With the 2022 Pro B playdowns winding down faster and faster, the Dragons Rhondorf have constructed an incredible season ending furry with the hopes of remaining in the league. It couldn’t be any more exciting with two games remaining as three teams with the Dragons Rhondorf, RheinStars Cologne and Lok Bernau were all dead locked with 10-16 records and 20 points. The focus of the Dragons Rhondorf was to win their last two games against the RheinStars and Lok Bernau and all would be ok. The Dragons Rhondorf had had a solid showing against the RheinStars having won two of three this season. They did lose the last playdown game in their own living room, but they had won their first encounter in Cologne 90-79 and now had to simply do it again. After a strong week of practice and having won three of their last four games giving added self-confidence, the troops of head coach Julius Thomas arrived in Cologne with a do or die situation and gave an incredible performance for 40 minutes winning 78-65 forcing the RheinStars Cologne down to the Regionalliga. One of the hero’s of the win was guard Nicolas Buchholz (200-PG-2001) who dropped three clutch three’s in the fourth quarter. ‘We gave a very consistent effort and kept the lead well. We did give up some runs, but we fought until the end and played together as a team’, stated Nicolas Buchholz. The atmosphere in the ASV gym was breathtaking, but the RheinStars couldn’t reward their fans with a victory as they just couldn’t get over the hump in the fourth quarter. ‘We had good stretches throughout the game, but fell apart in the fourth quarter. We didn’t stick to our defensive principles. We didn’t play help side well and gave up too many offensive rebounds’, stated guard Vincent Golson.

The RheinStars Cologne didn’t waste any time jumping all over the Dragons Rhondorf taking a quick 7-3 lead. The intensity and energy of Cologne was extremely high as the Dragons Rhondorf still seemed to be a bit asleep. Top Pro B player Vincent Golson began the run dropping a trey and getting a transition lay in and rookie Elijah Schmidt scored on a lay in on a pretty back door pass from Thomas Michel. Nicolas Buchholz dropped a three pointer finding his rhythm right away as he would keep it until the end of the game. Rhondorf began to execute better moving the ball around well leading to a Paul Albrecht three pointer and a Oshane Drews runner to cut the RheinStars lead to 9-8. Rhondorf also stepped up their aggressiveness on defense making it a lot tougher for Cologne on offense. Rhondorf finally took their first lead of the game as Paul Albrecht made a lay in for the 10-9 lead as he was carrying the team early. The Rhondorf lead didn’t stand long as the RheinStars fought back as Golson scored in the paint as his quickness totally crippled the Rhondorf defense and German John Saigge nailed a big three pointer for the 14-10 advantage. But the Dragons Rhondorf closed out the first quarter getting free throws from Ralph Honnou and Marcelo Ruediger for the 15-14 lead. ‘We didn’t start well. But we quickly came together and built each other up and stayed together. Paul Albrecht was really important for keeping us together and keeping us all on the same wave length’, stated Nicolas Buchholz.

The second quarter was really tight as the RheinStars made a run to recapture the lead, but soon lost it letting the Dragons Rhondorf regain the lead and hold it until half-time. Mark Kotieno got Rhondorf on the board first with a 25 footer, but then the RheinStars took command jumping out on a 7-0 run to take the 21-18 advantage. In the run the RheinStars were led by Schmidt who scored inside on a lob pass from Thomas Michel, Golson made a lay in and young athletic German Jannis Von Seckendorff connected on a trey. The RheinStars were doing a good job taking advantage of the mis matches and feeding their bigs inside. Rhondorf had breakdowns on defense and didn’t play satisfying 1-1 defense. But the Dragons Rhondorf didn’t have long lapses on offense in this game as they mostly had answers for their opponent. For the next three minutes, both teams found their range as they traded three leads and let it rain three’s. Golson nailed two as did Kotieno. Buchholz continued to be on an offensive rampage as he scored 5 points including dropping a trey for the 30-27 lead. Rhondorf kept the slim lead continuing to get good support from Buchholz who scored on a drive and Drews also scored on two lay ins as his athleticism coupled with his swiftness gave Cologne problems all night long for the 36-32 advantage at the break. ‘We played a zone which took Cologne out of their rhythm. Drews remained aggressive and gave us the needed energy’, stressed Nicolas Buchholz. The RheinStars Cologne shot over 40% from the field and outside while the Dragons Rhondorf shot 40% from the field and 38% from outside. Rhondorf had the 19-16 rebound edge having the 9-4 offensive rebound edge and both teams had 8 turnovers a piece.

Both teams had runs in the third quarter, but at the end of 30 minutes, the Dragons Rhondorf still had the comfortable 59-51 lead. The RheinStars Cologne kept chipping away at the Dragons lead getting a Thomas Michel lay in who played in the BBL with Bonn and a trey from Golson cutting the Rhondorf lead to 40-37. Kotieno had his three pointer rolling all night long hitting another three pointer and Paul Albrecht finally got an old school hook shot to fall something that didn’t happen in the first half for the 45-37 advantage. The Dragons Rhondorf were in control, but the RheinStars Cologne retaliated and exploded for a 12-3 run to capture the lead back again at 49-48. In the run Cologne got their energy going as Michel served up the perfect alley-oop dime to Von Seckendorff for the crushing dunk. ‘That was a nice play from Jannis. He is super athletic and kept us going. I see it in practice all the time from him. He really gets excited on his dunks which sparks his defense. I think that he will be a real good player’, warned Vincent Golson. The run was continued by Mr ‘TJ Shorts of the Pro B’ Vincent 2-2 Golson who scored 10 unanswered points including two three’s. The RheinStars were playing on adrenaline and Rhondorf wasn’t able to match their intensity. But basketball will always be a game of runs as the Dragons Rhondorf fired back closing out the third quarter with a 11-2 run. In the run the ex Pro A team was led by Nicolas Buchholz with 6 points. Brazilian giant Marcelo Ruediger who was very present on the glass made a tip in and Bruno Albrecht and Drews made free throws. ‘The run at the end helped us get into a good position to win the game. We did it together pushing each other bringing them out of rhythm’, said Nicolas Buchholz. ‘We had good intensity, but didn’t stick to our defensive principles. I just played my game enjoying having the trust from my players’, said Vincent Golson. Both teams continued to shoot well, but the Dragons Rhondorf really controlled the rebounds 32-23 with 12 offensive rebounds.

In the fourth quarter there was no looking back for the Dragons Rhondorf as they took good care of their lead and played consistent basketball until the end. In the first few minutes it looked like the RheinStars Cologne could make it interesting again going on a rapid 6-2 run to cut the Dragons lead down to 61-57. In the run Cologne got vital production from Saigge, ex St Johns forward Ron Mvouika and ex Dragon Yannick Kneesch. Cologne continued to attack the rim taking advantage of the waning Dragons defense. But as the Dragons Rhondorf had demonstrated all night long, they didn’t have longer lapses on offense. Rhondorf got a key three point play by their identity figure Viktor Frankel-Maus making a very pretty submarine shot and as usual the team sniper Buchholz nailed two three’s for the 70-59 advantage. With three minutes to play the RheinStars had one last gasp of energy going on a lightening 5-0 run to cut the lead down to 70-64 as German Darius Perwan made a runner and Golson a tough off balance trey. But the Dragons Rhondorf didn’t let down, but instead slammed the door shut going on a 8-2 run to clinch the win. Buchholz hit his sixth trey of the game and Drews and Maus hit free throws to conserve the win. ‘Our consistency helped us keep our distance. I got the hot hand and my teammates put me in good position to make my shots. Plus the great support of the fans helped. This win was for the whole organization’, stressed Nicolas Buchholz. ‘They got offensive rebounds and made open three’s. We couldn’t execute, ‘stated Vincent Golson. The Dragons Rhondorf were led by Nicolas Buchholz with 25 points. Oshane Drews added 14 points and Marek Kotieno 13 points while the RheinStars Cologne were led by Vincent Golson with 34 points. The Dragons Rhondorf shot 44% from the field and 40% from the three point line and they had 44 rebounds and 17 turnovers while the RheinStars shot 37% from the field and 32% from the three point line and had 36 rebounds and 11 turnovers.

Tags : NICOLAS BUCHHOLZ, DRAGONS RHOENDORF, GERMAN BASKETBALL, GERMAN TRANSACTIONS

Jon Axel Gudmundsson (195-G-1996, college: Davidson) is a 25 year old 196cm guard from Grindavik, Iceland playing his second professional season and first with the Hakro Merlins Crailsheim. He began the season with Lavoropiu Fortitudo Bologna (Italy-Serie A) averaging 3.5ppg, 3.8rpg, 2.3apg. Last season he played his rookie season with the Fraport Skyliners Frankfurt (Germany-BBL) averaging 12.2ppg, 3.1rpg, 3.5apg, 1.2spg, FGP: 42.9%, 3PT: 35.9%, FT: 74.3%. He began his basketball career at U.M.F. Grindavik and then played at Davidson (NCAA) from 2016-2020 playing a total of 127 NCAA games. He spoke to germanhoops.com after the 81-70 loss to the Fraport Skyliners

Thanks Jon for talking to germanhoops.com. The Hakro Merlins Crailsheim suffered a tough loss to the Fraport Skyliners that could have bad consequences for their chance for the playoffs. Did the team underestimate Frankfurt?

We knew coming in that Frankfurt had played well and won some games. We didn’t go into the game with the needed energy. We just didn’t play the game the way that we wanted to.

The Fraport Skyliners had the comfortable 44-31 advantage at the break. Rasheed Moore was on fire. Is that how you had him in your memories?

Yes for sure. I remember him as being a very good shooter. He made many shots early including hook shots. He always was able to be aggressive early and score baskets. He is a real good scorer with a good three pointer and post up game. His game gave Frankfurt confidence.

You made a furious comeback in the fourth quarter. The Fraport Skyliners are known for slipping up in the fourth quarter. What adjustments did you make and did Frankfurt run out of gas?

We finally played with energy and how we know we can. But the problem is when you only play really well for 5 minutes, it’s still hard to win.

What was it like playing against your old team Fraport Skyliners? Despite being on the other side of the court, do you feel for their struggles?

Obviously as an ex player, it was difficult seeing them struggle this season. I think a lot of it had to do with the coaching change. I went through the same in Italy before coming to Crailsheim. We were close to winning some games we should of won and it was the same for Frankfurt. Sometimes all it takes are 1-2 possessions to win a game. Last season we were able to hit big shots when we needed to. That didn’t happen as much for them this season.

Last season you played with the Fraport Skyliners. Had you been following their progress in Italy and seeing their poor results? Did it surprise you?

Not really. They dealt with injuries. It was huge when they lost Bruno Vrcic in pre season. I remember him last season being so key for us coming off the bench. It was hard for them not having him this season. He was a real game changer.

What was it like seeing Quantez Robertson again. Did you exchange any words with him?

Tez and I talked before the game as well as after. He apologized about the intentional foul after the game. It wasn’t hard a foul, but the refs still had to call it.

After having a solid rookie campaign with the Fraport Skylines, you moved to Lavoropiu Fortitudo Bologna (Italy-Serie A) for your second professional season. You only played half a season there. From the stats it seemed like your role might not have been classically defined?

Coming into the season in Italy, I had a great coach. He allowed me to do a lot in pre season and first game. But then came a coaching change and then everything shifted. The new coach didn’t have that confidence for the players and something was different. He wanted to bring in his own players. It was still a struggle and there were off court issues like guys not getting paid. I also got a new role.

You got good minutes at first averaging 22 minutes in the first 9 games but then only 11 minutes in your last 4 games. Did the coaching staff lose faith in you?

I did play at the start of the coaching change, but then I pulled my hamstring and I was out for 4 weeks. After that it was tough to get playing time. You could feel that the energy shifted. We ended up wining like 3 of 4 games before I left. It was really an up and down time for me and a real learning process.

How much of a factor was your bad start shooting the three which is your bread and butter. You didn’t begin well and never found a rhythm.

I had a different role. I’m used to playing point guard and then they had me playing the two. I wasn’t used to that and a lot of the plays were for the point guard. It came down to me getting something like 3 or 4 touches per game and I was just standing in the corner. I couldn’t find any kind of good rhythm like that. Plus I feel like we didn’t have a well put together team. The new coach brought in some new guards and we couldn’t find the right ball movement.

What was it like being teammates with German Robin Benzing And James Feldeine? Were you able to get any positive things from his existence on and off the court?

I became really close to James. We always hung out. James is super experienced and had played at a high level. The same for Robin. Robin is a great offensive threat. It was great to learn from both. We began to click as a team when James came in, but then came the coaching change.

What was it like dueling in the Bologna rivalry against Virtus? Did that bring you back to some of those rivalry battles in the NCAA?

I don’t feel that it is comparable to the rivalries in the NCAA, It is different. The passion that fans have in Europe is a lot different. I had so much fun in this game. We had some of the best fans ever. You couldn’t hear anything the whole game. We didn’t know what was happening on the court. We had a 15 minute drive to the arena and along the way there were fans on bicycles that were banging on the bus. It was crazy. Unfortunately my ex team will probably move down.

You have played against incredible players in the NCAA, but what was it like playing against legends like Teodosic and Belinelli? Does the kid in you come out a bit seeing them play?

Teodosic was one of my favorites growing up. I remember talking to one of my teammates about him and Belinelli and how crazy it is watching both growing up and then you have to go out and guard them. But when the game starts, you don’t think about that. Then when the game is over, you look at the scouting sheet, you just think that they are so good that made plays that are so incomparable to anything else.

You then returned back to Germany to play for your old coach Sebastian Gleim with the Hakro Merlins Crailsheim. But also here your results and minutes are up and down. It really baffles me why you don’t have more of a scoring role especially now with TJ Shorts out?

We have a very good point guard in Mike Caffey. I feel that I can help the team. It is about me finding my role. I thought that I had found my role already when TJ was still playing. Then the team got Caffey. They needed to make changes. I feel it was right move getting him. We had played against him in the Fiba Cup. I had had a good game against Munich and thought that I had found my rhythm. Then I had foul trouble against Bamberg and couldn’t really help the team. In Hamburg we didn’t show up as a team. Then I tweaked my hamstring and Mike played really well. Coach liked that and the rotation faded for me.

What changes have you seen in the coaching of Sebastian Gleim in comparison to last season? He is winning this season and is a big reason for the success of the team?

Key for him has been that he has been gathering more experience and learning new things. He did a great job last year with Frankfurt. I don’t think the budget is as high in Frankfurt as in Crailsheim, but I don’t know. We had a good core from last year and then he did good recruiting getting the right pieces. Jaren Lewis has played great since TJ went down. He put together a great team and allowed the players to play their game. Many coaches don’t allow that. He told us what he expects and has allowed every player to do exactly what they are good at.

How annoying is it as a sniper to have consistent shooting woes. How have you tried to deal with it best this season?

I just try to shoot every day. It is tough and even tougher with the schedule that hasn’t allowed as many practices. I try to take 150 shots from the three point line two days before a game and do shooting sessions with coaches before a game. Plus I try to shoot before and after practices.

Last summer you played NBA Summer League for the Phoenix Suns. What kind of an experience was it being able to catch a breath of the NBA? What one instance will you never forget about it?

It was a very fun event. Many NBA players watch you. We all live at the same hotel and you see super stars. I remember my assistant coach Mark Bryant taking me over to meet Russell Westbrook. He introduced me. It was cool being able to say what’s up to Russ. He asked me where I had played. It was nice to see how humble he is. I also remember the Suns coming over like Chris Paul and Devin Booker showing up and hyping us up. I also remember seeing Dario Saric being in the practicing facility and taking treatment. I also got close to Jaleen Smith now with Alba Berlin who I had known. I also remember playing against Jalen Smith in college. He has had a great season since being traded to Indiana. I also remember seeing Steph Curry signing autographs and remembering me from my Davidson days when he visited.

Did you get a better feel about what it takes to reach the NBA? Is luck really the biggest factor?

Yes I feel like I got a good taste of the NBA. I don’t know if luck is the right word, but I feel that it is more about being in the right place at the right time. A good example is Haywood Highsmith. Last season he played with Crailsheim and didn’t have the greatest season, but recently signed a three year deal with Miami. He put in a lot of work during the summer. I think that a lot of unseen work is happening that players do. There is obviously politics involved, but also a lot of hard work that people don’t see. It isn’t always about how good of a scorer you are, but about how good you do the little things.

You have ties to the Suns and Warriors because ex Davidson great Steph Curry played there. These two teams most likely will reach the final. Who will most likely win the series?

The Warriors have played well, while the Suns struggled against the Pelicans. Booker was hurt, but the Suns still finished the series. Chris Paul has been great and he also was another favorite of mine growing up. I think that if they are in the western conference final, it will go 7 games and whoever plays best will win.

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

I didn’t see it. I always think that the original is the best. It is hard to beat the original, but too many people see the money signs,

Thanks Jon for the chat.

5 star hotels, private jets and incredible tasty cuisine is something only NBA players will get to tell their grandchildren about one day, but what about the normal schmo’s playing the game they love. How does a road trip look like to them? Euroleague teams travel in style, but they are still far away to how NBA teams are treated and many first divisions in Europe travel well. But then there are so many other players who have to travel long and hard to that next away game and can tell other kind of stories to their grandchildren that NBA players couldn’t even imagine of. One guy who could write book about his crazy globetrotting life in Eric Kibi (198-F-1990, college: ACU) He is 31 years old and is in his 10th season and has balled in more than 200 professional games for 19 organizations in 12 countries including Germany Canada Montenegro Denmark, Spain, France Slovakia Iraq Argentina Holland Morocco and Chile. The guy has literally seen it all. He is a guy that has played in a lot of lower leagues where the road trips were a real grind. But that is nothing new to him. He has always been used to the grind, because he has always been a gym rat and constantly worked on his game. Currently he is balling in Chile for CD Tinguiririca San Fernando (Chile-Liga Nacional) and seemingly living in a bus is an understatement. Back in the 90’s I was visiting Argentina a lot and also had to befriend the long bus trips. It was just my bad luck that I had to have found friends that lived in the middle of nowhere and weren’t situated in the country capital Buenos Aires that had a population of 11 million plus. I remember that my friends only lived 400 kilometers away and if I was in Germany a distance of that with the highway would have taken about 4 hours. But for me driving to General Villegas took 8-9 hours mainly because there was no highway and you traveled on bumpy roads and seemingly stopped in every little town. Just when you had got some shut eye, the lights came on and new people were getting on the bus. I would get on at 11 or mid night and then get to my destination when the sun came up and the roosters were saying good morning. For a guy living in Boston, I only knew how to travel by car or plane. That is why the long bus ride seemed like an eternity. It is good to know that even 15 years late when Eric Kibi was in JUCO, the sound of a Walk Man was still in style. I never left home without my walk man. This season in Chile, the bus was only a part of the road trip. ‘The bus trips are pretty crazy here. But this one we are currently on is probably one of the longest but also the coolest. This weekend we play two historic teams in Ancud and Castro. They are located on a beautiful island in Chile that they call Chiloe. So what we did is we practiced until 10pm and then at midnight we got on a bus for 12 hours and then had to get on a boat for another hour then off the boat and drive another hour and a half. The view on the boat was amazing, it is very beautiful to see. We arrived at the hotel at about 3.00 in the afternoon, then we practiced at night and we will played tomorrow and Saturday. It really had me reminiscing to my JUCO days in Texas in 2009 where we would travel for hours and the only difference is in those days I had an iPhone 2 and no wifi haha, it was straight CD Walkman for hours’, remembered Eric Kibi A Bus and Boat in one long road trip could be another chapter for a Eric Kibi book chronicling his crazy globetrotting basketball life.

The forward that lists players Justin Satchell and Argentinian big man Christian Amicucci who plays like Luis Scola as his toughest foes on the court in Chile this season and can swipe down numerous rebounds a game the same way Steph Curry can drop three’s doesn’t matter where he plays each season as long as there is a court and he has a ball he is happy. He has never been afraid to go to new countries. In Chile he is playing for the third time in a Spanish country and is proud that he no longer needs a translator. He is still seeking his first professional title, and unfortunately it won’t happen in Chille either. ‘It does get difficult. I can’t lie to you. I got close in 2016 and lost in the last minute of a Game 7 and still think about it until this day. But I wake up every morning still motivated, still feeling blessed to have the opportunity to even do this for a living as long as I have and if it’s in God’s plans for me to win one it will happen if it’s not then so be it, I’m still going to keep working’, said Eric Kibi He is having another incredible personal season, but the only downside is that the club hasn’t been as successful as his play. With the season winding down this weekend, they are near the bottom of the standings. Obviously, it isn’t easy to play so well and suffer loses. ‘It’s been difficult, yes, since we also went through a coaching change mid-season. But our new coach Alejandro Iturra who’s the assistant of the Chilean National team, honestly I can say has gotten the most out of this team and we are competing against the top teams. I really appreciate working with him and he’s helped me improve my game’, stressed Eric Kibi It is no surprise that the club is scoring a lot as that is a norm in South American countries, but it’s the defense that has crippled their play as they allow 91 points on average. ‘Yes unfortunately in this league the centers are quite big with most of the time them being a foreigner and in our team our foreign reinforcement at the 5 had some issues with the club so we have been playing most of the season without a center and I think this is what hurts us at times. We can get by for a bit with the small ball because we have so many shooters but over the course of the game it’s difficult to beat the top teams like that if the shots aren’t falling one day’, warned Eric Kibi With two games left this weekend, he is positive though that he can end his challenge in South America positively. ‘I’m very confident, we have been working hard taking the big teams to the wire the last 4-5 games, we deserve it and the city of San Fernando deserves it. They were champions in 2014 and are basketball lovers here. They have stayed with us through thick and thin through some tough losses at home. Coach especially puts in so much effort into the scouting reports and film so we owe it to him. We still have a slight chance at the playoffs’, warned Eric Kibi

The forward who’s heart bleeds for the Toronto Raptors but favors the Celtics in the east and Warriors in the west in the current NBA playoffs has played in so many countries and in so many various kinds of leagues where the style, skill level and competition level is always different. One would be surprised possibly a little bit just how skilled the basketball is in Chile. The rebounding monster has seen it all and knows what he is talking about. ‘I would say the top 4-5 teams are pretty much BBL teams and that’s mostly because they have good local players who all play for the national team. The rest are more low BBL, Pro A level. I would say Germany is more physical for sure and the youth system is much better but Chile has some good young guards, especially Franco Morales that are BBL talents that could rival with the Per Gunther and Maodo Lo easily’, warned Eric Kibi In many leagues the 31 year old would be the elder statesman but with his team CD Tinguiririca San Fernando (Chile-Liga Nacional) he is somewhere in the middle of the pack with his 31 years. For once it has been nice not being the oldest guy on the team. ‘There are a few, I’m very close with Julius Holt and our captain Eduardo Sepulveda. They are both 36 and former national team players, both been pros 18 years. I pick their brains so much every day’, added Eric Kibi Not only securing rebounds in the manner of a Bill Russell back in the day has been a pleasure for him, but also sharing he floor with then Sepulveda brothers something that doesn’t occur to often. ‘ Eduardo has a younger brother, Matthias who is also on the team and man can he go. Matti just had 33 points in 23 minutes last week. He is a very gifted scorer and it’s a matter of time before he plays on the national team. But those are my guys. I love it because they are competitors and every practice they compete, they yell I love it and it carries over to games’, commented Eric Kibi

The ex Abil.Christian (NCAA2) player who witnessed the Will Smith slap of funny comedian Chris Rock and believes that everyone makes mistakes and that shouldn’t diminish the outstanding career that the Men Of Black star is having another outstanding season. Currently he is averaging 20,0ppg and 15,0 rebounds per game. This extraordinary season has brought back flashbacks to his stellar season early in his career where he averaged the same kind of stats with Regionalliga team Rendsburg. His massive chip on his shoulder is something that has powered him his whole career. ‘I think I still get doubted a lot by coaches and organizations during the signing periods and that really motivates me every day. I feel like I should be playing in higher leagues but that’s fine I don’t sulk about it I just double down on the work. Last three years, I changed my diet, went Vegan, took up intermittent fasting and I think my last 3 seasons in Argentina, Holland and here speak for themselves’, warned Eric Kibi His noteworthy skills in Chile speak for themselves as he has scored in double figures 16 times and scored 20 points or more 12 times. He had a lethal monster game against Temuco with 24 points and 24 boards. Getting to the magical Kevin Love area of 20 or more rebounds is seldom. He has done it a few times including early in his career in Germany where he totally smothered Regionalliga team Cottbus with a 28/26 demolition and hit a sweet buzzer beater for good measure. Getting to that 20 rebound boundry has less to do with fortune but moreover it depends if one guy is on him or the whole team in exactly how many boards he will haul down. ‘There’s no luck about that, I think rebounding is all about will, heart and cardio. Some games I’ll have 3 guys boxing me out so I can’t get to offensive rebounds which is the big difference because every game I’ll always get my 10-12 defensive rebounds now the question becomes how many offensive rebounds do I get today, it can be 3,4,5 but the games where guys forget about me and I’ve been able to get 8, or 9’, expressed Eric Kibi He may b 31 years old, but he still has so much basketball and hunger left in his lion body. Wondering where he will go next each summer is as exciting to predict as is how many rebounds he will get each game. He is a player that has proved time in and time out that he is good enough for higher leagues. Will he get a new opportunity next season in a higher league? ‘This summer the strategy is simply to try to reach the highest league possible. I find the South American basketball champions league very interesting. Also In my head I know there are players with similar playing styles as me in the top leagues in Europe (France Pro A, Spain ACB, Germany BBL, EuroCup etc) I’m not scared of any leagues, system or player. I believe I can adjust to anything. I believe I can play in those leagues but obviously I need that opportunity and whether that’s next season or in the future, I’ve prepared myself so much mentally through film and mental practice that I’ll be ready.’, warned Eric Kibi It will be interesting to see where the talkative player will play next? The world is big and this basketball globetrotter is always game for new challenges. Who knows maybe his path will take him to Asia or Australia, two places where he has never played before. One thing is for sure that he will always find himself on a bus again. There will always be new road trip stories to be told that he can sample for that possible future book.

Spencer Reaves (191-G-1995, college: Central Mo., agency: One Motive Sports) is a 26 year old 191cm guard from Newark, Arkansas playing his fourth professional season and first in Germany with the Bayer Giants Leverkusen. He played his first three professional seasons in Spain with Azpeitia Juaristi Iraurgi Saski Baloia (Spain-LEB Silver) and UBU Tizona Burgos (Spain-LEB Gold). He began his basketball career with / Cedar Ridge High School and then played a season with North Greenville University (NCAA2). He then finished at the University of Central Missouri (NCAA2) from 2015-2018 playing a total of 85 games averaging 12.3ppg, 2.5rpg, 2.0apg, FGP: 42.6%, 3PT: 36.0%, FT: 83.5% in his second season, 17.0ppg, 4.2rpg, 2.8apg, 1.5spg, FGP: 59.9%, 3PT: 39.0%, FT: 85.4% as a junior and17.0ppg, 5.2rpg, 2.0apg, 1.1spg, FGP: 51.9%, 3PT: 44.2%, FT: 88.6% as a senior. He spoke to germanhoops.com after the thrilling 81-75 win in Trier to take a 2-1 games lead.

Congrats Spencer on the massive 81-75 game three win in Trier to give Leverkusen the 2-1 games lead. After the tough game one loss where Leverkusen lost by more than 20 points at home, did your confidence slip a little? How were you able to stay mentally strong despite a very tough loss?

We knew it might be a struggle for us. We were only able to have 1 full practice before going to Trier because of sickness. They punched us in the mouth but we couldn’t hang our heads for long. Had to stay consistent and confident in ourselves.

What two incredibly exciting tight finishes with game 2 and game3. Do you remember playing two such important games back to back in your career that were so tight?

This is actually my first playoffs as a pro. Covid cancelled some seasons and other seasons we have been bad. It’s fun and a completely different animal. Super fun though.

In terms of importance which win was bigger game 2 or game 3 in this series?

I think they are equally important. We couldn’t go down 0-2 going back to trier but it is also important to steal one when you don’t have home court.

After the big game 2 win, what were Leverkusen’s biggest goals to accomplish in game three? You had definitely improved the team rebounding in game 2?

Rebounding is for sure #1 but also trying to match their physicality. We also had to move the ball better on offense to make them move.

The Bayer Giants Leverkusen played a very strong first half especially defensively 43-27. What was key to being able to control the first half in a hostile environment?

We defended really well. We followed our game plan and executed it really well.

In the second half Trier came back into the game and fought back trailing 57-51 after 30 minutes. It seemed like they finally found their offensive rhythm. Why couldn’t your defense come to terms with their inside out game?

We were really bad on the glass in the second. They were able to get too many second chance points. If they are doing that, they are really tough to handle.

At the start of the third quarter you served up a beautiful alley-op pass to giant Dennis Heintzmann. How much fun is playing with him and being able to blindly throw the ball at the rim and know he will be there?

It’s great. He does a great job of getting me open where I can cause the defense to help. He’s really good at catching lobs at the rim is well, since he is a 7 footer.

The fourth quarter was really tight as Trier guard Parker Van Dyke was a real menace hitting big shots. Does he seem to be a player that every opponent hates but would love to have on their team?

Yeah anytime you can shoot the ball like him it’s tough to defend but you’d love to have it on your team. He got free a few times and burned us. Another thing we have to improve for next game.

You really took over in crunch-time. Did you feel the need to take responsibility and take charge or was it more what the defense gave you?

After the terrible first half, I had to be aggressive still on the offensive end. I was able to get a few open looks to go and I feel that’s all I need.

Quentin Goodin made a big basket and Luis Figge free throws. What defensively was most key in the last minute to clinch the win?

We really threw them up with the zone defense. Have to definitely credit the coaches for that one. And Q’s bucket and Figge’s free throws were huge.

What was the call of the game from head coach Hansi Gnad that was key at that moment for having success on the court?

I think just putting the right guys in the correct situations on the court. He really trusts the guys we have and gives everyone great confidence.

You really have picked up your game in the last two games scoring 22 and 20 points. Where do you feel have you been able to carry your game to in this playoff series?

Just continuing to be aggressive with the ball and making the right plays when I have it. I like to keep it simple and just do what helps the team win.

You can close out the series in game 4. Obviously you don’t want to lose focus and close out the series. What do you feel will be the biggest focus in game 4 to reach the next round?

Continuing to do the things we have the last two games. And making the right adjustments because you know Trier will.

Where you surprised that the Boston Celtics swept the Brooklyn Nets and is Jayson tatum the next Kevin Durant?

I was but after watching the games, the Celtics are the real deal defensively. Also Tatum and Brown can really go on the offensive end.

Thanks Spencer for the chat.

Tags : SPENCER

Stanley Whittaker (183-G-1994, college: Keiser) is a 27 year old 183cm point guard from Philadelphia playing his third professional season and first in Germany with PS Karlsruhe. He played his rookie season in Lithuania and last season had his break through with UBSC Raiffeisen Graz (Austria-BSL) playing 24 games: Score-2 (21.5ppg), 6.3rpg, Assists-2 (8.0apg), Steals-1 (2.6spg), FGP: 49.3%, 3PT: 40.5%, FT: 78.4%. He played his college ball at Frank Phillips (JUCO) and Keiser (NAIA). He teams up every week with Miles Schmidt-Scheuber to talk basketball.

PS Karlsruhe suffered a bitter double overtime loss in game two in Rostock 107-103. How glad were you that you didn’t have to take the long bus ride home after?

It helps that we get to stay here overnight and give it another shot on Thursday.

Can a loss like this seal the series mentally? You have the backs to the wall and need 3 wins now.

Nah I don’t think so, we still have a chance so we have to continue to battle and believe.

Rostock had the big 55-43 lead at the break. They scored 32 points in the second quarter. What on the defensive end was giving the team the most problems?

I think it’s just our mistakes, like when I turn the ball over they capitalize off those mistakes. And also they were on the glass pretty heavy this game as well. It’s starts with me taking better care of the ball and not giving them extras possessions.

Basketball is always a game of runs and adjustments. You as a team showed heart and really stepped it up allowing only 28 points in the second half. What adjustments did you make as a team?

It was a case of taking care of the ball first. We were able to get shot opportunities so that kind of helped us. We played with more urgency on defense in the second half.

German beast Till Glogger made two key free throws to force a second OT. He finished with 17/19 stats. What makes it so difficult to stop him?

He’s just a strong body, does a good job of sealing, has a nice touch around the basket.

In the second OT Rostock was able to keep the pressure on. Did fatigue catch up with the team? What was key in the second OT for losing the game?

It’s normal for fatigue to kick in, small rotation, 50 minute game. But I think we still had our chances in the second overtime, we had a couple turnovers that resulted in them getting more scoring opportunities. We just didn’t finish the way we should have

You had 27/6/9 stats but 6 turnovers. Are you going to watch extra film leading up to game three?

For me it’s simple TAKE CARE OF THE DAMN BALL, and I just haven’t been doing a good job, 5 turnovers in the first half is terrible. And I have to be better.

PS Karlsruhe was outrebounded badly as Rostock had 23 offensive rebounds and you as a team had 22 turnovers. Could the depth factor really play against you?

23 offensive rebounds and 22 turnovers won’t win you any game. So we have to clean up the turnovers and be better on the glass, & finish possessions.

Will you talk individually with some of the guys? How important is mental strength now going into a do or die game?

All my guys understand what we are up against and what’s needed in the next game.

Is Jayson Tatum the next Kevin Durant?

No

Thanks Stanley for the chat.

Maurice Stuckey (187-G-1990) is a 31 year old 187cm guard currently in his 16th season and third with the Hakro Merlins Crialsheim. He began his career with BG Leitershoefen and then played for teams like Ehingen, Brose Bamberg, s.Oliver Wurzburg, and the Ewe Baskets Oldenburg. He won 3 BBL league titles with Brose Bamberg and won 3 cups with Bamberg and Oldenburg. He also has been a German national player and three time BBL allstar. Germanhoops.com spoke to him after the 86-80 win over BG Goettingen.

Congrats on the massive 86-80 win against BG Goettingen. Does the team believe it can make the playoffs. You have to win two of three games.

Our belief is very big. We have our destiny in our own hands. We have to see how Goetingen keeps playing. We look from game to game and now are focusing on Frankfurt this Friday.

The Hakro Merlins Crailsheim allowed 9 points in the first quarter and 31 in the second quarter. What adjustments did BG Goettingen make to have this turnaround?

We didn’t play with the same intensity that we had in the first quarter. We allowed open shots, drives and suffered too many turnovers which led to easy baskets.

Harald Frey had had 21 points against ratiopharm Ulm in his first game in the BBL, but was his 14 point explosion in the second quarter that there is huge talent in Norway?

He is a very good player. I didn’t know to much about him. He has a very good game. He presented us with many problems. He was hitting really deep shots from 10 meters.

In the third quarter Crailsheim exploded on offense. How refreshing has the play of Mike Caffey been. How is he a different PG from TJ Shorts?

TJ is a very aggressive scorer. Mike is also a good player. They have their differences on the court. Mike is very good at changing the tempo. He also has a lot of experience and is supper efficient on the court.

Did Terrill Harris clinch the win in crunch-time?

Yes I would say that. As soon as he came is he was super aggressive attacking the basket and getting out on transition. He hit big shots and finished well as well.

After TJ Shorts went down the Hakro Crailsheim Merlins lost five games in a row. How much of a shock was it for the team losing TJ Shorts?

TJ is our motor. It is so difficult to replace a guy like that. He gave us so much on the court. He doesn’t just score, but finds his teammates and defendswell. It wasn’t easy at first without him, but after some weeks we found stability. It was a new experience being without him that we weren’t used to and had to learn to adjust.

Did his killer mentality was able to rub off on the team?

I think so. The guy is such a tough competitor on the court. He never gives up and always gives 120%.

You have played with many guards in your career. What has it been like playing with him? What have you appreciated most about him?

He doesn’t lose control on the court. I really enjoy how he has this balance on the court between knowing when to score and when to find us. When you are free, you know that you will get the ball. Thanks to him, I received so many open shots. He is a real team play

For me the two MVP favorites are Jackson-Cartwright and Shorts. The Bonn guard had a better record than Shorts, but is the MVP more about stats and record or stats and how important the player is overall to the team?

I think that it is a combination of all these things. You have to have good stats and also be winning. You have to have the total package to be able to win the MVP award. It has been interesting to observe them this season. Both guys have had great stats and brought success to their teams. Both guys deserve to be in the running for the MVP.

Before the BG Goettingen game Crailsheim had won three of the last five games. Plus you played very tough against Alba Berlin and Ludwigsburg. What adjustments did the team make in the last five games that allowed you to be successful without TJ Shorts him?

I think key has been that we have gotten used to Mike Caffey. The team had some Covid issues when Shorts went down. But in the last weeks we have gotten better used to one another and are playing well together and finding each other.

Stat wise you played your best season in Wurzburg in 2017-2018 and this season it’s similar. Are you playing your best basketball this season?

I think with the success we had as a team reaching the cup final and quarterfinals of the Fiba Europe Cup coupled with my stats, this has been my most successful season in my career. My role has been similar in both places.

From 2009-2012 you played with Brose Bamberg. How did your game grow most in this time and how did it shape your play?

The Bamberg organization introduced me to how to be a professional. Before I came to Bamberg, I was used to be the quickest and being able to jump the highest. Then suddenly in Bamberg everybody was like me or better. I really had to pay my dues in those years. It was a good place to see what I had to work on with my game. I was lucky to be able to play with so many experienced players.

How vital was John Goldsberry in those years? How beneficial was it being able to observe how he defended on a regular basis?

He was very important. A guy like Karsten Tadda was also important. When you play for a coach like Chris Fleming you know that if you don’t play defense you don’t play at all. I can’t remember how many times I heard that. I had the basics when I got to Bamberg but what was missing was developing that smartness on the court. Also scouting players became important. It took me a while before I was able to feel really comfortable at what level I was as a defender.

That 2011-2012 team was insane. Names like Jacobson, Tucker, Slaughter, Roberts, Pleiss and Jenkins were on that team. Was that the best and most talented team you have ever been on?

I didn’t play much that season. I had two stress fractures and missed many months twice. I was just a spectator most of the time. I think that the 10-11 team and 11-12 teams were incredible. I always wanted to know which team would have won had they played against each other.

Everybody knows how great of a player Casey Jacobson was, but how high was his professionalism? Do you remember of a situation where you saw that?

When you played at such a high level like he did including the NBA, all that success didn’t come from nothing. He had a routine and stuck to it his whole career. I will never forget how he got around screens and made his floaters. He always made them in practice. He also was known for being such a great three point shooter. The guy was a real professional with a great work ethic.

You won the cup in 2015 with Rickey Paulding and the EWE Baskets Oldenburg. Now when you look back at that season are you content that you were able to appreciate your time being teammates with him?

I think I did appreciate the season being able to be his teammate. I didn’t have much in common with him off the court. I was 24 and we were both in different phases of our private lives. But character wise I can say that he was of the best teammates and people that I ever played with.

You played five years in Wurzburg. You were teammates two seasons with Maxi Kleber before he went to Munich and the NBA. Back then everybody spoke how talented he was. Had you have thought then that he could be in the NBA so long?

Yes I did. I always knew he would. The question was only would he remain healthy. His work ethic was great and he had a super NBA body. It is nice to see how much success he has had.

Some experts have said that Sebastian Gleim took over a well oiled ship that Tuomas Iisalo left him. But seriously how true is that? He still had to get new players including guys that had played in second leagues like Lewis and Harris (but very hungry) and a new point guard TJ Shorts. How much credit does he deserve for the success?

He came into a situation where the club had had success the last two years. There were high expectations and pressure on him. People began to get used to winning there. He came in and was able to keep the winning going. He is a very ambitious. People are always saying stupid things.

Did you sense last season that Hayward Highsmith was on a mission to get back to the NBA? Does a guy like him give hope to players overseas that really anything is possible?

I remember him talking about getting back to the NBA last season. Every guy who ever touched the ball dreams of going to the NBA. He has experience and he had been there before. He is a very good defender and knows how to hit the open shot. He has the perfect role with Miami. You have to have luck, the abilities and the right professionalism to make the NBA. I’m really happy for him. Plus he just became a dad.

Per Guenther is retiring. You had many battles with him. Is there one that sticks in your mind?

What I will never forget about him was that he was so quick. Unfortunately he wasn’t so quick anymore at the end of his career, but that is because injuries robbed him of some extra years. He was a great player and a real competitor. I will never forget his battles against Oldenburg.

Who is the toughest player that you ever faced on the court?

Kyle Fogg of Bremerhaven. He was really nasty on the court. He could do it all and was so strong. Tyrese Rice was also really tough in practice in Bamberg.

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

Jordan, Kobe, Lebron, Shaq

Did it surprise you that the Boston Celtics swept the Brooklyn Nets? Can Boston reach the finals and is Jayson Tatum the next Kevin Durant.

I knew that Boston would win after watching game one. They played incredible defense and were so physical. Brooklyn couldn’t handle that. There are many differences to Durant and Tatum. Durant is still active and very good.

Thanks Maurice for the chat.

Dante Exum (198-PG-1995, agency: Alti Sport) is a 26 year old 198cm guard from Australia that is playing his first season in Europe for FC Barcelona. He began his career at the Australian Institute of Sport. In 2014 he was drafted by the Utah Jazz at #5. He then played seven years in the NBA totaling 262 games mostly for the Utah Jazz where he played 5 seasons. He also played two years with the Clevland Cavaliers. Last summer he helped Australia win a bronze at the Summer Olympics. He spoke to germanhoops.com during the Euroleague playoff series against FC Bayern Munich.

Dante thanks for talking to germanhoops.com. The Barcelona-Munich series is tied 1-1. FC Bayern Munich played a very good game 2 and was simply better than FC Barcelona in many areas. With what kind of feelings are you traveling to Munich and what will be key to winning the series?

We knew going in that this would be a very tough series against Munich. When your battling in the playoffs it is all about getting better. We are confident that we will be bale to make the adjustments to advance.

After 7 years in the NBA your playing your first season in Europe with top team FC Barcelona. How tough were the last two years in Utah and Cleveland? Did you lose faith in the NBA?

No I don’t think that I lost faith in the NBA. I was at a point in my career where I just wanted to play more. With the injuries that I had I felt it was a good opportunity to come overseas. I felt that being able to go to FC Barcelona was a very good opportunity for me.

Your playing for one of the world’s most famous organizations. What kind of experience has it been and what experience have you cherished the most so far with this team?

Playing for FC Barcelona has been a great experience. They have welcomed me with open arms. I have cherished the fans the most. The love and how they have welcomed me has been great.

How tough was it coming to a club middle in the season that is so deep? What was the toughest transition for you with your game coming to the Euroleague and ACB?

It is tough coming to a new team in the middle of the season where there are many new players that you have to get used to. The style is different with FC Barcelona and more structured. They pack the paint more is something that is a lot different from the NBA.

You are teammates with so many incredible talented guys., Is there one player that has impressed you the most or really been vital in helping you adjust quicker?

The team has so many talented players. But if I had to chose one I would pick Kyle Kuric. He is my shooting partner. It has been really beneficial to me trying to understand the mind set of a shooter.

What kind of an experience has it been playing for head coach Sarunas Jasikevicius? What has been the biggest challenge learning a new system form him?

The biggest adjustment for me has been learning his system. He has a totally different strategy especially with on ball defense. He has a real passion for the game.

Last summer you played at the 2021 Olympics and won a Bronze with Australia. What was going through your mind when you got your medal?

This was a big moment for Australian basketball. We had never won a medal before with basketball. I know how it meant for guys like Patty Mills and Matthew Dellavedova who had been grinding for years to finally win a medal. Just being a part of it was fantastic and something I will never forget.

What was special about Team Australia in 2021. What do you believe was missing from overcoming team USA?

I thought that we were right there with Team USA. It was atough game. That is simply how basketball works at times. Basketball is a game of runs. Even if you play good defense, Kevin Durant will still score. I think that experience will have us better prepared for the next chance at the World Cup.

You played 6 years with Rudy Gobert. What is your nicest memory of him and where is he currently in the list of top centers in the NBA?

I always had a good relationship with him. He has such a good presence in the paint. What many don’t know is that he is so knowledgeable of the game. He gave me good advice about the pick and roll coverages. I believe that he is at the top in the NBA. Of course you have guys like Embiid and Jokic, but basketball is two sided. He also is great on the defensive end.

How many of the six teams that you were on with the Jazz could the current FC Barcleona team have beat?

I’m not 100% sure. But I know that each game would be super competitive.

You played against Kobe and Lebron. What duels will always stand out in your mind?

I will never being there when Kobe played his last game against us. Unfortunately I didn’t play, but I was on the sideline and saw everything. Being able to see him that last time was amazing.

You played 8 seasons in the NBA. What was the best example in this time where you saw that the NBA will always be a business first?

I have seen the other side how players were treated by organizations, but I was always blessed to be treated well by every team that I played for. I never saw the other side.

Your dad Cecil played with the University of North Carolina in 1982 with Michael Jordan and James Worthy. What Jordan story from him will always stick in your mind?

He told me stories about him when I was young. I think what has always stuck with me since then was the incredible mindset that he had in every session. Since hearing this, I have strived to be the best that I can.

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

That is a hard question. But I couldn’t say it wasn’t Kobe. It was him.

Thanks Dante for the chat.

Stanley Whittaker (183-G-1994, college: Keiser) is a 27 year old 183cm point guard from Philadelphia playing his third professional season and first in Germany with PS Karlsruhe. He played his rookie season in Lithuania and last season had his break through with UBSC Raiffeisen Graz (Austria-BSL) playing 24 games: Score-2 (21.5ppg), 6.3rpg, Assists-2 (8.0apg), Steals-1 (2.6spg), FGP: 49.3%, 3PT: 40.5%, FT: 78.4%. He played his college ball at Frank Phillips (JUCO) and Keiser (NAIA). He teams up every week with Miles Schmidt-Scheuber to talk basketball.

Ps Karlsruhe lost game one to Rostock 87-66. How much does this loss hurt? Did Rostock do their home work after being swept in the season series?

We feel it a bit because we wanted to protect our home court. We have another game to play in a couple days so we have to recover and get back focused on game 2.

The first half was a close affair as PS Karlsruhe led 36-33. What was the biggest focus at the half-time talk?

We just wanted to continue to defend at the level we defended at in the first half.

How vital was the brutal 11-0 run by Rostock to start the third quarter. Did this shock kind of set the direction of the game in favor of the guests?

They came out in the second half and made a run, the momentum shifted then and we were able to make a run ourselves to end the 3rd quarter.

But Ps Karlsruhe never gave up trailed only 56-52 after 30 minutes. They had you wrapped up pretty well in the third quarter. What kind of adjustments did they make on the defensive end?

They played a little zone, they were putting two on me to make it difficult and we kind of didn’t get anything going offensively, bad turnovers, stagnant offense, I take full responsibility of that. I have to do a better job at making sure we get better looks offensively

In the fourth quarter Rostock began on fire again with a 11-2 run. Was that the needed blow that didn’t allow you to get back over the hump?

That run kind of summarized the quarter, from there we didn’t much recover from it.

Then Tyler Nelson scored 10 unanswered points in a row. What made it so difficult to keep him better in check?

He came in a found a nice rhythm, he was pretty fresh. Not sure how many minutes he played up until that 4th quarter but he came in and made some big shots.

What positives can PS Karlsruhe still take from the game despite the guests hitting 12 three’s and only having 9 turnovers?

Just knowing we can play better basketball is a positive for our group, it was a bad second half for us, so we just can learn from it and be better in the next game.

You had 19/5/6/5 stats. What will you be focusing on most leading up to game 2 with your own game so you will be able to play even better in game 2?

Just playing with a little more poise, I felt like I was rushing a bit in the second half, but I’ll do a better job of limiting turnovers and creating better opportunities on both sides of the ball for our team.

Game 2 is a must win for PS Karlsruhe. What do you have to do better in game two to tie the series?

Play better in all. & value possessions.

Brooklyn is down 2-0 to the Celtics. Do you see the Nets coming back?

I hope so.

Thanks Stanley for the chat.

The Fraport Skyliners Juniors didn’t have much time to recuperate from their 74-60 loss on the road to the Arvato College Wizards as they welcomed them into their living room for another play down battle. The Frankfurt loss was one of those games where they got a lot of support from many guys, but didn’t have two real go to guys that could of made a difference in many phases of the game. The many Frankfurt turnovers also was vital for Karlsruhe being able to get their sixth win of the season. In the return game they were hoping to control ex Fordham (NCAA) guard Zaire Thompson better who had gone 7/8 from downtown and keep Rouven Roessler cold who had gone a disappointing 0/8 from outside in his living room. But this time the roles of the two Arvato College players were reversed as Thompson went cold and oldie Roessler had a better night, but Frankfurt executed at a solid rate offensively which carried them for the 40 minutes winning 90-77. ‘Defensively we played an overall good game with only a few letdowns and offensively shot the ball well. We also ran transition well and closed out the game well’, stressed Fraport Skyliners Juniors guard Matthew Meredith. After the tough loss, you could see disappointment in the eyes of Karlsruhe guard Zaire Thompson who understood that the team never really got going. ‘Frankfurt began well and it took us longer. We came back, but we just didn’t have a good day on offense and had bad rotations on defense. We also had problems against their big men’, stressed Arvato College Wizards guard Zaire Thompson.

After a strong start by the Fraport Skylines Juniors, they allowed the guests to speed back, but closed out the first quarter well leading 25-19 after 10 minutes. The Fraport Skyliners Juniors had the quick 9-2 advantage as Frankfurt did a super job attacking the paint and putting German Nils Leonhart’s athleticism into the spot light as he scored twice. Ex Cologne JBBL center Jordan Samare (202-PF-2002) also added a lay in and ex Hanau forward Calvin Schaum dropped a three pointer. Guard Philipp Hadenfeldt was instrumental in serving up some sweet dimes. But the Arvato College Wizards continued to chip away on offense and finally found a quick rhythm going on a 7-2 run to cut Frankfurt’s lead down to 11-9. Key in the run was four points by Mortz Baer who had a good game, but for some strange reason played only 15 minutes scoring 9 points. Roessler also got going quickly with a trey to cut Frankfurt’s lead down to 11-9. Frankfurt kept the slim lead with added production from another Schaum three pointer and lay in by raw German Alexander Richardson for the 15-12 advantage, but the guests rallied and overtook the lead 19-18 as Roessler nailed another jumper, German Christoph Rupp connected on a trey and speedy and athletic guard Abdulai Abaker who is with his 10th team made a lay in for the 19-18 guests lead. Frankfurt lost intensity and allowed Karlsruhe better looks. But it’s no secret that basketball is always a game of runs and Frankfurt found back to their game and closed out the first quarter in style with a 7-0 run. In the run Hadenfeldt connected added five points with a three and jumper and Matthew Meredith served up a perfect alley-op pass to Richardson for the crushing dunk. ‘Hadenfeldt did a good job allowing us to keep the lead with his energy’, stated Matthew Meredith. The Fraport Skyliners were shooting 69% from the field and 38% from outside and had 7 rebounds and 5 turnovers while the Arvato College Wizards shot 50% from the field and 40% from outside and had 5 rebounds and 6 turnovers.

The Fraport Skyliners Juniors continued to keep the lead in the second quarter, but couldn’t get away as they had the slim 45-41 lead at the break. Roessler hit a fast three pointer and Abakar a lay in as Frankfurt led only 26-24, but once again Nils Leonhardt (196-G-2000) glistened with his athleticism scoring two baskets. The combination of him and Jordan Samare sparkled all night long as they combined for 37 points and 6 assists. Their chemistry on the court was excellent and also helped let their teammates feed off of them as Frankfurt led 30-24. ‘Both were great with the passing game, crashing the boards and on transition’, stressed Matthew Meredith The guests stayed close getting a three pointer by ex Fordham (NCAA) player Zaire Thompson and a steal and transition bucket from Rupp, but they couldn’t get over the hump. Jordan Samare was in total domination mode scoring three times with twice in the paint and also nailing a trey. Samare’s teammates also did a great job all night long putting him in excellent position to be able to execute well as Frankfurt led 37-30. The Arvato College Wizards continued to remain on Frankfurt’s tail getting continued great support from Rossler who is in his 18th season with a Karlsruhe team and played 134 BBL games hit a pretty 20 footer and beautiful fade away jumper and Thompson made a step back. But Frankfurt always had an answer to continue their offense to keep rolling as their bench was deep and ready to produce. Young German Drago Crnjac supplied the support with two key back to back three pointers for the 44-39 Frankfurt advantage. Baer supplied a lay in and Alvin Oniya a free throw ending the first half. ‘Drago is a good shooter and is always ready. He had done that before making a three and one before this season. Roessler kept them close making tough shots’, added Matthew Meredith. The Fraport Skyliners Juniors shot 55% from the field and 33% from the three point line and had 17 rebounds and 10 turnovers while the Arvato College Wizards shot 50% from the field and 36% from outside and had 12 rebounds and 9 turnovers.

In the third quarter the Fraport Skyliners Juniors continued to execute well on offense and hold the slim lead as the guests just couldn’t get over the hump. Abaker once again gave the team a swift spark from the bench with a personal 5-0 run as Karlsruhe trailed only 47-46. But Frankfurt retaliated well getting two more clutch baskets from Samare and a three pointer from Meredith to lead 55-48. The guests got some valuable support from ex Trier guard Vincent Hennen with a three pointer and a three from Rupp, but Frankfurt always had an answer ready as Richardson scored twice including an old school hook shot and the German Devin Booker Matthew Meredith had his three pointer ready nailing another one as Frankfurt led 62-60. Despite a transition dunk by German Christian Okolie who began his career in Tuebingen, the Fraport Skyliners Juniors continued to have more options and weapons always ready to throw something at the guests. Marco Voeller who had a quiet night scored his only two points with a line drive runner, Alvin Oniya made a lay in traffic and Meredith scored at the buzzer for the 68-62 Frankfurt lead after 30 minutes. ‘I began to hit my shots better which opened it up more for my teammates’, stated Matthew Meredith. ‘Frankfurt made good adjustments from last weeks game. They were more aggressive on the pick and roll and took our three away better. They made our shots difficult. It is hard to live only from the three point line’, added Zaire Thompson. The Fraport Skyliners Juniors shot 56% from the field and 39% from the parking lot and had 23 rebounds and 13 turnovers while the Arvato College Wizards shot 52% from the field and 42% from the parking lot and had 21 rebounds and 13 turnovers.

In the fourth quarter the Fraport Skyliners Juniors upped their offensive execution and led by as many as 12 points to close out the game strong. The guests began with an Abakaer lay in who had 5 steals on the night and Rupp free throw to cut Frankfurt’s lead to 68-65. But that was as close as Karlsruhe would get as the Fraport Skyliners Juniors then Ultimately slammed the door shut on the guests with a 10-2 run to lead 78-66. In the run Frankfurt received the knock out punch from the combination of Meredith and Leonhardt with 10 points. Meredith continued to be an offensive menace always being in attack mode hitting a trey and lay in on transition while Leonhardt hit a trey and scored on transition as Samare made the key assist. Karlsruhe stepped up their offense in the last five minutes, but couldn’t make any ground as they couldn’t manage defensive stops. Abaker and Thompson scored inside, but Frankfurt still led 80-70. Frankfurt got added support from Hadenfeldt with a trey and Samare lay in as this time Leonhardt supplied the pretty dime as Frankfurt led 85-72. Rupp added a lay in and Thompson a three pointer while Leonhardt a 20 footer and Hadenfeldt closed out the game with a three pointer. ‘We played consistent defense for the most part in the game, but did lose a little concentration in the fourth quarter. But our offense carried us to the end’, stated Matthew Meredith. ‘It was just one of those days where we never totally found our game. We played good team basketball last week, but Frankfurt did a good job forcing us more to 1-1 play tonight. You can’t win like that for 40 minutes’, warned Zaire Thompson. The Fraport Skyliners Juniors had four players in double figures as Nils Leonhardt led the team with 19 points. Jordan Samare added 18 points and Matthew Meredith had 15 points. While the Arvato College Wizards were led by Rouven Roessler with 19 points. Abdulai Abaker added 16 points and Christoph Rupp 14 points. The Fraport Skyliners Juniors shot 57% from the field and 47% from outside and had 35 rebounds and 21 turnovers while the Arvato College Wizards shot 47% from the field and 33% from outside and had 26 rebounds and 17 turnovers.

Tags : JORDAN SAMARE, FRAPORT SKYLINERS FRANKFURT, GERMAN BASKETBALL

In past years the basketball Hessen derby has always been an exciting and emotional battle between Frankfurt and Giessen where usually both teams were at totally different spots in the standings. But this time around it was the door mat of the BBL Giessen 46ers and number 16th team Fraport Skyliners that were squaring off for bragging rights before their long summer starts. The Fraport Skyliners won’t forget their 90-79 win in Giessen, because they began 2022 off so great, but after that is when their season totally turned around as they made a 180 degree turn downwards as they lost their next 8 games in a row and 14 of 15 which sealed their fate into the second division which most likely will occur if they don’t somehow magically get a wild card to remain in the easyCredit BBL. Losing a Hessen derby at home is always tough as the guests fans seem to live in the arena after the final buzzer and don’t want to leave chanting as they just won a title as that was the case after 40 minutes as the Jobstairs Giessen 46ers pulled out a squeaker 76-75 win that the Fraport Skyliners could have won had Rasheed Moore’s last second shot fell. That has been the story of the Skyliners poor season as catching breaks has been something they haven’t had much of. ‘We didn’t have a good first half. We played better defense in the second half, but simply fell one point short at the end’, said Fraport Skyliners forward Rasheed Moore. Giessen controlled the game from the start, but lost some defensive intensity in the fourth quarter allowing the Fraport Skyliners to threaten but ex Paderborn guard Kendale Mccullum had total control leading his team to the win. ‘Our goal was to come in and have fun and stay loose and enjoy the opportunity. I felt we moved the ball well, got important stops and were able to finish plays when we needed too. We also trusted each other’, stated Giessen guard Kendale McCullum (194-G-1996, college: Lewis, agency: Octagon Europe)

The first quarter was a very tight affair as both teams couldn’t get away from each other and both created an identity in the paint. Giessen got the rapid 6-3 lead as they got key energy from ex Texas Christian University (NCAA) JD Miller getting a massive two handed dunk and tip in. Frankfurt stayed close getting baskets in the paint from Polish national player Marcel Ponitka and 221cm rookie giant Matt Haarms, but Giessen kept the lead. Athletic forward Nuni Omut who balled at Baylor (NCAA) hit a trey and also escaped inside as the Frankfurt help was non existent for a two handed stuff and 11-7 Giessen advantage. Frankfurt kept executing and even took the lead 12-11 with a Rasheed Moore offensive rebound and put back and Haarms left handed lay in. But Giessen took control of the game and lead again with a 6-2 run to close out the first quarter leading 17-14. In the run it was Omot again who kept up his aggressive play and knack of knowing where the rim was. He made another thunderous dunk and connected on a 20 footer. Ex Jena German Dennis Nawrocki also scored inside as Muccullm served up the dime. Ex Auburn (NCAA) guard Quantez Roberson also added a runner. Frankfurt shot very poorly from outside but had 8 offensive rebounds and Haarms had 6 rebounds. ‘Our shots weren’t falling so well so we tried to get easy lay ups inside’, stated Kendale McCullum ‘We had good ball movement early on and tried to use the mismatches as well as we could’, stressed Quantez Robertson.

In the second quarter the Jobstairs Giessen 46ers were able to get away from the Fraport Skyliners and lead by as much as 10 points. They were more versatile on offense being able to use their three game more. Giessen got out cooking going on a 10-2 run to extend their lead to 27-16. In the run ex Lewis (NCAA2) guard Kendale Mccullum demonstrated that he can score with ease inside like the other BBL candidates Cartwright-Jackson and Shorts as he made a beautiful floater that looked so easy and an off balance lay in. Omot continued to be on fire nailing a trey and MIller did the same. Frankfurt rallied after the run shock getting two easy lay ins from German national player Lukas Wank and Ponitka to trail Giessen 27-20. The one on one defense of both teams was miserable, but Giessen still had the better execution rate as a whole and the lead. Frankfurt got two vital back to back three’s from 2017 JBBL finalist Len Schoorman, but Frankfurt couldn’t make any ground as Giessen continued to execute well getting a Omot trey, Miller dunk and a trey from Latvian forward Martins Laksa and the commanding 38-28 advantage. Frankfurt got a last minute energy boost getting a steal and lay in from Ponitka and a lay in by Rasheed Moore to trail 38-32 at half-time. ‘Omot had a tough game against Braunschweig. His mind set was to bounce back. He got hot early and helped us get momentum. We fed off him. He is a big reason why we won’, stated Kendale McCullum ‘Schoormann came off the bench and gave us a big spark. It was good for him to get shots and more minutes again’, added Quantez Robertson. Giessen was shooting very well over 40% from the field and outside while Frankfurt continued to be cold from outside at 18%. Both teams were even on the boards with 22 rebounds apiece.

The Jobstairs Giessen 46ers kept their lead in the third quarter as the Fraport Skyliners were close a few times to climb over the hump but were denied. Matt Haarms began by nailing a 20 footer which was followed by an in your face three by Omot and Mccullum free throws for the 43-34 Giessen advantage. Frankfurt had difficulty playing their strength of transition. But every now and then Frankfurt had solid spurts on the offensive end as they went on a 7-0 run and suddenly were trailing only 43-41. Ex NBA player Will Cherry began with a lay in which was followed by a lay in by Ponitka. Ex Alba Berlin center Jamel Mclean then served up a sweet desert on a platter to the corner where Moore answered with a clutch trey. But Frankfurt just couldn’t find an identity on defense which has been a big problem this season as they again allowed a big run of 9-2 to trail 52-43. Giessen got support from Miller who scored inside, a tap in alley op from Miller to Omot, a Mccullum floater and a Nawrocki three pointer. Any little mistake Frankfurt allowed on defense like a switch or a helper was punished by Giessen. Frankfurt got some needed energy at the end as Cherry got a transition basket and Mclean a tip in dunk. But Omot continued to really hurt Frankfurt as anytime he touched the ball, he was able to make good things happen as he made a 20 footer and three pointer for the 57-49 lead after 30 minutes. ‘We continued to play fast and stuck to the same play and just played free’, said Kendale McCullum ‘Omot made tough shots the whole game. That got them going. It helped him when he saw his shot go in. We didn’t help well enough or close out’, stressed Quantez Robertson.

The fourth quarter remained tight and even if the Jobstairs Giessen 46ers led for the most part, the Fraport Skyliners were only a shot away from winning the contest. Frankfurt didn’t waste anytime getting going as they rushed out on a 7-2 run to trail Giessen 59-57. In the run Jamel Mclean was aggressive nailing a turn around shot and catching Giessen napping on transition making a hard two handed dunk. Cherry also added a trey. Frankfurt finally got their transition game active again and exposed more energy on defense getting in passing lanes better and packing the paint. But Giessen found some rhythm again on offense getting a Miller lay in and runner from Mccullum for the 66-59 advantage. Even if Frankfurt had a miserable season, they never gave up and were always fighting until the last second. They attempted another run of 5-0 getting a Haarms basket and free throws from Tez and Moore to trail only 66-64. After Laksa free throws, the energy of Haarms remained as he scored back to back buckets including a monster tip in dunk to dead lock the contest at 68-68 with a little under three minutes to play. But with 2,17 to play Kendale Mccullum who was close to a triple double nailed a massive three pointer for the 71-68 Giessen lead. Frankfurt was hungry and in crunch-time seemed reborn as Cherry responded with a three pointer and Haarms added another dunk for the 73-71 lead. But as much as Frankfurt got clutch baskets, they couldn’t get clutch stops. Omot added a tip in and Mccullum scored a crazy off balance submarine lay in in traffic for the 76-73 Giessen advantage with 39 seconds to play. ‘I work on that shot all the time finishing over big men with contact. It’s no surprise to me that it went in. I’m really happy that my team trusts me to take that shot’, stated Kendale McCullum Cherry then added a quick lay in to trail Giessen 76-75 with 33 seconds to play. Nawrocki then missed two free throws keeping Frankfurt alive. Frankfurt had one more chance to win the game. Rasheed Moore had a great look, but the shot missed ‘We wanted a back door at the end, but that was taken away. I got a good look, but it just didn’t want to fall’, stated Rasheed Moore. ‘I was in the paint on the other side. I thought it was going to go in. My first thought was this can’t be happening. Luckly it didn’t fall. Moore is a great player. I was really nervous’, added Kendale McCullum ‘It was a good look. It went down and came out. That is his shot. He can make it right or left handed. I would want him to take that shot every time’, warned Quantez Robertson. The Jobstairs Giessen 46ers were led by Nuni Omot with 27 points. Kendale Muccullum added 21 points, 7 rebounds and 10 assists and JD Miller added 13 points while the Fraport Skyliners were led by Will Cherry with 16 points. Matt Haarms added 14 points and Jamel Mclean 11 points. The Jobstairs Giessen 46ers shot 44% from the field and 31% from outside and had 39 rebounds and 13 turnovers while the Fraport Skyliners shot 38% from the field and 19% form outside and had 45 rebounds and 8 turnovers.