Thomas Alexander (197-SG, college: Arkansas Tech) is a 197cm guard that is playing in Germany with BG Dorsten currently averaging 28,0ppg, 6,5rpg and 3,5apg. He has previous professional experience in countries like Luxemburg and El Salvador. He also played with the Southwest Flight (EBL). He began his basketball career with Eastern Oklahoma State College (JUCO) averaging 9.8ppg, 4.3rpg, FGP: 37.2%, 3PT: 34.6%, FT: 73.2% and then moved to Arkansas Tech University (NCAA2) averaging 9.1ppg, 3.3rpg, 1.0spg, FGP: 44.1%, 3PT: 29.4%, FT: 70.8%. He spoke to germanhoops.com about basketball during the summer.

Thanks Thomas for talking to germanhoops.com. Congrats on continuing to grind. You have played in places like El Salvador, Mexico and Luxemburg despite having finished school in 2016. Why has it been difficult for you finding jobs the last 7 years?

I have to say it was difficult, because I had no support behind me to help me, I didn’t have the resources I have today and I would like to shout out those two, Drew Kelso and Thomas Sandlim from One Motive Sports Agency for giving me the opportunity to show my talents in front them to prove I deserve to be a professional.

What has continued to drive you to never lose trust in the basketball process? Or have you lost faith in the process over the years?

I would have to say just having true & genuine love for the game. You can take the player from the game but you can’t take the game from the player. I knew professional basketball is what I wanted, no matter how long it took me, now matter how stressful it would get. The love of the game never left me. There were plenty of days I wanted to just give it all up but I just couldn’t. It didn’t feel like the right thing to do. I’m glad I chose not to give it up.

Your journey continues in Germany with 2 Regionalliga team BG Dorsten. How blessed do you feel being able to continue to play the game you love for a living? Not too many NCAA 2 players go on to have a professional career.

Miles this is a huge blessing, it finally feels like everything is starting to work in my favor. Drew has been able to land me 3 overseas jobs within 10 months, regardless of how long I was there, I was there. Drew made it happen and I’m very grateful for him. I’m extremely blessed to be able to still play this game. I’ve worked very hard to be in this position. I believe a lot of division 2 players are being overlooked, even some division 3 players. We all have the same goals, we’re not any different from those who played Division 1, we just had to take another route.

What do you know in general about the country Germany and it’s basketball? Have you had any friends play here before?

I honestly don’t know much about Germany. I remember my father telling me that my family stayed there before I was born. He’s retired from the US Military, but he was stationed there at a point of time. I actually do have good friends playing in Germany, Spencer Reaves, he plays for the Bayer Giants, also Chris Miller who played in the German Pro B league. I can’t remember the name of the team he played with though.

How did the connection to BG Dorsten come about? I can imagine finding jobs without an agent is always challenging.

I have to give all the credit to Drew Kelso. He made all of this happen. I had no ideal where I would be going next, he just told me to just stay in the gym, be patient, and trust the process.

Let’s talk about your game. You’re a 197cm guard :If you had to compare your game to an NBA player who would best fit the description?

I would have to compare my game to Paul George. A Three way scorer, inside, mid range, and behind the perimeter, nice ball handler for his height, and he can hold just about any position on the floor if needed. I see a lot of comparison in my game when I watch him play

Scoring and rebounding stands out in your game. What other strenghths does your game incorporate?

My other strengths are defending, passing, dribbling, blocking, being quick on my feet, quick to recover on defense, my length, athleticism, and good court vision.

You can defend the positions 2-4. How has your defense matured over the years and what kind of defender do you still want to become?

My man to man defense has become a lot better, becoming more quicker & lighter on my feet has helped me on the defensive side tremendously, of course there is always so much to do to become a better defender, which is a goal for me. I want teams to know me for having good defense.

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


I work on every area the most honestly. When I go to the gym I don’t just work on one aspect of my game. I work on all aspects of it.

You last played in Luxemburg for BC Mess (Luxembourg-Nationale 2) averaging 25.8ppg, 10.2rpg, 1.6apg, 0.6spg, 0.9bpg, FGP: 53.8%, 3PT: 39.6%, FT: 82.1%. How vital was this season for you getting your foot in the door in Europe?

I knew if I didn’t play well, I probably wouldn’t have another chance to play in Europe and I couldn’t afford that. There are definitely a lot of areas to play in but Europe is a great place to have a career.

One of your first pro teams was Denver-FAS San Salvador (El Salvador-Liga) averaging 22.0ppg, 9.2rpg, 3.5apg, 1.7spg, FGP: 55.1%, 3PT: 29.8%, FT: 67.6%. How would you compare that league to the semi-pro leagues in the states in skill?

El Salvador honestly had good players out there, it just wasn’t a respectable league, I could see players from El Salvador keeping up with how we play in the states.

You were teammates with Chris Miller who since then has carved out a nice career and recently helped lead his team to the German Pro B. What memories do you have of him?

Chris Miller is a great guy! One of the beat guards I’ve played with. We definitely enjoyed our time over in El Salvador. I remember him scoring 40 points his first game, his mid range game is top tier, that’s what made him stand out, his mid range game. Nowadays, you don’t see too many attempts in the mid range area, the three pointer has taken over the game lol.

You began your professional career in the States with the Southwest Flight (EBL). What memories do you have of your rookie season and what was your wake up call where you knew that you were a pro?

I remember just wanting to be in a better situation, with basketball as far as my career but I was making the most of it. I kept a smile, attended every game, and played my heart out. I want to during the season of the EBL, the middle of the season, everyone started asking me ‘when are you going pro’ or asking me ‘why aren’t you in the pros yet’ that’s when I knew it was time to stop messing around and really try to make something happen for myself with this basketball.

How tough is the competitiveness in the semi-pro leagues in the States. Please give an example where you saw just how fierce it is with all the players?

They’re definitely tough, depending on the League you’re playing in. Our top semi pro league which is ‘The Truth League’ and ‘Dunbar League’ are two very competitive leagues in the state of Arkansas, and that’s just Arkansas, you have the ‘Drew League’ in California that’s well known. All type of NBA players go there and play in that league. LeBron James himself has even played, so that tells you the amount of competitiveness coming into the leagues in the states.

You played at Eastern Oklahoma State College (JUCO) averaging 9.8ppg, 4.3rpg, FGP: 37.2%, 3PT: 34.6%, FT: 73.2%. Every guy that I have spoken to that played JUCO raved about how tough the expereicne was, but one they would never not done. How was the expereicne for you?


Being at Eastern Oklahoma taught me valuable lessons in many ways, it had its ups and downs. The experience was definitely one of a kind. I don’t regret going there though, it was a stage in life that helped me see life from a different perspective.

in 2015-2016 you played at Arkansas Tech University (NCAA2): 12 games: 9.1ppg, 3.3rpg, 1.0spg, FGP: 44.1%, 3PT: 29.4%, FT: 70.8%. What kind of an experience was this for you? What were the greatest positives that you gained from there?

I loved playing at Arkansas Tech University. I miss all my teammates from there. It was one of the greatest college experiences. I was on a bigger stage than JUCO so I felt I had something to prove. Arkansas Tech brought the best out of me. One of the positives it brought out of me was making me more of a confident player.

How did head coach Chad Kline groom and prepare you best for a professional basketball career?

Coach Kline taught me the importance of respect and how far being respectful can take you in life.

Who won a 1-1 in practice you or Marquis Yates?

Definitely Marquis lol .. he was much stronger than me. He was also a great ball handler and shooter, it wasn’t easy taking to take the ball from him or keep him from getting inside the paint for an easy two points. He’s one that should be a professional. He can play some ball.

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

I actually never played anyone in college that made it to the NBA. I don’t know if it counts but I played Bobby Portis (Power Forward for the Milwaukee Bucks) in high school lol.

Please name your 5 best teammates of all-time?

Imara Ready Junior, Kahron Ross, Kevaughn Allen, Archie Goodwin, Bobby Portis

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

1. Michael Jordan 2. LeBron James 3. Kobe Bryant 4. Kareem Abdul-Jabbar

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

Why can’t it be two GOATS

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


I don’t think I have actually. I loved the first Coming to America though.

Thanks Thomas for the chat.

Tags : THOMAS ALEXANDER, BG DORSTEN, GERMAN BASKETBALL

How often do I say time flies? I would almost have to say every day. Especially when it pertains to professional basketball players, I am constantly using that term. When you have covered and had dealings with thousands and thousands of players in a 20 year span, names do pop up every now and then, where the saying time has flown by is the only logical thing. A good place for me to relive the good old days is on my Facebook feed. How often do I see some player post something where all you can wonder is where has time gone. It is always fascinating to see what ex players do after their playing days. Just last season ex Oregon (NCAA) great Bryce Taylor worked for the Indiana Pacers while BBL legend Derrick Allen who was a real basketball ballerina in his day has taken on a job with NBA team Washington Wizards. But there are also other examples where one is just amazed where a player’s journey can take them. The other day I saw a post by Dylan Travis (190-G-1993, college: FSC). The name rang a bell pretty quick for me. I remember interviewing him once or twice, it was actually twice. Then I did some research checking out his eurobasket profile and remember he played his rookie season in Germany in 2016-2017 with Cuxhaven. He had a solid Regionalliga season, but none where he could of realistically had chances of having a long career overseas. After 2 more stints in Australia, he was out of basketball overseas in 2019. But he remained busy in the last 3 years and now suddenly he is a big time 3×3 player. He was recently named as a member of the 3×3 USA national team that will battle at the Americup looking for a ticket to the next Olympics. What is even more fascinating is with whom he is teammates with. He is teammates with Canyon Barry the youngest son of NBA legend Rick Barry and sniper Jimmer Fredette who played in the NBA and averaged 37,0ppg in a season in China. He went back home in 2018 and suddenly his life took another path. ‘I went back to school in America and finished my degree. I enjoy working at Westside High School and coaching currently while staying in shape to play on the Pro 3×3 circuit. It is a crazy grind with working out before work and then again at night but I have to in order to keep my body in shape’,stressed Dylan Travis. he American has come a long way going from the German Regionalliga to being a USA national team 3×3 player.

Despite having a total new life now, the guard who listed Lebron, Russel Westbrook, Anthony Davis, and Ricky Rubio on his personal NBA Mount Rushmore in 2017 has fond memories of his days in Germany. His days were limited as he played only 1 full season with Rot-Weiss Cuxhaven (Germany-Regionalliga) averaging 14.9ppg, 5.4rpg, 2.9apg, 2.2spg, FGP: 52.0%, 3PT: 40.2%, FT: 70.5%. The Regionalliga has little glamour, but sometimes it’s the special connection you make with people that makes the experience so much more enriching. ‘Germany is a beautiful country with welcoming people. I will never forget the fans in Cuxhaven, they are still my friends to this day. Winning the league championship and promotion made it a memorable first year’, remembered Dylan Travis. Often after a solid Regionalliga season, guys play another year in that league to up their stats or get fortunate and make the next step up the ranks. For the American who spent time at Midland (NAIA), he was able to reach the Pro B the next season with the ScanPlus Baskets, but that stay was surprisingly brief. ‘I remember hitting a game winning shot vs a Pro A team and getting sent home the next day. But it is a business, I hurt my hamstring before that and was just getting back to full speed. They wanted to bring in an American big so they released me. No hard feelings and it fueled me towards a great two years in Australia’, stressed Dylan Travis. After having ups and downs in Germany, the Omaha, Nebraska native trekked to Australia and played for 2 teams named the Western Port Steelers (Australia-Big V D1) averaging 30.5ppg, 9.3rpg, 3.9apg, FGP: 45.6%, 3PT: 39.7%, FT: 77.3% and with the Waverley Falcons (Australia-NBL1) averaging 20.2ppg, 6.5rpg, 5.5apg, 2.3spg, FGP: 46.5%, 3PT: 36.4%, FT: 75.6%. He proved in 2 separate leagues that he was a lethal scorer. ‘I finally was able to play my game. I felt comfortable and confident. Coach Luke and Coach Elias let me be the playmaker. Australia is amazing, I really enjoyed living there’, expressed Dylan Travis.

But as was so often the case, Covid came and changed the world. Lives were changed and for so many professional players it wasn’t any different. Many guys stopped playing while others sat out a season and many more had their careers changed in certain ways. ‘Some things happened in my personal life and then COVID shut down the 2020 season so I decided to stop playing overseas and finish my degree in college. Then a 3×3 manager invited me to play in a tournament and the rest is history. I have been doing that since 2020’, said Dylan Travis. Who knows where his career may have evolved to had Covid never reared it’s ugly head into everyone’s lives. Often guys play in Australia and tear up the league and come to Europe and have great careers like former NCAA 2 player Braydon Hobbs and that could have been an option for him. ‘I feel like after my last season in Australia I was on my way to land a good gig in Europe. Then COVID happened. I am blessed that 3×3 has come into my life so I can still travel and play professionally. My fondest moment was winning the league championship in Cuxhaven, that town and fans deserved that championship’, expressed Dylan Travis.

Even if it is difficult to comprehend, Covid in a way was a positive occurrence in his basketball journey. Even if it stopped his overseas run, it opened up a new door for him that he has taken on with open arms. Our team manager, Mike Wranovics moved to Omaha to start a team. He hit me up about playing. Covid prevented me from playing overseas but we were still able to train in Omaha for 3×3. We have a great team and are now just starting to break onto the scene internationally. The deciding factor was I could still travel and make money playing basketball without being gone for most of the year. I have a flexible job that allows me to be gone if I need extra days for international travel’, added Dylan Travis who really appreciates the game of Steph Curry. Obviously 3×3 is a totally different game than 5×5, and one doesn’t just become a 3×3 player overnight. The game isn’t for everyone, but he has found his true basketball calling. ‘I love the physicality and how much the game demands from a player. It is harder than 5v5. You have to be in better shape as there are no stops in play. A player must have good IQ, can play defense, shoot, dribble, and pass. I fit all of these so the game fits me well’, stressed Dylan Travis. One may think that the game is easier because of the half court scenario, but it isn’t. It demands so much out of a player. And it isn’t just about hanging around in the parking lot and letting the ball fly. ‘You need IQ, shooting ability, passing, defense, and physicality. The game goes to 21 by 1’s and 2’s. There is a 12 second shot clock and 10 minute game. It is grueling and takes a lot out of you because of how quick transition is and how much physicality you can get away with’, warned Dylan Travis. He demonstrated that he can be a very good 5×5 player, but he is also able to be lethal playing with less players. Versatility is something that he has always possessed. My game fits both. 3×3 is more fast paced and physical. It is tougher to score, always shooting off balance and on the move. Your cardio has to be in better shape’, stated Dylan Travis. The game is very tactical and knowing exactly how to move in little space is vital. ‘The game has really slowed down for me. We have learned the nuances of the 3×3 game. Knowing how to play Defense, the small slips and screening angles on offense’, said Dylan Travis.

The ex Florida Southern College (NCAA2) guard who believes there is nothing wrong with the Golden State Warriors players trash talking during games and flaunting their 4 rings is set for a massive challenge this week as he battles at the Americup in Miami, Florida. It is a very special time for him. ‘I am very excited to wear USA across my chest and help my country win a gold medal. This is the first step towards the Olympics in 2024. I am grateful for the opportunity to be selected, I am ready to get to training camp in Miami with the guys and coach Fran’,said Dylan Travis. He has overwhelming great company as he will be teammates with walking bucket and former NBA player Jimmer Fredette and NBA legend Rick Barry’s youngest son Canyon. Despite these big time names,he isn’t at all scared for the challenge, but believes 100% in his special basketball abilities. ‘I have put in a good body of work the past two seasons. If COVID didn’t stop my overseas career and I kept with 5v5 I believe I would be playing on a BBL team right now. They both are great players and I am excited to learn from each other. I have been overlooked a lot in my career, but I have always believed in myself and what I bring to the table. I can play on any stage’, warned Dylan Travis who believes a hidden strength in his game is rebounding. He was a senior in high school when Fredette was drafted at #10 in the NBA Draft, knows about the history of the Barry family and also has a fourth teammate in Kareem Maddox who like him had a short overseas career. ‘Jimmer was a national sensation when I was in high school. I definitely studied his game and learned from him. I looked up to him a lot so it is crazy that it has come full circle. I have played against Canyon on tour a couple of times but we don’t really know each other. So I’m excited to get to know all the guys on a personal level once we get to training camp. Chemistry is big. I know Kareem got into the 3×3 game a lot earlier than me and has been a household name in the sport. He has a great game, very versatile as a big. He will bring a wealth of knowledge to us and I am excited to battle with him’, commented Dylan Travis. The do it all type of guard who compares his game to a Nicolas Batum is ready for the challenge and be the player he has always been his whole career. ‘I am going to do what I do. Play hard, rebound, make plays, make shots, do the little things I have done my whole career. Starting or not starting it doesn’t matter in 3×3 because you sub every dead possession’, added Dylan Travis. It is no secret that USA in basketball is always expected to win a Gold Medal. You always have to have self-confidence and can’t feel the pressure. If not you can pack it in. ‘To me it is not pressure I am playing the game I love. I just need to trust my preparation,I am confident the four guys that the USA committee has selected can get the job done. We just need to iron some things out in training camp and build some chemistry’, warned Dylan Travis. It is always nice to hear that people you once had dealings with haven’t lost track of what you do. ‘I have been following your work and I hope all is well with you’, said Dylan Travis as we opened our interview. One thing is for sure, I definitely will be following his basketball work in the future. It isn’t every day that you can say, I interviewed a 3×3 Gold medalist.

Tags : DYLAN TRAVIS, WAVERLEY FALCONS, GERMAN BASKETBALL

Elias Desport (203-F-1992, college: St.Peter’s) is a 30 year old 204cm forward from Stockholm, Sweden that is playing his second season with the Norrkoping Dolphins and last season averaged 5.3ppg, 4.8rpg, FGP: 55.3%, 3PT: 32.1%, FT: 59.5%. Two seasons ago he played for KFUM Fryshuset Basket (Basketligan) averaging 10.6ppg, 7.0rpg, 1.7apg, FGP: 59.5%, 3PT: 28.0%, FT: 61.9%. In 2018-2019 he played with the EN Baskets Schwelm (Germany-ProB) averaging 6,3ppg and 4,6rpg. In 2017-2018 he playe with A. Desportiva Sanjoanense (Portugal-Proliga) playing 13 games averaging 13.2ppg, Reb-1 (10.9rpg), 1.3apg, 1.5spg, FGP: 56.8%, 3PT: 11.1%, FT: 43.8%. He began his career with KFUM Blackebergs IK (Basketettan) and also played with Taby Basket (Basketettan). He then lived 4 years in the states playing with St.Peter’s (NCAA) playing 119 NCAA games. He spoke to germanhoops.com before a Fiba Europe Cup game against the Hakro Merlins Crailsheim.

Thanks Elias for talking to germanhoops.com. Welcome back to Germany. Has time flown by for you since your Schwelm days in Germany??

Thank you for having me. Time has definitely flown by since I played here back in 2018/2019 and a lot has happened since then.

After playing in England and Germany you are back in your native Sweden playing your third season in your own country. Did your experience in Germany end your trust in playing abroad?

I wouldn’t say that. But it’s safe to say that I’ve had some unfortunate experiences playing overseas. Hopefully, I’ll be able to make my way back to that scene.

In your season in Germany with Schwelm you averaged 6,3ppg and 4,6rpg in only 17 minutes. I had the feeling that you wanted a bigger role with Schwelm?

I wanted and I DESERVED a bigger role playing for that team. But, I guess others didn’t agree with that. It is what it is.

You had worked out so much during the summer of 2018 and not gotten the break out season you wanted. Does an experience like that make the chip on your shoulder even bigger and force you to grind even more?

A lot has happened since my days in Schwelm and I’ve learned to work smarter over time. But I’ve always had to work for everything I’ve got in this life and that will never change. In the past, I would’ve used Schwelm as motivation. But now, I’ve learned to just prove myself right rather than proving others wrong.

In our interview after the season you told me that you weren’t happy with your season, because you couldn’t impact the game in little minutes. What did you learn from this opportunity in Germany?

I learned how grimy this business really is. But, I tried my best to control the things I could control and I stayed professional through it all.

You stated that you grew mentally during your tough season in Schwelm. Has mental health ever been an issue in your career? It is something that many players go through, but don’t like to talk about.

Mental health has been an issue my entire life to be honest. I struggled a lot mentally while in Schwelm because of the circumstances that I had to deal with. I think I grew more the following year when I decided to take a year off from the game and just focus on myself. I believe the stigma around the topic of mental health is slowly starting to disappear.

What kind of player are you in 2022 compared to 2019? How has your game grown in the past 3 years?

Like I mentioned earlier, I think one of the biggest improvements I’ve made is the mental aspect of the game. As far as my game goes, I try to work on my overall game every summer. I’ve always liked the idea of being able to impact the game in many ways. Defense is probably my biggest strength. Passing is my most underrated strength.

After your season in Schwelm, you went home to play for KFUM Fryshuset Basket (Basketligan) averaging 10.6ppg, 7.0rpg, 1.7apg, FGP: 59.5%, 3PT: 28.0%, FT: 61.9%. Is it fair to say that this was your break out season?

I wouldn’t say breakout season. It was my comeback and resurgence season. That was my first season back from taking a year away from the game.

How vital was this season for your game and mental health. Did you gain trust in the basketball process again?

It was super important. I gained trust in myself again, I wasn’t really worried about the ‘basketball process.’ For the first time in a long time, I was playing with a free mind.

This season your playing your second season with the Norrkoping Dolphins (Sweden-Basketligan) Is there a lot of pressure on the team to repeat?

Personally I don’t give into the pressure of others expectations of this team. The league is competitive this year and a lot can happen from now until May. We just have to take one day at a time and one game at a time. Hopefully, we’ll be playing our best basketball at the right time.

The team is filled with many talented guys especially at your position? Is it difficult to be getting less minutes again?

It’s always difficult when you believe that you can be out there helping your team. But as I said, a lot can happen during a season and I just have to stay ready. I feel like I’ve played well in the minutes I’ve been given.

Is it easier to accept having a special role and maybe playing less minutes again, but then being able to compete for a title?

Ultimately, we want to win. Therefore, we all must accept roles and sacrifice in order to achieve that goal. It’s easier to accept roles when you’re winning. On the other hand, when teams start losing, that’s when players start to complain about minutes, etc.

Your back to averaging 17 minutes per game just like last season. Could it maybe be that your game suited for less minutes where you have to show more of your efficiency something coaches must value in you?

I believe I can play big minutes and still be efficient. As far what coaches value, I don’t know.

What was so special about the title team last season? You won a few really exciting playoff series against BC Lulea and Jamtland. What will you always remember from winning the title?

Our team last year was probably the most special team I’ve been apart of. We were SUPER deep and the chemistry clicked almost instantly. That’s why we had the success we had. Winning the title for me felt so surreal in the moment. Especially considering what I had to deal with in the past.

You were instrumental in the first 2 games against Jamtland scoring 16 and 14 points in 2 close wins not decided by more than 5 points. Was that some of your best basketball you have played in your career?

I believe that was probably the most significant basketball I’ve played in my career because of the stakes. But when I was playing in Fryshuset, I was putting up those numbers regularly.

How excited are you to battle easyCredit BBL team Hakro merlins Crailsheim? I can imagine you are as focused as ever to show basketball Germany and Schwelm that you can compete against them. Will we see a Elias Desport like we have never seen before?

It’s always exciting to play against international competition. They’re a really good team. Also, you get a better understanding of what it takes to play at this level. You’ll definitely be seeing a different Elias from my days in Schwelm.

What is your biggest desire as a professional player now in your career besides winning titles?

Obviously winning is always great. But I’m still striving to play at the highest level possible. Also, seeing the world is nice too.

What is your opinion of Russell Westbrook saying he had a solid game recently despite going 0/11 from the field?

I think people need to leave him alone to be honest. He has never been a shooter. Things are only getting magnified now because he’s on the Lakers and they’re expected to be a winning team.

What is your personal opinion of where Steph Curry ranks now in the best point guards of all-time?

Top 5 for sure.

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

I did not see it. But certain movies should definitely be left alone.

Thanks Elias for the chat.

Tags : ELIAS DESPORT, NORRKOPING DOLPHINS, GERMAN BASKETBALL

foto credit Fraport Skyliners

It was a untypical warm Sunday on October 30th as the Fraport Skyliners met the Basketball Lowen Braunschweig. You could have thought it was early May as it was mild and the 2000 BBL cup winner Skyliners were dueling in the playoffs. The sad reality is that the Fraport Skyliners have been as far away from the playoffs in the last few years as the New England Patriots are from winning a Super bowl this season. If one thought it couldn’t get any worse after last season well it has this season. After a 0-3 start, the Fraport Skyliners won their first game of the season in Weissenfels even if it was up to that point their worst performance of the season. But when your winless you will take anything. I have seen many games in the Fraport arena in the last 20 years, but the first half against Braunschweig last Sunday had to have been the worst I had ever seen. 7 points in the first quarter and only 22 at half-time. The shooting percentages were beyond frightful. It was scarier to digest than having Chuckie creep up behind you and try to strangle you. Frankfurt shot a pathetic 15% from the field at 5/33 and an unbelievable 7% from the parking lot at 1/14. You have to wonder what ex Fraport Skyliner and current German national team coach Gordon Herbert must have been thinking when he has to observe shooting like that. But as good hearted as Gordy is, he would just say ‘No worries, they will get out of it’. At the end of 40 minutes the club shot 27% from the field at 21-70 and 19,4% from outside at 6/31. It wasn’t like all were contested shots. They were missing open shots and semi-contested shots. Braunschweig didn’t have a good day either, but if you make 3-4 shots more, basketball life looks a lot different again. The most frightening aspect was that they did a pretty good job creating shots, but the execution rate wasn’t at the BBL level. One also noticed that the team doesn’t have that ruthless, consistent and confident scorer that will take over when ever needed. Currently the team only have 3 guys that could be that guy with JJ Frazier, Martinas Geben and Joshua Obiesie. But they aren’t consistent enough at the moment to be able to be that sure thing in crunch-time when the club needs a big spark. The Fraport Skyliners have to react now before it’s too late. The only logical choice now would be Matt Mobley (192-SG-1994, college: St.Bonaventure) to turn the season around.

It is early evening Tuesday night when I reach Fraport Skyliner legend Quantez Robertson. I tell him about the big BBL news of the day that ratiopharm Ulm had waived ex Fraport Skyliner guard Matt Mobley. Tez as how he is called by everyone tells me that athletic trainer Dennis Welm had told him the news already. Mobley was only averaging 8,8ppg, but was it not a little early to cut a prolific scorer like that who has shown at many different levels that he is a walking bucket. I wasn’t the only one who was surprised about the cutting of Mobley. ‘I was very surprised that Matt was cut. For him to only be averaging 8,8ppg after 5 games is very surprising. He is a 3 level scorer that can go off at anytime’, stressed ex Auburn (NCAA) defensive specialist Quantez Robertson. It isn’t hard not to dream for a guy like Matt Mobley to return to his old stomping ground Frankfurt. ‘It’s only logical that Matt return. It would be awesome if he could return. I’m sure he could help us. With his outside shooting and knock down ability, he would be able to spread the floor and have additional attacking lanes’, commented Quantez Robertson. Everyone sees him as that incredible offensive player that will decide games anytime, but Tez actually appreciates another part of his game most. ‘He did so much on offense and when he was doubled teamed could facilitate, but what I appreciated most about his game was how much of an underrated defender he is. Of course he would get beat at times just like anyone else, but he had a knack of stepping up big when we needed it and be able to make big plays’, warned Quantez Robertson.

Miles Schmidt-Scheuber and Matt Mobley in the Fraport arena in 2021

Mobley is in his fifth professional season and has been a lethal scorer wherever he has played. In his last 2 years of NCAA ball at St Bonaventure, he played a total of 63 games and scored in double figures in 51 games and twice hit 9 three’s against Richmond and Virginia Commonwealth University. His scoring rampage continued at the pro level as he was the third best scorer in the Euromillions league in Belgium with Proximus Spirou Charleroi and the next season was the second top scorer in Turkey with Sigortam.net ITU Basket Istanbul. Last season he made the jump to the best team league ACB in Spain and suited up with Casademont Zaragoza averaging 10.3ppg, 3.0rpg, 2.5apg, FGP: 48.2%, 3PT: 32.8%, FT: 85.2%. He proved he could hold his own against the best in Europe. In his third season he came to Frankfurt and under head coach Sebastian Gleim had absolute freedom to just play his game. He was the second best scorer in the easyCredit BBL averaging (20.0ppg), 4.7rpg, 3.4apg, 1.3spg, FGP: 48.1%, 3PT: 42.1%, FT: 87.8%. He had many massive games hitting BG Goettingen for 30 and 29 points in wins, scored 31 points in a win against Braunschweig, 29 points in a victory over Chemnitz and 30 points over Vechta just to name a few. Even if Tez was a busy bee on the court, he was able to enjoy every game with Matt Mobley. ‘He had so many 28-30 point games. I just loved the way he could shoot the ball and make those long range three’s at any moment. He was always that spark that could give us 2-3 three’s to get us going’, remembered Quantez Robertson. The American who loves to play point guard and could have reached the NBA in his prime only on his defensive qualities has played with many gifted scorers in his 14 year career and ranks Matt up near the top. ‘He is definitely top 5. No you know what, he is #4. I have him behind Dashaun Wood, Jordan Theodore and Philipp Scrubb’, smiled Quantez Robertson. So how realistic would it be to get Matt Mobley right now? Unrealistic If you look at the clubs budget, but then again his market value might be a bit down because of the scoring stats that he had in Ulm. But in the situation that the Fraport Skyliners are in now where their offense isn’t BBL credible, you must go into your savings and sacrifice if you want to save the season. Could Matt Mobley be that savior? ‘That is tough to say. The season just started. That would be unfair to say after only 5 games’, stated Quantez Robertson. He may not be the savior, but the club would be a lot stronger with him. The turnaround has to come now. The team needs Matt Mobley.

Christopher Miller (192-G-1993, college: Salem) is a 29 year old 193cm guard from Brooklyn, New York who is playing his eighth professional season and first with GoldCoast Wallabies NLB (2nd League). He played 3 seasons with the Giessen Pointers (Germany-Regionalliga) and last season averaged 17.4ppg, 5.6rpg, 3.2apg, 2.0spg, FGP: 50.5%, 3PT: 17.5%, FT: 78.6%. This season for Bensheim he averaged 19,5ppg, 3,8rpg, 2,0apg and 1,5spg. He has had experience in countries like El Salvador and Bosnia. He recently played for the South Shore Monarchs (TBL) playing 8 games averaging 22.4ppg, 5.6rpg, 4.3apg, 1.6spg, FGP: 50.8%, 3PT: 35.0%, FT: 83.3%. He began his basketball career at Clinton Community College and also played two years at Salem University (NCAA2). This season he teams up with Miles Schmidt-Scheuber with weekly chats about his basketball season.

You had told me that you would play your last game against Saarlouis, but didn’t. Was there a reason why you didn’t?

The process of my license in Switzerland has already begun so I can be available there asap.

How disappointing was it not to battle MR Regionalliga and legend Ricky Easterling? He had another super game with 21 points, but couldn’t help his team on this night.

I was looking forward to the matchup against Ricky since the beginning of the season but we both know the situation we will have to settle this battle next summer.

What duel against Easterling will you always remember?

Maybe the first one of course . It was my first time playing against the person I have been compared to for years. It was a tough battle in Saarlouis and it came down to me hitting the game winner.

Bensheim played a great game beating Saarlouis 95-69. How proud are you of your teammates?

I am very proud of my teammates. Even though I couldn’t play I still came to show support. Everyone stepped up and came out with crazy energy and it was what seemed to be the perfect day for them.

Is it almost fair to say that they didn’t need you? 5 guys scored in double figures.

I guess today you can say that. These guys are very talented and I have always said if it’s put together they can be scary. In this game it seemed like everyone was clicking and all the shots were falling.

You have decided to leave Bensheim and play in Switzerland for second division team GoldCoast Wallabies NLB (2nd League). How did it come to this?

I’m blessed to be noticed after playing a couple games in Bensheim. They gave me a call and offered me a chance to play in a higher division.

Is it fair to say that you will get a pay raise there?

I think it’s safe to say I can support my coffee habits.

How excited are you for this opportunity to live on the Zurich lake? The team needs help is only 2-3 in the standings.

I am very excited to be living on the coast of Zurich lake. I really haven’t experienced much myself but I hear it is a beautiful place. I can’t wait to check it out. I think the team is very talented and I believe things will turn around for the wWllabies.

What memories will you always have with Bensheim? What did you enjoy most there?

Bensheim will always be home for me. They gave me my first contract and treated me like family. I respect them as a club because most clubs would try to hold you back in a situation like this but they understood this was a greater opportunity and they allowed me to leave the club. They are great people and really know how to run an organization while making you feel important.

Thanks Chris for the chat.

Tags : CHRISTOPHER MILLER, VFL BENSHEIM, GERMAN BASKETBALL

How often did John Murry (192-G-1995, college: Austin Peay) think about being able to make more money and playing in a higher league in the last 3 years? It must have been countless. Thoughts and thoughts. 1000 or 10,000 who knows. Not really any different then as many free throws Steph Curry has practiced in the last years. All those nights after he had given his all and put up allstar stats scoring 30-40 points and still losing games. How difficult must it have been to endure all these annoying mind games that he was playing with in Germany? John Murry is a hell of a player, but honestly when you’re a talented guard overseas, you can look left and right and see just as many talented guys. It just isn’t always easy to find the right situation where organization and money cater to the expectations of the player. After finishing at Austin Peay (NCAA) where he averaged 16,7ppg, he set on a professional career, but instead of going the usual route of playing somewhere in the vicinity of 80-100 games, all he had on his resume after 4 years was 11 games. Injuries, business decisions and Covid all made basketball life for the Indianapolis native very unbearable. Things finally turned around in 2021-2022 as he played a full season and rocked the German Regionalliga with the NEW Elephants Grevenbroich being the second best scorer in the league averaging 28.2ppg, 5.2rpg, 4.6apg, 1.8spg, FGP: 59.8%, 3PT: 38.4%, FT: 82.2% and picking up Eurobasket.com All-German Regionalliga South East North Player of the Year -2022 and Eurobasket.com All-German Regionalliga South East North First Team. Things then really looked up for him as the Basketball God finally noticed him and he was rewarded with a contract with German pro A team Art Giants Duesseldorf moving up 2 leagues to the second. He finally got a pay raise and was playing at a high level. But this didn’t last as the club decided to release him, because it was simply a numbers game something that often is seen in the basketball world. He never gave up and took a step back and signed with Regionalliga team Hamm Stars in order to rack up great stats and search for that next opportunity. The basketball God didn’t hibernate on him, but was lurking in the shadow and hooked him up again. His nonstop love, dedication and grind has rewarded him with that next opportunity in Morocco where he will earn even better money than in Duesseldorf.

After his short stint in the Pro A with the Art Giants Duesseldorf, the American guard who believes despite a good start by the Boston Celtics into the season, they will never get by the Golden State Warriors signed with the Hamm Stars. The team began with a bang beating Munster and Leverkusen, but then suffered a 3 game losing streak to Hagen, Essen and BG TVO / Jahn. A big problem was keeping points off the board as they allowed 97 points per game. Rebounding has also been a problem for Hamm as in their loss against BG TVO / Jahn were outrebounded 46-36 and watched them scrape 13 offensive boards. The American and other guard Mateo Zovko are 1 and 3 in rebounding and it’s apparent that the club needs an additional big man. ‘That could be the case or just us coming to together more as a unit to box our man out and not watch as the shot goes up. That’s mainly the key to rebounding, it’s just a job of who wants the ball more’, stressed John Murry. One of the great things to observe in the German Regionalliga are the guard battles on a nightly basis. It is usually the American guards that are the best players on the floor. In this game Murry tangled with Shawn Scott who flirted with a triple double just missing having 36/10/8 stats. He is another guy like Murry that must have a massive chip on his shoulder as he played in the NAIA before turning professional. Murry wasn’t to shabby himself equalizing his career high from last season against Hamm with 42 points. It isn’t hard to understand that battling tough and real talent pushes a guy to even greater heights. ‘It’s always good to see someone else be able to battle with you and hold their own. That game definitely brought the best out of me, it was a tough call at the end for me but we live to fight another game. The crowd was a key factor for them in that game also, very loud and into the game, I loved that environment’, remembered John Murry. But at the end of the daythese dudes are having fun at the same time. ‘I love it, I absolutely love it, I’m the type to feed off the energy of the crowd in away games and use it to motivate my focus and performance level. Also, guys who can play at a high level makes the game fun while we battle’, commented Joun Murry.

The explosive guard who hopes Rusell Westbrook is ok mentally after his 0/11 performance recently from the field and hopes he can perform at the level again that we have seen in his career came back after the loss to Scott and co and helped Hamm defeat Koln DTV 93-86 to snap their losing streak. ‘It was big for us to get this win especially coming into a week of playing one of the better teams in the league. This will definitely give us momentum moving forward. It definitely gives us positive hope and we are excited yet focused on the journey ahead of us’, expressed John Murry. He had another great game in the victory with 36 points shooting over 70% from the field and 62% from the parking lot while hauling down 11 boards and dishing out 5 dimes. He nailed a huge three to send the game into overtime in which Hamm then sealed the game in the extra time. ‘It felt good, one of the biggest shots I’ve hit in the clutch when we really needed a 3. I just try to stay focused and give it all I got and let God take care of the rest’, warned John Murry. In 6 games with Hamm, he averaged 27.8ppg, 8,7rpg, 3,0apg and 2,0spg while shooting 42,9% from outside. A stat that really has stood out has been his rebounding as he has never averaged that much before in his career. The most had been 5,6rpg in the 2014-2015 seasons at Owens Community College. ‘I really wanted to challenge myself defensively upon returning back to reg 1 to be a playmaker on both ends of the floor. Everyone knows I can score but I want to bring the same energy on the defensive end to make it a complete game’, said John Murry. One thing that stays the same no matter where you play is taking care of the ball. In 6 games with Hamm he was coughing up the ball at 4 times a game something he will continue to work on on cutting down. ‘Maybe that’s just it, maintaining possession of the ball more and value the possession to get us a good shot in the end when the shot clock is running down’, stated John Murry. Even if his stay in Hamm was short, he will never forget that head coach Ivan Rosic was instrumental in him being able to play his game and keep his name out there while putting up impressive stats when no one else did in this time. ‘Coach Ivan is a great person and even better coach. He has been coaching for a long time and his words of advice are gold. He has helped me in more ways then one and I will always value our friendship’, stressed John Murry. Now he embarks on a new chapter in his career in Morocco. Recently the easyCredit BBL saw some not so positive vibes in Weissenfels as American Lamont Jones staged his own battle with the team fans during a game against the Fraport Skyliners on the floor directing the F word towards them in many cases as well as giving them the finger. This is definitely something that isn’t seen very often, but it does happen. ‘As a overseas pro, I understand from all angles, frustration and positive vibes. I also understand how to carry yourself in a professional manner certain things can, and cannot happen, just hate to see unfortunate events like that. You see it from all angles and you just hope from the outside looking in that whatever that person is going through on the inside there able to deal with’, warned John Murry. It is no secret that fan behavior is better in some places and worse in other places. Even if Murry should experience some hostile fan interaction in his new basketball home, I’m sure that he will be professional enough to ignore it. This guy has overcome so much adversary in the last years, that he will play his game as usual and shine. He is playing the game he loves and finally earning better money. Basketball life is finally really good and something he has been grinding years to attain.

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Tags : JOHN MURRY, ART GIANTS DUESSELDORF, GERMAN BASKETBALL

After 2 brutal loses on the last play, three would be a charm for the Fraport Skyliners as they finally pulled out their first victory of the season on the road in Weissenfels last weekend. They didn’t play their best basketball and are still far from it, but getting that first win was extremely vital for their mental health as they welcomed the next opponent with the Basketball Lowen Braunschweig. Despite Braunschweig being 0-4, like the Fraport Skyliners are a better team than their record shows. They also had some tough close losses and were close in many games. This was a must win for the Basketball Lowen Braunschweig as they weren’t just in quick sand, but already sinking deeper and deeper. The Fraport Skyliners were sprouting with self-confidence and wanted to keep their winning streak alive, but witnessed a day where they couldn’t hit the side of the barn as they heaved up enough bricks that could have lasted for a new American style Fire House across the street form the Fraport arena. Frankfurt had a must win situation against Braunschweig as they came with only 2 imports as they had injury woes, but they even managed to be in the game on the last possession, but in the end it was failed execution something that plagued them all day long. ‘We didn’t play a good game. We played good defense allowing only 30 point at the break. We were second guessing too much and weren’t aggressive enough on offense. We were worrying too much about missing shots than winning. We have to play with confidence. There were 3-4 minutes in the game where we allowed 6-7 offensive rebounds. We lost this game today in spurts’, stressed Fraport Skyliner guard JJ Frazier. The Basketball Lowen didn’t play a great game either as their shooting percentages were almost as bad as Frankfurt, but in the last minute they were able to stick together and make a huge play and sink free throws. ‘This was an ugly win. We played great defense. Anytime you allow 59 points in professional basketball, you will have good chances to win. We didn’t execute well on offense, but we got good support from our German players. These guys will become great players as their careers progress’, warned Basketball Lowen Braunschweig guard Braydon Hobbs.

JJ Frazier at the FT line

If the first few minutes were any indication on how the Fraport Skyliners were going to play, I would have predicted a plus 10 win as they led 5-0 quickly With 3 Frazier free throws and a Lorenz Brenneke lay in, but then as if the day suddenly turned dark, the Fraport Skyliners just stopped playing with that high energy they started with. Then the guests went on a seemingly unexplainable 15-0 run as the Fraport Skyliners machine just shut down and watched. Braunschweig got 1 three pointer from Luc Von Slooten, but other than that attacked the rim with authority and were rewarded. Talented Angolian player Jilson Bango scored twice in the paint while Kramer used his quickness and athleticism to score as did ex Bamberg guard Nicolas Tischler. The Skyliners communication on defense was lax in this Braunschweig onslaught and 1-1 defense non existent. The Frankfurt offense did a good job creating shots, but their execution was just horrible. They attacked the paint but were blocked an unacceptable 6 times in the first quarter. It also didn’t help Frankfurt’s cause that they missed open shot after open shot. Frankfurt went more than 5 minutes without a bucket until Joshua Obiesie scored with 3.06 to play. Ex FC Bayern Munich forward Robin Amaize made an incredible reverse lay up as the Basketball Lowen Braunschweig led 17-7 after 10 minutes. Frankfurt shot a pathetic 2/20 from the field while Braunschweig was at 50%. ‘We came out a bit lack luster, but we then got stops on our big run and got out on transition and got easy baskets’, said ex Giessen guard Braydon Hobbs. ‘We just missed shots during their 15-0 run. It was nothing more. It was a shame we couldn’t execute, because we created good shots’, stated JJ Frazier.

David Kramer with the jumper

In the second quarter the Fraport Skyliners were able to up their game a bit mainly thanks to the vital spark that Quantez Robertson gave the team. Before Robertson entered Braydon Hobbs nailed a deep three giving Braunschweig the 20-9 lead. This season must be like a nightmare for Skyliner legend Quantez Robertson whose minutes have been shaved in half something he never witnessed in his first 13 seasons. But instead of moping around, the guy stays a true professional and just comes on the floor and does his job. He was aggressive getting to the line twice and also made 2 steals helping Frankfurt get into rhythm. Frankfurt upped their intensity on defense and only allowed a lay in by Kramer and a three by Amaize giving the guests the 30-13 advantage. Frankfurt closed out the second quarter strong with a 9-0 run as Robertson dropped a huge trey and Obiesie scored on a jumper as Von Slooten was in his face to cut the guests lead down to 30-18. Frankfurt also got support from Brenneke who scored in the paint and Obiesie made free throws as Frankfurt trailed only 30-22. ‘Tez is always in the right spot. He knows the game so well and has been in the BBL for a long time. We know that when he is on the court, he will bring us positive energy’, expressed JJ Frazier. ‘Tez got them going with 7 points in 3 minutes. He still has his motor and when his team needs him he steps up. He changed the game’, commented Braydon Hobbs. The Fraport Skyliners continued to shoot miserably at 15% from the field and 1/14 from outside. Braunschweig had solid stat with 42% shooting form the field.

Martinas Geben with the hook shot

The Fraport Skyliners played their best quarter in the third scoring 19 points and cutting the lead down to 40 -38 at one point Both teams found an offensive rhythm quickly as Frankfurt got baskets from Frazier and Lithuanian sniper Laurynas Beliauskas while Braunschwieg got key support from Germans Brandon Tischler and David Kramer (198-SG-1997). After having a first half to forget, ex Bamberg big Martinas Geben finally got on the board after going 0/5 from the field, but Frankfurt still trailed 34-29. Braunschweig could keep a little more ground as Braunschweig guards Kramer and Hobbs scored, but Frankfurt was in comeback mode. Geben had caught fire scoring twice while Frazier also was on hitting a trey and other Lithuanian big Einaras Tubutis made an offensive rebound and put back and suddenly Frankfurt was in striking range trailing only 40-38. But Frankfurt was unable to keep the momentum as Braunschweig closed out the third quarter with a 6-1 run to lead 46-41 after 30 minutes. Bango continued to be a monster in the paint with 2 tip in dunks while Von Slooten made a lay in. The Fraport Skyliners shot better landing at 25% from the field, but still had a horrible three point percentage at 9% with 2/23. Frankfurt had more offensive rebounds and 6 turnovers less, but that didn’t give them the lead. ‘Frankfurt picked up their offense and their physical defense changed the game. But this season the third quarter has been our worst quarter. We have to improve on that’, warned Braydon Hobbs. ‘Confidence played a big role in this quarter for us. We didn’t second guess and just played our game’, stressed JJ Frazier.

Robin Amaize at the FT line

The Basketball Lowen Braunschweig upped their game in the fourth quarter and were more than ready to slam the door shut on the Fraport Skyliners, but Frankfurt didn’t give up, but made one last comeback. Frankfurt came out flat to begin the fourth quarter allowing back to back offensive rebounds and put backs from Jilson Bango as Braunschwieg led 50-41. The athletic African finished the game with a double double of 13/10 and continues to make strides in his game. ‘He is getting better each week and everything is new to him. Coach speaks Spanish with him. He just does his job cleaning off the offensive rebounds and scoring in the paint’, said Braydon Hobbs. Offensive rebounds hurt Frankfurt a lot in the fourth quarter that gave the guests added extra chances that they capitalized on. Braunschweig continued to execute very well getting into the paint as Kramer scored twice. Frankfurt got some key buckets from Geben and Frazier, but the guests still led comfortably 58-45 with crunch-time approaching. But the Fraport Skyliners now began a come back that got them very close. They finally hit three’s as Geben and Lukas Wank scored back to back to trail only 58-51. Frankfurt played their best defense in this phase forcing back to back turnovers which led to a Frazier catch and pop trey from the corner and a Tubutis lay in as Geben supplied the perfect shovel pass as suddenly Frankfurt trailed only 58-56 with 1.01 to play. ‘I’m starting to find my rhythm. I felt great in this game’, said JJ Frazier. After a Frazier miss, Kramer made 2 free throws and the win seemed sealed, but Frazier connected on a pretty trey form the corner as Frankfurt trailed 60-59 with 5,9 seconds to go. Kramer then made 1 of 2 free throws to lead 61-59. But Frankfurt couldn’t capitalize on the last shot as Frazier missed on the drive with contact as no foul was called. ‘We wanted to force a call. They played honest. I drove to the rim and didn’t get the call and missed. You have to live with it’, stressed JJ Frazier. The Basketball Lowen Braunschweig were led by David Kramer with 17 points while Jilson Bango added 13 points while the Fraport Skyliners were led by JJ Frazier with 17 points while Martinas Geben scored 12 points. The Basketball Lowen Braunschwieg shot 38% from the field and 13%from outside and had 46 rebounds and 18 turnovers while the Fraport Skyliners shot 29% from the field and 19% from outside and had 42 rebounds and 1 2 turnovers.

Tags : DAVID KRAMER, BASKETBALL LOEWEN BRAUNSCHWEIG, GERMAN BASKETBALL

Foto credit soul clap media

Braydon Hobbs (196-PG-1989, college: Bellarmine) is a 33 year old 196cm guard from New Albany, Indiana playing his 11th professional season and first with the Basketball Lowen Braunschweig. He has played most of his career in Germany for teams like Nurnberg, Giessen, Ulm, FC Bayern Munich and the EWE Baskets Oldenburg. He also has played in Australia and Hungary. Last season he played for Monbus Obradoiro CAB Santiago de Compostela (Spain-ACB) averaging 7.2ppg, 3.1rpg, 4.4apg, 1.0spg, FGP: 57.1%, 3PT: 39.6%. He began his basketball career at New Albany high school and then played at Bellarmine (NCAA2) from 2008-2012 winning the division 2 title in 2011. He spoke to germanhoops.com before a easyCredit BBL game against the Fraport Skyliners.

Welcome back to Frankfurt Braydon. You have played in Frankfurt numerous times with Giessen, Oldenburg, Ulm and Munich. If you had to chose one game that was most memorable in Frankfurt what would it be?

I have definitely played in Frankfurt several times. The one game that sticks out the most is a playoff game when I was with Munich. We were down 1-2 in the series and we had to win that game or be eliminated. I think we won by 30 that game.

Your in your 11th season and still going strong, but at the same time a family guy with kids. When you see ex teammates like Guenther and Paulding a opponent like Quantez Robertson who is turning 38 in December, do you feel like you could go into your late 30’s playing?

I hope to play as long as I can. I am definitely a family man first, so I will do whatever is best for the family. If they continue to support me then I’ll play a little while longer.

Do you feel for a competitor like Quantez Robertson who is hardly playing after giving his all to the Fraport Skyliners for 13 seasons. Does that show that not only the NBA can be harsh but basketball is a business world wide?

Basketball is definitely a business worldwide. He has given his all but he is still important for Frankfurt. He still moves great and is a competitor so they will need him a lot.

After playing most of your career in Germany, you played in the top league in Europe the ACB with Monbus Obradoiro CAB Santiago de Compostela (ACB) averaging 7.2ppg, 3.1rpg, 4.4apg, 1.0spg, FGP: 57.1%, 3PT: 39.6%. What kind of an experience was it showcasing your skills there?

It was a great experience in Spain. It’s the best national league in Europe so every game was a battle. It is an extremely tactical game there and I enjoyed that part of it.

Can a league like the easyCredit BBL ever reach the level of the ACB in skill and play or do the teams simply have to much money there?

I am not sure if Germany or other leagues will reach that level. It’s hard to say but basketball in Spain is definitely different than other places I have played.

You almost had one of your finest moments beating Real Madrid but lost a heart breaker 89-88 but was one of the best on the court that day with 17 points. What memories will you always have of that game?

Playing Real Madrid and Barcelona were great basketball experiences for me. I came to Europe watching those teams play, so it was fun to compete and show my best against them. The biggest memory I will have is them hitting the last second shot on us. It was a great memory but that is what I remember most.

Did you learn anything special about the country Canada playing with the Scrubb boys that season? Lol

I didn’t learn too much about Canada but I learned that Canada produces some great basketball players. It was awesome competing with those guys. Kassius Robertson, was from Canada as well, and he’s another great player I got to play with.

Your playing your first season with the Basketball Lowen Braunschweig. The team has began very slow and like Frankfurt need to win games. How much of a challenge has it been for you coming into this situation?

It’s definitely been a tough situation to start the season here. We have had a couple tough losses in overtime. That is always rough on teams. The challenging part is trying to keep the guys positive and moving in the right direction. I think we are getting better game by game and eventually we could start winning some games.

You are one of the older guys on the team. Do you have that normal veteran, leader mentor role or do you have other duties?

I’m the grandpa on this team. I think we are the second youngest team in the league, so my role is to lead the team and be an extension of the coach.

The easyCredit BBL is showing again that the league is great top to bottom and anyone can beat anyone. What type of team are you now and what type of team do you have to become to start winning consistently?

It’s another great year to be in Germany playing. It’s a competitive league and that’s what makes it exciting. We are a team that is developing young German talent. We need to start showcasing that talent and try to play smarter basketball. We are improving each week so I hope that continues.

Miles Schmidt-Scheuber and Braydon Hobbs in the Fraport arena in 2015

What has it been like playing with David Kramer? You battled against him since years and have seen him develop? Into what kind of player has he matured into? Is sky still the limit for him?

Playing with David has been great. He’s extremely talented and still has a great career in front of him. I last played with him in Ulm, and he has improved tremendously. Hopefully this can be a big year for him as he continues to move up in his career.

The team has very talented German players with the Tischler brothers, Sanada Fu or Luc Von Slooten. They will be very vital in the success for the team and need to step up more. Is this a challenge that they will grow into in the next weeks?

Yes, we have some very talented young guys. They will continue to work hard and develop over this season. Hopefully I can help them make the next step in their careers.

What has it been like playing for Jesus Ramirez? He is another one of those talented Spanish coaches in the BBL. What have you appreciated most about his philosophy?

It’s been a great couple months so far. Obviously losing hasn’t helped much but I think we are still on the right track to develop these young guys and get the most out of them. What I have appreciated the most is the amount of effort he puts into helping his players and the team.

You have never been that high scoring guard but you can be that player. You showed in Australia that you can be that lethal scorer back in the day. It seems like the team needs more scoring. Isn’t that a role you have to take in now with the team having problems winning?

I have never scored a lot in my whole career. My main strength is leading the team and passing the ball. There is certain games when the scoring will come but I am not the player to force it.

Your averaging almost 7 assists a game. How have you seen the BBL change in the last 7 years? Is it easier to function as a playmaker in 2022 than say in 2015? Has the BBL become more physical and better defensively since your Giessen days?

The game has definitely changed a bit since I first played in Giessen. I would say it’s a faster pace game now. I wouldn’t say it’s easier or harder it’s just faster now.

After starting 3-0, the Boston Celtics lost their first game of the season to the Bulls. Is this team to weak with only Tatum and Brown to win it all?

The NBA is a tough league to win. Boston has a great team but they can lose to anyone in the NBA. I wouldn’t say they are too weak to win it all but it will be difficult for them.

As a point guard what is your opinion of Russell Westbrook saying he had a solid game after going 0/11 from the field?

I don’t have to much to say about Russell Westbrook. It’s a tough situation for him in LA but those guys will figure it out.

Did you see the sequel to the classic Coming to America in 2021? Shouldn’t they have left it alone?

I did not watch the sequel to that. Sorry about that

Thnks Braydon for the chat.

Tags : BRAYDON HOBBS, BASKETBALL LOEWEN BRAUNSCHWEIG, GERMAN BASKETBALL

The Fraport Skyliners Juniors season in a way has been similar to the easyCredit BBL team Juniors as they also started out the season 0-3. After playing the EPG Baskets Koblenz tough, they went on the road and lost 2 classic nail bitters to Speyer and Leitershofen losing only by a combined score of 8 points. Their next opponent was Porsche BBA Ludwigsburg, the famr team of easyCredit BBL team MHP Riesen Ludwigsburg who came to Frankfurt with a 1-3 record. The Ludwigsburg team is a very young team that won a thriller over the AC Wizards, but in the last 2 games had enormous defensive problems as they allowed 90 plus points to Orange Academy and Oberaching. The Fraport Skyliners Juniors wanted to do like the senior team and win their first game of the season on their fourth try under the usual watchful eyes of Skyliner legend Quantez Robertson and did 77-56 over the offensive weak Porsche BBA Ludwigsburg. The Fraport Skyliners Juniors came out strong defensively carried the intensity for 40 minutes as the guests had enormous shooting difficulty never establishing an offensive rhythm. ‘We had high energy right from the start something we didn’t have in the other games. We wanted it more than they did. We communicated well on defense and took away their back screens and pin downs. On offense we moved the ball well, attacked and rebounded well’, stressed Fraport Skyliner Junior Justin Onyejiaka . Porsche BBA Ludwigsburg got off on the wrong side of the bed and were never fully awake as they could never find a rhythm and had to play catch up all night long. ‘We didn’t play aggressive from the start. Frankfurt played very well and are a very disciplined team. It was tough for us when our main players couldn’t take responsibility. They reacted in the second half and we played better, but the game had 2 different faces in the two halves’, stated Porsche BBA Ludwigsburg head coach Khee Rhee.

Jordan Samare at the FT line

The Fraport Skyliners Juniors were without veteran Marco Voeller and scorer Felix Hecker, but with all respect didn’t need them on this evening. The Fraport Skyliners Juniors rushed out to a rapid 4-0 lead as ex U-20 German national player Philipp Hadenfeldt (189-PG-1999) scored in the lane and big man Jordan Samare scored on transition hauling in a touch down pass from Hadenfeldt. Frankfurt found their rhythm quickly while the guests had problems getting in their sets. After Onyejiaka made it 6-2 with a lay in, the guests found some daylight and before one could blink had tied the game with Sebastian Hartmann and Esli Edgin baskets who came from the Dragons Rhondorf. But little spurts of good offense was something that Porsche BBA Ludwigsburg would have to deal with all night long as they couldn’t muster more. It didn’t help the guests cause either that their playmaker Mikey De Sousa had to leave after 4,39 minutes because of injury. The offense never got started after his departure. Frankfurt then had a potent phase again cruising out on a 10-3 run to lead 16-9. In the run the Fraport Skyliners Juniors got super energy from ex Alba Berlin forward Nolan Adenkunle who scored twice on the drive his biggest strength as he can match athleticism with anyone. Big Man Alexander Richardson was also active showing his wide array of shooting arsenal making a hook shot and mid distance shot. Jordan Samare anticipated well catching a Hadenfeld air ball and layed it in. Frankfurt was in control of the game playing their game and getting everyone involved while the guests couldn’t settle down as missed shots and turnovers were the norm. Frankfurt closed out the quarter strong with Samare free throws and Onyejiaka ended it with a bang as with 6,7 seconds remaining went from center court and stuffed home the ball for the 20-10 advantage. ‘Jordan Samare gave me a back screen and winked at me to go. I had space and went to the rim. I would give my dunk a good 8’, smiled Justin Onyejiaka (195-F-2004). ‘I could tell by his speed that Justin would go to the rim. He finished with authority and that carried over in the second quarter. We played good defense. They rushed their shots and didn’t make the easy plays’, stated Quantez Robertson. The guests couldn’t hit the ocean as they shot 19% from the field and 14% from outside.

George Cotoara at the FT line

The Fraport Skyliners Juniors continued their solid play at both ends of the court in the second quarter extending their lead to 21 points and the guests continued not to get into the game and play their game. Frankfurt got off to a quick start again totally opening up the game with a 13-2 run to extend their lead to 33-12. Frankfurt couldn’t hit from outside, so they had no other choice than to attack the rim as their athletic players Onyejiaka, Adenkunle and Nils Leonhardt all scored. Richardson also added a tip in in the run. Adenkunle continued to be a huge spark plug scoring in the lane and transition as Frankfurt had everyone involved. Hadenfeldt continued to execute his playmaking well and on defense Frankfurt got into passing lanes well and got out on the Ludwigsburg shooters. Diminutive 178cm guard Edonis Paqarada was inserted and gave the club instant energy as his aggressive on ball defense annoyed Frankfurt and he scored a lay in as his quick first step couldn’t be stopped. But Ludwigsburg couldn’t start a string of stops as Frankfurt was able to execute at a good rate getting more production from Onyejiaka with a big dunk and a lay in from German 3 and D player Bennet Schubert. Ludwigsburg got buckets from George Cotoara and Edigin, but Frankfurt still led 40-19 at the break. ‘We rebounded well and had good help defense. We made it tough on their shooters and limited them to one shot and forced turnovers’, said Quantez Robertson. The guests continued to shoot terrible at 21% from the field and 7% from outside while Frankfurt shot 48% from the field and had the 27-20 rebound edge. But the combined 1/24 shooting from outside form both teams was shocking. ‘Just one made shot is hard to believe. You have to take open shots and not tough shots’, stated Quantez Robertson.

Nolan Adekunle with the lay up

The Fraport Skyliners Juniors were able to keep their big lead while Porsche BBA Ludwigsburg got their offense running better but couldn’t make any ground on Frankfurt. Hadenfeldt got Frankfurt on the board first after the break with a pretty left handed lay in and Richardson made 2 free throws for the 44-19 lead. But Porsche BBA Ludwigsburg didn’t give up going on a mini 5-0 run as Cotoara and Hartmann made lay ins. The guests stepped up their defense and got into passing lanes better. Frankfurt got a bit cute in this phase instead of keeping their game simple. Both teams had offensive rhythm and began trading baskets as Frankfurt got buckets from Richardson, a trey from Hadenfeldt and Onyejiaka lay in while the guests got support from Hartmann with a beautiful off balance shot and lay in’s from German Marco Santana and Abdulkay Koemuerkara, but Frankfurt still had the comfortable 51-30 lead. After a tough first half shooting wise, Sebastian Hartmann found his touch in the second half making a trey and Emmanuel Ugbo showed his athleticism making a lay in. Onyejiaka remained aggressive and got to the free throw line twice while Bennet Schubert made a pretty runner as the Fraport Skyliners Juniors led 56-35 after 30 minutes. ‘We went into the third quarter with the mind set that the score was 0-0 and not that we were up by 20 points. We continued to play with high energy and kept the lead’, stated Justin Onyejiaka. ‘We defended with more aggressiveness. We played better offense, but overall had to much respect for their defense. We should of attacked more, but it isn’t easy for the youngsters because the Pro B is a lot more physical then the Regionalliga from last year’, stated Khee Rhee. The Fraport Skyliners continued to shoot better from the field, but both teams were still a huge liability from outside as they were combined 3/34. Frankfurt had the rebound edge 37-25 and both teams had 13 turnovers a piece.

Emmanuel Ugo with the lay in

Both teams executed well in the fourth quarter as both teams scored 21 points which didn’t help Porsche BBA Ludwigsburg to get over the hump. The Fraport Skyliners Juniors continued to get super support from Bennet Schubert who made a lay in getting by the athletic Ugbo. Hadenfeldt hit a trey and Onyejiaka made a lay in while the guests got buckets from Paqarada, a trey from Hartmann and a dunk from Ugbo, but Ludwigsburg still trailed 62-42. After a tough first half, Emmanuel Ugbo finally got his offense going scoring 2 lay ups and made a three pointer. Captain Aeneas Jung who missed almost 2 years because of 2 ACL injuries hit a trey and Cotoara made another hook shot, but Ludwigsburg just couldn’t make any ground. Frankfurt still had some fascinating shots to come as Hadenfeldt made a neat 3 point bank shot and Schubert made a pretty runner with a few Eurosteps that nobody noticed. It was the first win of the season for the Fraport Skyliners Juniors who really needed it. ‘They got a little tired. We let up a bit, but didn’t have any long negative lapses. We kept control’, warned Justin Onyejiaka. The Fraport Skyliners Juniors were led by Justin Onyejiaka with 19 points while Philipp Hadenfeldt added 14 points and 7 assists while Porsche BBA Ludwigsburg were led by Sebastian Hartmann with 15 points while Emmanuel Ugbo supplied 11 points. The Fraport Skyliners Juniors shot 51% from the field and 13% from outside and had 42 rebounds and 17 turnovers while Porsche BBA Ludwigsburg shot 34% from the field and 18% from outside and had 32 rebounds and 19 turnovers.

Tags : PHILIPP HADENFELDT, FRAPORT SKYLINERS FRANKFURT JUNIOR TEAM, GERMAN BASKETBALL

Christopher Miller (192-G-1993, college: Salem) is a 29 year old 193cm guard from Brooklyn, New York who is playing his eighth professional season and first with VFL Bensheim. He played 3 seasons with the Giessen Pointers (Germany-Regionalliga) and last season averaged 17.4ppg, 5.6rpg, 3.2apg, 2.0spg, FGP: 50.5%, 3PT: 17.5%, FT: 78.6%. He has had experience in countries like El Salvador and Bosnia. He recently played for the South Shore Monarchs (TBL) playing 8 games averaging 22.4ppg, 5.6rpg, 4.3apg, 1.6spg, FGP: 50.8%, 3PT: 35.0%, FT: 83.3%. He began his basketball career at Clinton Community College and also played two years at Salem University (NCAA2). This season he teams up with Miles Schmidt-Scheuber with weekly chats about his basketball season.

Bensheim suffered a tough loss to Tuebingen with 104-73. How tough is it for you personally to digest this loss after having a 2 game winning streak?

This loss was tough. It happens. Most importantly we can not get down on our selves. I’ts a long season.

Talk a little about the 40 minutes. At what moment do you feel was the game lost? Did you as a team not go in with the right mind set?

I think they came out more aggressive and played with energy from the start. They trapped and ran every chance they got. They just wanted it more.

Blow out loses are always tough to digest. What bothered you the most about the team performance


Bad games happen sometimes I just think it wasn’t our day. I think the team will be fine . If anything I should of been more aggressive I can put the blame on myself.

What went wrong on the defensive end? The team gave up 20 points more than in the last 2 games. Did the team get back to defending the way they did against Lich?


The game was faster , they forced us to turn the ball over resulting in fast break finishes for them. It was a fast pace game.

Rebounding was a huge problem. Was it more the technical aspect with boxing out or the mental side and effort?

We just got out rebounded it was a result of not focusing on it not getting back and just not having that toughness last week.

What was your impression of Bakary Dibba? He is a talented guy that should be playing in higher leagues?

He is for sure a talented guy. I am proud of him over the years I have seen his progression. I also see he gets good minutes with the Pro A team. I believe he will be a special player for years to come.

You had a tough game with only 13 points. Did Tuebingen scout you correctly? Was aggressiveness missing in your game?

This game I was not there. I could of been more aggressive. The press forced me to set up other guys to score. I had a lot of assists but of course the stats didn’t show. Over all I should of found a way to be more aggressive.

The next game is against 5-1 team Saarlouis. This might be the last season you play against legend Rickey Easterling. How much of a challenge is it guarding his mid distance shot?

This match up is a great one between me and Rick . He is a legend for sure his midrange is automatic but I enjoy the challenge. He has to guard me and my midrange also so itll be fun.

Bensheim needs a win badly. What will be key to getting the win?


Our key to win is always our game play focusing on transition defense , team play and our aggressiveness. I think if we do that we will have a chance in this game .

What was your favorite costume as a kid for Halloween and if you were a kid in 2022 what costume would you wear?


Every Halloween I would either be some kind of ninja or Jason. Last year I really wanted to be a character from the netflix series Squid games maybe Ill do it this year.

Thanks Chris for the chat.

Tags : CHRISTOPHER MILLER, VFL BENSHEIM, GERMAN BASKETBALL