There are always guys no matter what league your in that you go and watch for a reason. In the NBA people pay to watch Steph Curry make beautiful three pointers or the all around dominating game of Giannis or delusional jealous fans just to heckle Lebron James. Last season in Germany you can be sure there were many people that marked Bonn and Crailsheim to watch because of the two crafty and exciting point guards Parker Jackson-Cartwright and TJ Shorts. There was a reason why they were the MVP candidates last season. But there are also other guys that people come to watch. For me I didn’t only mark Jackson-Cartwright in my notebook last season, but also Javontae Hawkins (196-G-1993, college: Fordham) who was a key part for the success of the Telekom Baskets Bonn. But before anything else, he has some love for all his ex point guards in Germany that fed him the ball for many points over the years. ‘You can’t go wrong at all with either of those 2 but you can also throw Dewayne Russell and Trae Bell-Hayes in there too’, warned Javontae Hawkins. A reason to come watch Javontae Hawkins is for his all around good play at both ends, but one thing that really sticks out is his incredible knack for hitting crazy long range shots. But if one thought that he learned that overnight or gradually over the years then your wrong. The last guy for me in the easyCredit BBL to be able to make those kind of shots was German Heiko Schaffartzik. Obviously his 1-1 skills have to be very good for him to be able to make those kind of shots. ‘ I have always been a great 1-1 scorer since HS, I grew up playing 1-1 everyday with friends, so it’s kind of natural I would say. I think the game has evolved to deeper range, but honestly I’ve been shooting deep range since I was a teenager. It’s kind of a natural feeling when you work on those type of shots in the off season and even during the season’. Stressed Javontae Hawkins. Last season the ex Fordham University (NCAA) great hit a game winner against Hamburg which he ranks as his best in his career and this season hit one in France against Le Portal. This season he is playing for Limoges ESP Elite and heck give him the ball and he’ll even score from the Eiffel Tower if needed. The Eiffel Tower is 12,5 kilometers from Halle Carpentier where Paris Basketball play. Don’t underestimate Javonte Hawkins because he will make crazy shots.

The 29 year old 196cm guard from Huntington West Virginia who has 5 siblings came overseas in 2017 after a solid NCAA career. After 2 non spectacular seasons at South Florida (NCAA), he then made the jump to Eastern Kentucky (NCAA) where he broke through and averaged 17,0ppg and in his senior season moved to Fordham University (NCAA) where he averaged 14,0ppg. He spent his first 2 pro seasons in Finland and Greece where he got a good feel for the European game and was consistent. Despite going 0-4 against Euroleague clubs Olympiakos and Panathinaikos, he scored in double figures in 3 of 4 games and proved he could hold his own against some of the best players overseas. Then came his successful time in Germany. He continued to prove he could play well in a new system in Crailsheim and averaged 15.9ppg, 4.5rpg, 1.4apg, FGP: 52.6%, 3PT: 36.8%, FT: 79.4%. MHP Riesen Ludwigsburg head coach John Patrick recognized his talent and brought him to Ludwigsburg, but a brutal injury kept him out of action. He couldn’t play for more than a year and had to suffer some real growing pains. But when he was fit he played for the Telekom Baskets Bonn averaging 15.5ppg, 3.6rpg, 1.1apg, FGP: 50.8%, 3PT: 37.3%, FT: 77.8%. It is quite apparent that Tuomas Iisalo has been massive for the growth in his game. ‘It helped my game a lot. Being under Tuomas Iisalo for those 2 seasons really groomed me as a player. He has an unmatched work ethic as a coach and I literally use a lot of things he taught me even while being in a different league’, stressed Javontae Hawkins.

Now the guard who can score in bunches is playing in the France Pro A and Basketball Champions League. After spending Christmas in Germany the last years, he spent this Christmas in France, but didn’t see much difference in how it is celebrated there. He also didn’t have any special new years resolutions except for being a consistent man of God, husband, father and friend. I personally would have thought he would have remained in Germany with the Telekom Baskets Bonn or even received a special opportunity with Alba Berlin or FC Bayern Munich, but the basketball God had another calling for him. ‘No it wasn’t a serious issue. I love Germany just had to take full advantage of the opportunity that’s given’, said Javontae Hawkins. After really suffering for so long and having to sit out the 20-21 season, he enjoys every day suiting up for practice because he knows every day could be the last day playing. ‘I’m very blessed and I don’t take it for granted. God blessed me with a gift and I’m thankful to be able to be healthy playing this game’, stated Javontae Hawkins. Last season he experienced a great run in the playoffs in Germany and wants to do it again this season in France in an up tempo league. Limoges CSP Elite won titles in the 80’s and last in 2015. Currently they have a 9-8 record and are in eighth place. There is still a lot of work to do, but the season is still long. But the current order of business is to win the 3 game Basketball Champions League series against his ex team MHP Riesen Ludwigsburg. In the first game in Ludwigsburg, the MHP Riesen grinded out a 85-81 win where Hawkins contributed 17 points. The MHP Riesen Ludwigsburg cleaned house after successful coach John Patrick left for Japan. This season the club has a new hungry and ambitious coach with Josh King and many new players, but the success is still there. The work and success reminds one of how Tuomas Iisalo was in Crailsheim. One player who is still around is top defender Yorman Polas. ‘ Yorman is a great friend of mine we shared times competing with and against each other these past 3 years. It’s always a joy to play against him because he brings the best out of me’, commented Javontae Hawkins.

Miles Schmidt-Scheuber and Javantae Hawkins in Frankfurt in 2022

The family man who became a dad a few days ago and ranks Steph Curry in the top 3 best point guards of all-time came to Limoges, but didn’t come to a totally foreign place as he became teammates with 2 ex easyCredit BBL players with Desi Rodriguez and Gavin Schilling. ‘They have been very important because we can help each other adjust when needed’, added Javontae Hawkins. In Bonn there were many functioning pieces that helped the success of the team and it isn’t any different in Limoges with Americans Bryce Jones and Jayvon Graves. Graves is one of the few professional players hat was able to breathe the special Lebron James aura at St Vincent St Marys high school where he balled as a kid. ‘They are very important. They’re the engine to the team. They should always be aggressive to put us in situations to win games which both guys have been. I’ve been knowing Jayvon since he was in HS and he came on a visit back when I was at Fordham. We’ve always stayed in touch and the sky is the limit for the type of talent he has. He has NBA/Euroleague level talent for sure along with his humility I see nothing but great things in his future’, warned Javontae Hawkins. Hawkins is having another solid season in 2 competitions as he is averaging 14,1ppg, 3,7rpg, 1,5apg and shooting 36% from the parking lot in the France pro A and in the Basketball Champions league is averaging 12,4ppg, 3,0rpg and 1,5apg and shooting 31% from outside. His role is simple this season as he is the leader, their best defender and being an all around player on the offensive end. He has been telling me for years the same old story as to what the secret is to being great in every place he has ever played. ‘I remain persistent and consistent even through adversity’, warned Javontae Hawkins. He scored 21 points a piece against Paris, Monaco and Le Portal. Tonight he will give all his best in his living room in Limoges trying to force a game 3 in Ludwigsburg. Who knows perhaps he will meet his ex coach Zuomas Iisalo again this season in the Basketball Champions League. He also knows what has been the secret to Iisalo’s success the last years. ‘There’s an old saying ‘if it ain’t broke don’t fix it’ Tuomas has proven over the years that his uptempo offense and aggressive hard nose defense WORKS! He doesn’t do anything new, or out of character and still manages to prove why he’s a Euroleague level coach. I will always be a fan of his teams’, expressed Javontae Hawkins. Who knows maybe Tuomas Iisalo will reach the Euroleague one day with FC Bayern Munich? ‘I could definitely see it. He deserves it for sure’, stressed Javontae Hawkins. Who knows maybe one day the paths of Tuomas Iisalo and Javontae Hawkins might cross again. Perhaps in a big city in Bavaria.

The overwhelming and dominating play of the EPG Baskets Koblenz couldn’t last forever. For months they had been blowing away teams left and right and every now and then one wished for some tighter games. The club led by Pat Elzie finally got that game against Hanau a few days before 2023 losing by 3 points. They went into 2023 motivated to win and won in Letitershofen and back in their own living room against the Basketball Lowen even if it wasn’t pretty and involved hard work. A win is a win and sometimes you need the tight ones. The EPG Baskets Koblenz took their 11-1 record into the game against Team Ehingen Urspring with continued huge aspirations and met a team that was in the middle of the pack with a 5-7 record. They came into 2023 having erased their 3 game losing streak having won a nail bitter in Leitershofen. On an untypical Tuesday night game with mild temperatures in January, the EPG Baskets stepped on the court and had a poor first half despite having the lead, but in the second half found their game and in the end won in an easy manner 93-73. A big problem this season for the EPG Baskets Koblenz has been their inconsistency and that really came to light in the first half. ‘It was a hard fought game. We were up and down in the first half. There were phases where we played our game, but we had too many defensive mistakes that led to easy baskets for Ehingen. In the second half we were able to play our game. We moved the ball better and had more opportunity on transition for easy baskets’, commented ex easyCredit BBL player Marvin Heckel. Team Ehingen played a solid game and lived off the mistakes of Koblenz in the first half, but in the second half couldn’t contain Koblenz as well and had no answer for Friederici and the big man duo of Poelking and Saffer on the boards. ‘Koblenz is one of the top 2 best teams in the league and if not best on paper. It was the best team that we have played this season. They controlled the pace and killed us on the boards. They always threw punches and we had no punches. They dominated every phase of the game and wore us down’, stressed Team Ehingen top scorer Andre Nation.

Moritz Heck at the ft line

The EPG Baskets Koblenz went into the game without ex easycredit BBL player Dominique Johnson who had the flu. Team Ehingen Urspring didn’t waste anytime getting on the board getting a trey from Andre Nation only a few seconds in for the 3-0 lead. But that would be the only lead of the contest as the EPG Baskets Koblenz then launched a brutal assault scoring 12 unasnwered points to lead 12-3. In the run it was 2017 easyCredit BBL allstar slam dunk contest champion Brian Butler who scored 2 lay ups and made a massive dunk. German Moses Poelking added free throws and ex Heidelberg sniper Leon Friederici (190-SG-1995) added a bomb form outside. ‘We played the way we did at the start of the season. When we play fast, it is really hard to defend us. Butler was a real presence inside’, stressed EPG Baskets Koblenz manager Thomas Klein. But then came the inconsistency of Koblenz that has dogged them on many occasions as they allowed a 15-6 run as Team Ehingen Urspring suddenly had dead locked the game at 18-18. In the run the guests received valuable support from ex Tuebingen sniper Daniel Zacek who supplied 8 points and his trademark 2 three pointers. Nation also delivered a trey while reserve big man David Dostal scored 2 buckets inside after Vincent Neugebauer had picked up 2 quick fouls. The EPG Baskets Koblenz totally lost their rhythm and were forcing too much on offense and on defense couldn’t stop the 1-1 play. Dangerous offensive player Alani Moore also had gotten no shot attempts something very untypical. But the EPG Baskets did close out the first half strong with a 5-0 run to lead 23-18 after 10 minutes. Butler and Heckel made free throws and Friederici wooed the fans with a big 2 handed dunk. ‘We had a very flattering lead. It was a quarter of 2 faces’, stressed Thomas Klein.

Leon Friederici with the drive

In the second quarter the EPG Baskets Koblenz did keep the lead, but they struggled and in a sense were lucky that they could lead by 8 points at the break. Ex Temple guard Alani Moore finally got on the board with an off balance shot for the 25-18 Koblenz advantage. But Koblenz just had mental lapses in too many phases. They coughed up the ball under their own basket allowing Nation for a dunk. Friederici did all he could to take over responsibility for the sick Johnson and really carried his team. But defensively they were a liability. Ex Alba Berlin JBBL champion Erik Penteker nailed a three pointer and the guests trailed only 31-28. ‘Ehingen did whatever they wanted to with our defense. We played no 1-1 defense. We had little movement on offense’, stated Thomas Klein. Even if the EPG Baskets Koblenz weren’t at their best, they still were able to squeeze out a 10-3 run to lead 41-33. Friederici was strong all game as he scored 5 points in this phase. Niclas Sperber also added solid energy from the bench with 3 points. ‘Thank God that we have Leon Friederici tonight’, stated Thomas Klein. In the last few minutes it was a trade off between Friederici and Nation as Friederici added a three pointer and lay in while Nation added a tough off balance shot and trey. The lay in by Friederici may have been the bucket of the night. ‘That was an incredible ankle breaker hang man’, smiled Thomas Klein. The EPG Baskets Koblenz led 46-38 at half-time. ‘We made a good recovery at the end after starting the quarter bad. We had no flow, no dynamic and weren’t concentrated, but thanks to Friederici had the lead’, stressed Thomas Klein.

Brian Butler at the ft line

In the third quarter the EPG Baskets Koblenz finally broke open the game and led by 14 points after 30 minutes, but still allowed too many points with 21. Team Ehingen Ursping began the third quarter with a bang as Ivan Delgado served up a high lob pass that Nation slammed home on the alley-op. The EPG Baskets Koblenz were able to attack the rim better and were more aggressive on the boards as Marvin Heckel finally scored his first basket of the game and Butler scored in the paint while Poelking became more aggressive and scored back to back buckets for the 55-44 advantage. The guests then got instant energy form German Moritz Heck with an off balance shot and Nation scored a tough turn around shot as the guests trailed only 55-48. The EPG Baskets Koblenz then were able to break open the game going on a 11-2 run to lead 66-50. In the run Koblenz was able to execute well and played their game on transition. Friederici and Moore tallied three’s while Sperber and Poelking scored in the paint. ‘Our body language was better. We were looking for transition and executing. Our 1-1 defense was better and we rebounded better because we were more athletic’, said Thomas Klein. In the last minutes both teams executed well as Poelking remained aggressive getting to the free throw line while Heckel had finally found his game and was executing at a better rate. Ehingen as usual got another trey from Andre Nation. ‘He is one of the best I have seen’, lauded head coach Pat Elzie after the game. The guests also got some big support from the bench from 17 year old Estonian guard Jorke Aav who supplied 5 points in the last minute, but the EPG Baskets Koblenz still led 74-60. ‘At half-time we spoke about what we did wrong and we understood that we weren’t always mentally there. We knew the importance of the game and we all raised our game. We began to play team basketball’, stressed Marvin Heckel. ‘We had too many turnovers and they capitalized on it. They were more physical and played good team defense’, stated Andre Nation.

Mateo Vidovic for 3

In the fourth quarter the EPG Baskets Koblenz did a super job not letting up, but continuing to execute and not allowing Team Ehingen Urspring to sneak over the hump. Leon Friederici began with a lay in for the 76-59 lead. Nation and Zacek continued to heave up bombs from downtown and connected while Marvin Heckel was his aggressive self making 2 lay in’s for the 82-65 advantage. He had had a poor first half, but rebounded strong in the second half to finish with 14 points and 7 dimes. ‘It took time to find my game tonight. After I made that back door basket, I had arrived. After that everything came from it’s self. I didn’t force any more and let the game come to me’, warned Marvin Heckel. The EPG Baskets closed out the game well getting continued fine support from Leo Saffer who made 2 more buckets in the paint and really was a solid back up to Moeses Poelking. Moore added another trey and Heckel a lay in while Ehingen received some support from their bench as Germans Mateo Vidovic nailed a trey and Linus Ihle made a lay in. After 40 minutes the EPG Baskets Koblenz had won easily 93-73. ‘Poelking and Saffer were really big in the second half. Their physical presence was a big difference. They worked really hard on the boards and were rewarded’, stressed Marvin Heckel. ‘It is really hard to come back when your down 15 points in their gym. They have a really good bench. We are a young team and still trying to figure it out’, stated Andre Nation. The EPG Baskets Koblenz were led by Leon Friederici with 25 points. Moses Poelking added 15 points as did Brian Butler while Team Ehingen Urspring was led by Andre Nation with 22 points. Daniel Zacek added 11 points and Moritz Heck 10 points. The EPG Baskets Koblenz shot 50% from the field and 39% from outside and had 39 rebounds and 14 turnovers while Team Ehingen Urspring shot 42% from the field and 34% from outside and had 31 rebounds and 20 turnovers.

Tags : LEON FRIEDERICI, EPG BASKETS KOBLENZ, GERMAN BASKETBALL

When you think of Finnish sports, one won’t bring up basketball right away. It is probably ice hockey that will be mentioned first. Basketball has grown in the last years as the national team qualified for the first time for the World Cup in 2014 and played at 5 Eurochampionships since 2011 and finished 7th in the last one which was their best result ever. Recently Finish head coach Gordon Herbert led Germany to a Bronze at the 2022 Eurochampionships which was their best finish since gaining the Silver in 2005 in Belgrade. Over the years they have produced solid players and with their best being current NBA player Lauri Markkanen. But there have also been other well known players like Hanno Mottola, Pettieri Koponen, Sasu Salin and Teemu Rannikko. There are many interesting and skilled Finish players playing in Europe, but also lesser known ones like Shawn Hopkins (198-PG-1995, college: N.Georgia, agency: Blacktop Management) who has carved out a fine career. He also had the opportunity to play 3 years in the NCAA with lesser known basketball school Troy, but there he was very lucky to play against top schools Kentucky and Duke that produces future NBA players at a high rate. It was no surprise that he would play against many future NBA players. But there is a difference between NBA player and NBA star. He battled against NBA stars Jayson Tatum and Shai Gillgeous-Alexander and remembers those duels as if it was yesterday. He only played 2 minutes against Duke and Tatum, but logged 15 minutes against Kentucky. Everyone in the arena knew Tatum would be special. ‘Playing against these guys was sweet. Not a lot of guys get a chance to witness it. Don’t remember too much from my two minutes but the game itself was definitely an experience. For sure. Everyone in the gym knew Tatum had it. No surprise he’s a superstar in the next level as well. Playing against Kentucky is a memory I’ll have with me forever! Guarding Kevin Knox and making that game a close one’,remembered Shawn Hopkins who hasn’t seen the sequel to the classic Coming to America, but it’s on his list to view. He knows that there aren’t many Finish players that can boast that they played against Jayson Tatum and Shai Gilgeous-Alexander.

Miles Schmidt-Scheuber(bottom head slighty cut off) with Shai Gilgeous-Alexander in Boston in 2021

The forward who lists Jayson Tatum as the toughest player that he faced in the NCAA was born on May 9, 1995 in Nokia, Finland. He began his basketball career with BC Nokia playing with the youth teams. He made the jump to the men’s team in 2011 making his debut on September 30th against BC Jyvaskyla as a young 16 year old. He would go on to play 4 seasons playing 101 games. Twice he averaged 8.0ppg in a season and once 10,0ppg. He played for many coaches in his 4 years and remembers one guy in particular as being the most vital in his early development. ‘Ville Tuominen gave a scrawny kid a chance in the men’s league for the first time. He showed me that I could play with the big guys. Playing with older men early in my career definitely helped me with reading the game and learning little tricks and details’, remembered Shawn Hopkins. In these years he also gained valuable experience with the Finish U-16, U-18 and U-20 national teams. He played at the U-16 and U-18 European championships in North Macedonia and U-20 European championships in Bosnia. He then caped off his good junior national team career with a Gold at the Eurochampionships in Hungary averaging 7.9ppg, 2.9rpg, 1.6spg, FGP: 63.6%, 3PT: 38.1%, FT: 75.0%. ‘Winning the U20 Gold might be my favorite moment representing Finland. We had a close-knit group of very talented guys’, said Shawn Hopkins.

The forward who lists Michael Jordan, Kobe Bryant, Shaq ,Steph Curry, and Lauri Markkanen on his personal NBA Mount Rushmore then decided to get a total different experience going over the big pond to play at Troy (NCAA) from 2015-2018 playing a total of 72 games. He never was able to find his niche there never averaging more than 3,6ppg. Even though he had to suffer some growing pains in the NCAA where he went from 13 minutes as a freshman to only 5 minutes in his sophomore season, he understood it was all part of the grind to help him get to where he is today. ‘D1 basketball is a great experience. Everyone wants to go to the league. Quicker guards and everyone is athletic. Second year was tough for me for sure. Went through a lot that season but it only makes or breaks a player, and here I am, still’, warned Shawn Hopkins. He then made a change of scenery and played one more season in the States with the University of North Georgia (NCAA2) averaging 16.1ppg, 5.7rpg, 2.1apg, FGP: 43.2%, 3PT: 35.8%, FT: 71.6%. Being able to come in and be a massive contributor was huge for his development at that time. ‘I gained confidence with the ball, and with more responsibility’, added Shawn Hopkins. He had some huge games against Lander with 29 points and hit Emmanuel with 26 points. He will never forget head coach Chris Faulkner who made a big impact on his career. ‘Coach Faulkner gave me an opportunity. He’s one of the blessings in my career. He let me do my thing and gain confidence’, expressed Shawn Hopkins.

The Finish national player who never battled Roderick English in daily 1-1 games at North Georgia but remembers the games against Quincy Poiter as not being fun came back to Europe, but didn’t make the automatic jump to a high league, but had to return back home for the 2019-2020 season and pay some more dues. But at least he began at a familiar place at BC Nokia where he had begun his career. He now made a jump playing in the first division Korisliiga playing 37 games averaging 7.9ppg, 3.2rpg, 1.1apg, FGP: 49.2%, 3PT: 32.8%, FT: 74.6%. He didn’t have the overpowering stats, but he was a different and changed player due to his 4 years state side. ‘I was a more mature player. I had more confidence to shoot the ball and also go to the rim’, remembered Shawn Hopkins. Near the end of the season he had some big games in wins over Lahti with 20 points and 19 points against Ura Basket. The next season he had his break through as a professional playing for Pyrinto Tampere (Korisliiga) averaging 13.8ppg, 4.1rpg, 1.7apg, FGP: 47.5%, 3PT: 37.8%, FT: 62.9%. He was able to take major responsibility and had big games in the playoffs against Kataja and Kauhajoki, but then had to suffer losing to the Helsinki SeaGulls as ex Fraport Skyliner Shawn Huff and top easyCredit BBL player Kendale McCullum was to much for his team. ‘Huff’s team was in desperation mode in this game. They were expected to be in the finals. They brought the anger and it showed. Shawn is a legend who’s taught me a lot as a leader. McCullum couldn’t be stopped in Finland at times’, said Shawn Hopkins. He scored in double figures in 26 games including 25 points against his ex team BC Nokia and 23 points against Korihait. He will never forget explosive teammate Marcus Lewis who always had a dunk ready for each game like the one between his legs and others. ‘Lewis is one of the best teammates I’ve ever played with. Unstoppable scorer. Favorite dunk was definitely against Ura Basket off the backboard pass to himself’, remembered Shawn Hopkins. Last season his basketball trek continued in Iceland a country that offers the beauty of nature while on the court having many Americans with chips on their shoulders as big as Mount Rushmore. It was here that he had to endure again that the basketball journey is a long one. ‘I’ve always travelled a lot with the junior national teams, and lived in college far from home, so being in Iceland was more like a moment of realization that ‘this is where the grind starts’, warned Shawn Hopkins. He balled for with Stjarnan (Iceland-Subway League) averaging 14.7ppg, 6.1rpg, 1.6apg, 1.2spg, FGP: 49.2%, 3PT: 33.6%, FT: 64.8%. He played a solid series against Valur, but in the end couldn’t get by them. ‘It was tough for sure. We couldn’t get the pieces together to get an answer against them. For a moment it hurt. But in a series like that you can’t let nothing bother you, empty head. They had a strong team who also went on to win the championship’, expressed Shawn Hopkins. He scored in double figures in 20 games including 29 points against IR and 25 points against Breidablik.

The Finish native who tries to take the quiet side on the famous GOAT debate between Joran and Lebron, but is with Jordan is playing his first season with SCM CSU Craiova (Romania-Liga Nationala). All his hard work the last years paid off as he is playing in the highest league so far in his career for a well known Romanian club and is playing international club play in the Fiba Europe Cup. The club is up and coming in Romania and has reached the next round of the Fiba Europe Cup. It is apparent to feel that a special winning culture is developing with Craiova. ‘With coach Vitaly comes a great winning culture. He has brought a very ambitious mindset to not only us players but also the whole organization. We’ve grown as a unit so much, and we believe we can win by executing our plan, playing hard and together. Everyone has a responsibility’, warned Shawn Hopkins. A big part of the success has been the trio of Americans with ex easyCredit BBL player Giordan Watson, Cortez Edwards and Demonte Flannigan. ‘Watson brings us a mature leading role. He knows exactly when to get others going and when to attack himself. Flannigan is the most athletic guy I have ever played with. He can rip the rim down and move like a guard against big defenders. Edwards is a sneak athlete that catches people off guard. Quickest defender and explosive at the rim’, stressed Shawn Hopkins. Hopkins is putting up solid stats in Romania averaging 9,2ppg, 2,6rpg and 1,1apg while in the Fiba Europe Cup has upped his game averaging 12,8ppg, 2,5rpg and 1,3spg. His big inspiration is Kobe Bryant and still believes in 2023 that having played at N Georgia was so instrumental for his game. ‘UNG was a great place where I started to grow as a player more. I had a tad more freedom as a big guard, which is why I got to work on a lot of other stuff too to add in my bag and gain confidence’, added Shawn Hopkins. But he is so much more than just a versatile offensive player, but also a solid defender. He knows that being able to heighten that part of his game will help him continue to climb the basketball ladder up. ‘I always want to start from defense, I take it very personally. I see myself as a quality defender with quicker feet and my size. I think a lot of defense is about the mentality. Also at a higher lever you need to be more physically ready’, warned Shawn Hopkins. He simply wants to become the best defender on the court, but also be better at reading ball screens. After many years in Finland, his career is now starting to take off abroad. After a tough but solid season in Iceland, he is making the next step in Romania, but the journey won’t end here. ‘Playing abroad has always been a dream and climbing that ladder is the plan’, warned Shawn Hopkins. He definitely will always have entertaining stories about Tatum and Gilgeous-Alexander and others no matter where his basketball journey takes him in the next years.

Tags : SHAWN HOPKINS, SCM CSU CRAIOVA, GERMAN BASKETBALL

A great motto is always Things can only get better. For the older folk, the 1985 smash hit Things can only get better from UK singer Howard Jones is a song that Eintracht Frankfurt-Fraport Skyliners could take into the new year as their 0-7 record didn’t exactly demonstrate excellence. But one can’t forget that they had many tough loses where they played well for 30 minutes, but couldn’t finish it in the fourth and never gave up playing hard every game. Even if Porsche BBA Ludwigsburg only had a dismal 2-5 record, their play was definitely misleading as they were underachieving. The team is filled with much talent and players with more than 40 Pro B experience this season. The question was when would the Ludwigsburg bubble finally burst and a long winning streak be born? On a very mild early January afternoon in Frankfurt, Eintracht Frankfurt-Fraport Skyliners finally wanted to erase the big goose egg and start 2023 with a bang, but instead it was Porsche BBA that made the largest noise coming back twice and firing 2 buzzer beaters that totally shocked Eintracht Frankfurt-Fraport Skyliners 87-84 in overtime. It was a total crazy game and one that Porsche BBA Ludwigsburg coach Khee Rhee will remember for a long time. ‘We didn’t play very well. I always tell my young players no matter how bad it looks, nothing won’t change unless you work hard to change it. We hit 2 lucky shots at the end. Those shots came from focus and luck. You work for the luck. Our guys did a great job’, stressed head coach Khee Rhee. The ending to the game totally reflects the tough season that Eintracht Frankfurt-Fraport Skyliners have had. They have fought all season long, but this season the basketball God has totally neglected the team. Sometimes that is simply how the cookie crumbles. It just has been one of those seasons where nothing has gone right.

Mock Icke at the FT line

Eintracht Frankfurt-Fraport Skyliners came out roaring playing with high intensity as it’s 2 key players Joscha Zentgraf and Dusan Nikolic scored. They showed early especially Nikolic that they would be living by their super individual class rather than putting up helpless three’s on this afternoon. But the guests got going as well as the two hero’s at the end Sebastian Schwachhofer (200-PF-2005) and Luca Steubel connected for the early 5-4 lead. But then came the first run of the contest as Eintracht Frankfurt-Fraport Skyliners went on a huge 14-3 run to lead 18-8. Eintracht Frankfurt-Fraport Skyliners got massive production from Zentgraf who scored 3 buckets and was a big force on the offensive glass. Eintracht Frankfurt-Fraport Skyliners also got huge support from the bench from Finley Pruever who scored on transition and Sergio Grothe fished an offensive rebound off the glass and made the put back. Eintracht Frankfurt-Fraport Skyliners played with higher intensity that Ludwigsburg couldn’t match and continued to attack the rim with force neglecting the three’s. Eintracht Frankfurt-Fraport Skyliners kept the lead, but Porsche BBA Ludwigsburg got 4 points from big man Mock Icke and huge German talent Abdulhay Komurkara made a lay in as he demonstrated his incredible speed. Eintracht Frankfurt-Fraport Skyliners continued to execute well getting valuable production from Bench player Marvin Esser and from Zentgraf who was on fire in the first quarter. Eintracht Frankfurt-Fraport Skyliners led comfortably 23-14 after 10 minutes. ‘We didn’t defend or rebound well. That was a major problem in other phases of the game. Nikolic show his individual class which was impressive. He bulldozered through us with ease’, stated Khee Rhee.

Joscha Zentgraf at the FT line

Eintracht Frankfurt-Fraport Skyliners continued to control the game despite Porsche BBA Ludwigsburg getting a burst of major energy from athletic Esli Edigin and still led 40-33 at the break. Eintracht Frankfurt-Fraport Skyliners began well scoring 4 unanswered points as Zentgraf made free throws and Barnabas Bode made a beautiful lay in dazzling everyone with his spin move. On defense Eintracht Frankfurt-Fraport Skyliners held their high intensity forcing Ludwigsburg to 4 straight turnovers. Porsche BBA Ludwigsburg remained calm and used more patience on offense not hurrying or forcing things and went on a 10-0 run to trail Eintracht Frankfurt-Fraport Skyliners only 27-24. Edigin supplied instant scoring support with back to back three’s while Stuebel snuck inside for an offensive rebound and put back and Ognjen Veljkovic made a turn around shot at the shot clock buzzer. Nikolic had been forcing a bit too much in the first few minutes, but driving isn’t any different than shooting in that if it isn’t working keep trying. Nikolic remained aggressive scoring twice with the swift drive and once on transition as Eintracht Frankfurt-Fraport Skyliners led 34-26. Veljkovic made a huge trey to cut Frankfurt’s lead down to 34-29, but Eintracht Frankfurt-Fraport Skyliners remained strong going into the break with further vital support from their bench as German Marvin Esser scored 2 buckets and Finley Pruever made a beautiful floater for the 40-33 advantage after 20 minutes. ‘We played faster and got good production from Esli Edigin. He still has much development time ahead of him, but if you look at him now and last August it is like day and night’, stated Khee Rhee.

Sebastian Schwachofer to the rim

The third quarter was dreadful for both teams in terms of execution as there was little. It was literally a turnover party as both teams coughed up the ball at a high rate. Porsche BBA Ludwigsburg stepped up their defense raising it’s intensity a few levels stopping 5 possessions and were rewarded with 7 points on offense. Phyisical Luis Nonfon began with a lay in as he perfected the give and go with Luca Steubel and then Sebastian Schwachhofer scored twice inside to dead lock the game at 40-40. The guests would get 2 more stops until Eintracht Frankfurt-Fraport Skyliners finally scored it’s first hoop of the second half as Hector Izquierdo scored with a trey for the 43-40 lead. The game would remain tight as Komurkara hit a trey to tie the game at 45-45. Nikolic remained aggressive and executed with his drive that was almost impossible to defend, but Leonardo Kratzer tied the game with free throws at 47-47. But Porsche BBA Ludwigsburg would get their first lead of the game as diminutive guard Travis Davis who is 170cm who reminded one of Nate Robinson made a huge trey and closed out the third quarter with the perfect lob pass for Nonfon who made the easy basket for the 52-48 advantage. ‘We had more intensity on defense and rebounded better. I remember coming into the gym and seeing some people laugh at Davis’s not in a negative way but in the sense that he was so small in comparison to the big men. People underestimate him. His size is positive in that he is very quick, but has deficits on defense because of his size’, added Khee Rhee.

Dusan Nikolic from downtown

The fourth quarter remained a close battle in the first 5 minutes, but Eintracht Frankfurt-Fraport Skyliners then got a way a bit leading by 7 points, but couldn’t close the door shut for the victory. Hector Izquierdo had a massive fourth quarter at both ends of the court. He began quickly connecting on 4 free throws to tie the game at 52-52. Eintracht Frankfurt-Fraport Skyliners continued to execute going on a 6-2 run to lead 58-54. Nikolic continued to be aggressive and have the hot hand scoring with a lay in and off balance shot. The guests continued to battle and got some big three’s from Komurkara and Steubel to gain the 64-63 advantage. Eintracht Frankfurt-Fraport Skyliners continued to have strong nerves knowing they had lost so many games in crunch-time this season hit Ludwigsburg with a 10-3 run to lead 73-67. Izquierdo was huge in this phase getting rebounds, steals, blocks and scored 7 points with 2 lay in’s and 3 free throws. But the guests just wouldn’t go away making 2 huge buckets with less than a minute to go. Veljkovic made the perfect inbounds pass for the alley-oop to Nonfon and Schwachhofer made a reverse lay up with 22 seconds to play. Zentgraf made a free throw for the 74-71 advantage and little time to play. ‘We gave up too much and Nikolic remained really strong. We were too passive in the pick and roll defense’, stressed Khee Rhee. Porsche BBA Ludwigsburg had little time, but Stuebel made the crazy off balance bank shot to propel his team into overtime. ‘I didn’t want to make the bank shot. I had little time and had a hand in my face. I had to let it go. I had a good feeling for 2 seconds, but I didn’t celebrate because I knew that we still had to play overtime’, commented Luca Stuebel (189-PG-2004).

Luca Steubel to the hole

The game remained tight in overtime as no team could escape the other. Eintracht Frankfurt-Fraport Skyliners got a quick basket by Marvin Esser, but the lead didn’t remain long as Veljkovic made free throws. Pruever then made an off balance shot for the 78-76 advantage, but Steuble with his buzzer beater fresh on his mind continued to have the hot hand making a trey and lay in and 81-78 Ludwigsburg lead. Eintracht Frankfurt-Fraport Skyliners continued to play with so much heart as they were still searching for that first win as Julian Haskins made an off balance shot and Nikolic once again foiled the Ludwigsburg defense with a lay in and 82-81 Frankfurt advantage. Stuebel continued to get the ball and produce making a free throw and lay in for the 84-82 lead. With less than 30 seconds to go, Eintracht Frankfurt-Fraport Skyliners elected to take the safe 2 and allowed Nikolic to do his magic and make another typical lay in to tie the game at 84-84. Porsche BBA Ludwigsburg had 4,8 seconds remaining. Eintracht Frankfurt-Fraport Skyliners did a good job on defense denying the entry, but the inbounds pass somehow found Schwachhofer deep behind the three point line and he just heaved up a hail mary that saw nothing but net. ‘We had one play, but nobody was open. I got open. I knew I had only 1,9 seconds so I had to shoot it. I felt very confident taking the shot’, stressed Sebastian Schwachhofer. Porsche BBA Ludwigsburg was led by Luca Stuebel with 21 points. Sebastian Schwachhofer added 16 points while Eintracht Frankfurt-Fraport Skyliners were led by Dusan Nikolic. Hector Izquierdo added 17 points and Joscha Zentgraf 15 points. Porsche BBA Ludwigsburg shot 47% form the field and 42% from outside and had 36 rebounds and 30 turnovers while Eintracht Frankfurt-Fraport Skyliners shot 50% form the field and 14% from outside and had 37 rebounds and 25 turnovers.

Rayshaun Hammonds (206-C-1998, college: Georgia) is a 24 year old 206cm center that is playing his third professional season and first in Germany with BG Goettingen averaging 9,3ppg, 5,1rpg, 1,2apg and 1,2spg. He has scored in double figures in 5 games including 23 points against Bamberg and 18 against Rostock. Last season he played with VEF Riga (Latvia-LBL) averaging 11.1ppg, Reb-4 (6.1rpg), 1.1apg, FGP: 62.1%, FT: 68.0%; and in the BCL averaged 9.4ppg, 2.2rpg, FGP: 71.4%, FT: 71.4%; and in the EstLatBL averaged 10.5ppg, 7.0rpg, FGP: 62.1%, 3PT: 21.1%, FT: 74.2%. As a rookie he played with the Fort Wayne Mad Ants (NBA G League) averaging 6.1ppg, 4.8rpg, FGP: 50.8%, 3PT: 22.2%, FT: 80.0%. He began his professional career with Norcross High School and then played at the University of Georgia (NCAA) averaging 12.9ppg, 7.4rpg, 1.5apg, FGP: 51.5%, 3PT: 35.0%, FT: 65.2% as a senior. He spoke to germanhoops.com about basketball.

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

I’m in Germany now and basketball life is treating me good at the moment.

Congrats on signing with German easyCredit BBl team BG Goettingen. What do you know in general about the country Germany and it’s basketball?

Thanks and I heard Germany is a good and fun country. The basketball in Germany is good competition.

How did the talks go with coach Roel Moers? He appreciates your inside out game. What did you like from his basketball philosophy?

The talk with coach went very good we had a great conversation and yes he appreciates my inside and outside game. He played professional basketball so his basketball philosophy is very high.

The easyCredit BBL is a top 5 league in Europe.How confident are you that your game will translate over from Latvia where you had a decent first season overseas?

I’m very confident in my game to translate over in this league.

Let’s talk about your game. You’re a 206cm forward. If you had to compare your game to an NBA player who would best fit the description?

I would compare it to a Lamar Odom and a Chris Bosh.

Is it fair to say that you are a modern day forward? Would you call your inside or outside game more defined?

Yes I would say that because I can guard 1 thru the 5, shoot the ball very well and handle the ball. I would call my game both.

You can score and rebound, but what other strengths does your game incorporate?

Being able to guard every position and being consistent.

One thing that really stands out for me is your efficiency. It really improved last season. Your doing more in your minutes than what you did in the NCAA. How do you explain that?

Just slowing the game down more when I play and picking my spot where I want to score at on the court.

Would it be fair to say that your defense is still developing and your raw? What kind of defender are you now and what kind of defender do you want to become?

Yes I would say that. I’m better defender now because this summer that one was my mean focus was to get better at that and I want be a lock down defender.

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

I really working on everything in my game.

Last season you played VEF Riga (Latvia-LBL) winning 2 titles. There are guys that play 10+ seasons and never win a chip. How special was last season for you?

That was very special because it was my first year and I see how it feel to win 2 titles.

The finals against Ventspils was very exciting. You had a monster 25/10 game in game 3 giving your team the 2-1 series lead. What will you always remember from this game?

Yes I always remember that game because we needed that win and that series.

What do you remember being your wake up call to being overseas in Latvia where you knew that you were very far away from home?

I just had to embrace it and be ready for it and being far home didn’t bother me at all.

In the summer of 2021 you played NBA Summer League with the Toronto Raptors where you were teammates with Freddie Gillespie who you will face this season in the BBL. When you see a guy like that who played in the NBA and yourself, is there so much missing from your game to reach that level?

It’s just timing and the right opportunity with the right time.

You began your rookie season with the Indiana Pacers. What kind of experience was that and what do you remember their coaching staff giving you on advice besides the usual blab la like keep working hard?

That experience was fun because I learn so much every guy on that time and saw how it was to be a good pro.

You played your rookie season in the G-League averaging 6/4 in 11 minutes and being pretty efficient again. What do you believe did you learn most from this experience?

Just work hard and stay locked in with the game.

How difficult was it playing only 11 minutes per game? Did you feel like you were only a body to fill the roster? Were NBA fringe guys treated differently than you?

The minutes that was given to me I just work with them.

What was the best example that you saw in the G-League where the NBA is always a business first?

There where a lot of good examples I saw form the g league and I do and don’t believe the nba is a business first.

You played at Georgia (NCAA) from 2017-2020. In your freshman year you played Kentucky for the first time losing 66-61 and had 12 points and held your own against future NBA guys like Knox, Diallo, Washington and Gilgeous-Alexander. What do you remember from that game and what Wild Cat stood out the most?

That game was very fun and it was very loud in the arena and remember I played against all them in high school so it was just another game for me.

You had many great games at Georgia but was your 31 points in the win over Illinois State one of your most fondest?

Yea that was game was fun because I was just playing my game.

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

Just showed me how be a man and a professional.

Who won a 1-1 in practice you or Yante Maten?

That would be a good game in I would say me.

Who was the toughest guy besides your brother that you have faced on the court that reached the NBA?

Miles Bridges

Please name your 5 best teammates of all-time?

Dalvin White, Nick Claxton, Anthony Edwards, Jalen Riley, Ron Curry

Please list your personal NBA Mount Rushmore?

Lebron James, Kobe Bryant, joe Johnson, Paul George, Michael Jordan

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

He is top 5

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

I would say Lebron James

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

Yea I did and they should never made the sequel.

Thanks Rayshaun for the chat.

Tags : RAYSHAUN HAMMONDS, BG GOETTINGEN, GERMAN BASKETBALL

The young guns Kaya Bayram and Johan Gruenloh

The Holiday season for the Dragons Rhondorf saw two sides as they went into Christmas having to somehow digest the poor 83-52 loss to neighbor RheinStars Cologne between the turkey and chocolate cake, but then again a week later were able to go into 2023 with an extra bang with the fireworks after destroying Iserlohn 100-82. The 8-4 Dragons Rhondorf wanted to continue the grand winning streak in 2023 with their overpowering offense and at times shaky defense. Their first opponent in 2023 was new Pro B team Rasta Vechta 2 who arrived in Rhondorf with a 5-7 record. They are definitely a very talented team and their average record doesn’t really show how good they are and have been a dangerous opponent for many teams this season. Despite losing the last two games to Wedel and Itzehoe in close fashion, they wanted to finally break their 3 game losing streak in Rhondorf. Both teams met for the second time this season and first time in 2023 after Rhondorf had destroyed them on the road in the first meeting and this time it was another high scoring affair that reached OT, but at the end it was a full team effort for the absent JJ Culver with the help of the young guns Gruenloh and Bayram that powered Rasta Vechta 2 to the 99-93 victory. ‘Both teams fought hard for 40 minutes. No teams gave away any gifts. They had injuries and so did we plus we had no JJ Culver. I felt like we controlled Goodman better than the first time. We had a few problems stopping their transition three pointers. But overal we played good team basketball and made the big shots when we needed them’, stated Rasta Vechta 2 guard Kevin Smit. The Dragons Rhondorf played a solid offensive game as usual, but continue to have problems defending with passion as they had massive problems all night long controlling certain plays of the guests. ‘I felt like we fought all game, but then again, it doesn’t feel like it even though we feel dead now a few minutes after the game. I felt like we played well offensively, but our percentages weren’t that great. They played good offense and we gave up too many offensive rebounds’, stressed Dragons Rhondorf forward Paul Albrecht.

Johan Gruenloh with the hook shot

The Dragons Rhondorf stepped on the court with only a 7 man rotation as Zaba Bangala and Jonas Falkenstein were out while Rasta Vechta 2 were without JJ Culver, Killian Brockhof and Noah Janen. The first few minutes was a back and forth tug of war as no teams could get away from the other. The guests spread the offensive love around getting baskets from Noah Bedime, ex RheinStar Leon Okpara and 2022 NBBL champion Kaya Bayram while Rhondorf got baskets from ex Bochum center Florian Wendeler, ex Rostock Seawolf Nicolas Buchholz and free throws from ex Schwenningen forward Adrian Bergmann as the game was deadlocked 7-7. But Rasta Vechta then found some daylight and broke free going on a 8-3 run to lead 15-10. In the run, the guests were led well by aggressive point guard Kaya Bayram who had a full load of responsibility with Culver out as he led the offense well hitting a trey while 6 year Vechta man Tim Insinger made a lay in and Bayram fed Gruenloh for the powerful 2 handed dunk. Rhondorf were a step behind on defense not upping their intensity and on offense made some bad decisions and got scolded by the Vechta offense. But basketball will always be a game of runs as the Dragons closed out the first quarter with a satisfying 11-6 run to tie the contest 21-21 after 10 minutes. In the run Rhondorf let it rain three’s as ex Giessen 46ers Koch, Albrecht and Bergmann connected. Bayram ended the quarter with a three pointer. ‘We didn’t shoot that well, but ended the quarter well making a lot of three’s. We always like to say that we don’t want to rely on our three’, smiled Paul Albrecht. Vechta was shooting better from the field at 42%, but the rebounds and turnovers were even at 11 and 2 apiece.

Devon Goodman at the FT line

In the second quarter, both teams had one run and then it was a close battle as no team led by more than 4 points. The Dragons Rhondorf began with more intensity and watched as Devon Goodman put on a show scoring 7 unanswered points to give his team the 28-23 advantage. The ex U Penn player could have had the dunk of the season, but missed in spectacular fashion, but he quickly wiped away the embarrassment and scored 3 lay in’s with 2 on transition as he and Paul Albrecht made steals. But Rasta Vechta 2 didn’t waste any time and just produced 2 three pointers in a flash as Bayram and Smit who has 50 easyCredit BBL games on his resume connected and Rhondorf only led 29-28. The Dragons continued to keep the slim lead as they executed at a fine rate on offense getting a Buchholtz trey, Goodman lay in and Bergmann jumper, but Rasta Vechta 2 had answers as Gruenloh made an impressive tip in dunk which was followed by Insinger and Smit three’s to dead lock the contest at 37-37. Florian Koch dropped a clutch three, but Smit made a lay in as the Dragons Rhondorf had the slim 41-39 advantage at half-time. ‘The Dragons Rhondorf shot an unsatisfying 33% from the field and 39% from the three point line while Rasta Vechta 2 shot 41% from the field and 35% from the three point line while both teams had 24 rebounds a piece and Rhondorf had 3 turnovers and Vechta 6 turnovers. ‘I think that Goodman was annoyed that he hadn’t had a really good game in this arena yet. That miss dunk sparked him. He is our TJ Shorts. We really needed him to take over’, stated Paul Albrecht.

Leon Okpara from downtown

In the third quarter the Dragons Rhondorf did a good job keeping the lead, but they weren’t able to lead by more than 7 points as Rasta Vechta 2 stayed on their tail. In the last few minutes, the Dragons Rhondorf lost control of the game and Rasta Vechta 2 went on a shattering 17-5 run to have the 67-61 lead after 30 minutes. Devon Goodman continued to be super aggressive and kept attacking the rim scoring a lay in, but also remembered his 34% from outside and nailed a trey. Rasta Vechta 2 continued to play smart and executed their offense and shared the ball. Gruenloh continued to play very efficient and just made plays. He made a beautiful off balance shot and made a pretty old school hook shot His totally calm and cool play for 17 is unbelievable. ‘He works so hard on his game. He has that cool north German way in his play. The only guy I can remember being so cool in his play at that age was Sebastian Herrera. He has a huge future. His body, shooting skills, IQ and defense speak for him’, warned Kevin Smit. Okpara also added a jumper as Vechta trailed only 48-47. But then came the brutal lightening speed of draining three’s that the Dragons possess as Koch and Albrecht scored for the 54-47 lead. Bayram and Sam Nellessen then traded baskets as the Dragons Rhondorf led 56-50. But Rasta Vechta 2 then made a huge turn in the game closing out the third quarter with a commanding 17-5 run to take the 67-61 lead. The run began with a another Bayram trey which was followed by a Roman Bedime lay in on transition and Dutch player Sydnee Bijisma made a trey for the 58-56 lead. Gruenloh then added 5 points as his incredible versatile offensive play sparkled which was added by a Okpara runner and Smit lay in for the 67-56 lead. The run could have been a lot worse out of the eyes of the Dragons, but Albrecht closed out the quarter strong with 5 points. ‘We got the game going in our direction. We got a lot of stops and went on a run and made open shots. Gruenloh and Bayram carried us. It is fun to play with young talented kids like that’, stressed Kevin Smit. The Dragons Rhondorf shot 37% from the field and 41% from the parking lot and had 33 rebounds and 7 turnovers while Rasta Vechta 2 shot 47% from the field and 36% from the parking lot and had 35 rebounds and 9 turnovers. ‘Bayram was on fire. Vechta is known for producing many talents like Herkenhof and Van Slooten. Gruenloh is so cool. You think he can’t do much because he is so skinny, but he has great moves and a nice touch’, warned Paul Albrecht.

Nicolas Buchholz from outside

The fourth quarter was a very tight affair as the Dragons Rhondorf fought back and came back and grabbed the lead only to lose it again and then force overtime. The Dragons Rhondorf began strong in the fourth quarter getting 5 points from Koch on free throws and a trey from Buchholtz as Vechta led 67-66. 21 year old Roman Bedime who played with the Berlin Tigers (NBBL) before coming to Vechta was a huge asset in the fourth quarter on both ends. He made 3 big blocks including 2 consecutive ones on Florian Koch and made big plays on offense. He also showed his touch with a three pointer to keep the 70-66 lead. He finished with 14 points 8 boards and 4 blocks. Rhondorf was strong in this phase getting 2 offensive rebounds form Wendeler and Koch which led to 5 consecutive points by Koch and the 73-72 Rhondorf lead. It seemed like Rhondorf had the momentum back, but once again the guests showed how quickly their offense can turn the tide of the game as Smit and Bayram hit consecutive three’s for the 78-73 lead with crunch-time having arrived. Rhondorf felt no pressure as they kept fighting and got a huge offensive rebound and put back by Koch and Goodman free throws cut the Vechta lead to 80-79. Bedime continued to be a pest making 2 lay in’s from the wing coming in as the cuter, but Rhondorf had an answer each time getting a trey from Koch and Albrecht basket to force overtime at 84-84. ‘Bedime was annoying. They played short role and we committed too much and they always had a free player and could finish well. Bedime hurt us’, expressed Paul Albrecht. Rhondorf continued to shoot poorly at 38% from the field and better from outside at 41% and had 44 rebounds and 11 turnovers while Rasta Vechta 2 shot46% from the field and 36% from outside and had 41 rebounds and 13 turnovers. ‘Bedime was so important for us. He made big blocks on Koch. We got good stops and found our cutters. All played for the team. We needed a team effort with Culver out’, said Kevin Smit.

Florian Wendeler with the lay in

In the overtime period Rasta Vechta 2 got the lead first and never looked back. Vechta began with Bedime and Smit buckets from the 88-84 advantage. Wendeler answered with a reverse lay up, but Rhondorf just couldn’t step up their defense and they allowed easy baskets inside as Okpara and Bedime scored for the 92-86 lead. Wendeler scored again to cut the Vechta lead to 92-88, but the guests continued to execute as Okpara stayed aggressive until the end getting a trey and lay in for the 98-91 lead with less than a minute to go which was enough for the win. ‘Our execution was very good. We were able to find our bigs. We found our cutters, shots and played good defense’, added Kevin Smit. ‘We were a bit fatigued. I feel we were a bit too stubborn on offense. We forced to many shots instead of playing calm and finding the right shot’, added Paul Albrecht. Rasta Vechta 2 was led by Kaya Bayram with 20 points and 8 assists. Leon Okpara and Johann Gruenloh (210-C-2005) added 16 points a piece while the Dragons Rhondorf were led by Florian Koch with 22 points while Devon Goodman had 22 points, 8 rebounds and 10 assists. Rasta Vechta 2 shot 48% from the field and 37% from outside and had 48 rebounds and 13 turnovers while the Dragons Rhondorf shot 36% from the field and 38% from outside and had 48 rebounds and 12 turnovers.

Tags : JOHANN GRUENLOH, RASTA VECHTA, GERMAN BASKETBALL

Winning streaks always come to an end even if nobody wanted it in Koblenz recently. A few days before 2023, the EPG Baskets Koblenz had to digest a tough 3 point loss to the undefeated Hanau White Wings. That gave the players a lot to think about over the new year. They didn’t have much time to think about their first loss of the season as they were back in action only 5 days later and came together and celebrated a huge 81-70 win on the road in Leitershofen. They had to refocus and met the Basketball Lowen Erfurt back in their own living room who were sporting a 5-7 record. Erfurt came to Koblenz having lost 4 of their last 5 games including a embarrassing 36 point loss to Coburg in their last game of 2022. They wanted to finally get on the winning track in 2023 and came close, but the EPG Baskets Koblenz pulling out a nail bitter 79-70 over the Basketball Lowen Erfurt. The EPG Baskets Koblenz controlled the first half, but totally stunk up the building in the third quarter and allowed the guests to take their first lead of the game in the fourth quarter, but when it counted most, they executed in crunch-time. ‘We came out strong, but lost control in the second half. But luckly we refocused and locked in at the end. We fought hard and got buckets when we needed them’, stressed EPG Baskets Koblenz guard Alani Moore II (178-PG-1998, college: Temple). The Basketball Lowen Erfurt gave all they could, but in the end couldn’t muster up the needed energy to gain stops. ‘We fought hard, but didn’t have the same energy that we had in the second half in the first half. We are working on trying to play consistent for 40 minutes. Our defensive effort showed in the second half that we can be the team we want to be in our mind. We were like 2 different teams tonight. It is still a work in progress’, stated Basketball Lowen Erfurt guard Tyseem Lyles.

Guy Landry Edi at the FT line

The first 3-4 minutes was a tug of war as the game was pretty even as both clubs found their rhythm fairly quickly as the EPG Baskets Koblenz led 9-7. Quick diminutive guard Alani Moore II was a spark as he was a pit bull on defense getting 2 steals and racking up 5 points while Germans Marvin Heckel and Moses Poelking scored. The guests got 5 points from their number one go to guy French forward Edi Guy Landry with 5 points while ex Fraport Skyliner Junior Noah Kamdem scored a basket. But then came the turning point of the first quarter as the EPG Baskets Koblenz closed out the first quarter with a swift and brutal 15-6 run to lead 24-13 after 10 minutes. In the run, Koblenz got vital production from ex easyCredit BBL player Dominique Johnson who supplied 7 points while Heckel hit 2 three’s and Leo Saffer made a big dunk. It seemed like with the injury to sniper Leon Friederici, Johnson felt the need to be extra aggressive and it paid off. Koblenz fine ball movement sparked by their aggressive defense which forced the guests to permanent contested shots was their recipe for success. ‘It was a good quarter. We weren’t that great on the box out, but we had very good motion on offense’, stated EPG Baskets Koblenz manager Thomas Klein.

Leo Saffer at the FT line

The EPG Baskets continued their domination in the second quarter despite not hitting shots as well anymore until the last 3 minutes where they allowed a Erfurt run to stay in the game. The EPG Baskets Koblenz kept up the pressure from the first quarter and cruised out on an overwhelming 14-6 run to extend their lead to 38-19. In the run Brian air Butler scored 5 points as he was aggressive and used his quickness and agility to get by Noah Kamdem, Dominique Johnson hit a trey and German Moses Poelking made a hard two handed dunk and also made a beautiful back door pass to Moore for the lay in which was the best ball movement of Koblenz up to that point. Koblenz continued to play strong defense with a high intensity and on offense were aggressive and made easy baskets. Koblenz had a little fortune that during the run, the guests missed a number of give me baskets. But the EPG Baskets Koblenz couldn’t hold their momentum as Erfurt got more aggressive and got to the free throw line as Edi and Lyles scored. Koblenz had 2 defensive lapses allowing Edi to fly in for an offensive rebound and put back and left a Jan Heber totally open to drill home the trey. Koblenz got a off balance jumper by Johnson and a Brian Butler basket as he executed the pick and roll perfectly with Marvin Heckel. ‘The first 5 minutes were good, but then we gave up the game. We weren’t mentally strong on defense and didn’t attack as aggressively anymore. We couldn’t match their physicality’, stated Thomas Klein. The difference in the game were the shooting percentages as Koblenz shot 50% from the field and Erfurt only shot 9% from outside while Koblenz also controlled the boards 23-19.

Tyseem Lyles from outside

The third quarter began like a horror show as there were 6 turnovers in the first 6 possessions in 1,03 minutes. It didn’t get any better for the EPG Baskets Koblenz after that either. The Basketball Lowen would explode for 29 points and after the turnover party went on a 4-0 run with baskets from Heber and Edi to cut the Koblenz lead down to 44-33. Johnson finally got Koblenz on the board with a runner at the 7,38 minute mark. Erfurt continued to execute as they got more aggressive getting to the foul line and got lay ins from Heber and ex Itzehoe German Aileu Ceesay. Both teams got to the 5 foul limit quickly so both teams shot free throws and Erfurt finally began to nail three’s as Lyles scored twice and Edi scored to cut the lead down to 55-50 The Basketball Lowen continued to pressure Koblenz and finally executed consistently on offense as Heber made a 20 footer, Edi made a jumper and Lyles a 20 footer to get their first lead of the game 58-57 after 30 minutes. ‘We had no communication and played slower than usual. We let them attack and we weren’t the aggressor’, said Alani Moore II. ‘We started to switch all pick and rolls and we picked up our effort and energy. We also executed better’, added Tysem Lyles.

Brian Butler with the hook shot

In the fourth quarter the Basketball Lowen continued to fight, but just couldn’t keep up their energy as the EPG Baskets Koblenz used their excellent 1-1 play in crunch-time by American Alani Moore II to get the lead and they then never looked back. Johnson began the fourth quarter with a pull up jumper giving Koblenz the 59-58 lead, but bang Erfurt struck back with a three from young German Leo Doring to steal the lead back at 61-59. After Johnson tied the game with a lay in, Ceesay gave Erfurt the lead back 63-61 with a lay in. Johnson continued to be the aggressor scoring his third basket in a row in the fourth quarter tying the game at 63-63 with a lay in. Edi and Heckel traded baskets and the game was dead locked at 65-65. Then came the turning point of the game as Dominique Johnso missed a dunk, but that led to a 15-5 Koblenz run to end the game. The missed dunk led to an offensive rebound and Moore lay in. Poelking them made a huge block which led to a Johnson trey and 70-65 advantage. Erfurt would stay strong getting a Edi trey to cut the Koblenz lead to 70-68, but Moore remained aggressive with an off balance shot and 72-68 lead. After Moore free throws which was 6 points in a row by him, Ceesay made an off balance shot to keep Erfurt alive trailing only 74-70. But the EPG Baskets then slammed the door shut with a commanding 5-0 run getting stops and free throws by Poelking, Moore and Johnson to win the game. ‘Erfurt fought back very hard. After a missed dunk like Johnson, you either lose the game mentally or let the arena carry you. The fans carried us and we were able to control game until the end. We were mentally and physically stronger at the end. Alani Moore II was the match winner. He had a do or die moment. He came back in the game with 4 fouls. But he played aggressive and helped us get win’, expressed Thomas Klein. ‘We were a bit fatigued at the end. We also made some mistakes that we didn’t do all game. They are a good game and punished us with our mistakes’, said Tyseem Lyles. The EPG Baskets Koblenz were led by Dominque Johnson with 25 points. Alani Moore II added 17 points and Brian Butler 13 points while the Basketball Lowen Erfurt were led by Edi Guy Landry with 26 points and 10 rebounds while Tyseem Lyles added 14 points. The EPG Baskets Koblenz shot 44% from the field and 29% from outside and had 41 rebounds and 15 turnovers while the Basketball Lowen Erfurt shot 38% from the field and 27% from outside and had 40 rebounds and 18 turnovers.

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

Scoring 100 points in a basketball game is no easy feat and something that is about as difficult to do as score 10 goals in a Ice Hockey game, score 8 touchdowns in a game or hit 6 home runs in a game. All these feats are very hard to do and scoring 100 points is just so unusual, but it has been done. The most famous 100 point game is the Wilt Chamberlain one from 1962, but there have also been other well known guys who have accomplished it like Croatian legend Drazen Petrovic who scored 112 points in his homeland in 1985 while in the last decade Jack Taylor who played at Grinnell College scored 138 points in 2012 and 109 points in 2013 against Faith Baptist and Crossroads College. It has been done even in Germany as last season American Jonathan Braeger scored 100 points in a Regionalliga game. This season the last American with the name of JJ Culver (193-G-1997, college: WBU) to score 100 points in the United States is balling his first season in Germany with Rasta Vechta 2. The American did it in 2019 with NAIA team Wayland Baptist University against Southwestern Adventist University. That historic event may have been more than 3 years ago, but he still has fond memories to this day. He also knows it couldn’t have been accomplished without his special basketball family. ‘When you have great teammates anything is possible including scoring 100 points. And I’d say during half time was the point my team wanted to see how many points I could score’, remembered JJ Culver. The ex 100 point man has come to Germany and currently is conquering the Pro B this season.

JJ Culver who lists Ruben Lopez, Maurice, Josh Throns, Jack Nobles, and Sammy as his best teammates of all-time was born on December 14th, 1997 in Lubbock, Texas and attended Coronado high school. That the Culver family stand for excellence in sports is an understatement. JJ’s older brother Trey was a stellar athlete at Texas Tech for track and field and tied the fourth best mark in collegiate history in the high jump. His younger brother Jarrett reached the NCAA final with Texas Tech and was a #6 draft pick in 2019 and played with Minnesota, Memphis and is currently with the Atlanta Hawks. It is only normal that JJ developed a chip on his shoulder having such a competitive relationship with NBA brother Jarrett. ‘It does give me a chip on my shoulder! He’s an amazing player and he gives me great advice. I also give him advice on things that I see. We have a close bond’, warned JJ Culver. The American played at Wayland Baptist University (NAIA) from 2016-2020 playing a total of 126 games. In his freshman year he averaged 9.8ppg, 3.9rpg, 1.4apg, 1.7spg, FGP: 56.0%, 3PT: 30.7%, FT: 67.4%. He might have only scored in double figures in 13 of 29 games, but showed his explosiveness hitting Oklahoma S for 36 points in a big 113-107 victory. In his second season he averaged 10.7ppg, 5.4rpg, 2.2apg, 1.6spg, FGP: 39.3%, 3PT: 29.1%, FT: 67.2%. He scored in double figures in 12 of 34 games including scoring 32 points against Jarvis Christian in a 97-82 win. His game really took off in his junior season as he gave consistency a new meaning as he averaged 17.6ppg, 6.6rpg, 3.0apg, 1.8spg, FGP: 51.6%, 3PT: 37.6%, FT: 77.8%. He scored in double figures in 24 of 32 games including 35 points in a 106-74 crushing win over Langston. He took another massive step in his senior year as he averaged 23.1ppg, 6.4rpg, 3.2apg, 2.7spg, FGP: 46.2%, 3PT: 34.3%, FT: 76.8%. He scored in double figures in 32 of 33 games and scored 30 points or more 7 times including his 100 point game and hit Bellevue for 40 points in a tough 79-78 loss. ‘The best achievement besides the 100 points would be winning the regular season and getting a ring. I was so proud of the players and staff and everyone who supported us. And that elite 8 team was very special’, stated JJ Culver. He racked up many achievements in his 4 year NAIA career with SAC Tournament Finalist -2018, NAIA D1 Elite Eight -2018, SAC Regular Season Champion -2019, All-SAC Player of the Year -2019, All-SAC First Team -2019, NABC All-NAIA D1 First Team -2019, and NAIA All-Star Game -2020. It is only logical that he is extremely blessed for having gotten the total trust from head coach Ty Harrelson in his 4 year career. ‘He coached me hard, told me to keep working, he supports me, tells me about his experience, and much more. I could go on forever’, warned JJ Culver.

JJ Culver and Ty Harrelson

The Texas native who lists NBA player Malik Beasley as his toughest foe on the court when he was on the NBA Summer League squad of the Minnesota Timberwolves began his rookie season in Lithuania and split time with 2 teams with Ereliai Mazeikiai (Lithuania-NKL) playing 3 games averaging 1.7ppg, 2.3rpg, 2.3apg,and then in Nov.’21 moved to BC Silute (Lithuania-NKL) playing 24 games averaging 7.1ppg, 2.5rpg, 1.1apg, 1.2spg, FGP: 60.7%, 3PT: 29.1%, FT: 71.4%. That first station overseas is never easy for an American and he remembers hard times when his stomach was growling for some fine American food. ‘I knew I was very far away from home when I didn’t see as many fast food restaurants in Lithuania’, smiled JJ Culver. His minutes at BC Silute were unstable as one game he played 32 minutes and the next only 8 minutes, but he did show some of his unique skills scoring 26 points against Delikatesas and 22 points against Telsiai. Even if he had serious battles against American teammate Delante Jones in practice, it proved more than worthwhile. ‘Our battles were amazing!! He’s one of the best teammates I’ve ever had! He’s like a brother to me. We both helped each other grow so much! I literally can’t say enough about how great a teammate he was’, commented JJ Culver. He closed out his rookie season with a tough 5 game playoff loss to LSU-Atletas. ‘I’ll never forget how close we were to winning that series. Just got to keep learning and keep moving forward’, expressed JJ Culver.

The explosive scorer who lists Michael Jordan, Kobe Bryant, Lebron James, Steph Curry, and Larry Bird on his personal NBA Mount Rushmore is playing his second professional season in Germany. When he first heard about the offer, he didn’t know much about the country, but knew how competitive the leagues were. He decided to join Rasta Vechta 2 who compete in the third division. It was a no brainer to come to Vechta, because his ex coach Ty Harrelson was coach of Rasta Vechta of the second division. ‘I love Coach Harrelson and he’s helped me with many things throughout my life. He’s the best coach I’ve ever had’, warned JJ Culver. He was able to play once for Harrelson scoring 3 points in 11 minutes against PS Karlsruhe, but this season he is primarily playing for ambitious and up and coming German head coach Hendrik Gruehn who led Rasta Vechta 2 last season from the Regionalliga up to the Pro B and helped the Vechta U-19 team reach the top 4 in Frankfurt. After sitting out the 20-21 season and having growing pains in Lithuania last season, he has come in very hungry this season. ‘I’m very confident! I just trust the work that I’ve put in and I just got to continue to work and get better’, warned JJ Culver. He has been rewarded averaging 16,7ppg, 6,6rpg, 3,6apg and 2,6 spg. He scored 30 points in a 89-81 win over Schwelm and 28 points in a tough 102-91 loss to Rhondorf. The team is only 5-7 and still searching for a defensive identity. This weekend Culver and co will be seeking revenge and first win of 2023 in Rhondorf. Coach Gruhn is ecstatic that he made the right choice with Culver. ‘I saw him coming in as being a great defender that always plays with intensity and aggressiveness for the team. And that is exactly what he has given us this season. He sets the tone on defense and is a huge role model for the young kids. He understood right away that he is playing for a farm team where the first priority is to develop the young players. He is a guy that can come through in tough situations and even win a game. He has a great character and is always smiling. He is a gym rat. We sometimes have to throw him out of the gym’, smiled Hendrik Gruhn.

JJ and brother Jarrett

The guard who has Jordan as his GOAT and Steph Curry as the greatest point guard of all time is a 193cm guard that compares his game to Curry. He continues to watch a lot of film on the Golden State Warrior and already did this in school with Ty Harrelson seeing how he read screens and got open. He has always been a scorer and it continues in Germany. ‘It’s always been in my genes. I love to score and I also love winning’, warned JJ Culver. Offense has always been what he is known for, but he also has proved to be a 2 way player. ‘One of my main strengths is defense. Defense is very important and that’s what wins championships. I see myself as a great defender now and I want to become the best defender I can be’, stressed JJ Culver. His chip continues to be heavy as this phenomenal talent is only at the beginning of his career. He knows what has to be done in order for his chances to move up the basketball ladder to improve. ‘I’ve been working on my mid range, one and two dribble pull ups, and fade aways. I’m also keeping my strengths sharp, which include 3’s, layups, driving, and more’, added JJ Culver. It will be interesting to follow where the journey of JJ Culver will go in the next years. It is also interesting to know what he gets asked more on a regular basis, about his 100 point game or that he is the brother of NBA player Jarrett Culver. ‘I get asked how it feels to have scored 100 points a lot. I tell everyone it was an amazing feeling and a special day’, stressed JJ Culver. There is the answer. But the love for each other will always be there even when each guy would say they would win in a 1-1 battle on the court. After his 100 point feat Jarrett tweeted with ‘JJ you a legend brother’. That is exactly how brotherly love should be. Always there for one another no matter what.

Tags : JJ CULVER, RASTA VECHTA, GERMAN BASKETBALL

James Palmer Jr. (196-G/F-1996, college: Nebraska) is a 26 year old 196cm forward from Washington DC playing his fourth professional season and first with JL Bourg Basket (France-Betclic ELITE ProA). Last season he played with Arged BM Stal Ostrow Wielkopolski (Poland-EBL) averaging 15.3ppg, 4.0rpg, 3.4apg, 1.3spg, FGP: 62.2%, 3PT: 41.7%, FT: 77.5%; and played 6 BCL games averaging 15.2ppg, 6.3rpg, 3.0apg, FGP: 41.5%, 3PT: 47.8%. He played his first 2 pro seasons with Agua Caliente Clippers of Ontario (NBA G League) averaging 19.1ppg, 4.1rpg, 2.8apg, 1.2spg, FGP: 51.3%, 3PT: 29.8%, FT: 77.5% and in his second season averaged 16.1ppg, 4.7rpg, 2.7apg, FGP: 45.3%, 3PT: 25.4%, FT: 78.3%. He began his basketball career with St. John’s College High School and then played 2 seasons and 71 NCAA games with the University of Miami (NCAA) averaging 3.7ppg, 1.4rpg and 3.5ppg, 1.2rpg. He then finished at the University of Nebraska (NCAA) averaging 17.2ppg, 4.4rpg, 3.0apg, FGP: 51.3%, 3PT: 30.9%, FT: 73.8% as a junior and 19.7ppg, 4.2rpg, 3.0apg, 1.4spg, FGP: 40.1%, 3PT: 31.3%, FT: 76.2% as a senior. Before turning pro he played at the well known Portsmouth Invitational Tournament (Pre-NBA Draft) averaging 18.3ppg, 3.3rpg, 3.3apg, Steals-3 (2.0spg). He spoke recently to germanhoops.com before a Eurocup game against ratiopharm Ulm

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

my experience in Bourg is great. I’m thankful for this opportunity.

Your playing your second pro season overseas and first with JL Bourg Basket (France-Betclic ELITE ProA). You already played in Poland last year, but as a kid form Washington DC, what kind of an experience has it been experiencing the culture of old town Bourg? It has less than 3,000 people. Is it like a culture shock?

No it’s not a culture shock at all. I’m able to adjust to just about anywhere so it’s pretty cool being in a small town.

You played in the NCAA and then the G-League that is totally different basketball compared to Europe. You had a solid season in Poland and have heightened your game in France. How do you explain being able to be consistent since coming from the States?

Just trusting all the hard work I put into this game I think is the reason I’m able to stay consistent at a high level. Focus and being coachable is key.

Since your days in Nebraska you have not only been a scorer but a stat filler. How do you feel has your game grown the last 2 years since coming from the G-League?

In the last two years I think my game has grown tremendously. In the summer I work on weaknesses so that I don’t have any weaknesses. Also keep my strengths sharp at the same time. Breaking down what I didn’t and do during the past season has helped me grow a lot. Each year I aim to be great in all aspects.

On what area’s of your game do you feel do you still need to work on to make the next step to the Euroleague? Possibly upping your assists more and three point percentage?

The areas of my game to make it to euroleague would be just reading the game and learning when to attack and when to play time clock management

Last season you played with BM Stal Ostrow Wielkopolski (Poland-EBL) averaging 15.3ppg, 4.0rpg, 3.4apg, 1.3spg, FGP: 62.2%, 3PT: 41.7%, FT: 77.5%; and in the BCL averaged 15.2ppg, 6.3rpg, 3.0apg, FGP: 41.5%, 3PT: 47.8%. What do you remember being your wake up call to being overseas where you knew that you were far away from home?

I can’t really say I had a wake up call honestly at the end of the day I’m doing what I love.

What memories do you have from your first playoff series as a professional getting swept by Legia? You lost all 3 games by not more than 11 points combined?

My first playoff series didn’t go as planned but it was learning experience.

In Poland you were teammates with ex NBA player Kobi Simmons. What kind of a relationship did you have with him? You must have had NBA stories to tell each other?

Yea Kobi is a great guy and teammate. Very fun to be around

After your NCAA career, you had a good NBA Summer League with Phoenix and then was in training camp with the Los Angeles Clippers. What memories do you have from that first breath of the NBA? What kind of feedback do you remember getting from the coaching staff about reaching the NBA?

My first years coming out of college were great I learned a lot from NBA veterans. Just how they go about everyday life on and off the court. Their work ethic and just realizing and taking it in all in

You played your first 2 pro seasons with the Agua Caliente Clippers of Ontario (NBA G League) averaging 19.1ppg, 4.1rpg, 2.8apg, 1.2spg, FGP: 51.3%, 3PT: 29.8%, FT: 77.5% and in your second season averaged 16.1ppg, 4.7rpg, 2.7apg, FGP: 45.3%, 3PT: 25.4%, FT: 78.3%. There are guys with lesser stats in the G-League that reached the NBA. How disappointing was not reaching the big show?

It wasn’t really disappointing because you can’t worry about anything else when it comes to things like that. Can’t compare to the next man. Also I was hurt when I was in consideration to be called up so I just go with Gods plan and execute.

What memories do you have from your first G-League game where you exploded for 40 points in a 121-120 win over the Suns. There were countless NBA guys on the floor and you were the best on the court.

My first game ever game as a pro was definitely nerve wrecking but fun at the same time. It was a great game that went all the way down to the last few seconds. Definitely something I will not forget.

After 2 years in the G-League what was the best example for you that the NBA will always be a business first before anything else?

Yea the NBA is definitely a business just based off how they operate things there and what goes on behind closed doors.

Is the NBA still an option for you or are you concentrating 100% on a career overseas now?

The NBA will always be my dream but my head is where my feet are currently.

You began your NCAA career at Miami. In your first 2 seasons you never averaged more than 13 minutes and 3,0ppg. How disappointing was this time? What do you remember being the most challenging thing?

It was a little disappointing but I always stayed in the gym and always stayed positive through the ups and downs. I knew my time would come sooner or later.

You beat Duke twice in 2 different seasons. There aren’t many guys that can say they did that. That Duke team your freshman season was crazy stocked with future NBA talent. Was that one of the best if not best team you played against in the NCAA?

Yea that Duke team was definitely one of the top teams I played in my college career.

You then finished at the University of Nebraska (NCAA) where you totally took off averaging 17.2ppg, 4.4rpg, 3.0apg, FGP: 51.3%, 3PT: 30.9%, FT: 73.8% as a senior averaging 19.7ppg, 4.2rpg, 3.0apg, 1.4spg, FGP: 40.1%, 3PT: 31.3%, FT: 76.2%. How do you feel did your game grow in those 2 years?

My game grew tremendously and my confidence is what ultimately took over in order for me to be successful. Great 2 years at Nebraska

How did head coach Tim Miles groom and prepare you best for a professional career?

He prepared me well because he wasn’t afraid to coach me or light a fire under me. He knew that I was always able of giving just a little more. Also gave me the confidence so I love him for that.

Who won a 1-1 in practice you or Anton Gill?

I’m not sure if we actually played 1v1 against each other

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

I faced a lot of guys that made the NBA. Miles Bridges, Jahlil Okafor, Grayson Allen, Carsen Edwards, just to name a few

Please name your 5 best teammates of all-time?

I had a lot of great teammates so it’s hard to just point out a specific group of teammate that were my best

Please name your personal NBA Mount Rushmore?

Michael Jordan, Kobe Bryant, Kevin Durant, lebron James

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 to ever touch a basketball honestly

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

Yes I seen it and I think it was a good movie just like the first one.

Thanks James for the chat.

Tags : JAMES PALMER JR., JL BOURG BASKET, GERMAN BASKETBALL

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. In his rookie season 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 germanhoops.com after the 99-74 win over the Fraport Skyliners.

Thanks Jaleen for talking to germanhoops.com. Congrats on the 99-74 win over the Fraport Skyliners. You didn’t play tonight. The team didn’t need you on this night.

We have 9 import players and tonight it was my turn to sit. It was good to get rest. It really doesn’t matter who plays for us, because everyone gets the job done.

Alba Berlin came out firing and won the first quarter 28-17. Was that typical Alba Berlin basketball?

We played with more rhythm. We did a good job coming out and playing our game. It was typical Alba Berlin game.

Alba Berlin began with a 10-4 run to start the second quarter, but the Fraport Skyliners came back going on a 19-8 run to trail 46-36. What did Alba Berlin get away from?

We had a lot of turnovers and lost our focus. Frankfurt had a lot of young guys and we thought the game would be easy. But give Frankfurt credit because they kept fighting and kept game close.

The Fraport Skyliners got 6 lay ups and a mid distance shot. How can a top defensive team like Alba Berlin give up easy buckets?

We just weren’t focused on defense.

51 points were scored in the third quarter as Alba Berlin won the quarter 27-24. Frankfurt kept fighting but couldn’t get over the hump. Ben Lammers showed he can score in bunches.

The third quarter was tight. They started to make shots and then missed, because they were getting fatigued. Ben is really tough to guard. The mid distance shot for him is an easy shot whereas for other bigs a tough shot.

Alba Berlin closed out the game well. What is your summary of the game and what positives can you take form the win?

We won by the margin of what we expected to. You have to win these games. It is still a long season and we have a lot of work to do.

You haven’t seen too many of the lower teams except Bayreuth but what does your gut feeling say about the Fraport Skyliners?

Frankfurt was missing guys. They are still really a good team. They were missing Marcus Lewis and didn’t have fire power. Despite that I still think that they will stay in the league.

Quantez Robertson has taken a very much reduced role this season in his 14th year. How much of an annoying player is he still at age 38?

Tez was playing the 4 and 5 tonight and our big men had trouble scoring against him. He is still strong and one of the best defenders in the league. He is still a pesky player. You see guys like him, Darden and Polas still proving that they can compete against the younger guys.

The team is playing great in the easyCredit BBL, but struggling in the Euroleague. Is the record in the Euroleague deceiving because you lost 5 games by 5 or less points and some real heart breakers to FC Barcelona, Monaco and FC Bayern Munich?

I also think that our record is deceiving. The games in the Euroleague come down to the end. 3 or 4 mistakes have cost us a few games. All games are tough in Euroleague.

The team is averaging 13 points more per game, but allowing 6 points more. How is the offense better than last season and on what area’s do you need to clean up the defense?

We have to keep working on defense and I feel like we will continue to get better. I think we also need to practice more. Our offense is well oiled. We know how to play well with each other.

Alba Berlin has 8 guys averaging between 8-12 points per game in the easyCredit BBL. Has the team gotten a tad more unselfish this season?

We all enjoy anyone scoring. It doesn’t matter if it’s Luke Sikma or a guy coming off an injury, we cheer for everyone. We are genuinely happy for the success of each other. It doesn’t matter if it’s the top or last player on the squad, we want to see everyone do well.

Alba Berlin is allowing 79 points per game. 7 years ago the Fraport Skyliners and Gordon Herbert averaged allowing under 70 points for the season. It seems like the competition has gotten better in the easyCredit BBL?

I think that the game is more fast paced now with more possessions and points. I think that if you see a team holding another team under 70 points, it is more old school basketball. Our style is fast paced so we will always score points.

The roster is almost identical. You lost Oscar Da Silva and gained Yannick Wetzell and Gabriele Procida. Talk a little about the new guys and what you appreciate most about their game?

Their both great guys. Gabriel is an excellent athletic shooter at the 2-3 position. Yannick play like a seasoned post player even if he is still young. He has the chance to model his game after Luke Sikma.

Your playing another very solid season with Alba Berlin doing the most you can in the minutes you get. You playing 2 more Euroleague minutes and 2 minutes less in the easyCredit BBL. But your stats are better. How vital was that first season of grooming with Alba Berlin?

My first season helped me play more off the ball. I feel like I’m as comfortable playing off the ball as on the ball this season.

You have shaved your turnovers down. Do you credit that to knowing your teammates better and heightening your IQ in the last season?

I think like you said it’s a combination of knowing my teammates and being smart when and where to pass the ball. Plus being aggressive and finding my spots.

Your shooting the ball a lot better from outside at the moment in the easyCredit BBL. What has been bigger the self-confidence or shot selection?

My teammates are as usual doing a great job finding me. Now it’s not step backs or shooting with movement, but getting more spot up shots which has helped my percentage.

You have had some really good games in the Euroleague. Do you sense like your getting even more respect this season in comparison to last season?

I don’t care what other’s think. I just hoop how I hoop. If I get more respect now then great.

You recently led all scorers in a win over Asvel where you battled ex Bonn guard Parker Jackson-Cartwright. What was your overall impression of him in the Euroleague?

I know he started off different, but has gotten better. I think that with his confidence and that of his team for him will help him find his form from last season in the BBL.

Luka Doncic’s game has exploded in the last week with 3 50 points games out of 5. Do you still hope that you will be able to battle him one day on the court?

I actually played against him last summer in a friendly game. His IQ is simply different from everyone else. Giannis and Luka are on another level in comparison to other NBA players. It was amazing to witness him in person.

We are in 2023 now. Did you make any new years resolutions?

No I didn’t. I just hope for another title with Alba Berlin.

Thanks Jaleen for the chat.

Tags : JALEEN SMITH, ALBA BERLIN, GERMAN BASKETBALL