John Murry (192-G-1995, 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.

Congrats on the huge 112-88 victory over the Lowen. How good did it feel getting revenge and splitting the season series?

It felt good, we played well together for our last home game and pulled out a win.

After winning two, you lost last weekend to Leverkusen and now won again. Now the team can win after losing one game instead of letting a big losing streak go. What has changed in the team mentality?

The consistency of people just being in rotation on gameday makes a big difference, when we have more then 5-7 guys healthy and ready to play we are a tough team to beat

Talk a little about the 40 minutes. Was there anytime where you were in danger of losing the game? What was the strongest phase of the game?

I felt we were in the drivers seat the entire game, we came out ready to play hard and hit shots. We took care of the ball and kept our foot on the gas for 40 minutes.

Grevenbroich did a lot well, but would it be fair to say that the turnovers was the only real flaw?

Turnovers is the name of the game for us all season, we have to take care of the ball in order to give ourselves a chance to win at the end.

Grevenbroich had 5 guys score in double figures. Was this the best team performance of the season?

It was definitely one of our best games as a team and it showed on the stat sheet.

You had another good game with 30/3/7/3/1 stats. You shot the ball well. Was this almost a perfect game for you?

I don’t think I could ever have a perfect game because of the high standard I’ve set for myself, I always feel I can improve no matter what.

Dzemal Selimovic had a great game with 28/18 stats. Is he the teams second MVP this season?

Yes most definitely the big fellow has delivered well for us this season
His presence is on the floor is valued greatly by our team.

You next play Herford. You beat them the first time in a shoot out. What will be key for getting the win?

If we take care of the ball, and make our shots
I believe we will come out with a win.

Herford is the last game of the season. Are you in a way happy the season is ending? I can imagine you could play another month?

I most definitely would rather be getting ready for playoffs at this time in the year but at the same time, I get to get a head start on recovery and off season preparation for next season.

Thanks John for the chat.

T

Julius Zurna (188-PG-1986) is a 35 year old 188cm guard from Lithuania playing his 10th professional season in Germany and fourth in Limburg with the Bona Baskets. In Germany, he also played for Aschersleben, Schwenningen,Bernau, Koblenz and Idtsein. He began his career in his native Lithuania before coming to Germany. He spoke to germanhoops.com after the tough 83-65 loss to MTV Kronberg where he led his team with 18 points.

Thanks Julius for talking to germanhoops.com You suffered a tough 83-65 loss to MTV Kronberg. Before the loss the team had a three game winning streak. What was the team doing better in this stretch?

This season we have had a lot of bad luck with Covid and cancelations of games. We usually had a small rotation of 5-6 guys. We have had trouble bringing intensity in the second half. We get tired. We had more consistency in the last weeks with guys back. Usually teams play better at the end of the season. We have a good starting five, but just didn’t click as a team. We want to finish the season strong a build a core for next season. Kronberg have played together many years and it shows.

MTV Kronberg had the slim 23-19 advantage after 10 minutes. What was the difference?

They are a very good shooting team and hit many three’s. We lacked contact. We had good defense at times, but they hit many shots in their faces.

The guests ran away with the game with a 32-13 second quarter. They nailed 8 three’s. Why couldn’t Limburg guard the three point line better?

We made tactical mistakes. We kept the zone locked. Our big wasn’t a good match up. They play 5-0 on the three point line and we got killed.

MTV Kronberg continued to dominate in the third quarter winning it 29-16. Why couldn’t Limburg get over the hump?

We tried a press but it didn’t work. When your down 20 plus points, you need energy. We didn’t have that.

The Bona Baskets Limburg had a strong fourth quarter winning it 17-4. Why couldn’t Limburg play like that in the second and third quarters?

When you have a big lead, you usually sub in guys that don’t usually play many minutes. They relaxed a bit. But that is normal even in higher leagues.

Your playing your fourth season with the Bona Baskets Limburg. What makes it so special to come back?

I live here. I came here as a professional player, got a job and met a special woman. I work for a company called Harmonic Drive. We produce moving parts for robots. Limburg is my home. I will play here for as long as my body allows me to. I want to play a few more years.

Your playing a solid season, but how difficult is it not being that real main guy when you have guys like Justin Stallbohm, KJ Sherril, Noah Westerhaus and Matej kljaic?

I came back with the idea of getting faster into shape, but that didn’t happen. I didn’t do anything during the lock down to stay in shape. I’m not 18 anymore. I’m just a help this season and don’t count myself as a main guy. If I can get into top shape this summer, then I would like to include myself as a main guy next season.

Your playing your 10th season in Germany. Why didn’t you leave Germany ever again?

I’m from Lithuania When I left in 2012, times were different. It is better now. But back then you never knew if you would get your money on time or even at all. In Germany everything is safe regulated. I never had a problem with getting my money here. Early in my time in Germany, I had the chance to go to Italy, but then I met my girl and I decided to play it safe and stay here.

What is your role on the team this season? To keep the main scorers happy with your playmaking?

I’m a help to bring calmness, a bit more organization and give advice to the young players. I don’t need to be that leader this season. My body didn’t allow me to. But next year, I definitely want to have that leadership role again and have that first option as a playmaker again and help out Matej kljaic.

You haven’t been that big scorer the last three seasons. Has that bothered you?

No it hasn’t. When I went to Koblenz, they had ambitions to move up and had high level players. They had many scorers and I didn’t need to do that. In Idstein, I played only a few games before the team went bankrupt. This season I came back to Limburg not having played in 1.5 years, got injured and had corona.

What do you feel is your biggest strength on the court at age 35 besides your experience?

My role is pretty much the same. I have always been known for being a shooter and playing the pick and roll well. I haven’t been shooting the ball as well this season. There are some factors like, my legs and a lack of confidence. I may not be the fastest, but I’m one of the smarter guys on the court.

In 2015-2016 you played for the wiha Panthers Schwenningen and Alen Velcic. If someone had told you then that a few years later they would be in the Pro A would you have believed it?

I would of believed it. When I got there, I was surprised how well everything was organized. They had everything from flats, cars to open gym. They even had opportunities for work. They had a big ambition to move up. I probably would have stayed if I had not had a personal disagreement with Alen. He is a big guy there and has the sponsors on his side. He is 80% of the team. If you have a disagreement, you won’t have a chance to stay. I’m no Milos Teodosic. But in the end all played out well. I moved on.

You played two seasons with BC Aschersleben where you averaged 20 and 22 points per game. Was that your most successful time as a player in terms of stats?

Yes for scoring that was my best season. I was really motivated then to make the next jump as a player. I was a professional and didn’t work. I was in the gym two times a day and could practice as much as I wanted and was really focused on the game. I had the green light in Aschersleben. In Schwenningen I was able to develop more as a point guard. They had 6-7 really good scorers. I can remember making 6-7 mistakes in a game, but Alen still gave me all freedom at the end of the game. I became more mature as a combo guard in Schwenningen.

You had many great games in the Regionalliga like netting 36 points against Bremerhaven or exploding for 33 points against Fellbach. What is your most memorable game in the Regionalliga?

My most memorable game was with Schwenningen. It was against Stuttgart. I remember having a horrible first half. I had something like 6 turnovers. Coach Alen didn’t put me down after that first half, but instead believed in me and still gave me a chance to play my game in the second half. In the last seconds, we got a three in the face and we took a time out with 3, 2 seconds to play. He asked us who wanted to take the last shot and nobody said anything. Everything was quiet. Finally I said I would take the last shot. Coach drew up a good play for me. I made the shot and remember the fans going crazy.

You played against so many great players in Lithuania early in your career. What do you remember playing against NCAA champion and ex Chicago Bull Khalid El Amin?

Back in the day I was a big fan of Michael Jordan and Reggie Miller. I remember Khalid being a very stocky player. But It wasn’t so much him who I remember, but actually Sonny Weems. He was so amazing. I will never forget his incredible alley-oop dunks. My head was where his knees were. I played against him and a few days later I would watch him playing a Euroleague game. Knowing you played against a guy like him a few days earlier really motivated you for the next game.

You played against a very young Jonas Valanciunas in Lithuania. Did you think then that he would reach the NBA?

No never. He was so skinny then. I had no idea that he would become such a big star. He developed so much in 1-2 years. I would of thought he could reach the Eurocup or Euroleague, but not the NBA. I played against so many guys where I would never have thought they would have reached the NBA. One guy I will never forget is Dejuan Collins. He wasn’t the biggest athlete, but so smart. He was also a great organizer. He could beat you with one step and hold you with his body. He was very hard to defend. Another guy I will never forget who I played against was Marcus Brown. He was such an amazing shooter. I remember his team played in an old gym. I remember asking our coach to have practice early so we could drive the two hours to Kaunus to watch him play. We got there and watched Marcus Brown and his pre-game shooting practice. The guy hit 49 three’s in a row. There were 5,000 fans and they loved it. At around his 15th three, the fans began shouting loud 15, 16, 17 and it kept going until he made his 49th in a row. All were disappointed when he didn’t make 50. That game he hit for 30. He made such a big impression on me. I remember him hitting a few in your face three’s on me. What could I do? He is the best shooter that I ever saw.

Who wins a one on one in practice you or Justin Stallbohm?

Two years ago, I would kick his butt. Now it would be about 50/50. If I come back in decent shape next season, I will kick his butt again.

Recently American Jonathan Braeger scored 100 points in a Regionalliga game. There was a lot of criticism for the game because Wurzburg had to play with 5 players and only had 3 in the second half and played no defense. The player received a lot of hate for his game. What is your take on it?

I didn’t see the stats. If there is no defense, then it is like a practice. I give him no hate. You still need to play. Anyone would of played. If he did that in a 5-5 game then it would be amazing.

What was the last movie that you saw?

I love movies. But when you have a kid, work and play basketball and want to keep a good relation with your wife, you just don’t have a lot of time. But the last movie I saw was the Witcher.

Thanks Julius for the chat.

Brekkott Chapman (206-F/C-1996, college: Weber St.) is a 25 year old 206cm power forward/center from Troy, Utah playing his third professional season and first with the MLP Academics Heidelberg. He played his first two professional seasons with s.Oliver Wurzburg where injuries plagued him as he played only 20 games and last season averaged 10.7ppg, 3.3rpg, 1.6apg, FGP: 46.4%, 3PT: 29.8%, FT: 85.0%. He began his basketball career at Roy high school. He then played at the University of Utah from 2014-2016 playing 71 NCAA games and averaging 5.7ppg, 2.3rpg, FGP: 49.5%, 3PT: 44.2%, FT: 76.4% and 4.4ppg, 2.8rpg, 1.0apg. he then finished at Weber State playing 60 NCAA games and averaging 10.8ppg, 6.0rpg, 1.4apg, 1.7bpg, FGP: 47.7%, 3PT: 42.3%, FT: 75.0% and as a senior averaged 12.5ppg, 8.5rpg, 1.9apg, 1.7bpg, FGP: 53.8%, 3PT: 43.6%, FT: 74.0%. He spoke to eurobasket after the win over the Fraport Skyliners.

Thanks Brekkott for talking to eurobasket.com. Congrats on the big 71-65 win over the Fraport Skyliners. Was it deserving for the guard trio of Geist, Lowery and Ely to get a free dinner from the teammates being that they scored more than 2/3 of the team’s points?

Oh yeh those three dudes did their job. They did a really good job containing Will Cherry. Containing him was big on our scouting report. They also hit big shots all night long.

The first quarter was a real grind out 10 minutes. Was that a typical quarter you expected for two teams near the bottom?

I knew from the start that we would be in a dog fight. Frankfurt has a lot of fighters as do we. It was a real defensive battle. I’m glad that we could keep the lead and pull out the win.

The MLP Academics Heidelberg had the 36-30 lead at the break. Frankfurt was dominating inside and Heidelberg was hitting from outside. What was key for the lead?

Jordan Geist made big shots to help us keep the lead. We had some guys struggling so his scoring was key. He carried us.

The MLP Academics held the lead in the third quarter leading 52-46. How much of a focus was slowing down Will Cherry on the scouting report?

Being able to slow him down was very important. He does a good job scoring and getting everyone involved. You can’t beat Frankfurt when you allow him to play his game.

You never allowed Frankfurt to get over the hump in the fourth quarter. What was key for getting the win?

Cherry had the ball in his hands a lot down the stretch. We continued to contain him well. We also rebounded the ball very well and forced turnovers. We also hit a few big shots that made the difference.

It’s been a really tough season for the MLP Academics. After winning 4 of the first five games, how tough has it been to have to accept so much losing?

It has been a very hard season. We knew from the start that we would surprise people. We have talented players and guys that work very hard. Our good start didn’t surprise us, but when we suffered that 9 game losing streak we lost a lot of close games. But key now is that I think that we learned form them and have been able to finish out games better recently.

How instrumental were the close loses to Bamberg, Bayreuth and Chemnitz at the start? Did that maim the team mentality?

Probably a little, but it was more subconscious. I didn’t really feel it. There was never any real negative energy. I felt like we were in every game. Only BG Goettingen got us. We always knew that we would get out of it. We have a great group of guys.

Recently in your two game win streak against MBC and Braunschwieg, the team defended a lot better averaging giving up 74 points per game, but in the last two games against Wurzburg and Hamburg it was 98 points. What did the team get away from?

I think that we lost focus defensively. We know that when we can keep teams under 80 points, then we have a high chance of winning. There weren’t many high scoring games that we won except for Crailsheim. Problems in the two games was box outs and missing assignments. When we are locked in then we are tough to beat.

The team has some tough games to go. What will be key in staying in the BBL?

We have to stay focused. We have to go game by game and not worry about anything else.

How instrumental has a guy like German Philipp Heyden been in you continuing to grow as a player?

Philipp is a great dude. He has been like a mentor for me. The most important thing he has helped me with is taking care of my body. After my tough injuries that has helped me a lot. Also Sky Ely and our strength coach has also helped me with taking care of my body.

Your playing a very good BBL season and have raised your game from last season. What strides do you feel have you taken in your game?

The biggest strides I have taken have been mentally. The last two years took a big toll on me mentally. I struggled a bit when the season started. I just didn’t have a feel for the game. Then I got more comfortable and got back to being the player I used to be. I have to give a big shout out to my mental coach Rainer who has really helped me.

You shoot the ball really well from outside. In your last two NCAA years you shot 42% and 43% from outside. What kind of an outside shooter do you want to grow into as you continue to gain experience as a professional?

I have talked a lot with my agent recently about this. I feel like I’m a lot better shooter than what I’m showing right now. A big difference was that my shot selection was a lot better in college. The defense at the pro level is better tuned into what each guy can do. I need to pick and choose a lot better. I have forced too many three’s this season. I need to be more well rounded and get to the rim easier which will open up the three ball more.

Scoring, rebounding and blocking shots are big strengths in your game, but if you had to choose the absolute biggest asset in your game what would it be?

Spreading the floor and take the big man out of the paint.

You began your NCAA career at Utah playing 71 games. You helped the team reach the second round of the NCAA tournament. You never averaged more than 5,7ppg. What positives did you get from this experience?

Being at Utah was some of the funniest times in my life. I made a lot of incredible friends. I was around 11 guys that would go pro and 3 guys that went to the NBA with Delon Wright, Jakob Poelti and Kyle Kuzma. I learned and saw how the worked on a daily basis. In the long run it helped me figure out how I wanted to play. I still work out with guys during the summer.

Was your 15 points and 7 rebounds against Arizona State one of your most memorable games at Utah?

Honestly I don’t remember the game. It was a long time ago. I have more memories of going to the Sweet 16.

Talk a little about the European connection there within the Americans with German Kenneth Ogbe and Austrian Jakob Poelti. How much of an impact did they have on the team?

He was incredible. He was a force then and is a force now. He is getting a lot of minutes now. Kenneth didn’t play much then but he is a great guy. I love him to death. I wish I could of played more with him.

You then finished at Weber State playing 60 games. How thankful are you that you transferred and how do you feel did your game grow in your last 2 NCAA seasons?

I developed my outside game there. The coaching staff helped me work on my jumper which helped me get high shooting percentages there. That time really helped me get to where I am today as a player.

You had many memorable games at Weber State, but how memorable was the 78-76 win over Central Washington where you had 6 points, 10 rebounds and 5 blocks?

That is another game I don’t remember. I remember more games at the tournament. We didn’t do as well as I wish we would of.

How did head coach Randy Rahe groom and prepare you best for a professional basketball career?

He is a good guy. He taught us that if you work, you win. If you work hard on your own time, then you will get better. That will help you stay a step ahead of everyone else.

Who won a one on one in practice you or Zach Braxton?

I beating him. We can call him right now. He might not agree, but he knows it.

Who was the toughest player that you battled in the NCCA or anywhere that went to the NBA?

Stanley Johnson who I had known from high school. I remember playing in Arizona. It was a tight game and he had a few points in the first half. In the second half, he totally dominated and they blew us out.

Please list your 5 best teammates of all-time?

Delon Wright, Isaiah Wright, Dakari Tucker, Jordan Hulls, Jordan Geist

Please construct your personal NBA Mount Rushmore of past or present players?

Lebron, Jordan, Kobe, Durant

What is your personal opinion between the never ending debate between Michael Jordan and Lebron James concerning who is the greatest of all-time?

You can’t deny MJ’s greatness, but I have to go with Lebron. His numbers and titles do it for me.

What was the last movie that you saw?

Spiderman

Thanks Brekkott for the chat.

Stanley Whittaker (183-G-1994, 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.

Thanks Stanley for talking to germanhoops.com. How tough was it coming back from 21 days off to playing twice within 48 hours?

It was a tough turnaround for our group. We let one get away from us on Friday so we wanted to bounce back and give it everything we had on Sunday.

You split with Artland and Nurnberg. How tough was it losing 86-85 to Artland and keeping the playoff fight very exciting from 7-10?

It was a tough loss for our team. With that win we could’ve been in a good spot right now, however we learned from that loss and was able to bounce back. The playoff race is close we just have to focus on us and try to win each game.

Talk a little about the crunch-time and last seconds. Is this a game that PS Karlsruhe should have won?

Yes I think it was a game we should’ve won, we had our opportunities both offensively and defensively but we weren’t able to execute.

You had a solid game of 29/6/4 stats. How much did your 3 turnovers annoy you knowing that having those 3 possessions back would of probably won you the game?

Yeah I’m not a fan of forfeiting possession by turning the ball over. Without those 3 turnovers, we could’ve got 3 shot attempts so things may have been different.

PS Karlsruhe came back focused on Sunday beating a tough Nurnberg team 90-82. How key was this win for gaining extra leverage mentally in the playoff hunt?

This win was big for us being so they’re right there in that playoff mix with us. We understood how important this game was for us.

Nurnberg played you tough on the offensive glass, but was the precision three point shooting in the end the main factor for getting you the win?

I think we fought till the end. They did a good job on the offensive glass, with their players looking to be in attack mode and getting down hill kind of got us out of position and we weren’t putting our bodies on them. We shot the ball well from three I think that helped as well.

You had another solid game with 23/8/7 stats. You had very good shot selection from outside last weekend. How vital will that be in general for your game going into the post season?

I’m just trying to make plays for my teammates and myself. I take pride in being efficient, so I’ll keep the same approach and see how things go.

PS Karlsruhe have a very tough game on Thursday against the wiha Panthers who are fighting to stay in the Pro A. What will be key to getting the win? You won the first game. What will be key to getting the victory?

The key to this game will be to control the glass, defend at a high level and play with a high level of energy and focus.

Thanks Stanley for the chat.

Worthy de Jong (194-G-1988) is a 34 year old 194cm guard form Holland playing his 11th season for Zorg and Zekerheid Leiden (BNXT League). In between he played one season for SO Maritime Boulogne (France-ProB). He has won 7 titles in Holland and also been a member of the Dutch national team. He recently spoke to germanhoops.com about basketball.

Congrats Worthy on reaching the Fiba Europe Cup semi-finals. How good does it feel winning at home over Crailsheim?

It feels great, but we aren’t satisfied yet. so our focus needs to maintain sharp.

You already won the Super Cup. Now your two wins away from another title. How strong is that ‘We believe’ in the team?

Believe should be there every day, and with that we grow closer, start to know each others tendencies.

Leiden had only lost by three points in Crailsheim. How good was the overall team feeling going into this do or die game of winning?

Pretty good I’d say, we felt like we could’ve beat them at their place but came up short. I also played a terrible game there. so it was definitely one to make up for.

The first quarter was really tight. What do you believe did the team feel learn from the first game from TJ Shorts game? I guess it’s fair to say that you can never completely stop him?

It’s always easy to speak about it after the game, but besides that he is a great player. The team is also built around him, they run most plays for him and that’s something that you could really notice once he was out for the remainder.

The second quarter continued to be a real dog fight. You hit a big three late to conserve the slight 53-49 advantage. Why couldn’t any team get away from the other?


Well lack of experience kicked us a little, and their pressure really did make it tough on us.

TJ Shorts went out injured in the third quarter. Did you see after that just how valuable he is to his team? They weren’t the same anymore.

Like I mentioned earlier, his usage is really high so when he went out someone else had to run the plays that were kind of designed for him and that kind of took the team out of their element.

Leiden made a run in the last three minutes as Maarten Bouwknecht gave a huge spark. Was it easier to find a better routine on the defensive end without Shorts in?


Focus definitely shifted, but the remainder of the players on the floor were also players of great capabilities so it just moved to someone else.

Leiden did a super job keeping the double figures lead for the most part. Crailsheim came back a little in the last minutes, but it wasn’t enough. You gave up 28 points in the second half. What adjustments did you make on defense?

intensity definitely played a big roll. We were lacking some energy earlier, but were able to pick it up. Plus communication also played a roll. knowing where to run to, rebounding missed shots.

Two big strengths on the night was sharing the ball and rebounding. What else contributed to the win?


I think those were definitely 2 of the most important ones. Defense itself also was really strong .

You got huge support from Maarten Bouwknecht. I guess he remembered the win over Gronningen where he shot out the lights like tonight.

Maarten is a player I have been telling teams about for a while now and as the season progresses people start to notice what he is capable of and teams start to see the mistake they made not signing him.

You next play against Bahcesehir whom you lost twice two. What do you remember this team giving you the most problems?

it was a variety of things that made it difficult. I would say experience was definatley a factor. Athleticism and Smith is also a factor that needs focus.

You had solid games against them, but you must be even more focused this time holding your own against some ex NBA players. Is their a favorite in the game?

I never lay any focus on what the players name brings, I focus on the task at hand which is making it as tough as possible for them to play their game.

Could defending against alltime Eurocup shooting king Jamar Smith be an assignment that will fall into your hands? What do you remember from his game?


It’s definitely a nice challenge, one that I won’t go out the way for. He’s crafty, quick and has a nice shot, so I will have my hands full.

You have had a solid season in both competitions. Turnovers have been a problem. Is over aggressiveness sometimes a cause for this?

I’d say at times that could be the case. Besides the last domestic league home game, I think most of my turnovers are caused on trying to give an assist. So intention is good I’d say. execution might need to be better.

What can we await from the game against Bahcesehir? Will three be a charm? I


t might just be. Other than luck. I’d say hard work. and staying sharp.

Thanks Worthy for the chat.



Tags : WORTHY DE JONG, ZORG AND ZEKERHEID LEIDEN, GERMAN BASKETBALL

Kendale McCullum (194-G-1996, college: Lewis, agency: Octagon Europe) is a 26 year old 194cm guard from Elgin, Illinois that is playing his third professional season and first with the JobStairs Giessen 46ers (Germany-BBL). He played his rookie season with the Uni Baskets Paderborn (Germany-ProA) averaging 18.1ppg, 5.3rpg, Assists-1 (7.2apg), Steals-2 (2.6spg), FGP: 58.5%, 3PT: 42.4%, FT: 76.2%. last season he helped the Helsinki Seagulls (Finland-Korisliiga) win a cup averaging 14.5ppg, 5.1rpg, Assists-3 (7.0apg), Steals-1 (2.5spg), FGP: 55.2%, 3PT: 35.6%, FT: 75.6%. Before turning professional he played at the University of Wisconsin Parkside (NCAA2) and Lewis University (NCAA2). He spoke to germanhoops.com after the big 88-75 victiory against the EWE Baskets Oldenburg.

Thanks Kendale for talking to germanhoops.com. Congrats on the massive 88-75 win over the EWE Baskets Oldenburg. What was it like playing against Rickey Paulding for the last time? How have you followed his path since arriving in Germany in 2019?

He’s a legend. I wouldn’t say I followed him but I heard his name many times since my arrival in 19′. It’s crazy to see him still competing at a high level still at his age. I definitely will need tips from him on how he managed to stay in this game so long.

The Ewe Baskets Oldenburg had the tight 17-15 advantage in areal grind out first quarter. Did you feel added pressure really having to do so much yourself as you seemed to be the whole offense.

I wouldn’t say it added pressure. I think we had some good shots and they just didn’t fall. We just had to stick the game plan! We knew shots would start to fall.

The second quarter continued to be tight as Giessen couldn’t get over the hump. How vital was it for the Giessen self-confidence that the offense didn’t have to rely on you as much anymore?

Despite the way we played the first half we were still in the ball game. Our confidence never left. Just had to grind it out.

The Giessen 46ers exploded in the third quarter for 32 points. What words of wisdom did head coach Pete Strobl give you at the break?

They made it difficult for us to run our sets. They applied alot pressure! We knew if we could get open it would give us more chances to score and that’s what happened. We knew the ball would start to go through the net.

Philip Fayne was instrumental in the third quarter with 4 buckets. How refreshing is his game in general on a day to day basis?

Everyday he’s getting better and learning the game and the league. He knew Tai was in foul trouble so he just attacked him knowing Tai didn’t want to foul and it made it easier for him to score.

The scoring onslaught continued in the fourth quarter. You scored three quick baskets in the first few minutes of the third quarter. Does everything become easier when the whole team is on the same page?

I think when we move the ball and run through our sets we are hard to guard. Sometimes we settle for a good shot and not a great shot. In the second half we did a much better job of moving the ball.

It’s been a very tough season for the Giessen 46ers. How tough has the season been for you coming from a winning culture in Finland?

It’s a different level of competition here. It’s been a challenge just because we’ve dealt with injuries, players coming and going, covid and etc. it was tough for us to build a chemistry and learn how to play together. I’ve never in my life had a losing season. So, it’s been very challenging dealing with this situation but it’s all about the experience.

You always play with the dice when you don’t have a big budget. What has been the biggest problem this season? Is it chemistry of not finding an identity on defense?

We try to pride ourselves on defense. Something we work on everyday. Just with guys being injured, signing and releasing players and etc. it’s just been tough to build something consistent.

Head coach Pete Srobl has taken a beating in certain times about how his work. How have you experienced him as a coach? I mean he certainly gave you a lot of freedom.

He knows the game very very well. People don’t realize that our team is very young. Only 3 guys have BBL experience. Everyone else is a rookie. It’s tough to win games with guys who have little experience in the league and are young. We’ve lost a lot of close games because of that too. He’s taught me a lot since I’ve been here.

Especially his usage of big John Bryant was criticized. How did you experience the big fella. Was it an honor playing with the future BBL legend?

John played a big factor of me coming to Giessen instead of the other BBL teams that offered me! He’s like a big brother to me. It was an honor to play with him and pick his brain about how the league works and stuff.

How big was the bitter 71-69 loss in Braunschweig on December 23rd? Could that have been the turning point? After that loss the losing continued.

We’ve lost many games that were bitter and super close. If we won those games it would obviously be a different story. When you lose a close game it’s hard mentally knowing you could’ve won.

Is there any hope for the team starting a big season ending run to stay in the league?

Every game for us will be tough. We just have to focus on each one and hope we get the outcome we want.

How have you seen the development of talented German Bjarne Kraushaar? Did you take him under your wing? What is missing for him to average 20 plus minutes?

I think just him not having confidence in himself is what’s stopping him from getting those minutes. I love playing on the court with him. I think we compliment each other very well. He’s learned a lot from coach. He’s getting better each day.

Florian Koch is a real experienced veteran, Can even a veteran like you learn something from him?

Of course. You can always learn something from teammates. He’s one of the guys with BBL experience.

You have had a great first season in the BBL averaging 14/4/6/2. Do you ever wonder where you would be today had you played your rookie season in the BBL and not in the Pro A?

I do think about it sometimes but I’m also happy with the timing! I’m just happy to be performing at a high level now that I have the opportunity to show high level clubs that I can play at an high level. I just wish we were winning more games.

Despite your good stats, how difficult has it been for you as a point guard to see all the losing? How much blame do you take on yourself?

I think at this level no matter how well I play sometimes it’s not enough. In Finland, if I had a triple double we were winning that game by 30. Here, if I have a triple double we could still end up losing the game despite the performance.

Your averaging 3,5 turnovers per game. What has been the biggest challenge for you this season in your first BBL campaign?

A lot of TO’s are just me trying to make plays for my teammates. Or when I think I got fouled and refs don’t call it. Or some guys just don’t catch the ball. It’s part of the game and it happens. Each TO is from me being aggressive. Biggest challenge is just trying to be positive and be a good captain and try to find a way to rally the guys and get wins.

What have you personally enjoyed most about playing and competing in the easyCredit BBL? What has been your nicest moment this season?

The atmosphere in the beginning of the season with all the fans! For home and away games. Nicest moments are each game we win. But, for sure playing at Munich was a great experience.

Recently an American Jonathan Braeger scored 100 points. He got a lot of hate because only 5 guys played against his team and only 3 in the second half and didn’t play defense. How can one rate a performance like that?

Wow. Never heard this. Now I have to look into it

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

I did not see the sequel. Waiting until I’m home to watch with my family

Thanks Kendale for the chat.

Ta

Frantz Massenat (193-G-1992, college: Drexel) is a 30 year old 193cm guard from Trenton New Jersey that is playing his eighth professional season and sixth in Germany currently with the niners Chemnitz averaging 10,3ppg, 4,0rpg and 5,3apg. He played two seasons with MBC and three seasons with the EWE Baskets and now is playing his first season with the Niners Chemnitz. He also gained valuable experience playing in Spain in Italy. He played at Drexel University from 2010-2014 playing a total of 124 NCAA games. He talked to germanhoops.com about his basketball career.

Frantz thanks for talking to germanhoops.com. Before I get to basketball, I have to ask you about COVID-19. How has it affected you and what has been the most challenging thing that you have had to encounter on and off the court?

Covid affected me a lot , when it happened I was in Spain and we had to stop and be in quarantine for months and mentally and physically this was hard. My parents were catching Covid when it first started and it was scary. We were able to finish the season in a bubble in Valencia after time of uncertainty but as a team we had a good season and finished the season well. Last season I caught Covid so that was difficult but for basketball we played without fans and we were able to play a full season.

With everything that you experienced with COVID especially off the court how do you feel has it made you stronger as a man?

It has made me stronger as a man because I was able to deal with all of these things alone by myself so it showed me that I am a strong person and that I can get through anything I just want to be strong mentally every day.

Congrats on signing with easyCredit BBL team Niners Chemnitz. After two years away from Germany did you get a little home sick to German?

Haha homesick , I wouldn’t say homesick because Spain and Italy were good to me but it feels good to be back in Germany in a culture I started out in and know well.

The way that the Niners Chemnitz wanted you so much was a big factor why you came on board, but how much of a factor was head coach Rodrigo Pastore? What was most appealing to you in the talks?

I felt how honest coach was with me in our talks , he made me feel comfortable as a player and person. He told me he would push me to be better everyday. He is a coach I think I need at this moment , he believed in me a lot after my injury last year and that means a lot to me.

With MBC you played for a non playoff team, with the EWE Baskets a usual playoff team and now with the Niners Chemnitz a very ambitious team seeking to reach the playoffs. Would you enjoy having the number one go to guy role?

I think throughout my career I was able to show I can play both roles , the go to guy and the role player so whatever role the coach wants me to play I will do it for the team. Anything it takes to win.

You left Germany as a very versatile and consistent offensive player and then played two years in the ACB and Italy. How are you a better player today than two years ago with Oldenburg?

I am more experienced I was able to go in play in some of the best leagues in Europe and play against some of the best teams in Europe. This alone has made me a better player , being able to play all different situations against so many different great teams helped me become a better player.

In your second season with MBC you averaged a career high including NCAA 5,2apg. Do you see yourself being able to be a creator again like then while also staying very faithful to your scoring abilities?

I am always willing to pass the ball to my teammates as long I stay aggressive I am better at making decisions for assists and scoring. I think I will be able to have a good balance with scoring and passing the ball to my teammates

You have been a very consistent offensive player your whole career. At age 30 do you see yourself in your prime and on what areas of your game are you working on most now to continue to get better?

I do see myself at my prime and I’m blessed to still be playing. What I have been working on a lot is making decisions on the right side of the court and shooting off the dribble. Also still working on quickness and change of direction

Last season you played the first time for two teams in Italy and Spain. How tough was this season with COVID being in the way?

It was a experience every player had to deal with last year nothing was normal and congratulations to all the guys who made it through the season. Covid made the season tough off the court because everything was closed and shut down so you were in the gym or in home. Covid made it tough because if players tested positive it made practices and games more difficult because you would have to adjust until players came back and in physical shape to play.

Last season you were teammates and now you will battle Justin Robinson who is with Bamberg. Do you see him being able to keep up the long tradition of good Bamberg guards?

Justin is a real good guard. He can score the basketball really good and can pressure guards on the defensive side of the court. It will be good to play against him this year. He will do good at Bamberg I know he is happy to be there, he deserves it

You played briefly with Baskonia last season. What was it like playing with legendary head coach Dusko Ivanovic? Was it tough coming in late in the season and being able to convince him of your abilities?

It was good to have experienced Baskonia , it was good to challenge myself as my season in Italy to be there with a coach like Dusko. He is a good coach but yes it was too late for me for the situation they were going through at the moment.

Two years ago you played with Spanish ACB team Mona Banc Andorra. How do you feel did your game profit most from the best league in Europe?

It profited so much playing in Andorra , coach Ibon really really made me a better player. He challenged me everyday and he never let me give less than 100% in practice or games. This prepared me for playing in the best league in Europe. Playing against all the euro league and EuroCup and champions league teams every week made me a good player. Thatyear was an experience that really helped me become a better player.

You played three years with the EWE Baskets Oldenburg and Rickey Paulding. Where does he rank with your all-time best teammates and what is something about him that has always impressed you the most?

Haha Rickey is my number 1 teammate but our relationship is deeper than just teammates , this was more of a family relationship. We still continue to talk all the time and that’s what I appreciate about him the most. I am impressed with how he is a big family person and still playing basketball at a high level even with his age. Rickey is a cool humble person I am thankful to have played with him and be around his family for 3 years.

What special play do you remember most between him and you on the court?

The biggest play I remember was his shot against Ulm when we played in the playoffs after Chris Kramer missed the free throw and we went to overtime. I remember after the game I thanked him about 10 times for saving me because Per Gunter made a 3pt shot on me and this would have won the game for them. He saved me haha

You scored 40 points against BG Goettingen in a blow out win. Was that the greatest personal exhibit that you have given a s a player?

Yes I would say this 40 point game was my greatest personal scoring exhibit. Maybe a lot of people don’t know, I did this coming off the bench , I always joke with the guys I play with and ask them if anyone has ever scored 40 coming off the bench haha

You played your first two professional seasons with MBC. How thankful are you for them giving you an opportunity as a rookie? How important were your first two years in your development?

I am so thankful for them giving me an opportunity especially now that I understand how important it was for me to start in a first league in Germany. I always give them credit and thank them for starting me in a good league. It was really good for my development because at MBC they gave me a role player role and was patient with me to grow into the player they thought I would be. The coaches there really developed me into a European player and I am thankful for this

What memories do you have of American Marcus Hatten. How much of an impact did he have early in your career on and off the court?

Me and Marcus also still talk a lot. I remember how we were really close at MBC and how he would talk with me about the basketball game on and off the court. At 23 I was lucky to have a guy with this much experience on my team who was consistently teaching me.

You played at Drexel (NCAA) from 2010-2014. What memories do you have from those years and was reaching the NIT Elite 8 in 2012 your biggest achievement?

I have so many memories from Drexel. I had a really good career there top 10 in scoring and assists , won a lot of games . My teammates and coaches were always good to be around. Yes the NIT elite 8 was the furthest I’ve been. Freshmen year I made rookie team sophomore year I made first team all conference , junior year I made second team all conference , senior year I made first team all conference. I had successful years at Drexel

In your junior year you hit an amazing 50 foot game winning shot against Hofstra and it was added on ESPN’s top 10 plays. How many times do you estimate that you have seen the shot and what does it mean to you?

I have watched this shot maybe 50 times haha , it was special to me because a lot of my family from New York was there watching me play and my parents were there watching me play and my best friend played on the women’s team , so to hit the half court game winner in front of all the people I love this was a nice big moment for me.

How did head coach Bruiser Flint groom and prepare you best for a professional career?

Because of Coach Bru I am able to play for all the Balkan coaches I play for. He is really big on screaming haha and discipline. He has prepared me for these types of coaches and this is what I am most thankful for. He was a great coach for me

Who won a one on one in practice you or Damion Lee?

Me easy. Damion Lee was my young guy I taught him everything he knows haha

Who was the toughest player that you faced in the NCAA that reached the NBA?

I would say Charles Jenkins or Zack Lavine or Matt Dellavedova.

Please name your 5 best teammates of all-time

Haha tough question. Loved all my teammates

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

Jordan , Lebron , Kobe , Shaq , Iverson

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

At the moment it is Michael Jordan because Lebron is still playing, let’s let Lebron finish his career first , Lebron is also my favorite player

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

Hahaha YES !

Thanks Frantz for the chat

Just a week ago basketball life was looking very bleak for the Fraport Skyliners, but sometimes a coaching change and snapping a seven game losing streak with a victory can do wonders for the team moral and mentality. With the season slowly winding down and the Fraport Skyliners in danger of moving to the Pro A, every game now is a game seven must win. Last weekend they finally won again upending Braunschweig on the road but their next test would be no doozy with ratiopharm who are one of those dark horse teams that could upset anyone in the playoffs. Ratiopharm Ulm have struggled a bit in Eurocup play, but have been excellent in the easyCredit BBL in 2022 having a 8-2 record and last beat the always tough Wurzburg squad back to back. The Fraport Skyliners also presented their new head coach experienced Italian Luca Dalmonte. The club may have finally won again last weekend, but they were still feeling like a wounded animal and needed a win very badly. On a rare Friday night contest, they welcomed ratioPharm Ulm and instead of it becoming a one sided offensive arsenal by the guests, the Fraport Skyliners challenged them to a real grind out game and received it losing a heart breaker 61-58. The Fraport Skyliners played a spirited game on the defensive end, but on offense it was the same old story as they just couldn’t muster points on the scoreboard on a consistent rate. ‘We gave up too many second chance points and rebounds as well as too many live balls. We had too many turnovers at the end and couldn’t execute our offense the way we wanted to’, stressed Skyliner identity figure Quantez Robertson. Ratiopharm Ulm a team that averages 83 points per game didn’t play a good game and were lucky to escape Frankfurt with a win, but they did show a lot of moral and never gave up fighting until the end. Their ex NBA trio of Thornwell, Blossomgame and Christon combined for 47 of the team 61 points and carried them. ‘I have to compliment Frankfurt for giving a great fight. It was a real physical battle. We didn’t shoot well, but we had a good fourth quarter where our main guys stepped up and pulled out the win for us. There wasn’t any thing tactical, but we just had more decisiveness in attacking the switches’, stated ratiopharm Ulm head coach Jaka Lakovic.

The first quarter was a real tug of war as little was scored and many bricks and turnovers were coughed up. Frankfurt did a solid job right off the bat getting rookie giant Matt Haarms involved as he scored twice. Quantez Robertson also connected for a 20 footer heaving his confidence as his shooting has been off lately. Ratiopharm Ulm got steady support early on from ex NBA player Jaron Blossomgame who played at Clemson (NCAA) netting 7 points and helping give the guests the early 11-6 advantage. But Frankfurt didn’t allow Ulm to run away, but closed out the first quarter strong with a 6-1 run to dead lock the contest at 12-12. Ex Alba Berlin center Jamel Mclean missed a thunderous dunk, but stayed with it getting the offensive rebound and muscling the ball through two Ulm defenders for the bucket. ‘Jamel rode to the hoop strong. It was a good dunk attempt, but an even better basket for the score’, commented Quantez Robertson. A big difference between both teams were that Ratiopharm Ulm was getting baskets through team basketball while Frankfurt was relying a lot on the 1-1 play. Ex NBA player Will Cherry also aided Frankfurt with a pull up jumper. ‘We didn’t get good shots and turned over the ball too much. We couldn’t get defensive rebounds and gave them a few extra possessions’, commented Quantez Robertson.

The Fraport Skyliners continued to play very smart team basketball in the second quarter bringing a high intensity and switching well which held the guests to only 19 points with a few minutes before the break, but Frankfurt couldn’t hold the momentum giving up a biter run in the last minutes. The second quarter seemed to begin off well for Frankfurt as Polish national player Marcel Ponitka made a steal, but he listened to many gasps in the arena as he missed the dunk. The guests responded with a basket from German beast Nicholas Bretzel who got the fine pass from Ulm identity figure Per Guenter who played his last game in Frankfurt and 15-12 Ulm lead. But the Fraport Skylines then had their best stretch of the first half going on a 11-1 run to gain the 23-16 advantage. In the run, Frankfurt got fine support from German national player Lukas Wank who dazzled with his pink shoes scoring 5 points including a trey. Mclean also added support with a runner, German big Lorenz Brenneke added an old school hook shot and Cherry made a desperation jumper from the parking lot. Frankfurt had finally found an offensive rhythm while Ulm at times really didn’t look as awake. But Frankfurt couldn’t ride into half-time with the good lead, but instead allowed Ulm to close out the second with a 10-2 run. The guests found some momentum on offense using the long ball as young Germans Philipp Herkenhoff and Karim Jallow scored. Blossomgame also scored on transition. Ex wiha Panther Rasheed Moore closed out the second quarter with a runner at the buzzer, but Ratiopharm Ulm led 26-25. ‘We gave them momentum allowing them to finish like that. We did what we could. We were able to hold them to tough shots’, commented Quantez Robertson.

The Fraport Skyliners played their best basketball in the third quarter netting 20 points and getting the lead midway and holding it. Quantez Robertson showed that he wanted to be aggressive scoring to baskets early. His first basket reminded the older fans of his early days in Frankfurt more than a decade ago when he would fly in from the base line and get the back door pass from 2011 BBL MVP Dashaun Wood. The only difference was back then he would dunk and now settles for the sure lay in. He also knocked down a pull up jumper to tie the game at 29-29 showing a lot of zip in his movement for a 37 year old. Will Cherry then dropped three free throws and ex Xavier (NCAA) great and ex Oklahoma Thunder guard Semaj Christon made a lay in for the 32-32 contest. But the Fraport Skyliners then took flight going on a 13-6 run to lead 45-38 after 30 minutes. In the run Frankfurt got ample support from Jamel Mclean who gave 6 points. He was as usual a work horse in the paint and always fighting for the best position and letting his lethal offense do the talking. Frankfurt also got a lay in from Rasheed Moore over Blossomgame and a clutch trey from Lukas Wank in the corner. Ulm got 4 points from Christon as they couldn’t muster much of an attack against the aggressive Frankfurt defense that didn’t allow anything easy inside the paint. ‘We began the third quarter aggressive and executed well. We never stopped fighting and got defensive stops and got on transition’, stated Quantez Robertson.

In the fourth quarter the Fraport Skyliners led by as much as 9 points, but couldn’t hold it as Ratiopharm Ulm clawed back and got over the hump late and got the lead and never relinquished it. Ponitka got Frankfurt going with a runner and the 47-38 advantage. But Ratiopharm Ulm knew now that they had to execute better if they wanted to have a chance to win and did. Bretzel and Christon followed with baskets to cut Frankfurt’s lead down to 47-42. Will Cherry then dropped another clutch trey giving Frankfurt the 50-42 lead. But Ratiopharm Ulm then erupted on a 8-2 run to cut Frankfurt’s advantage to only 53-50. The Ulm ex NBA players now stepped up and showed why they once played in the best league in the world. Ex LA Clipper Sindarius Thornwell (196-G-1994, college: S.Carolina) connected on a three pointer and runner and Christon added a trey. Frankfurt did a good job reacting against the Ulm blows by punching back as Moore scored on a tough lay in from the wing for the Frankfurt 55-50 lead. But Ulm then supplied that last lethal blow with 9 unanswered points to grab the lead back at 59-55. Again it was the ex NBA studs Thornwell who dropped 5 points and Blossomgame with a three that did the severe damage. Cherry did drop a three late to cut Ulm’s lead to 59-58, but Christon supplied the exclamation point on the win with a fadeaway jumper. Frankfurt had one last possession to try to send the game into overtime, but Cherry couldn’t withstand a double team at the three point line and coughed up the ball to end the game. ‘This was a real battle between two teams that came to compete. We made the better plays at the end. We kept fighting and never gave up’, stated Sindarius Thornwell. ‘We didn’t have the energy to play 1-1 defense which gave them open shots. Key for us is how we can play a better offense with better flow. We also need to be faster from defense to offense. We also need to be faster when we attack. We have to be quicker with getting that first entry pass’, stressed Luca Dalmonte. Ratiopharm Ulm was led by Sindarius Thornwell and Jaron Blossomgame with 16 points a piece while Semaj Christon added 15 points, 7 dimes and 4 steals while the Fraport Skyliners were led by Will Chery with 14 points. Jamel Mclean added 12 points and 10 rebounds while Quantez Robertson added 11 points and 7 assists. Ratiopharm Ulm shot 43% from the field and 35% from outside and had 32 rebounds and 15 turnovers while the Fraport Skyliners shot 43% from the field and 31% from outside and had 34 rebounds and 15 turnovers.

John Murry (192-G-1995, 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.

Your two game winning streak was snapped to Leverkusen 2. Grevenbroich defended well. How bitter is it that you couldn’t score better?

We are trying to finish out with a good note to end the year.

Talk a little about the 40 minutes. What was the deciding moment in the fourth quarter that allowed Leverkusen 2 to get the win’?

We just couldn’t make shots late in the game, we played a great game until about 4 minutes left in the game, we just couldn’t get over the hump.

When you look at the stats, most were even. Were the 4 extra Leverkusen possessions out of turnovers the key?

Second chance points definitely cost us in the end but stats were even they just hit shots and we didn’t going down the stretch.

What was your impression of German Justin Gnad who had 17 points? His dad Hansi is a German basketball legend and was drafted by the 76ers in 1988.

Had a good game, respect to him and his dad that’s legendary.

You had another solid game of 25/6/5. I guess your 6 turnovers gave you fits after?

Yes most definitely just a few miss understandings but going back to watch the video and correct that for next game.

You next play the Lowen. They won the first game in a shoot out and three guys combined for almost 90 points. What will be key for winning?

Key for us is just taking care of the ball and hitting shots and having a full rotation on gameday, with that we will be good.

Thanks John for the chat.

Waking up on a Monday morning can already be a tough task for anyone, but how difficult can it be checking all the relevant box scores from a basketball weekend. You could really spend hours checking every league in Europe, but even if it’s only in Germany, that can take a very long time as well as there are so many leagues. I know I miss many box scores and that became even more relevant as on Monday morning my buddy Joe Asberry who never met a rim he didn’t fancy sent me a box score saying that Drew had an amazing game. My first thought was Drew who? I don’t remember many players with the name Drew that I had dealings with in Germany in the last 20 years. Actually there was one dude named Drew Williamson, but he was retired. At closer inspection of the stat sheet I saw a name that I remembered very well. Andrew Jones (191-SG-1983, college: Miles). Wait a minute Andrew Jones who was a walking bucket for the Dreden Titans six years ago? That was the correct one. I actually thought he had been retired, but supposedly he wasn’t. He had plastered ASC Goettingen in the Regionalliga for an incredible 45 points and 10 three’s. I remember him last playing for the Niners Chemnitz in 2017 and figured he had retired. But no he hadn’t he was still around. ‘I never retired, I just changed to a different style of basketball in 3×3. It was a great opportunity to play and stay in shape. I think the first covid lockdown did it for me. To be restricted from doing everything, changed my mindset. I told myself if I had the opportunity to play 5×5 again I would take it. The past 4 years I worked as a basketball skills trainer. I run a-lot of basketball programs and camps here in Dresden. Early in the season, Koenig Wusterhausen had a few players out with corona. My coach Michael Opitz reached out to me about helping out. I wanted to play until January but I decided to continue for the rest of the season. The good feeling of playing again grew every week’, stressed Andrew Jones.

Jones is a 38 year old 191cm guard playing in his 10th season is a player that I have enjoyed interviewing over the years. When we recently spoke I had to put him on the spot to guess how many interviews we had done. He had no clue, but he knew it had too many. He was totally right. From 2013-2017, it had been 15 interviews. He definitely never said no and I appreciated his zeal for my never short questions. It was obvious that scoring 45 points in the Regionalliga is news. Even a Ricky Easterling who has been the king of the league for more than a decade might have gotten a little jealous after reading that box score. Jones had played in the Regionalliga for Aschersleben, but also had three very productive seasons in the Pro B with the Dresden Titans where he had played 76 games and averaged 18 and 17 points in two seasons definitely knew how to put the ball in the hoop. He scored in double figures in 54 of 76 Pro B games including 38 points against Frankfurt and Leipzig. But if you thought that the 45 point explosion was the best in his career your wrong. The American who played college ball at Miles (NCAA2) is so much more than just a prolific scorer. ‘It is the most points I scored in a game here in Europe. I wouldn’t say it was my best game because I had a few rebounds and few assists. One of my best games was when I had 21 points, 14 rebounds, 6 assists and 6 steals back when I played for Dresden. Having an all around game seems more important than scoring many points. But I would score big again if necessary’, stressed Andrew Jones.

The sniper who has Jordan, Lebron, Shaq and Iverson on his personal NBA Mount Rushmore came into the game with a lot of confidence knowing he can go off on them. Coming into the game he had had games of 28 points, 26 points and 25 points and surely wouldn’t have thought he could pull off a 45 point showcase. He actually didn’t have a good feeling when he arrived in the gym. ‘When we came on the court, I saw the basketballs we were playing with and I was not a fan of them. When the game started I shot my first three pointer and it went in. I made the next three in a row and I thought ok, here we go’, stated Andrew Jones. Both teams were shorthanded having only seven guys available. Four of Wusterhausen’s top scorers couldn’t play while ASC Goettingen had four players that averaged in double figures. Statistically they had the advantage. He knew that he had to be extra aggressive and have to pick up the slack for the idle teammates. He knows that being able to hit shots consistently is an art that could allow him to keep playing for a while and has a special routine that allows him to excel at his age. ‘When your younger, you rely off of athleticism. I remember jumping high on my jump shots. Now my lift off the floor is not so high, which gives me more stability in my form. There really is no secret. I try to stay mentally strong, continue to workout and eat healthy. I took some foods out of my eating routine. I don’t eat pork, cow and dairy products. Well, sometimes I need that parmesan cheese’, smiled Andrew Jones. He also never stopped putting in the work in the lab and always is working on perfecting his shot. ‘I usually shoot between 2500 to 3000 three point shots a week. With my shooting machine it takes about 45 mins to get 500 shots off. I think a good shooter will always keep their mechanics and have a skill for making shots’, warned Andrew Jones.

The guard who also gained experience in Spain and Ecuador will turn 39 this year and is playing very well in the Regionalliga. There have been a handful of players like Jones like Rickey Paulding or Ricky Easterling who have played forever. How much longer will he play? ‘I always respect guys who can get it done. Rickey Paulding is definitely player I would have love to have played against. I think the motivation is already there for both of us. I hope Ricky Easterling continues to play, we only got one life. I feel good. At the moment I try to finish the season on a positive note. I will continue to build my skills training and prepare for 3×3 this summer. I can continue playing as long as my body allows it. At the moment, I just enjoy the game’, stressed Andrew Jones. The more he plays, the more opponents he will continue to rack up and over the decade where he has played professionally, he has played with and against many guys. He had no problem naming that one best teammate, but couldn’t find a player other than himself who has been his toughest opponent. ‘I played with many good teammates. But I have to say Ljubisa Markovic as my favorite. He played center on the Aschersleben team with me. He told me to shoot it every time and if I missed he would get the rebound. It’s hard to think about the toughest opponent, I played against so many good players. My toughest opponent was probably myself. My mind was rarely free to enjoy the game and I would put added pressure on myself’, warned Andrew Jones. Recently the incredible and unbelievable feat of 100 points was scored in a German Regionalliga game. Who thought that something like this could be done again after Wilt Chamberlian did it 60 years ago. Paul Braeger did it with his team Vilsbiburg, but it wasn’t without controversy. The opponent Wurzburg had only 5 players and in the second half only 3 players. They played no defense. Vilsbiburg and Braeger got a lot of hate for playing the game. ‘I think he hit 22/34 three pointers. I challenge anybody to go to the nearest basketball court and shoot 34 three pointers and make 22. Jonathan Braeger is in the early years of his career. He is trying to make a name himself. It’s not his fault the team came with 5. As far as the 3 players, I probably would have sat down for being bored. But I’m 38 years old, 26 year old me would probably think differently’, stated Andrew Jones. I hope Andrew Jones will continue to play for many more years. The guy can still play and as long as his shot keeps falling, he will always have a job in the Regionalliga. He may not hit a team for 100 points, but why not shoot for 50 points? That would be an incredible feat in the Regionalliga and something I can see him doing