It is more than 5 years ago when the Fraport Skyliners hoisted their third title and first international one with the Fiba Europe Cup in Chalon, France. Skyliner point guard Jordan Theodore had been contained very well for the first three quarters, but in crunch-time the ex Seton Hall(NCAA) guard finally broke out of his shell and took over the way great players do. He hit a clutch three from the top of the key and nailed three free throws to seal the win. It is always amazing how well players can still remember certain points of a game. You ask a Boris Becker about one of his Wimbledon wins 30 years ago and he can still remember crucial rallies at 4-3 in the fifth set. It wasn´t any different for Quantez Robertson. I have two vivid memories from that epic game as the siren sounded. First when Jordan Theodore threw the ball with so much power towards the Le Colisee ceiling and second when Quantez Robertson came over and slapped my hands in celebration of the win as I was sitting court side. But the Skyliner legend also had vivid memories of the last minutes of the thrilling 66-62 victory. As always Tez was very diplomatic about whether the team would have won without Jordan Theodore. “He definitely was a key player down the stretch as he made big shots. But it was also a collective team effort. John Little played some great defense on Chris Wright and the big guys with Joe Voigtmann, Danilo Barthel and Mike Morrison also did a good job. They also got good effort from Brandon Davies and Malik Wayans, but we all stepped up as a team and buckled down on defense”, remembered Quantez Robertson who last saw the movie Sonic the Hedgehog. With all the problems that the Fraport Skyliners are having now, it would great if Jordan Theodore could return to his old stomping ground, but it would unfortunately be more of a dream happening than it being realistic.

                I reach Quantez Robertson on a Tuesday Night at 8:00pm as now with his injury he has even more family time between rehab sessions. A week ago he told me he would be back after the Munich game. This time he told me that he hopes to be back after the ratiopharm Ulm game. That just shows how badly the captain wants to be back and help his team be successful. His ex teammate Jason Clark who is playing in Belarus this season with Tmoki-Minsk predicted that Tez will be back  a lot earlier than all would think. It´s no different with Tez. “I wish I could play in Ulm. But I can´t be back in Ulm this weekend. It´s doctors orders. I have to see the doctor on November 1^st. I hope to be back for the Bamberg game”, warned Quantez Robertson. It didn´t take the ex Auburn(NCAA) player long to remember exactly when he had his longest injury with Frankfurt. It was the 2013-2014 season.” I missed the whole first three months. It´s tough because you go to rehab and then see all the guys practice and you can´t be with them. It´s just real tough watching them from the sidelines”, stated Quantez Robertson. Recently his ex teammate Jason Clark called him his GOAT and off course Tez had to return the love. “Jason was a hell of a mid range shooter. He and Jimmy Mckinney were the best mid range shooters that I ever played with. If Jason got anywhere near the free throw line, you could get back on defense, because 9 out of 10 times it was going in”, remembered Quantez Robertson.

                Quantez Robertson  who feels that ex teammate Isaac Bonga has to be as productive as possible with the Toronto Raptors in the minutes he gets during Pascal Siakam´s injury was in a good mood when I reached him, but it is obvious that the 0-5 start by the Fraport Skyliners is something that really is bothering him. Even if it may not show on the court, he believes that the team is better than what the record shows. “It is very frustrating. We know that we let a couple of games get away. We just take it day by day and game by game and fight as hard as we can. We never gave up. Even in the blow out loses to Berlin and Munich we fought to the end”, warned Quantez Robertson. The club made progress against the Telekom Baskets Bonn playing better and had some good phases against FC Bayern Munich, but how far are they from finally playing 40 minutes of solid basketball? “I don´t think that we are that far away from that. We have had games where we came out strong, or picked it up in the third quarter or in the fourth quarter. We need to put all quarters together. There are times when our offense isn´t working and we have too many turnovers. We have to take care of the ball and limit our turnovers. You can have bad offense, but as long as there are no turnovers, it isn´t that bad. It still isn´t good, but at least your getting off shots ”, said Quantez Robertson. A big handicap in the Fraport Skyliners game is their defense. At the moment they give up 85 points per game. In the past they belonged to the best defensive teams in the easyCredit BBL under ex head coach Gordon Herbert, but the team now is as far away from defending like that as it apparently is for Jordan Theodore to return back to Frankfurt. “We have a lot of new guys and it is taking a bit longer for them to get accustomed to our defensive philosophy. Our biggest problem is communication. In the past we communicated very well and bought into the system which led to our success”, added Quantez Robertson.  Another problem is how Frankfurt defends on the switches. Head coach Diego O´Campo stated that the team isn´t ready to defend switches against a high level team like FC Bayern Munich. “We have some guys that can guard the perimeter. If we switch it is tough for the guards to defend bigger guys. I think that on the most part that we have done a pretty good job on switches. I mean we barely switch. What hurts us most is not being able to rebound the ball”, expressed Quantez Robertson. The club has some talent on offense, but as a team haven´t put it together and are the worst shooting three point team in the BBL. “We take good shots, but we have to learn to hit our open looks. We have to get up more reps in practice and just shoot with self-confidence. As we see more shots go in, we will gain more self-confidence”, warned Quantez Robertson.

                Despite the horrible start by the Fraport Skyliners, there have been some guys that have done as well as they could in the minutes that they got especially some of the young German players. Lorenz Brenneke came to Frankfurt with nothing being guaranteed, but he has really stepped up. He is averaging 6,6ppg, 6,2rpg, 1,2apg and 1,0spg while shooting 55% from the field and 60% from outside. “He didn´t have a real role with Alba Berlin. But he has come here and worked very hard and got a lot bigger role. He has scored and rebound well. He has shown that he is pretty good with the minutes that he has gotten”, said Quantez Robertson.  Another young German that has had an amazing development in the last year has been Alexander Richardson. He came to Frankfurt in 2020 with just a big body and being very raw. A year later he has gotten more than just minutes, but the confidence from head coach Diego O´Campo. He has become a solid performer in the Pro B averaging 8,8ppg and 3,8rpg and 3,5ppg and 3,5rpg in the BBL. A weakness last season was his footwork something that has been diligently been worked on this season. “His foot work has improved and so has his self-confidence when he is in the post. He has been working hard with Klaus Perwas and trying to get even stronger. It has really paid off”, stated Quantez Robertson. Another guy that began slowly, but has made a little bit of progression is rookie Dutch giant Matt Haarms who is averaging 7,6ppg, 4,4rpg 1,4bpg. He is shooting 72% from the field. Shouldn´t this guy be fed the ball inside time after time after time? “Yes but the way our offense is setup, we don´t have many post up plays. It is tougher to feed him with less post up plays. He has rose well and we need to find ways to get him the ball on the pick and roll more. He moves pretty well for his size and we have to get him the ball more in the open floor as well”, commented Quantez Robertson.

               With the Fraport Skyliners having problems this season, captain Quantez Robertson has taken it upon himself to do even more than usual at both ends of the court. As a result he is putting up very impressive stats. He is averaging only 30 minutes which is the least he has produced since the 2015-2016 season, but he is averaging the most points in his career at 17,5ppg, 5,8rpg, 2,5apg and 1,8spg and is shooting a career best 41% from the parking lot. It is obvious he has to be even more motivated than usual in his own play. “I´m always motivated. I try to do as much as possible on the court with the time that I get making plays for myself and others. We need everyone to step up. I´m scoring and shooting pretty well at the moment. Guys are looking for me to make plays”, stressed Quantez Robertson. Despite Tez getting more of a work load on offense, he doesn´t feel like opponents are keying in on him more now than in the past. “Teams are still playing me the same. I think they are closing out on me harder now because I´m shooting better”, expressed Quantez Robertson. With the team losing as much as it is, it is only obvious that his hunger for success on defense is always growing. “I attack the defensive end like crazy. I do what I can to spark the team. If it means making stops, getting rebounds to lead the fast break, steals or blocks. I´m trying to rally the guys and get them pumped. I do what I can like I always have”, warned Quantez Robertson.

                So let me return back to the dream of having Jordan Theodore return to the Fraport Skyliners. He was with a Japanese team, but that didn´t work out and now he is seeking a new challenge. It is no secret that the 2000 BBL cup winner has a point guard problem. In the last few games, Senegal guard Brancou Badio played point guard and didn´t do a bad job. “He came from a team full of history. He shows that he is very quick off the pick and roll and he can get to his spots”, stated Quantez Robertson. But Badio isn´t a long term solution, but a short term. Donovan Donaldson just hasn´t been able to get the job done. He played at a NCAA 2 school putting up good states and has played in lower leagues in Europe before coming to Frankfurt. There was a risk that he might not be able to fulfil expectations at the BBL level. Donaldson´s biggest strength is his drive, but he has been up and down with it with Frankfurt. His hesitation to use it has been a mystery. He was aggressive again in the loss in Bonn, but his aggressiveness was nonexistent in the blowout loss to FC Bayern Munich. “I tried to help him during the Munich game. I told him he has to be more aggressive off the pick and roll and attacking the rim. He does it in practice. I think if he attacks the rim more and gets to the free throw line getting freebies that that will help his confidence”, said Quantez Robertson. It is only a matter of time until the Fraport Skyliners bring in a new point guard. Could it really be Jordan Theodore.  New German national team coach and ex Fraport Skyliner head coach Gordon Herbert is a massive Jordan Theodore fan. If Herbert was still in Frankfurt, it would be a no brainer. “Jordan is an elite player that can create for others and for himself. He is also capable of making defensive plays. He can help any team he plays for”, warned Gordon Herbert. But in the end, it´s all about who has enough money and everything else can only be a dream. “It would be nice to have Jordan back. He is experienced and can create for himself and others. I have talked to Jordan. He is staying in shape and looking for that next good situation. It would be nice to have him back, but it makes no sense, because we don´t have enough money. He is big time now”, warned Quantez Robertson. I guess seeing Jordan Theodore back in the Fraport Skyliners can only happen in a dream.

Stanley Whittaker (183-G-94, college: Keiser) is a 26 year old 183cm point guard from Philadelphia playing his third professional season and first in Germany with PS Karlsruhe. He played his rookie season in Lithuania and last season had his break through with UBSC Raiffeisen Graz (Austria-BSL) playing 24 games: Score-2 (21.5ppg), 6.3rpg, Assists-2 (8.0apg), Steals-1 (2.6spg), FGP: 49.3%, 3PT: 40.5%, FT: 78.4%. He played his college ball at Frank Phillips (JUCO) and Keiser (NAIA). He teams up every week with Miles Schmidt-Scheuber to talk basketball

Congrats Stanley on another win this time over new club Itzehoe 92-87. Things really are clicking for the club. What steps did the team make during this win?

Thanks Miles, I think as a team we made steps in a positive direction with this win. It’s a challenge to win games on the road, so we take this win, look to learn from our mistakes and continue to move forward and build good habits.

After trailing after 10 minutes, PS Karlsruhe found better to their game and took a 41-38 lead into half-time. What was key for having the lead at the break?

We were relatively solid defensively in the first half, although we knew we still gave up some second chances points we were right there knowing if we finished possessions we can have success on the offensive end.

PS Karlsruhe exploded in the third quarter netting an incredible 36 points leading 77-64. You guys hit a lot of three’s and Ferdinand Zylka was instrumental. Was this the best offensive quarter of the season?


I think as a team we found a nice rhythm in the third quarter. We were able to play with some better pace and hit some shots so that helped us.

You knew how to separate from passing and finishing yourself. You seemed to have no problems reading their defense in this phase.

That’s what it is for me, just reading the defense, understanding schemes and trying to execute offensively.

PS Karlsruhe let up a bit at the end. How key was it for time just elapsing. Do you feel confident you would still have won the game had their been 2 more minutes more to play?

We definitely have to do a better job closing our games, there was a sense we took our foot off the gas pedal some. But credit to Itzehoe, they stayed aggressive and gave us a battle down to the end of the game.

What was your impression of Itzehoe and their coach Pat Elzie? They don’t look like a team that just moved up do they?

I like their team, they have a good coach and they have a style of play that fits the personnel of their roster in my opinion.

What was your impression of American Chris Hooper? He paid his dues 2 years in the Pro B and now is showing he is a top player in the Pro A. He could challenge you for MVP honors.

I respect his journey and his grind. He definitely gets after it. He plays with extreme confidence and shows leadership on the court. I wish him good health throughout the season and we’ll see what happens in the end.

German Leo Behrend finished with 9 points and 4 rebounds. How important is he in general to the success of the team?

Leo is very important to our team, we have the utmost trust in him and his abilities.

You had another super game with 22 points, 9 assists, 4 rebounds, 2 steals and 1 block. Take away the 2 turnovers and would it have been close to perfect?

I don’t think I can ever play a perfect game, it be the little things that doesn’t show in the stat sheet that means the most to me and to the success of our club. I’ll continue to hang my hat around those things and try to continue to be productive the way my teams needs me and expects me to be.

You next face the Tigers Tuebingen. What kind of a game can we await and what will be key for continuing the winning streak?

We have a tough task in front of us, I’m sure we’ll put together a game plan that will give us a chance to win. It starts this week in practice and hopefully we’ll be able to execute once it’s time to play on Saturday.

Halloween is just around the corner. What memories do you have of a kid of Halloween? What were some of your favorite own costumes?

The Halloween kid memories will always be just going out trick or treating with my siblings and friends, being excited about all the candy we gather that evening so that’s the most memorable thing from back when I was a kid. Favorite costume is the Michael Myers costume.

Thanks Stanley for the chat.

It was shortly before the end of another loss this time against the Telekom Baskets Bonn on the road and Skyliner legend Quantez Robertson landed on the foot of Parker Jackson-Cartwright and one could imagine the many groans of fans who were thinking what would happen now if their only true heart and soul of the team would be out for an extended amount of time. The 2016 Fiba Europe Cup winner just didn’t have much fortune as they were stuck with an incredibly long beginning schedule that pitted them up against many of the top BBL teams. It didn’t help the Fraport Skyliners cause that with a 0-4 record they next had to battle overwhelming favorite FC Bayern Munich without Quantez Robertson. The only good news was that Frankfurt was in their own living room and were facing a club that was no where near where they wanted to be and were coming off an embarrassing 71-64 win over Giessen that had them near a loss as they took them into overtime. Sometimes when a club is down and out, they are most dangerous, but against against FC Bayern Munich, Frankfurt was able to keep up for about 15 minutes, but a massive 18-0 run decided the game in the second quarter for FC Bayern Munich 79-50. Germany’s most famous club didn’t play their best game, but they didn’t have to, because the Fraport Skyliners were even worse. At times FC Bayern Munich looked like they were just going through the motions and just playing, but not seriously competing. Munich head coach Andrea Trinchieri surely wasn’t totally happy after the win, but he remained diplomatic to the press. ‘I thought that we were solid and serious today. Of course there is a difference when you have 15 players or only 10 players. Jason George helped us a lot especially with his great defense which rewarded us with open shots. Nihad Djedovic was amazing playing three positions. He showed exactly how you should play’, explained Munich head coach Andrea Trinchieri. Frankfurt had little chance to win this game and couldn’t prepare the way they wanted and knew how having only 8 players in practice during the week. ‘We fought hard despite playing only with 8 players. I thought that we worked well and took a step in the right direction. I thought that we were disciplined, but didn’t play good offense against their switches. We just aren’t ready to play at that level yet.

The Fraport Skyliners rushed out on a rapid start leading 5-2 as Len Schoorman showed his aggressiveness early on scoring on a drive and kept it to the end finishing with 9 points and Brancou Badio nailed a trey. Badio soon connected on another trey but the guests found a groove quickly also and hit a couple of three’s from Djedovic and ex NBA player Darrun Hilliard and also mixed it up getting easy baskets inside from ex Braunschweig forward Gavin Schilling and Serbian Zan Mark Sisko to lead 17-11. But FC Bayern Munich still were finding their identity on defense and allowed some easy baskets. It was the farm club duo of Alex Richardson and Felix Hecker that gave crucial support with baskets and Schoormann also scored again to dead lock the contest at 18-18. But basketball is a game of runs and the Fraport Skyliners lost a little intensity in the last few minutes allowing the Bavarian squad to close out the first quarter with a 7-0 run. American Deshaun Thomas who reached the NCAA Final 4 with Ohio State and was drafted by the San Antonio Spurs scored 5 points and young German Jason George scored on the fast break for the 25-18 advantage. Munich shot over 60% from the field and outside while Frankfurt was at over 40%. Munich had the rebound and turnover advantage.

The Fraport Skyliners got back into the game trailing FC Bayern Munich by only one point, but then as if a tidal wave mysteriously appeared, the guests totally blew away Frankfurt with a brutal 18-0 run to decide the game before the break. Frankfurt stormed out into the second quarter with a forceful 9-2 run to trail Munich only 27-26. FC Bayern Munich was in a phase again where they were playing totally under their expectations and were just under performing which could have really hurt them against a Ulm or Oldenburg, but against Frankfurt could get away with it. The guests had no fluidity on offense and had problems with execution with Frankfurt’s aggressive defense. Frankfurt continued to get vital production from Senegal guard Badio who steered 6 points with free throws and a lay in while Schoorman continued to be active attacked the rim for a lay in. After Vladimir Lucic hit three free throws, it was ex Alba Berlin forward Lorenz Brenneke that gave the club some big energy with a coast to coast run and two handed dunk to trail Munich only 32-28. But a game can change so quickly when a few shots are made and the self-confidence of the team changes 180 degrees as Frankfurt witnessed. FC Bayern Munich shocked Frankfurt with a massive 18-0 run to extend their lead to 50-28. In the run FC Bayern Munich got key support from German national player Andreas Obst who had 8 points including two three’s. The ex Ulm player is without a doubt the best German shooter on earth at the moment. Gavin Schilling also steered 6 points in the run including two back to back dunks on transition where one was really wondering if Frankfurt would bring out the white flag of surrender. Len Schoormann stopped the Munich run with a lay in as the Fraport Skyliners trailed 50-30 at half-time. ‘We had too many turnovers in the run. We had problems rebounding the ball and weren’t taking open shots’, commented Quantez Robertson. FC Bayern Munich continued to have great shooting percentages with 61% from the field and 70% from outside even if it didn’t feel like it while Frankfurt had problems on the boards and had 11 turnovers.

In the third quarter, both teams couldn’t muster much in the first five minutes, but after FC Bayern Munich was able to make their first field goal, things began to click after that allowing them to achieve their highest lead of 29 points in the game. In the first minutes, one had to wonder if these were two easyCredit BBL teams as both had a brick festival as no team could buy a bucket. Both teams couldn’t execute on their first five possessions. FC Bayern Munich did get free throws from Djedovic, Lucic and Shilling, but even then they weren’t perfect going 3/6. Frankfurt finally got their first field goal from Badio while FC Bayern Munich had to wait a little bit longer. Frankfurt had serious problems on offense as they truly had only one real option as Badio took on the role and did his absolute best. He finished with 20 points and continues to show that he can play at the BBL level. He also had to help out at the point guard position which is a weak spot at the moment for the club. ‘I think Brancou made a step today. The BBL is still new for him, but he has a good mentality. He played a little point guard with the Senegal national team and now with us’, stated Fraport Skyliner head coach Diego Ocampo. FC Bayern Munich finally got on the score board at the 3,44 minute mark getting a turn around jumper from Thomas as Frankfurt trailed 55-34. The Frankfurt offense woes continued as they mustered only 6 points in the whole quarter and the guests closed out the third quarter with a 10-2 run to lead 65-36. Obst continued to be an inside outside wrecking crew making a trey and also driving for two points. Ex NBA player Othello Hunter also used his physicality for a bucket inside and Hilliard hit a three pointer. Despite the brick party at the start, FC Bayern Munich was still shooting very well at 55% from the field and 69% from outside while The Frankfurt shooting percentages dipped to 38% from the field and 21% from the parking lot. Munich also continued to control the boards and turnovers easily.

In the fourth quarter nothing changed as the Fraport Skyliners couldn’t make a big dent into the overwhelming Munich lead, but could leave the game with a somewhat positive feeling as they did win the quarter 14-13. Frankfurt began with a trey from Rasheed Moore who didn’t have a good shooting day netting only 4 points and then got two baskets from rookie Matt Haarms who got into foul trouble early. Munich got baskets from Sisko with a runner and Jason George dropped a trey who felt very comfortable in the left corner as Frankfurt trailed 73-45. With 2,13 minutes to play there was an amusing scene on the court as Gavin Schilling went down under the court and got up limping back to the bench. Before he could even get there, head coach Andrea Trinchieri yelled at him to remain on the court. Some coaches just seem to know their players best even if they can’t feel the pain. ‘You could see that his coach knew exactly what he thought of him. He gave him a strong warning to remain on the court’, stressed Quantez Robertson. At the end young German Marvin Ongusipe got some garbage minutes and scored and Jason George hit one more time from the left corner and Badio ended the game with a basket. Even if FC Bayern Munich won with ease, it is still apparent that they aren’t anywhere near their full potential. ‘We have an idea of what we want to be and have shown flashes. Each day is a good day to get better’, warned Andrea Trinchieri. Despite the blow out loss, Diego Ocampo did see some positive things on the court. ‘I thought our pick and roll defense and transition was good. We also played well with the ball and passed better in the second half’, said Diego Ocampo. FC Bayern Munich was led by Andreas Obst and Darrun Hilliard (198-SG-93, college: Villanova, agency: BeoBasket) with 13 points a piece while Gavin Schilling added 11 points and 10 rebounds while the Fraport Skyliners were led by Brancou Badio with 20 points. FC Bayern Munich shot 49% from the field and 58% from outside and had 36 rebounds and 15 turnovers while the Fraport Skyliners shot 34% from the field and 21% from outside and had 29 rebounds and 20 turnovers.

After losing their first game to the top Pro B favorite EPG Baskets Koblenz, the Fraport Skyliners Juniors have been perfect since riding a three game winning streak as their defense was red hot in the last two home games allowing an average of only 56 games per game. Squashed between the two massive home wins was an exciting nailbitter 78-77 win on the road against Giessen. Frankfurt wanted to continue their lucky streak and met the Arvato College Wizards Karlsruhe who came into the contest struggling with a 1-3 record. They lost their last three games and were clobbered 102-74 by Orange Academy. For any basketball fan being able to see 40 year old sharp shooter Rouven Roessler for another season is an incredible delight as he has put his name into the German basketball dino’s with guys like Chris Ensminger, Derrick Allen and Rickey Paulding who played for a very long time. Frankfurt had more than two hand full of players that could have been Roessler’s son’s, but the German’s play was still spot on as he poured in 20 points and even had the game winner on his finger tips, but it fell short propelling the Fraport Skyliners Juniors to an insane come from behind 74-72 win over the Arvato College Wizards thanks to a crunch-time 15-0 run. For 35 minutes the Fraport Skyliners Juniors didn’t play their best basketball and played catch up basketball for 25 minutes, but half way through the fourth quarter, Frankfurt went on an amazing run securing the win at the end. One of the hero’s at the end was 8 year man German Konstantin Schubert (200-SF-98) who had a career day netting 23 points and was all smiles after the victory. ‘This was an untypical game for us. We didn’t start off well like in the previous home games. In the fourth quarter Philipp Hadenfeldt gave us energy with big shots. We never stopped fighting and believed that we could win the game. I’m happy to come back off a tough injury and have a night like this I had no idea that I had so many points. My free throws helped tonight’, smiled Neu Isenburg native Konstantin Schubert. The Arvato College Wizards were shocked at the end. Karlsruhe legend Rouven Roessler snuck out of the gym and who could blame him for his team throwing away the game in crunch-time. ‘These type of things happen. That is how the game goes at times. Basketball is a game of runs and they went on one at the end. I have to give credit to Frankfurt. They were down and fought back and played well. We were unable to put together a few baskets at the end, but I’m still proud of how we played’, said Arizona native Richaud Gittens.

In the first quarter no team could get away from the other as there were 7 lead changes. Konstantin Schubert gave Frankfurt the 2-0 lead with a beautiful floater after making his man dizzy with his moves. But the guests quickly showed their inside game which would give Frankfurt head aches all night long going on a 6-2 run. German Vincent Hoffman and Moritz Bar scored baskets. Hoffman had a solid night with 11 points and 7 boards scored twice and Bar executed the pick and roll perfectly with Roessler. Frankfurt fought back getting the 9-7 lead with a trey by ex Gotha center Marco Voeller and a basket from 2017 JBBL finalist Calvin Schaum. Konstantin Schubert was a real work horse keeping Frankfurt strong with offensive rebounds and a few put backs. Karlsruhe got a trey by Gittens who began off the night slowly, but would find his range a lot better as the night continued. Frankfurt did a good job keeping Rouven Roessler from firing and let him be more of a playmaker, but had problems allowing easy baskets inside to the guests. Frankfurt didn’t find their touch from the field shooting only 33%, but were great on the boards with 6 offensive rebounds thanks to Konstantin Schubert who led the charge. ‘The game was pretty even. We knew Roessler wouldn’t penetrate much due to age, but our biggest problem was allowing easy baskets’, stressed Frankfurt NBBL coach Miran Cumurija.

In the second quarter the Arvato College Wizards were able to find a consistent groove on offense and led by as much as 10 points. The Fraport Skyliners Juniors made some dents into the lead, but couldn’t get over the hump trailing by 8 points at the break. The guests didn’t waste any time getting their offense going as they sped out on a 10-2 run to lead 27-17. In the run, it was Roessler finally getting his scoring going netting two baskets while ex Weber State (NCAA) standout Richaud Gittens also scored twice. Frankfurt couldn’t get their offense going as they were irritated by the aggressive defense and rapid hands in passing lanes which led to turnovers. On defense Frankfurt had problems with 1-1 defense and just couldn’t annoy Roessler to take more contested shots. Frankfurt fought back going on a 7-2 run to cut Karlsruhe’s lead to 31-26. Frankfurt did a good job taking advantage of mismatches and just attacking inside and getting easy baskets as ex Trier forward Nils Leonhardt scored as did Marco Voeller. Hadenfeldt who was being guarded well at the three point line finally broke free and drilled home a trey. But just as Frankfurt was pressing, the guests came up with big baskets. Ex Heidelberg Pro A player Christoph Rupp nailed a trey. Consecutive stops by Karlsruhe led to a Gittens lay in and Moritz Bar lay in for the 38-30 Karlsruhe half-time advantage. Frankfurt continued to shoot poorly as their only real highlight was their rebounding work having the 23-17 edge with an excellent 10 offensive rebounds. ‘We were beat too easily on 1-1 defense and our intensity was missing. On offense we had too many easy turnovers. We were missing that second scorer to compensate the loss of Felix Hecker. We also didn’t have enough self-confidence in our shots’, stated Miran Cumurija.

In the third quarter the Arvato College Wizards continued to control the game and were able to lead in double digits and led by as much as 14 points as the Fraport Skyliners Juniors just had no steady rhythm at both ends of the court. The guests came out on fire going on a 9-3 run to extend their lead to 47-33. In the run, they got excellent production from Christoph Rupp who hit a three and scored on transition as Roessler provided the touch down pass. Vincent Hennen continued to dominate inside getting an offensive rebound and put back and German big man Christian Okule also scored in the paint. Frankfurt had fits with the Karlsruhe zone and at times played wild attempting unneeded alley op attempts that faltered. Ex Giessen guard Niklas Bilski stopped the run with a three pointer, but Roessler stepped up getting 5 points and the 52-36 lead. Here and there Frankfurt had some good spurts of play inside as Schubert and Voeller scored, but wouldn’t be rewarded on defense as they couldn’t get back to back stops as the guests always had an answer. Especially their much improved intensity on the offensive glass hurt Frankfurt. But in the last few minutes, Frankfurt picked up their game and got over the hump to trail only 59-51 at the break. Konstantin Schubert and Alvin Onyia got some big baskets. On The Konstantin Schubert basket, his brother Bennet made the perfect pass for the assist. ‘It is a crazy feeling being able to play with my brother. He is getting more minutes. That is good to see for the big brother’, added Konstantin Schubert. Frankfurt closed out the third quarter with a bang netting a transition basket from young German Bennet Schubert scoring at the buzzer as he retrieved a spectacular long bounce pass ala Rajon Rondo from Niklas Bilski. ‘We did a good job executing and scoring at will. We had the confidence to break the game open’, expressed Richaud Givens. ‘We knew that Roessler would make shots. We fought, but still gave up too many easy baskets and offensive rebounds’, expressed Konstantin Schubert.

In the fourth quarter the Arvato College Wizards began on a swift 5-0 run to extend their lead to 64-51. In the run they got production from Okolie and Roessler. Konstantin Schubert kept his team at bay with a running hook shot and free throws while Karlsruhe got a key three from Vincent Hoffman. Roessler followed with a classic step back jumper for the 69-56 lead. At that point there seemed to be little hope that suddenly Frankfurt would break out of their funk and the guests would make a 180 degrees turn in the other direction and mercifully throw the game away, but believe it or not it did happen. The Fraport Skyliners Juniors finally performed their own magic going on a very very brutal 15-0 run to retake the lead at 71-69. In the run, it was ex Wurzburg guard Philipp Hadenfeldt that led the charge with two massive three’s and a left handed lay in. Frankfurt also got a key floater from Konstantin Schubert and a vital trey from Leonhardt for the 71-70 advantage. Okolie gave Karlsruhe the lead back 72-71 with less than a minute to go, but Frankfurt grabbed the lead back one more time as Alex Richardson made a lay in and free throw to secure the win. Richardso has made an incredible development in the last year as he is getting BBL minutes. He used his big body to perfection on this crucial bucket. The Arvato College Wizards tried to win the game as Roessler had a good look, but was off balance missing. ‘I have no idea how we managed this come back. We just kept playing. Their zone helped us and we got stops. Our defense got us this win. I was a bit scared at the end when Roessler shot’, stressed Konstantin Schubert with 23 points. Philipp Hadenfeldt added 16 points and Marco Voeller 10 points while the Arvato College Wizards were led by Rouven Roessler with 20 points. Richaud Gittens added 15 points and Christian Okolie and Vincent Hoffman added 11 points a piece. The Fraport Skyliners Juniors shot 42% from the field and 30% from outside and had 38 rebounds and 18 turnovers while the Arvato College Wizards shot 45% from the field and 31% from outside and had 33 rebounds and 20 turnovers.

Jaren Lewis (198-F-96, college: ACU) is a 24 year old 198cm forward from Orlando, Florida that is playing his third professional season and second in Germany with the Hakro Merlins Crailsheim. Last season he played with Benacquista Assicurazioni Latina Basket (Italy-Serie A2) playing 27 games averaging 13.3ppg, 8.2rpg, 2.3apg, 1.0spg, FGP: 52.0%, 3PT: 30.2%, FT: 77.0%. He played his rookie season in Germany with the wiha Panthers Schwenningen averaging 13,0ppg, 4,9rpg and 2,1apg and 2,ospg. He scored in double figures in 21 games including a 28 point effort against the Bayer Giants Leverkusen and 26 point games against Artland and picked up Eurobasket.com All-German 2.Bundesliga Pro A Newcomer of the Year -20, Eurobasket.com All-German 2.Bundesliga Pro A 2nd Team -20 and Eurobasket.com German 2.Bundesliga Pro A All-Defensive Team -20 .. He began his basketball career at Lake Highland Prep and played at Abil.Christian (NCAA) from 2015-2019 playing a total of 123 games. In his freshman year he played 30 games averaging 9.7ppg, 5.9rpg, 1.3apg, 1.1spg, FGP: 53.2%, 3PT: 41.3%, FT: 72.6%. In his second year at Abil.Christian (NCAA) he played 28 games averaging 13.5ppg, 6.5rpg, 2.1apg, 1.8spg, FGP: 53.8%, 3PT: 31.3%, FT: 71.3%. In his junior season at Abil.Christian (NCAA) he played 31 games averaging 13.4ppg, 7.7rpg, 1.9apg, 1.6spg, FGP: 58.1%, 3PT: 35.3%, FT: 79.1%. In his senior year at Abil.Christian (NCAA) he played 34 games averaging 13.8ppg, 6.1rpg, 2.7apg, 1.6spg, FGP: 48.2%, 3PT: 33.3%, FT: 72.8%. He spoke to germanhoops.com after the tough 81-77 Fiba Europe Cup loss against Tmoki-Minsk.

Thanks Jaren for talking to germanhoops.com. Before we talk about basketball, I have to ask you how you experienced COVID. You were in Germany when it began and then Italy. What were the biggest challenges for you to embrace?

The biggest challenges for me to embrace were just adjusting to the new rules and regulations Covid came with. Life was different for everyone and it was tough to change your everyday lifestyle into something completely different

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

I think Covid made me stronger just by getting through more adversity. It wasn’t easy for anyone but just getting through it and remaining steadfast in what I do and who I am really showed I can get through tough times

A tough 81-77 Fiba Europe Cup loss to Tmoki-Minsk. How much did this one hurt? This was truly a game you should of won.


It hurt a lot. We know we can do better and we must start to do a lot better.

Team stat wise there was no real difference. It literally came down to making the little things down the stretch. Do you feel like this loss had more to do with the team still finding themselves in crunch-time situations?

I feel like we could’ve started the game better. We fought back in the second half but we dug ourselves a hole in the first half

A TJ Shorts is so valuable to the team. In the last 40 seconds he missed a makeable lay up and then turned over the ball. On another night he would have been the hero. How did he take the loss and did he need comforting from his teammates after this loss?

He’s good. We all know we just have to move on to the next one. He knows we believe in him and trust him so we are all just focused on the next game

In crunch-time the very experienced Jason Clark made two big baskets and the winning assist. Do you feel like that big time experience is missing a bit at the guard position in Crailsheim?

No I don’t.

The Hakro Merlins began the season with a win but since lost 3 BBL games. You guys showed early that you can score many points consistently. Has it surprised you just a bit how well the team can function on the offensive end?

It has not surprised me. We know we have a lot of weapons and we know what we are capable of. We buy into our roles on the offensive end and that allows us to be successful.

What kind of defensive identity is Sebastian Gleim preaching for the team to become?

Coach has been preparing us to be a very physical defensive team that is very active and disciplined.

What has it been like being teammates with Maurice Stuckey probably the most experienced player on the team. How important are his leadership and scoring abilities?

It has been great being teammates with Maurice. He has been a great voice to have in the locker room and he is able to really change games with his outside shooting

How valuable is the versatile Terrell Harris? Could you see him becoming possibly the second scoring option on the team?

Terrell is very valuable. He can score from all three levels and he is able to create shots for others as well.

What kind of an experience has it been playing in Crailsheim? What does it feel like being a easyCredit BBL player?

It’s been a cool experience playing here in Crailsheim. It is a first class club and I’m thankful to be playing the game I love. The guys are great so it has been a great group to play with

You have had a super start to the season. You have needed no adjustment to the easyCredit BBL. Has being a versatile player opposed to being one dimensional helped you make the transition faster?

It definitely has helped some. I take pride in being able to do different things on the court to help my team. As I continue to work I hope to help the team even more as the season goes on.

Last season you played with Benacquista Assicurazioni Latina Basket (Italy-Serie A2) averaging 13.3ppg, 8.2rpg, 2.3apg, 1.0spg, FGP: 52.0%, 3PT: 30.2%, FT: 77.0%. What kind of an experience was it playing in the evry competitive A-2 league. How do you feel did your game make new strides there?

It was an important experience for me playing in Italy. The game over there was very physical and I was able to play multiple positions and have different responsibilities over there that I really think helped my game.

What kind of an experience was it having the very experienced Obie Trotter as a teammate? You were 10 years old when he was making a name for himself in the BBL in Germany.

Obie was a great teammate. He was a leader and someone I really enjoyed playing with. He could score and play make for others. He was a valuable piece.

The NBA has started. Many have picked the Lakers and the Nets to reach finals. What other teams do you see making a run?

I wouldn’t sleep on the defending champion Bucks.

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

I didn’t see it yet. I’ve only heard bad things so I don’t know if I’ll ever get to it haha

Thanks Jaren for the chat.

Terrell Harris (191-G-93, college: Georgia Coll., agency: Players Group) is a 28 year old 190cm guard from Indiantown, Florida that finished his fifth professional season and second with the NINERS Chemnitz (Germany-ProA) averaging 11,4ppg, 3,3rpg and 3,9apg. He will play his sixth professional season with the Hakro Merlins Crailsheim. In 2019-2020 in the Pro A with the Ninners he averaged 14,1ppg, 2,6rpg and 5,0apg. In 2018-2019 he played with the Rostock Seawolves (Germany-ProA) averaging 13.6ppg, 3.7rpg, 3.4apg, 1.0spg, FGP: 55.4%, 3PT: 37.3%, FT: 66.3%. Three seasons ago he played with the Svendborg Rabbits (Denmark-Ligaen) playing 24 games averaging 17.0ppg, 4.7rpg, 2.6apg, 1.2spg, FGP: 57.3%, 3PT: 42.6%, FT: 71.6%. In his rookie season he played with the Iserlohn Kangaroos (Germany-ProB) averaging 18,1ppg, 4,3rpg and 1,8apg. He started his basketball career at Mars Hill (NCAA2) in 2011 and then moved to Georgia College in 2012. As a senior he played 29 games averaging 24.6ppg, 6.7rpg, 4.0apg, 1.6spg, FGP: 59.1%, 3PT: 36.3%, FT: 76.8%. He concluded his college basketball career winning the All-PeachBelt Player of the Year 2016. Harris spoke to germanhoops.com after the 81-77 Fiba Europe Cup loss to Tmoki-Minsk.

Thanks Terrell for talking to germanhoops.com. A tough 81-77 Fiba Europe Cup loss to Tmoki-Minsk. How much did this one hurt? This was truly a game you should of won.

Yes very tough loss, we came out flat. We got down 14 the first half but we were able to shake it off and fight back with a 20 point swing around. Those are the games we have to put away. Losing any game is tough but we have a quick turnaround tomorrow against a good Bayreuth team so no time to hold our heads down.

Team stat wise there was no real difference. It literally came down to making the little things down the stretch. Do you feel like this loss had more to do with the team still finding themselves in crunch-time situations?

We broke down at the end defensively and they made some tough baskets and we didn’t. Part of the game. Just have to close better and find a way to win those close ones.

A TJ Shorts is so valuable to the team. In the last 40 seconds he missed a makeable lay up and then turned over the ball. On another night he would have been the hero. How did he take the loss and did he need comforting from his teammates after this loss?

TJ is a great player and he will move on and prep for Bayreuth. He doesn’t dwell on turnovers or missed shots.

In crunch-time the very experienced Jason Clark made two big baskets and the winning assist. Do you feel like that big time experience is missing a bit at the guard position in Crailsheim?

Clark made some tough pull-ups and lay ups late. He’s a good player. I believe we have what it takes right now in the locker room and we just have to lock in more defensively. We lost some tight games that could’ve easily been wins.

The Hakro Merlins began the season with a win but since lost 3 BBL games. You guys showed early that you can score many points consistently. Has it surprised you just a bit how well the team can function on the offensive end?

We play fast pace with some great shooters, so the points will come that’s no surprise.

The team showed right away that it gives up many points. What has been the biggest problem on the defensive end so far?

We have to lock in defensively including myself. We have the ability to defend at a high level. We just need 40 minutes of focusing on defense.

What kind of defensive identity is Sebastian Gleim preaching for the team to become?

Working as a unit through communication and everyone doing their part so we can look better and play better as a whole.

What has it been like being teammates with Maurice Stuckey probably the most experienced player on the team. How important are his leadership and scoring abilities?

Mo is a good person in general let alone basketball player. He works hard everyday and leads with his actions by shooting and defensively.

What kind of an experience has it been playing in Crailsheim in comparison to Chemnitz? I mean I think it’s very difficult to find more passionate fans than the Niners.

Two different systems. New situation for me this year after spending two years in Chemnitz. Miners fans are passionate but so are the Merlins fans. It’s get pretty loud in our arena.

Sebastian Gleim is a big fan of yours. Have you become a big fan of him? He wants to make the next step as a coach in the BBL?

Sebastian is a very passionate coach and cares for the players. You don’t always get those type of coaches. I’m sure he will prove himself as his career keeps developing.

You have had a solid start to the season. What kind of a role do you have this season in comparison to last?

In my eyes I haven’t been performing to my abilities so far this season. Roles are somewhat similar but a little more time at the point guard in games than I did in Chemnitz.

Last season you became more of a facilitator, but also showed that you can score. What is your personal goal as a player to continue to develop more this season?

Just staying aggressive offensively and defensively. I’m at my best when I’m aggressive and active.

I feel like there was more scoring depth with Chemnitz than with Crailsheim. Do you feel like you could become more of a scorer in your second BBL season?

Just trying to take what the defense gives me. The points will always come when you play the right way.

Before you reached the easyCredit BBL, you averaged 40% or better only once in Denmark. But since reaching the BBL your shooting at a higher clip. Has the IQ of your teammates and picking the right spots helped you become a better outside shooter?

Repetitions from the summer and staying locked in techniques helped me become a better 3pt shooter. Still have ways to go though.

You already played the EWE Baskets once this season, but that was before the legend Rickey Paulding announced that this would be his last season. When do you remember hearing his name the first time when you were with Iserlohn in the Pro B?

I can’t remember when I first heard of him to be honest. But he’s the blueprint of Americans having a successful overseas career at a high level for a long time. Blessings to him and his family.

The NBA has started. Many have picked the Lakers and the Nets to reach finals. What other teams do you see making a run?

I pick the Warriors or Nets but Bucks might be back to the finals as well. Going to be a good year

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

Yes the movie was still good, I got the concept. I like that they allowed a lot of young and upcoming actors and comedians to have a role in the movie.

Thanks Terrell for the chat.

Some guys hang it up in the early 30’s and by age 38 are already totally situated in a new life after basketball while others may actually stay in basketball. Then again there are other guys that just can’t stop playing the game they love like a Derrick Allen or Chris Ensminger that played into their late 30’s and were still able to leave a lasting impression in the easyCredit BBL even when their muscles might have been aching a bit more than usual and other priorities like kids were gnawing at their responsibilities on the court. Another one of those rare players that played into his late 30’s was Virgil Matthews (191-PG-83, college: Montana). Except for his summer flings at home in leagues like the IBL where he played at home with the Olympia Reign for five summers from 2010-2014, he played his whole illustrious 14 year career in Germany with teams like KICKZ Muenchen Basket (Germany-2.Bundesliga), Schwelmer Baskets (Regionalliga), Ehingen (Pro A), Nuernberg (Pro A) and the Niners Chemnitz. In Chemnitz he found a second home playing six seasons. He is also one of those scarce players that had to pay his dues for many years first toiling in leagues like the Regionalliga and Pro B before making the next jump into the second Bundesliga Pro A where he belonged to the top point guards every season. But his steep ascent up the basketball ladder didn’t end there as he did reach the top of the mountain the first league easyCredit BBL at age 37 in 2020 helping Chemnitz remain in the BBL in his last season. Like many guys before him, he has decided to give his love to the game as well as to the Niners and is an assistant coach under Rodrigo Pastore. I remember joking with him the last three to four years about when he would retire, but he always was prepared to fire a reply back and always returned to playing. But in the summer of 2021, he knew it was time and it was a decision where he had no sleepless nights. ‘It wasn’t difficult at all, it was time. I played long enough and my body was definitely ready. It wasn’t the wear and tear of the BBL. It was just the wear and tear of practicing every day and all the years before adding up’, stressed Virgil Matthews. If someone had told him in the spring of 2006 when he was finishing at Montana (NCAA) that he would still be a professional player in 2021, he would of probably declared that person insane. Instead he was able to endure an illustrious professional career that brought him titles and just supreme joy of playing the game. Virgil Matthews was a real dinosaur that gave consistency a new meaning.

The American who was born in Spanaway, Washington on July 17, 1983 began his basketball career at Federal way high school. He then had to go a route that many Americans overseas have to take early on with balling in JUCO. This is a place where players really learn toughness simply because absolutely every player has something to prove and will go through a brick wall to beat you. He played at Centralia College and left a lasting impression and was rewarded with the NCAA ticket to the University Of Montana. He had a tough junior season averaging 3,5ppg, 2,0rpg and 1,8apg, but helped his team win the Big Sky Conference tournament. Everything came together in his senior year as he played 31 games averaging 10,1ppg, 4,6rpg, 4,0apg and 1,7spg while shooting a potent 49% from the field and 48% from down town. He once again helped his team win the Big Sky Conference for a second year in a row and was named MVP. Success and the kind of stats he had could have easily given him a BBL contract, but instead he had to begin in the second Bundesliga with KICKZ Muenchen Basket (Germany-2.Bundesliga). He showed quickly that he had no problems adjusting to the style overseas as he played 29 games averaging 18.0ppg, 6.1rpg, 5.2apg, 2.6spg, 2FGP: 57.3%, 3FGP: 31.8%, FT: 66.5%. Often after a stellar season like that a player will make the next step up, but for him he took a few steps backwards. He would hang around in semi-pro leagues in the States and played in the Regionalliga. It would take him three years before his career would get going again. ‘After my season in Munich my agent quit the game late in the summer while I was waiting for a job. I had some issues with the coach. I was a rookie it was just not the best ending to my season. I ended up getting surgery on my knee that fall which made it hard to play that next season. So then I just had to redeem myself working my way back up. Luckily Ralph Junge (Ehingen) found me 2 years later and he still remembered me from that Munich season’, stated Virgil Matthews. In 2008-2009 he was back in Germany, but took a step back playing in the Regionalliga with the Schwelmer Baskets. He was very fortunate then to paly for up and coming German head coach Raphael Wilder. ‘I really like how he kept things simple, he also encouraged us players to go and experience the culture and kind of experience more than basketball and enjoy the experience of being a professional player in Europe. It’s a special thing that not everyone gets to see’, remembered Virgil Matthews.

For some guys experiencing the early growing pains could have been enough to head back home and call it quits and get a normal 9-5 job. But Matthews who lists American Devin Uskowski as his toughest opponent in the Pro B decided to keep grinding in the lab and wait for the next opportunity. Waiting and sticking it out was the right decision as his next opportunity came with German Pro B team Ehingen and one can say that after that the rest is history. Right in his first season he helped Ehingen win the Pro B title and move up to the Pro A. In 2011 was the start of his 9 year Pro A career. In Ehingen he built that consistency that would carry over to the next chapter in his career with the Niners Chemnitz that began in 2014. One has to seriously wonder where his career would have gone had Ralph Junge not grabbed him in 2010 and brought him to Ehingen. ‘Ralph was a vital role in my development and he brought me in and gave me a chance after being a year out of playing. He also taught me so much about the German way and the systems. At the time he was the best youth program in Germany and he was ahead of his time as far as the youth movements that are happening today by the big clubs such as Berlin and Bayern. I learned a lot from him, I’m will always be grateful for that’, warned Virgil Matthews. In Ehingen he had that special role of being a mentor for all the young talent that played there in his four years. Being able to give his experience further was also very important in his development as being that hard nosed leader was later vital for the success in Chemnitz. He was fortunate not to play with a few great young talents, but numerous. ‘I mean there were so many. I’m just glad to have seen them all grow up and play on high levels and be successful individuals. Kevin Bright, Malik Mueller, Kenneth Ogbe, and Sid Marlon-Theis are the one that come to mind right away.

In 2014 the guard who lists Ajay Calvin Terrell Harris Chris Carter Ivan Elliot Dan Oppland as his best teammates of all-time began his most successful and productive time as he would play for the Niners Chemnitz for six seasons with the exception with a Pro A season in Nuernberg. He was instrumental with Rodrigo Pastore in the club reaching the playoffs every season except for his first season and winning the 2019 and 2020 regular season and Pro A in 2020. Even if he is retired, his stay in Chemnitz continues and he will always remember one of the finer parts to why his job had so much enjoyment there. ‘The fans here are great. Coming from Ehingen Chemnitz was a big city so that was also nice. I think one thing about the organization is that I was here to kind of grow with it. It’s cool when you can see the changes and the things you may have had influence in, or to see the youth players grow up. It’s a special kind of thing to have these opportunities’, said Virgil Matthews. He scored averaging in double figures in three of five Pro A seasons and was top three in assists in the league three times. One season he averaged 7,6apg and two other seasons 6,1apg. He finally reached the easyCredit BBL in 2020. In what would be his final season he played 28 games averaging 2,5ppg, 1,8rpg and 2,9apg. It was no secret that there was a big change and difference in skill level from the Pro A to BBL. He won’t forget what the biggest adjustment was. ‘Just the speed. The teams and players at the BBL level are so smart that they don’t need much time to recover from mistakes. At the Pro A level you can expose players a lot easier. In the BBL every player can play’, stated Virgil Matthews. I remember telling him time in and time out again the last years that he deserved to have reached the BBL years ago. Not reaching the BBL earlier never seemed to bother him. ‘It wasn’t meant to be things happen the way they are supposed to sometimes. I’ve had so many good teammates and seen so many players develop and move on it is nice to have a little continuity. I played in college I’ve played against high level guys very often, so I never doubted my abilities even if I never got a chance’, stressed Virgil Matthews. It isn’t strange that he has a lot of love for his ex teammate Chris Carter. He is another one of those players that should have a permanent pass for the easyCredit BBL, but currently is balling in the Pro A with Rostock. ‘Chris still has time and he will get another opportunity. He’s a great leader and a hard worker. Fondest memory of him as a player was the double pump 3 pointer to win the Hagen game 2 years ago. He’s one of my good friends and I’m sure we’ll continue to also make crazy off the court memories too’, added Virgil Matthews.

The Washington native who lists ex NBA player Troy Caupain as his most difficult opponent last season and Aubrey Reese as his toughest foe in the Pro A who gave him the easiest 25 points that he has ever seen now commences on a new challenge in his life as an assistant coach for Rodrigo Pastore. It was a no brainer for him to remain in Chemnitz and work and learn from such a talented and knowledgeable coach like Pastore. It will be interesting to see how he develops as a coach in the next years. There are a few aspects to coaching that is most appealing to him. ‘ I love the thinking. I’m really into the X’s and O’s part of basketball and the relationships you develop while you work this job’, expressed Virgil Matthews. His most important duties is being at practices, doing video work and helping giving input to players during the transfer period. It will be interesting to see how this year’s Chemnitz teams does on the court. One player who should profit very much under Matthews is point guard Nelson Weidemann. His development has been solid, but not fast. He continues to have gained experience in Munich, Bamberg and Goettingen and this season should easily make another step up with the Niners. ‘Nelson is really talented, I remember when I saw him play against the NBBL team while I was there, he had a really good game. I think he will have a good chance to make that next step with us, I will do my best to help him in whatever ways I can’, warned Virgil Matthews.

Even if the ex Ehingen guard who last saw the movie A Quiet Place 2 has his most focus on the court and trying to help the players best, I’m sure every now and then, he might think back to his career and try to aid players with what he learned. He played more than 400 professional games and there are many games that he can still picture in his mind today. ‘ I remember making a 3 and having a great game against Karlsruhe in Pro A, but I mainly remember it because it was the night the Seahawks won the Super Bowl. Our last game before Covid was also one that stands out double overtime and DJ’s three to send it to overtime one of the craziest games I’ve been a part of Lastly, beating Munich was great, I played awful but it was a great moment for the club’, remembered Virgil Matthews. I will always remember Virgil Matthews as being a floor general who played for ages and gave the word consistency a new meaning. It also refreshing to know that he has his memories over our working relationship and seemingly unending interviews. ‘I will remember your work as someone who tried to get people to know players better and always had interest in the game and helped keep German basketball in the light’, stressed Virgil Matthews. Last but not least, the hardcore Niners fans won’t forget Virgil Matthews either. He hopes fans will remember him like this. ‘Just as a smart player who had fun and enjoyed what he was doing and enjoyed the experience’, said Virgil Matthews. His smartness and playmaking led the Niners club too a lot of success. That success should carry on as he now continues to let his legacy grow as a coach at the professional level.

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.

John thanks for talking to eurobasket.com. Another game and another loss. Grevenbroich is 0-3. Does the team feel the pressure building after the loss against Wulfen?

It’s just the little things that we need to fix and I believe we will do just that.

Grevenbroich lost 90-7 to BV Wulfen. Please talk about the main reasons why you couldn’t pull out the win?.

I think team chemistry is something that we struggle with but the good news is things are getting fixed with the quickness.

The week before you allowed 102 points to Hamm and now 90 points against BV Wulfen. What continues to be the biggest problems having success on the defensive end?

We are just needing to focus on the little things as a team and be there for one another to be better and create W’s in the win column.

The club got 43 rebounds which isn’t bad as you defended the own basket, but also allowed 18 offensive rebounds. Is the effort just not there at the moment?

The effort is there just not the focus, but we are getting it together as time passes

The club also had 21 turnovers which continues to be a problem. How much of a burden does it put on you mentally seeing this problem continue?

The one thing we continue to talk about is taking care of the ball so we can make the most of our offensive opportunities.

What was it like playing against American Bryant Allen who continues to put up good numbers in the Regionalliga. He didn’t have a great shooting day but led his team to the win?

Pretty good player and we will continue to build off the lesson learned last game.

Is it a shock when you don’t get to the free throw line? Was the aggressiveness missing?

Yes I have to do better at that aspect of the game for sure.

The focus and hunger for a win and another good game must be bursting in you. How tough will the waiting be this week to finally get a new chance again?

Tough is an understatement, I can nearly sleep at night, I’m ready to play now.

You next play Recklinghausen another must win who is 2-2. There you will have your hands full with Kendall Stafford.

Yes that is definitely a must win game for us, no matter what.

What’s your take on the whole Kyrie Irving COVID drama?

I support kyrie Irving and anything another player who wants to make a personal decision for the better of themselves.

Thanks John for the chat.

Angelo Warner (188-PG-92, college: Morehead St.) is a 29 year old 188cm point guard from Orlando, Florida that is playing his seventh professional season and first with Tsmoki-Minsk (Belarus-Premier League). He has vast professional experience having played in the ABA early in his career and overseas in countries like Mozambique, Bosnia, Hungry, Cyprus and Italy. He began his basketball career at Jones high school and then played 4 seasons and 129 NCAA games at Morehead State. He spoke to germanhoops.com before a Fiba Europe Cup game in Crailsheim.

Thanks Angelo for talking to germanhoops.com. Welcome to Germany. What do you know in general about Germany and it’s basketball? Did you know that you have an ex Morehead State guy Brandon Shingles that played here? He graduated from Morehead a year before you arrived.

I didn’t know Brandon played in Germany but me and Him have talked a few times before.

Before we talk about basketball I have to ask you about COVID. Since COVID broke you played in Italy, Hungary and now Belarus. How did you experience the whole COVID time? What were the biggest challenges for you on and off the court?

Well when Covid hit in Italy, it was terrible. We were on lockdown like no other. We couldn’t move for weeks! Only trips to the market or pharmacy. I remember going to the market to buy masks, and they were out. I had to use a towel for a face cover. In Hungary, my whole team caught Covid! It was terrible also. I never had a sickness so bad. I lost 10 lbs fast! Lost my smell and taste for 3-4 weeks. The biggest challenge was getting back in shape because we had games a week later.

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

I feel that it made me feel stronger about Covid. I never felt that Covid wasn’t real but I always thought our team would do everything to be secure from it but obviously not.

Your playing your first season with Tsmoki-Minsk. What kind of an experience has it been sharing your game in the VTB? You played in Eurocup and Italia Serie A. How does the VTB compare to those two leagues in terms of competition and skill?

Serie A for me was very tough and physical. Every game was tough and then we played Eurocup also which was very tough. Physically it wasn’t a challenge for me, I just feel I wasn’t given my opportunity because of the veterans there. Vtb is similar to Serie A in many ways. High level players every game, mentality and approach has to be sharp every night.

You recently probably played against the most talented professional team in your career CSKA Moscow losing 92-44. What kind of a learning experience was this for you and how do rate your game against guys like ex NBA players Bolomboy and Shved and other high class players?

I think personally to have a chance with teams like CSKA, you have to match the players some sort, physically, and with some sort of talent. We obviously weren’t ready to play them as everyone saw but I think now if we played them, it’ll be a different game, and then we’ll see what happens at the last buzzer.

How focused are you to have a great season in the VTB after not being able to show your true class in Italy?

This year has been a difficult year mentally for me. Before coming here, I lost my mom, and then couple days later I had to come here so mentally I wasn’t prepared to play basketball. A Week later, 4 of my best friends were killed, my dad was fighting for his life with Covid, I couldn’t do anything about it. So I was basically playing out of anger which turned to success thus far for me. I have another reason to play now. I always knew I could play anywhere for any club. Adaption is easy for me. Unfortunately, Italy wasn’t the place for me but now I think that’ll be a different story obviously haha.

Last season you played with Szolnoki Olajbanyasz KK (Hungary-A Division) averaging 12.8ppg, 4.4rpg, 4.8apg, 1.5spg, FGP: 56.0%, 3PT: 33.1%, FT: 90.0%; and in the FIBA Europe Cup averaged 14.7ppg, 4.0rpg, 4.0apg, 1.7spg, FGP: 50.0%, 3PT: 30.8%, FT: 80.0%. How vital has Hungry been for your career. Twice it gave you great opportunities to play in Italy and now Belarus.

Hungary has been a place I’ve enjoyed for the years playing there. I had a great team in Szolnok were we did some good things. Practices was insane but like I said, mentally and physically I was sharp enough to keep healthy for one and produce.

What was toughest about losing the hard fought 5 game series against Szombathel and top point guard Kyan Anderson who is back in Germany again.

I think we had a chance to beat them. But Falco is Hungary Stronghold. Anderson was good on film but I think we didn’t have any trouble with him, the other players though were the challenge. National team players, no chance. To

Two season ago you played with Germani Brescia Leonessa (Italy-Serie A) averaging 3.6ppg, 1.2rpg, 1.2apg; and in the Eurocup averaged 2.7ppg, 1.6rpg. How tough were the basketball growing pains and what did you learn about your game and yourself as a man?

I always talk about playing in Brescia and what I learned from playing there. I learned a lot about my game, and things I do today has been a great habit for me still today. I try to help others with what I learned from there, it’s a hard place to play. Physical! Smarts! Talent! Top quality basketball for sure. Maybe one day I’ll play there again.

Despite the tough season you had some high class teammates like Ken Horton and Deandre Lansdowne who all have played in Germany and made the next step. Especially how much of a role model was Deandre Lansdowne who went from the NCAA 2 and third league Germany to top leagues in Europe?

Those guys were great, DJ was a good dude who I mostly challenged myself with in practice. Hard working guy for sure. Ken was more of the positive guy for me. Someone I could talk to and he kept it real with me. Still today I talk to ken. He’s like a older brother to me.

In 2018-2019 you played with Sopron KC (Hungary-A Division) averaging 19.4ppg 5.3rpg, 5.4apg, Steals-3 (1.8spg), FGP: 49.2%, 3PT: 42.9%, FT: 82.8%. You had many huge games in your career, but what memories do you have of your 33 point explosion in the tough 90-89 playoff loss against Kormend?

So long ago! I just look at it as something I had to do in order for us to have a chance. That’s just me! Always find a way!

In 2017-2018 you played with KK Vogosca Sarajevo (Bosnia-Division I) playing 20 games: Score-1 (20.4ppg), 4.5rpg, Assists-1 (8.1apg), Steals-1 (2.7spg), FGP: 52.8%, 3PT: 39.1%, FT: 80.7%. Could one say after playing in the ABA, Cyprus and Africa that this was your real break through season? How vital was this season for your career?

At this moment for me I basically started all the way over. With changing agents, we had a plan for working my way back up properly. It was just an opportunity I took and ran with. Good thing is it paid off a good deal.

You played two seasons with Ferroviario Beira (Mozambique-D1). What kind of an experience was it playing Africa? Do you have a unique experience that you had there that you will never forget?

Playing there was just something I wanted to do during the summer. It was short time but different. Experienced something I thought I’d never see. Saw the good and bad of it all. Fiba Africas cup was fun though for sure.

After having a stellar career in the NCAA, how eye opening was it seeing how tough it is to get overseas? You did land in Cyprus, but not before paying dues in the ABA.

I would say representation. I had a guy who didn’t have his best interest in me and I knew him personally. Sold me a dream basically. I don’t think it’s tough getting from college to overseas because if you got it then you got it and nobody can take that away. Talent speaks for itself!

You won your first and so far only professional title with Mapfree Life (Cyprus-North League) averaging 28.8ppg, 8.3rpg, 7.8apg, 2.3spg, FGP: 58.3%, 3FGP: 42.1%, FT: 82.3%. What memories do you have from that title and does that itch to win that second one get bigger and bigger each season?

The will to win is crucial to me every night. Everybody wants to win but what separates you from another is mentality and smarts to outsmart the other opponent.

You played at Morehead State from 2011-2015. What memories do you have from your career there? What was it like coming in and having to follow up the club’s NCAA tournament appearance the year before?

It was different. Big shoes to fill obviously after a season like that. But we tried and that was that.

Your sophmore season you had Tennessee State’s number scoring 24 and 23 points including an amazing 101-100 win. Where do you rank that game in your favorite NCAA games and what memories do you have of it?

That game was one of many games for me. Just another game to help my team win. I was just lucky that day lol. But coming from Florida, hbcu colleges was all I knew. Family members attending hbcu and the culture and music is what was the best. Our family enjoyed it so I kind of stuck with me. But I had many memories from games not just that one in particular.

What memories do you have playing Kentucky with so many future NBA players? You had 2 points in a 81-70 loss. What Kentucky player do you remember standing out most?

I believe if I didn’t get a concussion that game, we would’ve beaten Kentucky. I think Archy Goodwin was there guy that year. I was the key to stop him. Unfortunately I go put out early in the game.

For three years you had intense battles with Corey Walden. Is there a certain game that you will always remember?

Me and Corey played together in high school games in Florida. But in college, he always got the best of us for some reason. He’s a good player, but the year we played at their gym on ESPN, That was my day! So that was fun.

He didn’t have better stats than you, but you actually had some better seasons, but he has been a Euroleague player for years. Does a guy like him motivate you to do more every day in the lab?

I don’t think like that. Another person motivating me to be better in the lab. I’m a strong firm believer of self motivation! If you don’t have self motivation and determination, how can someone else push you to be better. I’ll be there one day, if I do then my time has come, if I don’t then life continues. I don’t look at other people’s situation and compare it to mines. Some guys have better luck then the next. It’s the way of life.

How did Sean Wood groom and prepare you best for a professional career?

Coach Woods was great figure in my career. Inside/ out! Realization is a great word for him. He made me tougher, gritty, well rounded. He was a person that challenges you and if you can’t be coachable and accept what he wants out of you, then you will struggle. I just picked up more and more as I played with and against other players in my life.

Who won a one on one in practice you or Kareem Storey?

HAHAHA!!! Kareem is my boy for life but he knows that’s my game any time of the week. It was a challenge though for sure. Short, strong, hard defense! But for sure me.

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

For sure Mike James! Without a doubt. But then again,Teodosic was just unbelievable in my eyes when I played in Italy. But again another hard question to ask because I played against some good players. In summer leagues and professional games.

Please name your five best teammates of all-time.

Oh man that’s a long list!

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

This is a never ending debate. I think the era and rules of today’s game is judgmental to the answer. I’m a Jordan fan all day long. I grew up watching vhs tapes of him. I still have them till this day. But Lebron in today’s era is the king without question. But another thing is mental. It’s important to me! The mindset of Jordan and the tenaciousness he had for any challenge was like no other. That’s why Kobe is my other favorite. Never backed down from a challenge. Not taking away from Lebron but that’s just me.

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

I haven’t watched the new but I heard it’s very different and that’s why I believe I haven’t watched it yet. Some older movies shouldn’t be messed with. They change too much and makes the movies ridiculous!

Thanks Angelo for the chat.

Jason Clark (190-G-90, college: Georgetown) is a 31 year old 190cm guard from Arlington, Virginia playing his 10th professional season and first with Tsmoki-Minsk (VTB League). He played at Georgetown (NCAA) from 2008-2012 playing a total of 130 NCAA Games. He began his professional career in 2012 and played 4 seasons in Belgium as well as in Turkey, Germany and Italy. He spoke to germanhoops.com before a Fiba Europe Cup game in Crailsheim.

Thanks Jason for talking to germanhoops.com. What does it feel like being in

Germany again. What do you miss most from the time you were there?

It feels great. We flew into Frankfurt and it was great seeing the airport again. Germany was always one of my favorite places to play. The league was very professional and the fans were great. One day I hope to be back in Germany on a team.

Before we talk about basketball I have to ask you how you have experienced COVID. You were in Italy and China since it broke. What was the most challenging thing for you to cope with on and off the court?

I never went to China. It was just a rumor. I got out of practice and my agent sent me a screen shot where it said I had signed in China. Nobody ever approached me. In terms of Covid, Italy was hit really hard. I was in Varese when Covid hit. My daughter was about to be born so I had to make the decision to go home or stay. I didn’t know if the season would be cancelled. I decided to go home to see the birth of my daughter. A week later the season was cancelled. It was the right decision. Seeing my daughter being born was the greatest feeling in my life. All in all being home with my family during Covid was the greatest feeling. I know guys that lost loved ones and others who didn’t have jobs. Covid hit everyone hard.

With everything you saw on and off the court how do you feel did it make you stronger as a man?

Covid made me realize how precious life is and the sport basketball. We dedicate ourselves to the game. This is what pays our bills. Some guys were at the start in the middle or at the end of their careers. Covid affected everyone is different ways. Covid really made me cherish sport and to always give my best.

Your playing your first season with Tsmoki-Minsk (Belarus-Premier League) and playing VTB. How are you best prepared for the difficult travel that is involved?

Yes VTB is heavy traveling. I’m totally prepared for it. My rookie season I played Eurochallenge and I remember we traveled a lot. My season in Frankfurt we played Eurocup and we had a couple flights to Russia. Traveling doesn’t bother me. I’m so focused on basketball. Being able to play against amazing competition motivates me not to worry about the travel. I just try to play my best each game.

Winning the VTB title will be difficult, but how realistic does the club see their chances at raising the Fiba Europe Cup in May 2022?

Winning the Fiba Europe Cup is a goal of ours. We want to advance and then take it one game at a time. We beat a very good Greek team and feel good about our chances. We definitely want to be near the end in 2022.

In Frankfurt Gordon Herbert had you play the point guard position. How comforting is it being at the shooting guard position and getting fed by Angelo Warner?

It’s very comforting. We are slowly building chemistry together. He can do it all with scoring and passing. The team was missing some help at the 2 spot and I was glad to help. We both have been helping each other out and everyone else and just want to win games.

If one looks at your stats, they have been brutally consistent since your rookie season. Are you in your prime now or past it at age 31?

I feel I’m getting into my prime. Mentally I feel great and physically as well. My self-confidence is very high. I raised the stakes this season. I held out a bit longer than usual looking for the right fit. I see the VTB League and it really doesn’t get any better than that. I’m ready to continue to be consistent.

You have some very talented teammates. What kind of an experience has it been being teammates with Cuban Darol Hernandez-Zanenko who is called the Russian and has never had an agent. He seems to be a real character.

The first thing that stands out is that he is a really funny guy. He is also a great teammate. We have him play at the 5 even if he is undersized. But that doesn’t show because how big his heart is. He doesn’t score much, but he is a key part of our offense. He gives his all each possession. There are a lot of big guys in the VTB, but that doesn’t bother him. He fights against each player. That is the kind of player you always want and need on your team. He is willing to go to war on each possession.

Last season you played with Reale Mutua Basket Torino (Italy-Serie A2) averaging 14.5ppg, 3.5rpg, 2.1apg, 1.4spg, FGP: 58.1%, 3PT: 39.4%, FT: 88.6%. Talk a little about the A-2 league. It isn’t talked about much but is a very strong league with very strong players. How would you compare the league to other top leagues you have played in like the German BBL and Italian Serie A?

A lot of people don’t realize how tough the Italian A-2 is. There are very good Americans playing here. A lot of players come from higher leagues to play there. There are also a lot of great coaches as well. I was blessed to be on a great team in Torino. We played team basketball. There wasn’t an American that got the ball and shot the ball 100 times. We actually played defense. It is similar in style to the Serie A. there just aren’t as much Americans.

You have seen many crazy things in your basketball life, but tell me what was going through your mind at the end of game 5 against Tortona where you up 2-1 and lost game four and game five by one point each?

That final loss was a heartbreaker. It hurts till this day. In game 4 all we needed was for the ball to hit the rim and pop up and let time expire, but instead it dropped into the hands of the opponent and they won the game. In game 5 we got a questionable call and Jamar Sanders made the free throw to win the game and title. It stopped us from moving up to Serie A. It was the worst feeling in my basketball career. It hurt so much seeing how hard my teammates had fought all season to get to this position. But that loss motivated to get right back at it. But that is the glory of basketball in that there is always another day to compete.

You were teammates with American Kruize Pinkins who began in the German Pro A and made to the Italy via the German BBL. What was it like playing with this work horse?

He is a great guy. He was always professional and we had a good relationship. He is very talented and can shoot from many different positions. It was really cool to have him on the team.

Even if you never played in China eurobasket.com has 2 box scores of you in China. Many ex NBA players play in China and put up astronomical stats of like 35,0ppg. If you played 35 minutes how do you think would your stat line look like?

I would average 24 points, dish out 6 or 7 assists and have 5 rebounds per game.

In 2019-2020 you played with Openjobmetis Varese (Italy-Serie A,) averaging 11.3ppg, 4.4rpg, 1.6apg, 1.1spg, FGP: 56.6%, 3PT: 30.7%, FT: 83.3%. How did you rate that season until Covid came?

Serie A was a great experience. There are great teams, players and coaches there as well. I played against high talent. At that point that was the highest level that I had ever played at. It was amazing being able to have competed against such high talent.

You were teammates with Josh Mayo. What was it like sharing the back court with him? Which of you two ha s the more unorthodox jumper?

Yes we do. I don’t know which of us has the more unorthodox shot. He gets so much lift as he jumps shooting. He is still playing this season in Naples, Italy.

With what memories do you look back at your season with the Fraport Skyliners?.Statistically you had a good season. Where would you rank it statistically?

Stat wise I think it was one of my best seasons as a professional. It was my best season shooting the three and free throws. I felt I played very well all around. Gordie Herbert just put me in a great position to do well. Tyler Larsen believed in me and well Quantez Robertson did it all. It was one of my favorite seasons.

You have played with many many teammates over your career. Where do you rank Quantez Robertson alone from his sheer energy that he always gives?

Tez is my #1. He is the GOAT. I never saw a guy give it his all the way he did. You look at his age and you would think that he has got to slow down sometime, but he doesn’t. He goes out and plays 40 minutes, guards the other team’s best player and then still able to do it all on offense. He is also a great leader. He is also a funny guy. He always lightens the mood. He gets everybody to smile, but when it’s time to compete, he is a wolf. I heard about his injury. Other guys would be out for months, but he is supposed to miss 2-4 weeks. I bet he will be back even earlier.

Gordon Herbert is the German national team coach. What example can you remember from his coaching that really impressed you?

His mind for the game of basketball impresses me the most. It is at a very high level. It is amazing how he is able to control his players in terms of each guys different personality. That isn’t easy to do. He has so much confidence in his players. He always made it clear exactly what he wanted from each player. He is a coach that you want to battle for. He was one of my favorite coaches that I have ever played for. I had my best season under him, because he put me in the best position to sue my strength.

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

No I didn’t see it. Of course they should of left it alone. The first is a classic. That is probably the reason why I didn’t see it. It got mixed reviews. I want to have the forever memory of the first one.

Thanks Jason for the chat.