How many times did one see the classic hook up of Viktor Frankl-Maus (186-PG-93) to Kameron Taylor in the 2017-2018 season? It was a lot and probably as much as the vintage dimes and buckets Laker fans can experience now with Russell Westbrook and Lebron James. That season was a special one in the Dragons Rhondorf history even if it wasn’t rewarded with a Pro B title as Wolfenbuettel kicked them out of the playoffs. It was so unique simply because it saw the phenomenal rise of Kameron Taylor. Who knows where his career may have gone had he not taken the step back from Pro A to the Pro B? When all is said and done after Taylor retires, I will bet my house that he will always say that the Rhondorf season was key in him starting his journey to the Euroleague. You would have to have a sleepless night checking if there has ever been a Pro B player in Germany get to the Euroleague. I’m sure there hasn’t been one. Of course there have been guys like Deandre Lansdowne or Terrell Harris that have gone from the Pro B to the easyCredit BBL, but to Euroleague? That is simply another type of climb up the steep mountain and an incredible achievement and heart felt story and similar to how guys have been in Europe a long time and then after years of paying their dues make it to the NBA. Taylor really paid his dues having to play in Hungary and 2 more years in the BBL before signing with Euroleague powerhouse Maccabi Tel Aviv. He is a very talented player that can fill the stat sheet as easily as a Mike James can go off on you in a game in the Euroleague, but how well would his season have gone in Rhondorf without point guard Viktor Frankl-Maus? Offensively the creative point guard was a big factor in Taylor being able to score so much. 4 years after having been able to play with Kameron Taylor, Vic as many call him only has praise and admiration for his ex teammate. ‘Kam is an unbelievable story. I always tell him that he inspires so many people. He is such a great player, but even better person. He never once complained in practice and never expected to be treated better than the rest. He is such a humble guy. Important for him reaching the Euroleague was that he always knew what he had to work on and he accepted it. He also understood to make his weaknesses to strengths. If he can get a bigger role in the Euroleague, then I could see him in the NBA in 2 years. It could go very fast for him’, warned Viktor Frankl-Maus. The memories that he had with Kam Taylor will last a life time as he unleashed so many dimes. ‘Yes I had many assists. The whole season was a highlight. We had such a good understanding together. I always knew where he would be. The game winner against Frankfurt was very memorable. We also had many nice moments in practice. We were very competitive and made each other better. He had some incredible personal games. There were a few triple doubles. The game I will never forget was in Coburg. We were down by 15 points and nobody was hitting shots. He stepped on the court and took over and scored like 20 points in the second half and carried us to the win. I told him after the game. ‘Kam you are a sick mother fuc. He never took the limelight after games’, remembered Viktor Frankl-Maus.

The charismatic German who has Michael Jordan, Kobe Bryant, Steph Curry and Hakeem Olajuwon on his personal NBA Mount Rushmore was born on September 8, 1993 in Wuppertal, Germany and grew up in Cologne and began his basketball career with the Koln 99ers. In 2012 he sought a new challenge with the Dragons Rhondorf. He would remain 6 seasons there and in his last season even was able to play a Basketball Champions League game with cooperation partner EasyCredit BBL team Telekom Baskets Bonn. He made a steady development in Rhondorf and quickly became known as that quick and shifty pass first point guard. In his fourth season, he was the fifth best assist giver in the Pro A. It was a season to forget for the Dragons as they moved right back down to the Pro B. His best season was in 2016-2017 where he averaged 13.7ppg, 3.4rpg, Assists-1 (7.1apg), 1.6spg, FGP: 48.6%, 3PT: 21.7%, FT: 94.1%. And his second best season was in his last season together with Kam Taylor where he averaged 13.0ppg, 4.0rpg, 5.2apg, 2.1spg, FGP: 50.0%, 3PT: 33.3%, FT: 70.6%. He would play 132 games for the Dragons and some of his best games included scoring 23 points in wins over Wurzburg and FC Bayern Munich.
At the age of 25 the ex U-20 German national player who last watched the movie House of Gucci went to play with FC Bayern Munich 2 from 2018-2020. Not many people can say that they played for the famous German organization FC Bayern Munich. Even if he only laced up his sneakers with the second team, he always felt as if he belonged with FC Bayern Munich and it was an experience that he will never forget. ‘It was a sensational experience. It was a totally different world. You notice that being a part of FC Bayern Munich was totally different compared to other organizations. There was that bond between football and basketball. We were allowed to attend the football games as well as eat lunch at the football training facility at Saebener street. You could be eating lunch and next to you was Giovanne Elber or Karl Heinz Rummenigge. You noticed that it was a family’, stressed Viktor Frankel-Maus. When you play for an organization like FC Bayern Munich, you can only develop further as a player and person. He soaked up as much knowledge as possible in the two years. ‘ Those 2 years in Munich was huge for my development on and off the court. That first summer in 2018, I did an apprenticeship at the FC Bayern Munich office. I learned so much from Demond Greene and development coaches. I worked in the gym every day that summer. That helped me bring my game to a new level. I noticed that right away when the season started. I played my best basketball. My shooting percentages in the first 10-12 games were incredible. We had many injuries so we had to put more young players and I had more responsibility. I became mentally stronger in my time there. You could always practice as the door to the gym was always open’, remembered Viktor Frankl-Maus. He also had the pleasure of learning from young and ambitious coach Demond Greene who played together with Dirk Nowitzki in the national team and is confident that he will go places. ‘I had a very good relationship with him. He will land in the BBL one day. He is a very detailed and a hard working coach. He has very much basketball know how and is learning a lot under Andrea Trinchieri. He is getting more and more experience which will help him’, warned Viktor Frankl-Maus. Two of the most talented teammates he had on the farm team were Jason George and Sascha Grant, guys that will surely go their way, but not necessarily with FC Bayern Munich. ‘ Both have developed very well. Both play the same position. I have a feeling George could go somewhere else in the future. Grant was loaned to Verona to have a bigger role and get experience. Both will go their way, but it will be difficult in Munich because they expect so much’, said Viktor Frankl-Maus. He played 45 games in total with FC Bayern Munich 2 averaging 9.0ppg, 2.7rpg, 5.3apg, 1.9spg, FGP: 37.9%, 3PT: 33.6%, FT: 81.0% in his first season and 11.5ppg, 3.8rpg, 4.5apg, 1.9spg, FGP: 51.5%, 3PT: 36.7%, FT: 76.9% in his second season. He had his best scoring game in his second season registering 27 points in a victory over Speyer.

After two years in Munich, he felt it was time for another change and he went home to Cologne to play with Pro B team RheinStars where he started his career. But this was a season to forget as Covid was at it’s height and he suffered a severe injury. He was reunited with 4 ex Rhondorf players and was even teammates with the German Batchelor Andrej Mangold. ‘It felt like home being back with so many guys from Rhondorf. That was a reason why I went. I was recruited and we all had contact before I came. Everything started off well, but then came my injury and Covid was always there. The season didn’t go the way we wanted to. It is over now. I loved my time there. Being with so many old friends was great. But sometimes things just don’t go the way you want them to’, explained Viktor Frankl-Maus. There he was teammates with the talented Tibor Taras who surprisingly still hasn’t reached the easyCredit BBL and has found a new challenge in Holland in Amsterdam. ‘ He is a great player. Tibor wanted a new challenge and the RheinStars didn’t stand in his way. He wanted to do something else and he also left for his studies. To reach the BBL, you need luck and timing. He was in the Bamberg organization, but perhaps it was bad timing’, commented Viktor Frankl-Maus. Last season was tough, but he mastered the hardship of recovering from a serious injury during COVID. ‘Last season was unfortunate for me as a player. Corona didn’t hit me so bad even though I did get it. But my season ended after only 3 games with the RheinStars. I did my own rehab so covid didn’t affect me during the season the way it did for other guys that were playing. My biggest challenge was getting healthy again. Often you fall into a hole during an injury. I was worried if I could get fit again. I’m glad I did’, stressed Viktor Frankl-Maus. COVID has been such a terrible thing in the world and so many have suffered. But one tries to make the best out of it, and he has even drawn positives out of it. ‘You see the separation in society about Covid. Everybody has their own opinion. I have a clear view and I feel it is important that we respect what the German government does. You can be critical of the decisions, but you must follow and accept them. That is the only way that society can get through this quicker. Covid has shown me exactly what I want in life. My focus isn’t only basketball, but there are other things as well. I am thankful that I wasn’t effected badly. I had corona a year ago, but I got through it ok. There are so many other people in the world that have suffered very bad. I’m thankful that I’m ok’, warned Viktor Frankl-Maus.

The Cologne native who never battled Andrej Mangold in a one on one duel, but is sure that he would win is back in his second home Rhondorf where he is now in seventh season trying to lead the team back to the playoffs. Coming back to the Dragons Rhondorf was a no brainer. ‘I’m happy to be back with the Dragons Rhondorf who gave me so much in my career. I have a different role now. I’m not that young player anymore. I have more experience and have played a long career. I feel like Rhondorf is my home’, warned Viktor Frankl-Maus. When he left Rhondorf, he was 25 years old and now will be turning 29 in 2022. When he looks around, he sees guys 10 years younger than him. Heck head coach Julius Thomas is even younger than him. ‘I feel old. But at the same time it is also a blessing. You remain young when you play with young men. You are able to see their perspective on things and how they think. I already went through that in Munich. There I learned to listen to the kids and observe what the young generation does. The young players of today have a better skill set than 5-10 years ago’, stressed Viktor Frankl-Maus. It was no secret that the team could have early problems this season with such a young roster, but the club continues to make strides in their game as the last results against Schwelm and sandersdorf show. ‘I’m very happy with the team’s current development. I remember reading the box scores at the start of the season. They lost by 40 points in Wedel and now play well against Schwelm and win in Sandersdorf. The team got more stable and mentally strong since the loss against Wedel. The team needs to have that belief now that they can beat anyone. They continue to show that now they can play with anyone on the league’, warned Viktor Frankl-Maus. An area where the team really needs to keep getting better at is at the defensive end where they give up an unacceptable 84 points per game. ‘Our defense won the game in the Sandersdorf. That was the first time this season that the defense was able to do that. We need to keep that level of defense that we had in Sandersdorf in every game for 40 minutes. Things like communication and making the right reads can always be done well. We have to get better in 1-1 defense. The blow bys are a big problem when there is no help. Easy baskets like that can’t happen’, warned Viktor Frankl-Maus.

He is the oldest on the team with fellow German Paul Albrecht and has the pleasure of being able to watch so many young talents develop and give his expertise about the game of basketball. Two young guards that he sees daily and helps are Bruno Albrecht and Oshane Drews. It is no secret that these two guys will continue to climb the basketball ladder. ‘Both are really talented. Drews at 198cm is very athletic and a real team player. I love that. You can see on the court that he wants to make his team better. His decision making needs to get better. I hope that he can profit from me. If he can develop a more consistent shot, then he can decide how far he goes. Bruno has a different role. He is a shooter that is at the three point line waiting for the kick out. He needs to become more consistent. He also needs to find that balance between when to shoot and when to drive’, explained Viktor Frankl-Maus. Another really talented scorer is German Nicholas Bucholz who already sampled Pro A experience with the Rostock SeaWolves and could reach the highest level. ‘I can see him becoming a BBL player. He needs to notice now what kind of role he wants and then stick with it and work at it. Does he want to be a three and D player, ball handler or more a guy that does all. He needs to understand that he needs to do whatever role he wants very well’, commented Viktor Frankl-Maus. One player where many eyes are observing is Ousmane Ndiaye from Senegal. He already gave his German Regionalliga debut at age 15 and also is developing really well at the Pro B level. The sky is the limit for him as some NBA teams have him on their radar. ‘ Ousmane has quiet self-confidence. He doesn’t talk much. He has the killer instinct, but needs to get tougher. He needs to use all of his strengths more. He wants to shoot much, but he is also a great finisher. He should use that more. He has no fear. His mentality will grow with more confidence. He also needs to be more calm in certain situations and read the defense better, but he is so young. That will all come with experience’, warned Viktor Frankl-Maus. Even if German head coach Julius Thomas is a few years his junior, he is another person that Frankl-Maus is really impressed with. ‘He is a great guy. I could go on and on lauding him. I have so much respect for him and what he is doing for his age. He is a student of basketball and just understands it so well. He understands the players very well, because he is so young. He is already a very good coach, but he also understands that he still needs to learn a lot. Learning about certain in game situations and staying calm, but he knows that. I know that he will go his way. The door is open for him’, warned Viktor Frankl-Maus.

Miles Schmidt-Scheuber interviewing Viktor Frankl-Maus in Frankfurt in 2018

So far in his first two games, fans haven’t seen the old Viktor Frankl-Maus yet who lists Cardel Mcfarland and Matthias Perl as his toughest opponents in the Pro B as in the loss to Schwelm he produced only 6 points and 3 dimes in 20 minutes while shooting a dismal 2/9 from the field. In his second game, his shooting continued to falter in the win over Sandersdorf shooting 1/5 scoring 3 points, but had 9 assists in 25 minutes. His role is a different one from his first tour of duty in Rhondorf. ‘I came in mid season and need to get used to the team. My role is to be that leader. That is why they got me. I think that I can bring the needed calmness in situations when things aren’t going so well. I was always that dangerous player that liked to pass the ball. Now we have more shooters than when I last played here. I haven’t played for a year. I still need time. I won’t panic if my shots don’t fall right away’, stressed Viktor Frankl-Maus. The club now also has more offensive options then when he and Kam Taylor tore apart the Pro B in 2017-2018. ‘You will see my scoring again. We don’t have that 1-2 punch of when I was together with Kam Taylor. Back then we had to do it all. Now we have more responsibility on more shoulders. Back then we had clear roles. Now so many guys can help. We need to find a weapon and feed him. I will always be aggressive’, warned Viktor Frankl-Maus. At age 28 he is in his prime, but the question is how much of a priority is basketball for him now as he is about to complete his studies. COVID-19 definitely has opened up his eyes about life and beyond. ‘When COVID hit, I had more time to think about life. Basketball is my passion, but I understood that I didn’t want to be at home until the game started. I wanted to develop outside of basketball. I am almost finished with my studies basketball management. I am already looking for jobs. I would like to balance basketball and a job. Maybe it will work for the next 3-4 years. It depends how well my body holds up and if my job permits it’, stated Viktor Frankl-Maus. Even if Kam Taylor is far away and doing his thing in the Euroleague, I’m sure that Dragons fans will see some really good games from Viktor Frankl-Maus and give everyone basketball joy again. Even if Kam Taylor is missed, maybe the German will find a new favorite combination in the second half? I’m sure nobody will be sad if one begins to see amazing alley-ops from Frankl-Maus to Ousmane Ndiaye and other incredible hook ups. Time goes on and everyone in Dragons country are prepared for a great second half by the Dragons Rhondorf and Viktor Frankl-Maus leading the charge to success.

Craig Moller (206-F-94, agency: BIG) is a 27 year old 203cm forward that is playing his first season overseas with s.Oliver Wurzburg currently averaging 6,0ppg, 4,9rpg and 1,6apg. He hails from Australia and played basketball and Australian Rules football when he was a kid. He then decided to try Australian Rules football professionally, but his love for basketball got the best of him and then he chose to play that professionally. In the 6 years he has played in three leagues in Australia with the WARATAH, SEABL and NBL. He suited up for teams like the Sutherland Sharks, Ballarat Miners (SEABL), Sydney Kings (NBL), Melbourne United (NBL), Hobart Chargers (SEABL), Southern Huskies (New Zealand-NBL) and Inner West Bulls (Australia-WARATAH). Last season he played with the Sydney Kings (Australia-NBL) playing 36 games averaging 6.4ppg, 5.6rpg, 2.0apg, FGP: 48.8%, 3PT: 37.9%, FT: 72.2%. He spoke to germanhoops.com before the 2021-2022 basketball season about his basketball career.

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

I’m currently at home in Sydney after just finishing the nbl21 season here. Unfortunately my team missed the playoffs on percentage however it was great just to be back playing again, especially with fans! It was a long and tough extended season due to covid so I was fortunate enough to have a week away but I’m now back to training and preparing to leave for Germany in about 6 weeks time or so.

You have a German passport. What do you know in general about the country Germany and it’s basketball?

My grandfather was born in Luneburg and spent much of his early life in Germany before meeting my grandmother (who was born in Grenoble, France) on the boat that they both immigrated to Australia on in the early 1950s. I’ve been fortunate enough to travel through Europe and Germany twice already, once with my family and once with some friends. I absolutely love it over there; if I had time pre covid I would’ve gone back again. It’s a beautiful country with deep history, great food and very kind people. Fortunately I’ve been given this opportunity and can’t wait to get arrive.Basketball wise I know the BBL is a tough and competitive league. Players play hard and physical but with discipline so not too unlike basketball in Australia. And of course I have to mention the great Dirk Nowitzki when referencing German basketball. One of my favourite players growing up and a former Wurzburg local!

Congrats on signing with s.Oliver Wurzburg. How key was your ex teammate Xavier Cooks in helping you make the decision?

I certainly asked Xav a lot of questions. He enjoyed his time here and played some good basketball under coach Denis, so it certainly made it a little easier. Another friend of mine James Duncan was a former assistant coach at Bamberg. He helped to give me a lot of advice and knowledge about the league in general and playing in Wurzburg as well. At the end of the day they didn’t impact my decision too much, playing overseas is something I’ve always wanted to do and Wurzburg seems like a great fit for me to do that this season.

What kind of impression did you get of head coach Denis Wucherer in your talks? Did you feel something special between the two of you?

From talking with both Denis and Kreso Lonar as well, my first impression was that Wurzburg is a very professional club with a great culture. Denis and I talked about my biggest strengths on the court and how he plans to use me next season to help the team best. We seemed to be on the same page which is always good, being mainly at that 4 spot and spreading the floor or short rolling and making decisions with the ball in my hands, which is when I’m at my best. I’m excited to get to work and for our relationship to grow over the season. I think I can learn and improve a lot whilst playing some good basketball along the way.

Let’s talk about your game. If you had to compare your game to a NBA player who would best fit the description?

Lebron James. Can I say that? Haha no I’m obviously joking, I’m not sure there is a player that I would say has a direct comparison. I like to play both ends of the court so guys like Kawai Leonard are always impressive to me. The NBA is a very offensively orientated league with plenty of 1v1 matchups, especially with the rules put in place to limit the defence. I enjoy watching European and international basketball just as much.

You play with a lot of energy and are a physical player. Talk a little about your other strengths on the court?

I’d describe myself as more of a slashing type of player. I like to get on the rim and make plays putting the ball on the floor however I think my biggest strength is simply versatility, both offensively and defensively. I’m just over 6’9 but I played point guard as a junior and only later developed into a wing/forward as I continued to grow tall. So being able to use speed, agility and to put the ball on the floor like I said against guys bigger than me to create opportunities, or to utilise my size and length against smaller guards. Whether that’s against a switch and playing out of the low post or just spacing the floor.
Defensively I think is where my versatility really helps me. I had a game against Melbourne United this season where I guarded every player on the opposition team for a least a couple possessions each. I think that is a huge strength for me. Depending on the opponent I think I can defend positions 1-5 at times. Some of those quicker guards and 125kg centres can cause some problems for me, but I always want to have a crack at guarding them anyway.

You also play the game with a lot of passion and have that team first mentality. How vital was having played Australian Rules Football for shaping how you play basketball?

I loved my time playing in the AFL, it’s Australia’s number one sport by far, however I don’t think that had too much of an impact. It certainly helped to have great conditioning and fitness but I’d say some of my junior coaches had the biggest influence over that part of my game. A guy called Steve Delaney was my first junior rep coach and also ended up coaching at the school I was attending at the time. He along with a few others were just really passionate and loved the game, volunteering so much of his time. I know he still tries to play in the old man leagues down the local gym and is still coaching juniors today. He really taught us to play the game selflessly. He just exuded energy and passion and that was infectious. He even got a tattoo of our school mascot!Secondary to that when I first came back to basketball my skills were certainly a little rusty. It took a fair amount of time to get them up to scratch so I had to find ways to impact trainings and games otherwise I was going nowhere.
I still keep that mentality these days as well. I try to not to worry too much about scoring and getting my own shots, even though that can be a huge measure of if you’ve played a good game or not. I think the best coaches and players see and appreciate the other aspects of the game. I just try to go out and play hard, impact the game positively and things will happen naturally.

Your also a good rebounder and defender, but have shown that you can be a lethal scorer. How confident are you that you can be a good scorer at different levels?

I think that’s a good point you raise. I’ve been a big scorer in the second level here in Australia (SEABL) and started to have some bigger games last nbl season. I will always base my game off defence, rebounding and effort plays however getting more aggressive at times and being relied upon more offensively is something I’m hopeful to do this season. I think being able to shoot the ball as well as I did last NBL season was a huge improvement for me. If I can carry that momentum into this BBL season it should help to open up other aspects of my game and help the team.

You haven’t been a professional basketball player long. On what area’s of your game are you tweaking most as you continue to develop as a player?

Saying everything is a vague answer but it’s defiantly true. I feel I still have so much room to grow and improve in so many areas. I think I have a very all-round game, so I certainly don’t want to neglect anything. Continuing to work on my outside shot, different types of finishes around the basket, finishes from the low post, continuing to improve my footwork and my ball handling are all top of the list at the moment.

Why did you change sports? You were a successful Australian Rules player. What was so inviting about wanting to become a basketball player?

I played both sports as a kid growing up and loved them both. It was always going to be a difficult choice. I signed my first AFL contract at the age of 14 with the team that drafted me, the Fremantle Dockers. I think from that point onwards I put a lot more focus into my football. I stopped playing basketball, except for my high school. A lot of people used to tell me that I couldn’t play for my country or go to an Olympic games playing AFL. These were dreams I had growing up like many do. One of which I’ve been fortunate to achieve since but would love to again.
Even when I was playing AFL I still followed basketball closely. Occasionally some of my teammates and I would go and have a casual shoot-around down the local rec centre. I think when I was delisted by Fremantle I had just turned 21. You naturally start re-assessing your life and what you want to do. It was at this time I travelled through Europe with some friends. I bought a basketball the day we arrived in Barcelona and carried it with me all across the continent. It’s a little worn out but I still have the ball sitting in my garage. When I returned to Australia I had some good offers to continue playing football but I still loved the game of basketball and rediscovered my passion for it. I thought its now or never if I want to make the jump and I’m glad I did.

How do you feel did your game develop the last years in Australia due to having played in different leagues like the WARATAH, SEABL and NBL leagues?

The SEABL was a really good league where I got to go down and play a different role. I touched on it a little in a previous answer, but being the main go to guy on your team always gave me great confidence when I returned to my NBL team. You get the opportunity to put in some major skill development during the week, more than you usually would during an NBL season. It’s less team training and scrimmaging and more individual workouts. You get to break down your game and really improve on a certain area or aspect in a more 1 on 1 environment with your coach. Then on the weekend go out and play 30+ minutes each game and put up between 15-20 shots. Those seasons were really vital for me to improve my game as quickly as possible, especially after not playing any basketball for so long while I was in the AFL. Being able to win a SEABL championship is still one of the highlights of my career so far. At the NBL level I think I’ve just had a steady improvement each year. Increasing my minutes and contribution each season.

How has your football past helped your basketball game most? What have been the positives to having been a football player?

The two sports have a lot of similarities. Many of the AFLs best players also played basketball as juniors. I think I was the first to go the other way from the AFL to the NBL. There’s a long running joke in the AFL that one of the best players in the competition, Scott Pendlebury, has a ‘basketball background’ because they mention it about 20 times each game. He’s played about 300+ games by now so you can understand the repetition. A football game can be very tight and congested. You have to make quick and decisive decisions with the ball, not too dissimilar to a basketball game. The physicality was definitely one of the bigger positives, in terms of strength and conditioning, but also just being used to contact and embracing the physical battles in a game of basketball is something I enjoy.It wasn’t all on field things though. I think some of the biggest positives I got were off the field. I moved from Sydney to Perth, from one side of the country to the other, as soon as I finished high school. I had to learn a lot about living away from home and the AFL system does a great job of helping its younger players. Simple things such as what foods to eat; how to recover and look after your body properly, things like this really helped me learn how to be a professional athlete early in my career. I’ve also been able to make a few lifelong friends from my time in the AFL who I’m in regular contact with, so that’s definitely a positive.

You were teammates with Xavier Cooks on many occasions. How much have you appreciated him being a teammate and how do you feel has his game and constant battles in practice helped your game most?

Its funny because we compete so hard against each other that we forget when we’re on the same team we actually play pretty well together. Whether it’s as a 3,4 or as a 4,5 combo. He’s a tough competitor and a tough matchup. We compete hard and then we share knowledge about how to do things better, or what works in certain situations. Unfortunately last season when he arrived at the kings I got injured and required ankle surgery. We had a great off-season competing against each other and then he went down with an injury for most of this season. I’ve been fortunate to have some very high quality teammates to go against over the years. Jae’sean Tate, Brad Newely and Casey Prather just to name a few. I think competing day in and day out against quality players like that can only help you improve because if you don’t bring your A game you’re going to get shown consistently. It’s certainly made me a better player and I think I’ve helped them as well.

In 2018 you won the NBL title with the Melbourne United. You guys had some great talent on the team with ex NBA players David Anderson, Josh Boone and Caspar Ware. What made this team so special?

I have so many great memories from that season. It was my first fulltime contract not being a development or training player. We were title favourites from the get go so it was fantastic to live up to the hype and win the championship. Winning game 5 on our home floor in a win or go home circumstance was just the cherry on top. I still remember Chris Goulding hitting a flurry of threes early and it felt like we were never going to lose from that moment on. The atmosphere was crazy that day. I think what made that team so special was everybody’s willingness to sacrifice and buy into their role. We were so talented as a team; every player 1 through 10 could’ve had a bigger role on a different team. We had a great mix of the experienced guys like you mentioned combined with a few younger guys just starting out in the league like myself. We were all hungry for success and our training sessions were often just as intense and competitive as our games were. I think that’s the sign of a really good team.

What memories do you have of Josh Boone? That guy must have had some great stories of his UConn and NBA days.

He’s got a story for everything big Booney. A guy with that much experience and exposure around the world, he and David Anderson were just great to be around for that exact reason. I believe he’s still playing in South America somewhere. He just loved the game and was a huge part of that championship.

What was it like being teammates with the eccentric Andrew Bogut? Is he a lot different than how the media perceive him?

I really enjoyed it. I had no idea what to expect upon arriving in Sydney given he’s such a huge persona in Australian basketball. He and I got into a bit the season before whilst I was playing for United. I cracked him on a box out and he didn’t like it too much and tried to take my head off in retaliation. Lucky he missed otherwise I probably would’ve woken up about a week later. He ended up being one of the best teammates I’ve ever played with. His on court stuff speaks for itself. The basketball knowledge, the rim protection, passing ability etc. He was a great leader for us and propelled us to the finals that year, even though you could see his body was starting to let him down a little bit. Guys would just pick his brain; JT (Jae’sean Tate) asked him about a 1000 questions a day about everything and anything. Our young centre Jordi Hunter had a great season this year after a year of his tutelage.
I wouldn’t say he’s a lot different than how the media portrays him because that’s who Bogues is. He likes to stir the pot, he’ll put his opinions out there and he likes to challenge you whether it’s in person, on the court or on Twitter. He certainly gives as good as he gets and won’t take a backwards step. When you have a conversation with him he’s a pretty genuine and down to earth guy; I’d say that part might get lost in the media sometimes.

You played many years with Caspar Ware. What did you learn to appreciate most about his game? It seems like Australia has become his second home?

We’re good friends. I’ve played the last 4 seasons with Cas, 2 in Melbourne and 2 in Sydney. He congratulated me when I signed in Wurzburg and I sent him a tongue in cheek message back saying I expected him to follow me. I think you just appreciate his toughness and competitive spirit. We had some great battles at training day in day out. I’d be telling him he’s too little and he can’t guard me and he’d come straight back at me down the other end. Many imports come and go in the NBL, so for him to hang around so long is a credit to not only his playing ability but his character as a person too.

Who wins a one on one in practice you or Xavier Cooks?

That’s light work.

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

Pre covid the nbl would play pre season games against some nba teams. I was lucky enough to match up against some great players. Paul George, Westbrook, and Embid probably top that list.

Please name your five best teammates of all-time?

Casper Ware
Kevin Lisch
Chris Goulding
David Anderson
Andrew Bogut

6th man (special mention): Brad Newely

Please name your NBA Mount Rushmore?

Steve Nash
Lebron James
Scottie Pippen
Kevin Garnett

What was the last movie that you saw?

I don’t watch too many movies. I’ve just finished watching a French TV series on Netflix called Lupin, the gentlemen burglar.

Thanks Craig for the chat.

With only two days remaining in 2021, the Fraport Skyliners were more than relieved that 2021 was finally coming to an end as so far the season had been one to forget. In a phase now where the team needed wins as much as the NBA need their players back from COVID sicknesses, the 2004 BBL champion had been losing games that they must win and came into the next do or die game against new BBL team MLP Academics Heidelberg riding a disheartening 4 game losing streak. The good news for Frankfurt was that they had injured guys Will Cherry (185-PG-91, college: Montana) and Brancou Badio back and that their foe Heidelberg continued to struggle in the worst way. After starting the season with a bang winning four of the first five games were reeling to finally win again riding a eight game losing streak having lost unfortunate crunch-time games to Bayreuth, Chemnitz and Alba Berlin all games that they could have won. With the last game of 2021, the Fraport Skyliners wanted to enter 2022 on a positive note and welcomed the MLP Academics Heidelberg and finally won again slugging it out in the fourth quarter as both teams scored 67 points combined, but at the end the Fraport Skyliners had the last laugh prevailing 87-82 and landed at position 14 in the standings. Frankfurt showed in the fourth quarter that when their offense is finally rolling for longer than a few minutes, they can win games. A half hour after the win, a thrilled Will Cherry explained what motivation they had for winning again. ‘We needed to win. Coach Ocampo really had us pumped up after his half time speech. We had no choice but to be fired up after that. We almost gave it up after the missed free throws at the end. Every guy has each other’s back. We wanted to win for Jamel Mclean’s new baby girl that was born today’, stressed ex NBA player Will Cherry. For the MLP Academics it was another very brutal loss, one like so many others this season, they could have won. ‘We gave a big fight. But Frankfurt was simply better and more clever at the end. We have to learn from our mistakes be better the next time’, stressed MLP Academics Heidelberg center Philipp Heyden.

The first quarter was a tug of war as both teams had difficulty finding an offensive rhythm. Frankfurt relied on the three ball while the MLP Academics Heidelberg based their game on getting buckets in the paint. Frankfurt quickly got back to back three’s from Rasheed Moore and German national player Lukas Wank for the quick 6-2 advantage. But Heidelberg struck back with a rapid 7-2 run to get the 9-8 lead. In the run the guests got some key baskets from ex Alba Berlin guard Rob Lowery and ex Missouri (NCAA) standout Jordan Geist and a tip in from ex Harvard (NCAA) forward Keith Wright. Frankfurt had massive problems with 1-1 defense which has been a big problem this season. But Frankfurt struck back with their veteran force of ex Alba Berlin players Will Cherry who nailed a trey and Jamel Mclean made a lay in for the 13-9 Frankfurt lead. But Heidelberg showed early on that they were a fighting team and that would hold on until the buzzer sounded at the end as German Niklas Wuerzner connected on a three pointer and Geist made a pretty runner to dead lock the contest at 15-15. Geist continued his aggressive offensive game converting on a free throw and making a lay in for the 18-15 lead after 10 minutes. Frankfurt already had 5 turnovers, but they would trim down that problem as only 7 more would follow in the last three quarters. ‘We started ok, but were a bit shaky at the end. Some guys came from the bench and gave good energy’, stressed Fraport Skyliner guard Felix Hecker.

The second quarter continued to be a real dog fight as no teams could get away from the other as there were 8 lead changes and both teams defense stuck out. The guests got on the board first as a Geist steal led to an easy basket by Wuerzner. But Frankfurt fought back going on a 5-0 run to dead lock the game at 20-20. Ex Alba Berlin forward Lorenz Brenneke made a pretty left handed runner and three and D specialist Felix Hecker struck with a trey. It was a game of little runs as now Heidelberg struck back going on a 6-0 run to lead 26-20. In the run, the ex Pro A team got good support from Heyden who made a turn around shot, ex Ludwigsburg American Kelvin Martin scored on transition and Wuerzner also scored on transition. Frankfurt was up and down as usual. After two good defensive stops, they couldn’t muster any new offense and on defense gave up real belated X-mas gifts as their concentration just went down. After a Lowery 25 footer and 28-23 guests lead, Frankfurt made a timely run of 7-0 to regain the lead at 30-28. In the run they got free throws from Mclean, a three from Moore and a put back from Hecker who made an impressive offensive rebound. ‘I play off my defense which than carries my offense. Coach always says to crash the boards. I was a little off balance and was lucky with getting the rebound’, stated Felix Hecker. Frankfurt couldn’t keep the lead as after Barncou Badio made free throws, it was Geist again who made a huge play getting the loose ball with 2 seconds to play and dropping a fade away jumper at the siren to tie the game at 32-32 after 20 minutes. ‘The game was at eye level. We defended pretty well. It was a back and forth game where no one could get away’, said Felix Hecker. Frankfurt wasn’t shooting well, but had control of the rebounds and only coughed up the ball 3 times.

The third quarter continued to be very close as there were 8 lead changes and no team led by more than 3 points as the MLP Academics Heidelberg led 52-50 after three quarters. Heidelberg kept the lead in the first few minutes as ex Wurzburg forward Brekkot Chapman and Academics lifer Shy Ely who was controlled pretty good by Frankfurt scored for the 37-36 lead. Frankfurt then took the lead again getting two buckets from Jamel Mclean, a player who lives off getting fed the ball down low and muscling his way to points and a Cherry three for the 41-39 advantage. The leads kept going back and forth as Chapman scored again as did Moore with a three and the 47-44 Frankfurt lead. Little defensive mistakes kept robbing Frankfurt of the lead as Wuerzner scored again for the 48-47 Heidelberg advantage. Len Schoormann who had put up the big goose egg in the first half got more aggressive in the third quarter making free throws and a lay in for the 50-48 lead. But a Diego Ocampo technical foul gave Jordan Giest the opportunity for 3 free throws and he nailed all of them. ‘Both teams showed that they really wanted to win. But no team could make a run’, commented Felix Hecker. Heidelberg was shooting over 40% form the field, but was only at 25% form outside while the Fraport Skyliners still controlled the boards and had 3 turnovers.

The fourth quarter became a real explosive offensive showdown as a combined 67 points were produced. Will Cherry and Len Schoorman took over in this quarter combining for 25 of Frankfurt’s 37 points. Cherry began the offensive spectacle scoring 6 points. One of his baskets was a big heads up play as he threw the ball off the back of a Heidelberg player retrieved it and had an easy lay in, but he would save his best for last showing that shade of Kyrie in crunch-time. The Frankfurt offense got going thanks to Cherry, but the turning point of the game was Jamel Mclean’s rare three pointer to give Frankfurt the 61-58 lead. That shot in a way also sparked Heidelberg as now both offenses were clicking and executing. ‘When a guy like that makes a three like that, it gives you energy right away’, stressed Felix Hecker. Len Schoorman also went off scoring 10 crucial points in the fourth quarter including a three for the 66-60 lead. But Heidelberg never let up and always kept clawing away at Frankfurt’s lead. One guy who really was on was Chapman who showed his fine inside out game and Lowey who also scored big baskets including a step back to trail Frankfurt 71-67. Even when Schoormann made a lay in for the 73-67 lead, Frankfurt was never allowed to breathe smoothly because Heidelberg was always in comeback mode and before Frankfurt knew what was up Ely had connected on a floater trailing only 74-71 with 1,57 to play. Even with another Schoormann three and Moore lay in, the 79-71 Frankfurt lead wasn’t secure, because Heidelberg was simply too well oiled in the fourth quarter. Heidelberg kept supplying pressure and somehow made a 8-2 run in crunch-time to trail only 81-79. In the run, they got key support from Chapman who had the touch nailing two three’s. Lowery hit a huge trey from the corner as Frankfurt led only 83-82. ‘Rob is my boy. We played together with Alba Berlin. I didn’t think that he would make it’, said Will Cherry. Frankfurt missed some free throws from Mclean and Cherry and were clinging to life, but then Cherry unraveled a shot that he may have seen the Harlem Globe Trotters perform or ex teammate Kyrie Irving as Uncle Drew. He came down on transition and made a backwards shot that some how went in. ‘That is in my top 10 best shots. The funny thing is I had the lane the first time and didn’t take it and the second time I got it up and somehow it fell in. Kyrie would have given me a thumbs up and said I had taken a page out of his tricks’, smiled Will Cherry. ‘That was the neck breaker and finally did them in. It reminded me of Jordan. Heidelberg never gave up. We were a bit shaky with the free throws, but we pulled it out at the end’, expressed Felix Hecker. ‘Both teams had their offensive rhythm in the fourth and we did a good job fighting against it. They got easy baskets and more stops. That was the difference’, stressed Philipp Heyden. The Fraport Skyliners were led by Will Cherry with 22 points. Jamel Mclean added 20 points and Len Schoormann 16 points while the MLP Academics Heidelberg were led by Brekkot Chapman with 19 points and Jordan Geist contributed 17 points. The Fraport Skyliners shot 48% from the field and 42% from outside and had 32 rebounds and 12 turnovers while the MLP Academics shot 47% from the field and 32% from outside and had 34 rebounds and 11 turnovers.

Stanley Whittaker (183-G-94, college: Keiser) is a 27 year old 183cm point guard from Philadelphia playing his third professional season and first in Germany with PS Karlsruhe. He played his rookie season in Lithuania and last season had his break through with UBSC Raiffeisen Graz (Austria-BSL) playing 24 games: Score-2 (21.5ppg), 6.3rpg, Assists-2 (8.0apg), Steals-1 (2.6spg), FGP: 49.3%, 3PT: 40.5%, FT: 78.4%. He played his college ball at Frank Phillips (JUCO) and Keiser (NAIA). He teams up every week with Miles Schmidt-Scheuber to talk basketball

Congrats Stanley on the massive 87-86 victory against number one team Rostock Sea Wolves. Another game another win. What kind of a feeling do you have after beating the best team in the Pro A?

It was a good team win, battled together and remained composed through the ups and down of the game. Glad we were able to get the win to close out December.

It was the fifth win in a row and the team continues to climb up the standings. Is it dangerous feeling invincible when you defeat a game like that?

Not sure what that feeling is because our team collectively doesn’t feel that way. We still have a long season ahead of us and we’re just focusing stacking each day, one day at a time!

PS Karlsruhe had the 51-42 advantage at the break. You seemed to have no problems playing your game against the second best defensive team in the league. What do you feel was key on offense to figuring out their defensive schemes?

The key to our offensive was to remain patient. We were getting the looks we wanted the entire game it was just a matter of missing or making. Gladly we were able to make some down the stretch and get the win.

In the third quarter Rostock came back and defended better. What adjustments did they make on the defensive end to make it harder for you as a team?

They went into a zone in the 3rd quarter, that’s the adjustment they made. We still got looks we wanted we just weren’t able to put the ball in the basket the way we should’ve. In all we still got good looks, but didn’t get enough stops on the other end that’s how they were able to make their run.

The fourth quarter was a real dog fit. Trevion Crews took over scoring and you were the playmaker. Did Crews show a side of him that you didn’t see before?

No, he didn’t show a side I didn’t see before. He’s a professional, I trust him as well as I do all my teammates. Trevion played well, and hit some big shots for us in the 4th.

Take me through the game winning basket from Moyer. This basket was huge as it was the game winner, but it would never have happened had you not had 2 team offensive rebounds.

Yeah, first shot I missed a mid range short, we got the offensive rebound. Trevion missed a three long and we were able to get another offensive rebound. Then, I get the ball back with about 8 seconds left on the game clock, get a high ball screen about to get into my midrange game, a player from Rostock I believe #5 completely came to double me and left Matthew Moyer open in the corner, so I made the pass to him and he did what he was supposed to do, knock down the three pointer and give us a 1 point lead with 2 seconds left!

Matt Moyer has only been with a team a month. What has been your impression of his game and what he can give the club?

He’s a good character guy, high energy, high spirit. He helps our team from all facets of the game, glad he’s with us!

What kind of an experience was it battling ex BBL player Chris Carter? Here was another guy where you could measure your game up to.


It was a good competing against him. He does well for his team. And I don’t really measure my game up with anyone to be honest. I am who I am, and they are who they are.

You had a double double with 17 points and 12 assists and 0 turnovers. How good does it feel having no turnover in a game where you were more a playmaker than scorer?

Felt good not to have any turnovers for one, knew that taking care of the ball was a key to victory and being so the ball is in my hands the most I valued that.

How much extra confidence does a 12 assist game give you for the next game? I know winning is the key but would it be difficult to take a step back from scoring and be that playmaker?

It doesn’t give me any more confidence truthfully, winning always matters first. Even when I’m scoring, I’m creating opportunities for my teammates as well, so it’s never a game where I’m just scoring or a game where I’m just playmaking, I do both. My team expects me to be me day in day out and that’s all I can be.

The next game is against the Artland Dragons who have been struggling. What will be key for getting the sixth win in a row?

Key for this victory will continue to focus on the defensive end, finishing possessions, executing on offense and playing with high energy!

2022 is around the corner. Do you have any New Years resolutions?

I do not have any New Year Resolutions, just praying for the best in health for my family, my loved ones and those closest to me.

Thanks Stanley for the chat.

It was day before Christmas Eve in Germany, but if you celebrate the German way, then the 24th is technically the night where all the kids open their presents while in the States some parents are still seeking out the local Walmat for the perfect presents for their kids. Tyler Cheese (196-G-96, college: Akron) was far away from home in Albany, Georgia but will never forget hearing his mom’s voice as a child and feeling her happiness knowing her kids were happy and loved getting the Playstation 2 and was performing what he loves most and that is filling up the stat sheet in Germany against PS Karlsruhe. The bad news for him was that his new team Ehingen would lose their 14th game of the season with no wins to show for and For Cheese it was his 9th loss in a row since arriving in October. For most players getting that dub is always the most important thing, but can one get into a festive mood after achieving an incredible and rare triple double. On this night he was involved in a tough shoot out loss one that Team Ehingen have been used to this season losing 111-91 to PS Karlsruhe and after 40 minutes where he battled for 35 minutes, his stat line read 23 points, 13 rebounds and 10 assists. And if you think this guy takes any plays off on defense, then you are mistaken. He also added 2 steals and 2 blocks to his game resume. Sometimes you have to wonder why the basketball God is punishing a player like that after such a phenomenal single game. ‘It’s tough, like I’m glad that I’m playing at a high level and that I am leaving everything out of the court for my team to help try and get wins! I do think we are finding our way though in order to start winning! I think since I got here I’ve been able to get some chemistry with the guys I feel that we are getting better as a whole’, stressed Tyler Cheese. It was actually his third triple double after registering two in JUCO. Even if you suffer the brutal loss, there is still a little touch of being proud of being able to produce something so rare overseas. ‘It feels good to go out there and contribute! For me, I just have to go out there and play to the best of my abilities and compete as hard as I can’, warned Tyler Cheesee. PS Karlsruhe and top Pro A player Stanley Whittaker who like Cheese knows what it’s like to have a chip on his shoulder played in the NAIA at Keiser noticed his unbelievable triple double. ‘He’s a good player, has the freedom and trust from his team to play that way, and I’m sure his team expects that from him. It was a good battle with him’, warned Stanley Whittaker. Clubs in Europe also have Cheese on their radar as he already played in Italy (Serie A) as a rookie and will surely reach a first division in a top European league again soon. Tyler Cheese is another rare guard that has demonstrated that going form JUCO to the highest Level in Europe is possible.

Tyler Cheese who lists Loren Jackson, Charles Manning Jr, Xeyrius Williams, Tremell Murphy and Shaquan Hemphill as his greatest teammates of all-time was born on November 13th, 1996 in Albany, Georgia. He played three years at Albany High School and led them to the Class AAAA state tournament in his junior year. He then finished at Combine Academy in North Carolina where he averaged 17,3ppg, 6,6rpg and 5,2apg in his senior year while shooting 41% from downtown. He earned All-State recognition with his stellar play. He then went on to play at Florida South Western State College. In his freshman year he averaged 10.6ppg, 3.5rpg, 2.0apg, 1.3spg, FGP: 42.3%, 3PT: 34.3%, FT: 78.2% and earned Second Team All-Suncoast Conference honors. In his second season he was able to up his stats and averaged 15.1ppg, 5.3rpg, 6.6apg, 1.8spg, FGP: 44.7%, 3PT: 32.7%, FT: 81.8% achieving first team All-Suncoast honors. He hit IMG Academy for 40 points and recorded two rare triple doubles. With my many interviews with guys that have played in JUCO, almost every guy has stated that JUCO was tough, but an experience that they wouldn’t have traded the world for. It wasn’t any different for Cheese who had a massive chip on his shoulder after showing that he could play in high school. ‘ I definitely had a chip on my shoulder going into my freshman year at FSW. Going to FSW to play for coach Marty Richter totally changed my life for the better! The experience was amazing, Juco was the best and I also wouldn’t trade it for anything. I made friendship and relationships that’s going to last forever’, warned Tyler Cheese. Even if his triple doubles in JUCO were huge memories, he also had another one. ‘I have so many to be honest but the best one was playing against Hutchison at their gym ‘because they hosted the Juco National tournament’ and we were the higher seeded team but the game felt like a road game, it was 7,000 plus standing room and we ended up winning by 20 points. I will definitely always remember that tournament’, stated Tyler Cheese.

After his stellar career in JUCO, the Georgia native who never played teammate Channel Banks in one on one, but won most other duels against other teammates made the next jump up to the NCAA and played at Akron from 2018-2020 playing 63 NCAA games. In his junior year he averaged 11.1ppg, 4.9rpg, 2.5apg, 1.1spg, FGP: 47.3%, 3PT: 29.3%, FT: 69.4%. He was able to make another jump in his development as a senior averaging 15.7ppg, 4.8rpg, 3.4apg, 1.1spg, FGP: 48.7%, 3PT: 34.6%, FT: 82.2%. No success comes without constant hard work something he did his two years there becoming a gym rat so it was no surprise to anyone that he could grow. ‘I think just the work I put in going into the year I felt very confident that I was going to have a big year! We also changed up how we were going to play which was very beneficial for me’, remembered Tyler Cheese. He had many great games at Akron like scoring 27 points against Miami of Ohio, but also had Western Michigan’s number as a senior netting 25 and 23 points in wins. But it was another game that ranks to his most memorable games at Akron. ‘My last game ever as a Akron Zip against Kent State at home. We won a very hard fought game and we were able to clinch the regular season championship for the conference so we got to cut down the nets. That’s a special memory that will always stay with me’, expressed Tyler Cheese. But not only hard work helped him grow as a player at Akron who remembers seeing Lebron James often at his softball charity event or his I Promise school, but also the guidance of head coach John Groce. ‘Coach Groce was the best, he taught me so much in my 2 years with him! I learned so many good habits that were bad habits before I got to him. He really just helped me become a complete basketball player and even a better man off the court’, commented Tyler Cheese. He earned Second Team All-Mid-American Conference honors and in his two year career scored in double figures in 42 games and as a senior scored in double figures in his last 19 games.

The fill up the stat sheet guard who has ex Louisville (NCAA) and current Milwaukee Buck forward Jordan Nwora as his toughest cover in the NCAA has already had experience in countries like Italy, Finland and North Macedonia before arriving in Germany. Despite him going through hardships, he has been professional enough to know that each organization wanted and needed him and that the thankfulness for his services will always be there. ‘I would just like to thank those organizations for even choosing me to be a part of their rosters! I truly learned so much from each of those teams and looking back at each situation I have nothing but positive things to say about each club. Although It was a tough experience, I don’t think I was a good fit to help either of those clubs with the way I wanted to play. Throughout my first year as a pro I was dealing with so many things from a personal standpoint that I just couldn’t focus on the game of basketball. When I was with Treviso-basket I felt I needed to be home with my family through that tough time but eventually decided to try to keep playing so my former agent and I decided to go to Salo to play but my situation had gotten even worst so I decided to end my own year by asking the team for a release to be with my family’, remembered Tyler Cheese. His professional journey began in Italy with De Longhi Treviso Basket 2012 (Italy-Serie A) which was short and lasted only 2 months. He won’t forget what his wake up call was to being a rookie overseas where he knew that he was very far away from home. ‘Just learning to be a professional at all times! I was going through a lot when I was with those teams and after being home after deciding to leave those teams I realized that I must learn how to separate off the court issues and focus when I’m on the court because at the end of the day nobody is going to feel sorry for what I have going on so just always come in ready to go’, explained Tyler Cheese.

He played 3 Serie a games in Italy the only game where he received suitable minutes was in a blow out loss to Milan scoring 10 points in 21 minutes. There he shared the court with Malcolm Delaney a guy he surely watched play in the NBA only a few years earlier and Spanish legend Sergio Rodriguez or ex NBA player Luigi Datome. You would think that an experience like this would be like a kid being locked in a candy store and being in awe. ‘ It was a good experience but it wasn’t a situation where I felt in awe about! Those guys are super talented and I respect their games for sure! If anything, it showed me with opportunity I can play on that level’, stressed Tyler Cheese. When your only there for a very short period of time, you have to soak up as much as possible especially when your teammates with a guy like then 38 year David Logan who was playing his 15th professional season and had racked up 9 professional titles, played at various European championships with Poland and played over 100 Euroleague games. ‘It was definitely a great experience to be a teammate of David’s, I still watch him play and I know if I ever needed to ask him something he’ll be there to answer any questions I have! He’s such a killer and I was able to go against him every day at practice when I was at Treviso. I learned so much and I have tons of respect for him on and off the court!’, expressed Tyler Cheese. He then finished the season in Finland with Salon Vilpas Vikings (Finland-Korisliiga) playing 4 games averaging 7.0ppg, 2.3rpg, 1.5apg. The Finish league is a solid league, but not as strong as the Italian Serie A. Coming to Finland must have been like a basketball culture shock? ‘The talent was definitely better in Italy because the league to me is one of the best in the world. It was difficult at times because we ran so many sets and I’m used to playing off instinct and reacting to what the defense gives me. The Finland league was a good league as well, fast paced, kind of similar to how we play in America but they were very heavy in Finland. The positives I can take with me from playing in Italy is to be more patient and always play to my strengths’, said Tyler Cheese.

So let’s fast forward to 2021 as 2022 is right around the corner. The American who has MJ, Kobe, LeBron, and Magic on his personal NBA Mount Rushmore is currently with Team Ehingen and like everyone else is battling through COVID as best he can. At the moment, COVID is wrecking havoc again all over as in the NBA, teams are desperate for G-League help and in some cases like the Boston Celtics have dug out 40 year old Joe Johnson out of retirement and in Germany games are being cancelled as numerous players are out with COVID. The main reason why his rookie campaign was cut short was because his mother caught the COVID-19 virus and was very sick and it only made sense for him to go home and be by his loved ones. In some ways coming home and not being able to make money was a difficult burden, but in the end experiencing so many different kind of hard ships made him stronger as a man. ‘I was probably at the lowest I ever been because of the situation with me coming home! I felt I let some many people down with that decision but it actually became a blessing in disguise’s because a lot of people that I thought was in my corner had left my side and now I feel like a burden was lifted off my shoulders so it made things so easy going into this new season’, added Tyler Cheese. COVID is still with everyone, but he is playing ball again and putting up incredible stats, but the only negative aspect is that his team is still seeking it’s first victory of the season. The club has no problems scoring, but defense has been as disaster as it is giving up an unacceptable 99 points per game. ‘I think we’re finding our way! A lot of our struggles are because the team has had a lot of moving parts and we’re finally to a place where we have the players that we are going to keep going forward that wants to be here to start trying to win games’, stated Tyler Cheese. Losing so much has definitely been a new learning experience, but he is doing all he can to make a turnaround in the season for the team. ‘I think I just try to use my experiences from my championship teams from high school, Juco , or at Akron to stay positive and do my best to lead a young team. I think me, Mu, Taki, and Zach are essential to doing that being the older guys’, said Tyler Cheese.

The ex Akron guard who believes they should have left the classic Coming To America movie alone is currently averaging 15,4ppg, 5,9rpg, 5,0apg and 1,2spg. He has never liked to compare himself to an NBA player as he has his own unique style that he brings to a team, but he has heard the Manu Ginobili and James Harden comparisons. When you see how he can fill a stat sheet the same way a Rudy Gobert picks a rebound off the glass, then it is no secret what his biggest strength is on the floor. ‘I think that versatility is a big strength to my game! I love to play make for my teammates and myself, and being a bigger guard I always loved crashing the glass so my teams could get out in transition quicker’, expressed Tyler Cheese. There have been many guys that have made the next step from the German Pro A to higher first division teams like Kendale Mccullum, Chris Carter or Terrell Harris just to name a few, so with the kind of stats that Cheese is putting up, he will most surely make the next step up the basketball ladder. He has the focus, will and passion not to dream, but to continue to grind in the lab the same way a Julius Randle has done for years getting the special inspiration from Kobe Bryant. ‘I think I can continue to get better at all areas of my game! I can become a better shooter, whether it’s catch and shoot or off the dribble, or a better play maker, learning the balance of making plays for myself or for the team, while also being able to be a better floor general. The biggest area I’m focusing on is the defensive side, just trying to find my niche with how the overseas game is officiated. Learning not to use my hands but uses my body more, learning to be physical without fouling, things like that! I’m doing a lot of film work to help with that and being on the floor experiencing those things help as well’, stressed Tyler Cheese. At the moment he is a super role model for young Germans on his team like Kevin Strangmeyer, Jakob Hanzalek, and Tim Martinez. He remembers how it was when he was at Akron when he was able to spend time with guys like Romeo Travis and Dru Joyce that not only played in Germany, but had great careers overseas. ‘I learned about Romeo and Dru at a young age being a fan of LeBron’s, I watched the movie (More Than A Game). During my time at Akron, they both would stop by sometimes and watch us practice and play! I also got a chance to workout and play against them when they were in preparation for the TBT tournament. I think guys like that showed myself and others that we can make a great living playing professional overseas’, commented Tyler Cheese. One thing is for sure, if Cheese keeps putting up great stats, developing marvelously and climbing the basketball ladder, then guys like Travis and Joyce will be very proud of their alma mater Akron in that it can always carve out new fine talent like a Tyler Cheese.

Predrag Lukic was born in Serbia and grew up in Germany and is one of the most successful European coach in South East Asia. He possesses the coaching degree from DBB and has the FIBA license. He stared as a young coach in Germany, which ranged from Regionalliga to Bundesliga level as well as for women and men teams. He just finished a few months ago his 6th season as Head coach in Asia, crowned as Supporters Cup Champ 2021 in the Vietnam professional League (VBA) with Thang Long Warriors by Audi before the league got Unfortenetely cancelled due of COVID. He spoke to germanhoops.com about basketball.

Coach, thanks for your time with germanhoops..com and congrats to your last updated successful achievement with your Team in VBA.

Thanks Miles for this Interview with you one of the best Journalists and your website germanhoops.com

You now have your 6th season as coach in Asia, four of them in Vietnam. You are now a veteran coach in the VBA and are one of the most successful there, with, among other things, Coach of The Year 2019, Runners up Trophies etc and, last but not least, the newly crowned Supporters Cup Champ 2021. How is your feeling about, where are you now, still in Vietnam or, tell us about your experiences and how things will continue now for you?

Yes we were first in the standings in the regular season, won the ‘Supporters Cup’ and were the only team to win the quarter-finals in the playoffs and reached the semi-finals. I can say, I’m very proud of my team, staff and club. Unfortunately, the 2021 season ended then prematurely in September due to the pandemic situation. Now I am at home in Serbia and enjoy my time with family. Slowly but surely, I am wondering whether I will extend my contract in Vietnam and thus go into my 5th year there, or whether I will go back to Europe

Are there currently offers from Europe?

Fortunately, there is. In the next few days I’ll make up my mind or see how everything develops. My current club TLW in VBA still have my passion and priority, we should be able to agree on the extension of the contract, which I assume.

There is another great thing, one tweets from our sources, you are a top candidate to take over the Vietnam national team as head coach for the upcoming Sea games? What’s up?

I can’t and do not want to comment on this at the moment. Of course it would be a great honor after my almost 5 years in this beautiful country and steadily growing basketball Enthusiasmus to lead the NT. You would be the first one I inform, if there is a concrete offer on table

Predrag, thanks for your time and happy holidays to you and your family.

Thank you Miles, happy holidays!

Only a few years ago the Niners Chemnitz were in the Pro A trying to move up and any thoughts then that a established team like the Fraport Skyliners could ever lose to them would have been a joke, but how times change. In a span of only 2 years the Niners Chemnitz have become a respected BBL club that have beaten FC Bayern Munich twice in the last two seasons something Frankfurt could only dream of. The Fraport Skyliners are having a season to forget as they were desperately reeling for a win as inconsistency and injuries have plagued them as of late. The Niners arrived in Frankfurt at position 7 having won 5 of their last 6 games under the superb direction of underrated head coach Rodrigo Pastore including having celebrated wins over FC  Bayern Munich and Bamberg while the Fraport Skyliners were in 16^th place riding a three game losing streak. The Fraport Skyliners played a spirited game where they defended with passion, but couldn´t make the needed stops in overtime as the Niners Chemnitz prevailed 82-78. “It was a tough game. I felt that we competed well with all the ups and downs in the game. We played solid defense the whole game. Sometimes it is 50/50 where it can go either way. We lost control of our offense at the end”, stressed Fraport Skyliners head coach Diego Ocampo. The Niners Chemnitz came out with energy and also were able to overcome the highs and lows of the game and made some adjustments in the second half that paid massive dividends. “It was a very difficult game. They are a very dangerous team beating Ulm and Crailsheim. We knew that we would have our hands full. Second chances is a big strength of them. We couldn´t counter it at the start as they got a lot of offensive rebounds. We only allowed a few offensive rebounds in the third quarter. Key to the win was limiting their second chances. But it could of gone either way”, stressed Niners Chemnitz head coach Rodrigo Pastore.

The Fraport Skyliners had fortune as they had key players Will Cherry and Brancou Badio back while the Niners Chemnitz had had Covid problems, but had most guys back except for German Nelson Weidemann. The first quarter was a back and forth tug of war as no team could escape the other as there were 10 lead changes. Fraport Skyliner Quantez Robertson started off hot with a trey, but would have a dismal shooting day, but on defense he quickly sparked the team with two steals which led to transition buckets from Cherry and Badio. The Niners Chemnitz were fueled by their Lithuanuan sniper Minduagas Susinskas who from a distance looks like Franz Wagner stepped up with 8 points. The club was also aided by baskets from ex Marquette American Trent Locket and ex EWE Baskets guard Franz Massenat. Frankfurt also received timely support from Jamel Mclean and Len Schoormann who supplied big baskets. Having ex NBA player Will Cherry back at the point was very noticeable. “He recognizes situations very well and goes there. When there are break downs, he fixes it. He makes good decisions”, stated  Nift Al-Shamal (Iraq-Superleague) guard Jermale Jones. After 10 minutes the Fraport Skyliners had the slim 21-19 edge. Chemnitz shot over 50% and Frankfurt over 40%. It was a pretty even game. Frankfurt played solid defense and rebounded the ball well”, added ex TV Lich guard Jermale Jones.

Both teams stepped up their defense in the second quarter as the contest remained tight as no team could get away form the other as the Fraport Skyliners led 35-32 at the break. After a slow shooting first quarter, Rasheed Moore escaped his funk and made big plays with an offensive rebound and two baskets showing his always aggressiveness around the rim. “Moore put that first quarter behind him. He kept his confidence which helped him step up his game”, stated Jermale Jones. While Frankfurt did a good job doing damage inside, it was Chemnitz that had success with the long ball and simply searched for the easy execution while Frankfurt at times chose the difficult execution which led to missed shots. Chemnitz got big three´s from Wimberg and twice from Susinskas who continued to be a nasty thorn in Frankfurt´s side for the slim 30-28 advantage. Frankfurt fought back and stole the lead back getting to the free throw line getting baskets from Mclean while ex Alba Berlin forward Lorenz Brenneke hit a trey and Schoormann made a floater from the wing.”Chemnitz moved the ball very well and whenever someone was open shot the ball. Frankfurt was more hesitant to shoot. Frankfurt continued to defend very well forcing Chemnitz to tough shots and rebounded the ball well”, said Jermale Jones.

The third quarter continued to be a dog fight as no team could go on a huge run and keep the lead. Ex Virginia(NCAA) forward Darion Atkins who had a stellar 18/12 night began the second half off hot with a tip in, block on Badio and dished out a dime to a Lockett basket that allowed Chemnitz to get the lead back at 36-35. The rapid Chemnitz start didn´t faze the Fraport Skyliners as they upped their intensity as they rattled off a quick 7-0 run to regain the 42-37 lead. Frankfurt did a good job swarming the paint area getting a tip in from rookie Brooks DeBisshop, a Robertson lay in and Moore three pointer. Chemnitz continued to battle back as Frankfurt couldn´t find the right defender to slow down Susinskas who continued to score making  a trey, floater and free throws. Frankfurt got the lead back with a Len Schoormann three pointer 48-46. With both teams over the foul limit, they both landed at the free throw line, but Frankfurt led 55-51 after Jamel Mclean made free throws. Frankfurt continued to be slow with their rotations and left Wimberg open twice and he let it fly and punished Frankfurt with a swift blow of two three´s and the 57-55 Niners lead after 30 minutes. Frankfurt was shooting only35% from the field while the Niners Chemnitz were at 46%. Frankfurt continued to control the boards 30-25 and had the 12-4 offensive rebound edge

In the fourth quarter it looked like the Fraport Skyliners might be able to pull it out, but the Niners Chemnitz always had an answer and forced overtime. Susinskas began the fourth quarter with a lay in after getting the back door pass from ex SMU(NCAA) forward Isaiah Miles, but Frankfurt struck back tying the game at 59-59 as Schoormann once again displayed his brutal athleticism going coast to coast for a lay in in traffic. Chemnitz than retrieved the lead back taking advantage of Frankfurt´s weak 1-1 defense as Lockett snuck inside easily for two points and Atkins made an alley op tap in for the 64-59 lead. The concentration of Frankfurt faltered as every so often after a huge offensive play, they would come right back and give up easy points. Basketball is a game of runs and the Fraport Skyliners erupted for a 9-0 run to take the 68-64 lead. In the run they got a Moore bullet three, Robertson free throws, a Lukas Wank runner and Mclean lay in. Big defensive plays sparked their offense. But Chemnitz never gave up getting an Atkins tap in and a 25 footer from the wing from Lockett to dead lock the game at 68-68 as the guests showed their best ball movement of the evening. Atkins then made a turn around shot for the 70-68 Chemnitz lead and with 37 seconds to play, Frankfurt got another clutch basket from Moore. Frankfurt then got a huge stop and had plenty of time to win the game, but Badio missed a dunk attempt when he could of made the easy lay up. “We were lucky we got the stop. We forced a tough shot on Badio. I was scared that he might score”, added Trent Lockett. “Frankfurt should of won the game. They had the easy lay up. Why go for the dunk”, stressed Jermale Jones. Frankfurt had 8 more possessions and 8 more offensive rebounds, but landed in overtime. The overtime period was tight and the Fraport Skyliners had the lead with 46 seconds to go, but couldn´t conserve the lead. With Badio putting up brick after brick, it was Rasheed Moore that became the go to guy. Chemnitz got big baskets form Massenat and Susinskas and Moore made a lay in off a Mclean shovel pass and then nailed a trey for the 78-77 lead. But Frankfurt couldn´t get stops as Wimburg connected on a trey from the corner for the 80-78 lead with 30 seconds to play. Moore then missed and Atkins sealed the victory with free throws. “Every player on the team works hard. We have confidence in each guy to take the big shot. Niklas came up big”, stated Trent Lockett. “Frankfurt made bad decisions in the last 2 minutes. Instead of making easy lay ups, they made it hard for themselves. The defensive rotation was off on that last three by Wimburg”, stressed Jermale Jones. The Niners Chemnitz were led by Minduagas Susinkas with 27 points. Darion Atkins added 18 points and 12 rebounds and Trent Lockett had 13 points while the Fraport Skyliners were led by Rasheed Moore with 17 points while Jamel Mclean and Len Schoormann had 13 points  a piece. The Niners Chemnitz shot 46% form the field and 39% from outside and had 40 rebounds and 20 turnovers while the Fraport Skyliners shot 35% from the field and 30% from outside and had 42 rebounds and 1 3 turnovers.

Terrell Harris (191-G-93, college: Georgia Coll., agency: Players Group) is a 28 year old 190cm guard from Indiantown, Florida that finished his fifth professional season and second with the NINERS Chemnitz (Germany-ProA) averaging 11,4ppg, 3,3rpg and 3,9apg. He will play his sixth professional season with the Hakro Merlins Crailsheim. In 2019-2020 in the Pro A with the Ninners he averaged 14,1ppg, 2,6rpg and 5,0apg. In 2018-2019 he played with the Rostock Seawolves (Germany-ProA) averaging 13.6ppg, 3.7rpg, 3.4apg, 1.0spg, FGP: 55.4%, 3PT: 37.3%, FT: 66.3%. Three seasons ago he played with the Svendborg Rabbits (Denmark-Ligaen) playing 24 games averaging 17.0ppg, 4.7rpg, 2.6apg, 1.2spg, FGP: 57.3%, 3PT: 42.6%, FT: 71.6%. In his rookie season he played with the Iserlohn Kangaroos (Germany-ProB) averaging 18,1ppg, 4,3rpg and 1,8apg. He started his basketball career at Mars Hill (NCAA2) in 2011 and then moved to Georgia College in 2012. As a senior he played 29 games averaging 24.6ppg, 6.7rpg, 4.0apg, 1.6spg, FGP: 59.1%, 3PT: 36.3%, FT: 76.8%. He concluded his college basketball career winning the All-PeachBelt Player of the Year 2016. Harris spoke togermanhoops.com after the magical 77-68 win over FC Bayern Munich.

Congrats Terrell on the amazing 77-68 win over FC Bayern Munich. Take us into the locker room How does one celebrate Merlins style after a win like this?

We celebrate every win together with laughs and some music then we are on to the next one. It doesn’t matter if it’s Bayern, Bamburg, or Fibaeurocup on to the next. It’s going to be a long season.

You have beaten FC Bayern Munich twice in two seasons. Some teams don’t beat FC Bayern Munich ever. Last season Dominique Johnson beat Munich on a buzzer beater and today it was the Merlins defense. How do you personally compare this win to the thrilling Thornton buzzer beater one?

But today was more of a grinder out low scoring game. We got stops when we needed to so we were able to win comfortably.

The Merlins began quickly leading 7-0 and led 22-11 after one quarter. Could you see the shock on the faces of FC Bayern Munich?

Bayern do a lot of traveling, teams like that you have to play with energy and try to get out ahead early because it’s a matter of time they wake up which they did. It wasn’t a surprise at all since we wanted to get off to a great start.

What does it say of the fight and talent of the Merlins when TJ Shorts didn’t even make a field goal in the first quarter?

TJ is a dawg, very competitive with a lot of heart. He’s fearless, he can create his shit anytime so we never worry about him. Just a matter of time before he sees one go end and then the basket gets big for him

In the second quarter FC Bayern Munich fought back. KC Rivers led the attack scoring 17 points. Was that the best single player performance in a quarter that you have seen since arriving in the BBL?

He’s a smooth player I didn’t realize he scored 17 until halftime. He got going on the low block and with his jumper.

Did you know coming in that he could be so overpowering? What made it so difficult to keep him under wraps?

He’s very strong he started to post us up and use his strength. Not too many players in this league can do all 3. From the three, dribble, and post up from the guard position.

What did head coach Sebastian Gleim tell you guys at half time and what adjustments did you make on defense to allow only 13 points?

Just to keep playing and live with tough jumpers, we will always have a chance when our defense is clicking.

With the Merlins up 62-58 you nailed a three pointer with 5,45 to play. This was very instrumental in the Merlins not allowing FC Bayern Munich to get over the hump. How good does it I general feel making a shot like this compared to when you made big shots in the Pro B with Iserlohn back in the day?

I try to do whatever the team needs at the moment.

What was key down the stretch for not allowing FC Bayern Munich to get over the hump? Did they ever reach an offensive rhythm on the night?

We just tried to stay active and clean the boards since they have a good team it’s Bayern. They weren’t making shots so we were able to get out and run some.

KC Rivers only scored 6 points in the second half. What key adjustments did you make to limit his lethal scoring?

We played the same, he didn’t post up a lot the second half. We were very alert wherever he was on the court.

68 points was the least amount that FC Bayern Munich have scored in the easyCredit BBL this season. Was this the Merlins best defensive effort of the season?

We played a few good defensive games vs Hamburg and Ludwisburg so it’s probably up there.

Please explain how the team defense could allow the top BBL team to only 68 points on 3 steals and forcing only 6 turnovers? That is something one won’t see often.

Just staying active and crashing the boards and they also missed some shots as well.

I can’t imagine there have been many BBL teams that have beaten FC Bayern Munich with only one guy in double figures. How did the team chemistry and unselfishness grow another step tonight?

We just tried to share the ball as much as possible and then in the fourth TJ did what he do best closed the game for us.

What step did head coach Sebastian Gleim make with this win? This was without a doubt his biggest BBL win so far?

He very competitive but it’s a long season we don’t dwell on wins and losses because we have quick turnarounds

The Hakro Merlins next face your ex team Niners Chemnitz. How excited are you to play your ex team? What words of praise will you give Rodrigo Pastore when you see him again?

I’m also excited to play every team. Chemnitz has a good team so I’m sure it will be a battle from start to finish. It’s all love and good energy between us. He gave me my first chance to play BBL and I will never forget that so best of luck to him with his coaching career.

What was your favorite childhood Xmas memory and what do you enjoy most about Christmas in Germany?

When we were little we used to always get bikes and ride them around the neighborhood all day for Xmas, like a bike crew. Now days in Germany I enjoy the markets but due to Covid the markets are closed.

2022 is around the corner. Do you have any New Years resolutions lined up?

No resolutions just continue being the best version of myself and staying healthy

Thanks Terrell for the chat.

                Guys that I particularly love to cover are those guys that never got anything for free and always had to prove themselves thus never losing that drive to grind in the gym until the janitor throws them out and turns off the lights. One simply doesn´t see many players coming from NCAA 2 schools make the trek overseas and get rewarded with that professional contract. You see more of these talented players that are talented, but forever reason were off the radar of division 1 schools pop up in lower country leagues in Europe, but every so often they also appear in division one leagues in Europe. One of these special players is Justin Briggs who landed in Austria and is playing his second professional season for the Kapfenberg Bulls. He played college ball at Chico State(NCAA2) that have produced many great players, but seldom guys that have gone overseas. There was a actually one graduating class 2005 where they didn´t send one player to Germany, but four with Will Bonner, Andy Butcher, Tim Haley and Jason Van Eck. Ten years later Chico State had another special player called Amir Carraway who played three seasons in Germany. He finished school a year before Justin Briggs came on board at Chico State, but his legacy left a lasting impression on the young center. “What comes to mind when I hear the name Amir Carraway is a Friend, Mentor, and Leader who has always been open to reaching out to me and giving me advice as well as being there to work out and train with during off seasons. He understands what it takes to play at a high professional level and also knows what it takes to get there from where we both started so it is always good hearing advice from him”, stated Justin Briggs. But not only does Justin Briggs have that love for Amir Carraway, but the love is mutual. “Justin Briggs is going to be a high level big for many years to come. It only takes a couple of down and backs to see the talent. I had a chance to watch him play a few times in college and by no surprise; he’s finally getting the opportunity to showcase his talent. He’s a student of the game and has a great basketball IQ. He has good hands and rebounds the ball at a high rate. Both things you can’t teach. I’ve seen him go against lottery picks and #1 overall selection while in college and there’s no surprise that those experiences and work ethic has gotten him to the pro ranks. I expect him to excel even more as he adjusts to the pro level. For some reason Division II doesn’t get the credit it deserves as there are a handful of guys currently playing at the NBA level”, warned Amir Carraway. Briggs is an exciting player that wants to leave his mark on European basketball as well as make his school Chico State proud. His game continues to change and evolve as his mentality of always having to prove himself will help him progress.

            Justin Briggs who lists Isaiah Brooks, Robert Duncan, Mike Bethea Jr., AJ Turner, and  Isaiah Ellis as his five best teammates of all-time was born on September 19th, 1997 in Okinawa, Japan and grew up in West Sacramento, California. He attended River city High school and then attended Chico State(NCAA2) from 2015-2020. After a redshirt year, he began his NCAA 2 career in 2016 averaging 8.4ppg, 5.7rpg, 1.9bpg, FGP: 53.3%, FT: 47.7%. Right away as a freshman, he reached the NCAA 2 Elite 8. “This was one of the most memorable moments there because of the talent we had on the team that year as well as how far we made it that year. It was a great experience that a lot of people don’t get to see in their college career even if it was Division 2 it was a great accomplishment from me and that group of guys we had”, stated Justin Briggs. In his second year he averaged 8.9ppg, 6.5rpg, 1.4bpg, FGP: 56.0%, 3PT: 25.0%, FT: 54.2%. He displayed special consistency with scoring and rebounding and in his junior season averaged.8.8ppg, 7.4rpg, 1.3bpg, FGP: 51.5%, 3PT: 50.0%, FT: 46.2%. His game took greater strides in his senior season as he averaged 11.7ppg, 7.6rpg, 1.8bpg, FGP: 60.3%, 3PT: 38.5%, FT: 51.3%. He was forced into a new role and knew that he had to take control and heighten his game. “We lost some veteran players my junior year and I knew in order for our team to make another NCAA appearance I would need to step up as a scorer as the only senior that was playing on the team at the time. My game developed with each game as well as our team chemistry and the connection I had with my point guard helped as well”, remembered Justin Briggs. In his four year career, he scored in double figures in 44 games.

            The California native who has Michael Jordan, Lebron James, Shaquille O’Neil, and Jamal Crawford on his own personal NBA Mount Rushmore helped the school reach three CCAA tournament semi-finals and will never forget two of his last games at Chico State against CS Stanislaus where he lost 78-77 and 75-73. “Those we’re probably the closest back to back games that I played in college especially since we played the same team twice and those games ended up going to overtime so that is always going to be a great game to remember and I had a high school friend Xavier who played on the CSU Stanislaus team and we still talk about those games”, expressed Justin Briggs. Even if the Elite 8 loss to Lincoln Memorial was long ago, it was an experience that really helped him grow as a player at Chico State. Playing against very good talent with future NBA player Emmanuel Terry and Luquon Choice who would go overseas to Germany and being tested at any early stage of his NCAA 2 career was very important in his early development. “Playing them in the Elite 8 was a good experience and it showed the level of physicality that needed to be increased after each round of the tournament in order to be successful. They had talented players that were physically more aggressive than us and that was a lesson that I kept with me going forward through my basketball career”, commented Justin Briggs. Some of his best games in the NCAA 2 occurred against CS Los Angeles where he poured in 23 points and against CS East Bay and Azusa Pacific where he added 21 points apiece. One individual who was instrumental in him being a consistent player and maturing into a professional player was head coach George Clink. “Playing for Greg Clink was a great experience. His basketball knowledge was excellent and I hear and use a lot of his coaching points that he taught me in the professional basketball games that I’ve played in so far. He expected great things from his players and brought out the full potential in all of us. He has coached a handful of players that have went on to play overseas and I’m sure he will continue to develop new talent”, warned Justin Briggs.

            The American who remembers Deandre Ayton who currently plays for the Phoenix Suns was his toughest opponent in an exhibition game during his school time is one of those rare players that went through COVID during school and then had to find a professional team during the hard times. In 20 years he will always be able to say he had to go through all these restrictions and had to adapt to a new lifestyle overseas which obviously wasn´t easy. “The biggest obstacle when Covid was in its early stages was how we as players and staff should go about our season. We had just made the NCAA Tournament and there were rumors about it being canceled at the time or postponed and it was difficult to understand the severity of Covid at the time because of the lack of knowledge and information about the virus. Once I made my way to Austria the biggest difference was playing in empty arenas with no fans and trying to come out each day and play with energy and intensity when each game had a sort of “Practice Feel” to it”, said Justin Briggs. COVID also made him look at life a lot differently than before COVID had reared it´s ugly head into everybody´s life. “Covid personally made me understand not to take simple things for granted, such as fans, social life, and even travel. It limits what you can do and when you can do things so this past year I just kept telling myself if I can make it through a season with Covid restrictions, empty gyms, and limited travel I will be able to make it through any season and strive from here on out in my career”, warned Justin Briggs. He had to really fight for that first rookie gig as the whole transfer period was difficult and different for the 20-21 season because of COVID than ever before. But he stuck through it and signed a contract in Austria in January 2021. “When I wasn’t playing and didn’t sign in the beginning of the 2020-21 season I was down on myself at first but not discouraged. I was training everyday staying game ready and healthy even when the phone wasn’t buzzing with opportunities I had faith as well as patience and knew they would eventually come. I knew the biggest obstacle would be getting a good first job overseas that would lay out the framework for the start of my career and once I got the job I knew I had to prove that I belonged there”, stressed Justin Briggs. He never forgot that he came from the NCAA 2 and has that special mentality that from now on nothing will come easy even after he proves himself. That mentality to always have to prove himself is something that will never go away. “It was a blessing getting the call in January 2021 to come and play in Austria and prove myself as a professional Talent and to then play for the rest of the 2020-21 season and get the call that they wanted me to resign for another season in a starting role it was even more of a testament to my hard work and dedication that I have put into myself as well as the organization. Coming from Division 2 you always have to work harder than the next guy and prove yourself before you get the respect and recognition and that is what this year is all about”, warned Justin Briggs who beat Chico State teammate Marvin Timothy in one on one battles back in the day.

            Last season as a rookie in Austria with Kapfenberg Bulls (Austria-BSL) the ex NCAA 2 player who thinks Lebron James is the greatest to ever play played 23 games averaging 5.3ppg, 4.3rpg, FGP: 63.3%, FT: 50.0%;and played 3 FIBA Europe Cup games averaging 2,0 and 1,7rpg. He right away got a great feel of what playoff basketball is all about overseas witnessing an opening round 5 game series win over Vienna, then sweeping Wels and then losing a tough 4 game final series against top club Gmunden. He also played Fiba Europe Cup getting a first taste of international club basketball. He also was lucky to have been teammates with Austrian legend and ex ACB player Thomas Schreiner and ex German Pro A player Alex Herrera. “Thomas was a great teammate who shed a ton of knowledge to me as a first year rookie We would watch game film together and he would show me clips on how to be more efficient as well as point out how to be effective while me and him are on the court together. When it comes to Alex it was great playing against him every day in practice, before I had arrived Alex was the only 5 position and once I got there he didn’t take it easy on me we both worked extremely hard to get each other better and prepared for games. It was always great battling with him and also learning from him each and every day”, stated Justin Briggs. This season Kapfenberg has added some new pieces and want to get back to it´s winning ways from 2017-2019 where they won three straight titles. “With the Covid season last year it took a toll on the basketball in the club and we are eager to get back to the standard we were once at in the past. We have a lot of goals to meet this season and we are excited to work towards them day by day”, added Justin Briggs. Two players that bring their own special qualities to the team and feed Briggs in the paint are veteran Kareem Jamar and Joshua Scott. “The biggest aspect that I get from Kareem Jamar is his knowledge of the game as well as his knowledge of the program since he was a part of those winning seasons in past years winning the Austrian cup and being a league champion. Playing with Joshua Is also a fun experience because he is a high energy player just like myself who is quick and explosive and also takes the time to learn each and every day in order to get accustomed to the team and get comfortable leading our team in the point guard position”, expressed Justin Briggs.

            The big man who felt that the classic Coming To America should have been left alone is a 208cm center that has a game that is similar to NBA player Karl Anthony Towns. He is a solid post player that can hit the jump shot and be efficient on the pick and roll. He is also an active player at both ends of the court. “My game is always changing and evolving with each passing day but I would like to say that I am a big that plays in the low post with vision to find the open man passing out of the post, playing one on one from the mid post as well as the low post, and when open knocking down the Three pointer/Mid Range. & With pick and rolls I like to make the read on how my defender plays it and make plays out of catching the roll pass and finishing or creating for a shooter”, stressed Justin Briggs. But he so much more than just an offensive presence, but also a player that has a potent defensive game that will definitely help him move up the basketball ladder in the next years should that develop as well as his offensive game does. In the NCAA 2 he averaged 1,5bs per game in his four year career and he hopes to continue to be that rim protector at the professional level. “I am a good post defender who moves well on any kind of ball screen defense and I typically come from the help side to get my blocked shots when we have guards driving to the basket or posting up on the opposite side of me. I want to consistently execute our teams defensive schemes perfectly so that teams are forced into rushed shots. I also guard different positions well on the perimeter when we go into a switch situation and I am switched out on a smaller offensive player”, said Justin Briggs. He definitely has a game that will keep developing in the next years and it will be exciting to see what next opportunities he chooses and how well he can adapt to new styles of play in different countries. But for now he has a game that will definitely turn heads in Austria. He will never be satisfied with the last big game, because he has that mentality that he always has to prove himself. He simply doesn´t know any better.

Stanley Whittaker (183-G-94, college: Keiser) is a 27 year old 183cm point guard from Philadelphia playing his third professional season and first in Germany with PS Karlsruhe. He played his rookie season in Lithuania and last season had his break through with UBSC Raiffeisen Graz (Austria-BSL) playing 24 games: Score-2 (21.5ppg), 6.3rpg, Assists-2 (8.0apg), Steals-1 (2.6spg), FGP: 49.3%, 3PT: 40.5%, FT: 78.4%. He played his college ball at Frank Phillips (JUCO) and Keiser (NAIA). He teams up every week with Miles Schmidt-Scheuber to talk basketball

Congrats on the big 111-91 win over Team Ehingen. How good does this win feel a day before Christmas Eve?
Feels good to win, it was a good team win in all. Glad we were able to go on the road against a scrappy Ehingen team and prevail.

PS Karlsruhe had the slim 57-53 advantage at the break. What was difficult on the defensive end in trying to keep the Team Ehingen off the board?

Ehingen got off to a great start, they were getting easy looks, they were pushing the ball from our turnovers and making us pay. They had it rolling which carried their confidence as a team and we just couldn’t quite disrupt their rhythm in the first half.

After 30 minutes Ps Karlsruhe had the lead. What was key in the third quarter for keeping the lead?

Key in the 3rd quarter was just to establish some resistance on the defensive end. We know if we play one possession defense we can get out running and share the basketball at a high level, so it all started on defense!

In the fourth quarter you put the nail on the coffin and kept them better in check. What was the biggest strength on defense?

The biggest strength was our rotations got better, our communication improved and we forced them to take tougher contested shots!

What was the bigger strength on the evening the rebounding or the team timely and consistent three point shooting?

They both played a huge part, however without defending well we can’t get out running and find shooters, we shot the ball well from 3 tonight. Glad we had some success with that.

Triple doubles are rare in the Pro A. What was your impression of Tyler Cheese who was everywhere on the court?

He’s a good player, has the freedom and trust from his team to play that way, and I’m sure his team expects that from him. It was a good battle with him.

PS Karlsruhe had 6 guys in double figures. Was this the team’s best offensive performance of the season?

From the Total points scored (111) I think that says it was but I think we still can improve

. The team is on a 4 game wining streak since Trevion Crews arrived. How much has this guys arrival sparked the confidence of the team?

We just been a solid rhythm. With the addition of Trev and Moyer they bring us a renewed energy and gives us depth. So we are just trying to keep it rolling.

Is the team playing it’s best basketball of the season? What will be key in beating Rostock?

I think we’re in the nice rhythm right now. Keys to that game will be high level of energy, high level of focus, playing a high level of defense and executing at a high level as well.

You had another fine game of 23/9/6. How much better are you a player when everyone is involved?

That’s the name of the game sharing the ball, and playing together as a team. It helps me and makes the game smoother for myself.

What kind of Stanley Whittaker will we see in the second half of the season as you fight for the playoffs?

A continued version of myself, just want to remain in rhythm and taking it day by day, step by step.

What was your favorite present for Christmas as a kid?

My favorite present as a kid maybe was a remote controlled toy car, they we’re always a great gift!

Thanks Stanley for the chat.