Just a week ago basketball life was looking very bleak for the Fraport Skyliners, but sometimes a coaching change and snapping a seven game losing streak with a victory can do wonders for the team moral and mentality. With the season slowly winding down and the Fraport Skyliners in danger of moving to the Pro A, every game now is a game seven must win. Last weekend they finally won again upending Braunschweig on the road but their next test would be no doozy with ratiopharm who are one of those dark horse teams that could upset anyone in the playoffs. Ratiopharm Ulm have struggled a bit in Eurocup play, but have been excellent in the easyCredit BBL in 2022 having a 8-2 record and last beat the always tough Wurzburg squad back to back. The Fraport Skyliners also presented their new head coach experienced Italian Luca Dalmonte. The club may have finally won again last weekend, but they were still feeling like a wounded animal and needed a win very badly. On a rare Friday night contest, they welcomed ratioPharm Ulm and instead of it becoming a one sided offensive arsenal by the guests, the Fraport Skyliners challenged them to a real grind out game and received it losing a heart breaker 61-58. The Fraport Skyliners played a spirited game on the defensive end, but on offense it was the same old story as they just couldn’t muster points on the scoreboard on a consistent rate. ‘We gave up too many second chance points and rebounds as well as too many live balls. We had too many turnovers at the end and couldn’t execute our offense the way we wanted to’, stressed Skyliner identity figure Quantez Robertson. Ratiopharm Ulm a team that averages 83 points per game didn’t play a good game and were lucky to escape Frankfurt with a win, but they did show a lot of moral and never gave up fighting until the end. Their ex NBA trio of Thornwell, Blossomgame and Christon combined for 47 of the team 61 points and carried them. ‘I have to compliment Frankfurt for giving a great fight. It was a real physical battle. We didn’t shoot well, but we had a good fourth quarter where our main guys stepped up and pulled out the win for us. There wasn’t any thing tactical, but we just had more decisiveness in attacking the switches’, stated ratiopharm Ulm head coach Jaka Lakovic.

The first quarter was a real tug of war as little was scored and many bricks and turnovers were coughed up. Frankfurt did a solid job right off the bat getting rookie giant Matt Haarms involved as he scored twice. Quantez Robertson also connected for a 20 footer heaving his confidence as his shooting has been off lately. Ratiopharm Ulm got steady support early on from ex NBA player Jaron Blossomgame who played at Clemson (NCAA) netting 7 points and helping give the guests the early 11-6 advantage. But Frankfurt didn’t allow Ulm to run away, but closed out the first quarter strong with a 6-1 run to dead lock the contest at 12-12. Ex Alba Berlin center Jamel Mclean missed a thunderous dunk, but stayed with it getting the offensive rebound and muscling the ball through two Ulm defenders for the bucket. ‘Jamel rode to the hoop strong. It was a good dunk attempt, but an even better basket for the score’, commented Quantez Robertson. A big difference between both teams were that Ratiopharm Ulm was getting baskets through team basketball while Frankfurt was relying a lot on the 1-1 play. Ex NBA player Will Cherry also aided Frankfurt with a pull up jumper. ‘We didn’t get good shots and turned over the ball too much. We couldn’t get defensive rebounds and gave them a few extra possessions’, commented Quantez Robertson.

The Fraport Skyliners continued to play very smart team basketball in the second quarter bringing a high intensity and switching well which held the guests to only 19 points with a few minutes before the break, but Frankfurt couldn’t hold the momentum giving up a biter run in the last minutes. The second quarter seemed to begin off well for Frankfurt as Polish national player Marcel Ponitka made a steal, but he listened to many gasps in the arena as he missed the dunk. The guests responded with a basket from German beast Nicholas Bretzel who got the fine pass from Ulm identity figure Per Guenter who played his last game in Frankfurt and 15-12 Ulm lead. But the Fraport Skylines then had their best stretch of the first half going on a 11-1 run to gain the 23-16 advantage. In the run, Frankfurt got fine support from German national player Lukas Wank who dazzled with his pink shoes scoring 5 points including a trey. Mclean also added support with a runner, German big Lorenz Brenneke added an old school hook shot and Cherry made a desperation jumper from the parking lot. Frankfurt had finally found an offensive rhythm while Ulm at times really didn’t look as awake. But Frankfurt couldn’t ride into half-time with the good lead, but instead allowed Ulm to close out the second with a 10-2 run. The guests found some momentum on offense using the long ball as young Germans Philipp Herkenhoff and Karim Jallow scored. Blossomgame also scored on transition. Ex wiha Panther Rasheed Moore closed out the second quarter with a runner at the buzzer, but Ratiopharm Ulm led 26-25. ‘We gave them momentum allowing them to finish like that. We did what we could. We were able to hold them to tough shots’, commented Quantez Robertson.

The Fraport Skyliners played their best basketball in the third quarter netting 20 points and getting the lead midway and holding it. Quantez Robertson showed that he wanted to be aggressive scoring to baskets early. His first basket reminded the older fans of his early days in Frankfurt more than a decade ago when he would fly in from the base line and get the back door pass from 2011 BBL MVP Dashaun Wood. The only difference was back then he would dunk and now settles for the sure lay in. He also knocked down a pull up jumper to tie the game at 29-29 showing a lot of zip in his movement for a 37 year old. Will Cherry then dropped three free throws and ex Xavier (NCAA) great and ex Oklahoma Thunder guard Semaj Christon made a lay in for the 32-32 contest. But the Fraport Skyliners then took flight going on a 13-6 run to lead 45-38 after 30 minutes. In the run Frankfurt got ample support from Jamel Mclean who gave 6 points. He was as usual a work horse in the paint and always fighting for the best position and letting his lethal offense do the talking. Frankfurt also got a lay in from Rasheed Moore over Blossomgame and a clutch trey from Lukas Wank in the corner. Ulm got 4 points from Christon as they couldn’t muster much of an attack against the aggressive Frankfurt defense that didn’t allow anything easy inside the paint. ‘We began the third quarter aggressive and executed well. We never stopped fighting and got defensive stops and got on transition’, stated Quantez Robertson.

In the fourth quarter the Fraport Skyliners led by as much as 9 points, but couldn’t hold it as Ratiopharm Ulm clawed back and got over the hump late and got the lead and never relinquished it. Ponitka got Frankfurt going with a runner and the 47-38 advantage. But Ratiopharm Ulm knew now that they had to execute better if they wanted to have a chance to win and did. Bretzel and Christon followed with baskets to cut Frankfurt’s lead down to 47-42. Will Cherry then dropped another clutch trey giving Frankfurt the 50-42 lead. But Ratiopharm Ulm then erupted on a 8-2 run to cut Frankfurt’s advantage to only 53-50. The Ulm ex NBA players now stepped up and showed why they once played in the best league in the world. Ex LA Clipper Sindarius Thornwell (196-G-1994, college: S.Carolina) connected on a three pointer and runner and Christon added a trey. Frankfurt did a good job reacting against the Ulm blows by punching back as Moore scored on a tough lay in from the wing for the Frankfurt 55-50 lead. But Ulm then supplied that last lethal blow with 9 unanswered points to grab the lead back at 59-55. Again it was the ex NBA studs Thornwell who dropped 5 points and Blossomgame with a three that did the severe damage. Cherry did drop a three late to cut Ulm’s lead to 59-58, but Christon supplied the exclamation point on the win with a fadeaway jumper. Frankfurt had one last possession to try to send the game into overtime, but Cherry couldn’t withstand a double team at the three point line and coughed up the ball to end the game. ‘This was a real battle between two teams that came to compete. We made the better plays at the end. We kept fighting and never gave up’, stated Sindarius Thornwell. ‘We didn’t have the energy to play 1-1 defense which gave them open shots. Key for us is how we can play a better offense with better flow. We also need to be faster from defense to offense. We also need to be faster when we attack. We have to be quicker with getting that first entry pass’, stressed Luca Dalmonte. Ratiopharm Ulm was led by Sindarius Thornwell and Jaron Blossomgame with 16 points a piece while Semaj Christon added 15 points, 7 dimes and 4 steals while the Fraport Skyliners were led by Will Chery with 14 points. Jamel Mclean added 12 points and 10 rebounds while Quantez Robertson added 11 points and 7 assists. Ratiopharm Ulm shot 43% from the field and 35% from outside and had 32 rebounds and 15 turnovers while the Fraport Skyliners shot 43% from the field and 31% from outside and had 34 rebounds and 15 turnovers.

John Murry (192-G-1995, college: Austin Peay) is a 26 year old 193cm guard from Indianapolis, Indiana that is playing his third professional season in Germany with BSG Grevenbroich (Germany-Regionalliga). Before that he had experience with the Kitchener-Waterloo Titans. He played two years at Owens Community College playing 63 games and two years at Austin Peay State University (NCAA) playing 56 NCAA games and as a senior averaged 16.7ppg, 2.7rpg, 1.5apg, FGP: 54.0%, 3PT: 33.9%, FT: 81.1%. He and Miles Schmidt-Scheuber talk weekly about basketball.

Your two game winning streak was snapped to Leverkusen 2. Grevenbroich defended well. How bitter is it that you couldn’t score better?

We are trying to finish out with a good note to end the year.

Talk a little about the 40 minutes. What was the deciding moment in the fourth quarter that allowed Leverkusen 2 to get the win’?

We just couldn’t make shots late in the game, we played a great game until about 4 minutes left in the game, we just couldn’t get over the hump.

When you look at the stats, most were even. Were the 4 extra Leverkusen possessions out of turnovers the key?

Second chance points definitely cost us in the end but stats were even they just hit shots and we didn’t going down the stretch.

What was your impression of German Justin Gnad who had 17 points? His dad Hansi is a German basketball legend and was drafted by the 76ers in 1988.

Had a good game, respect to him and his dad that’s legendary.

You had another solid game of 25/6/5. I guess your 6 turnovers gave you fits after?

Yes most definitely just a few miss understandings but going back to watch the video and correct that for next game.

You next play the Lowen. They won the first game in a shoot out and three guys combined for almost 90 points. What will be key for winning?

Key for us is just taking care of the ball and hitting shots and having a full rotation on gameday, with that we will be good.

Thanks John for the chat.

Waking up on a Monday morning can already be a tough task for anyone, but how difficult can it be checking all the relevant box scores from a basketball weekend. You could really spend hours checking every league in Europe, but even if it’s only in Germany, that can take a very long time as well as there are so many leagues. I know I miss many box scores and that became even more relevant as on Monday morning my buddy Joe Asberry who never met a rim he didn’t fancy sent me a box score saying that Drew had an amazing game. My first thought was Drew who? I don’t remember many players with the name Drew that I had dealings with in Germany in the last 20 years. Actually there was one dude named Drew Williamson, but he was retired. At closer inspection of the stat sheet I saw a name that I remembered very well. Andrew Jones (191-SG-1983, college: Miles). Wait a minute Andrew Jones who was a walking bucket for the Dreden Titans six years ago? That was the correct one. I actually thought he had been retired, but supposedly he wasn’t. He had plastered ASC Goettingen in the Regionalliga for an incredible 45 points and 10 three’s. I remember him last playing for the Niners Chemnitz in 2017 and figured he had retired. But no he hadn’t he was still around. ‘I never retired, I just changed to a different style of basketball in 3×3. It was a great opportunity to play and stay in shape. I think the first covid lockdown did it for me. To be restricted from doing everything, changed my mindset. I told myself if I had the opportunity to play 5×5 again I would take it. The past 4 years I worked as a basketball skills trainer. I run a-lot of basketball programs and camps here in Dresden. Early in the season, Koenig Wusterhausen had a few players out with corona. My coach Michael Opitz reached out to me about helping out. I wanted to play until January but I decided to continue for the rest of the season. The good feeling of playing again grew every week’, stressed Andrew Jones.

Jones is a 38 year old 191cm guard playing in his 10th season is a player that I have enjoyed interviewing over the years. When we recently spoke I had to put him on the spot to guess how many interviews we had done. He had no clue, but he knew it had too many. He was totally right. From 2013-2017, it had been 15 interviews. He definitely never said no and I appreciated his zeal for my never short questions. It was obvious that scoring 45 points in the Regionalliga is news. Even a Ricky Easterling who has been the king of the league for more than a decade might have gotten a little jealous after reading that box score. Jones had played in the Regionalliga for Aschersleben, but also had three very productive seasons in the Pro B with the Dresden Titans where he had played 76 games and averaged 18 and 17 points in two seasons definitely knew how to put the ball in the hoop. He scored in double figures in 54 of 76 Pro B games including 38 points against Frankfurt and Leipzig. But if you thought that the 45 point explosion was the best in his career your wrong. The American who played college ball at Miles (NCAA2) is so much more than just a prolific scorer. ‘It is the most points I scored in a game here in Europe. I wouldn’t say it was my best game because I had a few rebounds and few assists. One of my best games was when I had 21 points, 14 rebounds, 6 assists and 6 steals back when I played for Dresden. Having an all around game seems more important than scoring many points. But I would score big again if necessary’, stressed Andrew Jones.

The sniper who has Jordan, Lebron, Shaq and Iverson on his personal NBA Mount Rushmore came into the game with a lot of confidence knowing he can go off on them. Coming into the game he had had games of 28 points, 26 points and 25 points and surely wouldn’t have thought he could pull off a 45 point showcase. He actually didn’t have a good feeling when he arrived in the gym. ‘When we came on the court, I saw the basketballs we were playing with and I was not a fan of them. When the game started I shot my first three pointer and it went in. I made the next three in a row and I thought ok, here we go’, stated Andrew Jones. Both teams were shorthanded having only seven guys available. Four of Wusterhausen’s top scorers couldn’t play while ASC Goettingen had four players that averaged in double figures. Statistically they had the advantage. He knew that he had to be extra aggressive and have to pick up the slack for the idle teammates. He knows that being able to hit shots consistently is an art that could allow him to keep playing for a while and has a special routine that allows him to excel at his age. ‘When your younger, you rely off of athleticism. I remember jumping high on my jump shots. Now my lift off the floor is not so high, which gives me more stability in my form. There really is no secret. I try to stay mentally strong, continue to workout and eat healthy. I took some foods out of my eating routine. I don’t eat pork, cow and dairy products. Well, sometimes I need that parmesan cheese’, smiled Andrew Jones. He also never stopped putting in the work in the lab and always is working on perfecting his shot. ‘I usually shoot between 2500 to 3000 three point shots a week. With my shooting machine it takes about 45 mins to get 500 shots off. I think a good shooter will always keep their mechanics and have a skill for making shots’, warned Andrew Jones.

The guard who also gained experience in Spain and Ecuador will turn 39 this year and is playing very well in the Regionalliga. There have been a handful of players like Jones like Rickey Paulding or Ricky Easterling who have played forever. How much longer will he play? ‘I always respect guys who can get it done. Rickey Paulding is definitely player I would have love to have played against. I think the motivation is already there for both of us. I hope Ricky Easterling continues to play, we only got one life. I feel good. At the moment I try to finish the season on a positive note. I will continue to build my skills training and prepare for 3×3 this summer. I can continue playing as long as my body allows it. At the moment, I just enjoy the game’, stressed Andrew Jones. The more he plays, the more opponents he will continue to rack up and over the decade where he has played professionally, he has played with and against many guys. He had no problem naming that one best teammate, but couldn’t find a player other than himself who has been his toughest opponent. ‘I played with many good teammates. But I have to say Ljubisa Markovic as my favorite. He played center on the Aschersleben team with me. He told me to shoot it every time and if I missed he would get the rebound. It’s hard to think about the toughest opponent, I played against so many good players. My toughest opponent was probably myself. My mind was rarely free to enjoy the game and I would put added pressure on myself’, warned Andrew Jones. Recently the incredible and unbelievable feat of 100 points was scored in a German Regionalliga game. Who thought that something like this could be done again after Wilt Chamberlian did it 60 years ago. Paul Braeger did it with his team Vilsbiburg, but it wasn’t without controversy. The opponent Wurzburg had only 5 players and in the second half only 3 players. They played no defense. Vilsbiburg and Braeger got a lot of hate for playing the game. ‘I think he hit 22/34 three pointers. I challenge anybody to go to the nearest basketball court and shoot 34 three pointers and make 22. Jonathan Braeger is in the early years of his career. He is trying to make a name himself. It’s not his fault the team came with 5. As far as the 3 players, I probably would have sat down for being bored. But I’m 38 years old, 26 year old me would probably think differently’, stated Andrew Jones. I hope Andrew Jones will continue to play for many more years. The guy can still play and as long as his shot keeps falling, he will always have a job in the Regionalliga. He may not hit a team for 100 points, but why not shoot for 50 points? That would be an incredible feat in the Regionalliga and something I can see him doing

Philip Jenkins (188-G-1990, college: Life) is a 31 year old 188cm guard from Goose Creek South Catrlina that is playing his second season with VFL Bensheim. He had previous experience in Germany playing three years with TS 1856 Frankfurt-Griesheim. He played at various school’s in the States with Francis Marion University (NCAA2), Cleveland State Community College, Clinton Community College and Life University. He spoke to germanhoops.com after the 86-65 loss in Limburg

VFL Bensheim came into Limburg having won five of their last eight games. What had changed in the last two months after a bad start?

We had three coaches. Our better communication has been the biggest factor. That has given us a totally different atmosphere.

What is the most challenging thing playing a mid week game in the Regionalliga?

This was the second time we played on a Wed and was also our second loss. Most guys have jobs, but we can’t use that as an excuse. We knew this season that with Covid we would have many make up games and had to adjust accordingly.

You missed your first three shots and then made a lay in. Is your drive something that you can rely 100% on?

Yes I can always rely on my drive, but I’m more of a shooter actually. But I like to drive and get my teammates involved.

Limburg had the big 30-12 lead after 10 minutes. What was giving Bensheim the biggest problems?

We started off slow. We were sucking more inside and leaving their three open. It was picking your poison.

Bensheim had big problems with the Limburg zone. You couldn’t take advantage of open looks.

Yes we couldn’t knock them down. The game would have been a lot closer if we had been able to do that. Our defense also wasn’t good. It was one of those Wednesdays.

How vital has Eric Curth been for success. Limburg contained him well in the first, but he erupted for 13 points in the second quarter.

He is very important for us. He is one of our top if not our top player. Most of his buckets come in the one on one plays. He is really skilled. Once he gets going. We are very dangerous.

Bensheim played a lot better winning the second quarter 26-15. What adjustments did you make besides taking away their three?

We locked in on their three pointers and defended their post feeds well. We shaded on to shooters and there was less stunting on the drives.

At half-time coach took you aside. What did he tell you?

He just calmed me down. When we are down a lot, it is hard for me to watch. He helped me mentally. I was hungry to return to the game. Coach and I have a good chemistry.

Limburg really broke open the game in the third quarter going on a 15-4 run. Bensheim didn’t seem awake at both ends of the court?

Our third quarter is always our weakest. It was one of those Wednesdays again. We came out sluggish. Each guy has to give 100%.

Limburg players were always calling you shooter when you had the ball. How does it feel having that respect from a team?

That’s normal for me. Last game I had six three’s and today none. When that is happening, I try to get my team involved.

Yann Gorehlich gave the team a big spark at the end with a basket. How big is his game for the team success?

He is our best three point shooter. He is streaky, but when he gets going he can make a big impact for us. He doesn’t play so much, because of his defense. Our coach stresses defense, so if a guy isn’t playing defense then he won’t play. But he is a real knock down shooter.

In the fourth quarter Limburg guard Matej Kljaic was disqualified with a tussle with Richard Maurer. How did you see the play?

I was right there. Both were wrestling for the ball and in the process both of their hands were tangled up. Once they were on the ground, both tried to get up. The Limburg player’s knee was in Richard’s face. He got a scratch around his eye.

That foul didn’t hurt Limburg, but sparked them. Why couldn’t Bensheim take advantage of it?

We made a turnover right away which really sparked the crowd. They reacted and lifted the atmosphere in the gym. That lit a spark for Limburg and after that they controlled the game until the end.

Your playing your first Regionalliga season in Germany. How have you seen the development of your game?

My defense has gotten better. I talk to a lot of coaches and they keep saying that it’s my defense that needs to get better. Everybody knows I can score, so I have made my defense my strong point.

There are so many great Americans in the Regionalliga like Jeremy Ingram or John Murry averaging 30 points per game. Does it bother you that you aren’t putting up those kinds of numbers?

I can score the ball, but I’m in Bensheim to do everything and not just score. I’m not asked to score 30 points even though I could. We have enough guys that can score and are capable to win without me having to put on a show.

What separates you from reaching the Pro B? I’m sure the Pro B is your next goal?

My goal is the Pro B, Pro A. I’m just trying to move up and get an opportunity. I’m confident I can move up. I have to keep grinding to reach the next level. If I don’t I will still be knocking on the door.

How much of a joy is it to play against Mr Regionalliga Ricky Easterling. Are you aware he is the greatest Regionalliga player to ever play in Germany?

I didn’t know that. I have been in Germany for five years. This season was the first time I played against him and that was the first time that I heard of him. He is a very good player. We play them again after losing the first game. I’m looking for revenge.

Who has bene the toughest player that you have played against this season?

My best friend out here Jeremy Ingram of Manheim. We hang out almost every weekend. We have been on vacation in Spain. We work out together a lot.

Last weekend Regionalliga player Jonathan Braeger scored 100 points. He got a lot of hate because he played against 5 players and after half-time against only 3 guys and no defense. What is your take on that?

I heard it is a very shaky story.

Thanks Philipp for the chat.

Tags : PHILIP

There were a number of Americans that were playing basketball and living in the Ukraine as war broke out. Most of them fled before war broke out while there were a few that were still there when war broke out. But what about those Americans that were dueling on the floor and living in countries that were neighboring the Ukraine? There were numbers of Americans that were playing in Russia that left while a guy like Will Clyburn remained with CSKA Moscow. Playing in Russia must have been a tricky experience for guys seeing how the war affected that country. But there were also other players like Angelo Warner (188-PG-1992, college: Morehead St.) that was playing in Belarus, a country that heavily supports Russia. Warner is a guy that has seen a lot overseas as Belarus was the sixth country that he had seen in his seventh professional season. He played for VTB team Tsmoki-Minsk and played his last game on Feb 17 against Zenit losing 90-74 while scoring 15 points, hauling down 7 rebounds and dishing out 4 assists. It was a week before war broke out in the Ukraine. The tension with war approaching got greater and greater and it was only a matter of time before he knew that he had to get out of there. ‘When Minsk decided to send troops to invade as well, I think that was the line for me. I wanted to stay and wait it out but after hearing about the travels and flights being canceled everywhere, that’s when I begin to worry. My agent is probably the most understanding guy so that wasn’t a hard decision. The coach and staff were also understanding, they had their own problems facing the war also. It was more of a mutual agreement with no bad blood left on the table. No miscommunication’, stressed Angelo Warner.

Angelo Warner who is a 30 year old 188cm point guard that lists Mike James as his toughest cover on the court in his career had no problem keeping pace with everything leading up to war in Belarus. 30 years ago, he would of most likely only had newspapers, magazines and radio to help give added information with what you got on TV, but in 2022 social media is the way to go and really has replaced all the other means of communication. ‘Social media was everywhere. And was the biggest platform. Phones today can pick up anything. Every post, every site, something somewhere was about this invasion War. Every restaurant with a TV was playing the same thing so it was hard to not see what was going on in the world. We weren’t getting much information while being there so the news was our best source to knowing what was really going on’, remembered Angelo Warner. One can only imagine how incredibly hard it must have been for guys seeing war break out in the Ukraine that were there, but it must also been tough for guys in other countries seeing the footage and knowing that they weren’t so far away and that in times like this anything can happen. But sometimes it is the loved ones that are thousands of miles away that take the whole precarious situation more to heart. ‘Mentally I was stable. I think my biggest concerns were my family and friends you know. My daughter especially! She’s crazy about me. It was the fact of not knowing what was going to happen the next day or the next week or something like that. It got to a point to where you couldn’t think about basketball. Games were canceled so what was the purpose’, stated Angelo Warner.

The Orlando, Florida native who battled against Euroleague player Corey Walden for three years in the NCAA wasn’t the sole American player on the team. He was fortunate to have teammates like Jason Clark and Dequon Lake on his side to help him get through the tough situation. Especially ex Georgetown (NCAA) guard Jason Clark is a guy that became like a brother to him. ‘Me and Jason became very close since the time he arrived in Minsk and every day, every hour we talked because there was something new to talk about with the war. We both have daughters and that was the maiming drawing point for us’, expressed Angelo Warner. So when it came time to go, the Americans were just able to go. It wasn’t always the same for other Americans who played in the Ukraine. There were some guys that couldn’t go right away and other guys that weren’t allowed to get out of their contract. The great thing about VTB team Tsmoki Minsk was that they were 100% behind the player. ‘We talked with the coach and he was upset not only for the war but for the club in the future. It affects the club, the budget, the import possibility. As usual we came to an agreement and we shook hands like gentlemen’, commented Angelo Warner. The American was having a very solid season and showing that he can hold his own with any guard in the VTB so just packing up and finding a new challenge in Poland with Trefl Sopot wasn’t easy to do, but one he had to do. ‘ I could’ve ended the year and finished but I wanted to keep playing. I was in good shape, my physicality was top notch so why not’, said Angelo Warner. In some places war just outlasts everything. ‘ I’m a people’s person. I share love and positivity. What’s happening over there is insane to me! I can’t imagine that happening to my family unexpectedly like it did for them you know. My season was going well, my rhythm got better and better but unfortunately it became bigger than basketball’, warned Angelo Warner.

The ex Morehead State (NCAA) guard is in Poland now and life goes on as it does for everyone, but his attention is still focused on what is happening in the Ukraine. You can see some gruesome things on TV about all the brutality going on war time in the Ukraine. How can one not shed tears when you see innocent children dying? I personally change the channel when it gets too graphic. It hasn’t been easy for Warner when he sees what’s going on. ‘I think when the children’s hospital was bombed was crazy to me. When I saw a tank crush a moving car with an old person inside of it or when I saw the missiles flying over the city as people were walking by! I also saw how the Russian soldiers were looting the Ukrainen store and stealing the food. Breaking into the banks and stealing safes! That’s how people live and afford a living for their family, I don’t have much good things to say about that because of it was my family, yeah next question’, stated Angelo Warner. The war in the Ukraine is affecting everybody worldwide in some way and he is also following closely how the United States act in these hard times overseas. ‘My opinion is for the US getting more and more involved; It’s putting a lot of pressure on Americans with pay, gas prices have sky rocketed because of Putin and his actions, The price of food and cost, everything has increased but what can you do. People have to work, eat, survive best way we can but for how long. I have a bank account in Belarus, I found out it has been frozen because of this. So I don’t know how long my people can hold on but we will find a way’, added Angelo Warner. Even if he has a new job and is focused 100% on helping his new team, he will never forget his Belarusian teammates. He knows for some of them the most terrible thing happened. Something he would never have imagined could happen, but does when war happens. ‘Some in the Tmoki-Minsk organization also had to join the war. It was sad you know because they look like they never held a gun you know. The people in Belarus didn’t want this war at all but like most in today’s world, their voice isn’t more powerful than the top’, stressed Angelo Warner. The American still isn’t far away from the Ukraine as his daily life continues to revolve around basketball, but deep in his thoughts will always be those that are affected by the war. ‘The world is standing for Ukraine and it’s only a matter of time until someone will come to help you. I think Ukraine is doing a good job for fighting for their lives and country. America/The world is behind you! Stay Safe’, stressed Angelo Warner.

Jamel Morris (193-G-1992, college: Fairmont St.) is a 29 year old 193cm guard from Gahanna, Ohio playing his sixth professional season and first in Germany with the SYNTAINICS MBC Weissenfels (Germany-BBL). He has garnered a lot of experience overseas having played in Italy, Croatia, Poland and France. He also played a season in the G-League with the .Grand Rapids Drive. He began his basketball career with Gahanna Christian Academy. He then played at Glenville State College (NCAA2) from 2011-2013 and then moved to Fairmont State University and played two seasons averaging 17.0ppg, 3.8rpg, 2.1apg, 1.2spg, FGP: 45.9%, 3PT: 38.3%, FT: 83.5% and as a senior averaged 13.8ppg, 3.1rpg, 1.8apg, FGP: 43.2%, 3PT: 39.1%, FT: 74.2%. He spoke to germanhoops.com about basketball.

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

I am currently in the US for the Fiba break. An overseas year is a long 10 months so I’m thankful our coach gave us a few days to go home and see our families and rest and refresh our minds. In regards to life, Life is good at the moment, I can’t complain very much! Blessed to be able to be healthy and playing so far this season.

Before we talk about basketball, let me ask you about how you have experienced Covid. You were all over the place in the last two years being in Croatia, Poland, France and Germany. What was the most challenging thing that you had to deal with on and off the court?

Covid actually was not that bad in Poland for us. We didn’t have many covid cases on our team per say and we didn’t have to miss any games. But we had a really successful year finishing 2nd in the regular season and making the final 4. When I was in Croatia we had to end our season early my second year there. But Croatia was very challenging for me because I tore my ACL my first year there when I was playing really well, and then my second year it was up and down but it took me a while to get going and I started to feel like I was back to myself second half of the year but then COVID ended the season. Lastly, France was an experience I was grateful for, we got tested every week for covid which was interesting but it was my first time in a top league in Europe one of the best and I enjoyed it very much. Played with and against some really good players.

With everything that you witnessed off the court, how do you feel has Covid made you stronger as a man?

I would say it definitely made me more aware of my health. Like the little things such as washing my hands after almost everything, and also it kept me in the house more which made me discover more about myself as a person.

Your playing your first season in Germany with MBC. You played in some big cities for teams over the years like Split and Warshaw, but Weissenfels is like a village. Has the culture shock been big?

I would say yes in some ways but hasn’t really affected me as much. I went to a university my first two years in a village smaller than Weissenfels so It just brought me back to those days honestly. But it is definitely most different than Split and Warsaw The older I get the less I feel the urge to go out and do a lot of things, so I stay in my apartment most days, and if I want to get out of the house and explore a little bit I will go to Leipzig.

It’s been a tough season for MBC. How tough has it been for you to lose so much despite putting up very good stats?

Yes it’s been a tough season, some up and downs. But we try to come and get better every week in practice. We have the pieces, it’s just putting it all together. I have put up some solid stats but I would like to also put wins together with that. Despite these two losses after we were in quarantine we started to figure it out a little bit. Losing like this is a first for me but I look at it as a challenge. I love my teammates and I’m glad to be here because it is teaching me a lot as a basketball player.

How vital was the pick up of American Reggie Upshaw?. He helped in getting two wins. What have you appreciated most about his game?

Reggie is a really good player. When I found out that we were signing him I was happy because I knew immediately he would help. He’s versatile. He can shoot, he can pass, he can create, he can defend, he has a high IQ. When he came in the first practice I could already tell how much he would and will continue to help. I actually think we can and will utilize him more because he can do many things. I would definitely say what I appreciated most from his game is his IQ and selflessness on the court.

How have you experienced the development of German Kostja Mushidi? He was a huge German talent and let all the NBA buzz almost ruin his career. He seems to be on a good way.

Kostja is also very talented. He can do a lot of things. He has good size for his position. I’ve seen growth in him this year already more so mentally rather than on the court and for him that’s the biggest thing. I think he fell victim to what many kids his age would have. Being young and having NBA buzz is not easy to handle and it did to him what it would have or does to a lot to guys his age at the time. But I think he’s handling it well and I see him growing everyday. He’s a great person, a great locker room guy and he’s willing to listen. I have a lot of confidence in him.

Let’s talk about your game. You’re a 193cm guard. If you had to compare your game to an NBA player who would best fit the description?

That’s a tough one honestly. I’ve been compared to many players. Especially slower guards that aren’t as athletic or explosive. But I would say closer to a Klay Thompson or a CJ McCollum for the simple fact of being able to shoot the ball well and play with the ball as an off guard.

You are a flat out very good scorer. What other attributes does your game compose?

I would actually like to say my ability to pass the ball is underrated. I have a high IQ and am able to see the floor well. My scoring ability opens up my ability to pass the ball and create for others.

You have always been a very good outside shooter. To what level do you still want to bring your shot? Do you feel like you could consistently shoot 40%?

I feel I can shoot the ball at any level at a good percentage. Whether that be NBA, Euroleague, Champions League, Eurocup etc. I’m confident in my ability to shoot the ball and I’ve done it at every level I have been at so far. So yes I feel I can shoot 40% at any level of basketball consistently.

On what area’s of your game are you working on most now so that you can continue to climb the basketball ladder

My ability to be more patient at times and not always feeling like I have to make THE play. But most importantly to be intense on the defensive side of the ball consistently and not just sometimes. Those are the two most important areas I have focused in on and tried to get better at.

Last Season you split time with Legia Warszawa (Poland-EBL) averaging 17.4ppg, 3.0rpg, 2.9apg, 2FGP: 49.0%, 3FGP: 39.8%, FT: 84.3%, then moved to Entente Orleans 45 (France-Jeep ELITE ProA) averaging 7.9ppg, 1.9rpg, FGP: 53.8%, 3PT: 36.8%, FT: 73.7%. What kind of an experience was it playing in two very good leagues. What were the biggest challenges last season?

I would say they were both adjustments for me. Coming to Poland I was coming from a mediocre season in Split. Coach Kaminski actually offered me to come to play for him two years prior to that when he was in Ostrow Slam Stal. I enjoyed playing in Poland, it was good competition with some very good players in it. I was able to have the ball in my hand and be myself but in the beginning I had to take a backseat to two good players and when they left I had more of a role to takeover and be that guy which I adjusted to well. But I would say I had more of a challenge when I went to France. Playing in Orleans was an adjustment for me because the level was very good. I had a chance for the first time in my career to compete against Euroleague, Champions league, and Eurocup teams. I started off well actually. But a player came back from injury who had been there already and my playing time became less and I would say that was the biggest challenge for me. Being able to stay positive despite not playing as much, but we were successful making the playoffs and I had some really good guys around me. My teammates there were supportive on and off the court which I appreciate.

In the playoffs in Poland you beat team King by 94 points. How can one imagine that lop sided win of 137-43?

It was an unfortunate event for them. I believe they had caught covid and were in quarantine and they had to send what they had and that happened to be all young guys. So we basically played a team full of juniors. But it was the last regular season game not the playoffs.

In France you were teammates with guard Paris Lee who now is in the Euroleague with Monaco. When you watch his game, how far away do you seriously feel you are from that kind of level?

Paris is a very good player. Very selfless, passes the ball well, can score, can defend, he more than deserves to be where he is and I’m happy to see him there doing well. But to answer your question I believe It depends on the situation. I believe I am not far, I feel I can contribute to teams at the Euroleague level, I have the skill and ability. But I know it’s all about timing, and the process, and lord willing I will get there when I am supposed to. Everything falls into place like it’s supposed to, so Until then I’m going to continue to better myself everyday and take it one step at a time.

You played two seasons in Croatia with Split. What kind of experience was it playing for such a well known organization? The first season was short, but everything seemed to pick up in your second season.

You know I didn’t know how historical they were until I got there. You don’t hear about it much and then you arrive there and you see that guys like Toni Kukoc, Dino Radja, perasovic and you see that they were three time Euroleague Champions. The fans hold you to that standard so it can be difficult at times when you lose but they are passionate. My first year was cut short because I tore my ACL but my second year was solid because I was coming off surgery and I didn’t feel normal again until second half of the season. I enjoyed my time there and Split always holds a special place in my heart.

In your second professional season you played with the Grand Rapids Drive (NBA G-League) playing 51 games averaging 12.6ppg, 2.7rpg, 2.0apg, FGP: 42.2%, 3PT: 39.6%, FT: 81.3%. You had to do a try out, and then pass the test in training camp. How fulfilling was this season for you?

Amazing experience. Something I will never forget. I don’t think if you told me before that year started it would go out like that I would never have believed it. Being and playing in the G-League jump started and caturpaulted my career because I had nothing before that. Being able to compete and play with guys that I watched growing up or just watched on ESPN because they were at big time schools was a blessing. Truly grateful for that year and experience.

Often guys are on G-League teams to fill the roster. You really had some very good games. What do you believe did you have to do to get a possible NBA call up? Would 7-8 minutes more on average and 5-6 points been your ticket?

I honestly feel when it comes to being called up to the NBA it’s all about timing and opportunity. The NBA is a business. Maybe if I averaged more minutes and points, but it’s never certain. I believe since I burst out of the scene and came out of nowhere basically, that teams wanted to see me play an extra year in the G-League just to be certain. I think if I played the same and averaged the same amount of points and shot the same percentages as I did for a second year then I would have received a call up. It’s not even about points most of the time, I think you just have to be a what team needs at the time. Whether that be a 3 and D wing player, a great defender or a great shooter, just to give a few examples.

What was the best example that you saw in the G-League where you saw that the NBA will always be a business first before anything else?

I think there are many instances where I saw that the NBA was a business. I would say the first time I experienced it was when at a time I was playing very well and playing a lot of minutes, and a player for the Detroit Pistons who wasn’t playing very much got assigned down to our team in Grand Rapids and I went from playing 28-30 minutes a game to playing no more than 10 minutes for a stretch of games. But knowing that I just had to be professional and accept it and wait for my opportunity to come again.

In the 106-100 win over Delaware you exploded for 37 points and was the best man on the floor with loads of ex NBA guys on the floor. Do you feel like your game was noticed after that performance?

I definitely feel that I gained more confidence about myself after that game. It opened my eyes to myself and realized that I could compete on that level

You were teammates briefly with NBA veteran Dwight Buycks. What kind of an experience was having him as a teammate. Did he take you a bit under your wing?

Dwight was a great teammate. A guy with his experience of playing in the NBA and other high levels, he didn’t carry himself with any type of arrogance. He was always laughing, joking and vibing with us. He’s probably one of the most offensively talented players I’ve ever played with honestly. I wouldn’t say he took me under his wing but he definitely was a positive veteran for me that was happy for me when he started to see me rise my level of play. We still talk till this day sometimes.

You played your rookie season with Ste.Mar ’90 Civitavecchia (Italy-Serie C Gold). What do you remember being your wake up call to being overseas where you knew that you were very far away from home?

I would say my first wake up call being overseas was the feeling of nobody really speaking English. Everywhere you go you hear a different language being spoken. When you go to the store, when you go to restaurants, asking for directions, etc. It was definitely tough but I was so young and open to everything at that time it didn’t really bother me. I enjoyed every moment just being in another country outside of the U.S.

You played two seasons at Glenville State College (NCAA2) averaging 19.4ppg, 3.7rpg, 3.2apg, 1.2spg, FGP: 42.5%, 3PT: 35.1%, FT: 82.3% in your second season. Why did you choose to leave after two years?

When I left Glenville it wasn’t an easy decision at all. All my friends and relationships I built there over the two years I was there were strong, so leaving was tough and my friends weren’t really happy about it of course. But I chose to leave to find better opportunities for myself to possibly help my career for after college.

You then finished at Fairmont State University (NCAA2) averaging 17.0ppg, 3.8rpg, 2.1apg, 1.2spg, FGP: 45.9%, 3PT: 38.3%, FT: 83.5% and as a senior averaged 13.8ppg, 3.1rpg, 1.8apg, FGP: 43.2%, 3PT: 39.1%, FT: 74.2%. How do you feel did your game grow in the two years there?

When I transferred to Fairmont I was able to for first time play with a group of guys where I wasn’t necessarily the best player at the time. It was a different level of talent and athleticism. I was now playing for a coach in Jerrod Calhoun who had been coaching under the Hall of Fame coach Bob Huggins at West Virginia, the facilities and atmosphere was just different so it forced me to adapt. But being there I just grew mentally and physically, I put on more weight, I started to study the game more, I trained more than I ever did before. I adapted to being more than just a shooter. I had a coach in Joe Mazzulla who also came from Glenville, who continued to help build and mold my game and I think it’s stayed with me till this day.

How much of a role model has Fairmont player Thad Mcfadden been for you overseas? He is a guy that had to climb the basketball ladder step by step and has become a top guard in Europe.

Thad is somebody I look up to in this game because he’s shown that it can be possible. You don’t see many guys come from the Division 2 level especially from the same university, get to the level where he is now. He also has taken a path where he didn’t start off at the highest levels in Europe but continued to work his way up to ACB Spain which is inspiring. It’s amazing to see three guys from Fairmont State (me, Thomas Wimbush and Thad) to be where we are in Europe today.

How did Jerrod Calhoun groom and prepare you best for a professional career?

Coach Calhoun’s ‘in your face’ and intense style of coaching prepared me best for the professional level. He’s a guy that demands your best at all times. At times it was frustrating because he was always on your case but he brought the best out of guys. That style of coaching carries over to Europe especially when playing for coaches from certain areas of Europe. So that style of coaching doesn’t really bother me because I am so used to it from playing under Coach Calhoun. It brings out the competitive nature in a player. It requires a lot of mental toughness and discipline.

Who won a one on one in practice you or Matt Bingaya?

I don’t believe we played many one on one games but when we did, I won some and he would win some, Matt was super talented.

Who was the toughest player that you ever battled that reached the NBA?

I don’t know who I would say personally as an individual battle was the toughest but from who I played against just in general throughout a game, I would say either Quin Cook or Christian Wood.

Please name your five best teammates of all-time?

This is tough one, Ive had some really good teammates. I would say Speedy Smith, Landry Nnoko, Thomas Wimbush, Mike Cobbins, Dwight Buycks

Please list your personal NBA Mount Rushmore?

Lebron James, Michael Jordan, Kobe Bryant, Kareem and Steph Curry

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

For me its Lebron, there is no questioning that either and I can argue that until I am blue in the face haha

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

I have seen the original but I have not seen the sequel to it. There are some films and shows that should be left alone as is and Coming to America is one of them

Thanks Jamel for the chat.

Ondrej Sehnal (196-PG-1997) is a 25 year old 192cm point guard that is playing his first season in Germany with the Basketball Lowen Braunschweig currently averaging 7.3ppg, 2.3rpg, 6.0apg, FGP: 41.1%, 3PT: 33.3%, FT: 55.6%. He previously played his whole career in his home country Czech Republic for USK Prag. He played 115 NBL league games in the Czech Republic. Last season he played 31 games averaging 16.7ppg, 5.8rpg, Assists-2 (8.0apg), Steals-5 (1.7spg), FGP: 50.2%, 3PT: 27.8%, FT: 54.4%. He played at the 2021 Olympic games in Japan and spoke to germanhoops.com after the tough 72-67 loss against the Fraport Skyliners.

Thanks Ondrej for talking to germanhoops.com. A tough 72-67 loss for the Basketball Lowen Braunschweig. You had a three game losing streak and Frankfurt a seven game losing streak. Was the team aware that a totally different Frankfurt team would play with a coaching change?

Yes we were aware that they would be a totally different team. We had prepared all week for this. Coach Ramirez said that they would come out with a lot of energy. It showed in that we didn’t start well. We were a bit sleepy.

How were the Fraport Skyliners a different team tonight with a Cherry and Mclean in comparison to the start of the season?

The team today was a lot different than the team we saw at the start of the season. They play a different style now. They played a more fast at the start of the season and today slowed the game down more. They have more experience now with Cherry and Mclean and are a lot different individually. They knew that we are a young team and like to run. They did a good job slowing down the game and keeping us to 67 points on our coach is pretty good.

It was a real grind out game. Would it be fair to say that the 22 turnovers were the main reason for Braunschweig not being able to win the game?

Yes for sure. Two days ago we had a team meeting and the first thing that was discussed was reducing our turnovers. We wanted to keep it under 13. We couldn’t do that today. We already had 13 at half time. Having so many more turnovers limits us 10-12 shots less. We need to come together and do a better job of taking care of the ball.

Owen Klassen was a real beast in the first quarter, but other than that Braunschweig had difficulty getting their offense going? What kind of defensive identity did Frankfurt create in the early going that gave you trouble?

Frankfurt slowed the game down. We usually make much more points on transition. Today we had something like only 10 transition points. They defended Kramer and Peterka very well. That is our whole offense. Klassen had a good game, but nothing came easy for him. Frankfurt made everything tough for him.

In the second quarter the Fraport Skyliners were able to get away a bit but Braunschweig fought back to trail only 34-32 at the break. David Kramer hit a big three pointer. Has he been the teams MVP this season?

Kramer is our best scorer for sure and Peterka our best shooter. Klassen could also be our MVP. It doesn’t matter who you pick, you won’t go wrong.

You had many hook ups with Owen Klassen. Is it fair to say that you two understand each other blind on the court?

Yes we do. We have really good connection together. He is one of the best bigs that I have ever played with. He knows exactly what I will do. We often talk together after practice about how we will beat the defense. We have a very good connection on the pick and roll.

The Fraport Skyliners stepped it up in the third quarter and led 50-44 after three quarters. Frankfurt is known as a poor three point shooting team. Why did Braunschweig have problems stopping the Frankfurt short game better?

Cherry did a good job driving and creating for others. He is their biggest key. He can score at all three levels. We really tried to stop him changing up and mixing up the defense. But our defense wasn’t our problem today, but our lack of scoring.

The fourth quarter was a real exciting close affair. Braunschweig started to let it rain three’s, but it just wasn’t enough. What was key in crunch-time for Frankfurt getting the win?

Frankfurt had timeless stops. Whenever we cut the lead down to a few points, they always had an answer with a stop or a transition basket. Even if they had lost 7 in a row, their experience was really key.

Could Tookie Brown have made the difference had he played?

Yes for sure. We really miss his scoring. Today we could really have used his 12 points. I hope he is back soon. We really miss him.

You saw the Fraport Skyliners and they are deep in the fight to stay in the league. Do you feel like they could profit from the coaching change and make a run and stay in the league?

For me they still have a big chance to stay in the BBL. They still have to win 4-5 games. They have the experience and capability to do it, but it will be difficult.

Your playing your first season in Germany with the Basketball Lowen Braunschweig. What kind of an experience has it been playing with head coach Jesus Ramirez? He has done a good job getting as much out of the team as possible so far?

Coach has done a great job working with us and trying to get the best out of each player. On offense he has allowed us to show our talent and put us in the best situations to be successful. He has been successful between knowing when to lead and push us and when he let’s us play our game.

How much easier was the adjustment for you having Martin Peterka as a teammate? Is it his leadership that has been most important that he has given the team?

For sure. He really prepared me well for the season. He told me all last summer that the BBL would be a lot different from the Czech league. He told me that I had to raise my game. He really prepared me well. His leadership has been one of his most important qualities for us.

What has it been like being teammates with Robin Amaize? How has this season helped him in his quest to keep climbing the basketball ladder?

Personally I love him. He is a great teammate. He was our most important player until he got injured. I hope he is back soon and will be able to make a step in his career.

After many great seasons in the Czech Republic, you have moved to a top 5 league in Europe with the EasyCredit BBL. What has been the biggest adjustment for you?

The BBL is a lot more athletic and physical then the NBL in the Czech Republic. I had to score more the last years because we didn’t have as much talent. In Braunschweig, I have great teammates so I have to create for others. I need to be tougher on the court, because the league is so physical.

You have always been a good scorer in the Czech Republic. With maybe 3-4 more baskets per game, then you would be one of the top 5 point guards in the league. I guess the many scoring options has kept you from scoring more?

I don’t have to score as much. With Robin out it has been tougher, but we still have great scorers. My task is to create for others. Before the Frankfurt game we were a top 5 offensive team in the league. So something is working for us.

Before the Alba Berlin game you had a span where you only had 10 assists in 4 games. You had another great playmaking game against Frankfurt with 10 assists. What is the biggest challenge in this league to be able to get consistent assists while keeping your turnovers lower?

It’s not easy. Teams have been more prepared for me better in the last 3-4 games. They know I concentrate on creating. So I had to be more aggressive the last games and get to the free throw line. I have to read situations better. It is hard to be consistent. I have to continue on improving.

Braunschweig have some tough games coming up in the next weeks. What does the team need to do better on the court to start a winning streak?

We have a tough schedule coming up. We need to play the type of defense we showed against Frankfurt today. We have to play even more aggressive and on offense play our game and play faster and get more easy points.

In a few more weeks you will play one last time against Rickey Paulding in Oldenburg. What has impressed you most about what he can still do on the court at his age?

He is a great scorer and leader. It is unbelievable that he can still play at such a high level at his age. I can’t imagine to still be able to play like that at that age. Hopefully I can still play at his level at his age, but I don’t know.

What was the last movie that you saw?

I don’t watch movies much. I watch more sports. I last watched tennis with the tournament at Indian Wells and I also watch BBL and NBL leagues.

Thanks Ondrej for the chat.

After two long years where youth basketball was really put to the test and suffered, the NBBL playoffs are finally back as COVID had cancelled the playoffs the last two seasons. Eintracht Frankfurt/Fraport Skyliners are back in the playoffs, but didn’t have the greatest season and weren’t rewarded with an easy playoff opponent, but instead had to deal with the mighty FC Bayern Munich who came into the playoffs with a 10-3 record. Frankfurt did a great job in their first meeting at home holding the game open for along time, but then losing a 59-53 nail bitter. In the return game in Munich some weeks ago, the Bavarian squad wasn’t as generous tearing them apart 90-39 letting it rain three’s connecting on 12 and shooting 54% while Frankfurt shot a dismal 1/17 from the parking lot. Eintracht Frankfurt-Fraport Skyliners had amends to pay and sought revenge in game one in basketball City Mainhatten but it was another long working day for Eintracht Frankfurt-Fraport Skyliners as turnovers punished them for the whole 40 minutes as at the end it was 30 as FC Bayern Munich cruised to the comfortable 84-56 victory. ‘I felt that we moved the ball better and had better team basketball than in the game in Munich recently. We had too many turnovers. It wasn’t so much their press that gave us difficulty, but more the 1-1 defense. I felt we showed in the first and second quarters that we could play with them’, stressed Eintracht Frankfurt-Fraport Skyliners guard Bennet Schubert.

FC Bayern Munich exploded in the first two minutes, but then cooled down as Eintracht Frankfurt-Fraport Skyliners retaliated and made the game even and exciting. Fc Bayern Munich came out aggressive and explosive going on a lightening 10-0 run. In the run, they received two three’s from JBBL champion Sebastian Hartmann (193-SG-2004) and a lay in fromNBBL champion Luis Wolf. The turnover party began for Frankfurt as that led to easy baskets from the guests. But Eintracht Frankfurt-Fraport Skyliners fought back upping their intensity, buckling down on defense and executing well on offense as they let it rain three’s. They got some quick baskets from Joscha Zentgraf and Alexander Lagemann and really big buckets from youngsters Leif Zentgraf and Barnabas Bode as both had two apiece carrying the team for a few minutes helping them only trail FC Bayern Munich 17-16 after 10 minutes. ‘Bode has made a fine development this season. His shot has improved as has him carrying the ball forward’, stated Bennet Schubert. Both teams had combined coughed up the ball 12 times. FC Bayern Munich shot 46% form the field and 60% form outside and had 6 rebounds and 5 turnovers while Eintracht Frankfurt-Fraport Skyliners shot 60% from the field and 75% from outside and had 6 rebounds and 7 turnovers. ‘The 10-0 Munich run was the best motivation for our comeback. We wanted to start strong, but couldn’t. We got back into the game with fight’, warned Bennet Schubert.

In the second quarter it was back and forth for a few minutes as no team could escape the other, but sooner than later FC Bayern Munich would take control of the game and never lose it again. Schubert and Serbian point guard Aleska Vucetic traded baskets in the first minutes as there would be four lead changes. FC Bayern Munich then got a big energy bucket from 15 year old Dominik Dolic that began a FC Bayern Munich run of 11-0 as the guests led 31-20. FC Bayern Munich got further support from Temoka Dongmo who hit a 20 footer, Hartmann who made a two handed dunk and Amar Licina lay as his quickness stifled Frankfurt all afternoon. The aggressive Munich defense plus their press kept Frankfurt off balance as they couldn’t find a solid rhythm. Frankfurt would find tiny spurts throughout the game, but overall couldn’t find a consistent rate of execution. A Lagemann trey and Joscha Zentgraf lay in off a back door pass from twin Leif was one of those moments where Frankfurt was tough, but they couldn’t keep it for longer periods of time to compete with FC Bayern Munich. The 5-0 Frankfurt run cut Munich’s lead down to 31-25, but the guests prompt stopped their punch with a massive kick and 8-1 run to scoot into halftime with the nice 39-26 lead. In the run FC Bayern Munich executed their offense well and got many different types of buckets. Hartmann showed a guard can get an offensive rebound and make the put back, Georg Mast executed the pick and roll perfectly with a lay in and Munich’s best defender Robbie Groh scored inside on a nifty bullet pass from Vucetic., ‘We couldn’t stay consistent. Whenever we had good phases, they would punish us with easy baskets on our turnovers’, stressed Bennet Schubert. FC Bayern Munich continued to shoot very well at 54% from the field and 57% from the three point line and had 14 rebounds and 11 turnovers while Eintracht Frankfurt-Fraport Skyliners shot 41% from the field and 44% from the three point line and had 12 rebounds and 16 turnovers.

FC Bayern Munich kept control in the third quarter and would extend their lead to as much as 19 points. Eintracht Frankfurt-Fraport Skyliners began well forcing FC Bayern Munich to three straight turnovers and began with a 5-0 run to cut the guests lead down to 39-31 as Lagemann dropped a trey and Dusan Nikolic scored on transition. But it was the same story as whenever Eintracht Frankfurt-Fraport Skyliners had a strong phase of 1-2 minutes, they couldn’t build off the momentum and were plagued by mistakes. Eintracht Frankfurt-Fraport Skyliners allowed FC Bayern Munich on a 12-2 run to extend their lead to 51-33. In the run FC Bayern Munich damaged Eintracht Frankfurt-Fraport Skyliners in the paint getting lay in after lay in as Frankfurt was unable to give proper resistance. FC Bayern Munich got two baskets from Vucetic, one from Licina and from Temoka Dongmo. Schubert scored a lay in and then made a trey as Frankfurt trailed only 51-36. Then came another good phase from Frankfurt as that Schubert trey began a 10-6 run to close out the third quarter and be back in striking distance trailing the heavy favorite only 57-43. In the run Eintracht Frankfurt-Fraport Skyliners got needed aid from Bode with a trey and a floater from Julian Haskins and a lay in from Allessio Santagati. The big bull Temoka Dongmo gave Frankfurt problems as he scored at ease. ‘He is a strong guy. He didn’t overpower us, but just got by our trap. Team defense wasn’t there to slow him down’, added Bennet Schubert. FC Bayern Munich shot 55% form the field and 36% from the parking lot and they had 22 rebounds and 16 turnovers while Eintracht Frankfurt-Fraport Skyliners shot 46% form the field and 41% from the parking lot and had 17 rebounds and 21 turnovers.

FC Bayern Munich closed out the fourth quarter overpowering Eintracht Frankfurt-Fraport Skyliners with 27 points while Eintracht Frankfurt-Fraport Skyliners added only 13 points. FC Bayern Munich didn’t waste anytime and kept their offensive execution going on a potent 17-7 run to decide the game early leading 74-50. In the run FC Bayern Munich did a good job sharing the ball. Georg Mast led the charge with 8 points and two three pointers, but guys like big man Tarik Idriz contributed with 3 points, Vucetic hit for three and Dolic made a lay in. One could see that Eintracht Frankfurt-Fraport Skyliners shifted down a gear. It wasn’t easy having to combat against so much experience and talent as FC Bayern Munich has. Many of the guys on the floor are guys that play Pro B. FC Bayern Munich did a good job overpowering Frankfurt as fatigue also kicked in and turnovers never stopped. FC Bayern Munich didn’t let up, but closed out the game well and in style with a 10-6 run. Eintracht Frankfurt-Fraport Skyliners got a basket from Schubert and free throws from Joscha Zengraf while FC Bayern Munich got most of their damage from Licina who scored 8 points in the run. ‘We had a bad start into the fourth quarter, but still gave our all until the end. We continued to turnover the ball a lot and give them easy points. It is hard to come back when you keep doing that. Also our offense execution didn’t work’, explained Bennet Schubert. FC Bayern Munich had five players in double figures and were led by Sebastian Hartmann with 19 points and Amir Licina had 15 points and Maxwell Temoka Dongmo added 12 points while Luis Wulf added 11 points. Eintracht Frankfurt-Fraport Skyliners was led by Bennet Schubert with 10 points while Joscha Zentgraf had 9 points and 7 rebounds. FC Bayern Munich shot 57% from the field and 42% form outside and had 31 rebounds and 23 turnovers while Eintracht Frankfurt-Fraport Skyliners shot 42% form the field and 41% from outside and had 24 rebounds and 30 turnovers.

The inconsistency of the Dragons Rhondorf continue as the last weeks have shown that winning just isn’t in their DNA. After winning three gameis n a row at the start of 2022 and where some dreamed playoffs, the team couldn’t hold the momentum and lost five of the last six games including a bitter 85-78 loss in Hamburg last weekend a game they had to win. The troops led by head coach Julius Thomas still had a very minimal chance for the playoffs, but Iserlohn had one win more, but two more games to play and had that last 8th place at the moment. Rhondorf met the talented Wedel team which is the farm team of BBL club Hamburg Towers who were resting in third place with a record of 12-8 and absolutely destroyed Rhondorf in the first game of the season 88-48. Rhondorf were battling injuries, got creamed on the boards and coughed up the ball 27 times in that game. The Dragons had amends to pay and had revenge on their minds as they welcomed Wedel into the Dragon Dome and played a lot better than in the first game, but had no response on how to control Hendrik Drescher (204-C-2000) and Martin Jelic who combined for 48 points and made defensive life difficult for them all night long. ‘We began well as usual, but then after a few minutes our energy goes down. It has been like that all season long. When things don’t go our way, we have problems winning. Little mistakes have broken our neck all season long. Coaches have told us all season how well we play, but we can’t win games when we have so many turnovers’, stated Dragons forward Paul Albrecht. SC Rist Wedel overall played a solid game. Here and there they had some down phases, but overall always had an answer when Rhondorf attempted a run. ‘Our defense was key for the win. We played good pick and roll defense. Our help was very good and our communication and we were able to stop their three point shooters’, stated SC Rist Wedel guard Jordan Walker.

The Dragons Rhonsodrf as usual began strong taking the quick 7-2 advantage. The Dragons defended aggressively from the tip of forcing the guests to three turnovers. On offense young German sniper Nicolas Buchholz found his rhythm right away with a trey and they got Paul Albrecht involved in the post as he scored two buckets. But Rhondorf couldn’t hold their rhythm and momentum allowing Wedel to claw their way back into the game. Before the Dragons knew what had happened, the guests cruised out on a 14-4 run to take the commanding 16-11 lead. In the run, they stepped up their defensive intensity getting in Rhondorf’s passing lanes. Jordan Walker was a menace who got three steals including an easy transition basket. They also let it rain three’s as 2018 NBBL champion Hendrik Drescher hit two three’s and Martin Jelic also hit a trey. The offensive rhythm of Rhondorf was gone as the turnover disease returned. SC Rist Wedel continued to keep their offensive rhythm and close out the first quarter in style. Drescher and Jelic scored again while Jordan Walker finished a beautiful two hand dunk. Marek Kotieno closed out the first quarter with a buzzer beater tap in, but Rhondorf trailed 24-19. ‘They defended our short rolls well and our passes didn’t reach their destination’, stressed Paul Albrecht. SC Rost Wedel shot incredibly well with 73% from the field and 60% from outside while the Dragons shot 44% from the field and 33% from outside. Rhondorf had the slim 8-7 rebound edge while both teams combined had 12 turnovers.

SC Rist Wedel kept up the pressure at both ends of the court in the second quarter and were able to briefly lead in double figures. Jelic and Albrecht started the second quarter trading three’s, but Rhondorf couldn’t keep up. Wedel continued to be carried by Drescher and Jelic who did a good job sinking their three’s. Birthday boy Ousmane Ndiaye who turned 18 made a smooth floater, but the Dragons still trailed 37-28. The Dragons demonstrated early on that Paul Albrecht would be the go to guy as he scored two buckets while Martin Jelic who at 22 years has a high IQ beyond his years also scored twice as the Dragons couldn’t make any ground trailing 42-32. Even if Rhondorf was doing a good job getting rebounds, they did have problems on the box out as they couldn’t come to terms with the guests physicality. In the last minutes, Rhondorf got some key baskets from German Oshane Drews and two from Kotieno, but Rist continued to score as well as Jelic scored as did Walker on the buzzer leading 47-38 at the break. ‘They did a good job taking away our three. They had Buchholz under control. They denied well and we couldn’t get our passes to the destination’, stated Paul Albrecht. SC Rist Wedel continued to shoot the ball at a very high clip shooting 67% form the field and 70% from downtown while the Dragons were at 44% from the field and 25% form downtown. Rhondorf continued to control the boards 17-14 and both teams had combined 23 turnovers 12/11.

SC Rist Wedel continued to control the game as the Dragons Rhondorf just couldn’t get over the hump. SC Rist Wedel began with a 4-0 run as German Linus Hoffman made a lay in and ex Long Island (NCAA) center Aurimas Adomatis scored in the paint and the Dragons Rhondof countered with a 5-0 run as Drews scored and Paul Albrecht but Wedel still led 51-43. Frankl-Maus free throws cut the Wedel lead to 53-45, but then as usual small mistakes gave the guests a quick 4-0 run to get the lead back to 12 points. An easy Sredojevic lay in where there was no 1-1 defense as that has been a massive problem this season and Jelic lay in put the Dragons come back on hold again. Rhondorf kept pressing getting a huge trey from Ndiaye and Drews free throws, but Hendrik Drescher always had that dagger ready and pierced it through the Dragons heart as he made a left handed hook shot and three pointer to put their lead at 64-52. 17 year old Lithuanian Simonas Paukste made a lay in to end the third quarter with the 66-52 Wedel advantage. Both teams kept scoring. They always had an answer to when we scored’, stated Paul Albrecht. ‘We did a good job sticking together. We stuck to our defensive game plan staying aggressive and on offense created for each other helping us keep the lead’, said Jordan Walker. SC Rist Wedel still shot well at 59% form the field and 47% form outside while Rhondorf shot 39% from the field and 22% from outside. Rhondorf continued to have the 26-22 rebound edge, but had 16 turnovers while Wedel had 13 turnovers.

In the fourth quarter SC Rist Wedel did a good job keeping the pressure on, but the Dragons Rhondorf had one last energy push and were close to getting over the hump, but a little mini run by Wedel helped seal the victory. The Dragons Rhondorf began very well going on a 16-7 run to cut Wedel’s lead down to 73-68. In the run, Nicolas Buchholz finally got going scoring 8 points and finding his range from outside again scoring two three’s. Rhondorf also got some easy baskets as Drews made a pretty two handed dunk, Sam Nellessen scored on transition following a Ndiaye block and Frankl-Maus also scored on transition getting the touch down pass from Drews. Ndiaje also added a tap in as he showed aggressiveness on the offensive board. But with crunch-time there, SC Rist Wedel shut the door on Rhondorf with a brutal 6-0 run to extend their lead to 79-68. Hoffman began with an old school hook shot which was followed with a transition basket from Walker and Jentz lay in. Two more Jelic baskets and Drescher free throws kept Rhondorf at bay as their would be no more comeback on this night. ‘Basketball is a game of runs. We knew that they would get their time, but we kept our composure. We knew that if we stuck to what we did best that we would come out on top’, warned Jordan Walker. ‘We did too many individual mistakes. Our defensive philosophy has to do with each guy having a role and needing to preform it correctly. If one guy doesn’t do their job, then our defense doesn’t work’, added Paul Albrecht. SC Rist Wedel were led by Hendrik Drescher and Martin Jelic with 24 points a piece. Jordan Walker chipped in with 15 points. While the Dragons Rhondorf were led by Paul Albrecht with 19 points while Oshane Drews added 17 points and Nicolas Buchholz 15 points. SC Rist Wedel shot 53% from the field and 41% from the parking lot and had 31 rebounds and 16 turnovers while the Dragons Rhondorf shot 42% from the field and 23% from the parking lot and had 39 rebounds and 21 turnovers.

In the last month, Sean Evans (203-PF-1988, college: St.John’s) basketball life has turned a severe 180 degrees in which he had to be very mentally tough as he experienced so many things. I bet there are countless players who wonder what it would be like about writing a book about their whole career, but I could imagine when the 21-22 season is finally over 33 year old warrior Sean Evans might even contemplate writing a book. I remember talking to him shortly before Christmas 2021 and he was so excited and elated about his team and season with SC Prometey Kamianske (Ukraine-Superleague) as they were riding an undefeated season. But little did he know that things would change drastically. If I would have had some incredible fortune telling abilities and told him he would be in Germany playing for top team ratiopharm Ulm a few months later, he would of probably hung the phone up on me and yelled, ‘what you smoking man’. ‘I would not have believed it because my goals were set on winning a basketball champions leagues title and another Ukrainian league title so to hear I would be in Germany would be hard to believe. Life comes at you fast and the way everything got flipped upside down is crazy I don’t think anyone could of predicted this with the war’, stressed Sean Evans. He experienced how war was approaching to the Ukraine, then fled the country with his club to the Czech Republic to train exclusively for the Basketball Champions League until the league was cancelled. His big dream of possibly wining the double in the Ukraine was harshly squashed, but not for long as he followed other teammates and joined a new team with ratiopharm Ulm. He didn’t need long to come up with the perfect title for his book. ‘I would name it ‘I couldn’t imagine ‘ And it would be crazy it would be about all the things I could not imagine happening that happened to me and my teammates, my team and the people of the Ukraine this season’, stressed Sean Evans.

Let’s back track a bit back to before war had broken out in the Ukraine on Feb 24th. The American from Philadelphia was struck with a tough injury and was out almost two months. In that time, he had a lot of time to really feel the tension growing in the Ukraine. ‘We heard rumblings about there being a possibly of war early but didn’t really pay any real mind to it’, remembered Sean Evans. His last game he played before war broke out was one that he will never forget. It wasn’t just a blow out against Chersaky, but a mega blow out of 60 points. ‘That game against Cherkasy was actually my first real game back. It was a fun game: Everybody was clicking and making shots ,guarding and flying up and down the court and it was a great game to be a part of but you’re right I don’t think I’ve ever been part of a professional team where we won a game by 60 points’, stressed Sean Evans. He played 21 minutes and contributed 12 points, 4 boards and 3 steals. But on the next day Valentines day, his basketball life would take a severe turn. The club was feeling that war was drawing nearer and that the Ukrainian Super League would be in danger of being completed. But they were still in the Basketball Champions League competition and at least there could still be alive of winning a title. They could play their games on neutral ground. They departed the Ukraine on Feb 14 to go to the Czech Republic. From then on his temporary home would be the Czech Republic. They even played a game against Romanian team Cluj Napoca losing 92-81 where he steered 10 points in 19 minutes. But that would be his last game with the organization. With the war in full swing, the club decided it was best to withdraw of the Basketball Champions League and give their full attention and resources to their home land. ‘We got the news about the situation with the team closing down. It was kind of crazy and shocking to us all. We didn’t see it coming and now our special season is officially over as far as us being a team together’, said Sean Evans. It is difficult to imagine how tough it must be for a competitor to have to throw away such a special season. ‘It’s very disappointing very disappointing that we had to withdraw from basketball champions league. We had a very special group, a very close knit team and very experienced. We were having an amazing season and we had high expectations. I believe we’re going to go far in basketball champions league. We were two wins away from advancing to the top eight so it was tough to see it all get taken away from us’, stressed Sean Evans.

The forward who sees NBA player and NCAA champion Kemba Walker as his toughest foe in school wasn’t even in the Ukraine when war broke out, but actually back home. ‘We had a break in the season so all of the foreign players went home so I’ll actually was back in the states when the war officially started. What was going through my mind was sadness for my teammates sadness for my team and their families. You know the Ukrainian people in general I feel for the whole country that was so good to me the past 2 seasons. It was a very crazy day when the news broke’, remembered Sean Evans. He was never in the war zone when it broke ship, but still any guy could have been freaked out. He was able to keep a level and calm head. ‘The thing about it is I never feared for my safety when I was in the Ukraine or when we moved to the Czech Republic. I always felt safe and they did a very good job of taking care of us when it came to that situation and as far as how I think about war now it’s kind of crazy to think about it because you never expect to be so close and almost hands on with the war and to be so close to it just put things in perspective of how fast things can change’, warned Sean Evans. Most Americans got out of the Ukraine before the war started, but there were also other guys like Mike Caffey and Maurice Creek who stayed, but thankfully got out, but had interesting and challenging ways to get out. ‘Our team took very good care of us and got us out of there a lot faster than most teams but I did reach out to Maurice Creek who was stuck in the Ukraine for a long time. I just let him know that he had my assistance in anyway he needed it and told him he can reach out to me if he needed anything’, commented Sean Evans.
When times get tough like having an injury or when you’re a rookie getting over homesickness or not having a local Mcdonalds, you can always need teammates who can sooth you and get you past the rough stretches. But how must it be feel like when a country is close to war and you’re an American? But with the team Promety, the closeness of the teammates was already there early on which helped them be so successful. ‘I’m very close with my American teammates. I don’t think the war brought us closer or further apart, but I think we always had a close team. We all enjoyed each other’s company so I think everything stayed solid throughout the whole process’, remembered Sean Evans. It sometimes seems like a cliche that Americans only mingle among themselves, but over the years I have heard from many Americans that they can form long lasting relationships with players from other countries. Maybe 10-15 years ago, Americans stayed with each other more, but now in 2022, clubs are united and have so many different nationalities that guys have found together better. ‘It’s typical that Americans stay with the Americans and locals stay with the locals but that wasn’t the case with this team. This is one of the best teams I’ve been on as far as the team itself and the people. We had a great locker room where everyone got along with everyone. Every one hung out with everyone. It was a very very special team that’s why It’s so sad to see it go out like this’, expressed Sean Evans. In the weeks leading up to war, the American could sense the fear and worry among his Ukrainian teammates. He has only admiration for how they were able to deal with the tough situation. ‘I think naturally it brought us a little bit closer because I felt for them and it was impressive to see how strong they were through the process being able to continue to come to practice continue to play games when some of their families ,wife’s ,kids were stuck in a country that was in war and at the moment they didn’t know when they will see them again so my respect for them grew even more because being able to continue to do this shows a different type of toughness which I’m not sure everyone has’, warned Sean Evans.

The American who balled at St Johns (NCAA) and was 2-3 inches away from the NBA saw so much hardship in the last weeks and it could have been more than understandable that the whole turmoil would have affected him mentally, but just like on the court, he has been a rock. ‘I am fine with it mentally. I’m more concerned with my teammates that are from Ukraine that are missing their families their homes and don’t know when they will return that’s what’s on my mind it’s not about my mental health, but it is more about their’s. I think about them a lot’, warned Sean Evans. He has been able to stay cool, but how must it have been for his loved one’s back home who must have been glued to CNN 24/7. ‘I think sometimes it is worse on them than it is me being in a situation because they don’t really know how I’m being treated and if things are OK. They can only go off what they see on the news and things like this and sometimes the news isn’t the actual picture of what’s going on so I can understand how it’s hard for them’, replied Sean Evans. It is only understandable with all the turbulence that he has seen recently in the Ukraine, that he doesn’t wake up every morning with the same views on life. ‘The last couple of years have been definitely tough and different times it definitely makes you look at life different and like I said before you have to realize how fast things can change and never take things for granted that’s what I’ve learned this past couple years’, stressed Sean Evans.

The American who has played over 300 professional games in countries like Korea, Israel, Greece, Turkey, Argentina, and Macedonia season isn’t over. It will continue in Germany with ratiopharm Ulm. Even with war effecting the world now, he can’t just hang his head in the sand like an ostrich. Life goes on and he is still playing basketball at a high level and has to feed his family. Something like this horrible war in the Ukraine won’t make him shun Europe from continuing to play the game he loves. ‘ I don’t think something like this with war normally happens. I always do my homework on whatever team I join but you cannot predict something like this’, said Sean Evans. Many guys who played in the Ukraine have found new teams to close out the season. He had the opportunity to do special things with Promety and with new team ratiopharm Ulm could do the same. They could be a team that could make a run in the playoffs as teams might not have them on the radar as much. ‘To be able to go from one great team to another is for-sure a blessing and it gives me the opportunity to continue somewhat towards my goals of winning another title I’m excited to join the team excited to meet the fans and do what it takes to help reach the top of the mountain’, warned Sean Evans. He was parts of two fruitful seasons in the Ukraine and he will never forget his time there. The connection with everyone that he had contact with will always be with him. ‘I’ve definitely made bonds with a lot of different people from teammates to drivers to coaches chefs, fans , Front office. You name it. I’ve made a connection with these people the past 2 seasons so to see the team go like it did is definitely sad because we built something really good here and to see it go away like that and to not know when you might see some of these people again if ever is definitely a difficult situation to deal with’, stated Sean Evans. Everyday when he wakes up in Germany, Sean Evans will have the Ukraine in his thoughts. ‘To all the people of Ukraine I will keep you in my prayers I continue to think about you all the time. Continue to stay strong you will get through this and be stronger for it. And to the fans of the team I hope we will meet again we will miss you filling up the arena cheering us on. I hope to return the team to the top spot one day where it rightfully belongs thank you for everything. Until we meet again’, warned Sean Evans. The people of the Ukraine will always be in the heart of Sean Evans.