miro Todic when he was a young player in Frankfurt in 2005. You saw him 10 years later. As a big man what do you remember about his play?
Man! That was my guy! Its unfortunate what the team tried to do by forcing him to leave. I thought he was a really solid player that would have helped us down the stretch. But unfortunately the team had other ideas. Why it didn’t work out and the team ended up doing that I wont ever really know but he has a great resume and is a solid dude.
In 2014-2015 you reached the NBA with the 76ers playing 9 games and also played in the G-League with Delaware. It has been 7 years now, but what instantly comes back to you when you look back at your NBA experience?
Being able to play against my brother in the preseason. It had always been a dream of ours to be able to play with or against each other on the big stage. There is a picture of us somewhere floating around on the internet of us sitting on the bench and just taking in the fact that we both made it to the NBA. A super special moment.
Was playing against Dirk Nowitzki one of coolest moments for you? That also happened to be your first NBA game. What do you remember from that game?
It was a cool moment for sure. It sucked though because I think he dropped something like 45 that game on our heads, so film wasn’t very fun the next day. And once again just realizing that I made it to the NBA and had my name announced as I checked in. Playing alongside people I had watched growing up as a kid.
When you look back at your time with the 76ers, do you feel like maybe you could of reached more had you gotten the opportunity. There were some other bigs there like Hollis Thompson, Brandon Davies, Chris Johnson and Henry Sims that would also land overseas.
Yeah I for sure could have. I was coming back from ankle surgery so I was just starting to get my hooping rhythm back. And I was on a non guaranteed contract the first year , in hindsight I would have resigned with them for another year. I had the opportunity but turned it down. Because I ended the year in the G my contract was void. The organization wanted to put me back on a nonguaranteed contract but I politely declined and wanted to try my luck getting back into euro-league or a job with a bit more stability.
In 2013-2014 you split time with Banvit Basketbol Kulubu (Turkey-TBL Banco di Sardegna Sassari (Italy-Serie A) averaging 9.0ppg, 5.7rpg, FGP: 59.3%, 3PT: 40.0%, FT: 60.5%; and played Eurocup playing 8 games averaging13.0ppg, 6.9rpg, 1.1spg, 1.4bpg, FGP: 54.2%, 3PT: 33.3%, FT: 74.1%. You won your first chip in Italy with the cup. What memories do you have of this nice moment?
Yeah Turkey was a cool place to play with good competition, however while me and my wife were out there we had someone break into our apartment and try to steal our things. After that we didn’t feel safe out there so we decided to make a switch. But some of my teammates from that team I still remain close with. They were a fun team to be around.Playing in Italy was probably our favorite location to play, the fans were awesome as well. We had a good group of vets and the practice style was shaped more like the NBA than other places I have played. Which means that we were more fresh going into games and had more energy to play hard for the chip and for the fans. I would go back to play there again for sure.
What do you remember from that thrilling 6 game playoff series against Milan? You battled against Keith Langford who belonged to the top players at that time.
Yeah it was tough for sure. I feel like everyone wanted Milan to win so we got some iffy calls and it made it tough to play against Milan. But being able to put our heads down and push forward was huge for us because Milan had some big time talent.
You played your rookie season with BC Partizan MT:S Beograd (Serbia-A League) playing 10 Euroleague games averaging 9.1ppg, Reb-3 (7.5rpg), 1.5apg, 1.1spg, 1.1bpg, FGP: 47.3%, 3PT: 11.1%, FT: 62.1% and then moved to Banco di Sardegna Sassari (Italy-Serie A) averaging 11.6ppg, 7.1rpg, 1.0spg, FGP: 64.6%, 3PT: 41.7%, FT: 57.9%. What do you remember being your wake up call to being in Serbia where you knew you were evry far away from home? I mean just the long, long practices and being yelled at in a different language. As well as the different alphabet that was used out there. I just remember getting there and being like ‘ damn these practices are like twice as long as any of the longest practices I’ve had in the states.’ Also how crazy the fans were during games. Don’t get me wrong the partisan fans are some of my favorite die hard fans. I still remember some of their chants during games. But it was just a way different world than I was used to. I use to come out of games after playing, the road flares, the fights, the banners, the things being yelled at us and thrown at us, and the smoking in the stadium and thinking to myself what the hell did we just play through. That was wild. I would love to play in that environment and the partisan fans again now that I am older and understand the difference between the states and Europe.
What do you remember from that Euroleague season as a rookie. You played against legends like Juan Carlos Navarro, Sarunas Jasikevicius, Milos Teodosic, Nenad Kristic, Casey Jacobsen and Bostjan Nachbar. Were you even aware of these guys as a young rookie? Was there a guy that impressed you most then?
Honestly I didn’t know who any of them really were. To me they were just hoopers on a different team that we needed to beat. I was so ready to go play in the NBA I didn’t pay much mind to the rest of the world of basketball. I didn’t understand that there was so much talent over the waters. I don’t think Boban Marjanovic was in euro league but I loved playing against him. I used to try to dunk on him any chance I got. He was just one of the biggest people I had ever seen.
You played with young talents like Bogdan Bogdanovic and Davis Bertans. What memories do you have of these guys? They later would reach the NBA. What was it like battling them on a daily basis then?
Yeah Bogi and Bertans are my guys! It was so cool seeing them make the jump to the league they deserve it. They worked their asses off to get there. playing against them was fun in practices, we never really got to go head to head because we were different positions but watching them play was awesome.
You played parts of two seasons with brothers Drake and Travis Diener. It isn’t too often that you come across brothers. Are these guys that you have been able to keep a bond with over the years?
So they are actually cousins. Great guys! And great hoopers. I feel like when they shot the ball it was going in no matter what. They could really turn it on in games. They helped us get through a lot of tough games. We all lived in the same complex as well so our families got really close. For the most part I keep in touch with a lot of guys I have played with. From domestic guys to foreign players.
You began your college career at UCLA. You played there only two seasons. Despite leaving after two seasons what do you believe were some positives that you got out of it? I learned that I needed to focus on basketball more. I was getting distracted and taking things for granted. I wanted to get to the NBA so badly I was not focused on the present. I was looking to far into the future for sure.
You played a season with talented Tyler Honeycut. I interviewed him in January 2018 before a Euroleague game in Bamberg and in July he passed away which shocked the NBA community. He was such a jovial guy and I only heard good things about him. What memories do you have of him? Yeah T was a solid solid dude. It was devastating to get the news of his passing. Heart breaking. We were just together a few months prior playing in the VTB all-star game. Being able to hoop with him in college and then see his game grow and our paths cross again was special. The basketball community gets so small the higher you get. He was always laughs and jokes even in college. I’m sad that he is not with us anymore but he has family and friends that will forever love him.
You had so many great games at New Mexico. As a senior you had double figures in rebounds in 23 games. Where do you rank your monster 27/20 game against UNLV?
Man that was a fun game to play. Its definitely up there on most fun games I played. When I was at UNM my goal was to try to grab at least 15 and 15 so I had a lot of games where I was putting up big numbers. But really just hooping at UNM and in the Pit was dope. We had a lot of fun, we played well as a team also .
How did head coach Steve Alford groom and prepare you best for a professional basketball career? Kind of ironic that he would later coach at UCLA.
He helped me focus in on hooping and what it was going to take to be a pro. I feel like my skills were still pretty raw, so he helped get my post game right and the preparation it takes leading up to a game to give our team the best chance of winning.
Who won a one on one in practice you or Alex Kirk? Hahaha AK if you are reading this by chance I was killing you!
Who was the touhest player that you battled in the NCAA that went to the NBA? Most likely Kawai, maybe James Harden
Please name your five best teammates of all-time? Damn that’s a tough question. And I have to be honest. I don’t know if I can even answer that. I keep in touch with so many of my guys. After all these years of playing basketball and all the great people we meet along the way I don’t know how I can even answer top 5.
Please list your personal NBA Mount Rushmore? Bron, Kobe, Jordan
What is your personal opinion of the neverending debate of who is the greatest Jordan or Lebron? Everyone has their own opinion, and both sides may be right for different reasons. I don’t know if that argument will ever be answered. Specially because of the different eras of hoop.
Did you see the sequel to the classic movie Coming To America? Shouldn’t they have left it alone? Haha yeah I saw it. It wasn’t terrible, but it’s tough to outdo such an iconic movie with a sequel.
Jeremy Ingram (183-G-1991, college: AAMU) is a 191 cm guard that was born in Alabama and has played his entire professional career in Germany for teams like Speyer, Idstein, Bensheim and recently SG Mannheim.This season he is playing for Regionalliga team Bargteheide. Last season with SG Mannheim he picked up South West Regionalliga player of the year while averaging (32.1ppg), 5.7rpg, 4.2apg, Steals-4 (2.6spg), FGP: 55.4%, 3PT: 35.4%, 9%. He began his career with Enterprise State Community College (JUCO) and then finished with Alabama A&M University (NCAA). He spoke will team up with Miles Schmidt-Scheuber on a weekly basis this season to talk basketball.
Thanks Jeremy for talking to eurobasket.com. Bargteheide lost a real nail bitter to ASC Goettingen. How did this loss feel to you despite not being on the floor?
Well I honestly feel all the same emotions as my teammates are feeling even during the game because we are all in this together.
How much did this loss hurt as ASC Goettingen had a very slim roster. Your team had a lot deeper bench but still needed Marcel Hoppe to play 40 minutes.
Well this loss is definitely a game that we needed but its ok we can’t go in the past to change it so we will just focus now on the next game. But this was definitely a game we should have won.
Talk a little about the journey of the game. Do you feel like you could have better chances to the win the game earlier had you shut down the opponent’s offensive rebounds?
I feel like having a lot less turnovers was our teams best chance to win this game. Second Half we had too many turnovers that ultimately cost us that game.
Take us through crunch time and the last few possessions. What was key for Bargteheide not being able to close out the game at the end?
As mentioned before if we cut down on those 3rd and 4th quarter turnovers we win this game easily. Because even with the many costly turnovers we still only lost by 2.
Their glue guy Nick Boakye was very strong filling the stat sheet. Why couldn’t the team control him better?
First of all Nick is my guy. A very talented basketball player for his size. He’s a point forward Who’s bringing the ball down the floor every play creating opportunities for himself and his teammates, he’s a tough cover for any team in our league I’m sure.
How much will your absence actually help a guy like Marcel Hoppe having to take on so much responsibility?
Well right now he has to play a lot and do a lot so I’m assuming his conditioning will be top notch.
How has the team developed in your absence? What positives could you take from this game?
I think everybody realizes they have to accept a much bigger role with me being out right now so when I do return I believe the game will become much easier for them. But right now hopefully everyone is gaining confidence in themselves and their own game so when I do return the game will be much easier for me. Positives is that even with us playing not half as good as we should have played the 2nd half and with all those costly turnovers , we still only lost by 2. We have to learn from our mistakes and correct them next game.
You next face Stade who are 4-1. They are very deep and in the Oldenburg win had 12 guys play 11 or more minutes. What will be key to getting the win?
We have to be aggressive , out rebound them , and have a lot less turnovers than we did last game. I have all the confidence that my team could pull this win out though. #GoBees.
Christopher Miller (192-G-1993, college: Salem) is a 29 year old 193cm guard from Brooklyn, New York who is playing his eighth professional season and first with VFL Bensheim. He played 3 seasons with the Giessen Pointers (Germany-Regionalliga) and last season averaged 17.4ppg, 5.6rpg, 3.2apg, 2.0spg, FGP: 50.5%, 3PT: 17.5%, FT: 78.6%. He has had experience in countries like El Salvador and Bosnia. He recently played for the South Shore Monarchs (TBL) playing 8 games averaging 22.4ppg, 5.6rpg, 4.3apg, 1.6spg, FGP: 50.8%, 3PT: 35.0%, FT: 83.3%. He began his basketball career at Clinton Community College and also played two years at Salem University (NCAA2). This season he teams up with Miles Schmidt-Scheuber with weekly chats about his basketball season.
Congrats on the huge 98-81 win over Giessen. What was it like playing against the team where you helped kids play basketball?
Thank you . It was great to see my guys and at first it was weird to play against them but I had to shake that feeling and get back to business.
Talk a little about the 40 minutes. Was there ever a time where you were in danger of losing the game?
I don’t think so honestly. In the beginning we underestimated them and they came out hot but once we woke up we felt we had the favor in the game.
Talk a little about the crunch-time phase. What was key for Bensheim pulling out the victory?
We started applying pressure in the second half forcing turnovers and allowing us to run and speed up the game.
Terry Winn was a monster scoring 38 points. Talk a little about how Bensheim scouted him and what was most difficult tin controlling him?
He played a great game. Scored at all 3 levels and has a quick second jump for rebounds and he is a great scorer and he put on a nice back and forth show this weekend.
Bensheim shot over 70% from the 2 points range and easily won the rebound duel. What do you feel was the team’s biggest strength on this night?
I believe it was our focus. We knew we needed to lock in to get this win and focused on the little things to make sure we put the game away.
Despite you scoring 30 points, you weren’t a 1 man show. Talk a little about Tilman Isensee’s worth on this night.
Tilman was great for us. Especially on defense and rebounding. He made it difficult for their offense and finished tough layups for us.
You had another supreme game scoring 30 points. You shot an incredible 12/14 from the 2 point range and had a steal and 2 blocks as well as 5 assists and 2 rebounds. Was this your most complete game of the season?
I feel like this is a good game shooting wise. I always feel the best is ahead but again what ever it takes to get the win . I hope to keep building on these games individually and as a team.
You next play against Tuebingen 2. They are 2-3. What will be key to getting the win.
If we stay focused and take care of the little things I believe we can have a good chance to win another and keep this winning streak going.
Cortez Edwards (188-PG-1997, college: Southern Miss, agency: Octagon Europe) is a 25 year old 188cm point guard from Kissimmee Florida playing his fourth professional season and first with SCM CSU Craiova (Romania-Liga Nationala). Last season he played with LoKoKo Bisons Loimaa (Finland-1st Division) averaging 13.5ppg, 6.1rpg, 4.9apg, Steals-4 (2.0spg), FGP: 47.3%, 3PT: 32.3%, FT: 72.4%. He played his first 2 professional seasons in the UK with teams the Worcester Wolves (United Kingdom-BBL) averaging 12.7ppg, 6.9rpg, 6.4apg, Steals-3 (1.8spg), FGP: 50.9%, 3PT: 26.3%, FT: 75.0%; and in the BBL Cup and averaged 14.3ppg, 7.0rpg, 4.8apg, Steals-5 (1.9spg), FGP: 51.6%, 3PT: 42.5%, FT: 64.9% and then played with the Newcastle Eagles (United Kingdom-BBL) averaging 15.1ppg, 7.3rpg, 4.9apg, Steals-1 (2.7spg), FGP: 51.9%, 3PT: 37.7%, FT: 73.7%; and in the BBL Cup averaged 13.4ppg, 7.4rpg, 4.7apg, Steals-2 (2.1spg), FGP: 55.8%, 3PT: 31.8%, FT: 77.8%. he began his basketball career at Osceola High School and then played at the University of Southern Mississippi from 2015-2019 playing a total of 123 games and averaged 16.9ppg, 6.5rpg, 2.9apg, 2.1spg, FGP: 54.7%, 3PT: 29.1%, FT: 77.3% as a junior and as a senior averaged .3ppg, 6.0rpg, 3.2apg, 2.1spg, FGP: 48.3%, 3PT: 34.7%, FT: 72. He spoke to germanhoops.com before a Fiba Europe Cup game against the Hakro Melrins Crailsheim.
Thanks Cortez for talking to germanhoops.com. Where are you at the moment and how is basketball life treating you? Hello, I am in Craiova, Romania for this season basketball life has been treating me well it comes with many new challenges every year but that’s the beauty of it .
Your playing your first season for SCM CSU Craiova (Romania-Liga Nationala). After playing in the UK and Finland, what kind of an experience has it been lacing them up in Romania. What do you feel has been the biggest challenge on the court for you?
Playing in Romania has been fun so far you know every country has a different style of play so just making minor adjustments to my game that will allow for most success here has been the biggest challenge so far
There are guys that are lucky to win one chip as a professional in a career, but you have already won 3 in your first 3 years. How big of a challenge is it coming to Rumania and go for titles on a team that has never won before?
Winning championships is the best feeling ever although the club has never won one I feel management and the staff we have here are taking necessary steps to give us the opportunity as players we just have to make it happen
You put up really good stats in your first 3 pro seasons. Where do you want to go with your game in Rumania. Is scoring a part of your game where you feel that you could take it to a new level? Yes I think scoring at a high level is where I could take to a better level , mainly for me to be aggressive every possession will allow my scoring ability to show more
How much of a plus has it been being teammates with ultimate veteran Giordan Watson. I interviewed this guy for the first time in Germany and you were 12 years old. How has he helped you with your game best since you arrived? Giordan has been a major help for me always giving me advice Everyday I try and pick his brain about different things how defenses will gameplan to stop us
Let’s talk a bit about your game. You’re a 188cm guard. If you had to compare your game to an NBA player who would best fit the bill? If I had to compare myself to anyone it would probably be Jrue Holiday because like myself he can be dominant on offense and defense
How big is versatility in your game. You have the ability to be a very good playmaker. What areas in your playmaking do you want to improve to make the next step? I think my versatility is what stands out most in my game. I can improve my playmaking by being more aggressive opening things up more to pass
Your already an excellent defender, but where do you still want to get to with your defensive game in the next years? Defensively I can be a lot better at communicating with my teammates letting them know where they’re help is and just being more vocal out there .
Last season you played with LoKoKo Bisons Loimaa (Finland-1st Division) averaging 13.5ppg, 6.1rpg, 4.9apg, Steals-4 (2.0spg), FGP: 47.3%, 3PT: 32.3%, FT: 72.4%. Finland is a league that Americans like to play in to make the next step. How do you feel did your game grow playing there? I grew a lot playing in Finland the style of play there is very intense and fast so I learned how to make decisions much quicker and playing with more intensity every night
In your second professional season you played for the Newcastle Eagles (United Kingdom-BBL) averaging 15.1ppg, 7.3rpg, 4.9apg, Steals-1 (2.7spg), FGP: 51.9%, 3PT: 37.7%, FT: 73.7%. I guess one can say you had the London Lions number winning the title 68-66 and earlier in the season achieving a triple double.What will you always remember from that final game win and your triple double?
The season in Newcastle was very memorable for me in the final game I just remember being in a zone where everything was going my way. The triple double was exciting because I kept getting close every week but that night I was finally able to make it happen
Photo Credit Cliff Williams
In your rookie season you played for the Worcester Wolves (United Kingdom-BBL) averaging 12.7ppg, 6.9rpg, 6.4apg, Steals-3 (1.8spg), FGP: 50.9%, 3PT: 26.3%, FT: 75.0%. What do you remember being your wake up call to being overseas where you knew that you were very far away from home? My wake up call my rookie year was when I saw people driving on the right side of the road and I then knew I was far away from home
You played at the University of Southern Mississippi (NCAA) from 2015-2019. You put up consistent stats in your last 3 years. How do you feel did your game grow in your time there? My time is college allowed me to grow so much being the focal point of the team for three years forced me to have to find a way to produce every night
Near the end of your senior year you had 2 exciting 2 point wins over Florida Atlantic and Louisiana Tech where you scored 22 and 21 points. Were those 2 of your most memorable games there in terms of excitement?
Yeah those two games were very memorable me being from Florida and my family there at the Florida Atlantic game meant a lot and the Louisiana Tech game the fans were amazing the energy that night was incredible
How did head coach Doc Sadler groom and prepare you best for a professional career?
Doc Sadler taught me so many things fundamentally that allowed me to make the transition to European basketball , from footwork to defensive schemes and different offensive sets, everything .
Who won a 1-1 in practice you or Kevin Holland? I was never the type to play 1 on 1 much but I would normally win if I ever played
Who was the toughest player that you faced in the NCAA that reached the NBA?
Charles Bassey would have to be because those guys beat us 3 times my senior year and he was a big reason why. Also Terrence Mann and Duncan Robinson were two my other toughest opponents.
Please name your 5 best teammates of all-time?
Tyree Griffin Rahmon Fletcher Mark Hughes Jordan Williams and Justin Gordon
What is your personal NBA Mount Rushmore of past or present heads? Allen Iverson LeBron James Michael Jordan Kobe Bryant
What is your personal opinion of the neverending debate of who is the greatest of all-time Jordan or Lebron? I think Jordan is the greatest of all time but the argument for Lebron is a valid one
Did you see the sequel to the classic Coming To America? Shouldn’t they have left it alone? I think the sequel was funny but it doesn’t come close to the original
Demonte Flannigan (201-F-1995, college: CSU) is a 27 year old 201cm forward from Cleveland playing his 6th professional season and first with SCM CSU Craiova (Romania-Liga Nationala).Last season he played with Mega Tbilisi (Georgia-Superleague) averaging 17.6ppg, 9.1rpg, 2.1apg, 1.0bpg, FGP: 50.8%, 3PT: 41.2%, FT: 75.5%; and in the Caucasus League) averaged 17.2ppg, Reb-4 (11.0rpg), 3.4apg, FGP: 59.7%, 3PT: 34.7%, FT: 73.5%. He also sampled professional experience in countries like England, Denmark, Austria and Serbia. He began his basketball career at Villa Angela-St. Joseph High School and then played Cleveland State University (NCAA) from 2013-2017 playing a total of 105 games and in his last 2 years averaged 11.4ppg, 5.4rpg, FGP: 49.6%, 3PT: 33.3%, FT: 66.7% and 11.2ppg, 5.3rpg, FGP: 48.1%, 3PT: 27.3%, FT: 65.5%. He spoke to germanhoops.com before a Fiba Europe Cup game against the Hakro Merlins Crailsheim.
Thanks Demonte for talking to germanhoops.com. Where are you at the moment and how is basketball life treating you?
I’m currently playing in Romania. Basketball life has been good for me. In the past I’ve dealt with small injuries and unfortunate events that have set me back a bit, but I understand it happens. Last year was a full year in my element, and the numbers show. I plan on capitalizing on that this year.
Welcome to Germany. What do you know about the country Germany and it’s basketball?
I’ve been to Munich, Frankfurt, Berlin and Hamburg in the past and it’s one of the most beautiful places I’ve traveled to. I know a lot about basketball in Germany because my favorite player as a kid and growing up was Dirk Nowitzki, along with Lebron James. I was a nerd so I looked up everything there is to know about him and Germany at that age. It would be great to play there one day.
You’re playing your first season with SCM CSU Craiova (Romania-Liga Nationala). You’re a player that has moved around a lot as Romania is your 6th country in 6 pro seasons. Do you sometimes view yourself as a basketball globetrotter?
I do travel to many places to play the game that I love, so in a way I am a basketball globetrotter. It’s been great being able to go to these countries and experience the different cultures, people, and especially food. You learn so much from these adventures.
You won a title last season in Georgia. Talk a little about your new team. What are the expectations and how far can the team go in all 3 competitions?
The team that I’m on this year is filled with talent in all areas of this game. We were fortunate enough to get a veteran leader, Giordan, who not only leads us vocally but by action as well. We’re surrounded by shooter while also having big guys that are good in the post. Not only is our team filled with talent but everyone works HARD. We play for each other and not as individuals which I think is the primacy for a great team. I think this team will do really well this season in the Euro Cup and also in the league play. We just have to continue to build on what we have already established and success will come. Our coach Vitaliy demands perfection from us. That will continue to elevate us individually and as a team.
You are a veteran, but you have a lot of other veterans like Giordan Watson. How much of a pleasure has it been being a teammate and how important are his vast leadership skills?
I’ve never played with a player that knew the game so well and could articulate what he is vocalizing so well. In the two months I’ve been on this team I have learned so much from him. You can look at the game a in different way when you understand it better. His willingness to basically coach and motivate is encouraging. Makes you want to be a better player and a better teammate. Every team needs a player as such.
Last season you played with Mega Tbilisi (Georgia-Superleague) averaging 17.6ppg, 9.1rpg, 2.1apg, 1.0bpg, FGP: 50.8%, 3PT: 41.2%, FT: 75.5%; and in the Caucasus League averaged 17.2ppg, Reb-4 (11.0rpg), 3.4apg, FGP: 59.7%, 3PT: 34.7%, FT: 73.5. What was most special about this team?
What was most special about this team was that we all believed in each other and our abilities. This team knew what I was capable of, let me play my game and I felt free on the court. I feel like I speak for most athletes when I say that when you play your sport and you do not have any constraints or worries, you are at your best. Of course you have to do the things you are efficient at and can’t play out of control, but this was important for not only my success, but the teams.
You always have been a good rebounder, but in Georgia you raised your rebound game to another level. How do you feel did you grow as a rebounder?
Before going to play in Georgia I have always played with centers who were dominant rebounders or on teams that had guards that contributed effectively in that category. When I arrived in Georgia the team needed me to be a rebounder and a scorer so I did what the team needed me to do. Every team that I’ve played on has required me to implement a different skill outside of scoring, and it has stuck with me since. Once I seen that I can be a really good rebounder at my position, I expect myself to get close to ten a game. That is a part of me now.
In the Covid season you played with KK Pirot (Serbia-KLS) playing 7 games averaging 3.4ppg, 2.4rpg. You left at the end of November 2020. How tough was this season and how much of a role did COVID play in your season being shortend?
Earlier when I spoke about unfortunate events, this was one of them. The year that I joined this team it was their first year in the Serbian first league. There were internal problems within the team that I had no control over. The team did not pay me after three months and my agent and I decided it was best for me to go home. I understand what that team was going through but it was just very unlucky I was put in that situation. On the contrary, I learned a lot about myself as a person and a player. I also knew that most players go through something like this, sometimes much worse, which helped me feel like I wasn’t alone and I can persevere through this circumstance.
In your third professional season you played with Cheshire Phoenix (United Kingdom-BBL) averaging 13.5ppg, 7.4rpg, 1.0apg, FGP: 55.0%, 3PT-1 (50.0%), FT: 86.7%. You came late to the team but still had a solid season. What did you enjoy most about that year?
Honestly, the fans! Not only did they do a great job cheering us on for home and away games, but I knew a lot of them personally. There were multiple people that invited me over to have dinner with their families throughout the season and I never spent a holiday alone while playing for this team. They even celebrated American holidays that are not normally celebrated in England just to be there for me. The people there were amazing and it made it so much easier for me to be away from home. It has been two years since I played there and I still talk to a lot of the people there. I’ve actually been back there twice to visit some of them. Cheshire will forever hold a place in my heart.
You were teammates with Parker Jackson-Cartwright who had to pay dues his whole life. He was the German BBL MVP last season and this season and continues to climb the basketball ladder. Did you know then that this guy would continue moving up levels?
I would lie if I said I knew he would be where he is today winning the MVP and having the season he had, but I always knew he was a special player. I followed him at Arizona and was impressed with his game. Then finding out I would be able to play with him made me look forward to come play in England again even more. He had glimpses of what he is doing in Germany during the time we played together but he took his game to another level and I’m very happy for my friends success.
In your second professional season you played with BC Raiffeisen Flyers Wels (Austria-A Bundesliga) averaging 9.3ppg, 5.0rpg, 1.4apg, FGP: 47.7%, 3PT: 31.0%, FT: 50.0%. Here your season was also cut short. What positives do you feel did you get out of it?
During my time with the Flyers I was dealing with a lingering strained calf injury in the beginning of the season. I believe it was due to lack of stretching and preparing my body for the wear and tear of the preseason and season. I was out for a couple weeks a few months in and during that time my team was not winning games. The team and I agreed to cut the contract short due to my absence. They needed to win games and I was no use. The games I did play I was not at my best. It was very hard for me not being able to play that year but I learned a couple really important lessons that make me the player I am today. The most considerable one is that this is a business. If you are not doing what you were brought there to do, just like any job no matter the circumstance, you will be replaced. Simple. The second positive I took out of this is I need to train during the summer time so when I arrive to wherever I’m playing, I’m game time ready and not using the preseason to get in shape. Also to make sure I’m taking care of my body in terms of what I consume, stretching and lifting. These things are essential. It is not just basketball when you’re doing it for a living. It is your job.
As a rookie you split time with the London Lions (United Kingdom-BBL) averaging 14.5ppg, 6.5rpg, 1.5apg, 2FGP: 48.7%, 3FGP: 52.9%, FT: 66.7%, In Dec.’17 moved to Svendborg Rabbits (Denmark-Ligaen) averaging 11.7ppg, 7.1rpg, 1.5apg, 1.2bpg, FGP: 49.5%, 3PT: 23.5%, FT: 69.4%. What do you remember being your wake up call to being a rookie overseas where you knew that you were far away from home?
In high school and college, things are pretty much taken care of for you. Your meals are prepared for you, your schedule is set, you’re pretty much catered to. When you enter the professional world, outside of training and games, you have to do everything yourself, which is normal for most people but can be challenging for athletes. You don’t have anyone calling to wake up on time or bring you to practice. You have full responsibility for yourself and it is a quick transition. For me, it was hard because there was a sense of entitlement there. I felt like things should be given to me. I was just used to it basically from the time I started playing basketball at 12 years old until I graduated at 22. I had to learn how the world worked and that you had to do everything yourself and earn everything you want. Once I learned that I was much better off as a professional.
In Denmark you were teammates with one of my favorite guys Terrell Harris. He went from the German third division via Denmark to the first division. What memories do you have of his game and how he approached the game in general?
What I remember most about Terrell was him being the greatest person. He treated everyone with respect and his biggest thing was treating people well that couldn’t do anything for him. As far as basketball, he approached it from such a zen point of view with a level head. He was always calm and collected but his game told a different story. He played with tenacity and aggression as a guard. He’s what they call a ‘big guard’.
You played at Cleveland State University (NCAA) from 2013-2017 and your game really took off in your last 2 seasons averaging 11.4ppg, 5.4rpg, FGP: 49.6%, 3PT: 33.3%, FT: 66.7% and 11.2ppg, 5.3rpg, FGP: 48.1%, 3PT: 27.3%, FT: 65.5%. How do you feel did your game grow in your last 2 seasons?
From my sophomore to junior year my roles switched from being a role player to being the main guy. The reason for this happening, outside of becoming a better player, is that five players transferred to a new school. Four of them were starters. It wasn’t easy being in that position because after all our players left there wasn’t much talent on our team. Going from being a role player to being the main player getting double teamed most possessions was challenging but it helped me become a better decision maker and a better passer. As soon as you catch the ball you have to think shoot, drive, or look for the open man. It really increases your basketball IQ.
In your second season you played a game with a crazy score of 45-33 against Louisville with guys like Terry Rozier and Montrezl Harrell. What memories do you have of that game? I guess shots weren’t falling.
The game against Louisville was one of the best I’ve been a part of. The score makes it look like it was a blowout but it was really close until about three minutes left. I did not have my best game as a sophomore going up against Montrez, but watching my teammates Trey Lewis, Bryn Forbes and Charlie Lee battle against this powerhouse was exceptional to me. At the end it just came down to making shots and free throws, and the Cardinals did that better than us.
You had many memorable games in the NCAA but where does your 30 points in the exciting win over Youngstown State rank?
That game is ranked in my top three. It was the beginning of my junior year and it was my first year being the main player on my team. It was a statement game telling my teammates and coaches that I am ready to lead this team. I’d done it off the court vocally but from that point on I truly lead by example on the court.
How did head coach Gary Waters groom and prepare you best for a professional career?
Coach Waters took care of the ‘professional’ part of professional athlete. More than anything he prepared me for the world outside of basketball and how to be a great man. He preached integrity, character and simply professionalism which I still carry with me until this day. He was very meticulous paying close attention to every detail, correcting any and every mistake I made. This made very detail oriented myself aiming to perfect anything I took on, whether it’s basketball, a relationship or cleaning my room. He is a big reason I am the person and player I am today and I appreciate and love him like a family member.
Who was the toughest player that you ever faced in your life that reached the NBA?
It’s between Andrew Wiggins and Julius Randall. I played them in high school, and they were both just as athletic and skilled as they are now.
Please name your 5 best teammates of all-time?
Alex Caruso Rondee Hollis-Jefferson Trey Lewis Derek Sloan Parker Jackson-Cartwright
Please name your personal NBM Mount Rushmore of past or present heads?
Michael Jordan Lebron James Shaquille O’Neal Steph Curry
What is your personal opinion of the neverending debate of who is the greatest of all-time Jordan or Lebron?
I can be very biased with this question growing up in Cleveland and watching the whole process of LeBron go from a high school phenom to NBA superstar. He’s been my favorite player since I started playing basketball. Also I learned that it was considered ‘illegal defense’ to double team Michael Jordan back in the 90’s, so he wasn’t facing two players guarding him most of the game like Lebron or Kobe. Would he still be considered one of the greatest? Of course, but I’m not sure he would have been as dominant as he was.
Did you see the sequel to the classic Coming To America? Shouldn’t they have left it alone?
I did see the sequel. I didn’t think was as funny as the first Coming to America, but it was really good seeing those actors and actresses after so long. Eddie Murphy is one of my favorite comedians so anything he does still makes me laugh.
Devon Goodman (184-PG-1997, college: Pennsylvania) is a 25 year old 184cm point guard from Fort Washington, Pennsylvania playing his second professional season and first in Germany with the Dragons Rhondorf. Last season he played he was a rookie with S.C. Lusitania EXPERT (Portugal-Liga Betclic) averaging 14.6ppg, 3.7rpg, Assists-4 (5.2apg), 1.9spg, FGP: 54.2%, 3PT: 31.0%, FT: 47.3%. he began his basketball career at Germantown academy and then played at the University of Pennsylvania (NCAA) from 2016-2020 playing a total of 114 NCAA games and in his last 2 seasons averaged 13.9ppg, 3.3rpg, 2.3apg, 1.7spg, FGP: 56.4%, 3PT: 37.5%, FT: 68.7% and 13.8ppg, 3.3rpg, 3.0apg, 1.7spg, FGP: 58.2%, 3PT: 27.8%, FT: 58.8%. He spoke to germanhoops.com after helping lead the Dragons Rhondorf to a 80-65 in over the EN Baskets Schwelm to go 2-0 on the season
Congrats on the massive 80-65 win over the EN Baskets Schwelm. How good does it feel being 2-0 with 2 road wins? It feels good. We hope to keep the momentum up next week when we finally play our first home game.
How did the club get better in the last 2 weeks after having a week off from playing games?
We definitely got better in the last 2 weeks. We fixed a few things from the last game and our chemistry got better. We have gotten more comfortable as a team and also bring more energy on the court and on the bench. The support has been great from all.
The Dragons Rhondorf won the first 3 quarters. How content were you with the 40 minutes of play?
I was pretty content for the way we played for 40 minutes. Schwelm went on a little run to start the second half. But we didn’t panic, but stayed together and then went on a little run. We were able to close out the game well and played good team offense and defense.
The team allowed 65 points. What steps did it make on the defensive end? I felt we were more aggressive an d our 1-1 defense improved. We didn’t let guys in the paint as easily as before. I felt like our team defense also got better. We made them take tougher shots.
The team let it rain three’s, but allowed 20 offensive rebounds and had 23 turnovers. Does that worry you?
Brett Reed was a work horse. Even when we had 1 guy on him, it wasn’t enough. He was everywhere. We have to do a better job of getting rebounds. It isn’t just the responsibility of the 4-5 guys, but also the others have to help. We definitely have to clean up the turnovers. Sometimes we play to fast, but I’m very confident that we will limit them more in the future.
What was your impression of Brett Reed who had a monster game of 29 points and 17 boards. Was that a good wake up call on how to get better on the rebound?
For sure it was a wake up call. Our goal each game is to win the rebound battle. Reed can do it all. We have to focus on rebounding more and just keep improving and helping each other better. I’m confident that we will get better.
Zaba Bangala continues to make great strides. I saw that dude for the first time recently. I mean he is 4 times as big as me. Wouldn’t he be better suited for football? He has for sure a big body. He is also very agile, but yes he could play football.
He continues to make strides. But he still gets too many fouls. He needs to find a way to know and how to play aggressive without making fouls. This goes for the whole team. We have to know how to play aggressive while staying solid on defense.
What has it been like playing with Jonas Falkenstein? Has he given you the needed push in practice? He is a great player and shooter. We compete against each other a lot in practice. He brings valuable energy and helps teach the other young guys a winning attitude.
You had another great game like in the first game being the scoring go to guy for the Dragons. Could the team rely too much on you?
It was just one of those games where my shot fell so I kept shooting and helping my team. Some of the other teammates shot’s weren’t falling, but they did other valuable things to help us. I’m very confident that other guys will shoot better in the next games
Is it tough having to stay consistent now when you had 2 great games? Can you heighten your scoring even more if needed?
I love being aggressive and am always confident. It isn’t about how many points I score, but how I can help the team be better. My first focus is always to win and when that happens, my stats will be good.
You shot 80% from the field and outside. Has the good shooting adjustment surprised you? I really worked hard this past summer and my work is paying off for me now. I’m confident and expect my shot to fall which also has helped me be successful.
You next play in another gym in St Katharin that is a home game. Do you feel like despite it being a home game you will still have an away game feel? We haven’t practiced there yet. It will feel like an away game going there, but once we hear our fans rallying for us, it will feel like a home game.
You next play top Pro B team Wolmirstedt. What will be key to building off the Schwelm win?
We want to take the good things from the Schwelm game and apply it to Wolmirstedt. We want to continue to build chemistry, remain aggressive and get better each day so we will be playing our best basketball at the end of the season.
One thing I completely hate is coming to a game and being surprised about a player being on the court. It doesn’t happen so often, but every now and then it does especially in lower leagues where the information politics of organizations aren’t that widespread. I just like to be prepared and know exactly who I will be witnessing running up and down the court leaving everything they have on the floor. It was an hour before game time between Regionalliga team Bona Baskets Limburg and the Sunkings Saarlouis in September 2021 when I took some time to talk to one of my favorite players in Germany Mr Regionalliga Ricky Easterling. Basketball wasn’t even the main topic, but moreover life in general and all the hardships people have suffered with COVID and my cancer victory also was on the menu. I don’t remember exactly who told me before the game that a certain TJ Lang (201-G-1995, college: S.Florida) was playing, but I do remember being told this dude balled in the G-League. I was impressed right away. I mean it isn’t every day that you can observe a guy with those qualities in the German fourth league. I didn’t know it at the time, but everyone in the gym were about to experience an incredible display of scoring that is seldom seen in the Regionalliga unless your named Ricky Easterling who averaged 34,0ppg and 32,0ppg in a season early in his Regionalliga career. The fans would be in for a treat seeing a season opening scoring fest with 242 points and a Jesse Ani buzzer beater. The only down point for Limburg fans was that they would lose the game on a buzzer beater in OT. What was even stranger was that the buzzer beater wasn’t accomplished by a Easterling or Lang, but by young German Jesse Ani. The game got going and this rookie TJ Lang just began doing his thing and never stopped. The guy never averaged more than 7,0ppg in the NCAA, but he learned his scoring somewhere. He showed his amazing inside out qualities driving and scoring with ease but also dazzled everyone with his great shooting touch dropping 11 three’s. At the end of the contest, I would have guessed he had scored somewhere around 35-37 points, but at the end it was a tantalizing 45 points. At the end of the game he was as humble as could be about his amazing rookie performance after playing his last NCCA game on April 5th 2019 against Depaul. He never had an explosive game like that in college, but had showed his scoring instincts earlier in life. ‘In high school I actually had 46 in a game in Atlanta. I’ve always knew I could score big numbers but the majority of the teams I have played on have been so talented in every position that we all could score. So I had to find different ways to help impact and help the team win’, said TJ Lang. As is so often the case, he had no idea that his scoring output was so high at the end. ‘I was just playing the game and taking what the defense gave me. I actually missed some shots I felt like I should not have missed. But, I honestly was just trying to win it wasn’t until after the game my manager and teammates came and told me after and I was just as shocked as everyone else was’, remembered TJ Lang who last saw the flick Candyman. Ricky Easterling was eves dropping on my conversation and you couldn’t have had two more humble guys side by side. It wasn’t until I did research when I got home where I discovered that his dad is ex NBA player and two time NCAA winner with Duke Antonio Lang. You would never have thought that he had a famous dad. That was how humble he was. He had to learn to be that great teammate in the NCAA something that will surely carry over into his professional career.
TJ Lang who lists Michael Jordan, Lebron James, Kevin Durant, Wilt Chamberlain, and Kareem Abdul Jabbar on his personal NBA Mount Rushmore was born on December 26th 1995 in Mobile, Alabama. One might have thought that being the son of a well known ex NBA player might have it’s downs, but it actually didn’t. ‘It actually was pretty cool growing up I felt like I had to live up to expectations. But, as I started to make a name for myself basketball wise and get some national recruiting attention I kind of came into my own and people didn’t even refer to me as son of a NBA player but a great player myself’, stressed TJ Lang. His dad has been a very important influence on his life since childhood and it’s still present today. ‘ I talk to him every day. In the off season I work out with him also. He teaches me a lot though playing in the NBA and overseas so he gives me a lot of pointers that normal people would never be able to have. But the workouts and the teaching points he has given me has definitely made me a better player’, warned TJ Lang. When it comes to boasting about the zillion memorable stories he must have had with NBA legends in the last 15 years, he prefers to refrain and remain humble. ‘I really don’t have any memorable stories I’ve meet so many people it’s kind of like normal for me especially with him being a coach in the NBA now they are like family to me. The craziest thing people say to me is when I tell them I have photos with Shaq holding me and Grant Hill pretty much being family to me I can always reach out and talk to him for advice or about anything’, stated TJ Lang.
TJ Lang and dad Antonio who won 2 NCAA titles at Duke
He attended McGill-Toolen High School and put up impressive stats in his last two seasons averaging 17.1ppg, 4.9rpg 2.1apg, 3PT:43.2%, FT:82.1% as a junior and 19.4ppg, 8.4rpg, 3.2apg, 3PT: 38.3%, FT: 78.4% in his senior campaign. He achieved AWSA Class 6A Second Team as a senior and Mobile Press-Register Coastal Alabama Player of the Year as a junior. He committed to Virginia Tech, but a coaching change allowed him to switch to Auburn (NCAA). He played three seasons there playing a total of 86 NCAA games. He never averaged more than 7,1ppg at Auburn, but he had a particular role that he was able to fulfill and has good memories of his three years there. ‘It was a great experience playing at the highest level of college basketball. I was given the role of being a 3 and D player. I had to shoot every time I was open. I was also tasked with guarding players like Tyler Ulis and Jamal Murray some nights and then other nights Ben Simmons or Danuel House so I experienced a lot’, stated TJ Lang. Even though he never was able to be that high scale scorer, he accepted that he had to shine in other ways. ‘It was disappointing but there were things out of my control that contributed to that so I just had to be a great teammate and find another way to help my team win but that ultimately led to me transferring schools to get a better opportunity’, stated TJ Lang. He finished his sophomore season well having some vital scoring games in wins over Arkansas and Georgia. He then finished at the University of South Florida. There he also didn’t have a major offensive role averaging only 5.5ppg, 2.1rpg, FGP: 39.0%, 3PT: 33.3%, FT: 70.7%, but it was another experience that was worth it. ‘My fondest moment was winning the CBI championship with my teammates. I had games there where I had to play the point guard which I didn’t have to do since high school. So that helped me out in my pro- career because I got back out of the mindset of just being a shooter to going back to how I played during high school and AAU’, expressed TJ Lang. At South Florida he rarely lost a shooting contest and split against teammate David Collins in the game king of the hill and will never forget his two college coaches Brian Gregory and Bruce Pearl who helped him mature into a professional player. ‘They taught me how to handle adversity and pushed me to be a better player and person every day. I was team captain for both teams under both coaches so I had a lot of responsibility put on my shoulders but I could handle it’, remembered TJ Lang.
The Alabama native who has Jared Harper , Bryce Brown, Kareem Canty, Laquincy Rideau, and in high school AAU Jaylen Brown as his best five teammates of all-time was slowed down a bit becoming a professional player. Technically he could of began his professional career in 2019, but instead signed his first pro contract in 2021. In 2019 after finishing school he decided to press his luck at home and pursue a career in the G-League. He had some workouts and was going to go to training camp with the Canton Charge. He turned down offers overseas and was drafted by the Maine Red Claws. The G-League didn’t work out so he signed in Australia, but then COVID came stopping the season. He didn’t want to just sign with just anyone, but waited for the best opportunity and the Sunkings Saarlouis turned out to be the best. Of course having to experience COVID just like everyone else hampered his basketball life. Even if he didn’t play professionally earlier, the time away from the competition was used wisely to becoming best friends with his own game. ‘ It was definitely different not being able to get in the gym every day and workout or travel. It made me miss the game so much so it motivated me to work on my ball handling and things that I could do outside or at my house. The job market was all over the place to jobs I recently was offered before were taken by good players so I just had to make sure I was in shape and ready’, expressed TJ Lang. Of the court, he was able to take positives from COVID that will benefit him in life now and in the future. ‘I feel like it definitely made me stronger. It made me slow down as a player and person and take every day as a blessing and make the most of it’, warned TJ Lang. Even if the Regionalliga is worlds away from the NBA and not around the corner from the G-League, he saw the Sunkings Saarlouis as a very positive adventure. ‘I loved playing there, we had a lot of offensive freedom in the offense and defensively. We had guys who communicated well and as the season went on I felt like we got better. But everyone here was really welcoming and definitely made Germany feel like home for me’, said TJ Lang. He also couldn’t have found a better teammate than Ricky Easterling who has dominated the German Regionalliga for more than a decade and has a mid range game that would make Kemba Walker smile as a mentor to help him adjust to overseas basketball. ‘ Ricky was amazing and he pushed me every day to continue to be the best player I can be. We worked out every day and got shots up together every morning so he’s definitely took me under his wing and I just tried to soak up everything he told me to make myself a better player and person’, stressed TJ Lang.
Miles Schmidt-Scheuber and TJ Lang in Limburg Germany in 2021
The ex Auburn (NCAA) player remembers Devin Booker and DeAaron Fox as being his toughest opponents in the NCAA. He played against Booker in high school and remembers him being unguardable and you had to hope he missed. Fox was one of the fastest players he ever saw and also remembered Ben Simmons as very tough to guard. Playing against incredible competition like that helped shape and develop his game at the NCAA level. The 201cm guard compares his game to Klay Thompson in regards to shooting, defense, and size. He also watches a lot of Bradley Beal in order to learn how to create space and taking tough shots. He has displayed his potent shot, but his game has so many more attributes. ‘I have been working on my ball handling and passing. I have been able to shoot but teams key on that so I have just been trying to be just as efficient off the dribble making tough shots and creating for my teammates’, commented TJ Lang. He also knows that in order to become that very special player and keep moving up the basketball ladder, he will have to be more than just an outstanding offensive player. ‘I feel like I can be very good on defensive end. I had to put my scoring to the side in college at Auburn and guard the best player from every team from the point guard to the 4 man. I feel like when I step on the court I can guard anyone at any time’, warned TJ Lang. He wants to be as multi talented as possible and continues to grind in the gym to get better. ‘I’m continuing to work on creating shots for myself. The more versatile I make myself with being able to run the offense from a point guard role the more dangerous I feel like offensively I will be’, stressed TJ Lang. It will be interesting to see where TJ Lang‘s journey will go in the next years. He has already proved that he can be a great teammate in the NCAA. If he can continue to be a great teammate overseas, then he will go far, because being that great teammate weighs so much more overseas then it does back home.
Jeremy Ingram (183-G-1991, college: AAMU) is a 191 cm guard that was born in Alabama and has played his entire professional career in Germany for teams like Speyer, Idstein, Bensheim and recently SG Mannheim.This season he is playing for Regionalliga team Bargteheide. Last season with SG Mannheim he picked up South West Regionalliga player of the year while averaging (32.1ppg), 5.7rpg, 4.2apg, Steals-4 (2.6spg), FGP: 55.4%, 3PT: 35.4%, 9%. He began his career with Enterprise State Community College (JUCO) and then finished with Alabama A&M University (NCAA). He spoke will team up with Miles Schmidt-Scheuber on a weekly basis this season to talk basketball.
Congrats on the huge 85-74 win over Braunschweig. How good does it feel to get that first victory?
I’m very happy for my team and the whole organization. Maybe that 1st win will jumpstart us in the right direction.
What was it like for you having to watch again? How do you go through a 40 minute game on the sidelines?
I mean it’s tough watching my team go out there and compete and I can’t be out there with them fighting. All I can do is cheer for them and support them. Thats all they need from me at the moment.
Is it almost fair to say that your team didn’t need you on this night?
I wouldn’t say all that but what I will say is they did a great job without me and they handled their business!
Talk a little about the 40 minutes. What was key for getting the win in crunch-time?
Both teams battled and exchanged the lead a few times but the Bees stayed aggressive, and ultimately the 2nd half outplayed the other team when it mattered most.
What was the biggest strength in the game for Bargteheide? You forced Braunschweig to 24 turnovers. Were you content with the 40 minutes of how the team defended aggressively?
It was great team defense. We got the loose balls and also got fast break points from those turnovers we forced. We came up with big stops also, especially in the 2nd half when it mattered most.
How key was the pick up of veteran Abdulai Abaker? What impresses you most about his game? Possibly his defense?
I have only watched him this game but I’m happy to have another good ball handler and aggressive guard to play with. I’m sure we will create havoc together out there on the floor.
The team next faces ASC Goettingen. Coming off this big win what will be key to getting the win?
I think we should carry that momentum from the 1st win and come back with the same energy. Our team has enough weapons to beat any team in this league , we just have to play with that confidence and aggressiveness for all 40 minutes.
Christopher Miller (192-G-1993, college: Salem) is a 29 year old 193cm guard from Brooklyn, New York who is playing his eighth professional season and first with VFL Bensheim. He played 3 seasons with the Giessen Pointers (Germany-Regionalliga) and last season averaged 17.4ppg, 5.6rpg, 3.2apg, 2.0spg, FGP: 50.5%, 3PT: 17.5%, FT: 78.6%. He has had experience in countries like El Salvador and Bosnia. He recently played for the South Shore Monarchs (TBL) playing 8 games averaging 22.4ppg, 5.6rpg, 4.3apg, 1.6spg, FGP: 50.8%, 3PT: 35.0%, FT: 83.3%. He began his basketball career at Clinton Community College and also played two years at Salem University (NCAA2). This season he teams up with Miles Schmidt-Scheuber with weekly chats about his basketball season.
Congrats Chris on a huge 92-81 win over Kronberg. How did this win feel after the tough loss to Lich last weekend where you fouled out early on?
Thank you. It felt good being available for my team. Last week I felt like I let the guys down so I wanted to make it up with a win this week. I’m happy we were able to pull one off against a tough opponent.
Talk a little about the summary of the game. What was the deciding moment in crunch-time where Bensheim had the win wrapped up?
The game was back and forth the entire time. It was one of those games you love to be a part of. It was close up until the 4th Q. I think the turning point was our defense for sure we were able to get stops at key times and punish them with shooting when they decided to go to zone.
How much of a factor did the turnovers play? In that respect Bensheim had 5 more turnovers.
Anytime a team has turnovers you give the opponents more opportunities on offense. We were a bit hectic sometimes looking to squeeze in difficult passes which resulted in TO’s. They also did a great job at pressing and trapping us. They forced us to play uncomfortable most of the game and I think that resulted in a close game.
Bensheim had a bit of a shorter rotation than Kronberg. Did fatigue play a factor? How tough is it in general playing with a reduced roster?
This week was tough. A few of our guys were out due to being ill. The shortened roster caused rile changes for some of our guys. In some cases shorter rosters help because everyone is in a groove and a part of the game. Fatigue plays a small role but we should be in shape 4 games in the season. I’m happy with the way we responded to having some of our key guys missing.
What was your impression of Kronberg? They didn’t have a star but a well rounded team that spread out the scoring well?
Kronberg is a well coached team. They are disciplined and each guy knows his role and stays within their realm. They have a system that tries to find the weakness in your defense and capitalize off that. They are not a team to sleep on they have many guys who are capable of scoring big which can make them dangerous.
Bensheim got super support from Jan Tschakaloff. Talk a little how valuable he was in this game?
Jan is our X factor I believe he is an incredible shooter with range. When he gets hot it can be a great thing for us. He hit some big shots for us and played very well on defense. I see he is getting more comfortable with his role and starting to excel.
You rebounded well from the last game pouring in 27 points. How content were you with your game?
I’m never satisfied with my play honestly I see 27 and 8 I see the fact that I should have had 30 and 10. It’s a motivation to be almost perfect that keeps me from letting up and relaxing. Theres always room for improvement. On the other hand it was what was needed this week to win so I’ll take it.
You had 6 turnovers. How would you classify them? Sometimes turnovers aren’t what they seem in the way they are scouted. How was it from your perspective?
On paper it was bad but in real time I don’t think it was that horrible . A few calls from the refs that were questionable a couple miscommunications between our team inbounding. I am not happy with this number but I know it won’t happen too often. We are turning that corner in learning our tendencies so the miscommunications will decrease and so will the turnovers.
Bensheim next battle 0-4 Giessen. This is a huge game to keep ground in the standings. What will be key to getting the win?
The key to winning is respecting our opponent and coming in with the same intensity as any other game. This game is important for us because we need to start gathering some wins in a row and also get our first home win this season. We are very hungry for this win and will go into this game focused and determined to get it.
This isn’t the Giessen Pointers, but how will you feel playing against another Giessen team?
This is the exact team I helped coach last season. So for me it is a bit weird to play against some of the young guys I coached in NBBL and Oberliga. I am proud of them for taking another step in their careers but at the same time that means nothing in between the lines. Even if my grandmother was on that team I’m not taking it easy. I’m here to compete and I know they are too.
German Hoops 