10 years ago a Fraport Skyliners-Brose Bamberg contest was awaited with excitement and a real twist of rivalry, but in 2023 the game seems to be just like another normal game with little significance. Well there is significance now, but a different one. It is difficult to admit it, but both teams now are not top clubs anymore. Ok so it isn’t as bad in freak city as Brose Bamberg came to Frankfurt with 7 wins in their baggage, but for the Fraport Skyliners every game is a must win. The Fraport Skyliners once again couldn’t put together a game for 40 minutes as they once again fell apart in the second half in Ludwigsburg, while Bamberg celebrated a massive nail bitter beating 2010 Eurochallenge winner BG Goettingen in overtime. On a unusually mild Feb afternoon, the Fraport Skyliners welcomed Brose Bamberg who didn’t waste anytime coming out and dictating the game and getting a big lead which they managed very well until the siren sounded after 40 minutes. Some years ago the Fraport Skyliners prided their game on defense something brought to life by then head coach Gordon Herbert, but those days are long gone. In 2023 Frankfurt play defense not showing the needed effort and aggressiveness as they have allowed 88 + points in the last 6 games. Brose Bamberg destroyed the Fraport Skyliners 100-83 as the suffering continues in Frankfurt. ‘We didn’t play together enough and couldn’t hit open shots. Our biggest problem on defense at the moment isn’t being physical enough. We aren’t talking, rotating or helping the way we should. When our help is there, we solve many things’, warned Fraport Skyliner Quantez Robertson. Defense continues to be a work in progress for Brose Bamberg, but it was enough to win as their offense was cooking as they averaged 25 points per quarter. ‘We were definitely better in the first half. We are stressing defense more than anything now. Basketball is a game of runs. That is just how it is. I’m happy we pulled out the win’, stated Brose Bamberg guard Spencer Reaves.

JJ Frazier

Brose Bamberg was able to garner a big lead half way through the first quarter and would never look back again. The Fraport Skyliners began well getting their outside game established as ex Auburn guard Quantez Robertson and American JJ Frazier connected with three’s for the 8-5 advantage. Brose Bamberg then jumped all over Frankfurt’s defense connecting on a brutal 11-0 run to lead 16-8 as they let it rain three’s from German national player Christian Sengfelder, Czech national player Jaromir Bohacik and ex Leverkusen guard Spencer Reaves. Bamberg continued to work their offense to their favor as it was a well oiled machine as they added three’s from ex Boston College German German Patrick Heckmann and ex Iowa State center Solomon Young. Bamberg outworked Frankfurt on the boards and got good looks and punished Frankfurt every time that they were out of position. Frankfurt couldn’t muster much positive offense, but did get Einaras Tubutis going feeding him for 2 crushing dunks, but Brose Bamberg had the overwhelming 28-15 advantage after 10 minutes. ‘We didn’t begin being aggressive. We didn’t rotate well on defense and had difficulty moving the ball and securing the rebound’, stressed Quantez Robertson. Brose Bamberg shot 56% from the two point range and 60% from outside and had 11 rebounds and 2 turnovers while the Fraport Skyliners shot 50% from the two point range and 40% form outside and had 5 rebounds and 21 turnovers.

Solomon Young

In the second quarter Brose Bamberg continued to execute on offense with ease as the Fraport Skyliners put themselves more and more into the hole trailing by as much as 22 points at one point. Frankfurt got going rapidly getting a trey from Tubutis and lay in from ex Purdue (NCAA) center Matt Haarms to cut Freak City’s lead to only 30-19. But Brose Bamberg just continued to run their offense and execute especially on 1-1 play as ex ratiopharm Ulm guard Patrick Miller (185-G-1992, college: Tennessee St., agency: Slash Sports) was unstoppable. He scored 3 buckets in a matter of a few minutes as he always stifled the Frankfurt defense as Frankfurt trailed 42-24. ‘He is tough to stop especially on transition. He is strong and physical and has no problem absorbing contact. He is always aggressive and knows how to make shots’, stressed Quantez Robertson. Comparing the 2 team’s offenses was like night and day. Bamberg had great ball movement while knowing when to use the 1-1, while Frankfurt’s offense was static as they just couldn’t get over the hump. Frankfurt had little bright spots, but one was JJ Frazier who scored 21 points and added 6 assists. Down the stretch of the second quarter, he added a step back jumper and three pointer to cut Bamberg’s lead to 49-32. But Bamberg simply was too consistent on offense getting 2 baskets from Young and free throws from Sengfelder to lead 54-35 at half-time. ‘We had big problems rebounding the ball. We weren’t physical or aggressive to the ball. We have to want to rebound the ball, but our effort wasn’t there’, stated Quantez Robertson. Brose Bamberg continued to shoot very well at 54% from the 2 point range and 54% from the three point line and had 23 rebounds and 5 turnovers while the Fraport Skyliners shot 48% from the 2 point range and 46% from the three point line and had 10 rebounds and 6 turnovers.

Quantez Robertson

The Fraport Skyliners played their best basketball in the third quarter netting 28 points to cut into the big lead, but couldn’t generate more stops and still trailed by 12 points after 30 minutes. The Fraport Skyliners began well going on a 5-0 run as German national player Joshua Obiesie made a lay in and Frazier nailed a trey as Frankfurt trailed 54-40. But Frankfurt just couldn’t carve the lead down more at this point as Bamberg got consistent offensive support as Miller scored twice, Sengfelder made a turn around shot and ex Nymburk guard Gerel Simmons hit a three pointer for the 67-48 advantage. ‘Miller is our go to guy. He is strong and physical and will bump to get the basket. He has been huge for us since he arrived recently. When we need a basket, we go to him’, stated Spencer Reaves. Frankfurt didn’t let up, but continued to chip away and then got 2 vital three’s from German national player Lukas Wank and suddenly only trailed 69-58. Frankfurt stepped up their defensive aggression as Bamberg couldn’t exchange baskets. Simmons and Lithuanian guard Laurynas Beliauskas exchanged three’s in the last minute as the Fraport Skyliners remained at the back door trailing only 75-63. ‘We started off slow as our second unit had a lull, but later on they had a good run’, said Spencer Reaves. ‘We got stops and made shots. But we could of made more open shots’, stated Quantez Robertson. Both teams continued to shoot very well and brose Bamberg had the 27-20 rebound edge and had 7 turnovers and Frankfurt 9 turnovers.

Christian Sengfelder

The Fraport Skyliners were unable to keep the offensive momentum from the third quarter as a big run to begin the fourth quarter sealed the victory early for Brose Bamberg. The guests started with a lethal 12-2 run to extend their lead to 87-65 slamming the door in the face of Frankfurt deciding the win. Instrumental in the run was a Simmons lay in and three pointers by Heckmann and ex Princeton (NCAA) guard Amir Bell. Bamberg continued to show their well oiled offensive machine sharing the ball and showing unselfishness while the Fraport Skyliners got miffed by Bamberg’s tricky defense and as a result had tough looks. The Fraport Skyliners then got some timely three’s from Frazier and Wank to cut Bamberg’s lead to 90-71, but with time running down, the most damage had been made. Bamberg added some Bell free throws and a Kevin Wohlrath trey for the 95-75 lead. Frankfurt got another trey by Frazier, While Bamberg sealed the 100 points with a three pointer by Patrick Heckmann. Joshua Obiesie closed out the game with a lay in. ‘We did a good job of letting our defense dictate getting easy points. We had good ball movement and were unselfish. We also got a lot of support by our untypical bigs who passed very well out of the post’, stated Spencer Reaves. ‘We had no communication on defense. We have to trust each other. When we do that we will be better’, stressed Quantez Robertson. The schedule doesn’t get any easier as their next tests are against top teams Oldenburg and Bonn. ‘We know that they are good offensive teams. We have to slow them down and play at our pace, and play better defense and rebound better’, warned Quantez Robertson. Brose Bamberg were led by Patrick Miller with 19 points. Amir Bella and Christian Sengfelder added 12 points a piece while the Fraport Skyliners were led by JJ Frazier with 21 points. Lukas Wank added 16 points and Lauryas Belliauskas had 14 points. Brose Bamberg shot 52% from the field and 45% from outside and had 36 rebounds and 8 turnovers while the Fraport Skyliners shot 48% from the field and 60% from outside and had 32 rebounds and 11 turnovers.

Tags : PATRICK MILLER, BROSE BAMBERG, GERMAN BASKETBALL

After a week off it was time for the Fraport Skyliners Juniors to get back to work. They had some extra time to digest their pathetic 20 point loss to the White Wings Hanau. 2023 hasn’t been good to the Frankfurt club as after starting the year with a big victory over the Wizards, they lost 3 in a row including 2 blow out loses at home against the top teams Koblenz and Hanau. They wanted to get back on track, but it didn’t get any easier with 11-5 Bavarian club BBC Coburg. The club has some experienced players, but are also stacked with young talented players from the easyCredit BBL Bamberg organization. Coburg arrived in Frankfurt having won 3 of the last 4, but last lost at home having a slip up against Ehingen. Both teams wanted to find a win again and help enhance the home court advantage for the playoffs and the Fraport Skyliners had to buckle down on defense in the second half in order to silence BBC Coburg 79-64. Frankfurt gave up only 8 points in the third quarter which sparked their offense to go on a big run to open the game and they never looked back. ‘Our plan was to control the game with our defense. We knew that they were a very good offensive team. In the second half our defense read them very well and our switches were very good. They couldn’t move the ball well and we controlled the rebound. We shot well and played free through the pick and roll and knew how to find the right guys’, stated game top scorer Nolan Adekunle (200-PF-2002). BBC Coburg never gave up fighting in the second half, but the big Frankfurt run in the third quarter hurt their self-confidence. They had many open looks, but it was just one of those nights where the ball didn’t want to fall. ‘Frankfurt had a lot of open shots. They also managed a lot of back door cuts. Our rotations weren’t good and our 1-1 defense wasn’t good either. We have showed this season that we know how to play. We have to find on track again’, warned BBC Coburg center Leon Bulic.

Jordan Samare from outside

The Fraport Skyliners Juniors were without Philipp Hadenfeld and Justin Onyejiaka while BBC Coburg was without John Saigge. Both teams had problems finding their rhythm in the first few minutes as both teams got 3 consecutive stops. The Fraport Skyliners Juniors understood to use their length and physical advantage and attacked the zone as German center Alexander Richardson scored twice. BBC Coburg played solid team basketball playing small ball and sharing the ball getting baskets from Bulic, and ex top NBBL player of Paderborn Adrian Petkovic. Athletic big man Jordan Samare and ex Breitenguss guard Sven Lorber traded baskets twice, but no team could flee the other as the game was tied at 11-11. But the Fraport Skyliners Juniors then showed how quickly they can take off when their three begins to heat up as they went on a 9-3 run to lead 20-14. Nolan Adekunle nailed back to back three’s and ex Hanau guard Felix Hecker also scored. But BBC Coburg took a page from Frankfurt’s book also showing they can make it rain three’s as 2019 NBBL finalist Jannis Sonnefeld scored twice and Adrian Worthy also scored to lead 22-20 after 10 minutes. ‘We began well, but showed early on that we let them come back through being sloppy. This was a trend that would continue during the game. We always gave them an open window to come back’, stressed Nolan Adekunle. Both teams shot 40% or better from the field and from outside while Frankfurt had the slight 12-10 rebound edge.

Jannis Sonnefeld at the FT line

In the second quarter the Fraport Skyliners Juniors set the tone, but couldn’t keep the consistent lead allowing BBC Coburg to hang around. The Fraport Skyliners Juniors found their groove rapidly soaring out on a massive 12-1 run to lead 32-23. In the run it was the Samare and Hecker show as Samare added 7 points and Hecker 5. Hecker made a steal and made a quick TD pass ala Tom Brady for Samare for the big dunk. Samare would add another dunk and lay in while Hecker made a trey and lay in. The Fraport Skyliners Juniors were very aggressive and BBC Coburg weren’t able to match Frankfurt’s intensity and forced to much on offense. But BBC Coburg didn’t let down, but just fought going on a 7-2 run to trail only 34-30. The guests did a good job getting to the free throw line and making smart decisions and were calm on their execution. The Fraport Skyliners Juniors always made a punch, but couldn’t add consecutive punches as they were punished for their mistakes. Milan Suput the son of Brose Bamberg legend Predrag Suput made a turn around shot, Tyrese Blunt hit a 20 footer, Bulic a trey and Petkovic a lay in as the Fraport Skyliners Juniors slipped into half-time with the slim 41-39 advantage. ‘We made dumb mistakes to let them stay in the game. We can’t be that unconcentrated when we have the lead. We have to learn to be more consistent’, warned Nolan Adekunle. Both teams continue to shoot over 40% from the field, while BBC Coburg’s three point shooting dipped to 33% while Frankfurt’s was at 43%. Frankfurt had the 20-16 rebound edge, but had 8 turnovers and the guests 7 turnovers.

Nolan Adekunle at the FT line

The turning point came in the third quarter as the Fraport Skyliners Juniors upped their defensive pressure and execution and on offense they were able to execute at a better consistent rate. The Fraport Skyliners Juniors got quick energy from Nolan Adekunle to begin the third quarter getting back to back buckets from him for the 45-41 lead. Both teams then got some needed production inside as Alexander Richardson who retuned after a long injury scored twice while Sonnefeld also added 2 baskets including and old school hook shot, but Frankfurt still led 49-45. Then came the turning point of the game as the Fraport Skyliners Juniors exploded on a brutal 12-0 run to lead 61-45. In the run, Jordan Samare continued to be aggressive and owned the paint scoring 3 times while three’s from Adekunle and Hecker rounded out the run as the club showed fine inside out basketball. Blunt stopped the run with a pull up jumper as BBC Coburg were held to 8 points trailing 61-47 after 30 minutes. ‘Coach told us in the break that the game was 0-0 in the third quarter. We wanted to stay aggressive and when we had the lead build on it. We attacked well and found the open man. Our good defense led to transition baskets’, said Nolan Adekunle. ‘The third quarter has been a problem for us this season. We weren’t ready to paly from the start. They played good help side defense and their zone worked well. We had good looks, but were unlucky as our shots just didn’t fall’, stated Leon Bulic. The Fraport Skyliners Juniors shot 49% from the field and 36% from the parking lot and had 32 rebounds and 13 turnovers while BBC Coburg shot 37% from the field and 22% from the parking lot and had 23 rebounds and 12 turnovers.

Milan Suput from downtown

In the fourth quarter the Fraport Skyliners Juniors did a fine job managing their big lead and never trailed by less than 9 points. BBC Coburg got some early baskets from Petkovic and Blunt, but they couldn’t make any ground as Frankfurt got buckets from Adekunle in form of a three pointer and 7 year man Alvin Onyia made a lay in as the Fraport Skyliners Juniors led 68-51. BBC Coburg attempted to play team basketball and refrained form 1-1 play, but their good looks continued not to reward them. BBC Coburg had one last gasp of energy surprising Frankfurt with a 10-2 run to trail 70-61. In the run the Bavarian club got a needed spark from Suput who scored 8 points. He made 3 free throws, a trey and a lay in after he made a block on Onyia and then went coast to coast for the 2 points and Bulic added a hook shot. Frankfurt was overflowing with turnovers with real bad text book mistakes which the guests took to their advantage. But that was as close as BBC Coburg would get as then came the nail on the coffin from Frankfurt. The Fraport Skyliners Juniors received back to back three’s from Onyia who tested his 20% three point % and Adekunle continued to have the hot hand as Frankfurt led 76-61. With the game decided with a minute to go, Bulic added a 20 footer and Adekunle closed out the contest with a trey. ‘Despite Coburg fighting, we never thought we could lose. Our self confidence was high. We remained cool and calm in crunch-time to help us win’, stressed Nolan Adekunle. ‘We did all we could to come back. We cut the lead down to 9 points, but then they made 2 three’s in a row and were back to where we were most of the game down by a lot of points. They were always ready for us and had an answer for everything. We couldn’t set the tone’, warned Leon Bulic. The Fraport Skyliners Juniors were led by Nolan Adekunle with 25 points. Jordan samara added 21 points and Felix Hecker 14 points while BBC Coburg were led by Leon Bulic with 14 points and 12 rebounds while Jannis Sonnefeld contributed 13 points and Milan Suput 12 points. The Fraport Skyliners Juniors shot 48% from the field and 38% from outside and had 43 rebounds and 19 turnovers while BBC Coburg shot 35% from the field and 21% from outside and had 36 rebounds and 14 turnovers.

Tags : NOLAN ADEKUNLE, FRAPORT SKYLINERS FRANKFURT, GERMAN BASKETBALL

Miles Schmidt-Scheuber interviewing Jaleen Smith in Frankfurt in 2022

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

Lebron James has beaten Kareem Abdul Jabbar’s NBA all-time scoring record. Did you stay up to watch history?

No I didn’t stay up. We had practice the next day in preparation for a Euroleague game against Olympiakos. I went to sleep, but saw the highlights the next morning with his shot and celebration.

How does one put this record into perspective best? It stood almost 40 years?

I’ts absolutely crazy. I grew up watching him play since 2003. I witnessed him not really being considered a scorer. It is crazy to see this milestone by him.

He scored 38 points in 26 minutes. Was it another normal day at the office?

You could see that he wanted the title so bad. 38 in 26 minutes is crazy. He is so efficient. Being able to score so much in so little time for his age is amazing.

How much is that ball going to be worth?

It might be worth millions. I won’t say billions. The record stood almost 40 years and Lebron being Lebron will make the ball worth very much.

Russell Westbrook made the pass. Do you think that in 20 years the pass could be remembered more than his triple doubles?

The record is all about Lebron. The pass won’t be remembered as much as Westbrook’s triple doubles. He had the most triple doubles in a single season. The greatest passer to the greatest scorer of all-time.

Magic Johnson may have a say with the greatest passer phrase.

hahaha

His record breaking basket was a step back over Kenrich Williams. Is that the kind of shot you expected knowing the kind of player he is? Or would you have expected a dunk for the spectacular finish?

I was expecting a dunk. But you just go with the course of the game. A dunk could of happened, but the way it was set up, it was just a typical play for him to make his fade away.

There obviously is a lot of respect for Kareem, by the basketball world, but what would have happened on social media if Lebron had gotten the record with a sky hook shot?

Every person’s timeline would have exploded if he had made the record with a sky hook.

Kareem is such a gentleman. You didn’t grow up with him, but what does his legacy mean to younger guys? Can they even understand what that guy did?

I don’t understand it. Kareem was a little before my time. I really know him more from 2K. But I know that he was one of the most dominant big men of all-time. When he came into the league with the Bucks, there wasn’t much film on him. More clips of him surfaced when he played with the Lakers and Magic. I knew his game off a video game. That just tells you how great he was.

Lebron will have more than 40,000 points when it’s all over. Back in 1984 people said it would never be broken? Will this record be broken?

I think it can. The game has changed. There are more possessions now and more scoring. I don’t think that it will be broken in the near future. I think that there could be a couple guys that could break it. The game is so much more fast paced now.

If Luka Doncic continues to play to 40 stays fit and becomes a physical specimen like Lebron, could he dethrone him?

If he gets as fit as Lebron he could. Lebron and Luka are alike. Lebron is more athletic and Luka the better shooter.

Does this record finally give Lebron the GOAT status over Michael Jordan?

That is tough. Jordan changed the game. You can watch all clips of him. You understand why he plays the way he did. He never wanted to lose. Lebron has the competitive edge, but it isn’t at the same level of Jordan. That is what gives Jordan the edge in the GOAT debate for me.

What is your favorite Lebron moment that you witnessed live or on TV?

I never saw him play live. Lebron and Anthony Davis watched a NBA Summer League game when I played. My favorite highlight of him when he played Detroit and the Cavs were on the verge of elimination early in his career at the old palace. He scored the last 25 points in the game. When I saw that I thought wow this kid is really good. I really began to follow his career after that. He went crazy in that game.

Thanks Jaleen for the chat.

Tags : JALEEN SMITH, ALBA BERLIN, GERMAN BASKETBALL

James Batemon (185-G-1997, college: LMU) is a 25 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 togermanhoops.com about basketball

Thanks James for talking togermanhoops.com. Congrats on signing with the Hakro Merlins Crailsheim. What do you know about the country Germany and it’s basketball? Have you had guys play here that you know?

Thank you about the opportunity. I don’t know much about Germany. I didn’t think I would end up here. I watched the national team and have known guys that have played here. I have only heard good things about the BBL-

What convinced most to come and play for the Hakro Merlin Crailsheim

Coming to Crailsheim was almost a no brainer. They play in heavy competition in the BBL and Fiba Europe Cup.

You will be playing in a top 5 league in Europe with the easyCredit BBL. What do you feel will be the biggest challenge for you on the court?

The biggest challenge will be adapting to a new team and building chemistry. I hope to find my spots as I jump in in mid season.

You began the season with AS Karditsas (Greece-GBL). You put up really impressive stats there. Why did it end after only 7 games?

My time ended earlier there because I had a better opportunity with the Merlins.I couldn’t pass up the chance to play in the BBL. My goal is the Euroleague and NBA. I’m just trying to get a step closer to my dream.,

What kind of an experience was it like playing in Greece? What did you appreciate most about the opportunity?

Playing in Greece was a great experience. I appreciated the people most. They were really nice. The food was awesome. They spoke good English. Greece was the best country so far in terms of how well people spoke English. The domestic players were very nice as well. I had a fun time playing there.

You were the top scorer in the win over Euroleague team Panathinaikos with 22 points. How good did it feel showing you could hold your own against some of the best?

It felt good playing against a Euroleague team. I wish we could have been more competitive and made the game closer because we beat them in the pre -season. But pre season is always hit or miss. Some guys are out of shape or just coasting. I wish we could of upset them, but it is what it is. I will have another opportunity to play against a Euroleague team so I’m not worried about that.

What was it like playing against Derrick Williams. You were in high school when he was in the NBA? Did you have any small talk with him?

It was a great experience playing against him. No there wasn’t really any small talk. I was more communicating with the point guard. It was great seeing a guy that was drafted second overall and matching up against him. He is a great player and showed that against us.

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

I would compare my game to Donovan Mitchell a guy that is athletic, can shoot the three, drive and get teammates involved. But a guy that also plays good defense. I get this comparison a lot.

Your a combo guard. Do you feel most comfortable at the 1 or 2?

I play comfortable at both positions. Playing the 1 and setting up my teammates. But I also love to score. If my team needs that then I feel capable of being able to do that It is really whatever the team needs me to do at that moment. I like the combo guard title.

You’re a guy that can fill the stat sheet. What do you feel is your biggest strength on the court?

My biggest strength is to be able to create shots for my teammates and myself.

You have made a big jump since school with your outside shooting. What has been the biggest reason for your success?

When I was in school, my main focus was to improve my shot. The reason for my success is simply putting in the work and having confidence. As more shots began to fall, the more confidence I got. My teammates and coaches also gave me the confidence to shoot the ball.

What kind of defender would you call yourself and what kind of defender do you want to be in the next years?

I would call myself a pretty good defender, but I want to become a great defender. I want guys to be able to call me a two way player all the time. I haven’t got that title yet, but I will continue to work hard. I want to become an elite defender. I have been able to hold a team’s best player at the end of the game, but I want to do that for the whole game and still be effective on the offensive end. That is my goal in the next few years.

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

I’m working most on my playmaking and certain tactics on defense. Trying to find slick ways to get over screens.

How big is your chip on your shoulder? You began at Juco and had to pay your dues for 2 years? Then you led Loyola Marymount to the NCAA tournament and was it’s best player, but still landed in Latvia as a rookie

I have a big chip on my shoulder. Starting at Juco and then transferring to Loyola and being able to perform has given me that chip on my shoulder.

Last season you played with Union Tours Metropole Basket (France-ProB) averaging 15.1ppg, 3.5rpg, 3.7apg, FGP: 49.1%, 3PT: 39.5%, FT: 83.4%. You were teammates with Jayson Tchicamboud the son of French legend Steed. How much potential does he have and do you remember hearing stories about his dad?

It was a down year for us as a team, but I thought that I had a good year. Jayson has a ton of potential. They didn’t really tell me any stories about his dad. He is athletic, tall and is a good playmaker. If he can improve his outside shot then sky is the limit. He is also a good defender.

In 2020-2921 you played your first season 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%. It was a short season for you. What do you remember being your biggest challenge on a daily basis during Covid?

The biggest challenge was the stopping and going in the season with Covid. I got injured that season. I believe that if I had finished the season, I could of ended up in a better league.

You played your 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%. What do you remember being your wake up call to being a rookie in Latvia where you knew that you were far away from home?

My biggest wake up call was when the holidays came about and I couldn’t go home for Christmas. I thought that was crazy. I realized that I was in a small country. It was tough being in Latvia and all my family at home posting pics.

You began your career at 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 your second season averaged : 20.8ppg, 5.6rpg, 5.7apg, 1.4spg, FGP: 53.2%, 3PT: 37.8%, FT: 81.4%. Almost every guy I have interviewed that played JUCO says JUCO was very tough but an experience they are so glad they had. How was it for you?

It was a great experience, but it was really tough. It was a real grind and a juggle. If you come out of JUCO, you can survive anywhere. Only the strong survive. You have to have been there to understand.

How did JUCO help you most become the type of player you are today?

It helped me work harder as everytime it was all or nothing. It helped me play with a chip knowing that if I didn’t perform, I wouldn’t get that division 1 offer.

You finished at Loyola Marymount University (NCAA) 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%. What did you cherish most about your NCAA run in 2019?

I cherished most coming in and winning 11 games and then winning 21 in my second season. Building something special and enjoying every moment with my teammates. I built memorable bonds with my teammates.

You had so many big games in the NCAA especially against major basketball programs like Gonzaga, UCLA and Washington. What was your personal best and most memorable game?

My most memorable game was my scoring outburst against Gonzaga in conference play and having a big game at Washington where I had a put back dunk.

How did head coach Mike Dunlap groom and prepare you for a professional career best?

Coach helped me become mentally stronger and gave me confidence in my shooting. He also helped me see the game differently.

Who won a 1-1 in practice you or Cam Allen?

He was very talented, but I have to be honest, he got me more than I got him.

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

Frankie Ferrari was tough as was Jaylen Hands from UCLA.

Please name your 5 best teammates of all-time?

Cam Allen, Elijah Scott, Julian Walters, Nicolas Collins, Melvin Newborn

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

Jordan, Kobe, Lebron, Steph and Shaq

What is your personal opinion of the neverending debate of who is the greatest of all-time Jordan or Lebron and why isn’t Kobe mentioned more?

I say Jordan, but Lebron is right there. Lebron is about to become the all-time leading scorer. I think that by the time he retires he will be the GOAT. Kobe was more like Jordan and Jordan got more rings.

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

No I haven’t, but I will. I’m so late. Yes they probably should of left it alone. That is why I probably haven’t seen it yet.

Thanks James for the chat.

Tags : JAMES BATEMON, HAKRO MERLINS CRAILSHEIM, GERMAN BASKETBALL

It is hard to believe but the miraculous 100 point game by American Jonathan Paul Braeger (178-G) was more than 10 months ago. Doing something like that is like if a baseball player clubbed 10 home runs in a game or a ice hockey player scored 10 goals in a game or if a quarterback threw 15 touch down passes in a game. 100 points in a 40 minute game is something one has to grasp. Luka Doncic recently scored 60 points and that was difficult , but 100 points. You could use the word Wow over and over and nobody would get annoyed by the overzealous behavior. You would think that if a guy did something like that then it would be cult non stop news and that he would be remined about it at the local 7-11 to Sunday church, but surprisingly for the explosive scoring guard the hype died down and hasn’t caught fire again since that memorable March day in Wurzburg in 2022. ‘ I wouldn’t say I get reminded of it daily but it’s been brought up in some casual conversations with friends and family’, said Jonathan Paul Braeger. If I had scored 100 points, I would of watched the game more than a few times and put the best clips on You Tube, but every person is different. For some life goes on and the 100 points remains a beautiful memory, but not more. ‘Truthfully I haven’t watched the game or highlights since it happened’, stressed Jonathan Paul Braeger. Scoring 100 points was real sweet, but the icing on the cake and best thing about that unforgettable day was that his team got the win. Staying humble is something that Jonathan Paul Braeger has remained. The 100 point game is for sure an experience he will never forget, but at the same time his life in the small town of Vilsbiburg will also be a life long memory that he will cherish. ‘I will never forget my teammates. I made some lifelong friendships! The coaching staff too! They taught me many things on being a professional player’, commented Jonathan Paul Braeger.

It is the goal of every professional player to move up the basketball ladder. For some it takes longer than others as Limoges CSP Elite guard Bryce Jones had to toil 4 years in Serbia and Montenegro before reaching the France Pro A or a Stanley Whitaker finally reaching the easyCredit BBL after paying his dues in countries like Lithuania, Austria and Pro A Germany. Some guys reach the next level a lot easier with massive stats or perhaps an incredible achievement, but surprisingly for the American who played with the Chicago Fury (ABA) before coming overseas his 100 point game didn’t help him last summer getting a new job. One has to wonder why he didn’t land at least with another German Regionalliga club. ‘I didn’t have any interest from any German Regionalliga teams after last season. I had some teams reaching out to me surprised I wasn’t going back for another year at Vilsbiburg but no one offered anything. It was tough because I reached out to basically all Regionalliga teams in Germany but every team seemed like they were looking for a Bbg man and not a guard or just had a full roster already’, said Jonathan Paul Braeger. That heavy rejection didn’t hurt his mental state as he always has one goal of just grinding and grinding until that next opportunity comes no matter what. ‘This past summer was a struggle with getting no offers. Mentally it was tough but with the constant support of my girlfriend and family and friends it helped me a ton! Just because I didn’t get an offer doesn’t mean that I didn’t continue to improve my game. Not getting an offer motivated me to work harder than ever before to be ready for the next opportunity! I feel like the 100 point game didn’t help me as much as people thought it would have. Just needed to stay ready’, remembered Jonathan Paul Braeger.

The American scorer who believes that Steph Curry is already the best shooting guard of all-time never lost faith in the tough overseas basketball process. His secret to being able to overcome the mental lapses that arose simply have to do with his love for the game and never losing faith. ‘The love and passion I have for basketball will never go away. And when things seem like they aren’t working then that means you just need to stay focused and keep improving. I trust in the player and teammate I am that when the next opportunity would come knocking that I would be ready! Love of the game doesn’t stop which means the faith doesn’t stop either’, warned Jonathan Paul Braeger. I see how players lives are going on social media and one guy I had my eyes especially on was Jonathan Paul Braeger. I thought that his Cinderella story in Vilsbiburg was a very special one and was always waiting for the day where I would learn of his new destination. I saw many pictures being posted in the autumn and was wondering and hoping that he would get a deal sooner or later. Then shortly after 2023 had arrived came that announcement I was waiting for. He had signed in Iceland. ‘The transfer came out of nowhere! I woke up Friday (06.01.23) with a message from my agency Dagger Basket with the offer at hand!! I’ve always dreamed of coming to Iceland and what better opportunity to come visit this beautiful country and yet alone be able to play professional basketball here! It was a quick process with getting the offer (06.01.23) and then accepting the offer and then leaving that following Wednesday (11.01.23). This is what I train and prepare for! You never know when the time will come but when it does you need to be mentally and physically prepared’, warned Jonathan Paul Braeger. Even if being able to live in a very exotic country could have been enough reason to come, his new organization obviously also played a part. ‘The President and Coach here were a big reason for me coming here. They were very welcoming from the start and have great plans for the rest of this season along with future seasons. Coach here has many years of experience playing but also coaching in the top league and for Iceland’s national U-20 team! He has a lot of knowledge of the game and I’m always willing and wanting to learn! As my dad always told me there’s endless opportunities to continue your knowledge! This isn’t just through basketball but life as well’, added Jonathan Paul Braeger.

The guard who hails from Wisconsin and believes that Luka Doncic is currently together with Giannis 1 and 2 in the NBA is aware that he is playing in the third division in Iceland which should be comparable to 2 Regionalliga-Oberliga Germany in skill level. Knowing this would put most Americans in stat building mode, but he has the ultimate goal that every player should always have first as his main focus. ‘Personaly stats aren’t the most important thing here. I’m a winner with a winning attitude and winning work ethic! They brought me here to win! If that means averaging high numbers then that’s what I’ll do but the main focus every season anywhere I go is to WIN’, warned Jonathan Paul Braeger. He had extra time to grind in the lab this past autumn and winter as well as learning extra through coaching and will be ready for the new challenge. ‘I always work on every part of my game during the off season! Ball handling, shooting and passing! With getting no offers I was able to coach some high level high school basketball back in my home state which has helped me learn a lot about the game. So overall I think my knowledge of the game has improved tremendously! You learn a lot as a player but being able to coach can teach you more then you know’, warned Jonathan Paul Braeger. It is also no secret that he will be exploring Iceland every free moment that he has and knows exactly what he is looking most forward to witnessing. This kind of opportunity is once in a lifetime. ‘The landscapes! I love nature and love the mountains!! Which country could be better for that! And of course the northern lights and natural hot springs!!! I have a huge list of places and things I would love to see and visit while I’m here’, expressed Jonathan Paul Braeger. He doesn’t take anything for granted as he is grateful and thankful each day for being able to play the game he loves for a living. ‘The most special thing about this journey is just believing in my talents and not losing faith. I’ve worked my entire life to get in the spot I’m in and if you know me the work never stopped even when the offers weren’t there. You must fully believe in yourself if you expect someone else to believe in you just as much’, warned Jonathan Paul Braeger. The Cinderella story continues for Jonathan Paul Braeger as he moves from Vilsbiburg to Iceland. It will continue to be exciting to see what he does this season and where his career will continue to go in the future.

Christopher Miller (192-G-1993, college: Salem) is a 29 year old 193cm guard from Brooklyn, New York who is playing his eighth professional season and first with GoldCoast Wallabies NLB (2nd League). He played 3 seasons with the Giessen Pointers (Germany-RegionalligaThis season for Bensheim he averaged 19,5ppg, 3,8rpg, 2,0apg and 1,5spg. He has had experience in countries like El Salvador and Bosnia. He recently played for the South Shore Monarchs (TBL) playing 8 games averaging 22.4ppg, 5.6rpg, 4.3apg, 1.6spg, FGP: 50.8%, 3PT: 35.0%, FT: 83.3%. He began his basketball career at Clinton Community College and also played two years at Salem University (NCAA2). This season he teams up with Miles Schmidt-Scheuber with weekly chats about his basketball season.

Congrats on the big 92-71 win over Levaux. The wins keep coming. Your still perfect in 2023. Is the self-confidence climbing day by day?

We are very happy that the work is showing. Our coaches have been pushing us to stay focused and take it one step at a time. We don’t want to celebrate now just looking forward.

The first 2 wins of 2023 were close ones, but how good did it feel winning by 20 plus points?

It did feel good to win by a bigger margin. We didn’t play a perfect game but I think we handled our business. The ball was moving and everyone was happy with the win.

Talk a little about the 40 minutes. Was this as easy looking as the score implies or were there closer stretches in score?

We started off hot. We were in a good groove but they came back in the game and really gave us a run in the second and third. Ultimately we ran off with the game in the fourth quarter by sticking to our game plan.

You guys defended very well. What adjustments has the team been making the last weeks to find more consistency?

That credit is to our practice. Coach Tresor and Lionel have been pushing us to lock in on defense. They stress about our defense we know we have guys who can score but the key for us winning is focusing on that end of the floor and everyone has a focus on that.

How key were the 11 more free throws made by Wallabies? Were you happy with the team aggressiveness?

We were aggressive. I’m happy we are making free throws. Especially in this league when you get free throws you have to make them. We just want to control what we can and making free throws is on us.

The only guy that really gave you problems was Davie Champagnie. What made so difficult to control him?

He is a very talented player . He can score in multiple ways and is a savvy player. He took advantage of matchups and is also strong. He gave us a great game.

Wallabies had 6 guy s scoring in double figures. Was that one of the best teams scoring efforts since you have been there?


We have a lot of guys who can score any time we have that many guys in double digits I think it’s a great thing. That means the ball is moving, and we are looking for the best possible outcome unselfishly.

You had a very solid game with 21 points, 6 rebounds, 7 assists and 2 steals. Do your expectations of your game continue to grow?

I’m happy that what I brought today resulted in the win . I’m happy with the rebounds and assists . I felt the last 2 games I didn’t get to help out in those categories. I really wanted to play an all around game so I’m happy with that.

You next play Morges Saint-Prex who are 10-5. What will be key for getting the win?

I think if we continue to focus on our selves play together work hard we can have a chance.

Thanks Chris for the chat.

Tags : CHRISTOPHER MILLER, GOLDCOAST WALLABIES, GERMAN BASKETBALL

Seeing An NAIA player playing at a high level overseas is about as rare as believing Kenrich Williams won´t be asked unending questions about being beaten on Lebron´s record breaking all-time scoring record NBA shot, but it happens. But mostly you see NAIA guys toiling in lower leagues around the globe dreaming and grinding daily to live the dream. But what about those NAIA guys that don´t reach Europe right away? There are numerous guys who take years to get overseas and one of those fortunate ballers has been Shawn Scott. The versatile player played his last college game in 2018 and from then until the fall 2021 had a huge open space in his basketball resume. He did stay active with basketball, but nothing really worth noting. He attended some eurobasket summer league camps, but nothing came of it despite feeling like he left a good impression. Life wasn´t easy balancing basketball and a 9-5 job. “I stayed in the gym and stayed ready because I knew at any time an opportunity could come. I also played in many Pro-Am leagues in Phoenix, Arizona, and played in a bunch of rec leagues. I also was working in a gym facility almost full-time, and at the same time worked for Amazon as well”, remembered Shawn Scott. In his mind he knew he could play, but the question was how he was going to get overseas? One has to wonder why it took him so long? Was it failed representation of just that typical NAIA stigma? “I think it’s just that the NAIA doesn’t get the respect that it deserves overseas and most agents and coaches will overlook most players just based off the level when there’s many players who have had much success in the first three leagues in Germany, so it definitely has been done more often than you think. For me, I think it was a mix of failed representation and the NAIA stigma because I feel like I had the accolades and the stats, but never was given the chance until late”, stressed Shawn Scott. Guys have given up going so many years without getting a real chance, but he never gave up. The trust on the process and belief in his own game rewarded him. “It was a very tough time for me, and even after a year of not having any opportunity, it definitely got me down and was very close to giving up but I knew I could never do that because I had put in too much work and I knew that eventually something would come. The support from my family and friends definitely helped a lot because no matter how long it took they still believed that I was overseas ready and they just told me to stay the course. It’s always been my dream to play overseas since college and for me, nothing was ever just given to me with basketball so I had to work extremely hard and be patient and it’s a blessing that it all came together and I was able to live out my dream”, warned Shawn Scott. Working at Amazon and playing in rec leagues never diminished his basketball dream and coming overseas as he finally could live the dream in Germany.

Shawn Scott who lists ex Austin Peay(NCAA) great John Murray as the toughest cover he ever faced on the floor was born January 30^th, 1996 in Jenks, Oklahoma. He received his first basketball experience at Jenks high school. He then opted to go to school at Southwestern Christian University(NAIA from 2015-2018 playing a total of 100 games. His fondest moment was reaching the NAIA tournament final. “That was a great run that we had that year and it’s a shame that I couldn’t finish my college basketball career a champion but I loved every moment of that trip and that run with some great teammates and great guys”, said Shawn Scott.  In his freshman year he averaged  8.7ppg, 3.7rpg, 2.0apg, 1.2spg, FGP: 46.6%, 3PT: 26.8%, FT: 68.2%. His game took off in his last 2 years as he averaged 16.3ppg, 6.1rpg, 4.1apg, 2.1spg, FGP: 59.2%, 3PT: 37.8%, FT: 69.2% as a junior and as a senior averaged 15.3ppg, 3.8rpg, 2.8apg, 2.1spg, FGP: 59.1%, FT: 76.9%. “I think playing in the NAIA showed me how to play with so much grit and play every game 100% and to play with no fear. At this level, nothing is ever given to you and you have to work 10 times harder to get playing time and every minute counts. I think this is where my defense started to take big strides, and it was always my job to guard the best players, and I took great pride in that”, stressed Shawn Scott. He scored in double figures in 51 of 67 games in his last 2 years and had some explosive games against Dallas Christian with 39 points and hit Mid America CH with 34 points. He also knows he couldn´t have attained all the success without the guidance and pushing of head coach David Bliss. “I’m so thankful for Coach Bliss, and the two years I had with him. He was such a great coach and I really believe that he made me into to the player that I started to become. When you have a coach like that, who has Division I experience and track record like his. for someone to believe in you like that it gave me so much confidence that I could do anything on the court and it was always my goal to never let him down and give him all I got, because he trusted me”, remembered Shawn Scott who remembers beating teammate Jahmari Gordon at 1-1, but losing in a dunk contest against him. In his 3 years in the NAIA he achieved All-SAC Co-Defensive Player of the Year -2017, 18, All-SAC Honorable Mention -2017, All-SAC Second Team -2018, and NCCAA D1 All-America Scholar-Athletes Team -2018.

Miles Schmidt-Scheuber and John Murry in Rhondorf, Germany in October 2019

The Oklahoma native who lists LeBron James, Jamal Crawford, Chris Paul and Magic Johnson on his personal NBA Mount Rushmore finally made the trek overseas in 2021-2022 playing for TVO Biggesee (Germany-2.Regionalliga) helping the club move up to the Regionalliga. Every American has that special wake up call finding out how much different the overseas life is compared to home. “I honestly think it was having to walk everywhere and use the transportation system because in the states all I did was drive a car and I think that was a wake up call that I was far from home and I was going to have to adjust to being overseas”, remembered Shawn Scott. This season in the Regionalliga with Biggersee he needed no adjustment period as he was averaging an overwhelming 31.2ppg, 10.4rpg, 6.1apg, 3.6spg, 2FGP: 56.2%, 3FGP: 30.4%, FT: 77.6%.. This was a massive jump from the kind of numbers he put up in the NAIA league. “I would say that the NAIA was a very tough league and much tougher than people think and I was fortunate to play against some very high talent that only made me a better player. I would also say that I have improved greatly in the past 5 years and still feel that I’m still improving and only just now entering my prime”, warned Shawn Scott. He scored in double figures in all 14 games including 30 points or more 9 times. He also had 9 double doubles and exploded for 42 points in a 95-90 win over Ibenburen. He also achieved an unbelievable quadruple double against Leverkusen that had many very talented guys on board including ex BBL players Viktor Frankl-Maus and Thomas Michel. It was embarrassing that I didn´t read the stat line far enough as I read only triple double, but he had 35 points, 11 rebounds, 10 assists and 11 steals. “I know it could be quite unbelievable, but if you go back and look at the stats of that game, I finished with a quadruple double which I also couldn´t believe. This game meant a lot to me because it was probably the best game of my career and we were able to win the game in overtime as well against very talented players who were experienced so it made it that much sweeter”, expressed Shawn Scott.

Sometimes the path of professional players change from one day to the next and that is exactly what the basketball God had in store for Shawn Scott who lists Michael Williams, James Still, Marvin White, Bilal Atli, and Jamal Ray as his 5 best teammates of all-time. He decided to take another opportunity and signed with BG 2000 Berlin (Germany-Regionalliga). “My agent came with this offer to go to Berlin because they were serious about making the move to Pro B and said that they could use some extra help and we both thought that this could be very good for my future and so I decided that I will make the move and come here”, said Shawn Scott. Not only did the scenery change from Biggersee to Berlin, but his stats also did. He isn´t that overwhelming player now as he was in Biggersee, but for most guys winning takes priority over stacking the stat sheet. “ It’s definitely something I’m not use to as I was heavily relied on in Biggersee and it has been an adjustment but I think I just have to catch a rhythm and get more familiar with the team and it’s only been 3 games that I’ve played so far but I’m sure I’ll figure it out and be able to have some big games. But most importantly, we’re winning and that’s all I want to do and I haven’t exploded for big games that I’m capable of doing so I think it will just be much easier to win games once it all comes together”, warned Shawn Scott. There is a lot of incredible talent with BG 2000 Berlin like Marley Jean Louis who is a walking bucket and has played in the second league Pro A which is 2 steps above the Regionalliga. “First, Marley is a pure scorer and I think it’s dangerous that we are on the court together and I want to be able to take some stress off of him and get him easy open shots but I think we both can be explosive scorers at the same time so it’s something I’m not really worried about. We’ve only played three games together and I think it’s only a matter of time until we are both exploding for big games. It will be very scary for teams”, warned Shawn Scott. He has had a big battle for the Regionalliga scoring crown with American Ricardo Artis and has enjoyed every minute of it. “ I talked to Ricardo briefly and we both played in the same area in Oklahoma but I don’t see it as a challenge as much. I just think it’s two very good players who are trying to help their teams win by any means and if he happens to pass me then he deserves it. He’s a great player who also fills the stat sheet”, expressed Shawn Scott.  

The durable Mr everything who believes Lebron is the GOAT and the classic Coming to America movie should have been left alone is a 185cm guard that compares his game to rising NBA player Ja Morant. He is a crazy athlete that is a high flyer and doesn´t shy from going into the paint and challenging bigs.  His versatility may be his biggest strength, but he also possesses others. “I think I have the Westbrook mentality and always admired that he can literally do everything on the court and I think it only benefits to getting the win when you can be a point guard and rebound like big men and play defense and just do a bit of everything. I have a very high basketball IQ and I’m a very good passer. I think my speed with a ball in my hand is unmatched makes it hard for anyone to stay in front of me”, added Shawn Scott. But it isn´t just his offense that is breathtaking to observe, but also his passion for being a lock down defender. “Since Highschool it was always my job to guard the best players and I take pride in playing defense and not letting players have a normal scoring day. I’ve always been the same defender and still am and I’m getting stronger and it’s making it easier to guard bigger people. I just want to be that defender that everyone is worried to be guarded by because If you’re able to stop the best guy then it’s more likely that you’ll win”, warned Shawn Scott. He knows that his trek overseas has just begun, and that he still has a long journey up the basketball ladder and knows what he still needs to work on. “I think my outside shooting for sure. It’s the main thing I’m missing that will only make that much harder to guard and I’m trying to get better at that every day and I will get there 100%”, stressed Shawn Scott.  It will be interesting to see where the basketball journey of Shawn Scott will go in the next years. He had the patience in the States and now has his foot in the door overseas. He will always know what got him this far and what will get him further up the basketball ladder. “It’s definitely a blessing to be able to make it overseas after having to be patient and waiting so long because usually it’s not normal that you would have to wait three years after college to go overseas and it was quite the journey for me and I think it makes it that much sweeter that I made it and having success at the same time and never gave up and I think that should be every player who came from a low level’s mindset to never give up and to keep going until you make it”, stressed Shawn Scott. How often have we heard that famous phrase “never give up and keep going”? millions of times, but Shawn Scott is simply another example that preservation does pay off at sometime.

Quantez Robertson (188-SG-1984, college: Auburn, agency: Interperformances) is a 38 year old 188cm guard from Cincinnati that is playing his 14th professional season for the Fraport Skyliners. The ex Auburn (NCAA) minister of defense became the easyCredit BBL all-time steal getter and recently dethroned Pascal Roller as the all-time leading scorer. He spoke to germanhoops.com about his thoughts to Lebron James becoming the NBA’s all-time leading scorer.

Lebron James has beaten Kareem Abdul Jabbar’s NBA all-time scoring record. Did you stay up to watch history?

Actually I didn’t. I wasn’t even able to watch my daughters game. I fell asleep. My wife usually holds the phone for me to watch.

How does one put this record into perspective best? It stood almost 40 years?

It shows that even though he missed some periods of time in the last years with the Lakers that he could still continue to play at a high level and score at a high level and be consistent year in and year out.

He scored 36 points in 26 minutes. Was it another normal day at the office?

Yeh it was. He was scoring something like 35 points for a span every game the last weeks. He can score almost when he wants to.

How much is that ball going to be worth?

I think that Kareem will sign the ball and Lebron will put it in a glass case with all his other signed stuff that he has.

Russell Westbrook made the pass. Do you think that in 20 years the pass could be remembered more than his triple doubles?

No I don’t think so. I’m sure he will always be remembered for making the pass, but people will remember more that he averaged a triple double for almost 4 years.

His record breaking basket was a step back over Kenrich Williams. Is that the kind of shot you expected knowing the kind of player he is? Or would you have expected a dunk for the spectacular finish?

If I were a betting man, I would have bet on him getting a nice transition dunk or some kind of spectacular dunk coming down the middle.

There obviously is a lot of respect for Kareem, by the basketball world, but what would have happened on social media if Lebron had gotten the record with a sky hook shot?

Social media would have gone crazy especially with Kareem in the building. It would have been like a tribute for Kareem from Lebron.

Kareem is such a gentleman. You didn’t grow up with him, but what does his legacy mean to younger guys? Can they even understand what that guy did?

I don’t think that many will. Not many know that he won with Milwaukee and won with Oscar Robertson. The younger people won’t know about that. People will remember him more from his Laker days with Magic.

Lebron will have more than 40,000 points when it’s all over. Back in 1984 people said it would never be broken? Will this record be broken?

I think it can only be broken if there is somebody that stays healthy, can take care of their body and can score like Lebron did. I think only guys like Steph Curry and Kevin Durant could.

If Luka Doncic continues to play to 40 stays fit and becomes a physical specimen like Lebron, could he dethrone him?

I don’t think he will. He already played a good amount of years in Europe. I don’t think that his body will stand up. I think he could possibly play 15 years in the NBA.

Does this record finally give Lebron the GOAT status over Michael Jordan?

No I don’t. For the younger generation yes. I’m sure there are also older people that will give the GOAT to Lebron because they like his game.

What is your favorite Lebron moment that you witnessed live or on TV?

I remember some plays from when he was with the Cavs. I remember him dunking over a Bull player and going down the middle for a big dunk against Detroit.

Thanks Tez for the chat.

Tags : QUANTEZ ROBERTSON, FRAPORT SKYLINERS FRANKFURT, GERMAN BASKETBALL

Jeremy Ingram (183-G-1991, college: AAMU) is a191 cm guard that was born in Alabama and has played his entire professional career in Germany for teams like Speyer, Idstein, Bensheim and recently SG Mannheim.This season he is playing for Regionalliga team Bargteheide. Last season with SG Mannheim he picked up South West Regionalliga player of the year while averaging (32.1ppg), 5.7rpg, 4.2apg, Steals-4 (2.6spg), FGP: 55.4%, 3PT: 35.4%, 9%. He began his career with Enterprise State Community College (JUCO) and then finished with Alabama A&M University (NCAA). He teams up with Miles Schmidt-Scheuber on a weekly basis this season to talk basketball.

You suffered a tough 95-66 loss to Stade. How tough was this coming from a 2 game winning streak having to suffer a blow out?

It was tough because it was a big loss in a Home game in front of the home crowd so that’s what made it even worse.

Was it just one of those days where nothing worked? You shot under 40% from the free throw line.

Well we had a rough week of practice due to everyone being sick and illnesses and injuries, including myself so I think mentally we were just not prepared for this game. They were 15-1 for a reason.

What makes it so difficult to play this team?

I honestly think we just missed a lot of shots we normally hit. Stade played good but I think we beat ourselves this game.

Bargteheide couldn’t contain Boadu and Angelats who controlled the boards and playmaking. Was it easy to see that guys like this have played at higher levels?

Yea they definitely did their thing for their team. They played very solid which we knew they would.

You scored 11 points and had a tough shooting day. Did you notice that they had done their home work on you?

Honestly I had 10 points in the 1st quarter and came out of the game with 3 minutes left in the 1st quarter and I had just got to cooking. So I was pulled out in the middle of doing what I do so when I came back in the game I just couldn’t find my rhythm again.

What will you focus on most this week so you will be best prepared for Bergedorf?

Well we also had another week of a lot of illnesses so we will just have to come up with enough strength to win this game. I’m sure they won’t make it easy for us.

How fitting is it meeting 2/15 Bergedorf after a loss like that? You won the first meeting by 16 points. What will be key to getting the win?

They key is just to not play down or focus on their record but to play the same way we’ve been playing all season to get us the important victories that we do have.

Thanks Jeremy for the chat.

Tags : JEREMY INGRAM, TSV BARGTEHEIDE, GERMAN BASKETBALL

A little more than 8 years ago Will Cherry (185-PG-1991, college: Montana) had the fabulous opportunity to strap on the Cavs jersey and get to play the game that he loved with the GOAT Lebron James and uncle Drew Kyrie Irving. At that same time Quantez Robertson was already an established played in the German easyCredit BBL and in his sixth season and belonged to the top defenders. Fast forward to 2023 and all 4 are still active. Irving has played for a few teams and now is on his way to Dallas to wreck serious havoc with Luka Doncic while Lebron James got a NBA title to Cleveland and since is playing with the Lakers. Cherry on the other hand has proved to be on the move since his Cavs days having played in 5 different countries and for 8 organizations. Only one guy has been faithful to one organization and that is Quantez Robertson who is in his 14th season with the Fraport Skyliners. Last season Cherry and Robertson who is known as Tez to anyone who follows basketball in Germany were teammates. This season, the ex Alba Berlin guard Will Cherry moved to the MHP Riesen Ludwigsburg in December and met Quantez Robertson again on Sunday, but this time as foes. But this time something was very different than last season. This time he could of greeted Tez with ‘hey what’s good Mr Skyliner alltime leading scorer’. But actually these guys have remained good friends and spent sometime together before Sunday’s game. ‘Tez is my boy. We talk all the time. I was really happy to see him again in Ludwigsburg. I had him over to the house the night before the game and I cooked burgers and fries and we chopped it up about our families. I’m really very happy for his feat. He has put up tremendous stats for the longest time. The Skyliner all-time leading scorer title is just another accolade for him during his great career with the Fraport Skyliners and in the BBL’, stressed ex Alba Berlin guard Will Cherry. There haven’t been many Americans overseas that have played as long as guys like Rickey Paulding did for the EWE Baskets for 15 seasons or Tez for the Fraport Skyliners. Are these guys a dying breed overseas? ‘I don’t know but you just don’t see Americans overseas staying that long with one team. You see guys sticking around with Euroleague team where your paid great salaries. Us Americans don’t come here focusing to stay with 1 team. For us it’s a business. We aren’t in the NBA. We come overseas strictly for the money and if we win titles along the way then great’, warned Will Cherry. With Lebron James only 36 points away, Will Cherry can very soon say I was teammates with the NBA all-time leading scorer and with the Fraport Skyliners all-time leading scorer with Quantez Robertson, a fact that he is very proud of. ‘I’m always asked about Lebron, but I never brag about it. People at home brag about it. I’m proud that I can tell my 2 year old daughter who already loves basketball one day that I played with one of the greatest players of all-time. Lebron passed me the ball for my first NBA basket and he always gave me good advice. Tez is a like a brother but even better person. What Tez does on the court is who he is. It is just an incredible feat that Tez has stayed with one team. In the end it has rewarded him’, stressed Will Cherry.

Post game interview Miles Schmidt-Scheuber and Quantez Robertson after securing the Fraport Skyliners all-time scoring record

Will Cherry who played Euroleague in Greece with Olympiakos a few years ago met his ex team Fraport Skyliners last weekend and helped lead the team to a convincing 96-81. The MHP Riesen hadn’t been playing great basketball as of late as they arrived into the contest riding a 3 game losing streak and had lost 5 of the last 6 games and in between had masterfully beat FC Bayern Munich. One saw a sense of urgency from the get go, but it wasn’t necessarily because of revenge from losing the first game in Frankfurt. ‘We had a sense of urgency from the last loses. We were up 20 points in some games and still let teams steal games from us. We wanted to get back on track against Frankfurt’, warned Will Cherry. The MHP Riesen began well from the start gaining control, but always allowed the Fraport Skyliners to stick around. ‘Our start was vital. We hadn’t done it the last games except against Crailsheim. We had foot on the necks of our opponents, but couldn’t keep it. Even if they went on a run later, we still kept our foot on the gas’, said Will Cherry. One guy who is having an incredible rookie season is ex Notre Dame (NCAA) great Prentis Hubb who is top 5 in scoring and dishing out 6 assists per game. Whereas A Lebron James was like a mentor in 2014 for Cherry, now is he like a mentor for a guy like Hubb? ‘I am kind of like a mentor to him as well as Jhonathan Dunn. I try to teach them to be better pro’s. I tell Prentiss all the time don’t take anything too lightly with what he is doing. What he is doing in the BBL isn’t easy. I tell him to keep doing his thing. Sometimes he get’s a little to loose with the ball, but he is very smart and can still refocus’, stated Will Cherry. In the second quarter the Fraport Skyliners heightened their game scoring 22 points and made some adjustments on defense to lead 43-39 at the break. It hasn’t been easy for the Tez friend to witness the Skyliner’s reduced role and that he has played center this season. ‘We couldn’t get stops on defense and hung our heads on defense. Ludwigsburg’s staple is our defense and we didn’t play defense. Frankfurt got more comfortable and made shots thus raising their self confidence. We didn’t play good 1-1 defense and couldn’t keep our guy in front of us. It has been very strange seeing Tez have a reduced role and play some center. He might be older and have lost a step, but the man is still very smart and still has enough gas to help Frankfurt in so many areas of the game’, warned Will Cherry.

Miles Schmidt-Scheuber and Will Cherry in Frankfurt in 2021

The turning point of the game arrived in the third quarter where the MHP Riesen Ludwigsburg exploded for 33 points, but still only led by 7 points 72-65 after 30 minutes. Despite the scoring onslaught Ludwigsburg still allowed enough points to allow Frankfurt to hang around. ‘We didn’t really make too many adjustments. We had more focus and just had the attitude of man up. We wanted to reestablish who we are and have our identity back especially on defense. We got stops and as a result were able to get on transition and get easy baskets’, commented Will Cherry. One player that was key in the scoring spree was undersized power forward and ex Western Kentucky University (NCAA) player Justin Johnson who showed he can be a walking bucket. ‘He really got going and established himself as a big threat. I appreciate his high IQ the most in his game. He really knows how to play the game. Whenever we talk about the game we are always on the same page. He had a tough path after his suspension, but I was really happy for his big game against Frankfurt. That was a big step for him. When we he plays like that then it is really hard to beat us’, stressed Will Cherry. In the fourth quarter, the MHP Riesen Ludwigsburg didn’t waste any time slamming the back door shut on the Fraport Skyliners marching on a 12-0 run and deciding the game. ‘We knew that we have allowed teams to come back in previous games in the fourth quarter so we came right at Frankfurt and hit them in the mouth. We didn’t want to leave any doubt that we could lose this game. We did a good job playing the defense the way we know how, getting rebounds and getting easy baskets. They did a good job with taking advantage of match ups early in the game playing small ball, but that didn’t happen in the fourth quarter’, stated Will Cherry. Another player that was key in the win and in many others this season was ex Division2 player Jhonathan Dunn of South Nazarene. He is one of 100’s of great guards playing in Europe right now that had to start in lower leagues as he balled in Holland last season. Cherry is totally enthused by this guys stellar play. ‘When you can shoot the ball the way he can, it doesn’t matter what league you came from. Coach does a good job drawing up plays for to help him get going. The way he can shoot the ball is second to none. He has a crazy clip. People make a million dollars a season the way he shoots the ball. The BBL is just the first step for him. He will make it to higher leagues and make a name for himself’; warned Will Cherry.

The ex University of Montana great is playing his third season in Germany. When you’re a 10 year vet, you tend to be more selective in your choices. He skipped training camp in August and elected to stay at home to work out and found the right opportunity in December with the MHP Riesen and is content of having made the right choice ‘I just didn’t find the right situation earlier in the season. I felt like my representation at the time weren’t doing their job. For me it was better to wait instead of taking something I didn’t want. I have always said I’m only coming overseas if it is worth my time. Ludwigsburg has been different, but a good different. I didn’t know what to expect, but I really like it. It has been a little adjustment getting used to the defensive principles, but I see why this club has been a top 4 team the last years. It is a good run organization and I understand why players have gone on to bigger and better things’, stressed Will Cherry. He began slowly in Frankfurt last season and it isn’t any different in Ludwigsburg. His playmaking is top as he is averaging 6,0 apg and is averaging 1,6spg. It is his scoring that’s down at 8,0ppg and his three point shooting is only at 19%. But just like he told me 15 months ago in Frankfurt, he isn’t worried about his offensive game. ‘My scoring will come, because it is what I do. I’m still trying to find my offensive rhythm. My defense and running the team will always come naturally to me. Once I find my offensive rhythm, we will be so much better. I just need to learn to pick my spots in this offensive system. I know I don’t have to score as much as I did with the Fraport Skyliners. I have only played 6 games. It needs time’, stressed Will Cherry. He is confident that his playmaking will profit with so much offensive power. ‘We have a lot of weapons. I didn’t score at a big clip against Frankfurt, but I still impacted the game in other ways. I got guys in good scoring situations by manipulating Frankfurt’s defense. I tell my teammates all the time just to run with me and I will get them open shots’, warned Will Cherry.

Lebron James getting on the team bus in Boston in November 2021

But back to Lebron James. He is only 36 points away from becoming the NBA’s all-time leading scorer and passing Mr Sky hook Kareem Abdul Jabbar. The question is will he reach it against the Oklahoma Thunder or Milwaukee Bucks? Will Cherry might only have been teammates with Lebron James for a short time, but technically he helped Lebron just a tad to reaching this incredible record. Cherry’s humbleness to this question is overwhelming. ‘I don’t know about that. Lebron had the ball in his hands a lot. I’m just so thankful that I could witness greatness at the age of 23 and be able to see a top 5 player of all-time play. I had a front row seat. What he has done in his career is unreal. I love to watch him play’, added Will Cherry. I personally feel guys like Bill Russell and Larry Bird deserve more praise in the GOAT debate but for the longest time everyone is focused about the Jordan-Lebron GOAT debate. So will Lebron be the GOAT after he becomes the NBA all-time leading scorer? ‘For me it will always be Michael Jordan. This new Lebron record is a longevity record. Jordan didn’t come to the NBA at age 18 or play 20 years. Of course this is an incredible feat for Lebron. Lebron has been fortunate playing in an era where science had a big impact of how you could take care of your body. Jordan is the Goat because he made the NBA global and took it to another level. Jordan helped the NBA take off after the Bird and magic era. Plus Jordan went 6/6 in finals’, stressed Will Cherry. One thing is for sure, Will Cherry will always have to answer Lebron James questions. And that won’t get any less after he dethrones Kareem. Will Cherry will always be connected to Lebron James in some way.