Basketball life continues to be extremely good for the Fraport Skyliners Juniors as so far everything is working for the farm team of easyCredit BBL team Fraport Sklyiners. After an expected loss against the EPG Baskets Koblenz to kick off the season, the club that helps develop German young talents have been perfect and were riding an impressive 5 game winning streak having a 5-1 record. They had blow out wins against the TSV Oberaching Tropics and FC Bayern Munich and made it real exciting and memorable in the last two games winning two come from behind games and winning it in the last seconds against the Arvato College Wizards and the Ahorn Camp BIS Baskets Speyer. The Frankfurt club wanted to ride the momentum and extend their winning streak to 6 games against the pesky 4-2 Basketball Lowen Erfurt. The Eastern Germany team have been playing fine basketball under Bamberg legend Uvis Helmanis winning four of the last five games including two classic nail bitters against Speyer and FC Bayern Munich. They were able to keep their spirited good play alive as they were able to halt the Fraport Skyliners Juniors five game winning streak with a 77-61 victory. The Erfurt club would have won by more had they not allowed Konstantin Schubert to polish his game stats and let Frankfurt close out the game with an energetic 12-2 run. 32 year old French forward Guy Landry Edi (202-F/G-88, college: Gonzaga) who played his first professional game at age 16 for Gordon Herbet was thrilled after the big win. ‘We didn’t have a good start and gave them self-confidence. But as the game continued, we were able to dictate our game, take advantage of the mis matches and inside. We also played very good team defense’, stressed Guy Landry Edi. The Fraport Skyliners Juniors had good lapses, but overall made too many mistakes and had one vital aspect missing. ‘Erfurt had more energy than we did all game long and just wanted it more. We didn’t shoot well and they used their physicality to hurt our small size. Offensive rebounds and turnovers hurt us most today’, said Fraport Skyliner Junior Philipp Hadenfeldt.

The Fraport Skyliners Juniors caught the Basketball Lowen Erfurt napping early speeding out to a rapid 5-0 lead with baskets from ex Giessen guard Niklas Bilski and Leon Pullen who tested his 100% three point shooting percentage with a trey. Another Bilski bucket gave Frankfurt the 7-2 advantage, but early mistakes with offensive rebounds and lax defense inside which would plague Frankfurt the rest of the way quickly tied the game at 7-7 as ex PS Karlsruhe guard Tyseem Lyles and MIles Osei scored. Frankfurt did a good job early on getting transition baskets. Frankfurt continued to dictate the game leading 12-7 as Leon Pullen continued to be an offensive spark scoring inside. But then came the turning point of the game as Frankfurt allowed Erfurt to go on a 10-0 run to lead 17-12 and they would never look back. The guests got a lift from ex Science City Jena guard Jan Heber who scored twice and young German Dominykas Pleta made a two handed stuff. The guests did a good job using the mismatches and getting easy baskets and slowed down Philipp Hadenfeldt. Down the stretch Frankfurt got baskets from Hadenfeldt and Risto Vasiljevic who was back after having played a season of Pro A ball with the MLP Academics Heidelberg, but Erfurt had the 21-18 lead after 10 minutes.

In the second quarter the Fraport Skyliners Juniors remained on the guests door step, but half way through they were able to break away and lead by double digits and would never look back. The powerful physical Noah Kamden began the second quarter with a lay in, but Frankfurt countered with baskets from Bilski and Hadenfeldt to trim the Lowen’s lead down to 25-23. The Basketball Lowen continued to have a grip on the game and had fine offensive execution getting timely baskets from Guy Landry Edi who let his mid range game take control and Noah Kamden made a two handed dunk for the 36-29 lead. Frankfurt received baskets from Konstantin Schubert and Leon Pullen. It was no secret that Frankfurt was missing their two big men Marco Voeller and Alexander Richardson who were in Braunschweig for a BBL cup game and it showed inside as they had no muscle to combat the intensity and physicality of Erfurt. The guests closed out the second quarter with a 9-4 run to lead comfortably 45-33 at the break. Edi who played 56 NCAA games with Gonzaga showed his classic inside out game scoring inside and nailing a trey. Pleta also scored twice gaining an offensive rebound and put back and a back door lay in. Edi was instrumental with the guests having the double digit lead. He finished the night with 18/12/4 stats shooting 54% from the field. ‘I didn’t force anything early on and was finding my teammates more. Later I got to my spots better. I knew I had to score more to get my team going’, stressed Guy Landry Edi. Frankfurt’s two sore spots rebounding and turnovers were thorns in their side and were the main reason why they trailed. They had 12 turnovers to Erfurt’s 6 after 20 minutes.

In the third quarter the Basketball Lowen Erfurt were able to use their rising self-confidence and raise their lead and limited the Fraport Skyliners Juniors to only 11 points. Erfurt began with a swift 7-2 run to lead 52-35. Kamden began with an easy basket as Frankfurt had nobody that could combat his game. Heber followed with a dunk on transition and Edi let his athleticism shine with a lay in. Then followed three three’s from Bilski, Lyles and Hadenfeldt, but Frankfurt just couldn’t get consistent stops and still were seeking a way to get over the hump trailed 56-43. The Basketball Lowen Erfurt did a great job pressuring the Frankfurt guards and sneaking in annoying presses that Frankfurt couldn’t come to terms with. Tyseem Lyles had a dark shooting night 1/16, but they got good support from other guys. Frankfurt just couldn’t muster any offensive efficiency often getting forced to take tough shots. Pleta made a second chance play to points and Heber and Calvin Schaum added free throws, but Frankfurt still trailed 61-44 after 30 minutes. ‘We haven’t been good this season starting the third quarter. Tonight we came in more focused. Everybody stepped up helping us keep a good lead. We still had too many turnovers. We need to cut down on them’, stressed Guy Landry Edi. ‘They punished us each time we made a mistake. They pressured our guards well and we couldn’t contain Edi. He is very difficult to defend, because he has a very good shot for a 4 man’, commented Philipp Hadenfeldt. Frankfurt had a very poor third quarter shooting the ball and were behind on the boards 33-24 and had 15 turnovers.

The fourth quarter was the Fraport Skyliners Juniors best quarter of the game as they won it 17-16. Kamden and Hadenfeldt traded baskets to kick off the last quarter, but a lethal 10-0 run by the Basketball Lowen Erfurt sealed the win as they led 71-47. In the run, it was Jan Heber again who supplied his energy and offense scoring twice Latvian guard Otto Fahrenhorsts connected on a runner, Edi once again scored an easy bucket and Kamden made a two handed dunk on the fast break. Frankfurt’s energy level was sinking rapidly on the defensive end as the physicality of the guests left massive scars on the Frankfurt players. The Fraport Skyliners Juniors then found some last gas in their tank and closed out the game with a 12-2 run that made the score look a little bit better. Frankfurt finally began to execute better led by Konstantin Schubert’s 6 points. Hadenfeldt and Calvin Schaum also added three pointers. ‘We needed to be more focused at the end. Coach gave some guys from the bench the opportunity to step up and show that they can play. We played too soft. The young guys need to learn from these situations’, stated Guy Landry Edi. ‘Every point is valuable. We have to look at the point differential. We know that we play them again. We took our last energy for the run at the end. We had some guys play today that usually don’t get the chance’, said Philipp Hadenfeldt. The Basketball Lowen Erfurt were led by Guy Landry Edi with 18 points. Jan Heber added 17 points and Noah Kamden 16 points while the Fraport Skyliners Juniors were led by Philipp Hadenfeldt and Niklas Bilski with 14 points apiece. The Basketball Lowen Erfurt shot 45% from the field and 15% from outside and had 44 rebounds and 17 turnovers while the Fraport Skyliners Juniors shot 35% from the field and 27% from outside and had 35 rebounds and 19 turnovers.

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.

How positive was the mentality going into the game against losing team BG Dorsten? You must have had some confidence going in without being to cocky?

Yes we are just learning so much about ourselves as a team, we beat ourselves sometimes so the key is just staying focused for 40 min with us.

Talk a little about the first 4 quarters. What didn’t allow you to get this win in regular time? Perhaps not being able to slow down Brevard and Cica who combined for 60 points?

Like I said previously, Just mentally staying focused for 40 min and grinding out a win. It’s in us to do that we just have to prepare our minds to stay locked in for the whole 40.

Grevenbroich was able to force overtime. What was key in the last 5 minutes that allowed BG Dorsten to get the win?

One of their players made 8 3’s and that took the momentum going into overtime. Just making sure we stay committed to shooters and not let them get their feet set.

Guarding the three point line and turnovers were the main problems once again. Have you ever been hit by 18 three’s by a team?

Never in my life but we are working to make sure that doesn’t happen again.

Talk about the vital energy that Thabiso Mkwanazi gave with 12 points in 14 minutes. Is this kid still raw?

Yes but Thabiso has so much potential to be a good player in this league, with growth and experience he can be a strong offense tool.

You had a massive game with 35/8/4/5/4. Do you ever remember combining for 9 steals and blocks in a game in your career?

This is probably the first time since high school I’ve had a combination of 9 blocks and steals.
I’ve been studying myself on the defensive end trying to get better and better each opportunity I get.

If you would have connected better on the three you could have had 50 points. How disappointing was your 2/13 shooting?

I just kept saying the next one is going in, especially shooting shots I normally make but I got back in the gym and fixed it for the next game.

You have one on one talks with the other guys? What are you doing to combat this losing streak?

Yes, and most of the guys are young so mentally you can’t do too much but just trying to be positive and let them know certain situations and timing during the game so they can understand the game better.

Congrats on the first win over BG Hagen. How good does it feel finally getting the money off your back?

Felt great, the guys were happy to get this first one so we are looking forward to building on top of this win and hope to create a lot more.

Maybe you should keep playing games within 48 hours. What was key in getting the win?

That would be something mentally everybody would have to key in on, but we just took our time and took care of the ball, making our free throws down the stretch and just being solid on defense.

The team also coughed up the ball only 11 times. You had always stressed the last weeks that you would make this change and it did. What did you guys do better this time?

We just buckled down on offense, took our time and got what we wanted instead of forcing a play that’s not there and it leading to a TO and 2 points on the other end. We are growing in this area very rapidly

Veteran Bastian Becker had 23 points. How vital was his play and he finally showed what he could do every night.

Basti is our X factor, and played an amazing game for us last game. We will have to find him a lot more in catch and shoot situations so he is effective in the games to come. Super proud of the Veteran.

Next you have another must win against the 3-4 Miners from Essen. What will be key in getting the win?

Just locking in on defense, making sure we box out and play smart.
Giving the extra effort on defense will take us farther then we can Imagine.

Thanks John for the chat.

Stanley Whittaker (183-G-94, college: Keiser) is a 26 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

A tough weekend where PS Karlsruhe lost both games to Nurnberg and Paderborn. How tough is it to digest these loses considering both are teams close to you in the standings?

It’s very tough to lose both games, in Nurnberg we were up and couldn’t close. And against Paderborn we were totally demolished. But we look to learn, put those games behind us and bounce back.

You were leading Nurnberg in the fourth and let it slip away. What were the causes of the defense not being able to hold down the fort?

Yes we were leading but Nurnberg made some tough plays offensively against us what I felt was good defense. Good offense beats good defense any day but we still have to find a way to get stops no matter what. Sometimes being able to execute very well from outside won’t win you the game.
Rebounding lost you this game. Was this the worst rebounding performance of the season?

I’m not sure if it was the worst rebounding game of the season, the numbers may say so though. We haven’t rebounded well collectively thus far, we definitely have to get better immediately with rebounding.


As usual you had another solid game scoring 21 points. What do you believe could you have done better to seal the win?

I think I should’ve been more aggressive offensively and been more disruptive defensively.

In the Sunday game PS Karlsruhe was mauled 88-57. You guys couldn’t generate any offense in the first three quarters. Was this just a game where nothing worked or was the Paderborn defense responsible more than your own actions?

I think it was more of a game where not much went our way, offensively or defensively. It was a bad performance from us as a group.

PS Karlsruhe rebounded the ball better, but gave up an acceptable 22 turnovers. How much blame do you give yourself?

We won’t win any game with such high turnovers so we have to take care of the basketball. I’m at fault big time because my 3 first quarter turnovers ignited them early on.

Jordan Barnes gave you headaches all day long. He almost achieved a triple double. He is competing with you for top Pro A guard.

He’s a good player, he has a good system around him that allows him to thrive . Respect to him and his team.

You only took 6 shots which is unusual for you. Did their scouting on you surprise you?

It wasn’t much about their scouting report that surprised me, I just wasn’t aggressive at all, I was much passive and deferred.

It doesn’t get any easier as you next meet Science City Jena and Bremerhaven. How do you rebound after last weekend?

Two good tests for us, we look forward to the challenge. And just like any other game, we prepare and try to come out with the victory.

What NBA player are you observing the most at the moment?

I’m observing Kevin Durant the most right now.

Thanks Stan for the chat.

The first month of the Fraport Skyliners was a disaster as the 2016 Fiba Europe Cup team had started 0-5 as first thoughts about a possible Pro A demotion next season was prevalent. The club was very young, had problems defending and had a point guard problem. Head coach Diego Ocampo had been very diplomatic the last weeks after every new loss saying that he didn’t want to point fingers and that the record was a team problem. It was clear though that the organization had to respond some how and searching the market for a point guard wasn’t difficult to understand. I personally would have loved to have seen Jordan Theodore back for a second tour of duty, but it was also apparent that the club wouldn’t be able to satisfy his salary wishes. My article about my Theodore demand wasn’t even 48 hours old and the Fraport Skyliners had announced their new player Will Cherry (185-PG-91, college: Montana). I remember in the early afternoon getting a message from a friend saying that Will Cherry was going to sign with Frankfurt. My first thought was ‘Ok yes I remember him. He formed that potent point guard duo with Jordan Taylor at Alba Berlin in the 2015-2016 season where they won the cup in Munich.’ I also remember witnessing that incredible Alba cup win in Munich and also thinking that they would also win the BBL title. But that didn’t become a reality as they were swept by the Fraport Skyliners a few months later. I was excited about the ex NBA player Cherry coming to Frankfurt. But then a few hours later, that same friend sent me some disturbing tweets about Will Cherry where I first had to take a deep breath and wonder what Frankfurt was thinking in getting a guy that had had his spats here and there. He had had a disagreement with ex NBA player Wade Baldwin in Greece, not stuck to quarantine requirements and didn’t pass a medical test before coming to Frankfurt. Plus he had a heart condition. I had had little hope of the Fraport Skyliners winning their first game in Ulm the next day. Boy was I wrong and very pleasantly surprised how well Frankfurt played and was led by Will Cherry to the 88-80 win as he added 14 points, 5 rebounds and 7 assists while shooting 6/8 in 20 minutes. ‘I stayed true to myself. You shouldn’t believe all that you read. Having this heart condition was scary, because there had been nothing in my family before. I have always been healthy. When I came to Frankfurt, everything was fine health wise. I want to thank the Skyliner organization for taking a chance on me. It is now my duty to keep proving to them that they made the right decision with me’, stressed Will Cherry. He feels no pressure to perform well and to deal with all the rumors and his rocky past as of late. ‘I don’t care what other people think. The guys who know me know the truth. I’m so happy to be playing again. My smile is so big. For me it is like being a kid in a candy store’, warned Will Cherry.

Will Cherry who has Justin Stanley, Kareem Jamar, James Johnson, Frank Otis and Jordan Taylor as his 5 best teammates of all-time was born on Feburuy 8th, 1991 in Oakland, California. He attended McClymonds High School in Oakland, California. As a senior, he averaged 12.0 points, 8.0 rebounds, 5.0 assists, and 4.0 steals per game for the Warriors who went an incredible 33-0. He achieved league and team MVP. He then played at the University Of Montana from 2009-2013 playing a total of 116 NCAA games. He was able to average in double figures in scoring in his last three years. In his 4 years there he averaged 12,8ppg shooting 43% from the field and 3,6rpg, 3.4apg, and 2.3 spg in 30.7 minutes per game. He was named first team All-Big Sky Conference three times, was the Big Sky Defensive Player of the year from 2011-2013, and became seventh on the school’s all-time scoring list with 1,484 points. In his 4 years at Montana, he was able to hoist the Big Sky trophy 3 times. ‘Winning it my third time my senior year against Weber State was the sweetest, because of what I went through. I had had a bad foot injury. It was crazy winning that title. I had had bumps and bruises and hit the game winner’, remembered Will Cherry who hit for 18 points in the 67-64 victory. At Montana he played for head coach Wayne Tinkle, a guy who allowed him to play his game. ‘He gave us a lot of freedom. He let us figure out things on our own. If we were in a bad situation, he gave us the needed advice. If we fell on our faces, he would pick up the pieces’, stated Will Cherry who never played teammate Jordan Gregory who could shoot out the lights at 1-1, but believes he would have won had they played.

The California native who lists childhood friend Damien Lillard as his toughest foe ever on the court played his rookie season with the Canton Charge (D-League) playing 21 games averaging 11.9ppg, 3.9rpg, 5.0apg, 1.5spg, FGP: 53.3%, 3PT: 30.1%, FT: 68.5%. He had some good games against Maine and Sioux Falls nailing 21 points apiece. Despite putting up solid stats the transition to the pro ranks was still a big adjustment to the speed and physicality. ‘The D-League was so fast paced compared to the NCAA. I had to get used to the 24 second shot clock. That 11 seconds difference was big’, said Will Cherry. In the D-League he was teammates with the Ukrainian beast Kyrylo Fesenko who was a journey man for a few years in the NBA. I saw him play once in Frankfurt and I for sure never forgot him. It was obvious that he didn’t forget him either. ‘He was real big. He would get you open with his body. He was a really funny and cool dude’, remembered Will Cherry. In his second season he finally reached the big show. He was with the Toronto Raptors in camp and then was cut. He then was signed by the Cleveland Cavaliers and played 8 games. But it was before getting to Cleveland, where he actually witnessed his NBA wake up call. ‘I went to Toronto and a fan actually recognized me. I had never worn a NBA jersey yet. I was totally shocked’, remembered Will Cherry. He also will never forget his first NBA basket against the New Orleans Pelicans. ‘Lebron passed me the ball on the fast break. Not many guys can say that Lebron James passed them the ball on their first basket. Lebron is so unselfish sometimes to a fault. If you are open he will pass you the ball. He doesn’t care who you are. He will make the right play’, warned Will Chery.

Many guys would dream to have been able to mention to their grand children that they were teammates with a Kevin Love or Shawn Marion, but very very little guys can boast that they were also teammates with Lebron James and Kyrie Irving at the same time. Even if he only played 8 games with the Cavs, he did gather some special stories concerning Lebron and Uncle Drew. ‘I was able to have some 1-1 time with Lebron. It was after a practice. I was showering and there he came. At first I was a little scared and nervous. I knew that I had to ask him a question. I asked him a question not knowing how he would reply. He answered great. I had the luck of the draw to have had this moment with him. I never had a chance again 1-1 with him after that. He gave great advice. One time I was at lunch after a practice with some of the guys and he told us some funny stories when he was with the Miami Heat. I remember reading something on Social media about Chris Brown and I told Kyrie that. In a matter of 30 seconds, he was on face time with Chris Brown. He called him right away wanting to know what was up. That was crazy’, stressed Will Cherry. He also saw close up how fierce the NBA was. It is no secret that the feelings of players in the NBA are the last concerns of organizations. ‘I remember during an NBA Summer League during half-time of a game that Scotty Hopson was told not to go back on the floor, because he had been traded. I remember him saying he had no idea what hotel to go to. He would get traded a few more times that season’, added Will Cherry. He then finished the season with B.C. Zalgiris Kaunas (Lithuania-LKL) playing 36 games averaging 6.1ppg, 2.6rpg, 2.5apg, 1.3spg, FGP: 45.3%, 3PT: 30.5%, FT: 71.1%; and played 15 Euroleague games averaging 7.1ppg, 2.4rpg, 1.7apg, 1.0spg, FGP: 41.4%, 3PT: 36.8%, FT: 70.8%. He remembered his wake up call being the spacing of everything on the court and just playing against the many no calls and brutal physicality of the Euroleague. The style of play was also one that he had never witnessed before.

In the 2015-2016 season he came to Germany for the first time playing with Alba Berlin averaging 10.9ppg, 4.1rpg, 4.0apg, 1.3spg, FGP: 52.1%, 3PT: 35.5%, FT: 84.6%; in the BBL and in the Eurocup averaged 10.3ppg, 4.6rpg, 3.7apg, 1.7spg, FGP: 46.0%, 3PT: 26.5%, FT: 71.4%. He would win his first professional title beating FC Bayern Munich in the semi-finals and then teaming up with Jordan Taylor to beat the Fraport Skyliners and up and coming guard Jordan Theodore in the cup final in Munich. He played for the very tough head coach Sasa Obradovic who is known for having invented his own unique body movements on the sidelines and a guy who can make a player come to tears. ‘He was real demanding. He always tried to get the best out of his players. But he didn’t understand the concept of rest. That was a big reason why we got swept by Frankfurt in the playoffs. We had nothing to give. The physical and mental side was so demanding that our bodies gave out. Off the court, he was a cool and amazing guy. He is very intelligent and you could talk hours about basketball with him. It was just hard to forget his antics on the court and get to really know him off the court was demanding’, remembered Will Cherry. It is also not every day that a player can play with a two time NCAA champion and it is even rarer when that special winner is German. He was fortunate to have been teammates with German national player and team player Niels Giffey who Cherry will always remember as that glue guy. ‘Niels is a real good player. He always did everything that the team needed to win if it was scoring, rebounds or defense. Winning was always more important than stats. He always put in a lot or work. Going to Zalgiris was a big step. I know how much he loves Berlin, but he wanted to take that next step in his career’, commented Will Cherry. He scored in double figures in 21 BBL games netting 22 points against the EWE Baskets and scored in double figures in 9 Eurocup games including 18 points a piece against Le Mans and FC Bayern Munich. After his season in Germany, he continued to explore Europe and signed with Gaziantep Basketbol (Turkey-BSL) averaging 11.0ppg, 5.0rpg, 4.0apg, Steals-5 (1.7spg), FGP: 52.0%, 3PT: 27.6%, FT: 74.1%; and in the FIBA Europe Cup averaged 10.5ppg, 4.4rpg, 4.4apg, Steals-5 (1.9spg), FGP: 58.4%, 3PT: 22.7%, FT: 81.8%. The Turkish BSL league has been on the rise for years and with the money swirling around attracts many Americans. ‘There was already a lot of money in that league when I was there. I think a reason why the league is so good, is because there are many Americans there. Every team has 5-6 highly skilled Americans. You can never take off a night there. There is also a lot of money in the second league. It’s crazy’, remembered Will Cherry. He scored in double figures in 20 games including 29 points against Best Balikesir and 23 points against Usak. In the Fiba Europe Cup he scored in double figures in 8 games including 19 points against AEK Athens. In the 2017-2018 season he gained further experience with KK Cedevita Zagreb (Croatia-Premijer Liga) averaging 10.5ppg, 3.1rpg, 3.4apg, Steals-3 (1.9spg), FGP: 66.4%, 3PT: 34.5%, FT: 71.1%; and in the Eurocup averaged 11.8ppg, 2.7rpg, 4.1apg, 1.4spg, FGP: 47.9%, 3PT: 27.4%, FT: 73.9%; and in the Adriatic League averaged 11.1ppg, 2.8rpg, 3.2apg, Steals-4 (1.7spg), FGP: 50.7%, 3PT: 35.3%, FT: 80.0%. He has great memories of this season even if the end wasn’t that rosy. ‘Cedivita was amazing. We had a NBA like schedule playing in 3 leagues. The coach was great and so were my teammates and the city. My only regret was not getting to the ABA final as Buducnost beat us’, remembered Will Cherry. He scored in double figures in 15 Croatian League games including 24 points against Split. In The ABA league he scored in double figures in 14 games including 24 points against Buducnost and in the Europcup scored in double figures in 9 games including 19 points against Levallois.

After being overseas 3 years, the American who didn’t see the sequel to Coming To American, because he felt it should have been left alone decided to give the NBA another shot and played with the Golden State Warriors G-League team Santa Cruz Warriors averaging 8.9ppg, 3.6rpg, 4.4apg, 1.7spg, 2FGP: 44.5%, 3FGP: 20.5%, FT: 72.3%. It was here that he noticed that reaching the NBA would probably never happen again. He just didn’t understand what NBA teams were really looking for anymore in a player. ‘I felt like at that time I could of scored more and shot the ball better. I actually began to shoot the ball better near the end of the season. I could have done more. Now when I look back at that season, I can’t understand why I didn’t get a call up. We were the best team in the league and almost got the record for the least amount of points let up. Nobody got called up that season. I just don’t understand what the NBA is looking for? Are they looking for stats or winners? I have given up trying to figure out what the NBA really wants’, stressed Will Cherry. He scored in double figures in 22 games including 24 points against South Bay and 21 points against Memphis. He also has seen a big change in the NBA to when he was there in 2014. The NBA is getting younger and younger. ‘I think it is a lot easier to get to the NBA now than when I was there. Social media has a lot to do with it. The young players today don’t know how to play the game and don’t know the ins and outs. I think that many of the guys that have had an impact are the last first round picks and second round picks like Draymond Greene. These guys know how the game works and were longer in college’, expressed Will Cherry .He finished the season in Greece with Olympiacos Pireus.
In the 2019-2020 season he resigned with Olympiacos Pireus averaging 5.4ppg, 2.0rpg, 1.7apg, 2FGP: 47.2%, 3FGP: 36.4%, FT: 66.7%, in the Euroleague and finished the season with Grissin Bon Reggio Emilia (Italy-Serie A). Even if there were some positive aspects in Greece, it was definitely a season to forget. ‘It was an all-right experience, but not the best. It may look lovely looking in from the outside, but it wasn’t. When your losing all is bad, but when your winning it bothers no one. It was my worst year in my career. I mean I had never averaged 5.0ppg before in my life. I had never sat in a corner before. It was just a weird situation. The whole experience taught me a lot though. The organization and teammates were great though’, said Will Cherry. Then there was that well known altercation that he had with ex NBA player Wade Baldwin. After 3 years in the NBA, it was Baldwin’s first season overseas and like Cherry, it wasn’t a good one for the ex Vanderbilt (NCAA) stand out. ‘We had an altercation in practice that led to me leaving. There were no punches. It was a simple practice scuffle. There was just some pushing and shoving. The club was up in flames at that point’, remembered Will Cherry. Two things he won’t forget was teammate Vassilis Spanoulis and the fans. ‘Vassilis was the man. All saw him as the basketball legend, but off the court he was an even greater man. You would think that a decorated guy like that could be a butt hole, but he wasn’t. He knew the game so well. I learned a lot from him. It was like being around the star of Europe. In Greece one minute the fans love you and the next minute they don’t. I never lay down lightly and would talk back at them. They will attack you. I think that the real fans support you even in bad times. Many of the fans don’t even know the game, but there are good fans there. They take the good with the bad’, stated Will Cherry.

Now let’s fast forward to 2021. The ex NBA player who has Jordan, Magic, Bird, Chamberlain and Russell on his personal NBA Mount Rushmore has come in to be that saviour type of player for the Fraport Skyliners. The COVID time was difficult for him as he couldn’t play the game he loved as he was in the dark in Italy not knowing what would happen. It gave him an opportunity to find ways to learn about things outside of basketball and about things after his basketball career. But for now the 30 year old still has a lot of basketball in front of him. ‘I’m very excited to be here. Frankfurt is a good and young team that just hasn’t been able to put it all together. I want to use my experience and instill confidence in the players. The young players are pro’s for a reason. They just need to execute and do what they have done their whole life. I want them to go out play their game and have fun’, warned Will Cherry. One guy who has been in a tiny funk as of late has been Rasheed Moore ‘Rasheed has some experience. We talk all the time. Part of being a leader is knowing how to relate to your teammates. He can do a lot more and I will help him’, stressed Will Cherry. One guy he doesn’t need to help is captain Quantez Robertson. His eyes light up when I mention him. ‘Aw Tez is a dog. He is so strong and physical and a great perimeter defender. He is a winner. The last time I played him he won the Fiba Cup. He was such a big factor in that title’, said Will Cherry. German basketball fans got a first idea of what Will Cherry can still do on the court in Ulm. That game has gotten Fraport Skyliner fans reborn again this season. Will Cherry definitely doesn’t want to disappoint them. ‘Ulm was just a taste. Fans will see a guy who knows when to score and when to find his teammates. I will do whatever the teams needs. That is all that I care about. In the last couple years I was put in a box to just fill a role, but now with the Fraport Skyliners you will see me play my game wholeheartedly’, warned Will Cherry. It is finally exciting to follow the Fraport Skyliners again as there is new hope with Will Cherry in town.

Marcus Thornton (193-G-93, college: William & Mary) is a 28 year old 193cm guard from Forestville Maryland playing his seventh professional season and first with medi Bayreuth. Last season he played with the NINERS Chemnitz (Germany-BBL) averaging 13.8ppg, 1.9rpg, 4.2apg, FGP: 47.8%, 3PT: 39.3%, FT: 74.2%. In 2019-2020 he played with ES Chalon-Sur-Saone (France-Jeep ELITE ProA) playing 23 games averaging 10.4ppg, 1.8rpg, 1.9apg, FGP: 43.8%, 3PT: 34.9%, FT: 68.2%. He began his professional career in 2015 and has played for organizations Sydney Kings (Australia-NBL), Consultinvest VL Pesaro (Italy-Serie A), Banvit Basketbol Kulubu (Turkey-BSL), Guangxi Rhinos (China-NBL) and for two G-League teams Maine Red Claws and Canton Charge. He played at the College of William & Mary (NCAA) from 2011-2015 playing a total of 125 es and as a senior averaged 20.0ppg, 2.8rpg, 2.9apg, FGP: 51.8%, 3PT: 40.2%, FT: 82.5%. He spoke to germanhoops.com after a convincing 81-64 Fiba Europe Cup win against Donar Groningen.

Miles Schmidt-Scheuber and Marcus Thornton in Frankfurt in 2021

Marcus thanks for talking to germanhoops.com. Congrats on the 81-64 win. Medi Bayreuth was never in danger of losing this game. How big was this win for the self-confidence with Alba Berlin coming in this weekend?

It was big! It was a good win leading up to a big game this weekend. We are really focused after this win to get it done this weekend.

Medi Bayreuth stepped it up a notch in the second half. Did Donar Groningen get mentally tired?

They may have. Cam Wells and Basti Doreth put a lot of pressure on them. We felt early on that we could wear them down. I feel like that showed as the game went on.

Medi Bayreuth played good aggressive defense forcing Donar Groningen to 23 turnovers. Is the offensive rebounds that the guests got the only real flaw that you had as a team?

Yes probably so. We are really trying to clean that up. That hurt us a lot in our win against Heidelberg. Our focal point at the moment is rebounding. I know that we will get it under control.

The bench contributed 35 points. German Kevin Wohlrath had 12 points. How instrumental has he been in the early going of the season?

Kevin has been really huge for us with all the injuries that we have had. Our team has that next guy mentality stepping up playing and delivering. We are very lucky to have him. He has messed into his role very well. It is also good that he continues to shoot the ball well.

Your playing your first season with medi Bayreuth. How good does it feel playing with fans again?

It has been great. They have an energy that you can’t recreate in any other way. We are very happy to have them back again. They always support us so well

What kind of an experience has it been playing with medi Bayreuth? What is special about this organization?

This organization has been a staple in the BBL for years. This is a family group in a small city that all believe in basketball. The organization really cares about the players and the fans supports us during ups and downs. I am blessed to be here and hope that we have a special season.

How big was the win against Heidelberg stopping a 3 game losing streak. Is this the start of the turn around of the season with Alba Berlin as the next opponent?

I do. That will be a big game. The crazy thing is that we didn’t even play well against Heidelberg, but the fact was we were able to bear down and pull out the win. We want to continue to build off the win leading into the cup game and the next BBL games.

In the easycredit BBL your struggling as a club. Can the team step up the offense with the player personal that you have?

Yes we can. We still haven’t all clicked on the same day yet. Some guys have big games, but on different days. I feel that once we are all rolling, we will be very tough to beat. I think we have good depth. Things will start to happen and we will make some noise.

The team is playing inspired ball in the Fiba Europe Cup. Is the team thinking title or taking it one game at a time?

Of course we want to win the title, but at the same time are taking it day by day. We are always looking to take it one game at a time. We aren’t in it just to play the competition, but want to go far and win it. For us it has been a team goal since the start of the season to take the full ride.

What has it been like being teammates with Cameron Wells. Back in the day he played at Citadel (NCAA) and in the same conference as Steph Curry and wasn’t too far behind in the stats category. You are an enthusiastic passer. Have you been able to take something extra from his playmaking?

Yes for sure. Cam has played in this league for a while and is very knowledgeable. He is always talking to us about certain situations like the pick and roll. I’m a student of the game and always watch him and he helps me. He is a great passer and good player. He has had some double double games with points and assists this season. I expect him to continue to lead the team and try to pick up things form him along the way.

This is your first time in your career playing two competitions in a season. How challenging is it always being ready for battle?

I love it. It had been my goal for some time to be able to play in a competition like this. I’m very excited to play Fiba Europe Cup. More the games the better for me. Playing two competitions, you have more mental practice and have to take care of your body better. It has been fun.

How content have you been with your game with medi Bayreuth. Is your role different than with Chemnitz?

I’m more a two this season. Last season I played the one more. I haven’t even scratched the surface of where I can be this season. I haven’t shot the ball well yet, but I’m not worried, because it’s a long season. For me the most important thing is to find out our team chemistry and get wins. Coach wants me to be aggressive. That suits my game best and I will continue to do that.

Your playing great in the Fiba Europe Cup, but still searching for your three pointer in the BBL. Is your self-confidence up and down with your game or have you been able to keep steady?

My self-confidence never wavers. I never doubt my game. I have worked too hard in my career that I know what I can do. For me it’s just a matter of time. Usually sooner than later. I will get the ball rolling.

What did you get most from Rodrigo Pastore in Chemnitz and how have you profited most from Raol Korner?

In Chemnitz I was exclusively a point guard. I was really grateful to have that job. I was able to show my playmaking qualities and lead the team. Coach Korner has allowed me to be myself and be that three level scorer. He allows me to be aggressive, score the ball and also create. He has let me come into my own. I really appreciate his trust and want to continue to make him look good.

How have you followed the development of the Boston Celtics this season? The team belongs to Jaylon Brown and Jayson Tatum and have with Dennis Schroeder and Marcus Smart two talented guards. Where will the journey of this team go this season?

I think that people get to caught up with the start of seasons. There are too many games in the NBA. There is enough time to figure everything out and mesh. I haven’t watched too many of their games because they come on so late. I think it has been tough with Brad Stevens not coaching anymore. The main thing is that it is still early and so much will change. They will figure it out.

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

For sure they should of left it alone. Some movies just aren’t meant to be remade. Money rules all.

Thanks Marcus for the chat.

Henry Caruso (194-G-95, college: Santa Clara) is a 26 year old 194cm guard from San Mateo, California playing his third professional season and second with Donar Groningen. Last season with Donar Groningen (Holland-DBL) he played 25 games averaging 8.3ppg, 5.7rpg, 1.5apg, FGP: 52.7%, 3PT: 42.9%, FT: 75.0%. He played his rookie season with Heroes Den Bosch (Holland-Eredivisie) playing games averaging 11.2ppg, 5.0rpg, 1.3apg, 1.1spg, FGP: 48.9%, 3PT-2 (47.9%), FT: 85.9%. He began his basketball career at Junipero Serra High School. He then played at Princeton (NCAA) from 2013-107 playing 74 games. He then finished his NCAA career with Santa Clara University (NCAA) playing 31 games averaging 12.2ppg, 7.0rpg, 1.7apg, 1.2spg, FGP: 53.8%, 3PT: 36.1%, FT: 84.3%. He spoke to germanhoops.com before a Fiba Europe Cup game against medi Bayreuth.

Thanks Henry for talking to germanhoops.com. Welcome to Germany. What do you know in general about Germany and it’s country? Have you visited since being overseas?

Thank you. Germany has a highly developed and industrialized social market economy, which is highlighted by its commitment to technological advancements and foreign trade. As the most populous nation in the European Union, Germany has a strong influence throughout the EU. I have been fortunate to visit Germany on several occasions for basketball purposes. I was impressed with the German culture, architecture, and love for sports.

Since playing in Holland, how aware have you been of basketball in Germany? A lot of guys use Holland as a early platform and then move to Germany to play.

I am familiar with basketball in Germany as two of my former college teammates, TJ Bray and Hans Brase, played in the BBL and preformed quite well. Also, my current teammate, Leon Williams, played in Goettingen for multiple seasons.

With everything that you witnessed during COVID, how do you feel did COVID make you stronger as a man?

COVID has been a challenging time for everyone. In terms of basketball, COVID made me appreciate things such as the opportunity to compete at the professional level, play in front of fans, and my relationships with teammates and coaches.

Your playing your second season with Donar Groningen (Holland-DBL). What kind of an experience has it been playing for this organization? A few years ago they had won 4 titles from 2015-2017.

Playing for Donar Groningen has been a great experience. I am honored to represent the team and the Groningen community. I hope that we can give our fans a lot to cheer for throughout the season.

Have you felt like the club has pressure to win again? How big is the organization hunger to get that next title again?

The hunger and fire is certainly there. We want to be playing our best basketball at the right time and I am confident that our players, coaches, and support staff will help us achieve our goals.

The team is very deep and talented this season. Winning the league and cup title has to be the goal. What can this team achieve this season?

Building and working together day by day , step by step will help our team achieve goals. If we keep chipping away and staying true to the process, the results will follow.

What has it been like sharing the court with the experienced veteran Marquis Addison? How have you profited from his presence on the court?

Marquis Addison is an extremely talented basketball player, but an even better person. I have really enjoyed getting to know Marquis over these past months. Seeing his preparation and approach on a first hand basis has been valuable to me.

Let’s talk about your game. You’re a 194cm guard. If you had to compare your game to an NBA player who would best fit the bill?

I enjoy watching Donte DiVincenzo of the Milwaukee Bucks.

You’re a player that has always been able to score and has a deadly three, but your rebounding really stands out for your height. Talk a little about how your rebounding instantly improved in your junior year at Princeton?

Rebounding & defense are two areas of the game that you can always control. Playing with energy and effort, combined with having awareness can heavily impact winning on every level.

What do you still want to add to your game to keep moving up the basketball ladder and to improve your game?

Win a championship at the professional level.

How tough was losing that three game playoff series against your former team Den Bosch last season? What will you remember most from that playoff series?

It was difficult. Losing is never fun, especially in a playoff series when the stakes are high. Den Bosch got hot at the right time, and unfortunately for us, the ball didn’t bounce our way in the final playoff game of the series

You played your rookie season with Heroes Den Bosch averaging 11.2ppg, 5.0rpg, 1.3apg, 1.1spg, FGP: 48.9%, 3PT-2 (47.9%), FT: 85.9%. As a rookie you were teammates with an incredible sharp shooter named Seger Bonifant and athletic freak Elijah Clarance. What memories do you have of these two talented players?

Seger Bonifant was a pure shooter and a tremendous teammate. Elijah played with great energy and had a highlight reel dunk almost every game.

What was it like having TJ Bray as a teammate as a freshman at Princeton. He recently retired because of injuries. Was he like a mentor for you then?

As a freshman entering Princeton, I was unsure what to expect. TJ Bray was our senior captain and took me under his wing. He showed me how to navigate college basketball, play the right way and be successful in school. To this day, TJ is a great mentor for me. He had an unbelievable career making it all the way to the Euroleague and I know he will achieve wonderful things in the future.

You were teammates with Devin Cannady for two years. Did you sense he was NBA material when he was there?

Definitely. Devin Cannady is a gym rat. He was one of the first guys in the gym and one of the last guys to leave the gym. His ability to create his own shot combined with his strength and athleticism were things that stood out right away.

How did head coach Mitch Henderson groom and prepare you best for a professional career?

Coach Henderson taught me to be a complete basketball player and make good decisions on the court. He stressed the importance of being able to pass, dribble, and shoot at a high level. Coach Henderson was a terrific basketball player at Princeton during the mid-late 1990s. Being able to learn from someone as successful as him was very impactful on my development as a basketball player.

You played another year at Santa Clara as a graduate student. How did your game benefit from playing a fifth season best?

My time at Santa Clara taught me how to lead a team and be a role model for the underclassmen. I was fortunate to play for Herb Sendek and his staff. His preparation and discipline are two things that I try to emulate. This past summer, I completed my M.B.A. from Santa Clara.

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

Aaron Gordon. During high school, our schools (Junipero Serra & Archbishop Mitty) played each other 10+ times. Those games were always down to the wire, sold out crowds, and some of my best basketball memories.

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

Jordan. Lebron. Bird. Nash. These were the guys I grew up watching.

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

Michael Jordan.

Did you see the sequel to the classic Coming to America? I have not watched it yet. I’ll have to add it to my bucket list.

Thanks Henry for the chat.

It was about 45 minutes after the siren had sounded in the Telekom Dome as the Telekom Baskets Bonn had defeated the Fraport Skyliners in an early season BBL game. The Fraport Skyliners were already on the bus and on their way home while the Bonn players had strengthed themselves with a delicious dinner in the VIP area. I was actually waiting for ex Arizona (NCAA) standout point guard Parker Jackson-Cartwright, but also wanted to catch Skyler Bowlin a player I had become aware of in 2015-2016 during the Fiba Europe cup season when he was playing for the Sodertalje Kings (Sweden-Basketligan). He finally came out and I yelled over to him with a word he had to be familiar with. Hey Skyjack! Bowlin’s head turned around rapidly and he greeted me with a big smile. I have been covering him since that Fiba Europe Cup season and have always enjoyed his high intensity play on the court. He was wondering where I had heard that word. I asked him to take a guess. His first reply was Jordan Talbert his ex teammate at Missouri Southern State another player I have been covering in Germany for ages. Then I gave him a hint saying that he was teammates with him with club Horsens IC. He didn’t hesitate and blurted out Marquis. Of course it was Marquis Addison (193-G-91, college: MSSU) his ex teammate who is balling with Donar Groningen this season in Holland. It really doesn’t matter which ex teammates of Bowlin you talk to, but the love and respect is mind boggling. ‘Being teammates with Skyler was great for my career, he taught me how to be a pro and really showed me the ropes. We remain close to this day. His game has came along way! Especially as a passer. In college we called him Sky Jack because he would Jack up so many 3s lol. His will to win was one of the biggest things I took from him’, remembered Marquis Addison. The love is mutual. ‘Marquis has turned into a very good pro. From our days back at Missouri Southern to his first professional year in Horsens with me, he has always been a hard worker and good teammate. More importantly, Marq and I have remained close as friends and keep in close contact to this day’, remembered Skyler Bowlin.

Marquis Addison who lists his five best teammates of all-time with Skyler Bowlin Nimrod Hilliard Chima Moneke Chris Cooper and Iffe Lundberg was born on December 16th, 1991 in Olathe, Kansas.. He began his basketball career at Olathe South high school and graduated in 2010. His further basketball path then took him to Missouri Southern State University (NCAA2) where he enjoyed a fruitful career for 4 years where he played a total of 120 NCAA games. He also remembers giving his teammate Cameron Corneilius buckets in one on one battles even if it was a tough match up. He was able to average in double figures of scoring in his last three years. Especially in his last two seasons, he turned up his production averaging 17,0ppg and shot over 40% from outside for a season twice. He had to wait until the end of his time at Missouri Southern State to achieve his most memorable moment. ‘My fondest memory was my senior year winning the conference championship with my team. That was my Coaches last season after 26 years so to send him out with a Ring was special’, remembered Marquis Addison. It is often the things on the court that remain in the minds of players, but also learning those life long lessons off the court that is a part of that whole school experience. ‘Coach Robert Corn was and is a great mentor for me. He taught me more about life and becoming a man than anything, I’m forever grateful’, stressed Marquis Addison. In his last two seasons there, he demonstrated his smooth game and vast versatility at both ends of the court as he averaged 17.4ppg, 5.3rpg, 2.7apg, 2.1spg, FGP: 43.6%, 3PT: 35.1%, FT: 84.5% as a junior and 17.7ppg, 4.3rpg, 2.2apg, 1.6spg, FGP: 52.1%, 3PT: 44.5%, FT: 82.8% as a senior.

The active defender who can guard multiple positions and lists his NBA Mount Rushmore with legends like Kobe, Michael Jordan Shaq and Lebron James began his professional career in 2014 in Denmark with well known team Horsens IC and rapidly found out what it is like to taste victory in terms of hardware. He was a part of three titles as he needed no adjustment period to the game overseas playing a total of 79 games in his 2 year stint and as a rookie he averaged 16.3ppg, 4.3rpg, 2.5apg, Steals-1 (2.4spg), FGP: 55.6%, 3PT: 42.7%, FT: 79.7% and in his second year averaged 15.8ppg, 4.8rpg, 2.7apg, Steals-3 (2.0spg), FGP: 51.4%, 3PT: 38.7%, FT: 79.1%. Those wining teams helped many of his teammates and himself make the next step. ‘Those years will always be special to me! A lot of teammates of mine from those teams have moved into top divisions all around Europe. My coach Arnel did a lot for my development in Europe. I owe him a lot of credit’, expressed Marquis Addison. The club also proved in his second season there that in basketball it’s not always about the budget and which ex NBA players are on the roster, but often about the will and who wants it more that can get a club to the top. Horsens IC dueled top team the Bakken Bears in an epic 7 game playoff series where they came out as the winner. ‘I could never forget that. Those guys had so much more money and experience than us but we were just hungry dogs and we came out champions’, commented Marquis Addison. He scored in double figures in 70 games for Horsens IC including 30 points in a win over Naestved. In his third professional season he made the next jump going to Israel and playing in their second division and is also known as being a stepping stone for players to continue to climb the ladder. He played for Maccabi Rehovot (Israel-National League) playing 28 games averaging 15.6ppg, 5.1rpg, 2.9apg, Steals-2 (2.5spg), FGP: 50.2%, 3PT: 38.5%, FT: 78.7%. It really doesn’t matter which American you ask about their time in Israel, almost 100% will rave about their experience there. One could also guess correctly each time what each players three favorite things were in Israel without problems. It wasn’t any different with Marquis Addison. ‘ I loved the culture there in Israel! The food, weather and beaches were some of my favorites. Maybe in my last season or 2 I will have to go back and enjoy the weather’, warned Marquis Addison. He scored in double figures in 23 games including netting 25 points against Maccabi Raanana.

The very quick lateral guard who lists Kansas City’s finest Marcus Denmon as his toughest opponent in school was able to add on to his titles in Denmark with two more in Switzerland with the Lions de Geneve (Switzerland-SBL). These two years continued to be very prosperous with his game as he played a total of 59 games averaging 16.0ppg, 5.9rpg, 3.8apg, 1.7spg, FGP: 54.3%, 3PT: 41.9%, FT: 80.4% in his first season and 16.0ppg, 4.0rpg, 3.8apg, 1.6spg, FGP: 55.5%, 3PT: 41.1%, FT: 83.3% in his second season. He was rewarded with 2 Super Cup championships and he had no difficulty choosing a favorite. ‘Both super cups were a great experience in Geneva. I would say the first one was a lot of fun because I got to beat one of my favorite teammates, Markel Humphrey’, said Marquis Addison. It wasn’t all glory next to Lake Geneva, but there was also a hardship in his first season as his club lost a brutal playoffs series against Fribourg against ex easyCredit BBL guard Chad Timberlake. But sometimes there can be something positive wrapped within the grief. ‘That was a good battle, they had a talented and deep team. Favorite moment was having my only career triple double in game 3! Chad was a good, veteran player’, remembered Marquis Addison. He scored in double figures in 54 games including dropping 26 points in a victory over Massagno. In between his two years in Switzerland, he sought a new challenge in France playing for Denain ASC Voltaire (France-ProB) averaging 15.1ppg, 4.0rpg, 2.8apg, 1.5spg, FGP: 57.6%, 3PT: 40.3%, FT: 81.8%. Here he again proved that he can put up consistent stats no matter what the country or league is. So far he has played in first divisions in countries like Denmark, Holland and Switzerland, but still hasn’t made to a top first division like in Israel, France or Germany. Not having had that opportunity hasn’t phased him at all. ‘France was a very challenging season. Our team went through a lot of imports and changes. I was blessed to have good numbers and compete in a good division. It doesn’t bother me. I know I can play at those levels. I just try to deal with the task ahead of me and let the rest handle itself’, stated Marquis Addison. He scored in double figures in 30 games including getting 31 points in a loss against Nancy. In 2020-2021, he was able to experience another new country and first division with BC CSU Sibiu (Romania-Liga Nationala) where he played 27 games averaging 16.2ppg, 3.8rpg, 2.9apg, 1.2spg, FGP: 54.8%, 3PT: 44.8%, FT: 81.2%; and played 4 FIBA Europe Cup games averaging 16.5ppg, 6.3rpg, 2.8apg, 1.8spg, FGP: 28.6%, 3PT: 48.4%. In Romania he was teammates with ex NBA player Xaver Rathan-Mayes and once again demonstrated his incredible consistency the same way the amazing baseball home run collector Zach Hampel does finding ways to catch them at ball games. But being consistent his season in Romania wasn’t easy as he had to contend with Covid, but he still found a way. ‘It was a great season for our team and also myself individually. Playing with XRM was a great experience, we worked together on our games often and had genuine conversations about things bigger than just basketball. Covid was a very tough season, wasn’t able to have visitors, crowds or normal life. In Romania my city was on lockdown several times. And the worst part was playing every single game in a ‘bubble’ last season. Not to mention weekly covid testing’, expressed Marquis Addison. He also learned to have to live life differently during the hard times and helped him grow as a man. ‘I was able to live a pretty simple life with little distractions. Made me a little more self sufficient’, added Marquis Addison. He scored in double figures in 30 games including 28 points in a win over Oradea. He also hot Besiktas for 23 points in a Fiba Europe Cup game.

So let’s fast forward to 2021. The very intelligent tall 195cm guard who is see’s Michael Jordan as the Goat over Lebron James is back with an organization called Donar Groningen where the chances to add on to his 5 professional titles is very good. Groningen had an incredible run form 2016-2018 winning 5 titles and is craving to get back on the winning track. He has great teammates and is very impressed by the professionalism of the organization. He knows the feeling of having won and already has that notion that very good things will happen this season. ‘Our team this season is special, I can feel it early. We have a lot of guys that are ready to make the next leap in Europe & a mixture of vets that have been there before’, warned Marquis Addison. His versatility as always is what stands out in his game, but his sniper talent and ability to shoot at a high clip from the parking lot has set him apart from other guys. He has delivered from down town having shot 40% or better in 5 of his 7 professional seasons. He doesn’t have any special recipe for success. ‘I would say I just put the work in just like a lot of people. The thing I feel that separates me is my confidence in my abilities. I’m willing to live with the results, either good or bad because I know I’ve put the work in’, said Marquis Addison. But for him it has never been about the stats as that is just a part of the game. Winning that chip is what it is all about. He isn’t even 30 yet and is as hungry as ever to add on to his title list in Holland. ‘Championships are why we play the game! I have been very fortunate to have great teammates & have played in great organizations in my career that have helped me win 5 professional titles and 2 in college’, stated Marquis Addison. It will be interesting to see if he can win more than one title this season. It has been a few years since he won his last chip and it definitely is time again. If one visits him next summer at home in the States and he is in a bad mood then one will know how his season had gone in Holland. ‘Picking the right spot is crucial for me because I’m not a great loser’, warned Marquis Addison. If I had to bet then I would bet on Marquis Addison being in a good mood next summer.

Ethan Alvano (185-G, college: CSUSM) is a 185cm guard from Corona, California playing his first season in Europe with the Eisbaeren Bremerhaven in Germany and third season as a professional. He has previous professional experience with San Miguel Beermen (Philippines-PBA): ASEAN League) playing 28 games averaging 6.8ppg, 4.0rpg, 5.9apg, FGP: 45.5%, 3PT: 25.3%, FT: 60.0% and also played with Hitech Bangkok City (Thailand-TBL) playing 6 games averaging 19.8ppg, 6.3rpg, 4.8apg, Steals-2 (3.3spg), FGP: 39.1%, 3PT: 33.3%, FT-1 (82.5%). He began his basketball career with Corona High School averaging 23.2ppg, 3.7rpg, 5.8apg, 3.9spg. He then played at Eastern Michigan (NCAA) for two years playing 49 NCAA games. He then moved to California State University San Marcos averaging 18.3ppg, 3.7rpg, 5.7apg, 2.2spg, FGP: 50.0%, 3PT: 42.3%, FT: 75.0% and as a senior averaged 20.5ppg, 3.7rpg, 5.9apg, 2.6spg, FGP: 44.8%, 3PT: 37.1%, FT: 82.3%. He spoke to germanhoops.com about his basketball career.

Ethan thanks for talking to germanhoops.com. Your about to become a dad. Is this the greatest moment in your career?

I definitely believe this is the greatest moment not only in my career but my life. This is something that is beyond basketball, I’ve been blessed with the opportunity to be a father and I’m excited for it. It definitely will be the greatest moment of my life when my daughter is born.

Before we talk about basketball, I have to ask you about how you experienced COVID. You were in Thailand at the time. What was the most challenge you had during this time on and off the court?

Yea I was in Thailand when the pandemic hit and there was a bunch of challenges but I’d say the most was simply just being shut down, no basketball. we couldn’t get on the court, no workouts, etc but off the court I’d say it was a challenge finding a routine that still allowed myself to be productive. with no basketball I had to adjust.

With everything that you experienced off the court during COVID, how do you feel did it help you become stronger as a man?

I think covid helped me a lot in a sense it made me sit back and appreciate more. Appreciate little things we take for granted like spending time with family, friends, etc. just as much as a man is supposed to provide, he’s also supposed to support and be there for loved ones and I made sure to put that in the forefront.

Your playing your first season in Europe in Germany for the Eisbaeren Bremerhaven. What kind of an experience has it been for you?

Yea this is my first year in Europe and it’s definitely been different. I love it here though, the team and club have welcomed me and it’s helped my transition to Europe and basketball here very smooth.

After playing in Asia you haven’t needed much adjustment period. What stands out in the German Pro A in style?

The style is very offensive oriented, lots of high IQ players. I’d say that’s been the biggest standout, which has been pretty easy for me to adjust too because I fit in right with the style.

What kind of an experience has it been sharing the back court with the highly talented Carrington Love? How have you profited from his game?

It’s been a great experience thus far, he’s one of the best guards I’ve ever played with. it’s helped me a lot from competing against him every day, but also learning from him too. We’re a scary backcourt that’s for sure.

Let’s talk a little about your game. You’re a 185cm guard that can do it all. If you had to compare your game to an NBA player who would best fit the description?

My favorite player is Mike Conley. He is a left handed player, little undersized, but good defender, can facilitate, shoot it, etc. I even use a right hand floater because I saw him do it so I’ll say him

You really fill the stat sheet nicely. How big is versatility a strength in your game?

I think versatility is an important part of my game. I think it allows me to be plugged in different positions or situations during the game but also allows me to have success. Being a good rebounder from the guard position allows me to push the break and play to my strengths like attacking downhill to score or getting in the lane to facilitate. it all goes hand in hand.

Your also an incredible one on one defender. Talk a little about how you have grown as a defender since leaving school?

I think I’ve grown tremendously as a defender. I’ve always had a knack for reading offenses and getting steals but I also gambled a lot which got me out of position. I’d like to think now I’m a much more solid defender, a smarter defender.

Do you feel like you could become an impact defender at the pro level?

Definitely so, like I said earlier being versatile allows me to have success and I think being an impact defender is another thing I bring to the table. it’s all pride at the end of the day, and I take my matchup personally so I’m always looking to be an impact defender.

What is a hidden strength that doesn’t always get noticed right away on the court?

I’d say it’s a culmination of my game and everything I can bring to the table. I’m a guy that does the ‘little things’ so add those up over a course of a game I think they make a big impact.

You put up incredible stats in the NCAA 2. But you opted to play in the Philippines and Thailand. I can’t imagine that you didn’t have offers from Europe. Talk a little about your first pro years in Asia.

My first years in Asia were great, got to get my feet wet to the professional life overseas. Being Filipino, it was a great situation for me to go to the Philippines and I enjoyed it.

You began your professional career with San Miguel Beermen (Philippines-PBA): ASEAN League. I remember interviewing Chris Oliver some years ago when he was playing in the up and coming Asean League. Talk a little how you experienced this league?

The Asean league was awesome, we got to travel all over south east Asia. I got to see the world, and the competition was good so it was a great experience being a first year guy.

You were teammates as a rookie with two legends Renaldo Balkman and Peter Ramos. What was it like being teammates with these guys? It must have been like being a kid in a candy store.

Yea playing with Balk and PJ was an experience for sure. Both high IQ players so it made it easy for me as a PG. They also took me under their wing per say and helped me in different ways. A great experience as a rookie.

Do you have some cool stories about your memories with them on road trips?

Yea every road trip was out of the country so they were all dope. I’d say going to Hong Kong, Singapore, and Malaysia we’re some of my favorite trips.

In your second season you played with Hitech Bangkok City (Thailand-TBL) averaging 19.8ppg, 6.3rpg, 4.8apg, Steals-2 (3.3spg), FGP: 39.1%, 3PT: 33.3%, FT-1 (82.5%). You exploded for 39 points in one game. What do you remember from Thailand?

Thailand was a great experience as well, where our gym was right downstairs so it was great experience because I lived in the gym and jus worked on my game. met some good people and got to play ball, I enjoyed it there.

You began your NCAA career at Eastern Michigan playing 49 games. In your two season you averaged 14 and 8 minutes. Despite limited minutes what positives did you get from these two years?

Eastern was a great experience for me, I got to be around a D1 program and really learn what it was like to be away from home. I had to grow up a little and I learned accountability because when you’re on your own it’s just you and you got get it done.

As a freshman you played Michigan and Michigan State back to back and combined played 34 minutes and beat Michigan in a 45-42 thriller. You played against numerous future NBA players. What do you remember from these two games?

Yea those two games were both fun environments, and it really showed me if I kept working I belong on that stage. Like you said I played against multiple NBA guys but that was fun, as a player you want play against the best every night.

You then finished at California State University San Marcos (NCAA) putting up great stats averaging 18.3ppg, 3.7rpg, 5.7apg, 2.2spg, FGP: 50.0%, 3PT: 42.3%, FT: 75.0% as a junior and 20.5ppg, 3.7rpg, 5.9apg, 2.6spg, FGP: 44.8%, 3PT: 37.1%, FT: 82.3% as a senior. How did your game grow and mature in these 2 years?

My game grew a lot at csusm because I was given the keys. I was able to blossom into the player id really always been but at the collegiate level. I was also given more and whom much is given much is expected so it helped grow as a leader as well.

In your first season there you lost both games against CS Domingeuz. Do you remember your battles against Vincent Golson? He is in his third year in Germany in the Pro B league.

Of course I remember those games, me and two two (vincent) are good friends. We actually met prior to us playing against each other as Cs dominguez was a school who recruited me. fast forward now we’re both here in gGrmany, but that’s my guy. I”m rooting for him every chance I get.

You had some incredible games in narrow wins like your 38 points against CS Monterey in the 84-81 win or 37 points in the 109-108 win over CS East Bay. Which game meant more to you?

I’d say the east bay game meant more. We were down big against East Bay so to be resilient and come back is a little more special.

How did BJ Foster groom and prepare you best for a professional career?

He helped in a couple ways, I think instilling confidence in me and giving me the keys was the biggest. It allowed me to be me.

Who won a one on one in practice you or Brian Wright?

We never played but I would win

Who was the best player that you ever played against that reached the NBA?

That’s a tough one, I’ve played against a handful of guys but I would say Caris Levert. I think his game is super smooth.

Please name your 5 best teammates of all-time.

C Love at the 1
Ray Parks jr at the 2
K Ward at 3
Balk at the 4
Pj Ramos at the 5

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

Lebron, MJ, Bean, and probably James Harden

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

I’m taking Lebron, my era, who I grew up watching

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

No I didn’t see it but I would say they should’ve left it alone. first one a classic.

Thanks Ethan for the chat.

Not too long ago, the future and season of the Fraport Skyliners seemed like a nasty Hawaii summer washout, but sometimes all it takes is one player and a win to turn the whole tide around. After starting 0-5 and having Ulm and Bamberg next on the menu, the season of the Fraport Skyliners seemed like a bust, but then came in Will Cherry und conquered in Ulm leading the team to an amazing win. The only thing missing was a cape on his back. Even if he had had some question marks concerning his health, he seemed quite healthy and played the way a real point guard should doing the playmaking and scoring all in one. But the question was could the ex NBA player and Lebron James teammate perform the next incredible task against the potent 4-2 Brose Bamberg club? Bamberg was coming off a brutal 101-89 shoot out loss against Alba Berlin, but against Frankfurt found back to their steady defensive ways and were able to play good ball for about 32 minutes giving up a few Frankfurt runs. In crunch-time, they lost a little focus allowing the Fraport Skyliners to stage a furious late come back, but the guests were able to buckle down and escape with a narrow 77-72 victory. ‘Defense was the key to the win. Our communication was very good. We knew that Frankfurt would make their runs today. We were able to slow them down when we had to. It was a complete team effort’, stated ex Monmouth (NCAA) guard Justin Robinson. For the Fraport Skyliners, it was another typical game where they had good spurts on offense, but it was unnecessary turnovers and not getting to the free throw line that was a big thorn in their side. ‘Whenever we come back, it is always turnovers that hurt us. Everything is mental and knowledge is key. There wasn’t any communication from the players, but were working on it. We need this too happen as soon as possible. We have to be patient, but I feel like were improving. I can’t understand the big difference in fouls called. You don’t see a difference like this often’, stressed Frankfurt head coach Diego O’Campo. ‘They made it really tough on us on defense. Their wall up’s were tough, but I thought that we moved the ball well. Our bone head plays and easy misses allowed them to always get the lead again’, stressed ex NBA player Will Cherry.

In the first quarter Brose Bamberg quickly found their offensive rhythm and did a good job controlling the game and getting a lot of easy baskets and just wining the 1-1 battles easily. Ex Boston College and William & Mary players Patrick Heckman and Omar Pruitt scored identical baskets using the glass to give Bamberg the quick4-0 lead. From that point Frankfurt had to play pick up the whole game. Frankfurt got some early baskets from Len Schoormann, rookie Matt Haarms and ex WIHA Panther Rasheed Moore, but were still trailing. German Christian Sengfelder and Kenneth Ogbe did the total damage taking responsibility and hitting three’s at ease and scoring in the paint as well. Frankfurt was unable to come to terms with the Bamberg athleticism inside and Bamberg defended very well 1-1 forcing Frankfurt to tough shots. With Bamberg leading 19-12, New Skyliner Donovan Donaldson may have scored his finest basket in a Skyliner jersey as he was aggressive and finished with total authority. Ogbe who played at UTAH Valley closed out the first quarter with an offensive rebound and put back for the early 23-14 advantage, ‘We had a bad start and they made us pay. Our turnovers hurt us!, stated Will Cherry.

In the second quarter Brose Bamberg achieved their second biggest lead of the game with 14 points, but the Fraport Skyliners staged a big run only to be slapped right back with a run and trail 43-32 at half-time. The Fraport Skyliners actually began the second quarter positive surprising Bamberg with a rapid 5-0 run to cut the guests lead to 23-19. In the run, ex Purdue (NCAA) center Matt Haarms used his 221cm length to snag an offensive rebound and make the put back and ex Barcelona guard Brancou Badio nailed a three pointer. Brose Bamberg didn’t let the little burst of fire irritate them as they struck back with a explosive 10-0 to extend their lead to 33-19. In the run, it Was Kenneth Ogbe who continued to display his fine inside out game with a three pointer and lay in while diminutive guard Justin Robinson contributed 5 points with free throws and a trey. Bamberg’s self confidence rose with every new bucket while on defense their pick and role was working well, while Frankfurt had nobody that sought to take responsibility. But when the going gets tough for Frankfurt, there is one player that has proved time in and time out that he can lead a team back it’s Rasheed Moore. Moore took charge again leading Frankfurt on a swift 10-0 run and scored the first 6 points. He scored twice inside and on his second basket fell to the floor and let out a loud cry just like a satisfied lion does after feeding time. Badio also scored as did 18 year old German Alexander Richardson who finished with a hard two handed dunk as Frankfurt trailed only 35-30. But as is so often the case, Frankfurt couldn’t keep the momentum and had a quick defensive lapse allowing a trey to Justin Robinson and three free throws and suddenly the lead was double digits again 41-30. Both teams traded buckets at the end as Bamberg got production from Sengfelder and Ogbe and Frankfurt from Richardson and German national player Lukas Wank. ‘Rasheed played a hell of the game. He spearheaded the come back and gave energy. He hit big shots and helped cut into the lead. I hope that he can ride that and continue you it the rest of the season’, added Will Cherry. Frankfurt did a better job rebounding taking the lead in that department, but had 10 turnovers.

In the third quarter Brose Bamberg continued to control the game as the Fraport Skyliners just couldn’t get over the hump. Both teams found their offensive rhythm as both teams connected from down town. Bamberg got three’s from Heckmann, Dominik Lockhart and Pruitt while Frankfurt got three’s from Lukas Wank who connected twice in a row, but the guests still led 58-43. But basketball is a game of runs and when Frankfurt wants to, they can give opponents problems with their defense and did. The Bamberg offense was just very well oiled and one where Frankfurt had severe problems trying to slow down as they were always late on the made three’s. The Fraport Skyliners showed again that they are able to string together longer stretches of good basketball as they closed out the third quarter with a 13-4 run to trail Bamberg only 62-56 after 30 minutes. In the run, Frankfurt got consistent play from Rasheed Moore once again as he scored on transition and nailed a three which was still a work in progress three years ago in the Pro B, but now is a very reliable outside shooter. Badio also made a catch and pop jumper and Will Cherry made a nice ending to the quarter with a floater at the buzzer. ‘We kept our composure when they made the run we just stuck together on defense’, said Justin Robinson. ‘We were trading baskets. You can do that when your leading, but when your behind like we were, it wasn’t good’, stressed Will Cherry. Frankfurt continued to rebound the ball very well leading 28-20, but just coughed up the ball too much having 15-7 turnovers.

In the fourth quarter Brose Bamberg kept up their old ways always being able to respond well to Frankfurt runs extending their lead to 13 points. But the Frankfurt staged one last comeback coming close, but it just wasn’t enough. The Fraport Skyliners began well getting a basket from Lukas Wank to cut Bamberg’s lead to 62-58, but Bamberg then hit Frankfurt in the mouth with a brutal 11-2 run to lead 73-60. In the run, Bamberg got key three’s from Sengfelder and Heckmann. The Fraport Skyliners made one last attempt of some how turning the game around striking with a 9-2 run to cut Bamberg’s lead down to 75-72 with 7,8 seconds to play. Instrumental in the run was young German Len Schoormann who scored 8 points under the watchful eyes of German national team coach Gordon Herbert. He had had misfortune earlier with three point shooting, but in the run connected once and also added a reverse lay up and runner. Badio also added a runner, but it was all too late. Patrick Heckman added icing on the cake with free throws to seal the victory. ‘They made a good comeback. What was missing in the third quarter, they made in the fourth. They are a good team’, stressed Justin Robinson. ‘We played with good defensive intensity in the second half. We need to start with that and have it for 40 minutes. We are fighting. Our energy is never down. We want to get better and know we have the talent to’, added Rasheed Moore. Brose Bamberg were led by Omar Prewitt (201-SF-94, college: William & Mary) with 17 points. Christian Sengfelder added 14 points while Patrik Heckman scored 13 points. The Fraport Skyliners were led by Rasheed Moore with 21 points. Brancou Badio added 12 points and Len Schoorman and Lukas wank added 11 points a piece. Brose Bamberg shot 45% from the field and 38% from outside and had 28 rebounds and 12 turnovers while the Fraport Skyliners shot 44% from the field and 38% from outside and had 38 rebounds and 19 turnovers.

After starting the season off with a tough home loss to Pro B favorite EPG Baskets Koblenz, The Fraport Skyliners Juniors have been perfect since winning their last 4 games in a row and had extreme self-confidence and momentum coming into the game against the Ahorn Basket Bis Baskets Speyer who had a 3-3 record and were coming off a tough 81-73 loss to Koblenz. The Fraport Skyliners Juniors last had won an incredible come from behind game against Karlsruhe and living legend Rouven Roessler where a big 15-0 run helped the team overcome massive adversary. The club had had a bye week the weekend before and had a lot of time to rest and refuel. They came into the game missing bug guns Marco Voeller, Felix Hecker and Philipp Hadenfeldt, but that didn’t hamper them as they had enough fire power, energy and a brutal Matthew Meredith (200-SG-00) in crunch-time powering the Fraport Skyliners Juniors to their fifth win in a row in OT 97-94 over the Ahorn Camp BIS Baskets Speyer. After the game Konstantin Schubert was all smiles again after another big crunch-time win and was able to equal his career best 23 points from the two weeks ago. ‘I’m proud of the team that we still won despite missing three key guys. I’m dead tonight despite playing only 20 minutes. We fought so hard. We rebounded so well getting 16 offensive rebounds. I remember three from our smallest player Alvin Onyia, the guy with the biggest heart. We moved the ball well and got out on transition well. I tip my hat to Speyer. They are a super team a lot better than their record shows’, stressed Konstantin Schubert. The Ahorn Camp BIS Baskets Speyer also fought to the end, but just couldn’t stop Matthew Meredith. ‘We got off to a bad start. We saw some of their better players were absent so we got a little lazy and weren’t focused. They hit us in the mouth and had guys that really stepped up’, stated ex EPG baskets Koblenz guard DJ Woodmore.

The first quarter was very tight as there were five lead changes as no team led by more than four points. The Fraport Skyliners Juniors had problems taking care of the ball early as they tried to really get big man Alexander Richardson involved, but inaccurate passes led to turnovers which was fully taken advantage of my Speyer’s best team defender German Valentin Rappold who scored four points on transition after getting steals and also scored once as Frankfurt had a lapse with bad communication. Speyer also got vital production from German Darian Cardenas who averaged 20,0ppg last season in the Pro B as he took apart Frankfurt’s defense with his strong 1-1 play and attacking of the rim. Frankfurt also got key production from little used German Felix Feilen who scored tying the game at 15-15. Richardson finally found to his game better in the last minute scoring a tip in dunk and a two handed dunk cutting the Speyer advantage to 22-21. Frankfurt was shooting solid from the field at 50% as was Speyer, but the guests couldn’t hit the ocean from the parking lot going 0-7. Frankfurt had the sound rebound edge 11-7, but early turnovers gave them 5 after 10 minutes. ‘Frankfurt had problems communicating and helping on defense. They had some bad turnovers at the start trying to make cute passes, but overall shot the ball well and took the open shots and got transition baskets’, commented Quantez Robertson.

The second quarter was very tight and had some lead changes, but overall the Fraport Skyliners Juniors had control and had the slim lead at the break. Frankfurt came out on fire ripping the Ahorn Camp BIS Baskets Speyer with consecutive three’s from ex TG Hanau forward Calvin Schaum and Felix Feilen for the Frankfurt 27-24 lead. Basketball is a game of runs and DJ Woodmore got aggressive and scored back to back buckets including an offensive rebound and put back for the 28-27 lead. Frankfurt needed extra support from guys like Calvin Schaum to compensate other guys being absent and did as he scored five unanswered points to get Frankfurt the lead back. But the Ahorn Camp BIS Baskets Speyer did a good job being aggressive and drawing fouls and stole the lead back again with Woodmore baskets 35-34. Frankfurt did a better job slowing down Darian Cardenas better in the second quarter defending him more physical and defending the three point line excellent as the guests still had no three pointer made at the break. German kid Alexander Richardson didn’t have an easy time being double teamed and sometimes triple teamed, but down the stretch scored two baskets. Frankfurt kept the slim 45-40 lead at half-time as ex Giessen guard Niklas Bilski hit a clutch trey at the buzzer. Frankfurt continued to shoot over 50% from the field and the guests were over 40%. Frankfurt also continued to control the boards. ‘We rebounded the ball a lot better and didn’t allow second chance points. Also Frankfurt’s on ball defense was better. Bilski did a good job directing the team and making big plays and shots’, stated Quantez Robertson.

In the third quarter the Fraport Skyliners Juniors took control leading by as much as 10 points and keeping the lead at nine points after 30 minutes. Eight year man Konstantin Schubert only played 2,58 minutes in the first half, but did get off to a big start with 4 points, but had two fouls. He came into the second half on a mission and would score 7 points in a row in not even 2 minutes. After Cardenas scored, there was a 10 minute delay because the shot clock had to be fixed. After that Schubert got on fire hitting a three pointer and two lay in’s for the 52-42 advantage. ‘I was very motivated. I used that delay to get warm. Everything fell for me. I really felt like I was in the zone. I thought that I had gotten an offensive foul on that off balance shot, but everything worked for me’, stressed Konstantin Schubert. The will for Schubert to succeed is so high that his energy was able to help his teammates soar with their play. Speyer got some heighted play from Spaniard Michael Acosta who scored twice and a step back from Cardenas, but Frankfurt still led 58-50. Frankfurt continued to execute well down the stretch as Alvin Onyia tested his 42% from outside and hit, Schubert connected on a 20 footer and Feilen used his aggressiveness and scored on a reverse lay up at the buzzer as Frankfurt led 65-56. ‘We slowed down Cardenas well and our goal in every game is always to keep as much energy at the end to be able to win’, added Konstantin Schubert. ‘They did a good job making the right plays and getting out on transition. They stepped up their defense which led to turnovers’, said DJ Woodmore. Both teams shot over 40% from the field, but Speyer still had not hit a three pointer. Frankfurt still had the 31-24 rebound edge.

In the fourth quarter the Fraport Skyliners Juniors were unable to close out the game, but instead witnessed a shooting clinic from German/American rookie Kelvin Omojola and led them into overtime. After David Aichele and Niklas Bilski traded baskets, the guests went on a lethal 19-4 run to retake the lead 77-74. The Nevada native Omojola scored 14 of his game leading 27 points in the run. The guy was hitting from everywhere making two lay in’s and three three’s. He averaged 13 points per game in his senior year at Northwest University (NAIA) and demonstrated his keen scoring touch. ‘Kelvin is a special talent. When he gets hot, nobody can compete with him. He set the whole floor on fire and gave us a chance to win’, stressed DJ Woodmore. Frankfurt fought and got a vital three pointer from Niklas Bilski tying the contest at 79-79. Bilski had his best game in a Frankfurt jersey and gave that Hadenfeldt effect with big time energy with big shots as he finished with 15 points and 6 dimes. Woodmore nailed a huge trey for the 82-79 lead, but Bilski stepped up again with a lay in and Meredith hit a massive three pointer and game saving block on Rappold to send the game into overtime. ‘All found me and some shots went in for me. I had some last energy in that block. I really wanted to win’, added Matthew Meredith. ‘Omojola really hurt us with his three and he hit tough shots. We lost some intensity on defense in their run, but had enough to force overtime’, expressed Konstantin Schubert. In overtime, the Ahorn Camp BIS Baskets Speyer came out gunning getting a lay in from ex BBL player Marc Liyanage and another trey from Omojola for the 89-85 advantage. But Frankfurt kept fighting and got big buckets from Meredith who nailed a deep three to tie the game at 89-89 and then on the next possession made a runner to tie the game again at 91-91. After a Liyanage miss, Schubert hit a 15 footer for the 93-91 win and Frankfurt never looked back. Meredith then made another crucial block which led to Oniya free throws for the 95-91 Frankfurt lead with 15 seconds to go. Woodmore would drop a trey to cut Frankfurt’s lead to 95-94 with 9 seconds to go. Meredith made free throws for the 97-94 win. ‘We fought so hard and Meredith took over. He is a great player. He doesn’t play so much with us because he is with the BBL team. This game was huge for him and will give him self-confidence’, stressed Konstantin Schubert. ‘Despite missing three guys, this was one of Frankfurt’s best offensive games this season. Meredith made big shots. I hate it how I have never won in this gym. This gives me an incentive to keep playing and try to win here’, said DJ Woodmore. The Fraport Skyliners had five players in double figures. Konstantin Schubert led all scorers with 23 points. Matthew Meredith added 17 points and Niklas Bilski 15 points while the Ahorn Camp BIS Baskets Speyer were led by Kelvin Omojola with 27 points and DJ Woodmore had 22 points. The Fraport Skyliners Juniors shot 47% from the field and 31% from outside and had 42 rebounds and 14 turnovers while The Ahorn Camp BIS Baskets Speyer shot 47% from the field and 26% from outside and had 38 rebounds and 12 turnovers.