Yovel Zoosman (198-SF-1998) is a 23 year old 198cm forward playing his first season in Germany with Alba Berlin. He began his career with Maccabi Playtika Tel-Aviv (Israel-Winner League) and played a total of 97 Winner League games and 78 Euroleague games before coming going To Alba Berlin. He also won 6 titles with the Israeli Euroleague team. He also has played for the Israeli senior national team and won a Gold and three Silver’s at the youth sector. He spoke to germanhoops.com after the 89-57 win against Brose Bamberg.

Congrats on the 89-57 win over Brose Bamberg. Did the first quarter lay the foundation for the win?

I think that we played pretty tough in the first quarter and maintained a 13-17 point lead until the fourth quarter. We never let go of the momentum and pushed until the end. We are close to the finish line now in the season and want only positive results.

After playing almost your whole career with Maccabi Playtika Tel-Aviv (Israel-Winner League), your playing your first season in Germany with Alba Berlin. How tough was it leaving the club?

It is never easy to leave home, family, friends and your comfort zone. I knew that it would be a refreshing change by going to Alba Berlin. I knew it was hard to leave that behind me, but at the end of the day it is my career. I believe that I made the best decision and have no regrets. I’m 100% sure that I made the right decision.

Your playing your first season with Alba Berlin. What kind of an experience has it been playing for Alba Berlin? How have you experienced the culture of the organization?

It has been a very good season for Alba Berlin. But our job isn’t done yet. We still have the last sprint of the marathon. We enjoy playing with each other and the players are humble. I’m always smiling on and off the court.

Alba Berlin plays the prettiest basketball in the easyCredit BBL. How is the game different than what you played with at Maccabi Playtika Tel-Aviv (Israel-Winner League)?

That is good to hear. For us basketball means to share the ball. That is the right way to play for us. But if you have some kind of an advantage like an open look, we take it. We believe our task is to play together which is key to play well. The biggest difference to Maccabi was that they have pure talent. They have unbelievable players. It was difficult to showcase my skills there. This season I’m able to play more freely and get more plays. I do whatever the team needs and feel like I’m improving. We as a team don’t care about assists because that is our nature. It isn’t special, because we are pass first.

Alba Berlin has had a strong season. Is your self-confidence at a different level than for say a Jaleen Smith who has won only 1 title while you have won 7. How confident are you that Alba Berlin will win the German double?

We don’t talk too much about it, because we know that we need to prove it. I believe that at the end of the day the best team always wins. It is a best of five series and it won’t be a surprise who wins the title. Of course I hope that we do. When your on the court, it doesn’t matter what you have won before, but who wants it more at the end. The team that has the most spirit and will will do it. We are on a good path. We all have a common goal and need to show it each day.

Has the whole transition been easier for you having a fellow country person there with Tamir Blatt? What do you appreciate most about his game and character?

Yes it has helped him being here and I hope the same for him with me. This is the first time that we are in a new culture. We have been together a lot before coming to Berlin where we were roommates during youth national team times and now are also roommates with Alba Berlin. We spend a lot of time together and it makes it easier for us to enjoy the team and be who we are for the team. When you feel down or weird about something then you feel happy that you can talk to someone from another perspective.

How has your game profited from the easyCredit BBL? What kind of a player were you in the Winner League and what kind of player have you become in the BBL?

I haven’t shown so much on the stat sheet in the last games. When I played in the Winners league, I was more of a defender. Two years ago I won best defender. I still try to do my best as a defender with Alba Berlin. There is more motion here and I have more freedom to showcase my skills and opportunity to change the game. I try to be more versatile be it penetrating or getting offensive rebounds. It has been a good experience being able to show my skills and do what coach needs from me. I have more responsibilities to help the team.

Every guy I have ever spoken to that has been teammates with Luke Sikma has raved about him. Has his IQ rubbed off on you?

Yes of course. Luke is a great guy. He has a different kind of mind set and is such a smart guy on and off the court. He is a pass first guy and great role model for the young players. His play makes it a lot easier for the team. He has this routine before a game where he shouts and gets everybody ready. It makes us more free and we just go on the court happy and play hard.

You have never averaged in double figures since you played for Maccabi Raanana (National League) in 2016-2017. What kind of a scorer would you be if you played for a team that gave you 32 minutes per game?

I honestly don’t know. I never averaged so many minutes. With more competitions in a season. I think my body would give up playing so many minutes. I always give my best no matter if I play five seconds, five minutes or 32 minutes. Scoring has never been important for me. It is more about the spirit of winning. Being able to impact the team and help it win is most important for me.

You played most of your career with Maccabi Tel Aviv. How important were these years for you where you played many Euroleague games at a young age? What kind of player did you become there?

I owe a lot to Maccabi Tel Aviv. They made me the player that I am today.They put me a good position to let me go to Alba Berlin. It was great that I could play as a 17-18 year old kid. I took nothing for granted. There aren’t many Israeli players that are put into a position there like I was. I played many games there and that gave me a lot of experience. I trusted the process there. Basketball is a marathon and I’m only at the beginning. I hope that it will last a long time.

Is it hard to believe that a guy like Guy Pnini is 15 years older than you? Was he like a mentor for you early in your career?

It is hard to say since I only played one season with him. But for every player in Israel, he is a huge legend. He is unbelievable. He has seen so much and accomplished everything that he wanted to. He had so many disadvantages with his athleticism in the Euroleague, but he was so successful with his intelligence. He is a real role model. I always hug him and show love to him when I see him. It is always so good to be around him. I know that he will be a coach soon. He is a great guy that has achieved everything.

You saw the athleticism of Sylven Landesberg at a young age. Why didn’t a guy like that reach the NBA?

I don’t know. I never played in the NBA. He is a great scorer. I haven’t followed him lately, but know he scored 50 points in China. I never thought that he was that athletic. Other guys like Sonny Weems and Joe Alexander were crazy athletic. Sylven’s athleticism was solid but the others were at another level.

You were teammates with another veteran Michael Roll. How did a guy like that make your game better day in and day out in practice?

I learned a lot from him and Deandre Kane. I was just starting to play more and they were really tough on me in practices. They played mental games with me and really helped me to improve. I think that basketball is more mental than talent. Both guys always played at a high level and were tough on the court. They taught me to be mentally tough and not be afraid of the moment, but to hit back.

You had the privilege to play together with Amare Stoudimire. He is supposed to be a very nice guy. Did you ever have a special personal encounter with him during a road trip that you will never forget?

He was a great guy. He came in mid season to the team. It is really hard to explain what it was like being teammates with him. The guy will be a hall of famer. Here was this guy that had an incredible NBA career. It is just unimaginable to explain what it felt like sharing the court with him.

You played three seasons with Scottie Wilbekin. I feel he gets lost a bit with guys like Mike James and Shane Larkin as the best guards in Europe. How did you experience Scottie and why was he another guy that didn’t get a chance in the NBA?

I think that the NBA was never for Scottie. He found his place in Europe and stayed. He is a very humble guy. He is no doubt a top 10 Euroleague player. Maybe even top 5 or top 3 talentwise. He isn’t flashy or talking much or showing emotion. It is a good question why he isn’t more in the discussion with James and Larkin, but for me he is in that discussion.

In the 2017-2018 season you played against Real Madrid and Luka Doncic losing where he had a solid 11/4/ 3 game. Did you ever think after that last season in Europe that he would explode so much in the NBA?

Honestly I was pretty surprised that he was doing incredible things in the NBA. He was cooking at a young age in Europe. I always felt like he got way too much respect from the referees in Europe. I thought like that might not happen anymore in the NBA. I was really shocked how well he made the transition to the NBA. He is the best pick and roll player in the world now. He treats each situation perfectly. He is getting better each day. He is in the conversation with the best European player at age 23. In a few years he could be the best.

Every one has that has been with Maccabi Tel Aviv has a Pini Gershon story. What dealings have you had with the eccentric man?

To be honest, I really like the guy. When I was young, he tried to help me with my career. Now he is a type of special advisor for the youth teams in Israel. He has crazy knowledge. He has seen a lot in his life and won a lot. To get a compliment form him is great. When he gives you advice, you want to do it better the next time. He sees the game so well. You know when he tells you a just one sentence, that it is probably correct. I just try to do it a little bit better the next time.

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

The hardest match up was Mike James. His first step is crazy. In like 0,2 seconds he is gone. Sergio Rodriguez is also tough as is Nando de Colo who is always floating on the court.

Please name your five best teammates of all-time?

I have played with so many great players. I can’t pick just 5. Some guys that come to mind are Tarik Black, Othello Hunter, Jeremy Pargo, Jake Cohen, Scottie Wilbekin, Angelo Caloiaro. I still talk to these guys on a weekly basis.

Please name your NBA Mount Rushmore

Magic Johnson, Michael Jordan, Lebron James, Tim Duncan, Shaq. On the bench I have Kobe Bryant and Kevin Durant. He is the best offensive player of all-time.

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

People fell in love with Jordan and he was the reason people began to play in 90’s and 2000’s. Both guys accomplished crazy things. We need to accept their greatness as it is.

What was the last movie that you saw?

V for Vendetta. My favorite movie of all-time is the Shawshank Redemption.

Thanks Yovel for the chat.

Martynas Sajus (208-C-1996) is a 26 year old 208cm center playing his first season in Germany with medi Bayreuth. He began his basketball career with BC Zalgiris. He also has found experience playing in Poland and last season played in the Spanish ACB with BAXI Manresa averaging 6.2ppg, 3.1rpg, FGP: 62.7%, FT: 78.7%. He spoke to germanhoops.com about his basketball career.

Thanks Martynas for talking to germanhoops.com. Your playing your first season in Germany for medi Bayreuth. What have you enjoyed most about the style of play and culture?

I like how are fans are really involved during games. I enjoy playing in the BBL. It is a very good level with many very good teams and players. It has been a real pleasure.

It has been a tough season for everyone in Covid times, but do you sometimes wonder how medi Bayreuth would have played together without all the Covid interruptions?

This is a big topic. We have had a tough season with everything that has happened. We had a bad losing streak. We want to finish the season with wins and not loses.

There were games where the team played only with a very slim rotation. Do you feel like head coach Raoul Korner got the most out of this season?

There was no choice. You just try to do the best you can with the rotations that you had in each game. We never knew how it would look like with Covid before each game. We had to learn to adapt. At the start of the season everything was easier. But with time with many Covid cases and injuries, it became harder because players had to find new roles and positions. It was as if we were starting all over again. It was never easy with the short rotations.

How crazy was the 92-91 loss in OT to BG Goettingen? You didn’t play. Sometimes adrenaline blinds the pain of the bones.

I think that was the case. We switched defenses a lot and they weren’t ready for it. Our aggressive play helped us all through out the game. In the end we were a bit unlucky as a three pointer was given as a two pointer. It was a tough loss, but it was nice to see how much we fought. We came back and almost won. It was crazy.

How vital was a guy like German center Andreas Seiferth in you being able to come to terms well with the style of the easyCredit BBL?

Andreas is a great guy. I learned a lot from him in the low post. It also helped my game a lot that I was always defending him. I saw some of the moves he had and took them into my game. In general he taught me a lot about how to play in the BBL.

Which Lithuanian players were your role models growing up and to what player would you compare your game too?

Robertas Javtokas who was a Lithuanian national player and Marc Gasol. My goal was always to become like Marc Gasol as a player.

You are playing your best personal season. Do you feel Covid played a big part this season for your success? You got a bigger role because of many injuries and Covid problems.

Coach had no option. With injuries I had a chance to play longer. I felt great with the minutes I got and didn’t feel any pressure. I took the opportunity for more minutes and did the best that I could. I thought my personal season was good, but as a team we had a tough season. We need to finish strong. It is not about us, but it’s about the fans and finishing strong for them.

You are still very young for the age of 26. How have you seen your development with Raoul Korner and where do you still want to go as a player?

I think my post moves got better. In Spain I played more pick and roll. Coach Korner trusted me and got me more shots. I also feel that my left hand has gotten better. I feel more confidence using it.

You have had some big offensive scoring games. Do you feel like you could become a big man that can average 13-15 points per season?

It is hard to say if that could happen. You find a different role with each team you play for. When you play for good team with good players then it is harder to score. I don’t know, but time will show. Of course I hope that it will happen.

Last season you played with BAXI Manresa (Spain-Liga Endesa): 30 games: 6.2ppg, 3.1rpg, FGP: 62.7%, FT: 78.7%. What did you learn from this season? It was up and down with playing time. In your last five games you played combined only 15 minutes.

I think key last season was using the practice time to my advantage. We had a very strict coach, but he taught me a lot about the pick and roll. The play in Spain is a lot quicker than in the BBL and I had to adapt to that. I’m big and heavy and had to run a lot more. I feel all the practices I had in Spain with my team helped me a lot and prepared me for the BBL.

You battled in practice every day with ex BBL veteran Scot Eatherton. What memories will you always have of him and did his stories of the BBL help you chose to come to Germany?

We were both very competitive each day in practice. He told me a lot about the BBL. I felt that from his talks that it could be my style and I could fit into that league. He made some impact in helping me make my decision to come to Germany.

You had a very strong game against FC Barcelona with 12/6 in a 23 point loss. What do you feel is still missing from your game to be able to play like that against top teams?

I think to be able to reach the next level, I need to work harder and get more confidence and keep working on my skills. I need to add more details to my moves, read the defense better and the rest will come with experience.

In 2019-2020 you returned back to your home land after a year in Poland to play for Panevezys Lietkabelis (Lithuania-LKL) averaging 9.2ppg, 4.6rpg, 1.2apg, Blocks-2 (1.3bpg), FGP: 62.4%, FT: 79.4%. How did you return back home as a player after a season in Poland?

It was nice to come back to Lithuania. We did well as a team. We reached the top 16 of the Basketball Champions League. For the budget we had it was a success. We had great players and head coach Nenad Canak liked me and allowed me to express myself.

How do you remember playing against BC Zalgiris? You scored 17 points. Was your motivation at an all-time high?

Of course I remember that game. I used my chance and scored a lot. But we lost so something was missing from that experience.

There you were reunited with Tomas Dimsa. He left BC Zalgiris in 2015 and played a season in Frankfurt where I saw him play on a regular basis. Is it fair to say he has taken on a slow development, but has continued to grow as a player?

He made a great progress there. And since has shown great results in his career. He also has played for the national team. Good things are happening to him. He will play in the Euroleague soon.

In 2018-2019 you played with King Szczecin (Poland-EBL) averaging 12.1ppg, 6.2rpg, 1.0apg, 1.2bpg, FGP: 57.6%, FT: 80.4%. Is it fair to say that this was your break out season? You had some good games and lost a tough playoff series to Polski Cukier.

I used the minutes I got and showed good results. The adjustment was easier, because I knew the coach. I got a lot of plays and had a good connection to the guards. We had a good season despite losing in the playoffs.

In 2017-2018 you returned back to B.C. Zalgiris Kaunas (LKL) averaging 3.4ppg, 2.1rpg. You played a lot for the second team putting up good stats and some Euroleague games. How disappointed were you of this season? Did the team give up on you?

It is hard to say. I had an injury at the start of the season and missed three months. When I came back, I was the third center. We reached the Final 4 of the Euroleague. Coach didn’t want to confuse the players by changing line ups. I used the chance in practice and gained valuable experience.

In 2016-2017 you played your first time away from home with Polpharma Starogard Gdanski (Poland-TBL) averaging 9.9ppg, 6.3rpg, Blocks-4 (1.2bpg), FGP: 59.0%, FT: 68.7%. What do you remember being your wake up call to being away from home where you knew that you were very far away from home?

I was scared a bit. I had never been in Poland before. But the coach was also Lithuanian. I knew it would be easier even if I did mistakes. He showed me from the start that he was prepared to help me. Also there was another Lithuanian player there that helped. I enjoyed my time there and was able to get good minutes.

You began your basketball career with BC Zalgiris. How important were your early years with his organization? How do you feel did your game grow further there?

The club gave young guys almost everything you need to be successful. The conditions were excellent. We even lived in the gym. It couldn’t be better. I can’t say anything bad about the experience. It was a great level of preparation for young players. There were great coaches there and they gave great advice and the level of practice was good. I could use all that experience when I left.

You played twice against Real Madrid and once against Luka Doncic in 2015. Did you know anything about him? He didn’t score in the game. Could you see something special in his game?

Probably not. That game is hard to remember. When he began to dominate in Europe everybody began to look at him. Now the whole world is looking at him.

Almost 6 years ago you played a U-20 game against Germany losing 78-77. In that game Kostja Mushidi had 21 points. He thought he was going to the NBA. He then had many lows and is back in the easyCredit BBL again with MBC. Was it strange playing against him again?

To be honest, I don’t remember him. I only remember that we lost that game. It was an important game, but we still went to the final and lost to Spain. I play against many players, so it is difficult to remember every player. I usually remember the centers.

You recently played a World Cup qualifying game. What is the state of Lithuanian basketball heading into the 2022 Euro Championships. Lithuania has always had talented big men. Will there ever be hope for you when you have guys like Sabonis and Valanciunas?

You never know which players will be there with COVID and what happens during the summer. If I get chosen, I go. It is always nice to play for your country.

Who was the toughest player that you ever faced on the court that made the NBA?

I would say Brandon Davies who was my teammate at Zalgiris. Now he plays for FC Barcelona. It never looked like he could do much, but he could always score. He was tough to defend as was Eddie Tavares.

Please name your five best teammates of all-time?

The Euroleague Final 4 team of BC Zalgiris.

Please name your NBA Mount Rushmore?

Hakeem, Gasol brothers, Lebron, Jokic and Luka Doncic

Is Luka Doncic a top 5 NBA player now and will he be the best one day?

Yes and he just needs time.

What was the last movie that you saw?

The office. I like comedy.

Thanks Martynas for the chat.

Tags : MARTYNAS SAJUS, MEDI BAYREUTH, GERMAN BASKETBALL

Whenever the Los Angeles Lakers come to Boston, it’s a huge event especially for the autograph hounds. It wasn’t any different in the 80’s when you had guys like Kareem, Magic, Coop Jamal Wilks, Norm Nixon and Byron Scott walking around the Marriot Copley mall during the 1985 NBA finals while a kid like me was trying to figure out their next move. 37 years later, it isn’t any different as the Lakers are the Lakers. Back then it was Magic and today, it’s Lebron James. The Hollywood glitz is still there as well as the superstars. Especially this season it seems like they have the most superstars ever with guys like Westbrook, Rondo, superman Howard, Carmelo Anthony and AD just to name a few. So there I was back in Boston in mid November 2021 and I had to press my luck seeing if I could get at least one autograph of these superstars. With or without Covid, getting one of these superstars to sign who are all in their own galaxy far away is about as difficult as seeing 50 cent trim down in the future. It’s also understandable that players are more hesitant to sign with Covid as well. Especially seeing a Lebron James exit the hotel is a total experience, maybe not as crazy as the Beatles in the 60’s, but the excitement of fans is definitely always there.

Miles Schmidt-Scheuber watching Lebron james board the team bus in Boston in January 2020

Back in the 80’s, you could get NBA autographs a lot easier, because it was simply another time, more relaxed and security wasn’t as beefed up as it is today. Getting shut out in 2022 by the Lakers is simply realistic. That is exactly what happened. Ok so at least my buddy Lakers shooting coach Mike Penberthy talked to me a guy I covered in Germany more than 15 years ago when he was with Alba Berlin, but other than that I was totally shut out. At least seeing the stars come out and just seeing some of the outrageous outfits was better than nothing, but it is always disappointing when guys don’t sign. I thought coming in that at least some of the younger guys would sign. So when rookie Austin Reaves departed the posh 5 star hotel, I thought that at least he would stop for a second. I mean other rookie Josh Giddy of the Thunder signed absolutely everything for the autograph hounds a day later. Some people screamed Austin as he went to the bus, but he didn’t stop. I didn’t think that the name Austin Reaves would concern me ever again. Well a few months later, a German buddy of mine informed me that their could be the possibility that Austin Reaves could play for the German national team. So there was the name Austin Reaves again. I also had no idea that his brother Spencer was playing in Germany for the Bayer giants Leverkusen. I was aware of the player Spencer Reaves (191-G-1995, college: Central Mo., agency: One Motive Sports), but had no idea Austin was his brother. That is how small the basketball world is. It seems like there are very good chances that Austin Reaves could play for Germany. Despite there seemingly being worlds apart between the NBA and German Pro A, both brothers have a great relationship. Spencer Reaves (Bayer Giants Leverkusen) can call brother Austin his best friend despite beating the hell out of each other For 15 years .

Spencer Reaves who remembers current Los Angeles Lakers player Malik Monk as being his toughest cover in the NCAA was born on December 23rd, 1995 in Newark, Arkansas. He attended Cedar Ridge high school and is a little less than 2.5 years older than his younger brother Austin who is with the Los Angeles Lakes now. Even if he is the older bro, he didn’t have that classic role of being that role model, but they have a very special relationship even if now they are on other parts of earth and 9 hours away on time difference. ‘I wouldn’t say mentor as of now. Yes I forced him into the gym as a young kid but I’d say it’s more best friends especially now. Beating the hell out of each other for 15 years will do that to the relationship. We talk or play video games constantly. So I’d say we are really close’, stressed Spencer Reaves. Even if he is half way around the world, he attempts to keep up with his brother’s development in the NBA. ‘I normally wake up the next day to watch his games. I’m proud of him for being able to find the floor with some legendary players. Hopefully he keeps improving and helps the lakers win more games’, stated Spencer Reaves. So how must it be being teammates with so many superstars? Some guys would probably be totally overwhelmed seeing Lebron James on a daily basis. ‘He’s going in every day seeing Lebron James. Learning and watching him on a daily basis is insane. But Austin doesn’t really get overwhelmed by much. He might have been the first week but now I think it’s normal for him”, expressed Spencer Reaves.

Coming out of high school, the guard was only recruited by one school in South Carolina about 10 hours from home called North Greenville University (NCAA2) and that was fine for him. He just needed one opportunity to prove that he could play at that level. He proved that he could play at the division 2 level as he averaged 15.5ppg, 3.6rpg, 1.6apg, FGP: 54.4%, 3PT: 40.0%, FT: 89.2%. He reached the last round of 64 in the NCAA 2 tournament getting crushed by Lincoln Memorial 95-62. In that game Lincoln Memorial had some very talented guys that later would play in the German Pro A with Pinson, Simmons and Choice. ‘Freshman year was great. I got lots of playing time but more importantly, we were winning. We won our conference tournament to get the automatic bid. LMU hit 3 threes the entire conference, first game against us, 16/23. So yeah not the most fun game. But they were super talented. Not surprised they had so many pros’, remembered Spencer Reaves. He achieved All-Conf.Carolinas Freshman of the Year -2015 and All-Conf.Carolinas 2nd Team -2015. He scored in double figures in 14 of 15 games including hitting S.Wesleyan for 27 points and Belm Abbey for 24 points. He then moved to the University of Central Missouri (NCAA2) where he played three seasons and 85 games. There was a good reason why he moved and never thought what would have been had he remained at North Greenville. ‘I remember mostly wanting to get closer to friends and family. 10 hours was almost impossible for family members to catch any games in person. I have thought about that scenario but I believe God put me in the exact places I was supposed to be. So I wouldn’t change anything’, remembered Spencer Reaves. In his first season he averaged 12.3ppg, 2.5rpg, 2.0apg, FGP: 42.6%, 3PT: 36.0%, FT: 83.5%. He made a massive jump in his game in his second and third seasons averaging 17.0ppg, 4.2rpg, 2.8apg, 1.5spg, FGP: 59.9%, 3PT: 39.0%, FT: 85.4% and in his senior year averaged 17.0ppg, 5.2rpg, 2.0apg, 1.1spg, FGP: 51.9%, 3PT: 44.2%, FT: 88.6%. ‘After the losing season my sophomore year, I really decided to make changes. I didn’t want to feel that disappointment again. Then I met my friend and trainer, Gunnar Person. He would put me through workouts whenever I asked him, day or night. I really saw my game grow through the extra shots and workouts I was getting in. And I was also given that role by the coaches to be the go to guy’, expressed Spencer Reaves. In his last two seasons he scored in double figures in 53 of 56 games and scored 20 points or more 22 times. He nailed East Central for 30 points and Central Oklahoma for 29 points. His rapid growth at Central Missouri couldn’t have happened without the guidance of head coach Doug Karleskint. ‘Well coach DK and the whole staff had us working. I’d never experienced that must work and preparation in every area of the game. That definitely translates’, stressed Spencer Reaves. His most memorable game was hitting Pittsburg State with a game winner senior year. He collected further achievements there with All-MIAA Honorable Mention -2016, CoSIDA NCAA Division II Academic All-District 7 1st Team -2017, 18, CoSIDA NCAA Division II Academic All-America 3rd Team -2017, All-MIAA 2nd Team -2017, and MIAA All-Tournament Team -2017.

The guard who names his four teammates in high school Cole and Cade Crabtree, Austin Reaves, and Nate Easley as well as Jakob Lowrance from UCM as his best teammates of all-time began his professional career in 2018 with Azpeitia Azkoitia Iraurgi Saski Baloia (Spain-LEB Silver) where he played his first two pro seasons with averaging15.0ppg, 2.2rpg, 1.9apg, FGP: 48.5%, 3PT-3 (45.5%), FT: 82.9%, and in his sophomore campaign averaged 15.8ppg, 2.5rpg, 1.8apg, FGP: 51.6%, 3PT: 37.3%, FT: 82.8%. Coming overseas for an American for the first time is never an easy task. There are many new hurdles to get used to like the culture and everything off the court. Some guys can hack it while other can’t. Every player has that wake up call and for most the adjustment period then does get better. ‘My wake up was the first week I was there. Trying to figure out where the grocery stores where and nervous I wasn’t going to find any food that I liked. I’d stop and just think randomly, ‘where am I and what am I doing here’, remembered Spencer Reaves. Some guys play 10 years before wining that first chip while others go without having that ultimate feeling on the court, while others get that first championship under the belt quicker as he experienced his second season winning the Leb Silver cup. ‘The city I lived in was a small village. The people LOVED their basketball. To be able to host the cup was incredible in its own right. I remember being down around 10 starting the 4th quarter. After having a terrible first 3 quarters, I was able to go 5/5 from 3 in the 4th and we came back to win. Very important and fun to do it for the city. I love winning in everything I do. So I think I try as hard to win every game as I did to win that cup’, stressed Spencer Reaves. Another very important aspect of getting used to being able to adjust is having that special teammate who kind of takes that rookie under his belt. For Reaves having a guy like Javaughn Powell there to guide him was perfect. ‘JP was great. We are still best friends to this day. He was so welcoming to me when I came to Spain. Showing me everything I needed to know and also making sure I was involved even though I came in halfway through the season. And he was one of the best PGs in Silver both those years. And was honestly a great passer so maybe things a lot easier for me’, stated Spencer Reaves. He showed his consistency in those two seasons scoring in double figures in 39 of 45 games including scoring 26 points against Villarrobledo and having Zamorano’s number scoring 23 and 22 points. In his third professional season he made another step moving up to the Spanish second division UBU Tizona Burgos (Spain-LEB Gold) playing 23 games averaging 10.8ppg, 1.3rpg, 1.3apg, FGP: 53.6%, 3PT: 46.1%, FT: 89.7%. Despite making a step up, his game grew in his three years in Spain. ‘Leb Gold was tough. A bunch of great players and ex ACB players everywhere. I’d say it’s very similar. Maybe top to bottom Leb Gold is better but the teams in Pro A could definitely compete in Gold. I learned a ton playing in Spain. My coaches there engrained into my head how to play ball screen, which is very important in the European game. I like to be more physical on both ends as well’, expressed Spencer Reaves. He hit Oviedo for 24 points and Valladolid for 23 points.

Now the shooting sensation who lists Lebron MJ Magic and Bird on his personal NBA Mount Rushmore is playing his fourth professional season in Germany with the Bayer Giants Leverkusen. Despite all is going well as it did in Spain during Covid, he had to deal with all the challenges just like every other player on earth. ‘Covid was rough. I mean we went from practicing to never seeing some of my teammates again. It cancelled our season so quick and it was sad to not get to finish what we started. I educated myself more about certain things. Honestly just hope we can go back to a normal world sometime soon’, said Spencer Reaves. He is playing another strong season and most importantly is helping the club be a playoff team. He is having the great experience of playing with a very traditional organization that has won the most BBL titles despite having been in the second league for more than a decade. They currently face the Romerstrom Gladiators in the playoffs. ‘Here in Leverkusen it is great. As the team always says here, ‘we do things a little different here.’ It is definitely new to me but it seems to work. We have a team that works hard and loves to be around it other. Sometimes that is hard to come by on the professional level. That’s what I appreciate the most’, stressed Spencer Reaves. He is a very efficient player on a roster with many scoring options and is shooting out the lights at 47% from outside. He hit PS Karlsruhe for 29 points and 28 points against Artland where he had a league season record 8 three pointers. It doesn’t matter where he has played so far he has always been able to adapt to any style. ‘I’d say for me Spain was a little bit slower but more tactical. Since Germany can have more imports, I feel that contributes to the pace a little bit compared to only two in Spain’, added Spencer Reaves. A big reason for his success has been head coach Hansi Gnad who is a German legend having been drafted in 1987 by the 76ers and winning the 1993 Gold at the European championships with Germany in Munich. ‘Hansi is great. His coaching style is very different than I would say what is typical for Europe. But his strengths are definitely allowing each player to play their games freely. It instills a lot of confidence in each guy’, stressed Spencer Reaves.

The ex NCAA 2 player who hasn’t seen the sequel to the classic Coming America and hasn’t had good experiences with sequels as they are never as good as the first one has a unique game that people have called a poor man’s Luke Kennard. On the stat sheet, his three pointer stands out, but his game has so much more than just being able to shoot out the lights. ‘I think I am a smart decision maker with the ball and not particularly just a shooter as some may think. I like to play a solid game on both ends’, stated Spencer Reaves. I personally always like to challenge players with the impact defender question. Some agree right away while others don’t. He may never be an impact defender, but he will get the job done well. ‘I take pride in it. No one enjoys getting scored on but I also pride myself in making the right rotations. With my limited size and athleticism I don’t know if I’d use ‘impact defender.’ My defensive stats won’t impress many people but I’m going to be in the right spot. I don’t like to gamble and want the offense to have to make a good play to score, not to score off my mistake, if that makes sense’, expressed Spencer Reaves. So where will the journey go for Spencer Reaves? He is definitely a player that can play in first divisions. Seeing him battle in the German easyCredit BBL would be a treat. He knows exactly what he has to do in order to make the next step in his career. ‘I had a big focus coming into this year to improve my playmaking and I think it’s paying off. But definitely still look to improve on the defensive end. With little tips and tricks to help me be more physical and make life more difficult for the offense to score’, warned Spencer Reaves. He is a player that will surely keep growing as a player and one thing that will never change is the strong bond between the brothers Spencer and Austin. Even if both have numerous sweet memories from the basketball court, there was also a time where the brotherly competitive edge didn’t get in the way and that wasn’t even on the basketball court. ‘We were playing soccer together and were like 8 and 6 years old. I remember playing goalie one game and I dropped kicked one and it kept bouncing. Austin just decided to distract and almost screen the goalie and it gave me a goal from the other box as the goalie’, remembered Spencer Reaves. But one place where the competitive edge will always be present is in the one on one duel. They have battled each other their whole life, but who would win today? ‘The last time we played was on draft night so it’s been a little bit of time. But if anyone wants to know the answer to that question, ask him was happened that night’, laughed Spencer Reaves. Both guys have improved their game this season and it would definitely be interesting who would win a game today. No matter what happens in the next duel, they will always be best friends. That is simply how it works in the Reaves family.

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.

Congrats on the huge 80-73 win over Rostock. How good does it feel to have swept this top team?

I give credit to our team just for understanding the level of focus and discipline we have to play with on a nightly basis. If we are doing that we give ourselves a chance to win against anyone.

Do you feel like this win will give PS Karlsruhe the needed push to begin well off at home? You have to win at home.

It’s good to go into the playoffs with some momentum, however we understand the playoffs is a totally different stage, so we have to prepare accordingly, focus & execute our plan.

In Rostock you had problems on the offensive end in the first half mustering only 29 points. Especially in the second quarter it was only 11 points. What was key for them having the comfortable 46-29 advantage at the break?

We were getting some looks in the first half that we wanted but didn’t take them. We had a bad run in the second quarter where we turned the ball over and they capitalized off our mistakes. That was really it, our mistakes.

In the third Rostock had the 63-53 lead after 30 minutes. What kind of an experience was it battling two real veterans with Chris Carter and Brad Loesing?

Its always nice competing against other players on other teams.

PS Karlsruhe was down 72-58 with 5,42 to play. You then went on an incredible 22-1 run. Is that the best 5 minutes of basketball the team has played?

Maybe on paper, but we were able to disrupt their rhythm, finish possessions with rebounds and convert on the offensive end.

What was the biggest strength on the defensive end in this span that totally shut down Rostock from being able to find any kind of a rhythm?

Just our focus elevated and we were able to get them out the rhythm they were in and contest some of their looks. Just tried to make it tougher for them

You had a solid game of 22/12/1/1/4. The team only had 8 assists. Does that worry you?

That doesn’t worry me.

You start the playoffs against Rostock on the weekend. This is a best of 5 series. How good do you feel your chances are as a team after having been able to win the season series? What will be key for advancing and making the big upset?

I like our chances. I think our level of focus, energy and execution will be the keys. We can’t beat ourselves.

Marcus Smart won 2022 NBA best defensive player. Why don’t more guards get this award?

Well deserved, I guess they see the big men as the guys that are the last line of defense and they protect the basket.

Thanks Stanley for the chat.

Tags : STANLEY WHITTAKE

Brandon Brown (183-PG-1989, college: UMW) is a 32 year old 183cm point guard from Des Moines, Washington playing his 10th professional season and first with U-Banca Transilvania Cluj Napoca (Romania-Liga Nationala). He is what you can call a real basketball globe trotter as he has played in countries like Australia, Brazil, Cyprus, Poland, Bulgaria, Russia and France. He began his basketball career at Highline Community College and then had a stellar career at the University of Western Montana (NAIA) where he left as the school’s all-time leading scorer. He spoke to germanhoops.com after the do or die Basketball Champions League loss against German team MHP Riesen Ludwigsburg.

Thanks Brandon for talking to germanhoops.com You suffered a tough 79-73 do or die loss in the Basketball Champions League quarters to the MHP Riesen. Do you feel like you would have won had you suffered 15 instead of 25 turnovers?

I definitely feel like that is one of their main strengths along with offensive rebounding. Ludwigsburg did a great job taking us out of our sets and forcing a ton of turnovers. It could have only helped us if we could have reduced those.

U-Banca Transilvania Cluj Napoca played a great Basketball Champions League season. What won’t you ever forget from the season this special team gave?

I’m just proud of our group as a whole. I think people saw us as a team that maybe shouldn’t have got out of the qualifiers then shouldn’t have gotten out of the group stage or the top 16 and into the final 8. For us to have a chance to compete for the final 4 in the BCL our first time in European competition is special. I guarantee maybe 15 people believed we would be here in the final 8 back in the summer when the field was announced.

I will bet anything that you have always had a chip on your shoulder and that will never go way. Being an NAIA player and being in Australia and Brazil for your first three years, you finally came to Europe in 2015. Do you still feel like you have that NAIA label every season when you look for a new team?

I don’t know if the NAIA label is there as much anymore being in year 10, but I definitely am proud of coming from there and the journey

You have played in 8 countries since turning professional in 2011. Are you the ultimate basketball globetrotter?

I wouldn’t say ultimate. I’m sure there a ton of people who’ve played in more countries than me but I am on passport # 2 and for it to be mainly from basketball is pretty cool.

There must have been a very special reason for coming to U-Banca Transilvania Cluj Napoca. After paying your dues in Brazil, Cyprus and Bulgaria you then finally made the next step to the VTB and France Pro A. Wasn’t it taking a step back going to play in Romania?

It’s easy to see it like that but I didn’t. After playing Eurocup last season and making top 8, then top 8 the year before in BCL with Nizhny, and a domestic title and top 16 fiba Europe cup the year before, I wanted to compete for a domestic championship again but play on a competitive European competition team. I really enjoyed BCL with Nizhny so when the opportunity came everything made sense basketball wise and I decided to go to Romania.

U-Banca Transilvania Cluj Napoca is a very special club. Talk a little about the basketball culture and teammates. It must be some of the best that you have ever experienced?

It’s a great sports environment here. From the fans, to the organization, our team has a good group of older and young guys and it’s been able to help us have a special year.

Last season you played with Boulogne-Levallois Metropolitans (France-Jeep ELITE ProA) averaging 7.9ppg, 1.2rpg, 3.1apg, 1.2spg, FGP: 50.8%, 3PT: 49.3%, FT: 77.5%; and averaged 7.5ppg, 1.8rpg, 3.0apg, 1.4spg, FGP: 48.6%, 3PT: 37.8%, FT: 93.3% in the Eurocup. You’re a very calm and controlled point guard. Do you feel like that is a big quality that all teams have respected most from you?

I think so. I think that along with outside shooting has been some of the main qualities teams have liked about me.

You were teammates with Archie Goodwin. He played many years in the NBA. What kind of thoughts do you get when you see his play and compare it to yours? Is it a fact that there are thousands of guards good enough for the NBA, but too little spots?

I think that’s exactly it. There’s only so many spots at the end of the day and there are more NBA players out there than there are spots.

In 2019-2020 you had your real break through with BC Nizhny Novgorod (Russia-VTB) averaging 13.5ppg, 2.1rpg, Assists-4 (5.9apg), 1.3spg, FGP: 46.8%, 3PT: 48.6%, FT: 78.7%. You played against incredible teams and players. How did your game grow that season in the VTB and BCL?

That definitely was a special year. Coach Lukic gave me an opportunity to really be myself and push me to another level. I enjoyed that year and competing in both leagues. Unfortunately that was the first year of the pandemic, and we didn’t get to finish but that was definitely a break through year for me.

The first game against top Euroleague team CSKA Moscow was a wipe out, but the team played a lot better in the second match and you scored 11 points. What memories did you have playing against Mike James? How much of a challenge was it playing against him?

Mike is a very special player. I think everybody in the basketball world knows that. He is one of those guys that is an NBA player no question. We competed with everybody in Nizhny, Lukic does a great job of preparing us for anybody. Even though we lost it was always fun and competitive to play against those Euroleague and Eurocup teams in the VTB.

One guy I love to watch is your former teammate Darryl Willis. Is the best description for him ‘Sky is the limit’?

Absolutely, I love his game and his mindset, he’s another guy that Carrie’s a chip on his shoulder every time he steps on the court.

In 2018-2019 you won your first title with Balkan Botevgrad (Bulgaria-NBL) averaging 14.3ppg, 2.3rpg, Assists-3 (5.3apg), Steals-4 (1.7spg), FGP: 56.7%, 3PT: 46.8%, FT-2 (89.2%); and averaged 15.1ppg, 3.1rpg, Assists-4 (5.9apg), 1.6spg, FGP: 45.2%, 3PT: 49.3%, FT: 85.9% in the Fiba Europe Cup. You came back from 2-1 down to beat Beroe and beat Lukoil in the finals. You played incredibly well. Was this your best basketball in your career?

I definitely think that was some of my best basketball in those playoffs. I was in a great rhythm and my coach there who I’m still great friends with today, Nebosa Vidic helped my game and immensely. Winning there in that city was great.

Did a guy like ex Georgetown (NCAA)great Mikael Hopkins become like a brother to you?

Yes that is my brother! I’m so happy for him what he’s been able to show everybody this season in Italy l and Fiba Europe cup!

Was Losing the series to Holon in the Fiba Europe Cup one of your toughest ever? What memories do you have battling it out with Corey Walden?

This BCL loss was the toughest ever against MHP. I remember losing to Holon and that was definitely hard. We were big time underdogs and that Holon team was stacked, Corey was player of the year and defensive player of the year I think in Israel that year, so it speaks for itself. Tough tough guard!

In 2017-2018 you played with Trefl Sopot (Poland-PLK) playing 6 games averaging 13.5ppg, 2.5rpg, 5.5apg, 1.8spg, FGP: 47.2%, 3PT: 39.3%, FT: 93.3%. How tough was this season that ended in November? Did you gain anything positive from playing for this famous Polish team?

That year sucked from a basketball standpoint. Started so well and got hurt and had to sit the remainder of the season. Off the court I got a chance to just be home and Rehab and be with my family, it was really nice actually. It was humbling because I thought that was the end of my career after the injury.

In 2016-2017 you had your first full season in Poland with Siarka Tarnobrzeg (Poland-TBL) averaging 14.9ppg, 2.6rpg, 5.6apg, 1.9spg, 2FGP: 44.1%, 3FGP: 36.5%, FT: 77.4%, in Mar.’17 moved to PGE Turow Zgorzelec (Poland-PLK) averaging 6.9ppg, 1.1rpg, 2.3apg, FGP: 45.8%, 3PT: 46.7%. What did you really cherish from your years in Poland the most?

Siarka I wasn’t winning a ton but I had a chance to play free and find myself a little on the court, I also met one of my really good friends Alex Welsh. Then finishing in PGE was a great opportunity to finish and compete for playoffs, enjoy a new city and finish the year on a good note. I think I’ll cherish some of the friendships I made there the most.

In 2015-2016 was your first season in Europe with Omonia Nicosia (Cyprus-Division A) averaging 16.5ppg, 3.5rpg, 6.5apg, 1.8spg, in Dec.’15 signed at King Wilki Morskie Szczecin (Poland-TBL) averaging 6.3ppg, 1.7rpg, 3.3apg, 1.3spg, FGP: 48.6%, 3PT: 41.5%, FT: 82.8%. What do you remember being your wake up call to knowing that you were very far away from home?

Lol I was making very little money there, I went there with a big chip on my shoulder because that was my first job after my injury that I thought I would never play again, so I went there hyper focused on getting back on the map and showing I could play the game at a high level.

What memories do you have of your first two years in Brazil? You played for three organizations ACBD Rio Claro (Brazil-Paulista) SKY/Basquete Cearense (Brazil-NBB) and Rio Claro Basquete (Brazil-Paulista). How important was this early development in your game? How much of a role did the physicality play in that country?

Brazil was fun, it was really eye opening. I felt far from home there but my progression was really nice. I played for a club that had a ton of history and we won some trophies then we went to the first division where I played well again and met some friends again that I still talk to today. Then it came full circle when my first club made the first division and brought me back. It was really great to finish my South America career where it started before leaving.

You got your first professional experience with Mount Gambier Pioneers (Australia-ABA) averaging 16.6ppg, 3.5rpg, 4.4apg, FGP: 48.3%, 3PT: 25.5%, FT: 77.4%. How vital was Aussie veteran Eric Burdon for you as a rookie? That guy just completed his 11th season with them and is still playing?

That team had a ton of vets like Kurt Russle and Eazy. I was jolted into that season but it was really fun and fast. They definitely helped me make it through the tough times. I would love to go back to Australia one day.

You began your basketball career at Highline Community College (NJCAA). Every guy I talk to say how important JUCO was and how they wouldn’t have missed it for anything. How was it for you?

One of the best basketball decisions I’ve ever made was playing for Coach Dawson at highline CC. We still keep in touch. He helped so many of us on and off the court, accountability and growing up and staying together was big there.

You played at the University of Montana Western (NAIA) from 2009-2012 and really stepped up your game in your last two seasons. You became an explosive scorer. What did you learn about yourself in those two years as a player?

I always knew I had that in me but the opportunity wasn’t there. My sophomore year we had 5 seniors and when they left I took the opportunity and ran with it and set some really high goals for myself and the team and coach Keller let me lead

What memories do you have of reaching the 2012 Sweet 16? Was this your fondest time at Western Montana?

Absolutely, we were underdogs and it felt great getting there every year on that stage and playing well against teams that thought a school from Montana couldn’t hang.

How did head coach Steve Keller groom and prepare you best for a professional career?

We still talk to this day, he loves winning and the game and gave me an opportunity to play, grow and be myself

Who won a one on one in practice you or Kyle Erickson?


You’d be surprised but we were spending more time having dunk contests back then haha, I don’t do those anymore lol

Who was the toughest player that you ever faced in your life that was in the NBA?

Playing guys back home Isaiah Thomas and Jamal Crawford no question

Please name your 5 best teammates of all-.time?

Community college, Montana, pro, way too many great ones to only name 5 haha

Please list your personal NBA Mount Rushmore?

Steph
Kobe
Jordan
Bron
Shaq

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

Kobe!

Thanks Brandon for the chat.

Patrick Richard (196-G/F-1990, college: McNeese St., agency: Inception Sports) is a 32 year old 196cm guard from Lafayette, Louisiana playing his ninth professional season and third with U-Banca Transilvania Cluj Napoca (Romania-Liga Nationala). He has gained vast experience having played in countries like Australia, Holland, Germany, France, Israel and Spain. He began his basketball career at Carencro high school and played at Mcneese State (NCAA) form 2008-2012 playing a total of 122 NCAA games. As a professional he has won three titles and played 300 plus professional games. He spoke to germanhoops.com after the do or die 79-73 loss to the MHP Riesen Ludwigsburg

Thanks Pat for talking to germanhoops.com. The Basketball Champions League season has ended for with U-Banca Transilvania Cluj Napoca. How are your feelings after the loss? The team gave everything?

No problem miles. And at the moment hurt and disappointment of course. We fought until the end as we have all season

The MHP Riesen Ludwigsburg defended so tough in the first quarter. How would you describe their energy in the first quarter compared to the fourth quarter? There must be a difference?

They are a constant team that is aggressive. We never handled that well

U-Banca Transilvania Cluj Napoca suffered 8 turnovers in the first quarter. Was that the best defense that Ludwigsburg had played up to that point?

Even when you know they are going to be aggressive this way it’s not easy to overcome. And the first half was very bad for us

You made a great block in the second quarter that was missed by the scouting table. Is your defense underestimated since everyone knows you can score at ease?

I’m not sure but I try and give all I can on both ends when I play.

Ludwigsburg took control in the second half leading 37-23 at the break. How much did their many tough shots made hurt you mentally?

They did hit a bunch of tough ones over a hand but even being down we never gave up and still always believed we could come back

How rare is it too have the athleticism of Guzman and Stewart be totally shut down in a half?

Specifically they weren’t shut down. The defense they applied just got us completely out of any offenses we wanted to run so all of us were affected

What did head coach Mikai Silvason tell you guys at the break to focus more on in the second half?

He just told us we never give up. Fight until the end as we have been all season long

When a guy like Justin Simon is 0/5 and still 7-8 other guys are scoring tell you just how deep this Ludwigsburg team is?

They are very deep and the way they rotate players they can always constantly bring the pressure.

How key has Stefan Bircevic been this season? He nailed two back to back three’s at the start of the third quarter and made a block?

Stef is a very experienced player and he has been key for us all season long with him spacing the floor.

How tough was it in general playing catch up all night against Ludwigsburg? Especially when they seem to always have open shooters ready?

Being down to them by 10-15 is like being down 20 BUT we really just kept on fighting and had a few chances at the end to get the win still despite all the other factors in the game

What was tougher to avoid on this night? The Ludwigsburg deflections or getting into passing lanes and disrupting your rhythm?

All of the above. Very very hard to win games turning the ball over that many times

The team shot 14/26 from the free throw line? At times it felt like a jinx for you.

A lot of those misses were big in a sense of the timing of them. To break their momentum or runs they were on. But this is just a make or miss situation whoever steps up at the line has to deal with

The team never gave up, but always was trying to get over the hump. How was the fatigue level at the start of the fourth quarter?

In a game of this magnitude fatigue isn’t even a thought while being out there.

You cut it down to 4 points with very little time remaining. What was missing for the team to have been able to get over the hump?

A few balls bouncing their way and some calls made by the refs. I’m not an excuse person at all so a lot of things we could have controlled ourselves as well

What will you always remember from the 2021-2022 Basketball Champions League run?

I’ll always remember how far we have come. How much we showed throughout the season in making it through the qualification rounds. Winning both groups we were in and being very close to making it to a final four.

What is your prediction for Holon-Tenerife and Manresa-Ludwigsburg? Who will reach the final and take it all?

‘m not sure about who will make it or win I’ll just say Goodluck to all 4 of the teams and may the best one win!

Thanks Pat for the chat.

Reggie Lynch is a 27 year old 207cm center from Edina, Minnesota playing his fourth professional season and first in Germany with the EWE Baskets Oldenburg. This season has been a whirlwind as he has seen many countries and teams with GS Iraklis Thessaloniki (Greece-A1) and  Gevi Napoli Basket (Italy-Serie A) before coming to Oldenburg. He began his professional career in 2018 with BC Kalev/Cramo Tallinn (Estonia-Alexela KML) playing 29 VTB United League games averaging 7.0ppg, 4.0rpg, Blocks-1(1.9bpg), FGP: 45.7%, FT: 68.8%. In 2019-2020 he played with Urania Basket Milano (Italy-Serie A2) playing 26 games averaging 11.3ppg, 6.5rpg, Blocks-1(2.6bpg), FGP: 54.2%, FT: 59.1%. Last season he balled with Lokomotiv Kuban (Russia-VTB) averaging 7.7ppg, 3.7rpg, 1.0apg, Blocks-1(1.9bpg), FGP: 61.1%, FT: 72.5%; and averaged  5.9ppg, 4.4rpg, 1.1bpg, FGP: 58.8%, FT: 72.2% in the Eurocup. He began his career at Edina high school and then played a total of 114 NCAA games with Illinois State and the University of Minnesota. He spoke to germanhoops.com after the 88-69 loss against the Fraport Skyliners.

Thanks Reggie for talking to germanhoops.com. What was it like seeing the last head to head battle of two legends Paulding and Robertson. For a guy who has only been in Germany a few weeks, could you feel a special aura on the court with them?

It felt like two legends going at each other. I remember when I came to Oldenburg that there had been a lot of talk about Rickey. It really is amazing how long he has played for one organization. It was really nice being a part of this today.

The EWE Baskets Oldenburg suffered a tough 88-69 loss. It was a game that had no meaning for either team. Oldenburg was saved and Frankfurt most likely will move down. Frankfurt had lost so much in the last months. Did you sense like they really wanted it today?

I always try to avoid feeling for a team like Frankfurt that is at the bottom of the standings. You always take a breath and don´t think that a team like that can play well. You have to put those kind of feelings out of your mind. They can always come out with that dog mentality. We didn´t underestimate them. We just weren´t able to match their intensity. We played their game when we should of played our game.

Do you take some blame that Frankfurt really were in control in the paint area as the Frankfurt bigs really produced?

I wish I could of got them more out of rebound position. They got too many rebounds. I made up with shot blocking, but you can´t block everything. We were unable to bring that extra level of speed.

Your in only your fourth professional season, but already playing in your fifth country overseas. Do you sometimes feel like a basketball globetrotter?

I feel like a globetrotter but not in a bad way. There are many NBA players that will never play overseas and experience cultures. They miss out on many countries. I want to see as many cultures as possible. I wouldn´t mind coming back to Oldenburg. I really like it here.

You came very late to Oldenburg on March 30th after playing in Greece and Italy. What was your biggest motivation to finish the season in Germany. With COVID and the war in the Ukraine you could of easily packed up and gone home to spend extra time with family.

I was in Russia last season. This season I wanted to experience other places and went to Greece and Italy that were warmer. There I ran into issues with management and not getting sufficient playing time. It tuned into a hectic season. I always stayed positive and didn´t take any days off. I was always ready. I remembered Will Cummings telling me about Oldenburg and how much he loved it. That was the reason I came.

There are only a few games left. You haven´t seen many minutes. What is your personal goal of how you want to finish the season?

I want to win games and make an impact on the court. I want to protect the paint, block shots and be an offensive presence and be a threat.

What has it been like being teammates with Rickey Paulding. Have you been able to have a real meaningful conversation with him yet?

The first time I met him was when I arrived in Oldenburg. Right away I felt like a reporter talking to a legend. I had so many questions to ask him. I had to ask him why he had played so long there. He just said that the fans and city totally embraced him. He loves Germany. His kids were born here. It all makes sense for him to stay so long there.

You’re a 207cm center. If you had to compare your game to an NBA player who would best fit the bill?

I have shades of Serge Ibaka and Hassan Whiteside. You know guys that play the pick and roll, have a good mid range shot and have a good touch around the rim. But most importantly the number one thing is shot blocking.

You can score and rebound and are an incredible shot blocker. Whatever strengths does your game possess?

My athleticism plays an important role. I can drive, have spin moves, use the hook shot and have the mid range shot.

You averaged more than 3 blocks in the NCAA. What kind of shot blocker are you now and what kind do you want to become?

I feel like I´m the exact same shot blocker that I was in college. The difference is that I´m more skilled now. In college there were many guys that would drive to the basket for the lay up and didn´t care that I was there to block it. Now it is harder to get blocks because the players are smarter. I want to be able to block dunks, three´s and step backs. I just hope that I can keep my athleticism for second jumps for a long time.

After playing your first three seasons with one team per season, your playing with three teams this season. What did you learn from your experiences in Greece and Italy this season?

In Greece I learned a lot about how management works, the physicality, smartness and the players. In Italy the players are smarter and in Greece more physical. Germany is a mix of both. Alba Berlin is a very smart team and Frankfurt also play smart, but are also physical. It was a great opportunity for me to gain so much experience in three countries this season. I gained a lot in knowledge and became a smarter player.

In Greece you played very well against Euroleague team Olympiakos with 16 points, 7 rebounds and 2 blocks. What do you feel is still missing from your game to be able to make it to that level?

I have to become a little more aggressive on offense. Sometimes I rush to much. I need to slow down  a bit and take my time. I also need to cut down on offensive fouls. If I do that then I can expand my offensive game. Defensively I´m already a very good shot blocker. I can become a better rebounder. I have to learn when to go for blocks and when not to. Sometimes I will miss offensive rebounds when I try for a block.

You averaged 5 blocks in your last three games in Greek first division. Do you ever dream about a triple double with points, rebounds and blocks?

I was close to a triple double in college a few times against St Johns and Niagara. It is hard to do at the pro level. It is the easiest to get blocks near the end of games when were up 10 points and guys are just driving to the basket for quick baskets.

Last season you had a solid season with Lokomotiv Kuban (Russia-VTB) in the VTB and Eurocup. How do you feel did you develop further as a player playing in two top leagues in Europe?

I played very well against Kuban in my rookie year in the VTB: I think they liked my play and that is the reason they took me. I played with many very good players like Drew Gordon and Will Cummings. I set screens better, improved my mid range and stayed with 2-3 fouls per game. I also feel like I became better at getting assists.

In 2019-2020 you played with Urania Basket Milano (Italy-Serie A2) averaging 11.3ppg, 6.5rpg, Blocks-1(2.6bpg), FGP: 54.2%, FT: 59.1%. What kind of an experience was it playing for Milan´s second team? Were you able to watch some Euroleague games of Milan and get a better taste of that organization?

We played Armani Milan in an exhibition game and got beat badly. It was a great experience to see how they played. I played a lot of minutes in the second division Italy which was very good for me. Plus living in Milan one of the best cities in the world was amazing.

As a rookie you played with BC Kalev/Cramo Tallinn (Estonia-Alexela KML) averaging 7.0ppg, 4.0rpg, Blocks-1(1.9bpg), FGP: 45.7%, FT: 68.8% in the VTB League, 10.0ppg, 6.5rpg, 1.5apg, 2.5bpg, FGP: 53.6%, FT: 66.7% in the Estonian League and 13.4ppg, 5.8rpg, Blocks-1(2.2bpg), FGP: 59.1%, FT: 79.3% in the LatEstBL league. What was your wake up call where you knew that you were very far away from home?

My wake up call was getting to Estonia. Before that I had been only in the United States for 22 years. Then all of a sudden I was in Estonia. I had never heard of it. It was hard to realize that I was in a new land. I was overwhelmed the first few months. I realized years later how amazing Tallin had been. I didn´t appreciate my time enough there. If I ever get a good situation to return back to Tallin, I won´t hesitate. I really enjoyed my time there. It was nice to start my career there and play in a high league like the VTB. I got a different feel of the competitive levels as I also played in the lower league in Estonia where we would beat teams by 30 points.

How important was it having American Landon Lucas as a teammate your rookie season? Was he like a mentor in the early going?

I wouldn´t say that he was a mentor, but I got valuable perspective from him and he helped me understand what it took to become a professional player. It was good to be there with a guy like him who had already had one pro season under his belt.

In your third VTB League game you had 11/5/3 stats against Euroleague powerhouse CSKA Moscow losing by 27 points. What memories do you have of facing against the greatest American Euroleague player Kyle Hines? Do you remember any battles against him inside?

Everybody talked about him leading up to the game. I anticipated him to be a Lebron James. I didn´t think that he was that great. In hind sight I know why. They were playing against an Estonian team, so they probably weren´t trying so hard. We still lost by 27 points. They were on another level. I don´t remember him scoring against me. He didn´t have to do much.

You played two solid seasons at Illinois State(NCAA). What memories do you have and do you ever wonder how your career may have gone had you remained there?

Yes I have wondered what could have been, but no matter what, I had no regrets going to Minnesota. I wanted to be closer to home and play in front of family. I played with great players at both schools. Guys that have continued to play professionally overseas and in the NBA.

What memories do you have of your NCAA run as a sophomore? Was the win against Green Bay one of your most memorable there and will you ever forget the 50-49 loss to ODU?

That wasn´t my most memorable game. At that point in my NCAA career, I really had no idea where I was in my career yet. I didn´t understand yet what type of player I was. I was still dreaming and didn´t know I would be a pro one day. I was living in the moment and trying to play each game as best as I could. Every game was very exciting for me. The loss to ODU stung, but we didn´t feel like we missed out on winning the championship. You can´t dwell on loses to much. You have to get ready for the next one.

You then played at Minnesota from 2016-2018.What memories do you have of the 81-71 victory over Penn State where you had 11 blocks? Were you in the defensive zone that day?

This was one of those games where Penn State felt the need to take desperate shots coming into the paint and attempting lay ups. Every time a guy came down and I was getting ready for the block, I was thinking why are you doing this? One after the other were coming at me and I was making blocks. I was in the zone. But I also had a lot of support from my teammates. They were screaming more than I did. Richard Pitino loved my blocks.

How tough was your senior season that ended half way through with injury? What positives could you take from the season?

Before the season started we were nationally ranked for the first time in a long time. We had huge expectations. But we suffered many injuries. Amir Coffey, Nate Maso, I and other guys got injuries. It got out of hand and we weren´t able to live up to expectations. The great thing is that we are all still playing professionally today.

How did head coach Richard Pitino groom and prepare you best for a professional career?

Richard Pitino is my favorite coach of all-time. But I have to say that if I had the chance to play longer for Ingo Freyer then he could become my favorite. I really like his attitude. He doesn´t yell to much or is too quiet. He is very visible. He has done a good job helping me become more of a versatile player. Richard Pitino was very down to earth. He understood that we had lives. He made sure we had fun, but when it was time to work, everything off the court remained there. He gave me the freedom to block shots, dunk and just make plays. It was also cool when his dad Rick Pitino spoke to us.

Who won a one on one in practice you or Bakary Konate?

For sure me. But there were days when he had just come from the weight room, it was tough to play against him. But I could block him and use my athleticism for the dunks.

Who is the toughest guy that you faced in the NCAA at your position that reached the NBA?

Fred Van Vleet was definitely the toughest.

Please list your 5 best teammates of all-time?

Nate Mason, Paris Lee, Drew Gordon, Will Cummings, Chavaughn Lewis

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

Kobe, Jordan, Lebron, Steph Curry

There are so many great centers that have played the game like Russell, Chamberlain, Duncan, Kareem

 or Shaq. Who is the greatest for you?

Shaq

Did you see the sequel to the classic movie Coming To America? Shouldn´t they have left it alone?

I didn´t see it. From what I heard, they should of left it alone.

Thanks Reggie for the chat.

Harald Frey is a 24 year old 185cm guard from Norway playing his first professional season in Germany with BG Goetingen. Last season as a rookie he played with Liberbank Oviedo Baloncesto (Spain-LEB Gold) averaging 6.6ppg, 1.4rpg, 2.0apg, FGP: 42.4%, 3PT: 31.2%, FT: 75.7%. He began his basketball career with  Baerum Basket (BLNO) and then played at Montana(NCAA) from 2016-2020 playing a total of 125 NCAA games and as a senior averaged 16.6ppg, 4.3rpg, 4.6apg, 1.5spg, FGP: 47.5%, 3PT: 33.7%, FT: 87.4%. He spoke to germanhoops.com after a tough 92-86 loss to Alba Berlin.

Thanks Harald for talking togermanhoops.com BG Goettingen suffered a tough 92-86 loss to the hands of Alba Berlin. What kind of an experience was it for you playing against such a great team?

This was the first time that I played against a Euroleague team. You don´t really know what to expect until you face them. They are a deep team and have good size at every position., I thought that we played well the whole game. But you need to play well for 40 minutes. We played well in good stretches and need to take that into the next games.

BG Goettingen led 53-42 at the break. Did you feel like you played up to the game plan 100%?

Yes I think so. The most important thing for us is focusing on ourselves. You have to make small changes each game. I feel that if we stay true to our identity then we will have good chances to win each game. When an opponent makes adjustments then we also must. Time response is important.

In the second half Alba Berlin took over and scored 48 points. What adjustments did they make on defense?

Alba Berlin got more physical. We had some good looks, but they didn´t fall for us. We weren´t able to capitalize on our chances. They switched more and were better on their ball screen coverages. They are a good team and I have a lot of respect for them.

BG Goettingen had difficulty slowing up Jaleen Smith, Maodo Lo and Tamar Blatt who combined for 48 points. Which player gave you personally the biggest challenge?

They are all really good teams. They don´t play isolation, but they move the ball really well and work well together. All present problems. Smith is very big for a guard, Lo is really quick and Blatt is a good shooter. I was very impressed how well they play together.

New player Jeremiah Brown had another great game with 23 points.  Can a guy like him replace a guy like Kamar Baldwin?

Jeremiah has been amazing. He has been awesome and great on and off the court. We are still trying to build chemistry with him. It is unfair to him that he has to fill the shoes of Kamar. This is a new situation for him and it isn´t easy. We all as a team have to step up and be aggressive. I think that that will make it easier for all.

Your playing your first season in Germany in the easyCredit BBL. You had played against Germany with Norway at the University games. Now that you have been in Germany for some months, what have you appreciated most about the culture here?

It has been a pretty cool experience. The people in Goettingen really care about the team. I have had a good experience meeting many people. They have all been nice and supportive of the team during ups and downs. I like their positive energy around the team.

BG Goettingen has a realistic chance of making the BBL playoffs. What in Roel Moors coaching philosophy has been key in giving BG Goettingen this chance for the playoffs?

Our goal are the playoffs. It was obvious when I got here that coach commands a lot of respect. He is very good at instilling confidence in us. He talks to us all individually. It isn´t always about the x´s and o´s, but having the belief that we can play with anyone.

You came from the Leb Gold in Spain. You really haven´t needed any adjustment. Your playing very effective in your minutes. How much of a role does your basketball IQ play in your personal success on the court?

It definitely has been a little of a change. The BBL is more physical and the guards are bigger and faster. When I face taller and stronger players, I need to find other ways to beat them. That is where my IQ comes into play. My IQ will always be my biggest weapon.  

You have never shot 40% from outside but often been close. Your shooting an incredible 47% at the moment. You shooting 1/5 less than with Oviedo in half as many games. Has shot selection been the secret?

I think that there have been multiple reasons. My role is different and shot selection has also been good. We have the luxury of having many creators and shooters at the end of the shot clock. The looks I have gotten this season have been a lot better and cleaner. The better the looks the better the presenters will be.

With Kamar Baldwin out now, do you see yourself possibly gaining a different and bigger role?

I don´t focus too much on it. I just focus on how I can help the team best. If the team needs more scoring, then I will do it. But if it needs more playmaking, off ball or defense then I will do that. The role isn´t as important, but more being part of a winning team. Whatever the team needs in that game, I will do.

You’re a guard that is able to show your versatility. On what area´s are you working on most so you can continue to improve your game in the next years?

I have to work on my strength most. The BBL is a physical league and I need to attack the weight room. My game is in constant development. I need to improve my ball handling, shooting and reads on the pick and roll.

Last season you played with Liberbank Oviedo Baloncesto (Spain-LEB Gold) averaging  6.6ppg, 1.4rpg, 2.0apg, FGP: 42.4%, 3PT: 31.2%, FT: 75.7%. How tough was this season coming from the NCAA where you played 30 plus minutes to a situation where you didn´t and didn´t have the same offensive role? Did you have some real professional growing pains?

I wasn´t focused so much on my minutes, but the physical style. It was also the Covid year. I saw many changes with a new culture and language and COVID. I came overseas with many new challenges and all I had to focus on was basketball. Coming over when Covid was there made me stronger and more experienced as a player and person.

You played at Montana State from 2016-2020. Do you ever wonder where you might be today had you remained in Norway and gone a different route?

I have thought about that sometimes in the past, but not much now. When I did go to college, I did have the appeal to go the European route, but at the end, I´m very happy with the choice I made. I got a degree and enjoyed the time at Montana State to get better as a player and person.

What kind of player were you in 2016 and what kind of player in 2020 when you returned back home?

The biggest jump going from Norway to the NCAA was getting used to the physicality. It was the same kind of transition then as it is now in Germany. I became more confident in my 4 years in the States. I feel that the mental part is overlooked. I learned how to deal with  adversary especially in a shooting slump. My mental strength got better over time as well as me becoming a better overall player.

You hit an incredible half court buzzer beater for the 67-66 win over UNC Greensboro. What memories do you have of that game and how often have you watched the shot?

That was a crazy play. I remember it vividly. It was a lot of fun making that shot. We won against one of the better mid major teams. At that time, it was a huge win for us. I watched it a couple of times. I definitely have been asked many times about it.

One of your best scoring games was against Montana in a tough loss where you scored 37 points. Was there any other memorable game you had that you will never forget?

I had a lot of memorable games in the four years. I remember there was a stretch late in my junior year where we had a chance to make a push to make a bid for the NCAA tournament. I had a couple of good games against S Utah and Northern Arizona. I also remember beating Montana as a freshman.

How did head coaches Brian Fish and Danny Sprinkle groom and prepare you best for a professional basketball career?

I learned a lot from both of them. I think that the most important thing that I got from them was that there is more to basketball then just on the court. Sleeping and diet were also important factors. They did a good job helping us grow as men.

Who won a 1-1 in practice you or Tyler Hall?

He is a little bit taller, but I´m quicker. It was a fun matchup. I would say I won.

One of your role models is the legendary NFL kicker Jan Stenerud. You played soccer as a kid. If you had an hour of place kicking practice with him how far do you feel could you then kick a field goal in yards?

I have never tried a field goal. It is crazy since I was at a school that had football. I played soccer growing up. I think that I could be a good field goal kicker with his tutoring.

Who was the toughest player that you ever faced in NCAA that went to NBA?

We played in a small conference so I didn´t play against many future NBA players. One guy I battled all four years and who impressed me a lot was Jerrick Harding. He became the all-time leading scorer at Weber State. He is a lefty like me. We had so many battles in my four years. He was one of the most gifted scorers I ever played against. He has talent for the NBA. Every player has their own path. I think COVID played a big role why he didn´t get to the NBA. He is dominating in the Czech league now.

Please list your NBA Mount Rushmore?

Michael Jordan, Lebron James, Kobe Bryant and Kareem Abdul Jabbar

Will Luca Doncic one day be the greatest in the NBA?

I think so. If he stays healthy. He is amazing.

Did you see the sequel to the classic Coming To America? Shouldn´t they have left it alone?

I didn´t. But they probably should of left it alone.

Thanks Harald for the chat.

I remember it was in September 2007 when I saw Ilian Evtimov (201-F-1983, college: NC State) play for the first time in Basketball City Mainhatten in Frankfurt when he was only in his second professional season and first in Germany with the then Deutsche Bank Skyliners where he would spend two seasons. I saw him sink some three’s on that day in an exhibition game against French team Strasburg and right away fell in love with his three point shot. It is funny that a few years later, I would visit Strasburg regularly to watch Evti play. He shot it with grace and I loved his release and jump. I tried to copy it on the playground basket and probably got his jump right, but the accuracy was simply miserable. It didn’t take me long to think of a nickname for my radio play by play calls and had a lot of joy screaming Ilian swishhhhhhh Evtimov whenever he dropped three’s. I really enjoyed following and covering Ilian in Frankfurt and it wouldn’t change after he departed Frankfurt and would continue as his career continued in other countries. It became a habit of mine to see him play with Chalon in Strassburg which was only a two hour drive from Frankfurt. I would of seen him play every season in his incredible six year stay in Chalon, but having games almost every weekend to cover in Germany, it was real lottery to catch a free weekend in my schedule and see him play. But before my Strasburg visits, I was lucky to be able to see him play a Eurochallenge game in Germany in January 2012 against the Telekom Baskets Bonn. I picked the perfect game to watch, because despite losing on an incredible last second shot by Simonas Serapinas, it was one of his best games with Chalon. In the game in Bonn, he was perfect with 21 points on 7/7 shooting. Another great game he had was nailing Hyres-Toulon for 30 points and 9 three’s. But there was one other game that also will forever be stacked in his top three personal best games. ‘The finals of the French cup, I made 8 threes, and one mid distance where my foot was on the line. I won the MVP, and as Greg Beugnot has said, I was the only player that was able to take an MVP with Blake Shilb on the team. Those 3 games remain my best shooting performances as a pro. Bonn was a great game, as I felt I couldn’t miss a shot. And I didn’t. Should of shot more. They beat us at the buzzer with a fade away corner shot after a very difficult pass’, remembered Ilian Evtimov. He played with Elan Chalon from 2010-2016 winning four titles and it was only normal, that the club would remember the 2011-2012 season where Evtimov and co won the triple. But there was also one more incredible ceremony on April 9, 2022 and that was the retirement of Ilian Evtimov‘s number 12. Chalon will always be a second home for him as his number 12 will forever be hanging high above in the Le Colisee.

Ilian Evtimov was born in Sofia, Bulgaria, but also has the French citizenship. He went to school in Sofia and went to high school in Winston-Salem in North Carolina thus getting a grip early on the English language. He then had the privilege to play at North Carolina State from 2001-2006 reaching the NCAA Sweet 16 in 2005 and played a total of 128 games and learned how to shoot the three shooting over 40% in his last two seasons which would become his bread and butter as a professional. He turned professional in 2006 and returned back to Europe and played briefly in Spain with Estudiantes and then played a full season with VidiVici Bologna (Italy-Serie A). He then made the next step and played in Germany for the Deutsche Bank Skyliners from 2007-2009. His first season was incredible as he played 10 ULEB Cup games averaging 14.5ppg, 3.4rpg, 1.7apg, 1.0spg, FGP: 48.3%, 3PT: 40.7%, FT: 85%; and 44 BBL games averaging 13.1ppg, 5.1rpg, 2.1apg, 1.3spg, 2FGP: 41.4%, 3PT: 33.9%, FT: 86.2%. His second season wasn’t quite as good anymore as his coach had issues with his play. He left Frankfurt and continued with Proteas EKA AEL Limassol (Cyprus-Division A) playing 13 EuroChallenge games averaging 10.9ppg, 3.3rpg, 1.3apg, FGP: 46.8%, 3PT: 45.6%, FT: 83.3%: FT-2 (90.9%). After a solid but not great season in Cyprus, he had to find a new challenge. But that wasn’t so difficult for him. It is usually coaches that have players on their radar, but usually not players that have teams on their radar. He knew in 2009 before landing in Cyprus that his long term goal would be Chalon. ‘I actually had a very good year in Cyprus, to the point that I had stayed in touch with numerous coaches there. The league was much better than I expected to be frank. But I knew my future was not in Cyprus. The reason I took that job was actually calculated. I saw they we played Eurochallenge, and I saw they played against Chalon. My goal was exactly to do well against Chalon and go there the following season. This is exactly what happened. I had a very good game against them when we played them home, with an over 20 points game’, remembered Ilian Evtimov. He arrived in Chalon in 2010 and one can say the rest is history. If there is one guy that he will forever be thankful for will be head coach Gregor Beugnot. ‘Coach Beugnot offered me the opportunity to come and play in France. I was little known in France despite having a French passport because I had spent most of my time in the USA in college, but also outside of France during my first professional seasons. Chalon is where I found a coach who believed in me, used my skills, explored them, and hid my weaknesses. In addition to this, we had a very complimentary team, where everyone respected and knew their role’, said Ilian Evtimov.

The movie buff who last saw the Money Heist which is the best TV series he has ever watched didn’t waste any time in his first season with Chalon winning the French Cup. He played 33 games averaging 11.6ppg, 4.2rpg, 1.9apg, 1.4spg, FGP: 50.5%, 3PT: 39.8%, FT: 84.2%. One could see during this season that this was a team with special characters that exactly knew their roles and everyone had each others back. But most important no player was satisfied, but extremely hungry. ‘Everyone on the team had something to prove. The team was assembled with guys that had a chip on their shoulder and wanted to prove they could play at that level. Bryant Smith was Blake Shilb’s back up, knowing that Bryan was the all time leading scorer of the Ulep Cup. I will never forget what he told me. If I am going to be a back up and not even play some games, I will make sure that the person in front of me is going to be the MVP. That’s exactly what happened’, stressed Ilian Evtimov. After that incredible season, one could of expected more incredible feats, but three titles? One could of expected winning another title, but winning three in a season is extremely rare. It is fair to say that the 2011-2012 Elan Chalon team was one in a century team. ‘The chemistry and the ingredients were perfect. We dominated everyone. It was an energy that I had never seen or felt before. You walk in the gym, and the opposing team comes and says hello to you. But with a fear in their eyes. We had totally instilled fear in the opposing teams. Orleans was the team that was the toughest, hard-core, made of men, a little like the Pistons bad boys, and we had to overcome our mental toughness to beat them’, expressed Ilian Evtimov. In the French Pro A league he averaged 9.9ppg, 4.1rpg, 1.7apg, 1.3spg, FGP: 42.4%, 3PT: 42.0%, FT-1 (94.7) and in the EuroChallenge averaged 10.0ppg, 4.6rpg, 1.3apg, 1.1spg, FGP: 35.7%, 3PT: 46.0%, FT-1 (95.2%). One of the toughest games that season was overcoming the feisty Orleans squad 85-83 in a do or die semi-final clash. ‘That team was rough, tough, mean, tricky, and athletic. They had all the ingredients to make our life miserable. It was a true chess match between the coaches, each game you saw different strategies, set up, plays, adjustments. The players as well. The fans went nuts. Down 12 with 3 minutes to go, few believed we would make it happen. Coach took a time out, he didn’t yell, he didn’t need the drawing board, he just smiled, laughed and asked us. Alright, it all comes down to this. All year long. All the running, the conditioning, the wins, the losses. You know you can come back and beat this team. So I am just going to ask you. Do you want to do it? There was no extra motivation, extra excitement after these words. Simply, we looked around, looked each other in the face. Said ok, let’s do it and end it so we go to the finals. Stops, tough shots, threes, and the buzzer beater from Blake to top it. It was like in a movie’, expressed Ilian Evtimov. In the final they had less problems against Le Mans that featured top players like Alex Acker and Taylor Rochestie and ex Skyliner Travon Bryant. ‘We were up 20 or 25 by halftime. The media had gone to say Le Mans was going to beat us, they literally screwed them up. We were not to be challenged. After all, we were a bunch of guys with a chip on their shoulders that wanted to prove they belonged. This was playing into what made us great all year. When we started the playoffs, we wrote on the board, 33 days left. From the last regular season game to the last championship game. I asked Brayan if he was ok for us to write that down, so people’s head would be mentality prepared they were not going home for another 33 days. Each day that went by, we scratched a day. Then came the final and the -1, and we knew we didn’t just sacrifice a full month away from home and our families to lose in the finals’, remembered Ilian Evtimov. Two guys that will always be like brothers to him will be Malcom Delaney and Blake Schilb that were so instrumental for the team success that season. ‘Malcom was an extra ordinary player. It was his first year out of college. Obviously he wanted to be the go to guy, but understood there was a hierarchy. Understood Blake was our Michael Jordan. So he plugged himself in perfectly to that, and he excelled and became an even better player. It was obvious Malcom was not going to stay long in France or Europe. To me, he was cheated not being drafted and starting his NBA career immediately after college. The kid knew basketball like a veteran. As for Blake, he is the most complete and smartest player I had ever played with. You would try to overpower him with physique and hacks, he would find a solution. You would try to outsmart him, he would find a solution and be 3 steps ahead of you. You would put a big guy to guard him, he would start knocking down threes. Let’s not forget the 2012 2013 season where he literally killed the Euroleague during the return games. He showed what he was really about’, stated Ilian Evtimov.

The shooting sniper who didn’t think Will Smith’s retaliation by slapping Chris Rock at the Oscars was correct would play four more seasons with Elan Chalon and reach two more finals. He gave the word consistency a new meaning averaging 9,0ppg in the French Pro A and shot better than 40% from outside in three of the four seasons. ‘It is always difficult to lose a final or a final four. Especially when we hosted the Europe Cup. But some teams are meant to overcome challenges, others are built to fold when it gets tough. I had never played again on a team that had the mental toughest we had in 2012’, stressed Ilian Evtimov. He also got the opportunity to play at the highest stage in Europe playing Euroleague. He battled Alba Berlin and remembers the two games. In one game he scored 13 points and in the other put up the goose egg going 0/6. ‘ Frankly I don’t remember the stats. But I do remember being up 15 against Alba in Berlin at halftime. Would we have won that game. We would of advanced to the top 16 which had not been done for a long time by a French team. If I shot 0/6 against Berlin, that means they knew to guard me well meaning I posed a serious threat to them’, laughed Ilian Evtimov. He had so many great teammates over the years. Two other guys that he will never forget were Sheldon Williams and Brandon Davies. Williams played in the State of North Carolina at Duke while he was at North Carolina State then played 6 years in the NBA and then played only one season in Europe before closing out his career in China. While Brandon Davies had his first stop in Chalon after playing briefly in the NBA. He had to pay his dues at first in Europe but since has become an impressive Euroleague player and landed with FC Barcelona. ‘Sheldon and I have tremendous amount of respect for each other. You can find on Google many pictures of us guarding each other in college. He is an amazing person, and an amazing player. In Chalon we spent a lot of time playing together as he played the 5 and I played the 4. We stay in touch to this day. Brandon went through a difficult time when he played with us. He was very very talented but then was sidelined for I don’t remember which reason. I spent a good amount of time letting him know that he was gifted, talented, and that he would bounce back and prove everyone wrong. I am not sure he has great memories from playing in Chalon, but it certainly helped him become who he is today. An amazing player with an unbelievable career’, warned Ilian Evtimov. One weekend that I will never forget was the 2016 Fiba Europe Cup final 4 in Chalon which hosted the event with teams Enisey, Openjobmetis, Fraport Skyliners and Elan Chalon. Everybody in Frankfurt wanted to see Ilian Evtimov battle his former club for the title. But on this weekend the basketball God had other ideas. Frankfurt won the title, but beat Openjobmetis in the final while Evtimov had to watch. ‘I was actually looking forward to playing Frankfurt in the finals. The way I had played against Estudiantes (my professional experience) in 2007 with Virtus Bologna for 3rd place of the Eurochallenge. We had lost to Valencia in the semi finals, they had one of the best teams in Europe with Marc Gasol, Fuscka, Shammond Williams and other superstars. I imagined playing Frankfurt and dropping a 20 point game and a title. But the story turned out different’, remembered Ilian Evtimov.

Miles Schmidt-Scheuber having Ilian Evtimov as a guest in his weekly basketball radio show in 2009

So now fast forward to April 2022. The forward who lists his five best Chalon teammates of all-time with Blake Schilb Malcom Delaney Steed Tchicambou Devin Booker and AJ Slaughter had a date back in Chalon. He last played professional three years ago. After his successful time in Chalon, he would get a last nice tour of the beauty of France playing in Cholet, Lille and Roanne. He didn’t totally throw away the basketball in the last years as he would practice with his brother Vassil’s team when they were undermanned. But he defiantly doesn’t miss the game. ‘Basketball travel, the 2 practices a day, and the constant pains 365 days a year. If there is one thing true about bring a professional is that you are never really 100%’, stressed Ilian Evtimov. But he had one more basketball road trip, but this time not to play. Today he lives in Sofia and finally has more time for his family and kids being able to do school pick up duty. He also travels a lot so heading back to Chalon was a normal occurrence even if it would be a very special time. ‘I was very honored and excited. Every kid’s dream is to play professionally, win games and titles in front of thousands of people, being MVP, and hitting buzzer beaters. All of which I accomplished during my career. But having your jersey honored, goes beyond that. It is written in the books forever. My number will no longer be played with. There is no higher honor. Forever Chalon will be my basketball home. Generations down the road, hopefully my son will walk in the Coliseum, for a game to play, and he will look up and feel something special when he sees the name he carries is hanging in the arena. It was truly special to go back.. There was a museum to celebrate the 10 years since the triple title we won. The photos, the videos, the titles, cups brought nostalgia, but more importantly the people welcomed me back as if I had never left’, said Ilian Evtimov.

The ex North Carolina State great got the news some months ago about the 10 year anniversary and jersey retirement of number 12, so there was a lot of anticipation and joy leading up to April 9th. ‘ I was nervous to be honest. Even though it is so honor full, it was still exciting and I wasn’t sure what exactly to expect. They certainly exceeded my expectations with the whole evening. I couldn’t help but get emotional when the jersey was being pulled up. It really hit me at that moment what was being done. The ceremony was very emotional’, explained Ilian Evtimov. He played with so many players and had dealings with so many people over the six years in Chalon that it was only normal that his phone was exploding with love. He received in person congratulations but also via videos from certain people that couldn’t be at the ceremony and also messages on social platforms.’ I haven’t kept count but it was a great amount indeed. I guess what I didn’t realize is how much that year, the team, and myself had impacted the town and the league’, said Ilian Evtimov. The whole night was very memorable and I can’t imagine what it is like to be a player and stand in a dark arena with massive cheering going on and then seeing that number get raised. The goose bumps must be unending. I remember seeing clips of Larry Bird and Kobe being honored on TV and saw Fraport Skyliner legend Pascal Roller seeing his number get raised in the Fraport arena a decade ago. It was only obvious that Evtimov had no remorse to show some feelings and have to wipe tears from his cheeks. ‘The more time goes by, the more valuable the titles and the career accomplishments become. Because it has never been done for a team to do what we did that year. And it had not been done before either. I was seeing in my head the memories, the ups and downs of the season, and even though we remember only the titles speaking of that year, there was a lot that happened that wasn’t la vie en rose. Champions are not made on the ring, they are only recognized on the ring’, stressed Ilian Evtimov. I always wondered why he didn’t finish out his career with Elan Chalon. But sometimes that inner voice knows best. ‘ Sometimes, leaving can be the better move than dragging and holding on. Yes I spent the best years of my professional career in Chalon, even off the court. But a new cycle had started and they went into a different direction. It is hard to criticize that choice as they won another title right after. But the love and warmness of the people and management has not changed. We are people before business, and there is a mutual respect for who we are and what we all accomplished together. The secretary’s job in the office selling tickets was just as important as the players on the court. We were one big family’, said Ilian Evtimov. In six years with Elan Chalon, Ilian Evtimov played 201 France Pro A games and 274 games in total and scored in double figures in 123 games (courtesy eurobasket.com). He scored 2,504 points and nailed 384 three’s. I have seen 1000’s of guys play in my almost 20 year career of covering European basketball and have to say that Ilian Evtimov belongs to my 10 favorite players of all-time that I have covered. I saw him play in every easyCredit BBL city and in Strasburg and Chalon and will never forget his game especially his three point shot. I know that he will never forget his incredible time with Elan Chalon. I’m very happy to been able to see him play with Elan Chalon during that time. He will never be forgotten in Chalon. Thanks for great memories on the court in France and Germany.

With two Playdown game days already history, the fate of the Dragons Rhondorf continues to get more cloudy as remaining in the Pro B next season continues to get more difficult. The loss against the RheinStars Cologne last weekend was extremely bitter as they now had one less win with four games remaining. The next game against the Eimsbuetteler TV Hamburg was a must win for the Dragons Rhondorf as a loss would more have likely sealed their ticket back to the Regionalliga. The Dragons Rhondorf had split the season series with the Hamburg club that only won two games this season and had to find a better way to control Pro B top scorer Mubarak Salami who averages 28,0pg. The incredible scorer who is a one man wrecking crew in the zone had scored 75 points in the first two games and wanted to have another explosive game against the Dragons and did, but he didn’t get much scoring aid from his teammates and witnessed an offensive explosion by the Dragons Rhondorf that featured six players in double figures winning easily 116-74. The Dragons Rhondorf dominated from the tip off and played a well rounded and consistent game for 40 minutes and were rewarded and now are 2-1 in playdown play. ‘We were concentrated for 40 minutes tonight. We didn’t have those phases of not playing well like we showed in so many other games this season. We also cut down on the individual mistakes. We also got a lot of support from our young players and shot at a high percentage’, stressed Dragons Rhondorf captain Paul Albrecht. ETV Hamburg had nothing to play for except pride, but had a tough road as they were faced with mis matches all night long. ‘It was a very tough game, but I’m still proud of my teammates how they played. We were physically undermanned and had no centers today. We always had to help and they got a lot of open three’s. They also rebounded well and used their strengths to their advantage’, stated top pro B scorer Mubarak Salami.

The Dragons Rhondorf were without the Senegal sensation Ousmane Ndiaje for the second straight game, but they really didn’t need him. The Dragons Rhondorf didn’t waste anytime getting into attack mode sprinting out to a 9-2 lead. They attacked inside right away getting easy lay in’s from ex Sandersdorf guard Oshane Drews, a lay in by ex Artland Dragons Paul Albrect and a three pointer by Marek Kotieno. Mubarak Salami then scored his first field goal, but he wouldn’t see much daylight in the first half as he would only score twice from the field. The early plan of the Dragons was to really control Salami and let others produce. That worked well as the Dragons had no problems getting easy baskets inside which were also helped with offensive rebounds. A Paul Albrecht trey and Drews lay in with his left hand extended the Dragons lead to 20-9. ETV Hamburg couldn’t execute so well, but got a key trey by Marcel Hoppe and lay in from 19 year old German Ibrahim Jabby. But they couldn’t dig into the Dragons lead as Rhondorf continued to execute well as ex ANGT player Ralph Hounnou added a trey and Drews added three points on free throws giving the Dragons the comfortable 26-14 advantage after 10 minutes. ‘I felt we moved the ball very well and played good inside out basketball. We also had the edge on the rebounds’, stated Dragons Rhondorf manager Yassin Idbihi. The Dragons Rhondorf shot very well at 42% from the field and 57% from outside while ETV Hamburg shot under 40%. The Dragons had the solid 15-7 rebound edge.

In the second quarter the Dragons Rhondorf continued to execute at a high rate on offense and were able to lead by 20 plus points. They didn’t focus so much on Mubarak Salami anymore and were punished allowing 12 points on free throws to him as they suffered their fifth team foul half way through the second quarter. ETV Hamburg came out pretty strong getting some clutch baskets from young German Ibrahim Jabby as he showed his quickness with a lay in and showed his outside shooting qualities with a trey while ex NAIA player Javk Fritsche made a 20 footer and Rhondorf only led 30-21. But it didn’t take the Dragons Rhondorf long to find their groove again on offense as their lightening execution took off leading them on a lethal 14-1 run to extend their lead to 44-22. In the run, they took advantage of their physicality and inside attack by finding the open three’s and they let it rain three’s. The heart and soul of the Dragons Rhondorf Viktor Frankl-Maus dropped two three’s and Kotieno also connected from outside. The Brasilian beast Marcelo Ruediger also made a runner on transition. The Dragons Rhondorf then suffered their fifth team foul, but didn’t fret but continued to execute on offense. ETV Hamburg gave the ball to Mubarak Salami and he just drove and drove and drove and reached the free throw line 18 times and connected 12 times while also making a lay in. The Dragons Rhondorf also got their share of buckets as they continued to share the ball very well. The team continued to look for big man Ruediger who scored as well as Drews who continued to be unstoppable on the drive scoring twice, Frankel-Maus scored twice including once on transition and young German Eslie Edigin also scored with a reverse lay up to lead 57-40 at the break. ‘We continued to execute very well. We did a good job on defense on everyone except Salami’, stated Yassin Idbihi. Both teams shot 40% or higher from the field and the Dragons Rhondorf continued to dominate the boards 27-14 with the 9-2 offensive rebound advantage while both teams had 8 turnovers a piece.

The Dragons Rhondorf decided the game with a commanding 32-16 in the third quarter. The Dragons offense went up two more notches while the Hamburg defense got weaker and weaker as the physicality of Rhondorf was draining. The Dragons Rhondorf operated right away coming from the dressing room going on a 13-4 run to extend their lead to 70-44. Ex Rostock guard Nicolas Buchholz began the run with a lay in. Drews was in nonstop attack mode scoring inside, Paul Albrecht also scored on a lay in and then began the awakening of young German Esli Edigin (190-SG-2005) who added 12 points in the second quarter and made back to back lay in’s in the run using his extreme quickness and athleticism. He finished with 18 points and played his best game in a Dragon uniform. ‘He was supposed to play at the Addidas Next Generation, but didn’t. To come out and have a game like this is incredible. I’m really happy he played so well’, stated Paul Albrecht. Rhondorf did a super job not suffering let downs or a lack of concentration despite having such a big lead and just keeping focus and consistency. Rhondorf did a good job containing Salami as he scored only one bucket after the run. The Dragons continued to execute easily on offense as if it was a Sunday walk in the park. They continued to drop three’s with consistency as Kotieno and Frankel-Maus scored and Edigin continued to shoot with confidence nailing two three’s. Drews and Kotieno added two lay in’s and Rhondorf had the super commanding 89-56 lead after 30 minutes. ‘Salami scored more when we went to zone. He is a very good individual player. We concentrated more on Hoppe and Fritsche and gave them contested shots’, stressed Paul Albrecht. ‘We were physically tired already in the third quarter. We had to work so much harder. I was fasting and hadn’t drank anything today. We had two shooters up top so I had more room to work, but they played very smart’, said Mubarak Salami. The Dragons Rhondorf continued to shoot at a high clip at 57% from the field and 46% from the three point line while ETV Hamburg shot 37% from the field and 24% from outside. Rhondorf continued to control the boards 39-22 and both teams had 10 turnovers a piece.

The Dragons Rhondorf didn’t let down in the fourth quarter, but continued to add pressure on offense and seriously wore down the guests scoring 27 points. Salami continued to be a one man wrecking crew scoring the first three Hamburg baskets and made a free throw, but they couldn’t make any ground on Rhondorf. The Dragons received 5 points from Paul Albrecht and lay in’s from Drews and Ruediger to lead 98-63. After a Hoppe trey, Ruediger continued to execute getting two more baskets for the 102-66 advantage. With the game more than decided, Dragons Rhondorf head coach Julius Thomas gave more minutes to the young German kids Sam Nellessen and Lars Brodisch and they delivered with two baskets for the 111-72 lead. Edigin played 24 minutes, but probably could have played two more overtimes as his zeal never ended as he netted two more three’s ending the game. But the scene of the game came prior to the last Edigin three pointer as Kai Mueller stood at the free throw line. The young German who had come from the ratiopharm Ulm youth program stood with a big smile at the free throw line. Who would of thought that something so untypical would happen. He sunk the first free throw with the help of the back board and did the same trick again with the second shot. ‘The first free throw wasn’t intended. But the second one was intentional. I remember my teammate Alexander Witte do it in Oldenburg’, smiled Paul Albrecht. ‘We were down by so much in the fourth quarter and our biggest task was to motivate ourselves. I’m so proud of our young guys Jabby, Ceesay and Jardel Fritsche who played so much more than usual and did a good job against the physicality’, stated Mubarak Salami. ‘We had a different spirit tonight. Everybody stepped up and we kept fighting. That was the difference tonight’, added Paul Albrecht. The Dragons Rhondorf were led by Oshane Drews with 23 points. Paul Albrecht added 19 points and 14 rebounds while Esli Edigin had 18 points. Viktor Frankl-Maus and Marek Kotieno added 16 points apiece. ETV Hamburg were led by Mubarak Salami with 33 points, 7 rebounds and 6 assists while Marcel Hoppe added 21 points. The Dragons Rhondorf shot 57% from the field and 47% from the parking lot and had 53 rebounds and 13 turnovers while ETV Hamburg shot 37% from the field and 20% from the parking lot and had 30 rebounds and 12 turnovers.

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