Jaleen Smith (193-PG-1994, college: UNH) is a 27 year old 193cm guard from Freeport, Texas that is playing his fifth professional season and first with Alba Berlin. He played the last two seasons with the MHP Riesen Ludwigsburg averaging 15.2ppg, 5.0rpg, Assists-3 (5.3apg), Steals-2 (1.8spg), FGP: 49.2%, 3PT: 32.7%, FT: 87.5%; and 10.7ppg, 3.6rpg, 2.4apg, 1.6spg, FGP: 53.1%, 3PT: 33.6%, FT: 82,8% the season before. In 2018-2019 he played with the MLP Academics Heidelberg (Germany-ProA) averaging 12,7ppg, 3,9rpg and 2,7apg. In his rookie season with New Hampshire (NCAA) from 2013-2017 where he played a total of 120 NCAA games. He improved his scoring, rebounding and assists average each season and as a senior he played 32 games averaging 15.8ppg, 6.4rpg, 4.3apg, FGP: 52.4%, 3PT: 35.8%, FT: 78.1%. He spoke to eurobasket after the 78-73 win over ratiopharm Ulm.

Congrats Jaleen on the big 78-73 win over ratiopharm Ulm. How big is a win like this against a tough Ulm team where you were unable to play consistent for 40 minutes?

They are really good team and they are missing one of their better players at the moment. I’m sure we’ll see them in the playoffs soon.

You swept ratiopharm Ulm this season. You hadn’t seen them in a very long ago. Is this a team that could be a kind of dark horse candidate in the playoffs?

Yeah I think they can be a dark horse in the playoffs. They have a really good team and I believe they are still in the top 4 right now for playoff seeding. Plus they definitely want to send Per on a high note to end his career.

You most likely played your last time against German legend Per Guentehr. What stands out most in your mind in the three years where you battled against him that you won’t forget?

He’s a smart basketball player. I remember a year before I played him, when I was still in Heidelberg, he was shooting these long range three like it was nothing. I’ve always heard good stuff from his former teammates I’ve played with. The league will definitely miss him for sure.

Alba Berlin scored a solid 25 points in the first quarter but allowed 18 points. To how much percent from 100% away was the team away from playing the kind of Alba Berlin offense that coach wants to see?

I mean we come into every game playing our style of basketball whether it be ULM, Munich, or Bamberg. We just try and play our best basketball when the games starts.

Basketball works in funny ways. You led 40-20 in the second quarter and then allowed a 22-3 run to lead only 43-42 at the break. What was most key on the defensive game plan against ratiopharm Ulm that you couldn’t do during this run?

They started being more aggressive offensively and defensively and we couldn’t match their physicality during their run. We had trouble running offense but we picked it up in the second half to win the game.

In the run ex NBA player Sindarius Thornwell scored the first 7 points and 12 points in total in the run. What is most difficult to slow down in his game?

He was drawing fouls really well and he was getting into the paint. Him and Christon was really hard to slow down during their run in the second quarter.

What did coach tell you guys in the half time, that allowed you come out focused and regroup and win the third quarter 27-16?

Just play our game and match there physicality is all. We came out and fulfilled the task really good.

Sindarius Thornwell made it real exciting at the end hitting two three pointers to cut the Berlin lead down to 77-73 with 4 seconds to go. Can one say that the clock was your best friend on this day?


We knew it would come down to free throws in the end but those were some big 3s by him so the clock was our ally in the end.

Alba Berlin was up by 8 points after 30 minutes, but couldn’t muster anything offensively in the fourth scoring only 8 points. A total let down on defense would have cost you the game. What do you feel did the team learn from the last quarter?

We may need to run a little more I think we kind of slowed down in the 4th quarter but it’s basketball it happens that you have those games and that’s why we pride ourselves in our defense for games like today.

Describe matching up against ex NBA player Semaje Christon. How much film do you watch on a guy like that leading up to the game?

I’ll watch the same amount on everyone. Just whenever we watch film as a team to breakdown their team.

Malte Delow had another solid game scoring 11 points. How have you seen his development? Would it be fair to say that he belongs to the young Alba guys that really made a huge step this season?

He’s improved through the year having a lot more confidence in his offensive ability these last couple of weeks scoring really well for us. It’s always nice to see young players developing right in front of you. It’s just a credit to ALBA to what they are doing here with the youth.

With the Euroleague season over, how confident are you that the club will be able to make another step going into the post season with more time for recovery and preparation for BBL teams?

Now the full focus is BBL. I think the whole Euroleague season has just prepared us for the rest of the season to face whatever is going to happen. We’ve seen some of the best in the world and we’ll be ready for whatever any BBL team throws at us.

I guess you won’t catch the Telekom Baskets Bonn, but if things go well could still reach number two. The schedule looks very beneficial for you going into the playoffs with a wining streak.

Yeah were just worried about taking it one game at a time right now and if the games line up for us to take 1 then so be it but we’re still here to improve every way we can to reach the ultimate goal.

You had a solid first Euroleague season averaging 8/2/2. How do you summarize your own play this season? What were the highs and lows?

I’ve constantly improved through out the year. From not having any impact on the team to being one of the key guys to end the season it’s been a crazy 8 months of games but I wouldn’t have done it any other way.

You stepped up your game in the last weeks in the easyCredit BBL. What do you need to do with your game in the last games so you will be ready for the playoffs?

I just need to keep doing whatever the team needs to win these games if that’s scoring, rebounding, running the point, or guarding the best player then I’m ready for the challenge.

What was your personal take on Will Smith’s slap of Chris Rock? How would you have handled the situation?

I think it was just a joke he gets paid to do stand up comedy so I’m sure it was nothing offensive about it. Will Smith took it out of context but he was standing up for his wife with a serious condition. So as a man I definitely respect it to defend his wife from the joke but he didn’t have to slap him haha.

Thanks Jaleen for the chat.

Mubarak Salami (198-SG-1996) is a 26 year old 198cm shooting guard playing for the Eimsbuettler TV Hamburg. He also has gained experience playing with clubs like VfL Stade, Itzehoe Eagles (ProB), Basketball Club Rendsburg (Regionalliga), TSV Neustadt temps Shooters (Regionalliga) and the TKS 49ers RSV Eintracht Stahnsdorf (ProB). He has belonged to the top Pro B players the last two seasons. He spoke to germanhoops.com about basketball.

Thanks Mubarak for the chat. Where are you and how is basketball life treating you?

I’m in Hamburg at the moment, enjoying the time I still have here and continuing to work on my game.

It’s been a tough season for Eimsbuettler TV Hamburg. The team moved up from the Regionalliga into the Pro B and will move right back. When you began the season would you have believed if somebody had said the team would only win 2 games?

It’s really been a very tough season for us. Of course our goals were to win more games, and personally I was definitely hoping for more, but we just didn’t have the conditions, especially financially, to really do much, the league is too strong for that.

Is there some consolation that Hamburg isn’t as bad as pro A team Ehingen? They won only 1 game until now. When you lose so much do does one ever get used to winning?

It’s no consolation that we didn’t do as badly as Ehingen. I always want to win and if I don’t win I don’t take the right to look at other people and say how bad they are. I look to the best because I want to be the best

The team averaged 72 points per game and allowed 95 points. Why couldn’t the team ever find an identity on the defensive end?

We have a very small rotation so there is a big load on a few shoulders and we get tired quickly. Defense is mostly a gamble and you can’t play defense when you’re tired. In addition, we have difficulties, especially on the positions 4-5 against the teams, which means that we constantly have mismatches

You got easyCredit BBL offers before this season. You remained in Hamburg to help out your family. How beneficial was it playing another season in the Pro B where you upped your game again?

Because I played another season in the Pro B, I was able to work and learn a lot on my game through the many playing experiences. However I’m very hungry to learn more at a higher level as I don’t think I’ve shown everything I can do yet. I didn’t know much about basketball until I was about 15/16, I just gambled without thinking and threw the ball in the basket

Let’s talk a little about your game. You were a street baller growing up. Who were your German basketball role models growing up?

I really only knew Dirk Nowitzki, Allen Iverson and Kobe Bryant at the time and wanted to be like them because the three of them just wanted to win like me.

You’re a 198cm shooting guard. If you had to compare your game to an NBA player who would best fit the description?

If I had to compare myself to an NBA player, it would be something between James Harden and Luka Doncic because they are also relatively tall, strong guards, but they also pass very well and can rebound although of course they do it on a different level.

You have been a scorer for many years. What is your secret to having unstoppable moves on the drive?

Back then, I mainly developed my scoring moves through instincts while gambling. And when I realized how good I can actually be, I worked a lot on these moves and developed them further. This resulted in some unconventional moves that are not easy to defend.

In the last two years you have really upped your assists. Talk a little about the development of your playmaking skills?

Lately I’ve been trying to learn a lot from Luka Doncic, James Harden and LeBron James and how they can steer the game and their passing qualities so I’ve found passing more and more fun.

Your three pointer continues to be a work in progress. Your averaging almost 8 turnovers a game. How do you see yourself being able to control that in the easyCredit BBL?What is your biggest problem with taking care of the ball?

I take a lot of heavy threes in the game and also a lot late in the shot clock because I have a lot of responsibility. As a result, my rate suffers extremely. It’s similar with the turnovers, because I have the ball in my hands for almost the entire game and am doubled at every opportunity. It’s often good and correct passes that I play that can’t be used because we don’t have a very broad base. Still, I need to get a better handle on these things and I’m confident that I’ll improve that a lot at higher level.

Hamburg head coach Sukran Gencay discovered you. In all the years that you have worked with her, what do you feel has been the most vital thing she has helped you with your game?

Above all, Suekran helped me to take basketball seriously, to see it from a different perspective and to show me what potential I have. I grew up in a rather bad environment, didn’t trust anyone, used to be very wild and messed up a lot. Suekran had a hard time with me, but over the years I’ve learned to express my emotions with basketball and to put my strength into it. That was the lesson I needed the most besides what she taught me on the basketball court of course.

You have moved around a lot already in your young career playing in Stade, Itzhoe, Rendsburg, Neustadt and Stahnsdorf. How have all these places shaped you as a player and person?

I gained a lot of experience by getting around a lot, which I also needed! I was still at the very beginning of my basketball and human development. Because I got to know many different people and characters, I was able to learn a lot

What memories do you have of your time in Itzehoe? How influential was a Pat Elzie for you as a young player?

When I was at Itzehoe we had very strong players there and Pat Elzie is an incredible coach. It was my first time getting to know organized basketball and Pat taught me an incredible amount in a short time. I am very grateful to him for that

You were teammates with experienced guards Kosta Karamatskos and Flavio Stuckemann. Did one of these guys turn into a mentor in the time that you were there?

With Kosta and Flavio I also met real leaders on the field for the first time. They dealt with all situations very differently, much more professionally. I also took a lot from them for my future path.

You played two seasons in Neustadt and made a huge jump in scoring in your second season. How do you feel did your game grow in that last Regionalliga year for you?

In my second year in Neustadt, I mainly improved physically and also learned a lot from Allen Ray Smith, who is now training the Pro A team in Bremerhaven. He definitely helped me in my leap as a scorer to the next level!

Who is the toughest player that you have played against in your career so far on the court?

Probably Niklas Geske and Justus Hollatz. Not because they score a lot, but because both are incredibly smart guards who control the game and give the team what they need with a winning instinct. And I like players who always want to win.

Please name your 5 best teammates of all-time?

The best players I played with were Abdulai Abaker, Jack Fritsche, Flavio Stueckemann, Kosta Karamatskos and Sevastian Abundance.

Please list your personal NBA Mount Rushmore?

My Mount Rushmore: Kobe Bryant, Michael Jordan, LeBron James, Dirk Nowitzki, Allen Iverson. These are also the ones who serve as role models and inspire me the most

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

I don’t like this debate because we should just appreciate the basketball they’re playing, and I don’t think you can compare the two either. Both are goats and I am grateful to them for what they have given to basketball. But if I HAVE to choose, I will always choose MJ. Simply because I can personally identify more with his I don’t care who is in my way or what you thinking/saying I will win attitude.

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

I saw part of it and I find it very difficult to take up classics again and do them justice anyway because it’s too difficult and never works anyway. That’s why I think they should have let it go and stayed the classic-classic.

Thanks Mubarak for the chat.

The current playoff run by the EPG Baskets Koblenz hasn’t been anything near a cake walk, but moreover a real struggle against the Iserlohn Kangaroos. Koblenz were lucky to have escaped game one with a 73-70 win and not already home for an early summer vacation, because their disappoint loss in game two in Iserlohn where they mustered only 61 points set up a do or die game in Koblenz. Despite having a very deep and talented roster, scoring has been a problem all season long and especially in the last four games where they lost three times, they averaged only 65 points, but at least they were still defending well. A day before Good Friday, the EPG Baskets wanted to close out the playoff series against Iserlohn and advance to the next round, but also knew that Iserlohn would give a good fight. The do or die game was a real defensive struggle as no team led in double figures, but in the end the atmosphere of the Koblenz fans coupled with ruthless aggressive defense for 40 minutes was too much for the Iserlohn Kangaroos as the EPG Baskets prevailed 68-63 and will next play Duesseldorf or Oberaching. ‘We had a lot of ups and downs. But we showed good character. They are a good team, but we defended well. The difference to game two was that tonight we defended consistently. We had this mentality not to let this be our last game’, stressed EPG Baskets Koblenz center Brian Butler. Iserlohn that had 50 plus fans behind them gave a spirited effort and didn’t quit until the siren. ‘The difference tonight were too many turnovers. You can’t have that many in an important playoff game like this. We began well, but we struggled in the third quarter and they came back and got confidence. They then were able to play their game and play fast. We made their job easier with turnovers’, warned Iserlohn guard Toni Prostran.

The Iserlohn Kangaroos got off to a rapid start leading 5-2 as Prostran hit a trey and ex Dragon Rhondorf center Alexander Moeller made a lay in. Ex Giessen guard Lucas Mayer gave Koblenz a lot of energy in the first minutes getting a loose ball, offensive rebound and lay in. But the EPG Baskets Koblenz then got some real spark from ex easyCredit BBL player Dominique Johnson (194-SF-1992) who hit back to back three’s for the 8-5 Koblenz advantage. But it didn’t take Iserlohn long to grab the lead back as Moeller connected on an old school hook shot and ex G-League player Tidjan Keita made a massive tip in dunk for the 13-10 lead. Koblenz couldn’t take advantage of Iserlohn’s second string and Prostran on the bench. Koblenz were too inconsistent showcasing their strength transition and when they did they couldn’t connect. Both teams suffered their ups and downs as Koblenz finally took advantage of Iserlohn losing some intensity and getting a huge trey from German forward Niclas Sperber and steal and lay in from Johnson for the 16-13 advantage. But as usual the EPG Baskets Koblenz were unable to close out the first quarter strong as they allowed young German Moritz Schneider to sink a deep three to tie the score at 16-16. ‘This was a real defensive battle. Our three’s weren’t falling and we were a little unlucky with lay ins. But as usual our defense was strong with good rotations’, stated EPG Baskets Koblenz manager Thomas Klein.

The second quarter continued to be a real tight rope battle as despite the EPG Baskets Koblenz having a 5 point lead, they couldn’t keep it and even allowed Iserlohn to escape into the break with the four point lead. Iserlohn got the first bucket of the second quarter as German Moritz Huebner made a hard one hand dunk on penetration for the 18-16 advantage. Koblenz then had one of their best offensive phases of the game as they escaped out on a 9-2 run to lead 25-18. Ex Georgia Tech guard Shembari Philipps connected on a 20 footer and then like usual came the basketball feeding time of Brian Butler as he was hungry for baskets and made three in a row and a free throw. It is no lie that when the ex Ehingen center comes on the floor, good things happen. Unfortunately he soon had to depart again as he suffered three fouls. But Koblenz wasn’t able to hold their lead long as Toni Prostran took over leading Iserlohn on a brutal 7-0 run. He hit a trey and set up Keita twice with world class passes making a perfect long lob pass and then a no look pass for the 27-25 lead. Koblenz was able to dead lock the contest at 27-27 with a Sperber left handed lay in, but they couldn’t shift the momentum. Iserlohn got an open three from shooter Joshua Dahmen and another trey from Moritz Huebner. Despite the two three’s, Koblenz did make life extremely difficult for Iserlohn for most of the game really not allowing easy looks. Moeller made one free throw at the end as Iserlohn led 33-29 at half-time. ‘Our offense was weak. We weren’t able to do two key things in our game with attacking and transition. We defended 1-1 well, but our off ball wasn’t good’, stated Thomas Klein.

The EPG Baskets Koblenz found back to their game in the third quarter stealing the lead back and holding it and leading by five points after 30 minutes. Koblenz upped their defensive intensity giving Iserlohn nightmares making them turnover the ball in their first four possessions. On offense this led to a 7-0 run as they executed with a quick trey by Dominque Johnson and lay ups from guards Marvin Heckel and Lucas Mayer for the 36-33 advantage. Koblenz was focused and attacked the rim and played transition and made Iserlohn struggle in the half court offense. Despite Johnson making another three for the 39-35 lead, Iserlohn continued to chip away and had real good efficiency making tough shots as German Emil Loch scored inside and Ruben Dahmen made a trey to tie the game at 40-40. The EPG Baskets Koblenz had an overall better execution rate on offense and were able to get away again going on a 8-2 run to lead 48-42. In the run, they received huge support from German athletic freak Jacob Mampuya as he steered home 7 points. He only played 12 minutes, but showed his versatility with 4 assists and 3 steals. Toni Prostran made a vital lay in to cut the Koblenz lead to 50-45 after 30 minutes. ‘We did a good job to get a good cushion when Prostran was out. We were able to play quick and had a way better offensive rhythm. Mampuya also gave us important impulses’, stated Thomas Klein. ‘We have struggled a lot in third quarters this season. They defended very well. They switched well and Butler and Johnson are very good 1-1 defenders. We couldn’t find a way to get easy shots’, stressed Toni Prostran.

The EPG Baskets Koblenz were able to control the game better in the fourth quarter, but couldn’t totally shake Iserlohn. Koblenz led only by 3 points with less than minute to go, but somehow survived. Koblenz got off to a good start getting some big baskets from Heckel, and Sperber for the 55-48 advantage, but Iserlohn never collapsed. Despite losing energy, they somehow were able to stay on their trail despite always having to work so hard for their points. The EPG Baskets Koblenz on the other hand got a lot more easy baskets and could conserve their energy better. After a Huebner lay in, Heckel used his speed and athleticism for an easy transition basket and 57-50 Koblenz lead. But Iserlohn always had an answer. Joshua Dahmen free throws and a Keita 20 footer to cut the Koblenz lead to 57-54. After a Mayer lay in and Huebner trey, Butler stormed back thrusting home a big two handed dunk and 61-57 Koblenz advantage with 1,50 to play. Heckel then added a lay in for the 63-57 lead and the CGM arena was in pandemonium. The last minute was a free throw clash between Prostran and Johnson. Prostran made a surprising steal and lay in with little time remaining, but that was it. Johnson poured home two clutch free throws to end the game. ‘We held our nerves. It was a great game. I think the support of the fans gave us the extra spark at the end to win the game. Our strong defense was the difference today’, said Brian Butler. ‘We got a little tired in the fourth quarter. They made big shots and played great defense at the end’, stated Toni Prostran. The EPG Baskets Koblenz were led by Dominique Johnson with 24 points and Brian Butler added 11 points and Marvin Heckel 10 points while the Iserlohn Kangaroos were led by Toni Prostran with 18 points while Tidjan Keita added 14 points and Moritz Huebner 11 points. The EPG Baskets Koblenz shot 38% form the field and 27% from outside and had 32 rebounds and 10 turnovers while the Iserlohn Kangaroos shot 39% from the field and 25% from outside and had 43 rebounds and 22 turnovers.

Toni Prostran (183-PG-1991) is a 31 year old 183 cm guard playing his second season in Germany with the Iserlohn Kangaroos. He began his basketball career in his home land for KK Zadar and also played with KK Zagreb. He left Croatia in 2014 to gather new experiences in other countries like Sweden, Portugal and France. He also played in the Greek first division and first division in Lithuania. He spoke to germanhoops.com before a do or die game in Koblenz.

Toni thanks for talking to germanhoops.com. Where are you at the moment and how is basketball treating you?

Hello to all germanhoop.com readers I am very thankful that you decide to make an interview with me. I am right now in Germany (Iserlohn), basketball is treating me very well and at the moment I feel the best.

On Thursday is a do or die game in Koblenz. Are you a bit angry the team didn’t win game one in Koblenz losing 73-70? With a win there, you could of already been a round further?

Yes , we had big chance to beat Koblenz in the first game, but that is basketball, we made little bit more mistakes and I have really big respect for them, so they deserved that victory,

The EPG Baskets Koblenz are very talented and can score. What was key in game 2 to holding tis explosive offensive team to only 61 points? How confident are you that Iserlohn will have a good stacked deck of cards on Thursday? Will Iserlohn have an enjoyable pre Easter trip back home Thursday night?

Before the second game we watched video from the first game and we saw that Koblenz scored 20 fastbreak points and that was the key. We stopped that in the second game, and then our defense was much better, and I think that is the way how we need to start the game, and hopefully our shooting will be little bit better so I think we have a big chance to beat them again but for sure it will be a great game to watch it and also to play

You played Eurocup at age 17, played in first division in Croatia, Greece and Lithuania. Your 30 years old and in your prime and last season almost averaged a double double. Why are you playing in Germany Pro B? Do you feel like you haven’t had the respect of higher league teams the last few years.

That was my decision to move to the Iserlohn Kangaroos. Before I sign here I had 2 options from LKL and also two offers from Sweden and one from the second Spanish league. Also last summer after my first season with the Kangaroos and during this season I had a few offers, so I think it is not that I don’t have respect, but it was time to think about family. I did a lot in my career and my pro career was always first, but my daughter started to get older, and it was time to think about her. I didn’t want that I am in Lithuania and my wife and daughter in Croatia because of daughter’s school and every year changing school. It is not fair for her so that summer I was looking to find an option where I will be happy because I still want to play basketball while on the other hand that my wife and daughter stay with me. If you put on the side KK Zadar, Cibona , Split who didn’t offer me , other teams in Croatia have problems with the budget, so my friend and ex teammate Jozo Brkic told me about the Iserlohn Kangaroos who was there for 2 years and told me great things about it.

How blessed are you to be playing in Iserlohn and getting the trust of Michael Dahmen? What have you enjoyed most about the organization in Iserlohn?

I talked with Michael Dahmen and he was super nice and when I explained to him what my reason was to come there he and his wife ( Zlata) who is also working in the club helped me a lot , to me and my family, and I can say that this is for sure my 2 best seasons ,not because of basketball, but because we feel here like at home and that is for sure because people from the club help us. I really enjoy to be here and also I am coach of the U16 team so I think with my experience I can also help a lot the young guys, and that is what I will like more in the future.

You’re a scoring point guard that can dish out many assists. To what NBA player would you compare your game and are guys like Spannoulis and Teodosic role models for you?

If I need to compare with myself with those type of guys, I think I am more a type of PG like Teodosic in Europe and Chris Paul in the NBA. I like that the ball is in my hand and that I control the game, play a lot Pick and roll and what is most important for me is to make my teammates happy and try to help them to put them in the best situation on the court.

You can fill the stat sheet like no other. The last two seasons you were close to a triple double. What is missing from achieving that? Maybe you have to ask some of your bigs to let you get a few more rebounds? Lol

Hahah yes , during my career I was so many times close to make triple doubles but big guys definitely made me problems. I should talk with them, that is for sure on my list to do it.

In 2019-2020 you played with Saint Vallier Basket Drome (France-NM1) playing 26 games averaging 7.4ppg, 1.7rpg, 4.4apg, FGP: 43.1%, 3PT: 31.3%, FT: 80.3%. When you look back what do you feel were the reasons for you not dominating more in the French third division? Did the athletic game not fit your game as much?

That season I played only 17 minutes per game so I think 7.4 pts and 4.5 ass is ok for the role I had. There were a few games where I had 10 assists for only 16 minutes played, but that season Saint Vallier had 10 really good players, and we all shared the minutes, and when I signed there I knew which role would be mine. In that moment after a bad injury and bad luck in Porto that was best for me honestly. I am really sorry that because of corona we finished the season earlier. Also I think if I played around 25-30 minutes I would have had verry good stats similar to here, because I like to play with athletic guys because it is easier to make assists. It was a really good experience for me, so many good players and guys. Saint Vallier will stay in good memory for me also because of the fans and people from the club. I am still in contact with so many people from the St. Vallier and I was really happy when they made it to Pro B.

In 2018-2019 you played with FC Porto (Portugal-LPB) averaging 8.7ppg, 1.9rpg, 4.1apg, FGP: 66.0%, 3PT: 33.9%, FT: 79.3%; and played 6 FIBA Europe Cup games averaging 9.0ppg, 1.3rpg, 4.5apg, FGP: 46.2%, 3PT: 28.0%. What kind of an experience was it playing for such a famous organization? What memory from this season will you never forget?

The season with FC Porto was a season which I felt most sorry for. I played with so many teams in the Euroleague and Eurocup, but FC Porto has for sure the best facilities and a super organization. I will give you one example. I had a muscle injury , so next door from our locker room, the doctor checked me with an ultrasound. After that he sent me to the MRI which is in the FC Porto clinic which is part of the gym and soccer stadium. When I got the result my physio Fabio start with the therapy, so that was everything in one hour. Then in the gym you have jacuzzi, sauna, cold pool, for the therapy. Everything what you can imagine, and after practice you can choose which protein bars you want. Then you go on the trip and you have special food. It was so super super professional. I came to Porto i think in the best shape ever. All summer I practiced with my brother and I felt perfect. I remember in a pre season test in Porto I was very good and one of the best, but after 10 days of practice I got hit in practice and had a big rupture, so the doctor said that I need to be out for 5 weeks. Every professional player knows how bad it is to miss preseason practice ,and especially for the PG like me, so I was back one day before our firs official game. I played some games really good, but because we played Fiba Cup and Portugusee league i didn’t have time for the practice so I was out of the shape, and then in March after one practice, I had a bad ankle injury that I had to stop for the rest of the season. In general I have very nice memories but i am sure if I had stayed healthy that season would have been my best season for sure, but that is life so I am thankful that I am healthy right now.

You began the 2017-2018 season with Kolossos H Hotels (Greece-A1) playing 6 games averaging 5.8ppg, 2.2rpg, 2.3apg, 2FGP: 57.1%, 3FGP: 22.7%, FT: 66.7%. What kind of an experience was it being teammates with talented point guard TJ Bray who retired very young. Was he able to benefit a little from your court vision?

The season in Greece was a great opportunity for me, but I think I made mistakes that I didn’t stay one more season in the LKL, but everything happens for a reason. T.J Bray is a very nice guy, great player and I am really sorry that he is not still playing, but also that season we had a very good team and it was a good great experience for me.

You played 16 minutes against Euroleague powerhouse Olympiakos scoring 2 points in 16 minutes. Was this team from the talent one of the best you ever played with with numerous ex NBA players and great Greek players? What memories do you have of this team Olympiakos?

I remember that game. I scored my first points against Printzeis and I was very proud , but like you say great team with great players, and for sure one of the best teams I played against that season. I also remember the game against Panathinaikos and the matchup with Nick Calathes and my best game against Aek. That season they won the Fiba champions league and we beat them in Rhodos and in that game I scored 13 points and had 6 assists in 22 minutes.

In 2016-2017 you played with Nevezis Kedainiai (Lithuania-LKL) averaging 11.0ppg, 2.5rpg, Assists-1 (7.0apg), FGP: 41.7%, 3PT: 39.4%, FT: 76.1%; and played 15 Baltic League games averaging 9.2ppg, 2.4rpg, Assists-1 (9.3apg), FGP: 57.1%, 3PT: 28.8%, FT: 64.7%. Was this one of your or your best season as a professional stat wise? You led 2 leagues with a high assist rate in high leagues?

I’m very proud of my season in Lithuania. It was definitely my best season. I’m sorry that I didn’t stay longer in the league. It perfectly fit my style of game.

How much did your game profit from the Lithuanian league? It seems like playing with high IQ players helped your IQ?

It is very hard to play there because every team makes great scouting for other teams and players so that season for sure made me better. That season I showed that I can play at a high level. I will always remember my first game against Zalgiris , and other games against Rytas, Lietkebelis ( that season played Eurocup) and games against Juventus and
Pieno where I had 15 assists. Also I am proud of the fact that I made a Baltic league record with 17 assists in one game against Barcy. I have really great memories and the LKL league is for sure one of the top leagues in Europe.

You played in Sweden from 2014-2016 with teams 2015: Norrkoping Dolphins (Sweden-Basketligan) averaging 16.2ppg, 2.9rpg, Assists-2 (6.3apg), FGP: 54.6%, 3PT: 41.9%, FT: 83.7% and with BC Lulea (Sweden-Basketligan) averaging 15.1ppg, 3.3rpg, Assists-1 (7.2apg), FGP: 57.9%, 3PT: 35.4%, FT: 74.7%. This was your first time away from your home land Croatia. How important were these two seasons for your further basketball development?

That was a great decision from my side, because I was looking for a place to play where I will have lot of minutes, key players, and the move to Sweden was so good for me. I think lot of people underestimate the league, but if you watch that league first you can see very nice gyms with great atmosphere , very good players and so many good players come from the first league. When I am watching the Swedish national team I am very happy to see so many players who played with me or against me and now they are in top leagues in Europe. So in those two seasons I was in top 5 of the league by eurobasket.com and that season help me a lot for the LKL.

Is the 74-73 loss to Uppsala in the playoffs were you were stopped well after having three good games against them prior to game four one of those loses you will never forget?

Yes that game was my worst in Sweden. We were down 2-1 and went to Upssala. That game I scored 26 points, but a few days after I played terrible and we didn’t make it to the semifinals. We had that season a very good team with the best big guy Jocke Kjelboom, great experienced schooter Mike Linquest and American 4 man Dominique Morrison. If you look at the Uppsala roster were also great. That series was so fun to play, but I am a little disappointed about my last game but Norrkoping will always stay in my heart because 2-3 days after my last game against Uppsala my daughter born there.

You began your career with KK Zadar. What memories do you have of your early basketball schooling? What memories do you have being teammates with 16 year old American Corey Brewer who was an incredible player at Oklahoma (NCAA) but never made the NBA. Was he one of your first contacts with an American in Croatia?

Corey Brewer is the best American player I played with. For me being a 16 years old guy it was so important to have that type of guy. He taught me a lot of tricks which I used during my career. He is a great person. Last year we talked little bit by facebook. I will always remeber him.

Another player that you were teammates with in young years was the great Croatian point guard Rok Stipcevic. What memories do you have of him and the battles? He was 5 years older than you and just starting his career. He is still active today.

Rok is a hard worker, so for me it is not surprising that he is still playing at a high level. A lot of young players need to follow him and look to take care of your body. Everything he was able to make in his career was because of his work attitude. I have a lot of respect for him.

In those first years you had many coaches with Sagadin, Pleslic and Petrovic. How beneficial was it in young years to have had so many coaching philosophies help shape your game?

During my career i had a lot of great coaches and about everybody I can say a lot, but definitely Zmago Sagadin was the best. When you are young you sometimes don’t understand why it is important to take care about some details, but he opened my eyes for sure. Before him basketball for me was just to take of the ball and try to score. After that I started to read the game and then I saw the other side of basketball, and right now as I am older I understand everything what he did. The way he prepared for the game, drills what we did helped me a lot in my career. After that I always was best in assists of my team and also in leagues. That is for sure is his credit. I didn’t leave Zadar because of him, but for another reason.

You already played ULEB Cup at age 16 with KK Zadar. What are your early memories of your 7 games. Do you remember playing against some really famous players at that time? Were you in awe or could you keep your emotions intact?

Yes Uleb Cup will be always be a good memory because I scored my first points in senior basketball against Turow and my game against Strasbourg when I scored 12 pts in 16 minutes. At that time Uleb was so good, and unfortunately we lost against great team Pamesa Valencia.

You then played two seasons with KK Zagreb from 2009-2012. What memories do you have of this time? You were teammates with Mario Kasun and a young Mario Hezonja. Was it apparent in 2009 that this guy could get to the NBA?

KK Zagreb was the season after I was the best PG at Fiba WC U19 and Fiba EU U18. I decided to sign for KK Zagreb which was great for the young players, so that season they brought in the best young players from Croatia, but then they changed their minds. They signed so many good players with big contracts and won the Croatian league and after that played Euroleague so there was not much space for us young players to have playing time. Also I had surgery and I played for the second team and I practiced with so many good players. In Zagreb we had a lot of great players. Damir Mulaomerovic in his prime time was one of the best PG in Europe. Some others were Krunoslav Simon , Damir Rancic, Saso Ozbolt, Luka Zoric, Sean May , Damir Markota and others , also Mario Kasun, nba player. When you watched him on the TV you can can get a little bit scared because of his tattoo and the way he played , but he is very nice guy, and he always joked with us young players. I have a lot of nice stories from from KK Zagreb but it is better to keep some for myself. But it was really fun to practice and the share locker room with so many great players. – in Zagreb. I played with two great talents Dario Saric and Mario Hezonja, super guys great players. I am so proud and happy when I see how good they made their career they make. They still have a lot of seasons ahead. I hope Dario will come back soon from his injury and continue in Phoenix, and about Hezonja I think for me he is the best player in the Euroleague at his position. Both are great guys and they didn’t change during these years.

You then returned back to KK Zadar from 2012-2014. Getting minutes in your homeland wasn’t easy. Was this a reason why you then headed to Sweden and since had a great career away from Croatia?

After Zagreb I went back again to Zadar. Honestly it was hard for me, because I lost 2 years and to play in the Adriatic league without confidence is hard, but my first year after I was back I will remember because of great chemistry we had during the season. We beat Eurocup team Cedevita in the semi-finals in a great atmosphere. But yes, like I said before, the reason I left Zadar and moved to Sweden was because I wanted to be a key player.

You played against so many great players in these two seasons like Leo Westermann, Bogdan Bogdanovic, Igor Rakecevic, Bracey Wright, Michael Gelabale, DJ Strawberry, Justin Hamilton, Jusuf Nurkic, Dario Saric, Tarence Kinsey and Joffrey Lauvergne. These are some of the incredible guys you played against from 2012-2014 not too mention all the others the seasons before. Is there one guy you will be telling your grand children about?

I really played against a lot of great players and it’s crazy when I look back and think about that but definately when I will have grand children I will talk a long time. My TOP ones are Gordon Hayward, Enes Kanter, Jonas Valanciunas, Even Fournier, Tyshon Taylor, Dean Musli , Nico Pappas , Nicolo Melli , and Can Mutaf

You were teammates with Romeo Travis. He was a great player and funny guy. Do you remember him telling Lebron James stories?

Rome is great guy. We talked a lot about LeBron because I am a big LeBron fan, so I was so happy when I heard that Rome would sign for Zadar. There were so many good stories about their days oi high school and also LeBron put on his Twitter our game against Partizan when Rome made the last points for the win.

Who was the greatest player that you ever played against?

Like I said before, I played against so many great players, but the best is Klay Thompson. I played against him at the U19 Fiba WC in Auckland.

Please mention your five best teammates of all-time?

I will put players with which I like and played with the most in practice and games. 1- Corey Brewer (KK Zadar) 2- Damir Rancic ( KK Zadar, KK Zagreb ), 3- Ivan Batur ( KK Zadar, Cro U16, U18, 19) 4-Mario Delas ( Cro U18, U19) 5- Jaruan Burrows ( BC Lulea)

Will Luka Doncic one day be the greatest player in the NBA?

I think Luka Doncic is already one of the greatest player ever in the NBA. He is an amazing player, great court vision, and i enjoy to watch him.

What was the last movie that you saw?

I just watched the Godfather for the 100th time.

Thanks Toni 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 tough game 2 loss against the MHP Riesen in Germany.

U-BT Cluj Napoca lost a tough 93-75 game 2 to the hands of the MHP Riesen? What was more difficult to handle the unending Ludwigsburg aggressiveness or the refs iffy calls?

We did not handle the pressure they applied and that was a big factor in the final score. No excuses from our end about the refs.

U-BT Cluj Napoca had the 19-15 lead after 10 minutes. Did it feel like a playoff game?

Of course it felt like a playoff game because it is a playoff game. 2 teams that want to make the final 4.

You played incredible defense. What was at the top of your game plan defensively going in?

We started out well defensively but over the course of the game some of their shooters got open shots from breakdowns and also bad offense led to better opportunities for them.

There were 12 turnovers in the first 10 minutes. What is the most annoying thing about Ludwigsburg defense in the half court?

They are a constant in their pressure and we must do a better job in game 3 of handling this.

You did a pretty good job on Ethan Happ. It seemed like you didn’t gamble as much on defense as Ludwigsburg despite having 7 turnovers.

He hurt us in the short roll on pick and rolls in the first half. We all around have to be better!

The second quarter continued to be a real dog fight. Ethan Happ began to dominate shooting 4/6 in the quarter. Did you still have the same game plan of letting him operate and let the others be the hero?

Well he was getting good position against us from our rotations and making some easy ones.

He almost always is right next to the basket when he finishes. Could one have been more physical with him?

As a whole defensively it’s not just about one guy hurting us! Our rotations have to be better even on him.

In the last 2 minutes the MHP Riesen went on a 7-0 run. It seemed if you just loose a blink of your defensive intensity they will make you pay.

At the end we gambled a bit on defense and they hit open shots.

Justin Simon also was a menace. What is so tough keeping him in check?

He plays with a big motor and energy constantly. And when he hits outside shots it’s tough to guard him.

How much did it hurt only having Dustin Hogue in there for 4 minutes with 3 fouls? I guess you can never turn off his energizer bunny intensity.

I think it wasn’t right how they called so many fouls on him being that the entire game is physical. Pretty questionable calls BUT like I said no excuses We must be better as a whole. But losing him is tough since he is an amazing energy guy for us.

You kept fighting back in the third quarter, but it seemed like Ludwigsburg stepped up their intensity another notch on defense. Which player was the biggest pest?

They play team defense so it isn’t one guy. It’s a whole how they are aggressive

Dustin Hogue fouled out late in the third quarter. Karel Guzman made a clutch difficult offensive rebound and put back. Does his rebound work get underappreciated?

A lot gets looked over with Guz. He does a lot more than the stat sheet will show

You made a sweet buzzer beater to end the third quarter to be down 64-57. Was that a timed bank shot?

I just was trying to get a shot up and sometimes that happens.

In the fourth quarter Ludwigsburg led by as much as 18 points. Did they wear you down? How much of a factor was the 43-17 bench points with 4 minutes to play?

I don’t think we wore down I just think our energy wasn’t where it needed to be consistently.

You cut it down to 8 points with three minutes to go, but two big three’s from Polas-Bartolo and Radebaugh put a dagger through your heart. Was playing on adrenaline against a aggressive team like Ludwigsburg at the end gone with fatigue?

No us scrambling as the end to trap opened some open shots and those guys knocked them down

A do or die game three awaits you at home. What lesson did the team learn from this game?

It was one game. This is a three game series and we are heading home in front of our fans. Do or die in game three. What more can people ask for.

Better rebounding and taking care of the ball will be key in game three. How confident are you that the heart of the players and the atmosphere of the fans will take the team to new heights in game 3?

We have been doubted all season and that’s fine. We must earn everything as we have all season long. See you all in game three.

Thanks Pat for the chat.

Stanley Whittaker 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 Stanley on the huge 94-73 win in Schwenningen. PS Karlsruhe is playing better basketball having won three of the last four games. Is the team ready for the playoffs?

We understood what was at stake in the game. We just wanted to leave it all out there on the floor. I’m glad we were able to clinch a playoff spot. And we have no other choice but to be ready for the playoffs.

The first half was pretty even. The wiha Panthers were quite decimated missing many guys. Was it surprising that they were able to keep up so well? Were they playing more off adrenaline?

It wasn’t surprising that were able to keep it close, they have professionals on their team as well. They made some tough shots late in the clock and had some offensive rebounds, so those things kept them hanging around.

PS Karlsruhe came out focused in the third quarter allowing only 11 points and taking control of the game. What adjustments did the team make?

We just locked in defensively, we understood the value in each possession and how important it was to get stops which would turn into us getting out and running. Our adjustment was just our focus and attention to detail.

PS Karlsruhe defended very well in the second half. Was that the team’s biggest strength on the evening?

Our defense was our greatest attribute in this game.

What kind of an experience was it playing against American Demarkus Stuckey? He was able to really take advantage of the opportunity to play more after the departure of David Cohn.

He played well, kind of carried them in the first half. I think he was in a good rhythm and with playing so freely helped with that. Happy for him though, NAIA guy getting an opportunity to show that he belongs. This is a great thing.

You had a season high 16 assists. How much fun was it facilatating?

It was all just making the correct reads for me. It’s pretty much a simple thing, I got the easy part, I make the correct reads and trust my teammates to convert.

You also had your fifth block of the season. Does one remember a block more simply because it doesn’t happen so often?

I think it depends on the level of the block, like how exciting and the moment of the game that it comes.

You next play Rostock. What memories do you have of the exciting 87-86 win at home?

Matthew Moyer hitting the game winner!!

This game will be huge determining who PS Karlsruhe plays in the playoffs. What will be key to winning?


Just coming out with a high level of focus, energy and attention to detail. With that, and us giving our best on both sides, we’ll see how things go!

Thanks Stanley for the chat.

Karel Guzman (188-SG-1995, agency: Pro Sports) is a 27 year old 188cm shooting guard from Cuba playing his second professional season with U-Banca Transilvania Cluj Napoca (Romania-Liga Nationala) averaging 10.8ppg, 3.5rpg, 1.7apg, 1.5spg, FGP: 81.4%, 3PT: 40.0%, FT: 78.4% and in the Basketball Champions League is averaging 7,9ppg, 3,9rpg and 1,6apg. Last season with U-Banca Transilvania Cluj Napoca (Romania-Liga Nationala) he averaged 9.8ppg, 4.5rpg, 2.0apg, 1.7spg, FGP: 64.7%, 3PT: 35.2%, FT: 75.3%. He began his professional career in Cuba with Capitalonos Azules de La Habana (TNA). He then sampled experience in Argentina with Ciclista Juninense (Argentina-TNA) and played three seasons with Ciclista Olimpico de La Banda (Argentina-Liga A). He spoke to germanhoops.com before a Basketball Champions League game in Ludwigsburg.

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

The pleasure is mine to be able to speak with you. Well, nothing right now I’m in Germany preparing for the second game.
The truth is that he treats me very well. I feel comfortable doing what I like and meeting many people and places.

Last week you played against Yorman Polas. Talk a little about your relationship to him. Your both Cubans and play for the national team.

Actually it is the first time that we played against each other when I started playing the Cuban league and he was not there but after he joined the team we were able to have some talks and the truth is that he is a good person, he likes to share his experiences to the new generations, and our friendship is growing day by day.

You’re an incredible high energy player that is an excellent defender. Has some of Yorman Polas’s defensive game rubbed off on you?

Actually, since I started playing basketball I always liked defense and over the years I liked it much more until it became my fundamental weapon and in reality I always try to perfect it every day in training and games. But I like to watch good defenders and add things to my defense

Your playing your second season overseas in Romania with U-Banca Transilvania Cluj Napoca (Romania-Liga Nationala). Before that you played in Cuba and Argentina. How difficult is it getting overseas as a Cuban player?

Brother from my heart, I tell you that the work and sacrifice that we go through is incomparable. I am where I am thanks to my representative and along with all the effort that I and my family have made. We have nowhere to train in Cuba. water in the gym, well, a lot of things that personally hurt me to tell them but remembering them motivates me to keep going to be a great player.

U-Banca Transilvania Cluj Napoca (Romania-Liga Nationala) is having an incredible season in Romania and the Basketball Champions League. What is the secret to the success of the team?

One of the reasons and I think it is the most important why we are where we are is that we are not a team, we are a family since the season began and we help and protect each other, we train super hard to improve ourselves same and thanks to all that the results are coming out.

Elijah Stewart said this about you. ‘Karel can really go. His defense definitely gets disregarded in the BCL. He is a real menace. We put him on the other team’s best player. We put him on Troy Caupain and he scored something like only 6 points in two games. He scored 32 points in another game. He really gets underestimated. He has made me better because we guard each other every day in practice. He gets me ready for tough games’. What have you appreciated most about his game?

He is a young player with a lot of talent on offense, I have seen him do incredible things on the court, I think he has a great future if he believes it and if he continues to show it as he is doing so far.

Let’s talk a little about your game. You’re a 188cm shooting guard. If you had to compare your game to a NBA player who would best fit the description?

Like Marcus Smart, I like his game, the energy he puts into it on and off the court, and I think it’s the best reflection I see of myself.

You’re a very high energy player. What are your biggest strengths as a player?

My physique helps me a lot in addition to my disposition and my dedication when I am on the field I like to fill all the empty spaces left by my teammates, in reality I feel like a link filling the basic spaces on the field, whether in defense or on offense.

What is your biggest focus as a defensive player now? To what level do you want to take your defensive game to?

My main focus is to be a perfect player in defense hahaha and to the level that I would like to take my defense is to a level where I will be remembered for life as the best basketball defender in Cuba and in the European leagues at all levels.

You began your career in Cuba with Capitalonos. How did your game grow there under head coach Reinaldo Tellez?

Well actually I am very grateful to him and to all the coaches who contributed their grain of sand so that I was a better player but in reality the one I owe everything to is Reiniel Panfet this coach made me a better person and a better player It helped me believe more in myself and in what we did every day. With that I tell you that I have played three leagues and the last two were with him as coach where we obtained a championship and a record in the regular stage without losing a game (undefeated)

You then made the next step and played in Argentina from 2017-2020. How did your game mature in Argentina?

The first year it cost me a lot of work to adapt to the game system and many other things, but I did my part and I improved little by little with a lot of work and sacrifice, things turned out the way we wanted and I trusted myself more

In Argentina you were teammates with ex Euroleague player Jermiah Massey for two seasons. How important was it for you to be learning from a guy like him that had unending experience?

I want you to know that today we are still in contact and we are friends personally, I learned a lot from him as a person and as a player, he was one of the first to tell me that I could get to play in Europe, I just had to believe it and work a lot every day

You have been a member of the Cuban national team for many years. Last year you beat team USA: What kind of state is Cuban basketball at the moment?

Last year we were very close to beating them but well these are things that happen and that motivates us to continue working and believe that if we can. Cuban basketball three or four years ago began to improve little by little after we were released to playing in foreign leagues , there is a lot of talent in Cuba. We just need a little freedom and to be taught current basketball .

Last year you lost to team USA 95-90. What memories do you have from that game? USA had many NBA guys like Isaiah Thomas, Luke Kornet, Chasson Randle and Shaquille Harrison.

It was a great game, from the beginning to the end we never gave up and we fought every possession of the ball but unfortunately things went in their favor, it was an unforgettable experience sharing a shell with those great players with Isaiah Thomas, I am proud and I hope it repeats itself.

What kind of battles did you have with Isaiah Thomas? Did you have any trash talk with him during the game?

hahaha I had them, they were things and situations from the game, the truth is that I am grateful to him because he gave me a lot of advice for life and basketball, we wrote to each other and he told me things that motivated me to continue working and continue to trust in myself and in what I do

You played very well against Team USA. Does one get thoughts about the NBA after a game like that? There are simply too many great guards on earth and too little NBA spots.

I always think big so I have a good or bad game, but before those big goals there are small goals that are still important just because they are small for me everything in life is important you just have to go step by step.

What future goals do you have? Have you ever thought about playing in Germany? Is the Euroleague a goal

I have thought I wanted to play in many leagues, I think it will be a nice experience. Obviously I would like to play in the Euroleague.

Who is the best player that you ever faced that was in the NBA?

Well actually I had the joy of facing a few for me they are all good for a reason they are in the NBA like Isaiah Thomas, Luke Kornet, Chasson Randle and Shaquille Harrison, Andrew Wiggins, Juan Toscano, Gustavo Ayon, Kelly Olynyk, Dwight Powell, Luis Scola, Facundo Campazzo, Jose Juan Barea, Gabriel Deck, Noccioni, as you can see there are many and for me they are all good players, I am proud to have shared the field with them.

Please name your 5 best teammates of all-time?

Pedro Luis, Nahuel Paciotti, Lucho Ortiz, Jermiah Massey, Andrija Stipanovi

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

for me both are good and should not be compared, each one played in different stages

What was the last movie that you saw?

Hotel Transylvania 3

Thanks Karel for the chat.

JD Tisdale (196-F/G-1993, college: Rogers St.) is a 28 year old 196cm forward playing his third professional season and first with the Ebbecke White Wings Hanau (Germany-ProB) averaging 17.5ppg, 4.0rpg, 3.8apg, 2.0spg, FGP: 50.9%, 3PT: 23.1%, FT: 68.8%. He has professional experience with the Saint John Riptide (Canada-NBL Canada) where he played 14 games averaging 7.6ppg, 2.5rpg, 2.2apg, FGP: 49.3%, 3PT: 10.5%, FT: 68.8% as a rookie and also played with the Lakeland Magic (G-League) playing 10 games averaging 4.3ppg, 1.5rpg, 1.0apg. He began his basketball career with Swartz Creek High School and then played at Bowling Green State University (NCAA) from 2013-2016 playing a total of 82 NCAA games. He finished at Rogers State University (NCAA2) playing 24 games averaging 15.5ppg, 3.8rpg, 2.9apg, 1.1spg, FGP: 50.8%, 3PT: 35.7%, FT: 73.7%. He spoke to germanhoops.com about basketball.

JD thanks for talking to germanhoops.com. After playing for the Lakeland Magic in 2019-2020 you didn’t play last season. How much did COVID play a part in your not playing for a team?

Covid played a big part of missing out on 2020-21 season. Pay cuts, lock downs, gym closure, not being able to work out every day. It was hard to close on a deal because a lot of organizations didn’t want to risk anything because of covid.

What were the biggest challenges for you in the last year with Covid with being able to keep a good basketball routine? Was it difficult being able to grind in the gym and court?

Some of the biggest challenges during the covid pandemic was staying mentally focused, not seeing my family, not having a gym to work out in and no basketball.

With everything that you experienced during Covid how would you say did you get stronger as a man?

I would say keeping God first and trusting the process. Of course I had my ups and downs but it was important for me to pray and to continue to believe in myself. I have the nipsey hussle quote that I live by ‘ The game will test you but never fold. stay ten toes down. It’s not on, you it’s in you and what’s in you they can never take away’ I find strength in that quote and just believe in myself.

Congrats on signing with the Ebbecke White Wings. What do you know in general about Germany and it’s basketball? Have you had any friends play there besides Tucker Haymond?

Thank you, Before signing here I didn’t know much about Germany except Germans love their beer haha. But of course I did my research and it’s some great basketball here in Germany.

You stated in the club press release that you had heard good things about the organization. But what other factors gave you the impression that this club was the right address for you?

My Agent Robert Ruda presented this opportunity to me to play in Germany with the White Wings and told me coach Kamil wanted to chat. When I talked to Coach he was honest and straight forward with what he was looking for in a player. He believed in my skill set to be able to come in and be an impact player right away.

The club sees you taking on a lot of responsibility due to your experience. How excited are you to be able to be an impact player in your first season overseas?

It’s a good feeling knowing I have an important role on the team, being one of the older guys now I know the responsibility I have to lead on and off the court. I never shy away from challenges so I’m super excited to take on any challenges that’ll make me better player and person.

You showed at Rogers State University that you can fill the stat sheet. What strengths does your game have?

I see myself as an all around guard. I can get to the basketball and dunk on you, strong finisher around the basket, I can shoot the pull up mid range and I would say working this off-season I strengthend my pick n roll game and sharpened up my perimeter jump shot.

You’re a guy that can guard multiple positions on the court. How much pride do you take on the defensive end. Do you see your self being an impact defensive player?

Yes I take pride in defense I believe it’s one of the harder things to do in basketball, anybody can shoot a basket but I take pride in stopping my opponents from scoring and keeping them in front me. Of course I see myself as an impact defensive player confidently.

On what area’s of your game are you still working on now to help you keep improving as a player?

I am still working non my perimeter shooting, my ball control, pick n roll game and studying the game.

How big is your chip on your shoulder. You played well in the NCAA 2 and played in the G-League. Do you feel like your abilities have been more doubted over the years than they should have been?

I have a big chip on my shoulder, being a kid from Flint, Michigan the odds were always against me. I always felt I had something to prove. Being a D2 guy of course there’s doubt from coaches being compared to high major D1 guys but I didn’t let that stop me. I always believed in myself and just followed my dreams of being an NBA superstar and I knew the G-League was a route to get me there.

You played with the Lakeland Magic (NBA G League) playing10 games averaging 4.3ppg, 1.5rpg, 1.0apg. What kind of an experience was being in the Orlando Magic organization. How do you feel did your game most profit?

It was a dream come true being apart of the Orlando Magic organization and playing for Lakeland I thank them for that. I remember traveling to Orlando, Florida area for AAU basketball tournaments when I was younger and being a Penny Hardaway, Shaq O’Neal and T-Mac fan growing up, the magic culture was different back then. I profited by seeing how NBA guys took their jobs seriously and the amount of work they put in before and after practice and also in the off season.

What was it like being teammates with Victor Law. He was called up to Orlando when you were there and was one of the top players on the team. How competitive was it battling him in practice?

Victor Law is a great player and person. Extremely happy for his success with Orlando. I would battle with him in practice and it made us respect each other’s game and work ethics more. He’s one of those guys that you would love going into battle with because I know he’ll bring it everyday in practice and in games.

You played your rookie season with the Saint John Riptide playing 14 games averaging 7.6ppg, 2.5rpg, 2.2apg, FGP: 49.3%, 3PT: 10.5%, FT: 68.8%. Was Gabe Freeman like a mentor for you? That guy had already played 10 seasons including in the defunked CBA. What was your fondest memory with him?

Gabe Freeman was like an older brother to me, he was one of the OGs on the team and kind of took the younger guys under his wings. He showed us accountability and how to speak up for yourself and he always held his own. I had some great memories with Gabe he would always call me rookie of the year that’s way I played so hard.

In 2013 you met Tucker Haymond at a visit to Western Michigan where he would play for. You guys have had a very special bond since then. Talk a little about how important your friendship is?

Tucker Haymond is my brother from another, that’s my guy he’s been a good friend since the day we met and never switched up. To this day he tells me I should’ve picked WMU over BGSU haha but I loved competing against him is was always a good battle because we’re similar in size. Now being pros that’s a guy I can always call on and ask him professional questions because he’s a basketball junky and I love that about him. Tucker Haymond is a great player and person and glad I have a friendship with him.

What is your fondest memory with Tucker Haymond?

I would say going back to the first time we met and being on that college visit together at Western Michigan, we were kids having fun and living out our dreams on a college campus figuring out our next move. 10 -11 years later we live in the same city and work out together from time to time in the off season

You played at Bowling Green State University from 2013-2016 playing 82 games but never averaging more than 2,6ppg in a season. How tough were these three years for you. What did you learn as a person and player from this?

They were very tough years for me not being able to have any stability because of coaching issues with the university. But no blame to the coaches it just showed me that I have to continue to stay focused and disciplined no matter what. It was certain things out of my control. So with that being said just control only the things that I can control. It showed me that things in life doesn’t always go as planned. I had multiple opportunities to take the easy way out but never did.

You were teammates with Richaun Holmes who began at Community College and made the NBA. How big of a role model is he for you today? His first 4 years weren’t special in the NBA but now with Sacramento has become a big time player.

Holmes is my brother I still keep in touch. He’s a guy that inspires me everyday because I know how hard he worked to get where he is. The process wasn’t easy but he managed to take advantage of his circumstances and outwork better players and that’s special to see. Very happy for his success with the Sacramento Kings.

You then finished at Rogers State University (NCAA2) playing 24 games averaging 15.5ppg, 3.8rpg, 2.9apg, 1.1spg, FGP: 50.8%, 3PT: 35.7%, FT: 73.7%. How do you feel did your game grow that year?

My game grew a lot that off season I knew it was my last go round for college basketball so I had a lot to prove in order to play at the next level.

How did head coach Justin Barkley groom and prepare you best for a professional basketball career?

Justin Barkley is a great guy and good coach. I enjoyed playing my senior year for him. He pushed me everyday.

Who was the best player that you ever battled besides Jamal Crawford that went to the NBA?

Monte Morris, Kyle Kuzma, Ian Clark, Robert Covington, Terrence Ross, Isaiah Thomas It’s too many to only name one

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

Allen Iverson, Lebron James, Michael Jordan, Shaq

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


Michael Jordan is the greatest no debate about it, He’s 1A, he’s the reason why we all play the game and everything he’s accomplished in his career.Lebron is 1B, you have to respect Lebron’s greatness, he’s the best overall player ever, he has the total package on and off the court, he’s the best basketball role model you can ever think of.

What was the last movie that you saw?
Space Jam ‘A New legacy’ last movie I saw. Great movie for the kids but I enjoyed it.

Thanks JD for the chat.

How much more of this basketball misery can the Fraport Skyliners organization take with the consistent losing the last two months? The fate of the Fraport Skyliners lies in their own hands and with the Syntanics MBC. With 6 games to play, the Fraport Skyliners still aren’t officially in the Pro A, but with four less wins than MBC to stay in the league and six games remaining, every new loss sends a new dagger into the vulnerable and delicate heart of the organization. Since January 28th the team had lost 11 of 12 games and in this stage pretty much sealed their fate for next season. The question was when would the Fraport Skyliners finally begin their miracle winning streak? It didn’t get any easier against number one team Telekom Baskets Bonn who have celebrated their own Cinderella season. A win against this incredible team would have been the perfect start, but as usual they couldn’t handle the lethal offense of the Telekom Baskets Bonn and especially against Parker Jackson-Cartwright and Jovantae Hawkins were totally powerless allowing them to combine for 62 points. ‘We played well today. We had some guys out and other guys stepped up. We connected on all cylinders. We had some defensive problems in the first half and in the fourth quarter, but picked it up. Our offense is our DNA. We play fast paced in the half court. We are a versatile team and play good inside out which is hard to defend’, warned ex Crailsheim guard Javontae Hawkins (196-G-1993, college: Fordham). The Fraport Skyliners gave a spirited effort as usual, but just couldn’t find a way to get a grip on the Bonn offense which shell shocked them for 40 minutes. ‘We didn’t get enough stops and gave up way too many open looks today. We didn’t defend the way we should of. When you let them shoot 70% from the two and three, then it’s very tough to beat them’, stressed ex Auburn (NCAA) guard Quantez Robertson.

The first quarter was a back and forth affair as there were seven lead changes and at the end of 10 minutes the Fraport Skyliners had the slim 24-23 advantage. The Telekom Baskets Bonn caught the Fraport Skyliners on the wrong side of the bed and exploded on a 13-4 run. Bonn showed their full offensive arsenal led by ex Arizona (NCAA) guard Parker Jackson-Cartwright. It seemed like before ex Alba Berlin center Jamel Mclean could even get totally situated on the bench, the guests had already scored 10 points. In the offensive carnage, Jackson-Cartwright scored twice and every basket was tough which every cm of his 176 frame had to be used. Ex Houston (NCAA) forward Justin Gorham got the guests in parking lot mood draining the teams first trey while ex BC Rytas Vilnius sniper Salius Kulvietis also got hot scoring twice from outside. Frankfurt countered with a Rasheed Moore runner and Len Schoormann back door lay in getting set up nicely from ex NBA player Will Cherry. But basketball displayed again that the game likes to showcase runs as Frankfurt battled taking the 16-15 advantage due to the luxury of a 12-2 run. In the run, the Fraport Skyliners took advantage of Bonn relaxing a bit and stepping up their defense and getting stops and easy buckets. Key in the run was ex Alba Berlin lefty Lorenz Brenneke who contributed 6 points and was the classic finisher inside twice. Frankfurt attacked the paint area getting a basket form Quantez Robertson and two from Moore who also added a massive two handed stuff. From then on there would be six lead changes as no team could escape the other. Bonn continued to let it fly as great role player Skyler Bowlin connected on a three pointer as did Gorham. Frankfurt got valuable aid from Robertson with a three pointer, lay in from Polish national player Marcel Ponitka and three free throws from Mclean. After 10 minutes, the Fraport Skyliners had the slim 24-23 lead. ‘We put more pressure on ball and connected on good looks. We also took advantage of getting on transition and getting easy baskets’, stated Quantez Robertson.

In the second quarter, the Fraport Skyliners were able to keep the game close, but mid way through came the turning point as the Telekom Baskets Bonn blasted off on a 11-0 run and would never look back. The guests continued to show their smooth offense scoring 37 points and was led by Parker Jackson-Cartwright who dazzled everyone over and over with his undeniable quickness and incredible finishing abilities. He hit a seemingly impossible three pointer from the corner and also added a easy lay in where he showed his lightening speed. ‘He is definitely quicker than Dashaun Wood. If we worried too much about the screen and turned our head, he was gone. He made shot after shot and never stopped’, commented Quantez Robertson. American Javontae Hawkins who learned his craft at Fordham (NCAA) also got going adding five points early. Frankfurt got valuable baskets from Mclean, a three from Brancou Badio and a lay in on transition by Marcel Ponitka as Frankfurt had the slim 38-35 advantage. But then came the turning point as the Telekom Baskets Bonn erupted on a 11-0 run to lead 49-38. In the run, the guests continued to get non stop production from future easyCredit BBL MVP Jackson-Cartwright as he steered hot shooting with a trey and 20 footer while Kulvietis made another three pointer and ex Skyliner Michael Kessens scored inside twice as Bonn really understood how to show their inside out game at it’s best. Frankfurt retaliated getting a groove on offense again, but couldn’t make any ground as Bonn also kept reacting to Frankfurt’s punches with their own blows. Frankfurt’s best player on this dismal afternoon was Rasheed Moore who found his touch nailing two three pointers and Badio and German national player Lukas Wank also scored inside. The Telekom Baskets Bonn continued to let it rain three’s as Hawkins and Bowlin connected while Jackson-Cartwright also made a lay in. At the break the Telekom Baskets Bonn had the comfortable 60-50 lead. ‘We got beat too easy and didn’t keep a good eye on their shooters. We did a good job keeping them from the free throw line, but we still gave up to many second chance points’, added Quantez Robertson.

The Telekom Baskets Bonn really opened up the game in the third quarter with an incredible scoring frenzy with 32 points while staying true to their defensive principles and holding the Fraport Skyliners to 17 points and nine less than in the second quarter and led by as much as 23 points. Frankfurt came out awake getting a rapid trey from Rasheed Moore, but then went into hibernation allowing Bonn to get out on a 9-0 run and extend their lead to 69-53. In the run, the guests were led by Javontae Hawkins who used his athleticism inside for an easy bucket and also added a thunderous dunk in the lane. Jackson-Cartwright supplied a runner and Kulvietis added another three pointer showing what a true Lithuanian sniper is. Jackson-Cartwright was the skipper of the boat as the offense was like a clock work while the Fraport Skyliners just seemed to be going through the motions and were lacking real intensity. Frankfurt continued to trail and would get baskets here and there from Robertson, Brenneke and Moor inside, but just couldn’t get over the hump as the Bonn execution rate was magnificent. Bonn continued to attack inside getting easy buckets from Jackson-Cartwright, Kessens and Kulvietis. Hawkins also buried the first of two totally ridiculous three pointers giving Bonn the 79-63 lead. ‘I was out for a year and a half. I credit my success to hard work. I worked very hard on my craft which allows me to show my versatility. Coach trusts me to take those type of shots because of the work I put in’, warned Javontae Hawkins. The guests never let up and continued to put on extreme pressure on offense closing out the third quarter with a 13-4 run to lead 92-69. Hawkins carried Bonn in the run supplying 8 points including his second crazy shot of the quarter. Kessens also added a hard dunk and Jackson-Cartwright another lay in as his speed crippled everyone in Frankfurt’s defense. ‘Coach didn’t say much at half-time. He just trusted us to figure it out. The only concern was defense and not to get stagnant on offense. We played more team basketball and made the extra passes, found the mismatches and found the bigs inside’, stated Javontae Hawkins. ‘We didn’t execute on defense or on offense which allowed them to have the big lead’, said Quantez Robertson.

In the fourth quarter the Fraport Skyliners finally stepped it up and played their game scoring 29 points, but the 20 points allowed didn’t help them get over the hump. The Telekom Baskets Bonn did the first damage going on a 10-4 run to extend their lead to 102-71. In the run they got back to back three’s from Jackson-Cartwright and Hawkins and two shots inside by Kessens. Kessens scored the team’s 100th point with a pretty hook shot as not even 32 minutes had been played yet. The game was over or was it. Frankfurt had nothing to lose and closed out the game with a furious offensive onslaught with a 25-10 run. Had they began the run a bit earlier and not allowed a few three’s, they may have won. But at the end of the day, speculation has been something that has been done with this year’s club all season long. Bonn got a little sloppy on offense as Frankfurt got steal after steal and after 40 minutes they had 13 in total. Lukas Wank added 8 points including two three’s while Cherry added 5 points and Quantez Robertson a trey. Bonn got added support from Justin Gorham who had a solid game with 12 points adding 5 points and Hawkins made a lay in as he had his career best with 31 points. ‘He made a lot of tough shots, but also had open looks. When he gets going that’s what guys like him are capable of doing’, stated Quantez Robertson. Jackson-Cartwright also added a step back equalizing 31 points. ‘Parker is clearly the MVP. If I had 100 votes, he would get 100 votes. He adjusted so well to coaches system. I’m so proud of him. Sky is the limit for him. We became undisciplined in the fourth quarter. But that is normal for teams having big leads. We couldn’t keep our foot on the gas pedal’, stated Javontae Hawkins. ‘We played more aggressive and got more fast break points. We rebounded better and our helpers helped more’, added Quantez Robertson. The Telekom Baskets Bonn had 5 players in double figures. Parker Jackson-Cartwright and Javontae Hawkins added 31 points apiece. Saulius Kulvietis added 16 points and Michael Kessens 14 points. The Fraport Skyliners were led by Rasheed Moore with 22 points while Jamel Mclean added 15 points and Lukas wank had 12 points. The Telekom Baskets Bonn shot 66% from the field and 60% from outside and had 28 rebounds and 16 turnovers while the Fraport Skyliners shot 57% from the field and 37% from outside and had 19 rebounds and 13 turnovers.

For only the third time in the Dragons Rhondorf history, the club has to find their destiny in the playdowns determining if they remain in the Pro B or head back to the Regionalliga. The last two months haven’t been fruitful as they lost 7 of 9 games. They were in the games in more than half of them, but never had an answer in crunch-time to pull out wins. The Dragons Rhondorf couldn’t waste any time as they were given three home games in a row and in the first game had to battle Alba Berlin farm team Lok Bernau who they had split the season series and came away with a super start into the playdowns and very convincing 92-74 victory. In the game, they shot out the lights nailing 16 three’s, hauled down 11 offensive rebounds and only coughed up the ball 11 times. In their second game, they had to deal with the RheinStars Cologne who had been playing solid ball the last weeks and had won five of their last seven games including Wolmirstedt two weeks ago. The good news was that the Dragons Rhondorf still had good memories of the RheinStars who they last defeated 97-90 in the Dragon Dome. The Dragons Rhondorf wanted to keep their playdown winning streak going, but couldn’t as they met a RheinStars wall in the third quarter which put them in the hole where they couldn’t escape losing 80-73. The Dragons Rhondorf never stopped fighting but as usual this season couldn’t get over the hump. ‘Almost every game we have a phase where we can’t execute. That happened in the third quarter in this game. Our defense was ok, but we didn’t score consistently. We live and die with the three. Despite not having a deep roster, we gave all we had’, warned Paul Albrecht. The RheinStars played a tough and very strong second half upping their defense which Rhondorf couldn’t come to terms with. ‘We didn’t really do anything different on defense. We just did a better job staying in front of our man. We did a good job stopping their transition and moved the ball consistently and got easy baskets’, stated California native Vincent Golson.

The Dragons Rhondorf were without Senegal sensation Ousmane Ndiaje The first few minutes were brutal and both teams came out with an incredible intensity. Young German Oshane Drews gave Rhondorf the rapid 4-0 advantage with a two handed dunk and then fed Marek Kotieno after getting a steal for the transition bucket. But the RheinStars received unexpected aid and pressure from young 19 year old German Janis Von Seckendorf who made two back to back two handed dunks. The kid had extreme motivation to show Rhondorf how well his development has risen this season after playing the last years in the Rhondorf youth program. His brutal energy helped spark the RheinStars offense as ex Rhondorf forward Thomas Michel scored inside and ex Telekom Baskets Bonn guard Andrej Mangold connected on a trey for the 11-6 advantage. It took the Dragons Rhondorf a bit more time to get their groove but their three suddenly became present as ex Rostock sniper Nicolas Buchholz and Marek Kotieno connected from down town. The RheinStars were led by Vincet Golson who found his spots like usual and scored for the 15-14 Cologne advantage. But in the last few minutes the Dragons Rhondorf picked their game up a level going on a 9-2 run to lead 23.-17 after 10 minutes. Ex Artland Dragon Paul Albrecht hit two old school hook shots and Buchholz made another three pointer. ‘We were very motivated and had a lot of energy. Oshane Drews showed what we have awaited from him. His game didn’t surprise me’, stressed Dragons Rhondorf manager Yassin Idbihi. The Dragons Rhondorf shot 60% from the field and 38% from outside while the RheinStars shot 40% from the field and 20% from outside The Dragons had the overwhelming 12-4 rebound edge, but had 8 turnovers while the guests had 5 turnovers.

The second quarter was a real tight rope as no team could get away from the other. The RheinStars erupted on a 8-2 run to dead lock the contest at 25-25. In the run the RheinStars received good support from Vincent Golson who continued to lead the Cologne offensive attack scoring twice inside with his unstoppable drive and Mangold again unleashed a trey. The Cologne ball movement was exceptional as Rhondorf was always a step behind. From now on until the break, it would be a tight battle where Rhondorf had the slim lead. Rhondorf lived with their three pointer as they got some big shots from Buchholz and identity figure Viktor Frankel-Maus while the RheinStars got key support from Thomas Michel and Andrej Mangold as Cologne trailed 35-34. Oshane Drews continued to be in attack mode and kept Rhondorf in front with two lay ins and a free throw for the 40-36 lead. The game continued to be a typical Playdown duel as no team was going to give up a big run, but instead whenever one team had a punch, the other would retaliate with a blow right back. Cologne then briefly stole the lead back as Golson nailed a 20 footer and Mangold again showed his dangerous three pointer giving the guests the 41-40 advantage. But Drews had the last laugh sneaking inside and scoring and giving the Dragons Rhondorf the slim 42-41 lead after 20 minutes. ‘I thought that despite having a small rotation and getting more fouls, we played pretty well. We kept our energy up and Buchholz hit important shots. He knows that when he can see the basket well, then he should let it fly’, stated Dragons Rhondorf manager Yassin Idbihi. The Dragons Rhondorf shot 57% from the field and 36% from the three point line while the RheinStars shot 46% from the field and 36% from the three point line. The guests stepped up their rebound work trailing only 16-15 and had 9 turnovers while the Dragons had coughed up the ball 12 times.

The turning point of the game came in the third quarter as the RhienStars stepped up their defense allowing the Dragons Rhondorf to score only 10 points. The Dragons Rhondorf also succeeded with their 3-2 zone giving up 15 points, but trailed 56-52 after 30 minutes. The RheinStars came out stopping the Dragons first 9 possessions, but couldn’t capitalize well scoring only 8 points. In the RheinStars run, American Elijah Schmidt gave good energy down low scoring twice and racking up rebounds. Cologne also got a lay in from Mangold and from Golson who received the perfect bounce pass on transition from Mangold. This was a tough phase for Oshane who picked up three turnovers in a row. As a youngster he forced a little too much against the expereinced RheinStars. With the guests leading 49-42, the Dragons finally got on the board with their first points of the second half as German Ralph Hounnou scored at the 5,22 minute mark. Cologne would keep the momentum and lead and get some big baskets from Golson who scored from the parking lot as well as a Ron Mvouika (196-G/F-1991, college: St.John’s) lay in. Rhondorf stayed on the RheinStars tail getting a Drews lay in as his quickness could of got a thumbs up from Golson. Buchholz also connected on another trey, but the RheinStars led 56-52 after three quarters. ‘We got back to our defensive principles. We gave up too many easy baskets in the first half. We made sure that they finish over two defenders’, stated Vincent Golson. ‘We didn’t move the ball well. They defended more aggressive and we could establish a rhythm’, said Paul Albrecht. Both teams continued to shoot well from the field while the rebound battle was dead even with 27. Rhondorf had massive problems with taking care of the ball with 20 turnovers.

The Dragons Rhondorf continued to fight back in the first few minutes as Frankl-Maus and Hounnou made lay ins, but the RheinStars answered with a Florian Wendler lay in and another Mangold trey as the RheinStars led 61-57. Then came the final blow from which the Dragons Rhondorf couldn’t react. Ex St John forward Ron Mvouika who played for legendary player Chris Mullen scored 7 points in a row to give Cologne the 68-57 lead. Before the game Mvouika warned he would finally play well in the Dragon Dome and he didn’t lie. He finished with 11 points and stepped it up on the defensive end with 4 steals. ‘We switched him to the four some games ago. He feels really comfortable there. He gets more shots and makes good decisions. He did a good job against their zone’, stressed Vincent Golson. The Dragons Rhondorf couldn’t recover from this blow. The RheinStars continued to execute at will as ex Rhondorf center Florian Wendeler scored twice inside for the 76-62 advantage. The Dragons Rhondorf then got some luck getting 5 straight points from Hounnou to cut the lead of Cologne down to 76-67, but time was running down. The RheinStars didn’t allow the Dragons to extend their run and slammed the door shut with another Mvouika shot for the 78-67 lead. The Dragons Rhondorf did close out the game with a 6-2 run, but too little too late. They simply started their run to late. ‘They changed to a 3/2 zone. We didn’t want to get stagnant on offense. We continued to move the ball well, got easy baskets and got baskets from Wendeler. Offensive rebounds also were huge’, stated Vincent Golson. ‘We got tired. We also tried a new zone that we never played before. They made many drives and also had too many offensive rebounds’, stated Paul Albrecht. The RheinStars were led by Vincent Golson with 21 points. Andrej Magold added 19 points and 7 dimes. The Dragons Rhondorf were led by Nicolas Buchholz with 21 points while Ralph Hounnou had 14 points and Oshane Drews had 13 points and 7 assists. The RheinStars shot 48% from the field and 28% from the parking lot and had 34 rebounds and 18 turnovers while the Dragons Rhondorf shot 45% from the field and 25% from the parking lot and had 37 rebounds and 26 turnovers.