For some guys not playing basketball can be as difficult as it is for some New England Patriots fans having to ask themselves each day that football life will never be the same again in New England without Tom Brady. Some players miss a few months or have to sit out a season because of a serious injury, but at least they can come back and battle on the court and continue to play the game they love. But imagine being healthy for the most part and not playing basketball for three years. That is exactly what happened to Demarkus Stuckey who is currently balling in Germany for Pro A club wiha Panthers. He was 19 years old at the time and had just played two years at Grand Rapids Community College. He was at two schools in that time at King University (NCAA2) and Harris-Stowe State University (NAIA). His credits didn´t transfer and he also suffered some health issues. But he didn´t let that adversary eat him up, but just stayed focused, kept grinding in the gym and never lost his love for basketball. 4 years later, he has already seen more countries and basketball then most opponenst who he would have played at that time in the NAIA. He was a stand out at Goshen(NAIA), saw real men duel in the CBA and saw what it is like living in small towns in countries like Kosovo and Montenegro and then saw the warmer side of Cyprus and now is back in the woods in Schwenningen, Germany. He has always been blessed with healthy self-confidence and always knew he could play. It doesn´t matter where he has played, but he has always put up good stats and showed that he can adapt to any country and league. Who knows where he would be today had he not been able to survive those three years of basketball inactivity. “The time sitting out at King University and  in Stowe helped me grow mentally because it showed me what life would be like without basketball and having to focus and really take things more serious if I wanted to play basketball as well as to make a professional career out of it”, warned Demarkus Stuckey. He got a chip on his shoulder at a young age and I´m sure it will never disappear or be taken away in his career.” I play with a chip on my shoulder. The key has been keeping the chip on my shoulder making me stay consistent and work hard and taking full advantage of my opportunity, that has been the key to my success overcoming my adversity in my career”, stressed Demarkus Stuckey.

       Demarkus Stuckey who´s favorite athlete is Steve Nash was born in 1996 in Grand Rapids, Michigan and played two seasons at Grand Rapids Community College. He was able to make basketball strides there as he upped his stats from 14/4/3 as a freshman to 18/5/5 in his sophomore campaign. Playing in the fifth college basketball league JUCO is surely as far away from basketball paradise as the Orlando Magic are from winning a NBA title, but playing in JUCO is super tough because every guy wants to get out, but once you have survived, it has proved to have benefited so many guys that made it across the pond and had careers overseas. “My two years at Grand Rapids community college were great for me being in my home state and playing for two coaches that believed in me and it also helped me sell myself very well from my freshman to sophomore year. My game grew in JUCO because I started taking training serious and working on my game and that helped me become more confident”, remembered Demarkus Stuckey. His patience was rewarded after three years of not playing, being able to lace up his sneakers for NAIA school Goshen where current NBA player Errick Mccullum of the Portland Trailblazers is a legend. He had an incredible senior season at Goshen averaging 21.3ppg, 4.7rpg, 5.0apg, 1.5spg, FGP: 42.2%, 3PT: 34.7%, FT: 74.8%. “My senior year at Goshen was definitely really good. My game grew because it helped me become a leader as a senior to a team that was pretty young and helped me change the culture to more winning habits”, expressed Demarkus Stuckey. He scored in double figures in 25 of 28 games and scored 20 points or more 16 times and had two major explosions of 36 points against St Francis,In and against Indiana Wesleyen. “The 36 points beating Indiana Wesleyan at the buzzer was definitely the most memorable game at Goshen”, stated Demarkus Stuckey. The Michigan native who loves Eli Gingerich, but knows that his ex teammate would never beat him at 1-1 couldn´t have had the career he had at Goshen without the guidance of head coach John Tropf. “Coach John helped me grow because he trusted me to not only to be a leader but also be a scorer as well as to grow from my mistakes that I made. He was a very good coach for me on and off the court”, commented Demarkus Stuckey.

       The ex NAIA standout who lists ex Iowa State and current Denver Nugget Monte Morris as his toughest opponent didn´t begin his professional career overseas, but in the States in the CBA. He strapped on the jersey in Indiana for the Fort Wayne Flite and had a solid season averaging 12.7ppg, 5.6rpg, 4.9apg, 1.1spg, FGP: 39.6%, 3PT: 34.5%, FT: 55.6%. He was an instrumental part of the team reaching the final. It was a good start to his pro career getting a feel and not having to be thrown into cold water overseas where there is a lot of uncertainties beyond a player´s control. “Playing with the Fort Wayne flight was definitely an opportunity just to play competitively and just jump into the professional world playing among grown man and coming fresh out of college”, said Demarkus Stuckey. The CBA was also another place to really test his game against very hungry and driven guys who all know what it feels like to have a chip on their shoulders. “The CBA had a handful of good talent most guys were just trying to get overseas or just actively still playing because of the love of the game”, added Demarkus Stuckey. It´s very rare for guys coming overseas to start at or near the top with a Euroleague or Eurocup team unless you’re an ex NBA player, so the guard who one of his favorite music performers is Nipsey Hussle had to start from the bottom again and continue to play dues playing in countries Kosovo and Montenegro. These aren´t necessarily places where he will find a Mcdonalds on each corner. He began with KB Lipjani (Kosovo-Superliga) averaging 28.6ppg, 6.0rpg, 6.9apg, 1.9spg, 2FGP: 46.2%, 3FGP: 37.1%, FT: 76.9%, and in Jan.'20 moved to KK Ibar Rozaje (Montenegro-Erste Liga) playing in the Balkan League averaging 10.3ppg, 2.7rpg, 2.0apg, 2.0spg, FGP: 25.0%, 3PT: 36.8%; and in the Montenegrin Erste Liga averaged 13.7ppg, 2.0rpg, 1.7apg. “Starting of the season in Kosovo was definitely fine. I had to prove myself and show people that I belong to play in Europe then moving on to play in Montenegro was me showcasing that I could play winning basketball on a good club and be effective in different ways”, remembered Demarkus Stuckey. He totally dominated like a man among kinds in Kosovo scoring in double figures in each game. He scored 20 points or more 13 times and 30 points or more 5 times including 41 and 40 point explosions against Prizreni and Rahoveci. Being able to score at ease and dominate like a Ja Morant was his chip showing it´s best side. “Scoring multiple 40 point games and 30 point games in Kosovo was just me going out with a chip on my shoulder having something to prove and having to be aggressive every night with the team that I was on”, remembered Demarkus Stuckey. Without anyone knowing that COVID would screw up the world, he elected to finish the season in Montenegro which was stopped after less than 2 months. “My time was cut short in Montenegro because of Covid. The positive that I got out of it was playing very good efficient basketball and seeing a country with beautiful land”, said Demarkus Stuckey.

       In his second professional season he was able to make another step up the basketball ladder playing in Cyprus. Cyprus is a country that often serves as a place where Americans love to play in because the league is competitive and the weather is marvelous. Often American players take this opportunity as a stepping stone to move up to higher leagues. He balled for Enosis Neon Paralimni (Cyprus-OPAP Basket League) playing 11 games averaging 15.1ppg, 5.8rpg, 4.5apg, 2.0spg, FGP: 49.4%, 3PT: 32.8%, FT: 75.0%. Here he was able to show his abilities on a bigger stage and didn´t disappoint with his game. “Playing in Cypress definitely helped my basketball development because it helped me show more of a leadership role as a guard advancing to the Final four of the Cyprus league and being a big impact on the team defensively and offensively”, expressed Demarkus Stuckey. He won´t forget his time in Cyprus and it was another experience where he could learn a new style of basketball overseas. “Playing here was definitely good.The league is very physical and very team oriented so it helps you play the game the right way. Comparing Cyprus to Kosovo in Montenegro it was definitely more physical but more of a slower pace game grind it out and defense really mattered”, added Demarkus Stuckey. He scored in double figures in 9 of 11 games including 22 points against Apollon and 21 points against APOP. Playing overseas isn´t only about learning to win and develop your game, but also forming relationships that can last a life time like he did with veteran Devaughn Jenkins. “Devaughn Jenkins was a good friend and still is a good friend /brother of mine I was more like the mentor to him but we kind of grew through that situation together. I definitely appreciate it and needed him as much as he needed me”, warned Demarkus Stuckey. 

The basketball journey of Demarkus Stuckey who lists Devaughn Jenkins, Ladon Carnegie , Chase Fairchild , Cam Burhanon, and Titus Robinson as his five best teammates of all-time continued in 2021-2022 as he was briefly with Frederick Achilleas Kaimakliou (Cyprus-OPAP Basket League) before landing in Germany with the wiha Panthers Schwenningen. In these tough times in the world, it isn´t self-evident that you will find a job. There are so many guys that haven´t played or have had extreme difficulty finding a job. But he has had fortune always finding jobs, but the whole stress has affected him, but also helped him. “During the time of covid, I would definitely say the toughest was being away from family and having to stay disciplined about being careful of going places to the store or even out to eat and dealing with the isolation. It made me appreciate life more and also to take the time you get with loved ones and cherish that also helped me stay more focused to being disciplined”, warned Demarkus Stuckey. He has joined a very ambitious team that played in the German fourth division 4 years ago, but with so many clubs during COVID have been battling with injuries and everything attached with the pandemic and have been struggling as of late having lost 5 of the last 7 games and currently are in 12th places two wins away from the last playoff spot. So far he doesn´t know too much about Germany other than that Berlin is the capital and that the easyCredit BBL and Pro A are competitive leagues and are respected throughout Europe, but he does know that his new head coach Alen Velcic is a guy that he can trust. “Coach Alen is a Coach that believes in my ability to help this club win games and it sold me on just his confidence in me”, stated Demarkus Stuckey.

       So what kind of game can we await from him who has Lebron,KD,Kobe,and MJ on his personal NBA Mount Rushmore and believes that Lebron James is greater than Michael Jordan, because Lebron is in his time and era has had start difficulties with his new team. In his first game, he was right away put to the test playing 35 minutes in a tough 91-73 loss to Bochum. He was in the starting five and scored 5 points, had 2 rebounds, 6 assists, 2 steals and 5 turnovers. In his second game, he couldn´t be much of a force in an exciting 111-104 double overtime win over Paderborn playing only 7 minutes and hitting a trey and dishing out 2 assists. In the first game top point guard David Cohn wasn´t on board, but in the second game was, plus the signing of new guard Robert Drijencic didn´t help his cause for extended minutes. He is a guy that has proved that he can score and has leadership qualities, but he also brings other attributes to the table. “I am a very good defender willing to defend that can press the ball and as well as a good rebounding guard”, said Demarkus Stuckey. In his first two games he showed that he has a nice passing game and watching mini Steve Nash David Cohn surely will only be an advantage to having in practice each day. “David has a nice game as a play maker. I like to make the right plays always and try to think one pass a head being aggressive attacking and looking to find open teammates”, expressed Demarkus Stuckey. The Pro A is a league that is dominated by very good American guards and this is a massive challenge for him, but he is a player that could also make an impact on the defensive end. “I take a lot of pride on the defensive and especially having a chip on my shoulder being a small college guy is definitely an area that I’m looking to improve as far as steal numbers and just guarding the best that I can every night”, warned Demarkus Stuckey. He has the most talented teammates now and toughest foes on the court that he has ever seen in his career and being able to match his abilities every day will only help him grow, but he also knows putting in the work will be just as important. “Parts of my game I’m working on is being efficient at every scoring level being able to score points without taking a lot of shots and improving in every aspect”, stressed Demarkus Stuckey. It is no secret that Alen Velcic is incredibly ambitious. The wiha Panthers are his baby as he is in his 21st season with the team. There are 13 games left and he wants to make the playoffs. He wants to have the deepest roster possible and that means for some, playing 30 plus minutes won´t be a reality. That could be the case for Demarkus Stuckey. Having that role of 10-15 minutes is one that he may find himself in. So far he has been integrated very well and shown that he can sacrifice team for stats and playing time. No matter how many minutes he sees, this guy will do all he can for the team. “I just believe in the work that I put in and also stay confident in my abilities. I know what I’m capable of and whenever I’m on the court I try to display my ability”, warned Demarkus Stuckey. This dude has seen so much adversary and stuck through it. His chip will continue to help him have success even if times won´t always be so easy. His chip helps him conquer every challenge.  

Philip Jenkins (188-G-90, college: Life) is a 30 year old 188cm guard from Goose Creek South Catrlina that is playing hiss econd season with VFL Bensheim. He had previous experience in Germany playing three years with TS 1856 Frankfurt-Griesheim. He played at various school’s in the States with Francis Marion University (NCAA2), Cleveland State Community College, Clinton Community College and Life University. He spoke to germanhoops.com about basketball.

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

I’m in Bensheim currently and basketball life has been so kind to me.

Talk a bit about how you experienced COVID in the last year and a half? What were the biggest challenges for you on and off the court?

I had Covid back in December 2020 and I beat it without any difficulties. I have invested in my own home gym and home basketball court so the pandemic hasn’t stopped me at all with getting better on a daily basis.

With everything that you saw off the court how do you think did COVID make you stronger as a man?

Covid has made me more self reliant and got a chance to focus on other goals I have outside of basketball

Your playing your second season with VFL Bensheim. Congrats on moving up to the Regionalliga. Was it a bit strange moving up despite not playing a full season?

Thank you. It was strange but all teams had the same advantages and disadvantages as the league approved us finishing what we started

What do you say to the haters who say that moving up despite not playing a full season isn’t really justified?

Miles , I love haters , I love pressure, I love being counted out. This is what drives me as a player. When they tell you that you can’t achieve something and then prove them wrong. I have been going against the odds all my life so it’s normalized to me.

What was so special about last season’s team? They came together and really stepped it up during the top 4 tournament.

That’s easy, CHEMISTRY! What you see on the court is a direct reflection of who we are off the court, together.

How excited are to play in the Regionalliga and match up against the leagues other top guards? I know you know how the Regionalliga level is. What are you expecting from yourself?

I am super excited about proving myself every year no matter what league or level it is! I expect to get out the game as much as I put into it, a ton of work is always rewarded and put on display to be recognized.

How excited are you to be playing for the experienced Igor Starkevic? Do you believe that he will be able to top Moritz Benzing?

Through the years I’ve scrimmaged and had exhibition games against Igor and he also recruited me one year. So I’ve known of him for a while and he is an absolute excellent coach and knows the game so well and with his experience I’m excited to learn and grown.

Let’s talk about your game. You’re a 188cm guard. If you had to compare your game to an NBA player who would best fit the description?

Kyrie Irving. He is an ultra scorer and his passing is underrated.

You have proved in Germany that you’re an explosive scorer. Talk about the other strengths that your game incorporates.

My playmaking skills are overshadowed by my scoring but I absolutely love to create for others more than I like to create for myself.

How did your leadership skills grow last season? It was your second time in your career that you helped a pro team go up a level.

I grew so much as a leader by keeping in touch through the 6 month pause in the season, making sure everyone’s family is doing good and also making sure they were working out staying fit.

On what area’s of your game are you working on most now so you will be ready for the Regionalliga level?

I’m working on my defense and conditioning to make sure I apply pressure on both ends of the floor but also have the stamina to play the whole game if needed

You played three years for TS 1856 Frankfurt-Griesheim. How do you feel did your game grow in the Oberliga and Regionalliga 2? You dominated play heavily. Did it feel like being a man among kids at times?

Commitment level as a team was a problem at Griesheim but my commitment and level of focused was self motivated and unswayed by anything. Knowing this I made sure to prepare myself to play whole game each game and lead my team in every category and try my hardest to win doing whatever it took and whatever we needed.

You really bounced around schools playing at Francis Marion University (NCAA2), Cleveland State Community College (NJCAA) Clinton Community College (NJCAA) and Life Univeristy. What were the pro’s and cons of playing at so many schools?

Pros: I got a chance to live in different states experiencing different cultures and people which prepared me for overseas life Con: You don’t get a chance to break any records because your not with 1 school for all 4 years.

At what school do you feel was your game able to progress the most?

My freshman year I redshirted at Francis Marion & focused on gaining weight. Out of high school I was 145 pounds, end of my freshman year I was 185 lbs. It completely changed the player I was.

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

John Wall. I attended a Five Star Basketball Camp my senior year with over 500 players and I made the 20 player all star game at the end where I played with John Wall.

Please name your five best teammates of all-time.

Liki Turner Latarius Moseley Evrik Gary Fitzgerald White Jeremy Ford

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

Kobe, Jordan, Lebron, Curry, Shaq (Kevin Durant My Favorite Player)

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

It’s not even a debate at all. I don’t think Lebron is better than Kobe.

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

Yes I have seen it , the first one was better . I’ll leave it at that, lol.

Thanks Philip for the chat

After being off more than a month Eintracht Frankfurt-Fraport Skyliners were back ready to start off 2022 with a bang trying to erase their two game losing streak against Bamberg and Ludwigsburg. They met their neighbors Sudhessen who entered the game with a weak 1-8 record and were featuring a 6 game losing streak. Sudhessen’s last win was almost three months ago against Giessen. Frankfurt entered the game with a 3-5 record and fans saw a hard fought close game through two quarters, but in the third quarter Eintracht Frankfurt-Fraport Skyliners sped away from Sudhessen with a brutal 25-5 quarter helping them to a solid 70-58 win. After the win a content Bennet Schubert (187-SG-03) explained what was key for getting the win. ‘We didn’t move ball well in the first half. Key was our full court press that gave them problems the whole game. That allowed us to get on transition. Our goal was it not to allow easy baskets and instead let them shoot three pointers’, stressed Bennet Schubert. After losing by 30 points last weekend to top team Ludwigsburg, Sudhessen gave a spirited effort, but couldn’t be consistent for 40 minutes. ‘This was a copy of the first game against Frankfurt. We kept it close in the first half. We let up in the third quarter and then fought back. I feel that if we could have kept the game more close, we could have had a better chance. All fought hard and did their best job, but it just wasn’t enough’, stated Sudhessen head coach Mattias Doenges.

With easyCredit BBL team Fraport Skyliners plagued since weeks with COVID cases and no games, it was a golden opportunity for 18 year old German talent Alexander Richardson to play a rare NBBL game. Frankfurt got off to a hot start leading 8-2 as their offensive execution was harmonizing and their press defense really irritated Sud Hessen’s offense. Frankfurt got keen early support Dusan Nikolic who used his aggressiveness to score twice and German Bennet Schubert dropped a trey. Frankfurt kept up the pressure leading 12-4 getting another basket from Schubert and Alexander Richardson used his giant man body getting an offensive rebound and put back against the boy’s competition of Sud Hessen who had no cure putting 2-3 guys up against the raw German. But Sud Hessen never let down attacking Frankfurt and having success when they broke the Frankfurt press. They rushed out on a 11-3 run to dead lock the game at 15-15. Sud Hessen played team basketball spreading the ball love around as top player Lucas Deetjen scored inside, talented 16 year old big man Tobias Hollback also scored inside as did American Kaleb McKenzie who made a tough off balance shot and Niklas Kitchen dropped a three pointer. Frankfurt wasn’t playing bad defense, but here and there lacked discipline in certain defensive assignments and it didn’t help their cause that Sud Hessen was hitting tough shots. Frankfurt recovered from this onslaught and closed out the first quarter with a 8-3 run to lead 23-18. Frankfurt got big baskets from the Zentgraf brothers Joscha and Leif and Richardson and Nikolic also scored.

The second quarter was very close as Sudhessen gained the lead once and Eintracht Frankfurt-Fraport Skyliners never led by more than 4 points. Both teams heightened up their defense not allowing too easy shots. Sudhessen at times did a pretty good job keeping Alexander Richardson away from the paint as he was only 1/5 from outside, but when he did get the ball in the paint, he usually executed even showing his hook shot. He finished with a monster 19/17 game and 13 offensive rebounds, 1 steal and 2 blocks. With no games and no real team practices, BBL coach Diego Ocampo spent some time observing Richardson. ‘It is important that he becomes a complete player. The pick and pop is ok for him, but not always the best decision. For his game it is important to score inside, play transition and get rebounds. These games are very important for him. Here he can work on looking for solutions. This is the best way for him to learn’, stressed Diego Ocampo. Leif Zentgraf contributed with a trey giving Eintracht Frankfurt-Fraport Skyliners the 27-24 advantage. Sudhessen had their moments and were able to execute in spurts as Mckenezie sparkled with his defensive playing making a steal and transition basket while Holbach followed with a hook shot for the 28-27 Sudhessen advantage. The game was more sloppy in the second quarter, but that can always be expected at the NBBL level. Frankfurt took advantage of some Sudhessen mistakes which led to some easy baskets as flashy Barnabas Bode scored as did Bennet Schubert making a steal and lay in for the 32-28 Frankfurt lead. Kitchen and Schubert then added free throws as Eintracht Frankfurt-Fraport Skyliners led 34-30 at half-time. Both teams shot under 50%, but Frankfurt had the commanding 26-17 rebound edge and 14 turnovers while Sudhessen did a better job taking care of the ball with only 9 coughed up balls. ‘Both teams competed well. Important at this level is how well you combine intensity and decision making. The key to winning the game was controlling the rebounds’, stated Diego Ocampo.

The turning point of the game occurred in the third quarter as Eintracht Frankfurt-Fraport Skyliners won the quarter 25-5 and led 59-35 after 30 minutes. Kitchen actually got Sudhessen on the board first with a lay in to cut Frankfurt’s lead to 34-32. But Eintracht Frankfurt-Fraport Skyliners then stormed out on a crazy 25-3 run. Eintracht Frankfurt-Fraport Skyliners were more clam on offense and executed better while their defensive press was working on all cylinders again wrecking havoc against Sudhessen. The Zentgraf brothers were instrumental in the quarter combining for 11 points as they gave massive energy. Bennet Schubert continued to supply valuable leadership and also got his passing game involved and continued to be a key rebound force behind Richardson. Alexander Richardson also continued to dominate scoring 10 points including a three pointer while cleaning up on the boards at both ends of the court. ‘We only had the 4 point lead. We wanted to attack right away when we stepped on the court. We played together and gave 100%. Our transition game was also a big help’, said Bennet Schubert.

In the fourth quarter Sudhessen came out and gave it all they had wining the quarter23-11, but most of the damage had been done by Eintracht Frankfurt-Fraport Skyliners in the third quarter. Sudhessen began with a lethal 8-0 run to cut the Eintracht Frankfurt-Fraport Skyliners lead down to only 59-44. Key in the run was Sudhessen’s sharing the ball again, but Niklas Kitchen gave extreme energy which he would do until the buzzer sounded adding 5 points in the run, Holbach made a lay in and Leander Muller free throws. Eintracht Frankfurt-Fraport Skyliners came out flat and lost their great intensity of the third quarter and made worse decisions on offense. Alessio Santagati who had a game to forget scored his only 2 points of the contest on a beautiful off balance shot in the paint to stop the run 61-44. After Richardson picked up another offensive rebound and made a put back for a mini 4-0 Frankfurt run, it was Sudhessen that continued to chip away going on their next run of 13-1 as Frankfurt suddenly was staring at only a 64-57 lead. Mueller who had been quiet most of the game dropped two huge three pointers, while the duo of Mckenzie and Kitchen still had big energy as if the game had just started combining for 5 points. They played with real heart trying to get over the hump with Sudhessen. But then came the big moment of team leader Bennet Schubert. He slammed the door shut on Sudhessen leading by Eintracht Frankfurt-Fraport Skyliners on a 6-1 run to end the game. He began with a lay up, made big rebounds and a steal. ‘Playing the trap really helps my game. I read the game well and can anticipate well. I just did my job and hustled getting rebounds’, added Bennet Schubert. Richardson added a pretty dunk and Julian Haskins ended the game with free throws. ‘We gave up a bit in the fourth quarter. We thought the game was over. I tried to hold the team together’, expressed Bennet Schubert. Eintracht Frankfurt-Fraport Skyliners were led by Bennet Schubert with 20 points and 11 rebounds and Alexander Richardson with 19 points and 17 rebounds while Sudhessen were led by Niklas Kitchen with 18 points. Eintracht Frankfurt-Fraport Skyliners shot 42% from the field and 21% from outside and had 53 rebounds and 27 turnovers while Sudhessen shot 30% from the field and 17% from outside and had 33 rebounds and 17 turnovers.

The Dragons Rhondorf arrived into 2022 with a bang upsetting the high flying but injury ridden team SBB Baskets Wolmirstedt where they displayed exceptional lead management and let it rain three’s while being carried by the Albrechts who combined for 43 points. The young Dragons that have an average age of 19 continue to make small steps at both ends of the floor. In their second contest of 2022, the Dragons Rhondorf sought revenge against Alba Berlin’s farm team Lok Bernau after being pummeled on the road 89-61. They knew this time that coughing up 27 balls and allowing 17 offensive rebounds probably won’t give them a win. They welcomed the 4-9 team into the Dragon Dome and went head to head for 30 minutes as no team could shake the other, but in the fourth quarter the Dragons Rhondorf finally found a sound offensive rhythm and the 8 man Lok Bernau rotation got to them as they lost energy and the game 78-65. After the buzzer sounded I explored the stat sheet for the first time, and was overjoyed when I read the stat line of 28 year old Dragon Paul Albrecht (208-PF-93) as he had achieved a very rare triple double of 12/13/10. 10 minutes after the victory, I approached Dragons CEO Yassin Idbihi who hadn’t noticed the triple double and was also happy. He showed head coach Julius Thomas the stat sheet and he also hadn’t been aware of it. On this night it was all about team as nobody noticed the triple double of Paul Albrecht. It was the first triple double for a Dragon in the Pro B since the 2017-2018 season when current Euroleague player Kameron Taylor had two. Back in 2019 Curtis Hollis achieved one for the Dragons while they were playing in the Regionalliga. ‘I never had a triple double before in my career. I never thought that I had a triple double at the end. I was in a tunnel all night because we fought so hard. My teammates hit everything that I kicked out’, smiled Paul Albrecht. The Dragons Rhondorf tried to get a good offensive rhythm in the first 30 minutes, but couldn’t until the fourth quarter. But the Dragons also had the 30 point loss from Bernau on their minds. ‘In the first loss in Bernau, they took a time out with 10 seconds to go to allow their fans to celebrate. We fought all night and just wanted the win after a slow start. We didn’t fight this hard like tonight this season’, explained Paul Albrecht. Julius Thomas took a chapter out of Rene Schilling’s book also taking a time out at the end to let the Dragon fans celebrate. Lok Bernau did a good job scoring inside almost all night, but in the fourth quarter, the Dragons stepped up their aggressiveness on the defensive end and the guests could get accustomed to it. ‘We played ok in the first half and had a good start in the third quarter, but fell apart in the fourth quarter. We have had the problem of coming out flat this season into the second half. We had no rhythm on offense and had too many turnovers’, said Lok Bernau forward Dan Oppland.

The contest was at eye level in the first five minutes, but Lok Bernau then were able to get away a bit and lead 23-17 after 10 minutes. It was no secret that Lok Bernau were going to attack inside all night long as they wanted to use their physicality and length to their advantage. 18 year old German point guard Gian Aydinoglu set the pace from the start being aggressive and getting into the paint scoring twice while also trying to feed his big men Tilly and Schulte while the Dragons got early guard support from Oshane Drews and Nicolas Buchholtz. After three lead changes Aydinoglu gave the guests the 10-9 lead and they would hold it going into the second quarter. Lok Bernau kept control getting some vital production from German Rikas Schulte and 2018 JBBL champion with Alba Berlin Nolan Adekunle for the 18-12 advantage. Lok Bernau did a good job securing offensive rebounds and making their second chance points while the Dragons got most of the 50/50 balls and also fought on the boards. Viktor Frankl-Maus hit a late three pointer and new Dragon Brazilian center Marcelo Ruediger made his first bucket. He finished with 2 points, 3 rebounds and a block in 6 minutes while also having 5 fouls. ‘He has to get used to the physicality here. The physicality is a lot different in Brazil. Here and there he was caught on the wrong foot, but you could see that he can rebound and be that physical defender in the paint’, said Dragons head coach Julius Thomas. Adekunle closed out the first half with a mid distance shot. ‘They attacked us a lot inside and we didn’t do a good job with 1-1 defense. We allowed them to get to the free throw line too much’, stated Paul Albrecht. Lok Bernau was shooting over 50% and had the rebound edge while the Dragons had the 5-4 turnover advantage.

In the second quarter both teams stepped up the defensive intensity as less points were scored, but Lok Bernau like in the first quarter was able to get away a bit in the last minutes and lead 36-31. The Dragons Rhondorf came out with high energy going on a 8-2 run to dead lock the contest at 25-25. In the run they were carried by young German Oshane Drews who was focused like never before and used his biggest strength his drive and scored twice. Ex Rostock guard Buchholtz also contributed with a three pointer. Drews was on top of his game all night long and finished as the game’s top scorer shooting a breathtaking 71% from the field. ‘I’m so proud of him. He is usually more reserved but tonight he just exploded. I was as proud as a father’, stressed Paul Albrecht. Rhondorf played with confidence on offense and rebounded better allowing them second chances. Both teams continued to be at eye level as Adekunle continued to show much responsibility hitting a trey for the 28-25 lead. Rhondorf got the lead back 29-28 with an Albrecht hook shot, but 38 year old 3 time Austrian champion Dan Oppland also showed his old school genes making a hook shot for the 30-29 Bernau advantage. Rhondorf continued to do a good job matching Bernau’s physicality, but Bernau closed out the second quarter with a 6-2 run. Adekunle hit another big bucket. ‘I believe he is more known for his drive than three pointer. That was a good sign if he has to keep them alive with his three, because not much else was working for them’, added Paul Albrecht. Both teams continued to shoot under 40% while Lok Bernau got the rebound edge 22-19 as both teams had 9 offensive rebounds a piece.

Lok Bernau had a superb start in the third quarter, but couldn’t manage their lead properly allowing the Dragons Rhondorf to rally and lead 51-48 after 30 minutes. 2018 JBBL champion Christoph Tilly hit a turn around shot while Buchholtz countered with a three pointer to cut Bernau’s lead to 38-34. Then both teams exchanged runs and Lok Bernau got baskets form Oppland and Schulte for the 42-34 lead. But the Dragons Rhondorf didn’t let down and struck with a lethal 9-1 run to dead lock the game at 43-43. Once again it was Oshane Drews who played like a one man wrecking crew scoring three buckets. He showcased his total offensive arsenal making a three, floater and lay in. ‘It isn’t always easy for Oshane. His teammates get on him and annoy him about his three point shooting. Last game he showed he can shoot and tonight he was in the zone. You can see he is taking on a good development’, stated Dragons Rhondorf head coach Julius Thomas. Adekunle continued to stay aggressive and in attack mode at all times hitting a jumper for the 46-45 advantage, but the Dragons experienced some lightening offense getting a lay in from long injured guard Ralph Honnou and a trey from Viktor Frankl-Maus who is still searching for his shooting accuracy giving the Dragons the 51-46 advantage. But Dan Oppland closed out the scoring with a tip in. ‘We got the momentum at the end. So often we have had the momentum against us this season, but now we are capable to stop the momentum as well as get it back and keep it’, warned Paul Albrecht. Both clubs continued to shoot under 40% and the Dragons Rhondorf had the rebound edge 30-29 with 13 to 12 offensive rebounds edge.

In the fourth quarter the Dragons Rhondorf took control of the game and would never trail again. Ralph Honnou began the fourth quarter with a spectacular bucket scoring while practically sitting on the floor. This brought back memories to how ex EWE Baskets guard Chris Kramer once scored with Purdue in the NCAA. That basket was followed by Marek Kotineo who perfected the pick and roll with Frankl-Maus as the Dragons led 55-48. The Dragons began with self-confidence and kept it and managed the lead well like against Wolmirstedt always having answers when Lok Bernau did. Oppland scored a few baskets to cut Rhondorf’s lead to 58-52, but Drews and Kotineo answered, but so did Tilly and 33 year old Max Rockmann with a trey as Rhondorf led 63-57. Lok Bernau continued to fight despite being tired and losing energy as Adekunle dropped another massive trey from the wing as Lok Bernau trailed only 65-60. But the Dragons Rhondorf had seen enough and then put the nail on the coffin with a brutal 8-0 run to extend their lead to 73-60. Two key three’s by Frankl-Maus and Ousmane Ndiaye led the attack as well as an incredible steal by Drews and two handed dunk. Kressimir Nikic answered with a tip in but Frankl-Maus and Drews points sealed the win. ‘We all fought for each other and didn’t give up the momentum. Every player took it personal and defended 1-1 very well. We all brought the energy until the end’, stressed Paul Albrecht. ‘They hit shots and we couldn’t get a rhythm. We also had turnovers. We need to be more aggressive. It is very disappointing to lose like this after such a long drive’, said Dan Oppland. The Dragons Rhondorf were led by Oshane Drews with 25 points. Nicolas Buchholz added 14 points. Viktor Frankl-Maus had 12 points while Lok Bernau were led by Nolan Adekunle with 17 points while Christoph Tilly had 11 points and Dan Oppland had 10 points and 9 rebounds. The Dragons Rhondorf shot 40% form the field and 34% from outside and had 42 rebounds and 17 turnovers while Lok Bernau shot 37% form the field and 28% from outside and had 37 rebounds and 18 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.

Happy New Year John. How did you enter 2022? Were you still in the states or did you experience it in Germany?


Happy new year to you as well, I brought New Years with the family; it felt great to be around them after 5 almost 6 months away. I’m back and ready to grind for 2022.

Grevenbroich didn’t start well in 2022 losing badly to Bonn 2 108-70. At first glance of the box score, the 6 man rotation was troubling. Did the club have Covid cases or just sick cases?

Yes covid cases and injuries have been the theme so far but we are doing our best to stay positive and keep pushing to better days.

How tough was it playing with a 6 man rotation. Do you ever remember playing with so little players?

Yes it was definitely tough, yet a challenge we needed to see together, things will get better and we will bounce back from that this weekend.

What was your mind set going into the game? What kind of a strategy did you have knowing you may have to do even more?

Well it’s all about getting my guys going, trying to spread the ball around a little more to get their confidence rolling early in the game so in the end they’ll come through when I need them.
Doing more is fine with me, I’m always up for the challenge.

Take me a little through the 40 minutes. Did Grevenbroich have moments where they were on a good route to winning?

We ended the half down 3, with smarter plays and just an ounce more effort on defense and we can play until the end.

Grevenbrocih was hit hard on the boards. What positives could the club take from the game as you continue to move forward?

Learning that we need to box out, put a body on some people because we are undersized at the moment, just learning the details of the things we need to do together really helped us out a lot over this week of practice.

What can a club learn in general from a game like that where one is severely depleted with man power?

We have to take advantage of time and situation, make smart plays down the stretch and limit turnovers, if that’s taken care of we can play as long as we need to.

You had an off night with 14 points on 6/21 shooting. What did you learn about your game after this experience?

Life keeps going, maybe some slight rust from 2 weeks of no games but bounce back with a major statement this upcoming weekend.

The next game is against Hamm a must win who are at 7-8. You were crushed in the first game. What will be key to getting win?

Maintaining effort of defense for 40 minutes and we can come out with a win.

Thanks John for the chat.

If you hail from Rio, Brazil, waking up before 6am is technically in the middle in the night and more a time where people will be heading to sleep during carnival then actually getting up to have to work or grind in the gym like most other player’s unless your Julius Randle or Kobe Bryant would still be sleeping dreaming about sweet basketball moments. But for Marcelo Ruediger (206-C-93, college: Tampa), having to set an alarm clock before 5Am was something that he had to do on occasion when he was at Monmouth University for a season. It was there that he was introduced to the well known basketball family DiLeo. He was only there one season, but he got that full hot order treatment from DiLeo as Sean Pean legendary character Jeff Spicoli uttered in the classic 80’s movie Fast Times At Ridgemont high. Max Dileo has made a name for himself as a defensive pest as Monmouth head coach King Rice instilled a defensive effort in him and has taken pride in and given the word hustle a new name and a big reason why the Hamburg Towers have been so successful in the last two years. Even if it has been almost a decade since Ruediger and Max DiLeo were teammates, the American from New Jersey left a very lasting impression on the Brazilian big man. ‘Max DiLeo was a Junior when I got to Monmouth. He was like a leader for us. One of the toughest and most intensive players I’ve ever played with. It was like he could never get tired. When everybody was in pain and exhausted he would come in the locker room singing at 5 am cheering everyone up! I have great memories from him, great player, great guy, great personality’, remembered Marcelo Ruediger. But not only does the big man have fond memories of him, but also his ex teammate Max DiLeo. ‘Marcelo was a great teammate, always had a positive attitude and a great work ethic. It doesn’t surprise me that he continues to have success. Any team is lucky to get him to join, not only because he is talented but he’s a great person off the court and in the locker room. Hopefully our paths cross soon I would love to catch up with him in person’, stressed Max DiLeo. Now Ruediger is in Germany and once again is confronted with the DiLeo name. Max Dileo is 465 kilometers away in Hamburg while the Brazilian signed to play for the Telekom Baskets Bonn farm team Dragons Rhondorf who battle in the third league called Pro B. This season the Telekom Baskets Bonn are finally putting smiles into the fans faces again as they are on top of the easyCredit BBL standings after missing the playoffs the last two seasons and giving some of those hard edged fans heartaches. The Telekom Baskets Bonn have easily one the best coaches in the league with Finish master mind Tuomas Iisalo and best point guard with Parker Jackson Cartwright. But despite the success something is still missing in Bonn this season. After five seasons, TJ Dileo decided to hang them up after a solid 8 year professional career overseas and has joined NBA team Philadelphia 76ers staff. One has to truly wonder how much better Bonn would be now with TJ DiLeo on board this season. His combination of hard work, leadership and character was something very special that you rarely see. It is clear that Marcelo Ruediger will never forget the DiLeo name and neither will basketball folk in Bonn.

Marcelo Ruediger who doesn’t remember battling ex Tampa (NCAA) Duke Shelton in 1-1 and is sure he would of lost facing the basket from the three and won posting up was born on November 30, 1993 in Nadal, Brazil. There is a reason why he has a Spanish first name and German last name. His great grandfather was German and during the war moved to Brazil with his grandfather. His father was born in Brazil, but after he got the German citizenship, it gave Marcello the right to also get it. He began his basketball career at Flamengo and at the age of 17 in 2011 moved to the United States to pursue studies and basketball there. He got his first dose of American culture taking a 180 degree turn from the Copacabana, cool sweet drinks and bikini’s to the frost, snow and back woods of Maine at Lee Academy. You can be sure that the rapid change from the exotic to the brutality of winter was like a culture shock. ‘Moving from Rio de Janeiro to Lee Academy was definitely a culture shock and a major change in my life. I went from a huge tropical city in my home country to a small freezing village in a foreign country which I didn’t speak the language. But it was very good for me to grow up as a man and experience a difference culture. In fact, I made very good friends there and end up having a great time even though the beginning was very tough for me’, remembered Marcelo Ruediger.

He last watched the classic movie Matrix and began his college career at Monmouth where he played 24 games. Despite not playing a real role there on the court, it was a time in his life that he won’t forget, because he was treated right. ‘Monmouth University was a big challenge. The Coaching staff was great and very demanding. I wasn’t very lucky there, I got hurt a lot but still learned a lot from coaches and my teammates. They were probably the most correct and united team I’ve played for, they were literally like a family’, warned Marcelo Ruediger. He then decided to attempt another step by attending Utah State University Eastern (JUCO), but never played. He was supposed to go to Chicago State (NCAA) from Utah, but had misfortune that a math course he had to take in order to get an associates degree wasn’t added to his schedule so he couldn’t return to division one. He had been recruited by Chicago State, had signed, but was supposed to go, but couldn’t. ‘Utah was a bad experience, the one place I regretted going’, said Marcelo Ruediger. Somehow his college basketball time was always plagued by misfortune and it wasn’t any different in Tampa. He played only 27 games in his two year stay, but he was able to take advantage of his stay in other area’s ‘I got two bad injuries that kept me off of the court for a long time. My Junior Year I had the 3rd surgery in my elbow and my senior year I started having problems with my feet and had an achilles injury that kept me out for a long time too. It was still a good place, maybe not a lot for basketball but I got to study, work some and I got my diploma’, expressed Marcelo Ruediger. Tampa head coach Richard Schmidt wanted the best for the big guy, but his focus on hard work put him mentally going in a wrong direction which he later luckily was able to correct. ‘Coach Richard is a great guy but he had an old school style. He put me to run a lot, do wall sits and jump rope for about 30 minutes every day. That was when my feet problems started. But I can’t blame it on him, I was dumb and I thought the more and the harder I worked the better, stronger and faster I would be. So I would work extra. I didn’t take care of my body properly and didn’t give it enough rest. So I ended up like I said injuring myself. When I got back to Brazil I didn’t know if was going to be able to play at all because of my feet. But fortunatelly I met a very good physiotherapist that taught me many things and changed the way I took care of my body. I lost weight, got my feet better and was able to get back into playing in Brasilia’, commented Marcelo Ruediger.

The ex Monmouth center who lists Max DiLeo, Brose Bamberg guard Justin Robinson, Duke Shelton, and Chris Brady his best teammates in school and Zach Graham Ronald Rudson Nezinho Arthur Belchor and Sammy Yeager his best teammates at the professional level returned home in 2017 and played three seasons with Torcida Uni Brasilia Basquete playing a total of 64 NBB games improving his points and rebound average each season and in his last season averaged 4,8ppg and 4,8rpg. These three years back home were vital in his basketball development as he looks to make the next step in Europe. ‘I think I’ve improved my game and specially my mentality as a player and the understanding of the game in Brasilia. I’ve played with and against very good and experienced players so it was definitely a big learning curve for me’, stated Marcelo Ruediger. The last two years weren’t easy for him during COVID like for everyone else on earth, but he had to cope with it and it won’t be any different in Germany. ‘Covid has been really tough in Brazil, many people died. I actually came in to Germany and tested positive and yesterday I finally tested negative and was my first day out of quarantine. Enter season 2020-21 many games were canceled. Postponed. Teams would play incomplete because of people testing positive. My team struggled a lot’, stated Marcelo Ruediger. COVID also brought him closer to his family something he may not have experienced had COVID not struck. ‘ I believe Covid has taught all of us many lessons. For me personally, I had to look out for my family specially the elderly ones and keep the distance from them’, stressed Marcelo Ruediger.

So now let’s fast forward to 2022. The big man who lists Lebron, Kobe, Jordan, Shaq, and Giannis Antetokounmpo on his personal NBA Mount Rushmore is in Germany taking on a new challenge with Pro B team Dragons Rhondorf. Being able to experience a new culture where his ancestors came from is very exciting for him. ‘I am very excited to play for the Dragons. To be honest I don’t know a whole lot about Germany, I am very excited to explore and learn more about German people and their culture. I know it’s a very organized and developed country very different from Brazil. Also a much older civilization with a very rich history. I’ve always wanted to get to know Germany’, added Marcelo Ruediger. Coming to the Dragons Rhondorf was a no brainer as head coach Julius Thomas and CEO Yassin Idbihi were able to sell him their product well, but overall, they didn’t need to do much convincing because there was no other country he would rather have gone to. ‘Both Coaches were always very honest and so far they have been super nice! The team offered a great opportunity for me to get in German territory and keep going with my career and life. Like I said I have always wanted to play/ live in Germany’, expressed Marcelo Ruediger. It will be interesting to see how rapidly the physical 206cm 114 kilo player will be integrated to the Dragons offense. You can compare his game to guys like David West, Luis Scola or Nene Hilaro and the Dragons know exactly what they have gotten. ‘”He will bring us more physicality and stability. In comparison to the other bigs, he is a real center. I’m very happy that he will help us”, stressed Dragons Rhondorf head coach Julius Thomas. He isn’t quite a modern day center yet, but he is constantly working on it.. ‘I like setting screens and getting my teammates open and roll hard to the paint. But I also enjoy the post up game, middle range shots and have been working on lot on my 3 pointers’, said Marcelo Ruediger. Working on his shot is his biggest priority, but rebounding and defense are also area’s where the Dragons will be able to profit from. ‘Rebounding has always been one of my main characteristics. I like to hit the boards hard and be physical. On defense I try to always be in the right place and look out for my teammates. So yes I believe those are areas where I can affect the game’, warned Marcelo Ruediger. The Dragons Rhondorf started 2020 off with a bang beating top Pro B north team Wolmirstedt and continue to improve and grow as a very young unit with an average age of 19 years. The Dragons finally have a physical banger who will allow Marek Kotineo to spread the floor more while he can play his more inside game. He will definitely feel very comfortable in the Dragon Dome and won’t have to be surprised if he is asked for a DiLeo story and if he has a desire to visit Max DiLeo, Hamburg is only 4 hours away by car. I’m sure Max will like to test how good the Brazilian’s defense has grown since Monmouth.

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 a big 89-85 win over new Pro A team Itzehoe. How good did it feel winning again after a tough loss to Bremerhaven?

It felt good to get back to winning ways. We knew it was important to get this win and not dropping two games in a row

How would you describe the focus the team was in after the brutal loss to Bremerhaven?

It was a short turnaround so we had to lock back in right away and focus on Itzehoe!After a tight first quarter Itzehoe exploded for 30 points in the second quarter to lead 52-42. Chris Hooper was a monster with 8 points and big man Yasin Kolo hit back to back three’s. What was most difficult in containing them who combined for 44 points.

They both are two really good players that understand where they are effective at on the floor. They got going in the second quarter, we tried different looks at them but they got into a solid rhythm.

The guests continued to be very strong in the third quarter but PS Karlsruhe never let down trailing only 5 points after 30 minutes. What was key for being able to withstand their pressure and get back into the game?

The key was we played with a higher sense of urgency, played defense quite better and made shots, that helped us cut the lead.

Crunch-time was very exciting. You took over making big shots, free throws and assists. How gelled was your decision making between finishing and creating on this night?

It wasn’t my best night shooting the ball by any chance. But luckly I was able to hit some timely shots and find my teammates.

What adjustments did you make on Chris Hooper in the fourth quarter? He only scored a basket?

Chris plays a lot of minutes and is asked to do a lot for his team. I think he actually slowed up, we threw different bodies at him to try and wear him down as much as possible.

Filmore Beck gave a scare with a three at the end. What do you believe was PS Karlsruhe’s biggest strength in crunch-time on this night?

I think our defense was our biggest strength. We were able to get timely stops which lead to us able to get some solid looks on offense.

You had 24/7/9/4 stats and shot 32% from the field. Was this one of your best all around personal games in the Pro A?

I don’t think this was my best performance. I was able to make some plays late but I know for sure I can perform at a higher level and be much more effective and efficient.

PS Karlsruhe next face Phoenix Hagen who are playing good basketball as of late. What will be key to sweeping the season series?

We have to have a high level of focus throughout our preparation and be ready to accept the challenge.

Thanks Stanley for the chat.

When I was in Portland Maine in November 2021 on an unusually warm day in the 60’s, it didn’t feel right watching a G-League game. It felt even weirder seeing a smorgasbord of ex players that had balled in Germany in the last years on the same team. The Maine Celtics who had ex NBA players left and right on their roster like Luke Kornet, Theo Pinson or Ryan Arcidiacono were battling the Capital City Go Go’s who had ex FC Bayern Munich center Greg Monroe, ex Chemnitz guard Shannon Bogues, Ex Hamburg Towers guard Pat Spencer and even an ex Pro A player by the name of Jaysean Paige who played his rookie season with Gotha in 2015-2016. Two months later Jaysean Paige is in the NBA playing games for the Detroit Pistons. Currently the NBA teams are going through serious hard times as players are being hit with COVID left and right as clubs are reeling for new and able bodies and in some cases have relied on guys that under normal situations most likely would never have laid foot in the NBA. One of the most extraordinary signings has been ex Illinois small forward Malcolm Hill. Here is a guy who has had a solid career overseas in Kazakhstan and Israel and even played his rookie season in Germany with the Telekom Baskets Bonn and another year played for John Patrick and the MHP Riesen Ludwigsburg. I reach easyCredit BBL identity figure and Fraport Skyliner guard Quantez Robertson (188-G-84, college: Auburn, agency: Interperformances) on a Wednesday afternoon and the first thing I ask him is when he is going to make his NBA debut?. ‘I think I’m a little old for that’, laughed Quantez Robertson. When I mention how crazy the NBA is at the moment with all the new signings, he agrees. Just from last season there are two players back in the NBA who combined for 6 NBA games before coming to Germany in 2020 with George King and Haywood Highsmith who are now playing with the Dallas Mavericks and Miami Heat. ‘It’s great seeing these guys in the NBA. It shows what hard work and dedication can do for them. They have the opportunity and are using it. It also shows how good the BBL is’, warned Quantez Robertson. I really get the feeling that Tez has this sense of proudness for these guys. He has a 1-2 record against Malcolm Hill and remembers playing him as if it was yesterday. ‘He was a strong forward. I don’t remember him being much of a shooter, but he was a scorer and got to the basket easily. He also handled the ball well. We did a good job on him. I don’t think that he averaged his point total against us. We contained him well and forced him to tough shots’, remembered Quantez Robertson. Even if he is 37 years old, he will never lose that competitor feeling in him and after hearing all those guys who are in the NBA, now he was quick to respond to his chances. Heck even Gabe York was signed by the Orlando Magic. No disrespect to the ex medi Bayreuth player, but he can ball. ‘If I was presented the opportunity now, I believe that I would definitely be able to show what I can do and put on a pretty good performance’, stressed Quantez Robertson.

Basketball life is pretty good for Quantez Robertson and the Fraport Skyliners at the moment as they have their second winning streak of the season. In December they beat Wurzburg and Crailsheim and now have beaten Heidelberg and Giessen. Sometimes things happen so rapidly as the Fraport Skyliners moved from 17th place to 13th place within 72 hours. Even if Frankfurt is riding a two game winning streak, freak athlete Quantez Robertson is staying on the ground and not blasting off with the self-confidence and is looking from game to game. ‘Basketball life right now is nice. We are still trying to get healthy, but I feel that once we all get healthy, in shape and on the same page gelling, then I think that we can have a good second half of the season’, warned Quantez Robertson. Anyone who knows basketball knows that a team is never the same with injuries, but as soon as Will Cherry and Brancou Badio returned, they gave the team a new dimension. ‘We competed at a different level during the last 2 games. We played hard and defended better. We also got shots to fall more and Jamel Mclean gave us a new inside presence’, stated Quantez Robertson. The two big wins gave the club a lot of self-confidence plus with injured players returning, it will be interesting to see in what direction the team will go in the next weeks if COVID doesn’t get drastically in the way. ”Mentally we are in good spirits. Guys are feeling more comfortable being able to play their normal positions. The wins gave us a good taste of what it feels like to win. I feel like we are practicing even harder now, because we believe that we can keep the success going’, warned Quantez Robertson. The team offense has also gotten better, because it isn’t one dimensional anymore with only outside shooting. ‘Being able to score inside is our biggest strength at the moment. Before we took too many outside shots, but now with Jamel Mclean we have a guy who can score inside which creates space for us to take shots outside’, expressed Jamel Mclean. Even if the team has given up 81 points in the last two games, the ex Auburn (NCAA) standout has seen strides on the defensive end. ‘I think that we have been more locked in. Guys are talking more and helping more on the weak side. We are also rebounding better, but it takes time to get on the same page. I think the more that we practice, the more we will get our opponents points down’, commented Quantez Robertson.

Jamel Mclean has been a huge spark and in 3 of the four games he has played in scored in double figures and is currently averaging 12/4 stats. The Fraport Skyliners finally have that dominating big man who gets down to business in the paint when he gets the ball and uses his strength to get close range position and easy baskets. You have to wonder how good he will be when he is 100% fit again. ‘He is the first genuine big man we have had since Leon Kratzer. Once he is better in shape, we won’t have to guard as much inside or 1-1 and help as much. He brings that veteran leadership that we have missed’, stressed Quantez Robertson. German 19 year old national player Len Schoormann didn’t start great into the season, but as of late he is playing his best basketball on the offensive end. In the last two wins, he has been picking his spots well and shot 9/22. Especially his drive has improved as his self-confidence continues to rise. ‘ Len has been presented with a great opportunity and he has taken full advantage of it. He doesn’t have to worry about anything and has been shooting efficiently and playing hard. That is what we expect of him. He has been attacking the rim very well and needs to keep doing it and finishing more’, added Quantez Robertson. One player who had his break out game in the easyCredit BBL last weekend was American and ex Northern Arizona University (NCAA) forward Brooks DeBisshop who was menace at both ends of the court in Giessen adding 14 points, 7 rebounds, 3 assists, 2 blocks and a steal. The first few months were a learning experience for him, but now he could possibly build on his Giessen performance. ‘He has shown another quick and strong body inside. He rebounds well and plays defense and can guard the pick and roll. He is playing the way he did in pre-season. If we can get extra from him, then it is a plus’, warned Quantez Robertson. Another player who has unexpectedly found minutes has been German Felix Hecker. He has played 9 BBL games averaging 10 minutes per game and scored 9 points in the loss in Ludwigsburg and added 5 points in the win over Heidelberg. He definitely is more valuable than just a three and D player. ‘He doesn’t really need to do much with us. He doesn’t play many minutes. He proved in the Pro B that he is more than just a three and D player. He can create and get to the rim. He has taken full advantage of the opportunity with us’, said Quantez Robertson.

Quantez Robertson was out almost for two months and returned on December 5th. In that time, he has been very up and down on the offensive end. He scored in double figures in three straight games against Ludwigsburg, MBC and Chemnitz, but in the latest two massive wins scored only 6 points in total. The guy is a veteran and has seen every thing so this slow start back from injury hasn’t fazed him. ‘It hasn’t been hard on me. I’m just starting to get back in rhythm with shooting the ball. I just need to shoot it more’, warned Quantez Robertson. His three pointer continues to be nonexistent. He has played 7 games since his return and is shooting a meager 6/28 from the parking lot. He is confident that he will up his shooting percentage. ‘My three will fall again. It will take time. I just need to shoot and get in rhythm. I also need to take good shots’, stressed Quantez Robertson. The American is also still finding a healthy rhythm on defense. At times his aggressiveness seems to high which results in bad fouls. ‘Those fouls happen on the fast break. I just tend to be too aggressive at times and pick up cheap fouls. But overall, I feel like my defense hasn’t been that bad’, stated Quantez Robertson. Now that the Fraport Skyliners have found a good grove, their competitive juices will have to wait a bit longer as the big showdown with underachieving team EWE Baskets Oldenburg this weekend has been postponed due to COVID. This could be a blessing in disguise. ‘I think this extra time off will be good for us. It will give guys more rest and get healthy. We can keep practicing and get our chemistry going and get on the same page’, warned Quantez Robertson. Everything is going well for the Fraport Skyliners and Quantez Robertson, but even when you mention Rickey Paulding, you can’t avoid the NBA. Paulding was drafted by the Detroit Pistons in 2004, but never reached the NBA. Could have Paulding and Robertson reached the NBA in their prime with a little luck? ‘ Yes for sure. Rickey may of even been able to get their before his prime. It is just about timing’, warned Quantez Robertson. Perhaps fans will see that incredible NBA like performance between Paulding and Robertson. Maybe that last ever meeting between both BBL legends will garner that unforgettable last showdown on the floor?

Chris Coffey (201-F-97, college: Georgetown, KY, agency: One Motive Sports) is a 24 year old 201cm forward from Louisville, Kentucky that is playing hiss econd professional season and first in Germany with the SYNTAINICS MBC Weissenfels (Germany-BBL) averaging 11,2ppg and 7,7rpg. Last season he played his rookie year with BK Ventspils (Latvia-LBL) averaging (14.6ppg), Reb-2 (7.6rpg), 1.4spg, FGP: 66.7%, 3PT: 34.8%, FT: 61.8%; and in the LatEstBL averaged 12.3ppg, Reb-3 (8.6rpg), 1.8apg, Steals-1 (2.2spg), Blocks-4 (1.3bpg), FGP: 61.3%, 3PT: 32.7%, FT: 58.5%. He began his basketball career at Seneca High School and then played at Georgetown College (NAIA) from 2016-2020 playing a total of 133 games. He was able to heighten his game each season improving his scoring and rebound average each season averaging 6.5ppg, 4.5rpg, FGP: 57.8%, FT: 44.1% as a freshman, 10.8ppg, 9.8rpg, 1.4bpg, FGP: 59.5%, FT: 57.4% in his second year 14.5ppg, 11.1rpg, 1.2apg, 1.2bpg, 1.1spg, FGP: 58.0%, 3PT: 26.8%, FT: 56.1% and as a senior averaged 15,4ppg, 12.7rpg, 1.5apg, 1.4spg, FGP: 63.9%, 3PT: 34.8%, FT: 48.1%. He spoke to germanhoops.com about his basketball career.

Chris thanks for talking to germanhoops.com. Before we talk about basketball, I have to ask you about COVID-19. How did you experience everything as a rookie in Latvia? What was the most challenging thing about COVID-19 in your rookie season on and off the court?

COVID 19 was a struggle. Being that when I was traveling to Latvia I’ve got stuck in an airport for 11 hours because I couldn’t fly into Latvia so my detour was a different experience lol. The most challenging was not having family in my reach to make sure everyone and everything was okay and not really knowing how COVID would go!

With everything that you experienced with COVID-19 in the States and overseas, how do you feel did it make you stronger as a man?

Yes it definitely made me strong as a man. Made me be more independent and learn how to live by myself and understand that anything in life can happen you just have to be ready for it!

Congrats on signing with easyCredit BBL team Syntanics MBC. Two years ago you were playing in the NAIA and now your going to play in a top 5 league in Europe. If someone had told you in March 2020 that you would be playing in a top league in 2021-2022 what would you have thought?

It’s amazing how far I done come but people believed in me from day 1 but the top 5 league in Europe couldn’t imagine this fast/soon. Especially coming from the NAIA level.

This is your first season in Germany. What do you know in general about the country Germany and it’s basketball?

I know Germany is a beautiful country and have a lot of great players come through and as said before it’s a top league so it’s very respected and well known.

Have you had any friends, ex teammates or opponents come to Germany and play?

Yes I know a few people who played in Germany like Don Johnson and Tj Shorts

How were the talks with coach Igor Jovovic? What were the main reasons for you joining the 2004 Fiba Europe Cup champion?

The talks with the coach were great got to know him as a person and coach and got to learn a lot more about things in Germany and about the team and the gameplan as we process to this season coming up! Main reason to Joining this Fiba Europe Cup team one they believe in my skills to come help give the team a chance to win a cup and I feel that the team will help me develop my skills more and help me get better on and off the court!

Let’s talk about your game. You’re a 201cm big man that can play the 3-5 and can really rebound the ball. If you had to compare your game to an NBA player who would best fit the bill?

I think my game is a mix of Kenneth Faried, Montrezl Harrell and Dennis Rodman

You were a double double monster in school and put up strong stats as a rookie in Latvia. What would you say is your absolute biggest strength on the court?

I think my biggest strength on the court is my energy level. I feel like when my energy level is so good the team is alive and we play at our best! And when my energy is up it gives my teammates energy to play their game with me having their back!

You aren’t only a very gifted offensive player, but are a great defensive player. Talk a little where that passion on defense comes from and can you be a defensive impact player for MBC this season?

I was once told defense wins game. Getting stops is a key to win and when your getting stops the team feels unbeatable and makes the other team uncomfortable when things aren’t going their way. I feel I can be a great defensive player with MBC. All I got do is play my game and let the game come to me!

On what area’s of your game are you working on most so you can continue to move up the basketball ladder in the next years?

My shooting is one and my confidence. I have a great form and can shoot the ball I just have to shoot when I’m open and get up shots. I pass up many opportunities but that comes from a lack of confidence. So confidence and shooting is what I need to work on to move myself up the basketball ladder.

It is very rare for a NAIA player to go pro. In one year you have played in Latvia and now are playing in a top German league. With such rapid success, is that chip still on your shoulder? Is it difficult to keep that hunger of always wanting to prove yourself?

Yes that chip will forever be there! People over look the NAIA and think we are just far behind top division players. So the hunger will always be there to prove to people that the NAIA can produce big time players too!!

As a rookie you played with BK Ventspils (Latvia-LBL) averaging 14.6ppg, Reb-27.6rpg, 1.4spg, FGP: 66.7%, 3PT: 34.8%, FT: 61.8%; and in the LatEstBL averaged 12.3ppg,8.6rpg, 1.8apg, Steals-1 (2.2spg), Blocks-4 (1.3bpg), FGP: 61.3%, 3PT: 32.7%, FT: 58.5%. What do you remember being your wake up call to being a rookie in Europe where you knew that you were very far away from home?

The holiday was a big one. Being from the states we celebrate almost every holiday there is with family, friends, and love ones. Knowing that you wouldn’t and couldn’t spend time with your family while watching your teammates with them hit hard!!

How important was it having experienced Cameron Rundles as a teammate as a rookie? Did he make the adjustment period easier for you?

Yes having a vet who was an American was a big bonus someone who can teach me the game and share his experience with me was love yeah happy to have him by my side and now I can call him family forever!

You needed no real adjustment time as a rookie. What was key for making the transition smoothly and how do you feel did your game grow as a rookie?

Yes my game improved tremendously as I worked on shooting and learning the European game style. It wasn’t to bad of a hump but learning where I needed to be and how I need to be on the court was a big learning step and I feel since I learned that my placement on the court is better and my defensive placement helped me end with the award at the end.

You played 4 years at Georgetown College (NAIA) winning the NAIA title in 2019. Talk about your NAIA experience and how your game and you grew as a person?

The NAIA was love and they treated me right I’ve got better on and off the court met a lot of people and until this day we still share our experiences and I call them my brothers. My game grew as I had to watch and play behind some of the greats at Georgetown but watching them helped me develop and better when I got my minutes on the hardwood!

You had many great games at Georgetown, but how big was your 32 points and 12 rebounds against William Carey in the NAIA tournament in 2019?

That was a big game for me because that set me up to be in the position that I am in now! With my agent and where I am going in life! That game set the tone for us to win that tournament and helped me set teammates up to have a great game right after that game.

How did head coach Chris Briggs groom and prepare you best for a professional basketball career?

Coach Chris Briggs is a legend in my eyes he’s not just a coach he is a mentor! He wants the best for everyone who he talks to or is around. He going to tell you, you can do anything you put your mind to even if that’s not playing basketball He makes sure that if you ever need something he will try to do the best he can for you and as a man that’s all you can ask for and I would want to be that for everyone when If I was in that position!

Who won a one on one in practice you or Hugues Mbumba?

Lol I think I would beat him one on one. He is very strong but my quickness would get past him and I can make him tired and that would slow his game down and long as I keep him off the block I feel I would win that match up!

Who has been the toughest player that you ever faced in your life on a court that reached the NBA?

Kelan Martin, that man was tuff and was a god in high school when we played in high school along side Quentin Snider and a few others!

Please name your five best teammates of all-time?

Deondre McWhorter, Jacob Conway, Eljay Cowherd, Troy Steward, Troy Gibbs Gotta go top 5 with the MID SOUTH

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

Kevin Durant, Shai Gilgeous-Alexander, Andrew Wiggins, James Harden

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

That debate will never end. How I see it Jordan was the Goat of his time and James is the Goat of this time and age. They never played against each other or in the same time of index so you can’t really compare them.

What was the last movie that you saw?

I just saw the purge last night good movie but then again it was free that’s probably why it was good lol.

Thanks Chris for the chat.

When your on the court overseas you can come across very exceptional players at any time, but when you play Euroleague you compete against world class guys. During the 17-19 seasons Anthony Clemmons (187-PG-94, college: Iowa, agency: Inception Sports) who can fill up the stat sheet the way Pete Sampras could have racked up ace’s in his sleep had the opportunity to lace up his sneakers and compete against top Euroleague heavy weight team CSKA Moscow four times with BC Astana. There he could have felt like a kid in a candy store or get know the feeling of a man walking down Miami Beach and straining the neck muscles because of too much turning back and forth studying the many bikini’s strolling around. He could have had neck problems seeing all the amazing talent that Moscow had with the likes of incredible players like Sergio Rodriguez, Nando de Colo, Cory Higgins, Othello Hunter and Kyle Hines just to name a few. He was never able to beat CSKA Moscow, but he always left a very lasting impression with his game. He is 27 years old and has produced very consistent stats where-ever he has played in various countries and leagues and won 4 titles. That is Euroleague material if you ask me. Ex teammate Michael Jenkins who retired in 2019 and was one of the last cuts of the Oklahoma Thunder in 2014 remembers Clemmons with a lot of joy. ‘Anthony was a very poised player. He always dictated his own pace and could score on all three levels. He was a great backcourt mate and amazing teammate to be so young. He really cared about winning and was very un selfish to be so young in his career when we were teammates. It showed by us having the best season in Astana’s VTB history. I definitely believe he is a future Euroleague player. His talent speaks for itself. It’s all political though so hopefully he’ll get his shot as he deserves’, warned Michael Jenkins. His other ex teammate Ken Horton who also knows what it means to win rings having won back to back Basketball Champion League titles. ‘Anthony is a true point guard. He can do everything on the court, score, pass, defend. Definitely brings all the right things to any team he plays for. He constantly came through in the clutch for us when we were in Astana. He is already an Euroleague player. He just needs the opportunity’, stressed Ken Horton. The Euroleague also has crossed Clemmons mind. ‘Euroleague is for sure a step I want to take. I believe I can be effective on that level and win with whoever I’m with. It’s definitely something I have thought about so I’m working every year to fulfill that’. Anthony Clemmons is a highly talented player that continues to grind and proves that he deserves a Euroleague shot.

Anthony Clemmons who believes ex Iowa (NCAA) teammate Mike Gesell were even then in 1-1 games, but would have no chance against him today was born on August 15, 1994 in Lansing, Michigan and attended Sexton high school. He then played at Iowa (NCAA) from 2012-2016. He didn’t play a huge role in his first three years at Iowa where he played 102 games, but never averaged more than 4,6ppg. In his freshman year he helped defeat arch rival Iowa State netting 14 points in the 80-71 victory. Getting a huge win like that so early in his NCAA career was very memorable. ‘That win I believe was my only win. Super surreal. My first experience in that rival. And to play good with a win was super exciting’, remembered Anthony Clemmons. Those three tough years that he endured also gave him an early chip on his shoulder that has remained with him until now. ‘The thing is I had a impressive freshman year according to the outsider. I had a very unexpected start to the season which placed me in the starting line up going into the big ten season. Then year two took a toll on me which allowed to me to regroup and focus back on the reason for why I choose Iowa. So that chip has helped me my whole career. Don’t take anything for granted’, warned Anthony Clemmons. In his last NCAA tournament as a senior he helped defeat Temple with 6 points, 5 rebounds and 6 assists in the nail bitter win to reach the round of 32. ‘My senior year was amazing. We had an amazing run and had an iconic moment with a buzzer beater’, said Anthony Clemmons. He was saved by teammate Adam Woodbury who won the game in overtime. Clemmons made a big mistake fouling Quentin Decosey behind the three point line. He drained all three sending the game to overtime. But overall the American had a great senior year making huge strides in his game averaging 9.2ppg, 2.7rpg, 3.8apg, 1.0spg, FGP: 50.6%, 3PT: 31.8%, FT: 60.5%. ‘The strides were made with confidence and experience. I don’t believe I made a big stride until I became a pro. Iowa helped me in other areas outside of basketball. I grew more with my friends at Michigan State throughout the summers and they were who pushed me to become who I am today’, stressed Anthony Clemmons. In his senior year he scored in double figures in 17 games including 20 points against Rutgers and 13 points against Michigan State. Head coach Fran McCaffery was instrumental in him being able to develop his game to the professional level. ‘Mccaffery helped me gain mental toughness and understanding the other ways to play basketball outside of pick and roll. I believe I was just a PNR player and defensive guy. But he helped me slow the game down and become a better thinker on the court. Seeing plays before they happen and reacting to different situation. Things you don’t really learn in HS. But he helped me become a better thinker’, commented Anthony Clemmons.

The American who remembers current Dallas Maverick and ex Michigan (NCAA) guard Trey Burke as being his toughest opponent in the NCAA began his professional career overseas with BC Hallmann Vienna (Austria-A Bundesliga) averaging (17.9ppg), 4.7rpg, 4.5apg, Steals-2 (2.0spg), FGP: 51.2%, 3PT: 37.4%, FT: 69.1%. Despite making a huge impact on the court, he does remember the first weeks as being difficult getting used to a new environment and what his wake up call was to being a rookie overseas. ‘The first week when I had to go without wifi. It was hard to communicate with family. Your first year is always the hardest because you don’t know what to expect. But once I got adjusted I was fine’, remembered Anthony Clemmons. He scored in double figures in 30 of 35 games and scored 20 points or more 17 times including 31 points against Furstenfeld and Kapfenberg. He was very fortunate in having supreme veteran Shawn Ray as a teammate who is still playing today at age 41 and is in his 18th season in Austria. ‘Shawn was great. It’s a reason why he’s still playing. He showed me what it was like to be a pro. No matter what level you’re at, if you don’t know how to be a pro then you won’t survive. And that is what he is’, expressed Anthony Clemmons. He had his most successful time as a professional between 2017-2019 with BK Astana (Kazakhstan) where he won 3 titles. He put up very consistent stats in the country national league, but also in the VTB league which is very respected and has great teams and players. In his first season he averaged 11.3ppg, 3.3rpg, 3.1apg, 1.3spg, FGP: 47.2%, 3PT: 47.4%, FT: 69.0%; and in his second season averaged 13.4ppg, 3.4rpg, 5.5apg, Steals-5 (1.5spg), FGP: 45.5%, 3PT: 33.3%, FT: 66.4% in the VTB. His time there was massive for his basketball development. ‘Playing there was definitely a confidence builder. It helped and allowed me to prove to myself that I was a high level player’, said Anthony Clemmons. He was very consistent scoring in double figures in 39 of 52 VTB games including 30 points against Lok Kuban where he was the best man on the court as he battled ex NBA guys like current teammate Jajuan Johnson, Dorell Wright and Isaiah Whithead and had Zenit’s number scoring 26 points where guys like ex NBA players Gal Mekel, Jarrod Uthoff and Brandon Jennings had to tip their hat to him. He wouldn’t have been able to have all of his success had he not had the prefect teammates that helped make him look good like ex German BBL players Larry Gordon, Michael Jenkins and Ken Horton. ‘Those 3 guys were great. And they were the guys I talked to most on the court. They brought a competitive spirit that helped me when I lacked. They reminded me of myself for being a competitor so it was great playing along side of them’, remembered Anthony Clemmons.

After two very successful years in Kazakhstan, the ex Iowa (NCAA) player who believes that Jordan and Lebron are the two greatest to ever play the game decided to make another step and experience something new playing with AS Monaco Basket (France-Jeep ELITE ProA, averaging 10.4ppg, 2.7rpg, 2.8apg, 1.1spg, FGP: 48.0%, 3PT: 33.7%, FT: 73.8%; and in the Eurocup averaged 10.6ppg, 2.7rpg, 2.4apg, Steals-5 (1.8spg), FGP: 54.7%, 3PT: 37.7%, FT: 72.1%. Who couldn’t fall in love with the flair of Monte Caro and the beauty of the Mediterranean sea? ‘Monaco is easily one of the nicest cities to live in over here. To be able to live in that city was a true blessing and an experience I will never forget’, stated Anthony Clemmons. He had big games against Dijon netting 22 points, had 19 against Boulazac and 18 points against Bourg. It really doesn’t matter where he has played, he has always had amazing teammates and guys that helped enrich his stay as well as making him bring his best in practices. One of those guys was ex NBA champion Norris Cole of the Miami Heat who was teammates with Lebron James. ‘Norris is my guy. He was a guy that helped bring you confidence because you know he was going to bring it every night. So I prepared myself not to let him or any of my teammates down. We had high goals that season so every game was important from a growth standpoint. It was exciting to play with him. He was a great teammate and a even better person’, expressed Anthony Clemmons. Last season during Covid, the Kazakhstan national player played with BC Igokea Aleksandrovac (Bosnia-Division I) averaging 11.2ppg, 2.3rpg, 4.5apg, 1.3spg, FGP: 45.5%, 3PT: 39.0%, FT: 77.9%;and averaged 13.3ppg, 3.2rpg, 3.5apg, 1.0spg, FGP: 52.5%, 3PT: 47.9%, FT: 89.7% in the BCL. He helped the team win the cup title and reached the final against top team Crvena Zvezda where they were swept. As usual he battled against the best guards and as always held his own against top guards Jordan Loyd, Langston Hall and Corey Walden. ‘That series was exciting. We fought and gave ourselves a chance. We played 3 really good games. And those 3 guards are respected around Europe so it was great to compete vs them’, said Anthony Clemmons. He played very well in the Basketball Champions League scoring in double figures in 9 games including netting 23 points against VEF Riga and 20 points against Spanish ACB club Burgos.

The American who lists Justin Carter Denzel Valentine Bryn Forbes JJ O’Brien and Peter Jok as his best teammates of all-time started the season with Banco di Sardegna Sassari (Italy-Serie A) averaging 11.8ppg, 1.4rpg, 3.0apg, 1.6spg, 2FGP: 52.0%, 3FGP: 41.2%, FT: 92.3%. Even if it was a short stay, there he had the pleasure and fortune to again not only have another incredible teammate but probably one of the 50 best and most consistent players Europe has seen in the last 20 years with David Logan. ‘David Logan was a great guy and player. The things he would do at that age is something I hope I can be able to do when I’m there. He’s one of the guys when I had concerns I would ask him about his previous experience on how things were. Definitely was a pleasure competing with him during the short time I had in Sassari’, remembered Anthony Clemmons. Now let’s fast forward to 2022 as he has found a new home in Turkey with Turk Telekom Ankara. He like every one else in the basketball world has been affected by COVID as not playing in front of full gyms was a gigantic challenge. It hasn’t been a great season yet for Turk Telekom in the Turkish league as they are only in 12th place with a record of 5-11 despite having a very deep and talented roster with ex NBA guys Tyler Enis, Jajuan Johnson and Aaron Harrison. ‘If you tracked our season, even before I arrived you know that the roster we have is easily one of the best in the league. Unfortunately we’ve experienced a lot of injuries which allow us not to be full strength in certain areas. Not taking away any credit on how strong the league is but our record doesn’t explain the circumstances and adversity we’ve had to battle through. And every team we play knows it’s not going to be an easy game’, stressed Anthony Clemmons. Despite the slow start, he is enjoying Turkey as he can experience many things there he wouldn’t back in the states and sharing the back court with Tyler Ennis has been wonderful. ‘Tyler’s been great. He’s helped welcome me and has helped me adjust to everything here. Great player and competitor’, said Anthony Clemmons. He is back in Germany again to play Eurocup against the Hamburg Towers. He was in Germany the first time two years ago where he swept ratiopharm Ulm with AS Monaco. ‘I remember they had a very talented group. Although they didn’t fulfill what they wanted out of the group they were a team you couldn’t sleep on. They had the lefty guard (plays for the Pistons) Killian I believe which was one of the best prospects, and Dragic which everyone knows around Europe. Their backcourt was very talented so you had to be ready to play’, stated Anthony Clemmons.

He is a 187cm point guard that has been compared to NBA guys like Eric Bledsoe, Patrick Beverly and Kyle Lowery as a guy that displays toughness and has the winner mentality and has the ability to drop big shots and plays. Two huge weapons in his arsenal is his versatility and shooting, but the first outweighs the latter. ‘Being versatile I believe is the biggest positive in my game. It allows me to take pressure of players. Scoring, playmaking and defending are my top 3 but I like the role because it allows me to focus on 2-3 things. Vs if I was just placed to do 1 thing then my game would be limited because I can impact the game in a lot of ways other than just scoring the basketball’, warned Anthony Clemmons. Being successful and consistent playing basketball doesn’t only have to do with punishing yourself in the lab, but also with just being intelligent. ‘My secret is staying within myself. Don’t go outside of what I’ve worked on all summer. The game is very simple and when you’re not efficient that usually comes from doing things outside of what you’re good at’, stressed Anthony Clemmons. He is 27 years old and not in his prime yet. The sky is still the limit for him as developing further with his straight ahead work ethic is a must. ‘I think I’m going into my best years. A lot of people evaluated my game and can’t really capture what I truly am. But anybody that has had the opportunity to work with me (coach or players) they will tell you I play to win and do what it takes. Sometimes it gets overlooked in the stats but that’s been throughout my career I have been able to sustain being consistent and effective on both sides of the ball’, added Anthony Clemmons. Every new game where he is the best player on the court or outlasts an ex NBA player is just another step in getting him closer to the Euroleague. ‘It has never been about confirmation, it’s been about what I wanted out of myself. To be the best you have to play the best. And when you play the best you have to do well against the best. So every game I play against those caliber of players at the end of it I evaluate what I could do better. It’s a reason why they are million dollar players. They dominate every game. So I don’t give myself flowers because I already know what type of player I am and that I can compete at that level. It’s more about improving and being better’, warned Anthony Clemmons. It will be interesting to see where his journey will go in the next two years. He definitely has the right attitude and correct work ethic to allow him to fullfill his goals.