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 82-68 win over the wiha Panthers. How good was it to be back after your layover?

It felt nice to be back out there with my teammates and in front of our home fans. The energy was electric, glad we got the win. I’m just thankful that I’m in better health now and just want to remain protected and safe.

You had Corona. What kind of an experience was it and what was the biggest challenge?

Battling Corona man that experience was extremely difficult for me. The biggest challenge was the virus in itself and how so undetermined things are with it.

While you had Corona PS Karlsruhe got another guard Trevion Crews, because they didn’t know how long you would be out. Did you feel like that was a let down? I mean a corona incident is usually resolved within a few weeks.

I didn’t feel it was a let down. Trev can and will help out our team as well as Matthew Moyer as well.

PS Karlsruhe began well, but the Panthers fought back in the second quarter. From what did you get away from that allowed the guests to come back?

From a defensive standpoint we didn’t finish possessions, we gave up some offensive rebounds that led to easy under the basket finishes for them, and offensively against their zone we got a bit stagnant and we settled for the three a little too much.

PS Karlsruhe kept control in the second half. How key was holding the fort down with your defense? What was the team’s biggest strength on this evening?

That’s where we want to hang our hats on the defensive end. We’re working hard each day trying to get on one full accord defensively. I think our defensive of effort and attention to detail was a strength of ours.

What was it like battling the Steve Nash of the Pro A David Cohn? He had another double double?

It was fun battling against Cohn, he’s a competitor, plays well for his team and keeps them going. Best of health to him going forward.

You had a super comeback with 24/5/4 stats. How content were you coming back from COVID and putting up those numbers?

I’m still working to get back to feeling like myself completely. I’m content that I was able to help contribute to this needed win.

How is it playing together with Trevion Crews. He is a scorer/facilitator like you. It seems like you can still play your game with him beside you

It’s all good playing with Trev, we have one common goal as a team and that’s to try and win games. However, I’m a professional. I’ll be able to myself, that’s what this club expects from me.

I never understood why the club didn’t get another strong guard. You and Crews could become the strongest guard duo in the Pro A.

That is not our focus, we are just trying to win basketball games!

You next play against Bochum. What will be key to getting win?

The key to this win will be to play hard, finish possessions, limit them offensively and play together.

What is your favorite Christmas childhood memory?

My favorite childhood memory during Christmas time was always just being with the family. Those moments won’t ever fade so just thinking back on those times where I didn’t have a worry in the world and just being with my family. Those are my favorite childhood Christmas memories.

Thanks Stanley for the chat.

Yorman Polas Bartolo is a 36 year old 191cm guard that is playing his 17th season and 10th in Germany and second with the MHP Riesen Ludwigsburg. He began his basketball career in Cuba with : Camaguey. He came to Germany in 2012 and played for organizations Munchen Basket (Regionalliga), Crailsheim, Giessen, Telekom Baskets Bonn and the Fraport Skyliners. He spoke to eurobasket after playing his 185th easyCredit BBL game against the Fraport Skyliners

Congrats on the big 95-67 win over the Fraport Skyliners. You guys punished Frankfurt. How much of a factor was their walking wounded list?

It is a shame that they have injury problems. Of course we noticed that. We had an advantage and on top of that we were in top form tonight.

How annoying is it forcing the Fraport Skyliners to 9 turnovers and still be trailing 14-13 after one quarter? You should have been leading by 10 plus points.

We weren’t patient enough in the first quarter. We did take good shots, but they weren’t falling yet.

How much of a push did the 9-0 run to begin of the second quarter give you? It was like night and day on offense as you led 46-32 at the break

We made more pressure on the guards and it worked well. We worked hard on defense and created steals that led to easy baskets.

The turnover picture was 26-10 after three quarters. You had 16 possessions more. What was the biggest strength on defense on this night?

Our communication was our biggest strength. Then came our pressure. We had to make pressure on their young players. Everything fit very well on defense tonight.

Ludwigsburg began with a 10-2 run and closed out the game consistent winning it 23-10. What was key for being able to be locked in so intensively?

We were focused from the start to defend well and we were locked in. Our bench also came in and kept the pressure on. We had that defense first mentality and then the rest will come.

John Patrick already had played all 12 players in the first quarter. How vital is it in general having every player having the trust from the coach?

Coach had 12 players that he can always rely on. All 12 guys exactly know what they have to do on the court. If someone doesn’t do their job then the next guy comes from the bench to help keep our rhythm going.

How much of a joy and battle has it been suiting up against Fraport Skyliner legend Quantez Robertson. How have you observed his career over the years?

I have a lot of respect for Tez. He is a great defender, hard worker and fighter. He is always pushing the team and bringing energy. Playing that short time with Tez In Frankfurt was a big highlight in my career.

Would it be a compliment if your game, energy and passion for the game would be compared to a Quantez Robertson?

Yes of course that would be a very good compliment. Everybody knows how good he is as. He has earned so much respect and he has been longer in the league than me.

Is there a game or one on one battle on the court that has stuck in your head over the years?

I think the first time that I played against him when I was with Giessen. I knew that he would be very tough to play. He motivated me a lot. I wanted to take a lot of responsibility in that game when I faced him. That first time was special.

Who will retire first you or Quantez Robertson?

I don’t know. I will play as long as I can. I think that he thinks the same. He is still so strong mentally and physically on the court.

This season the club is still trying to find it’s self in the easyCredit BBL and is up and down? Do you feel like the new players are having more difficulty to come to terms with John Patrick than last season’s team?

Last season was very special. We found our rhythm and chemistry right from the start. This season we had guys come and go and finding ourselves has taken longer. We are playing well now. We are on a good way.

The team is a lot better in the Basketball Champions League competition and putting up 86 points per game. What do you believe has been the secret to the better play here?

We are bringing the same energy as in the BBL. Maybe teams don’t know or scout us as well as BBL teams.

What has it been like playing with 40 year old veteran Tremmel Darden. Your only 4 years younger than him. Does his presence motivate you to try to play possibly even longer than what you might expect?

Yes of course his presence motivates me. He is in top form. He is a role model and can still do so many things well on the court for his age. I would like to follow him and play as long as him or longer.

What kind of experience has it been sharing the court with ex NBA player Rawle Alkins. He has shown his potential in the BBL, but not yet in the BCL? Is this guy on the verge of exploding in the BCL?

He has a lot of potential. He has played at a high level in both leagues. But some days just don’t work well. That is a part of basketball. But I’m confident that he will show what he can do in the BCL.

You have seen the development of the Patrick brothers. How much of an influence has your defensive game been on them?

Both have a lot of potential. When you play for John Patrick, you have to have same quality as the rest. I have a lot of respect for them as they are taking a good development. I try to help them by showing my energy and fighting skills on the defensive end.

Jonah Radebaugh has made tremendous steps since day 1 in Ludwigsburg scoring 25 points. What part of his game do you feel has grown most?

I knew at the start that he had a lot of potential. He just didn’t have his chance yet last season. This season he is a key player and has really exploded.

You are in your 7th BBL season. You have started slow and are still searching for your three pointer in the BBL. How frustrating has your slow start been? Is age starting to creep up with you?

Roles changed this season and we are still trying to find our chemistry and me my game.

On what does a 36 year old work on most at that age? Is just getting rest and limiting the grind the most essential thing to do or is there a particular area of your game that your working on?

You can never stop getting better. I’m constantly working to get better. I’m working most on my three pointer and one on one play.

What can a guy of your experience still learn from a coach like John Patrick? What kind of an influence has he had on you since you arrived?

I have learned a lot from him. In the past I was known to be a good one on one defender and now I have learned how to defend with that team mentality

What is your fondest on court memory with Rickey Paulding who is hanging it up after this season?

When I played against him in the allstar game. But we didn’t play hard like in the BBL. It was too relaxed. Rickey is a legend. He has been a role model for so many in Germany.

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

No I didn’t. It is best to keep classic movies untouched.

Thanks Yorman for the chat.

Jaylen Hands (191-G-99, college: UCLA) is a 22 year old 191cm guard from Chula Vista, California playing his third professional season and first with the o Telenet Giants Antwerp (Belgium-BNXT League). He was drafted by the Los Angeles Clippers in 2019 in the second Round at #56. He played his rookie season with the Long Island Nets (NBA G League) playing 41 games averaging 11.4ppg, 3.0rpg, 3.3apg, 1.0spg, FGP: 47.1%, 3PT: 35.0%, FT: 88.6%. Last season he played with KK FMP Beograd (Serbia-KLS) playing 12 Adriatic League games averaging 8.5ppg, 1.8rpg, 1.9apg, FGP: 54.2%, 3PT: 38.1%, FT: 83.9%. He played 2 years at the University of California at Los Angeles (NCAA) playing 30 games as a freshman averaging 9.8ppg, 4.0rpg, 2.6apg, 1.0spg, FGP: 42.5%, 3PT: 37.3%, FT: 75.0% and in his second season averaged 14.2ppg, 3.7rpg, 6.1apg, 1.3spg, FGP: 44.7%, 3PT: 37.3%, FT: 78.0%. He spoke to germanhoops.com before a Fiba Europe Cup game against German team Hakro Merlins.

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

I am In Antwerp, Belgium playing for The Telenet Giants. I’m enjoying my time here a lot!

Before we talk about your basketball career, I have to ask you about how you have dealt with COVID since the outbreak in 2020. What has been the most challenging thing that you personally encountered since March 2020?

COVID has been a challenge for everyone. Above all, I hope everyone can stay safe and healthy. I personally have never gotten COVID. As we all have seen, it has changed a lot in our day to day but I just hope that everyone can remain safe and healthy.

You have needed no adjustment time in Belgium. What have been the main reasons for you being able to play so well so quickly for Antwerpen?

It starts with the environment. From the GM, to the coaches, to my teammates, to the fans here. It’s a welcoming place. They allowed me to come in and play my game. I’m playing a lot off natural instinct and I feel I’m getting better game by game.

How beneficial has it been playing with veteran Markel Brown. How has he been able to help you most in the time that you have been there?

Markel is Great! He’s very focused. I’m confident that both the similarities and contrast in our games will help this team rack up a lot of wins

Last season you played with KK FMP Beograd (Serbia-KLS) playing in the Adriatic League averaging 8.5ppg, 1.8rpg, 1.9apg, FGP: 54.2%, 3PT: 38.1%, FT: 83.9. What was your wake up calling to being overseas where you knew that you were very far away from home?

I learned Toughness. Especially being in Serbia. I loved my time and the people there. A thought I wrote down from my 6 months there was: ‘what can you do well every day?’. It was my first experience outside of the states and I grew a lot mentally. Very proud with how I developed on and off the court.

You were drafted by the Los Angeles Clippers and played your rookie season with the Long Island Nets (NBA G-League) playing 41 games averaging 11.4ppg, 3.0rpg, 3.3apg, 1.0spg, FGP: 47.1%, 3PT: 35.0%, FT: 88.6%. You had some good games in December. Did you ever feel like you were close to an NBA call up?

Fun, interesting season! Was definitely some good moments, and a lot of moments I learned from. Was a blessing to play with and watch guys like Kevin Durant, Kyrie Irving, Caris LeVert work that years Preseason with the Nets. I love the passion behind a day to day grind

You played 2 years at UCLA. You made a big jump in your game in your second season. How do you feel did your game grow in your second year?

My 2 years at UCLA were the best times of my life! I made a big jump my second year with my floor game. Went from 2 assists per game my first year to over 6 my second. That led the entire conference and was top 20/30 in the nation I believe. Spent a lot of time with my coaches in the film room and in the gym working on ways to get myself and teammates involved at the same time. I still watch some clips until this day!

You had many memorable games, but was the 93-88 win over rival USC where you had 21/10 stats your most memorable win or was it the come form behind win over Oregon?

Those are 2 of my favorites! I had a lot of fun playing with my teammates in both of those. You can’t go wrong with either. 21/10 and a Game winner at Home vs your cross town Rival or 27 points and 7 threes in one Half for a come behind win on ESPN. Both fun!

Please name your 5 all-time best teammates.

I got all my teammates back. If you got mine too you’re in my top 5.

Thanks Jaylen for the chat.

Worthy de Jong (194-G-88) is a 33 year old 194cm guard form Holland playing his 11th season for Zorg and Zekerheid Leiden (BNXT League). In between he played one season for SO Maritime Boulogne (France-ProB). He has won 7 titles in Holland and also been a member of the Dutch national team. He recently spoke to germanhoops.com about basketball.

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

I’m pretty good, it’s been a while now.. and I’m starting to think about my future after basketball.

It has been more than 5 years since we last talked via an interview. Has time flown by for you?

It really blew by!

You were in Holland during the Pandemic. How have you experienced COVID and what were the most challenging things you had to cope with?

One of the most challenging things were the first couple of months of lockdown where basketball was only practice and no more games..

With everything that you witnessed during COVID off the court how do you feel did you get stronger as a man?

It gave me time to reflect about other things then basketball and it gave me time to do some more photography.

Your playing your 11th season for Zorg and Zekerheid Leiden. You are like the Quantez Robertson of the BNXT league as he is in his 13th season with the Fraport Skyliners. Is there a good chance you will end your career there one day?

Hahah most likely. But you never know

Last season you won the Dutch league title for the second time after 2013. What was it like winning again after 8 seasons? What was special about this team?

It was definitely a long time since we had one but it felt amazing! Being part of this group of guys last season showed was great. A real family and memories for a long time! I think we had a great mix of people that balanced us out really good!

This is a fairly new team with 6 new players. How confident are you that Zorg and Zekerheid Leiden have the potential to win a title this season?

Potential is definitely there, so it’s all about getting the pieces to fit at the right time.

You last played against a German team Fraport Skyliners 6 years ago. Now you played against a German team again with medi Bayreuth. What memories do you have of playing Frankfurt?

What I remember is that I had a pretty good game I think and Jordan Theodore who played there .

You continue to put up very consistent stats in Holland. How would you say has your game continued to grow in the last years?

I think it matured, and I found a way to adapt and adjust my game around the players that come in every season.

It seems like you have had to take on the role of a facilitator more in the last few years. Is passing and playmaking apart of your game that sems to have been a bit underappreciated?

Like I mentioned earlier I think I just try to adapt to what a team needs and try to do that .

You continue to be an aggressive and nasty defender. Does defending become more challenging as you get older as the young guys seem to get more athletic?

Haven’t ran into that problem yet. As you get older you learn to read the game to benefit yours so we will see.

You will be turning 34 early next year. On what parts of your game are you working on most now as you continue to be a vital player on the team?

My shot definitely is something I need to get more consistent.

You only played one season outside of Holland with 2017 SO Maritime Boulogne (France-ProB) averaging 9.7ppg, 3.0rpg, 2.0apg, Steals-5 (1.8spg), FGP: 47.7%, 3PT: 31.4%, FT: 67.1%. What memories do you have of this season? How would you compare the Pro B to the Dutch league?

Probably how athletic it is.

You had the great opportunity to be teammates with veteran Teddy Gipson. What was it like sharing the back court with him and your battles in practice?

That was like a dream come through, growing up and watching him play in Amsterdam really inspired me to become a basketball player

5 years ago we spoke about the Dutch national team. Then you stated it was on the rise. What is the state of Dutch basketball in 2021?

It’s definitely on the way up. We need to stay focused and approach it as an infinite game. think long term and take every bit of progress we make

Please name your 5 best teammates of all-time?

Mohamed Kherrazi Monta McGhee Seamus Boxley Arvin Slagter Teddy Gipson. But there are so much more! Jessey, Floris, Emmanuel and Have a place for them all.

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

MJ Shaq LeBron

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

Definitely should’ve left it alone!Thanks Worthy for the chat.

Terry Allen (203-F-93, college: Richmond) is a 27 year old 203cm forward from Manvel, Texas playing his sixth professional season and third in Germany and first with medi Bayreuth. The last 2 seasons he helped the Hamburg Towers ( 10.8ppg, 4.1rpg, 1.5apg, FGP: 60.0%, 3PT: 34.7%, FT: 82.8%) and BG Goettingen (10.7ppg, 3.7rpg, 1.3apg, FGP: 55.9%, 3PT: 40.9%, FT: 78.0%) reach the BBL playoffs. In his first three professional season he played with Egis Kormend (Hungary-A Division) averaging 16.6ppg, 5.6rpg, 1.9apg, 1.2spg, FGP: 60.3%, 3PT: 37.8%, FT: 73.0%; an din the FIBA Europe Cup averaged Score-2 (19.7ppg), 5.9rpg, 2.6apg, 1.2spg, FGP: 51.8%, 3PT: 47.7%, FT: 82.0%, BCM Gravelines Dunkerque Grand Littoral (France-ProA) averaging 11.4ppg, 3.5rpg, FGP: 47.9%, 3PT: 32.2%, FT: 67.8%, and Ironi Nahariya (Israel-Winner League) averaging 11.9ppg, 5.3rpg, 2.2apg, 1.0spg, FGP: 48.9%, 3PT: 37.6%, FT: 72.9%. He spoke to germanhoops.com after the massive 85-72 victory over the Fraport Skyliners

Thanks Terry for talking to germanhoops.com. Congrats on the big 85-72 win over the Fraport Skyliners. Did Frankfurt get the severe brute of medi Bayreuth in the fourth quarter? How much did the unnecessary loss to Leiden in Fiba Europe Cup anger the team?

We have been struggling with injuries. We were very upset after the loss to Leiden. It is what it was. That loss will fuel us to go harder in the next game in Russia. It is really important to get BBL wins now in order to separate us from teams behind us. We want to win every game. We struggled for 3 quarters against Frankfurt. We couldn’t find a way to stop them. We had problems with their rebounding and they moved the ball well. In the fourth quarter we came together and got stops. We allowed only 7 points in the fourth quarter. Our defense carried us to the win.

The win was the third in a row in the easyCredit for medi Bayreuth. Are you guys slowly finding your groove in the BBL?

I would say that we are. We are learning to play through injuries better and with more energy and physicality. We are starting to figure out how to adjust and play the best we can with a short rotation. At the start of the season we had a full roster and we couldn’t get it done. Now with a shorter rotation guys are figuring out their roles better.

How big do you personally rate this win when a Cam Wells is missing and Marcus Thornton only scored 7 points. Other guys stepped up tonight.

It’s a team game. We were able to pull out the win with other guys in the fourth quarter. I remember telling the younger guys at the start of the season that they may not play much then, but they will get a chance later in the season. I told them to take advantage of their opportunities.

The first half was an up and down affair between both teams. Frankfurt got better into the game in the second quarter. What part of the game did Bayreuth get away from in the second quarter?

We let them get way too many offensive rebounds which allowed them to get easy baskets. If a team gets more posessions then it is more likely to get more baskets. Their big guys also took advantage of second chances. They also killed our pick and roll defense. They found a rhythm and it carried over into the third quarter.

The Fraport Skyliners kept control of the game after 30 minutes leading 65-59. What did head coach Raoul Korner tell the team in the huddle before the begin of the fourth quarter?

He told us that we needed to rebound the ball better. Rebounding had hurt us all night long.

Medi Bayreuth buckled down and went on a game changing 18-4 run to decide the game. What adjustments did you make on the defensive end?

Our zone and getting rebounds helped us most in the run. We didn’t give them as many second chances as we did in the first 3 quarters. That helped us take the lead. They couldn’t do pick and roll and make adjustments against our zone.

In the run, no American scored. This speaks for the contribution of the other players. How good is it knowing that other guys can take pressure off you and Marcus Thornton?

As a team we don’t think like our Americans have to score all the points. We try to play as a team and trust everyone. We have good German players that can do a lot. Kay Bruhnke hit two big three’s in the fourth quarter and Basti Doreth had a great game. It is hard to give our team a real description, because we can always come at you with different guys each night. Teams don’t know how to stop that.

This was the second least amount of points that the club gave up second to the MBC game. What steps did you witness on the defensive end tonight

In the huddle going into the fourth quarter we talked a lot and it fueled us to get stops. We don’t want to take a step back and play like at the start of the season. We want to keep building and have a successful game.

Bastian Doreth had another big game with 21 points. He hasn’t shown hiss coring much this season except for London and Bamberg. Do you feel like he should be more selfish at times and demonstrate his scoring ability?

No he is a point guard. He controls our offense and the way he plays is great. He gets all involved, but also can create for himself. It is easy to guard a scoring point guard. Teams have to play a different kind of defense against him. It is tougher for teams to stop him. Basti is a veteran and he knows when to take over in a game.

Kay Bruhnke was very efficient tonight netting 13 points in 15 minutes. How valuable is he for the team and what steps have you seen him make this season?

He is my guy. I talk to him and give him advice. He played great in the fourth hitting two clutch three’s. He put a cushion on the lead. He plays hard every day. He can play inside out, shoot, push the ball and play the 4/5. He is a great player.

How much of a pleasure is it sharing the floor with Marcus Thornton? You have played with many Americans in your career. How would you describe your chemistry on the court with him?

He is great to play with. He makes the game easier for everyone. He always draws multiple defenders, can get by defenders and is a great shooter. He also makes the game easier for our bigs. He is here to score the ball, but is also a great facilitator. He draws so much attention and his basketball package is great. I have seen him do things that I have never seen other guys do. He is all moment when he gets the ball.

Medi Bayreuth have some tough games coming up before and after Christmas against Bonn and Berlin. What does the club need to continue to do in the next weeks to be successful on the floor?

We only worry about the next game. We try to control what we need to control. Right now we are focusing on Russia and Braunschweig.

Let’s talk about your game. You had 11 points, 6 boards and 4 steals but was form outside. How content were you with your game?

I did what I could playing hard at both ends of the court and coach put me in at the position 5 at the end. I feel like I’m a great defender and read the game well and can get steals or make it harder for teams to score. If my three isn’t on, then I help my team with my defense.

After stops in BG Goettingen and Hamburg Towers is your role a different one in this team?

My role is about the same that I had the last 2 seasons. I feel like with my experience in Germany, I have been able to see the game differently and make better reads. I think that having played in Germany the past 2 seasons has really helped my basketball IQ. Rebounding, playing defense and catch and shooting is my game. I always play hard and if we win I’m happy.

Your shooting 43% in the BBL and Fiba Europe Cup the best in your career. How do you explain this consistency in shooting this season?

Catch and shoot comes naturally to me. I have put in a lot of work over the summers the last years perfecting my shot. If it goes in then it goes in. I’m confident in my shots and if I get shots then it is more likely that they will go in. It is nothing special. Coach wants me to shoot when I’m open. That’s my job.

You have always been consistent as a professional player and turning 28 in a few weeks Where do you still want to go with your game? How much potential do you still have?

I feel that I still have a lot of talent. I am a high calibur player that will be willing to do things that others won’t. I’m prepared to work every day and make my game better and help teams be successful. I helped Gottingen and Hamburg reach the playoffs which nobody expected.

Is Anthony Davis a top 5 NBA player right now? Shouldn’t he be doing more with that aging Lakers squad?

If the team was doing better then he would be, but for me he is a top 10 player now. He has been very injury prone in his career, but he is a great player.

Christmas is around the corner. What is your fondest childhood X-mas memory?

I remember being in grandma’s house popping fire works and playing with my cousins. I really miss being home as a pro. I do a lot of facetime during the holiday season.

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

They should of left it alone. I didn’t like it. They created it too quickly. They didn’t put much money in. They made it too late. They should of made it sooner.

Thanks Terry for the chat.

It’s 7:30 on a Saturday morning and I’m up, but not because I want to. I still feel like I climbed a lot of hills yesterday, which I actually did in my daily run and wouldn’t mind sleeping 2 more hours. Not even the notion of knowing that in 4 hours I would get my 3rd booster shot and possible side effects fazed me. Instead basketball thoughts continue to race through my mind. I know at that point that my short night is over. Why can’t certain players just let me sleep and not rob me of my precious rest? In a way I’m mad, but at the other hand, I’m actually happy, because I have another opportunity of writing a unique kind of article about an out of the ordinary player called Parker Jackson-Cartwright (176-PG-95, college: Arizona). I got off the phone with him 7 hours ago after another interesting post game interview after he successfully led his team past another inspiring and pesky club named the MLP Academics 87-70. This guy is really special something I don’t have to tell his mother, because all mothers think that their kids are the best, but this guy truly is one of a kind. I know his teammate Skyler Bowlin could probably give an early season tribute about his thoughts about the playmaker of the Telekom Baskets Bonn. Jackson-Cartwright is a great player as he is one if not best point guards in the league so far if not the best as Crailsheim diminutive point guard TJ Shorts could raise his hand like he would have back in first grade and surely debate my opinion. Both Jackson-Cartwright and Shorts have been so valuable for their team’s success, but the ex Arizona great Parker probably has the nod as better right now simply because Bonn have a better record than Crailsheim in the easyCredit BBL at 8-2 and continue to be in attack mode in the standings. But Parker isn’t only a great player but also an incredible basketball talker off the court when he is in an interview. I should know, my player interviews are at 1500 + since 2005 and still rising and this guy is just a pleasure to talk to when he is dissecting the game of basketball. He does it in such a cool and relaxed way and is so well spoken. Just listening to him is a pleasure even if it is late and I would rather be sleeping as was the case last night. After only 4 interviews, this guy is already in a special category of my all-time best interviews. The guy has an unstoppable motor on the court, but off the court already has Kobe like appeal for me with his choice words.

26 year old Jackson-Cartwright who is a Lakers fan and feels that Anthony Davis has to stop holding back and flip the switch and be more aggressive for them to have future success is a special breed of player simply because if he were 10 cm’s taller, he would probably be a Euroleague player if not NBA player. At 176cm, he is very talented, but his height gives him that unfair label of being a player that might not be able to compete at the highest level. Last season he led the France second division in assists with 7,1 showing his worth, but could he make the next step in the more competitive easyCredit BBL? So far he has done so much more than exceed expectations with his play, but more important has given hope and joy back to the Telekom Baskets Bonn fans who have been seeking success again after a few years of mediocracy. It is 0,04 on Saturday morning December 11th when Parker Jackson-Cartwright reaches me. My eyes have that feeling when you want to jump into the nearest bed and just get some rest and sleep, but there was no way I wasn’t going to do this interview and digest another massive BBL win with him and his Telekom Baskets Bonn. The last time I spoke to him was about 2 months ago after a big home win over the Fraport Skjyliners and then It had also been late close to midnight in the Telekom Dome and I was very tired. It wasn’t any different now either. I answer the phone and ask him how he is and he does the same in his soft and appealing voice. Then I tell him that I’m dead tired and am sure so is he and let’s get through this interview. Dead tired is a phrase I rarely use and one I remember as one of my favorite comedic lines from Arnold Schwarzenegger from the classic 80’s movie Commando. As always the California native was in a relaxed mood as I have never seen how he was after a loss. He began the interview not with the usual bla bla of how the feeling is after a big win, but had the whole big picture in his mind. ‘Any win in this league feels good, but it wasn’t in any way easy. The next step for us is to continue to get better. Other teams get better and scout us and want to get us out of rhythm. We are happy, but we don’t want to get complacent’, warned Parker Jackson-Cartwright. The Telekom Baskets didn’t have a great start to the game as they were trailing early on as Heidelberg contained Jackson-Cartwright well. The L.A native finished the first quarter with 2 dimes as Bonn had regained the lead again. It is refreshing to know that when a Jackson-Cartwright can’t find his game in certain moments, there are other guys that can give an instant lift. ‘We have a deep team and show strength in numbers. We have shown it this season against Bamberg and other good team wins. I give good punch, but overall guys like Bowlin and Tadda always come up big when we need it. We show that anyone can step up on any night. We rally for each other. That is a good trait to have when a team is rolling’, stressed Parker Jackson-Cartwright. Bonn had the good 46-38 advantage at the break as Parker Jackson-Cartwright found his groove for good. ‘I had lost my aggressiveness and coach was in my ear. He told me to remain aggressive and continue to create for myself and my teammates. When that happens good things usually happen. You play different teams and each game is different. Key also is knowing how to read the defense. Being able to adjust quickly is a very good trait of ours’, stated Parker Jackson-Cartwright.

In the second half the Telekom Baskets Bonn continued to control the game and never allowed the MLP Academics to get over the hump. Ex N Iowa (NCAA) stand out Jeremy Morgan put a seal on the coffin with two late three’s to ice the game. ‘He makes big shots all the time. He is hands down our best shooter. We need guys like him to take shots when he is open. He has struggled mildly, but he has the confidence to be able to make big shots. That gives our team another dimension. This is just the start. We will continue to count on him to make big shots’, expressed Parker Jackson-Cartwright. The top scorer of the game was ex Missouri Southern State (NCAA2 ( great Skyler Bowlin who dropped 24 points and as always his infectious play helped his team to greater heights during the game. Bowlin is a guy that every teammate loves and every opponent hates. ‘Skyler is one of the best teammates that I have ever had. He is the same every day. He never has a bad day. He is always positive. It is really important that he is a veteran. I always look to him for advice. He leads by example and also is in my ear. I’m sure every team hates him. He hit the game winner against Oldenburg and is as tough as nails. It has been a real joy being his teammate’, added Skyler Bowlin. Bonn’s game lives with their incredible guards and shooters and at times their inside game gets lost, but the duo of Kessens/Kratzer are a key part of the team success. Kessens was massive in the win contributing 19 points on 8/10 shooting. ‘We really appreciate them. They are our anchors. Michael was hurt earlier in the season and you can see him getting his rhythm now. He is a tough player and does the little things. He kept us a float with his scoring and second chance opportunities. He knows how much we appreciate him. When he talks we listen’, warned Parker Jackson-Cartwright. It was also a joy seeing ex Citadel (NCAA) guard Matt Frierson make his BBL debut. This guy has been paying his dues the last few years since turning professional and currently plays in the German 4th division with the Bonn farm team. You just have to be excited when a player that is totally off the radar makes strides in his career. ‘Matt is one of my favorite teammates. He is such a joy to be around. He is always positive and special. When he caught the ball, the crowd went crazy. I was shocked he missed his shots, because he always makes them in practice. He deserves to be on the court in the BBL’, expressed Parker Jackson-Cartwright. After a great start the season winning 4 of their first 5 games, the MLP Academics Heidelberg currently have a dry spell riding an unfortunate 6 game losing streak and continue to tumble down the standings. ‘They are a talented team and will catch some teams by surprise. They are at a point in their season where they have to clean some things up. Some guys are coming back from knick knack injuries. They have a good back court and have guys that can score. They will be ok. I think that they can rally off 4-5 wins at anytime. They do special things on defense and have good firepower. They can beat anyone on any given night’, warned Parker Jackson-Cartwright.

The 70 points that the Telekom Baskets Bonn gave up against Heidelberg was the second least this season after the Chemnitz game. The team had a solid defensive effort, but also knows that it isn’t where it wants to be yet. ‘I think being able to defend all has to do with effort. Playing good defense has to do with will. We make second and third efforts on defense. We aren’t perfect and need to clean things up. We gave up easy lay ups and protection in the paint was a problem. I think that we do a good job staying connected when we get beat. We want to continue to lock in on teams and focusing on what we can take away. It is a big challenge and we don’t want to get complacent’, expressed Parker Jackson-Cartwright. The club has been in almost every game this season and achieved some massive crunch-time wins, but also lost a few they could have won. When your 8-2 the feeling can be that you have it all figured out, but that is exactly what the club can’t think about. ‘The momentary 8-2 record is great for the fans after the last few tough years. The start was great, but we know that we can be even better. It is never about how you start, but how you get better in the middle and in the end. We want to catch our stride at the end and play our best basketball then. You know that you have the make up of a good team when you need and want to improve more’, warned Parker Jackson-Cartwright. If the Bonn fans take a glance now between Christmas market visits and wrapping presents of the schedule their mouths may really water, because the next 6 opponents leading up to mid January are all winnable games. It will be interesting to see how the Telekom Baskets Bonn perform under great coach Tuomas Iisalo when they have a top record and everyone is chasing them. ‘We are a team now that don’t look at the grand scheme. We look at each day and our identity is to win the day. We only focus on the next opponent. Once you look ahead you can lose to anyone. It you look ahead it promotes complacency. Our biggest challenge is to stay focused. We have to stay neutral and not too high or too low. We focus one day at a time’, warned Parker Jackson-Cartwright.

He had his lowest scoring game of the season with 12 points, but still dished out 7 assists. It wasn’t one of his top games with Bonn, but he still made crucial plays during the game. After tearing up the league from the start, BBL clubs are starting to notice more and needing to find ways to slow him down. ‘We do the same. When we scout, we also want to take away the other team’s strength. Teams understand that I’m a focus now. I think there are more schemes against me, but it is still early. It is all two fold. It is all about how I can adjust with team’s throwing their best at me. It will definitely get harder when we play teams a second time. We will see how I continue to attack and how I can kill opponent’s coverages in the best way’, stressed Parker Jackson-Cartwright. One thing that must be gnawing in his mind is his 4 turnovers per game that he averages. When talking about taking care of the ball, he remains calm and knows how to confront the problem best with his decision making. ‘I can’t overthink. I need to simply things more on certain reads. I have the ball in my hands so much that I believe that at times I’m getting lazy. They played physical on me and had Lowery on me who is a tough defender. I will watch film and see where I can minimize mistakes’, added Parker Jackson-Cartwright. Currently he is third in scoring, third in assists and third in steals. He would be a MVP candidate now if the season ended tomorrow. With every new win and stellar game, his self-confidence has to be going through the roof? ‘I just try to keep the confidence that is given to me. My teammates and coaches give me ultra-confidence. They expect me to be a leader and make my team better. I love responsibility and deep down know that I’m built for it. I love the challenge and just focus on one day at a time and try to do as much as possible to help my team win’, warned Parker Jackson-Cartwright. Christmas is just around the corner and if playing against BBL legend Rickey Paulding isn’t necessary a Christmas gift for any opponent as the 39 year old player still gives you headaches with his play, but being able to see the ex Missouri (NCAA) great celebrate his last season has been special to Jackson-Cartwright. ‘It is amazing that he is still out there at age 39. He looks so fit and younger than 30. He is such a professional especially the way he almost was able to will his team to the win against us. He is never to big, but always the same. He hit so many big shots. It is encouraging to see him out there and special to be able to watch him in his last season’, stated Parker Jackson-Cartwright. His eyes gleam when he speaks about how his mother will be with him in Germany for Christmas. He also will never forget his fondest memory with brother Miles at Christmas as kids. ‘We were up the whole night. Then we would fall asleep and I remember getting up and walking down the stairs and seeing the tree with all the beautiful presents and being so happy. We would go crazy. I remember finding gifts early and Miles telling me to keep quiet and not tell mom and dad. But then I did tell them. But Christmas was so special’, remembered Parker Jackson-Cartwright. One thing is for sure when I meet Parker Jackson Cartwright again, it will be in April 2021 after a Sunday afternoon matinee in Frankfurt against the Skyliners. If the game doesn’t go into overtime, I will most likely chat with him around 5.00pm. This is a perfect time of day where my dead tired symptoms are still as far away as Rajon Rondo is to becoming that player again with the Lakers the way he was with the Celtics. But then again, I probably will talk with Parker again before that. Just hearing him speak and break down basketball is always a pleasure and one I don’t want to miss. His Kobe like appeal with his words is already plastered in my head.

It really doesn’t matter what you yell at Lebron James when he is exiting a posh 5 star hotel anywhere in the States, he typically won’t stop to sign an autograph. The real Superman could have swopped in from the Prudential building in Boston with a Lebron James cape, and the real Lebron still would have head his head down and climbed on to the team bus like a robot. In a matter of a few minutes recently, I saw Russell Westbrook, Anthony Davis, Lebron James, Rajon Rondo, Carmelo Anthony and Dwight Howard exit and nobody signed. A few days later it was the same procedure with mega super stars Kevin Durant and James Harden of the Brooklyn Nets. One just has to realize that these guys aren’t living on earth anymore, but are in their own personal galaxy. Of course all NBA teams are all very careful with COVID and that is very understandable, but even before the pandemic when life was normal, most of these NBA super stars didn’t sign. That is simply how it is in 2021. I remember as a kid, I loved collecting autographs and the players back then were so much generous, whether it was a Bernard King in 1984 just losing game 7 against the Boston Celtics in the Eastern Conference finals and having that warm smile as if nothing had happened or other guys like the ice man George Gervin, World B Free or Ralph Sampson, they all signed and didn’t have a bad attitude like many of the stars today. I remember getting my first NBA team in 1981 with the Houston Rockets and remember the great Moses Malone signing my dirty scrape of paper. He didn’t have the best mood on this day, but that was probably because he had a notion that the Boston Celtics would win the NBA title. Now a days there are guys that sign like a Daniel Theis, Isaiah Roby or Josh Giddey, but getting a whole team like one could in the 80’s now isn’t a reality. It is always nice to see a young star like Oklahoma Thunder Shai Gilgeous-Alexander having time for everyone, but that is one of the few exceptions and that might even change in a few years as he becomes a bigger star. I can understand NBA players hating on the professional autograph collectors who sell their signatures, but what about the little kids who get rejected? These are their hero’s and they look up to them.

It is a late Monday afternoon on St Nick day in Germany when I reach Quantez Robertson (188-G-84, college: Auburn, agency: Interperformances). He is spending quality time with his kids as I hear their voices in the back ground. During my stay in Boston recently, I kept Tez updated with the pics of the NBA superstars who excited the hotel and shunned me. I wanted to get Tez’s take on autographs. He has been signing autographs since his rookie season in Frankfurt in 2009. Since COVID, the normal after game autograph signing near the bench with fans hasn’t happened because of the safety precautions. ‘It is fun giving fans autographs. I prefer signing pictures, because they don’t always turn out so well on jersey’s. I like signing autographs, because I love to see how that can brighten up a kids’ day’, said Quantez Robertson. As a kid the ex Auburn (NCAA) great didn’t collect autographs mainly because he didn’t live near to where a professional team played. His most prized possession isn’t an autograph, but a photo. He had the pleasure of taking a picture with ex Auburn (NCAA) and NBA legend Charles Barkley. The ex Phoenix Sun watched an Auburn game and visited the locker room after the game. ‘I remember Charles talking to us and telling keep working and playing hard’, said Quantez Robertson. But it isn’t only the stars that don’t sign in the NBA, but also the normal lesser known guys like a DJ Augustin. Recently in Boston he came out of the hotel and everyone yelled his name and he said he would be right back. He walked on the bus then a few minutes later went back into the hotel. 10 minutes later he exited the hotel again and said ‘I’ll be right back’ and went on the bus. Augustin never came back to sign. ‘I don’t know why he did that. Maybe that was his way of letting the collectors down easy without saying no’, commented Quantez Robertson. In terms of why the NBA superstars don’t sign everything, Tez has a neutral answer for that. ‘I think that they sign as they can. The guys always have something to do. They sign some, but maybe not so much. There is only so much time that they have after a game with interviews and everything else. Some guys signs and some guys don’t’, expressed Quantez Robertson. I always thought that Quantez Robertson could have been in the NBA with his exceptional defense. Instead the Fraport Skyliners have been blessed to have his services now for 13 seasons. If Quantez Robertson had been a NBA superstar, he would not have let down any kids. ‘I would have signed for the kids. I would of tried to have signed as many as possible with the given time limit’, warned Quantez Robertson. One guy who has played with Lebron James and seen how the NBA works is Fraport Skyliner Will Cherry who has his own take on autograph collectors. ‘With Lebron it was crazy. Fans were everywhere and always at the hotels. I never saw him sign. I think he signed more when he was younger. Kyrie Irving signed back then. Some do it and some don’t. Fans aren’t entitled to autographs. Fans watch games and the players entertain. I sign autographs, but all players are different. You don’t know what is going on in a player’s life especially a Lebron. A guy like that is pulled in so many ways. It’s not about ego’s. Guys have things to do. They are asked 365 days a year to sign. After a while they aren’t going to want to do it. It is the same for you and me. There are days where we don’t want to go to work and there are days where NBA players don’t want to sign. I was never into getting autographs or waiting for a team to arrive at the hotel at 2.00Am’, stressed Will Cherry.

After the FIba break, the Fraport Skyliners were back in action and defeated the Hakro Merlins 80-73 as team captain and easyCredit BBL identity figure Quantez Robertson was back in action after having been out of 6 weeks. The club removed themselves from the cellar area and currently have a 2 game winning streak and are in 14th place. ‘It felt good to get this win. We won against 2 good teams and this is important for the club and the fans’, stated Quantez Robertson. It wasn’t an easy 40 minutes as the Fraport Skyliners did a great job managing the lead in the fourth quarter and showed a certain toughness in tough times. But there was another vital component that helped the team win against a very good team. ‘We came out and had fun and just enjoyed everything. We had some bad turnovers at the start, but never hung our heads or pouted, but just fought until the end moving the ball well and hitting shots’, stressed Quantez Robertson. The craziest stat of the night was the rebounding dominance as Frankfurt won the battle on the boards 50-27 and secured 16 offensive rebounds. ‘When I saw the 50 rebounds, I was shocked that we outrebounded them by so much. The last time I remember us rebounding like that was in my first 2 years where we were very big at the 4/5 position and in 15-16 when we had Joe, Danilo and Mike’, laughed Quantez Robertson. Another crazy stat was just 2 rebounds from Tez who usually is at the top of the rebounding list. They didn’t need him on this day. ‘We rebounded very well as a team. Lorenz had 12 rebounds, Lukas made some tough rebounds and Will had 9 rebounds. We were beating each other for the rebound. We attacked the boards very well and wanted the ball so badly in order to get extra possessions’, commented Quantez Robertson. Frankfurt had problems with 1-1 defense at the start, but that shouldn’t be a problem for 40 minutes. ‘We weren’t locked in and didn’t pay attention. Some guys are like that at the start. Guys are guessing more and getting beat or turn their heads and aren’t listening’, stated Quantez Robertson.

Tez who believes the recent Scottie Pippen bashing of his ex teammate Michael Jordan won’t tarnish his legacy as his basketball speaks for himself is very excited to be able to play with new teammate Jamel Mclean who should make his debut in Bayreuth this weekend. The ex Xavier (NCAA) center who played 93 Euroleague games has played in countries like Spain, Russia, Italy, Greece and Belgium and brings a lot of experience and his claim to fame is his 2014 buzzer beater with Alba Berlin over the San Antonio Spurs and NBA legend Tim Duncan. ‘I remember his half court buzzer beater. He will bring a very good inside presence. We don’t get the ball inside so much, but he will be a nice addition inside and be another scoring option. He also is a good defender’, warned Quantez Robertson. Two guys that continue to develop nicely are BBL rookies Dutch 221 cm giant Matt Haarms and ex Alba Berlin German Lorenz Brenneke. In the win over Crailsheim, they combined for 43 minutes and 18 points and 18 rebounds and are also a big help with their IQ and passing out of the post. ‘Matt does a good job finding guys off the pick and roll and Lorenz does the same when he is posted up. They are harmonizing well and finding each other on the high/low. Matt is more comfortable outside the paint while Lorenz likes to bang inside and attack the rebound like crazy’, said Quantez Robertson. Another guy that has been vital for the current success and upward trend of the Fraport Skyliners is point guard Will Cherry. He has come in and given the team an important veteran presence at the point guard position and helped lead the team. His experience isn’t his biggest strength. ‘His biggest strength is his defense presence. He is a good on ball defender, can guard the other team’s best player and is a good pick and roll defender. Plus his ability to get to the rim helps us a lot’, commented Quantez Robertson. Another player that is making a very good development is young German Len Schoormann especially on offense where he led the team with 17 points as his drive is getting close to unstoppable and his three is still improving. In the game against Crailsheim, he missed some defensive assignments, but Tez defended the young buck. ‘He was lax on defense on some of the mistakes. He usually doesn’t make those mistakes and is more aggressive. He was a few seconds off, but he also was chasing TJ Shorts around a lot and was probably tired. It was an off day for him’, warned Quantez Robertson. Another player who is finally finding his groove is German national player Lukas Wank. He had an awful start to the season where he was playing totally under expectations. But against Crailsheim he had a great game with 13/4/3 stats and is finding his touch on offense. A reason for his slow start was simply that he wasn’t playing his normal position. ‘He began at the point guard position, but that isn’t his natural position. He plays better at the three. There he can roam around more and go for rebounds and not worry about getting back. He is more comfortable checking wings instead of the point guards. You can see that he is having more fun now’, stressed Quantez Robertson.

Despite Anthony Davis not having stepped up in the last weeks where Lebron was out, Tez still sees him as a current top 5 player in the NBA with Lebron, Kevin Durant, Steph Curry and Giannis. He returned back playing 28 minutes and posted 11/2/3 stats. ‘It was good to be back and playing with the guys and fighting and playing the game I love. My performance was ok. I could of done better defensively. I only had 2 rebounds and a few turnovers. But overall it was a pretty solid game for my first time back’, said Quantez Robertson. Even with Tez almost being 37, his offensive game hasn’t ebbed, but he was still performing at a high level before his injury. Being aggressive is a trait that he has continued to live by and that won’t change even with more offensive options on board with Mclean, Cherry and Badio. ‘I can still be that scoring option that I was before I was out. Coach relies on me being that veteran that can score and make plays for everyone else’, stressed Quantez Robertson. He hasn’t been used to being injured much in his career and he is confident that his game will keep progressing in the future coming off this injury. ‘I have to get back to being mentally solid on defense and calm my nerves. I want to keep taking my shots and doing what I have always been doing’, warned Quantez Robertson. Quantez Robertson is back and so are the Fraport Skyliners. They head into the next tough game in Bayreuth where they want to keep the winning streak alive. One can only imagine how the Fraport Skyliners will be when Jamel Mclean and Brancou Badio are in the roster. ‘We have had injuries and guys playing out of position. But we will very good when those 2 guys are there. Our team chemistry isn’t all the way there yet, but once they are there and all is flowing, we will be a lot better’, warned Quantez Robertson. The chances are slim that one will get a Lebron James autograph on the street, but the chances a lot better that the Fraport Skyliners will continue to do positive things in the next weeks as they continue to try to climb up the BBL ladder against teams they can beat.

John Murry (192-G-95, college: Austin Peay) is a 26 year old 193cm guard from Indianapolis, Indiana that is playing his third professional season in Germany with BSG Grevenbroich (Germany-Regionalliga). Before that he had experience with the Kitchener-Waterloo Titans. He played two years at Owens Community College playing 63 games and two years at Austin Peay State University (NCAA) playing 56 NCAA games and as a senior averaged 16.7ppg, 2.7rpg, 1.5apg, FGP: 54.0%, 3PT: 33.9%, FT: 81.1%. He and Miles Schmidt-Scheuber talk weekly about basketball.

Another tough loss to Herten 104-89. The up and down weeks continue for Grevenbroich. How tough is it not being able to find consistency?

Very tough, it’s starts in practice but that seems to be the beginning of the story right there.

Please give a summary of the 40 minutes. Was there a time where you guys could have won the game?

Yes, I felt very confident going into the game and even after halftime we were only down 6 points, every game we played has been close at a point and time, we just struggle getting over the hump.

Guarding the three point line was a problem. Grevenbroich allowed 16 three’s. Did you at least have some contested shots? At the end of the day I guess it doesn’t matter. Shots were falling and it happened.

Yes, but being disciplined on defense for 40 minutes is something we have struggled with all season.
When we did contest shots they missed, it’s the shots that weren’t contested is where the problem is.

A big bright spot were the 40 rebounds and 18 offensive rebounds. Is this something the team can build from?

Yes very much so, we definitely build every game and guys are getting better at all aspects of the game.

The team also did a good job only having 13 turnovers. Is the team slowly learning with more experience to take better care of the ball?

Yes and I tell my young guys all the time how proud I am of their growth throughout the season.

Three guys of Herten combined for 85 points. How much is the third lethal scorer missing for the team?

Hopefully we have solved that problem on our end and looking forward to that next game.

What was it like guarding Adam Pickett? You and him had a real battle combining for 62 points and were the two best players on the floor.

It was definitely fun and I accepted the challenge, it will also be fun to see when we meet again.

You had another strong game with 30/8/7 stats. Your getting closer to that triple double. Will we see one soon?

Yes for sure, I’m learning more and more on how to achieve such a stat line and do it efficiently, I feel like that’s my biggest strength.

The next game is against Hagen-Haspe. Another must win. What will be key for getting the win?

Staying strong as a team defensively and making our shots down the stretch, that will keep us close and able to win.

COVID is getting bad in Germany again. Are you scared that the Regionalliga might stop the season again?

I hope not, I’m really looking forward to the second half of the season.

Thanks John for the chat

Jhonathan Dunn (193-G-98, college: S.Nazarene) is a 23 year old 193cm guard from San Antonio, Texas playing his second professional season and first with Zorg and Zekerheid Leiden (Holland-DBL). Last season as arookie he played with Landstede Basketbal Zwolle (Holland-DBL) averaging 16.9ppg, 4.5rpg, 1.9apg, 1.2spg, FGP: 56.6%, 3PT: 42.1%, FT: 84.5%. He began his basketball career at Alamo Heights High School an dthen played at Southern Nazarene University (NCAA2) from 2016-2020 playing a total of 122 games. He spoke to germanhoops.com before a Fiba Europe Cup game against medi Bayreuth.

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

Thank you germanhoops.com I’m in the Netherlands right now in my room and life is good can’t complain to be honest.

You were in the States and then Holland during the Pandemic. How have you experienced COVID and what were the most challenging things you had to cope with?

Yeah when I was in the states I would say during that time adjusting to online classes will probably be the hardest part waking up and knowing that we have class but not physically going to class was weird to me then when I came to Holland for the first couple weeks I had to quarantine in my room and then during the quarantine the Netherlands decided to add rules to Covid then going on to the season during a time the Second official game and DBL they canceled the season for about two months. We didn’t play we weren’t allowed in to the gyms we were in total lockdown so being able to work out from home and being able to preoccupied my time with different things was probably the most challenging aspect of it because I went from having school to being in my room playing video games all day talking to my family or cooking to be honest

With everything that you witnessed during COVID off the court how do you feel did you get stronger as a man?

Everything off the court with Covid just made me become more aware about who I am become more invested in my time to understand that I’m not goning be playing basketball forever and there are things that I need to set aside myself for the future so I can be safe when basketball is done.

Your playing your second season in Holland and first with Zorg and Zekerheid Leiden (Holland-DBL). Would it be fair to say that you have found a special home in Holland?

The Netherlands will always have a special place for me this is the place where I started my professional career where it gave me the opportunity to learn and to grow

How exciting has it been playing in the new league DBL? What clubs have you found being tougher to play the ones in Holland or from Belgium?

With playing in the BNXT League I see that the competition in Belgium is tough and they have great teams all throughout and I’m extremely excited to be a part of it and to be able to play against those clubs

Leiden has played well in the country league and Fiba Europe Cup. How realistic is it for this team to win a title this season? What is the team’s biggest strength?

I feel like with Leiden it is realistic for us to win a title. Our biggest strength it’s how well we play together we move the ball and try to find the open man

How big is your desire to win that first pro chip after losing the playoffs last season to Leiden?

It is a big desire for me to win a title with Leiden this year after last year I think we have the ability and the team camaraderie to do it.

What has it been like being the sole American on the squad. Do you feel like your basketball IQ has been raised another notch this season?

I do feel like my IQ and that’s why I made a couple matches especially with the team Asa Asa route myself and teached me and helping me grow with each game.

What has it been like being teammates with top Dutch player Worthy De Jong. How would you like to say has he been an enrichment for your game?

Being on the same team as Worthy De Jong has been great everyone knows what he does and how he plays. He has a great basketball IQ and being around that has really helped me learn more about the game.

Let’s talk a bit about your game. You’re a 193cm guard. You were an explosive scorer in the NCAA2 and are a very good scorer as a pro as well. You also fill the stat sheet well. What other assets does your game have besides the scoring?

Some other things I can do without scoring is passing, defending, and rebounding Im trying to always grow some of those aspects but still those are some of the other things I can do my game.

You have shot the ball incredibly well from three as a professional carrying it over from school. How challenging is it to continue to become a better shooter despite already shooting over 40%?

The thing is to keep up the repetition making sure I get the shots up in practice and games. My father has always told me to shoot above 40% and that’s what I try to aim for.

How much of a priority is it for you to become even more of a facilitator? You have raised your assist stats this season in 2 competitions.

It’s a big priority for me I know I can get my teammates open and I know I can create for them if I’m shooting well so being able to see them when they’re open and giving them the ball is something I want to get better

How much pride do you take on the defensive end? Is this still an area where you feel sky is the limit for you?

I take a lot of pride on a defensive end. It’s something I’m trying to get better in the pros in something with the carryover playing at a higher level

Last season you played for Landstede Basketbal Zwolle (Holland-DBL) averaging 16.9ppg, 4.5rpg, 1.9apg, 1.2spg, FGP: 56.6%, 3PT: 42.1%, FT: 84.5%. What do you remember being your wakeup call to being overseas where you felt far away from home?

My wake up call was the first practice seeing how I thought it would be different but with the players here they had experience and a different kind of IQ

How vital was American teammate Kayel Locke last season as a rookie? Was he like a mentor for you?

Kayel Locke was a big help last year. Helping me get used to playing overseas and with him being from Zwolle two years before getting me used to being in the Netherlands

You played at Southern Nazarene University (NCAA2) from 2016-2020. Do you remember hearing stories about legend Tyrone Ellis?. How vital is a guy’s legacy like this for future guys coming out of there?

Hearing stories about Tyrone Ellis was something I think every basketball player at SNU hears about. I heard about how much work he put in and the type of person and player he was. I’ve met him a couple of times and being able to hear how he coaches his team and what they look for in players helped out a lot and I’m growing my game as a pro

You won 2 GAC titles. Which one was sweeter?

Winning Both GAC titles were great. It’s kind of hard to pick one because it was something the school has never done and being a part of the accomplishment were great in their own right.

In your last 3 seasons you scored in double figures in 93 of 96 games. Your consistency was unmatched. How do you feel did your game grow in the last 3 years?

In the last three years there, I’ve learned a lot more about timing, spacing and being able to read plays and how to put and get my teammates open and picking my times to attack better

You had so many explosive games like your 42 points against east central. Which game was your most memorable there?

My most memorable game was senior night. Where my grandfather from Mexico was able to come and watch the game with the rest of my family members

How did head coach Adam Bohac groom and prepare you best for a professional basketball career?


Coach Bohac helped a lot with telling me how they play in the pros and getting me in touch with pro players and coaches.

Who won a one on one in practice you or Tyler Williams?


When it came down to playing one on one with Tyler I think we only did it during practice but the battles were close. He would win some and so would I.

Please name your 5 best teammates of all-time?

I can’t really put on a list of my top teammates in my mind each of my teammates played a great role in helping me become or helping me grow my game.

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

My NBA rush more is definitely Michael Jordan, Kareem Abdul-Jabbar, Kobe Bryant, Stephen Curry

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

My personal opinion is that Michael Jordan is the greatest of all time but Lebron James is a great player to but Jordan over James

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

I did see Coming to America 2 I think it was a ok movie. I’m just glad we got to see what happens and how they lived after.

Thanks Jhonathan for the chat.

Jaleen Smith (193-PG-94, college: UNH) is a 27 year old 193cm guard from Freeport, Texas that is playing his fifth professional season and first with Alba Berlin. He played the last two seasons with the MHP Riesen Ludwigsburg averaging 15.2ppg, 5.0rpg, Assists-3 (5.3apg), Steals-2 (1.8spg), FGP: 49.2%, 3PT: 32.7%, FT: 87.5%; and 10.7ppg, 3.6rpg, 2.4apg, 1.6spg, FGP: 53.1%, 3PT: 33.6%, FT: 82,8% the season before. In 2018-2019 he played with the MLP Academics Heidelberg (Germany-ProA) averaging 12,7ppg, 3,9rpg and 2,7apg. In his rookie season with New Hampshire (NCAA) from 2013-2017 where he played a total of 120 NCAA games. He improved his scoring, rebounding and assists average each season and as a senior he played 32 games averaging 15.8ppg, 6.4rpg, 4.3apg, FGP: 52.4%, 3PT: 35.8%, FT: 78.1%. He spoke to germanhoops.com after the convincing 83-62 win over the Niners Chemnitz

Congrats on the convincing 83-62 win over the Niners Chemnitz. You have a 4 game winning streak at the moment. Is Alba Berlin playing it’s best of the season?

It’s still a long season and we’re playing some really good basketball right now. We’ve found our identity these last couple of weeks and we’re winning games from playing our game.

How proud are you of the team that was without top players Sikma and Ericksson. One could carefully say you didn’t need them today.

We played really well without our key players. We just showed everyone we’re a really talented and deep team it can beat anyone on any night.

How big were the back to back Euroleague wins over Maccabi and Milan? How is Alba Berlin a better team since those wins?


Those we’re 2 big wins in the season especially winning them at home and we’re playing with a lot more confidence the more we’re playing together and it shows.

How vital was preparation in the win over Chemnitz? Chemnitz is a team with one of the best coaches in the league and they have played great since moving up from division 2. They beat Munich twice in 2 seasons. How confident was the team before this game that they wouldn’t get upset as well?

We all seen they beat Munich in the Pokal so we wanted to make sure we were ready to play today because they are a really good team. They definitely will be a better team next one we see them again. We were all very confident heading into the game. We all knew we would have to step up our game.

The first half was very tight as no team could get away from each other. Was Alba Berlin a bit surprised just how competitive and gritty this team is?

They are a really good team we expected it so we’re was trying to wear them down because we were playing with 11 people compared to their 8 people. So we kept the pressure on and they got tired in the end.

The turning point was in the third quarter where Alba Berlin exploded for 31 points. What were the magic words of Israel Gonzalez that helped get the team rolling? You guys really let it rain three’s even Tim Scheider dropped one.

We went over some of our defensive mistakes and he wanted to run even more than we did before and we did it perfect. Tim made some big 3s for us in the second half to open up the lead for us.

How important was it for a big talent like Louis Oline be so involved and get the feeling that he is as important as every other player on the team?

Just builds a players confidence about his game and what he can bring to the team. This game was a big confidence booster for everyone that played today and it showed as the game went on.

What was it like defending Franz Massenat? You guys did a good job containing him for only 7 points.


He’s a tough guard and he finishes through contact. He had to play a lot of minutes against our pressure and he got worn down as the game went on.

Three Germans with Thiemann, Schneider and Olinde scored in double figures. How much do they profit when they can be such important options?


Just helps them with their confidence and JT started great for us in the first half which is big. They profit so much from it just shows next man up and everyone has to be ready.

Alba Berlin has had growing pains this season, but are learning how to play with a deep rotation with injuries. What do you believe has the team done best in the current wining streak and on what area’s is it working on to get even better?

We all come in and play as hard as we can Doing whatever we need for us to win. We’re playing really good basketball these last couple of weeks.

We spoke about Oscar Da Silva in the past. He didn’t need any adjustment time in Ludwigsburg and either with Alba Berlin as he has proved he can play with the best in the Euroleague. A Daniel Theis needed some years in the BBL before going to the NBA. Just how big is Oscar’s potential? How have you seen him continue to rise in the last months?

Oscar has a big upside. He’s really helped us with most of the bigs being hurt in the beginning of the season and he’s been really good since everyone is back too. He can finish around the rim and he can extend his range whether that be midrange or 3s. He’s a shot blocker for us and he can get a couple of steals also.

It has been a totally new experience for you with Alba Berlin. Your minutes and stats are down. How happy are you to have made this decision instead of trying for the NBA?

I’m learning to use my minutes efficiently in the game. I don’t care how my stats look for the season as long as I help the team WIN I’m happy. Whether that be scoring, defending the best player on the other team, or all the little things I just want to win. I’m happy about my decision always will be.

Last season you were the BBL MVP and the main guy in Ludwigsburg. Now your on a team where your 1 of 12 guys. What was the most difficult thing that you had to adjust to in the last months?


Just finding my new role in slowly starting to find it. I’m still getting used to it but I’m finding my way.

Your not taking as many shots as in the past. Tonight you had 8 assists. How much has your playmaking profited on a team that loves to share the ball? What part of your playmaking has improved the most?


I love it a lot it’s really good basketball. Everyone is a shooter so either I’m finding them or they’ll find another guy which is nice.

You have played 13 Euroleague games. What has been the biggest adjustment for you with your game? How much more difficult is every possession compared to the easyCredit BBL?

You have to be full focused all game the amount of mistakes that happen in Euroleague are minimal. The team that makes the most mistakes usually loses. Every possession makes in the Euroleague.

Alba Berlin next battle famous Greek team Panathinaikos Athens. How excited are you for this trip? What will be key to getting the next Euroleague win?

I’m excited it’s a lot of history with the club and it’s going to be a tough game against another Euroleague team.

What is your opinion on how legend Scottie Pippen has bashed ex teammate GOAT Michael Jordan? How does his bashing hurt Pippen’s legacy?

I can’t talk on it because I don’t know what his problem was with Jordan. They both are top players in history respectfully. The documentary wasn’t about Scottie it’s about Jordan. I mean Scottie can make a documentary about what really went down if he wanted to.

Thanksgiving has come and gone. How did you celebrate Thanksgiving this year and can anything replace your mother’s cooking?

Nothing can replace momma and grandma’s cooking. I’m definitely missing it right now for the holidays. I went to see my people Tanner and Sasha Leissner in Lithuania and spend a couple of days over there.

Thanks Jaleen for the chat.