There are players at age 29 that have played six or seven years of professional basketball, maybe won a few titles and have seen many countries in Europe. Then again there may only be a few other guys that are also 29 and only have a rookie season under their belt, but have had an incredibly moving and rapid life where they could probably write a best selling book about their experiences. One of those guys is Derrick Gordon. He is playing his second professional season in Germany in 2021-2022 for Pro A team Romerstrom Gladiators. He played his rookie season in Cyprus last season. This all sounds like a normal procedure and would be if he was 23 or 24, but he is 29 and has experienced so much in his life before turning professional that he could easily retire tomorrow and just go around the globe doing public speaking about his out of the ordinary life where he would do more than Ok. But he is a professional basketball player and just loves the game and still wants to achieve so much as a player. To put his life in a little nut shell, he had to deal with his twin brother getting into trouble as they were youths, played for three NCAA schools and reached the NCAA tournament with each team, came out in 2014, and dabbled with being a fire fighter and in acting while not playing basketball from 2016-2020. The guy has seen so much in his short life and he most likely must have thought a number of times where he would be today had he made other decisions in his life. His biggest choice in his life was coming out in 2014. It was a time in his life where he was at a cross road in his NCAA career, but choosing to tell the world that he was gay was one that he never regretted. “I truly believe if I didn’t come out I would have been in the NBA right now. But coming out was the best decision I have ever made. Being happy is the most important thing and I didn’t want to live a lie. I always tell people if I could COME OUT everyday I would do so happily and I to help and inspire others to be themselves. It changed my life for the better. Like I said before I don’t have to live a lie. The fact that I’m out and proud and on top am a professional basketball player. There are more positives then negatives. Of course I lost some friends but they weren’t my friends to begin with”, warned Derrick Gordon.

            Derrick Gordon who believes that Lebron James is the greatest player of all-time was born on December 12^th, 1991 in Plainfield, New Jersey. He attended St Patrick High School in Elizabeth, New Jersey. He had a troubled childhood in that he had to witness his twin brother Darryl be married to a life of crime as drugs and shooting a man got him five years in prison while Derrick was in high school and throughout his NCAA career. Darryl was finally released from prison when Derrick was enrolled at the University of Massachusetts (NCAA).The whole experience having to see his brother in prison was very difficult as he always carried a photo of them both and also got a Tattoo made over his heart MBK(my brother´s keeper). On top of all the drama with his twin brother, he also had the insecurity of being gay and trying to deal with it as best as possible. Despite him and Darryl having massive hardships in the past, now in 2021 life is great for both, but he will never forget his youth and college years where life was at times unbearable. “I am very close to my twin brother. We talk all the time. He is basically like my other half. It messed me up mentally when he was in jail but now that he is out and doing much better in his life I’m very happy”, stressed Derrick Gordon. The American began his NCAA career at Western Kentucky University (NCAA) in 2011. He had a very solid freshman year playing 35 games for the Hilltoppers averaging 11.8ppg, 6.7rpg, 2.1apg, FGP: 40.6%, 3PT: 26.6%, FT: 68.9%. He scored in double figures in 21 games and registered 4 double doubles. In his first NCAA game he scored 25 points in a loss against St Joseph´s going 16/18 from the free throw line. He was the best player on the court that day and held his own against future NBA player Langston Gallaway. He reached the NCAA tournament as a freshman and lost against powerhouse Kentucky 81-66 that had a nonending menu of future NBA players with Anthony Davis, Terence Jones, Michael Gilchrist(high school teammate and best friend), Doron Lamb, Darius Miller and Kyle Wiltjer. He held his own scoring 10 points and also remembered vividly which Wild Cat stood out the most to him. “I knew most of those guys were going to the NBA. I felt I could have played much better than I did. But at least if we lost to someone it was to a team that ended up winning the whole thing. Anthony Davis for sure was hands down at that time the best player in college basketball because of his size and what he was able to do”, stated Derrick Gordon. Despite achieving so much in his first year in the NCAA, his future would be elsewhere. “I had a great freshmen year but needed a change and that is how I ended up at UMass Amherst. I knew the sky was the limit and I wanted to prove that”, expressed Derrick Gordon.

            The American who got the best of future NBA player Chris Dunn the two times he faced him in the NCAA then played at the University of Massachusetts (NCAA) from 2013-2015. In his first season at UMass he played 32 games averaging 9.1ppg, 3.5rpg, 2.1apg, 1.4spg, FGP: 47.5%, FT: 52.3%. This was also the peak of his problems that he had with who he was. The whole gay issue was eating at him so seriously that he just didn´t want to hide anymore. He probably could have came out sooner, but he was always waiting for someone else to do it in the NCAA, so he just decided to do it himself. He drew praise from ex NBA player Jason Collins and NFL player Michael Sam for having the courage to come out . “That was a rough year because that was the same time where I was struggling with who I am as a person and it had an impact on my game. Struggling with that was one of the hardest things I went through and that is why I had to come out”, remembered Derrick Gordon. He lost to Tennessee in the second round of the NCAA tournament. In his second season at UMass he played 32 games averaging 9.8ppg, 4.9rpg, 2.7apg, 1.5spg, FGP: 41.8%, 3PT: 8.3%, FT: 73.6%. Despite all that he went through in his two years at UMass, he was very thankful for having an understanding and helpful coach like Derek Kellog. “He was great, was a great mentor for me off the court too and was their every step of the way with my coming out process”, stated Derrick Gordon. In his last year at UMass he scored in double figures in 14 games including 20 points and 17 points in wins over Fordham.

            The American who lists his best teammates of all-time everyone on his Seton Hall team would play one more NCAA season with them and had his biggest achievement winning the Big east tournament. He played 34 games averaging 8.0ppg, 3.3rpg, 1.6apg, 1.0spg, FGP: 44.1%, 3PT: 27.8%, FT: 58.7%. He was teammates with future NBA player Isaiah Whitehead who he remembered as a very special player and had no hard feelings that he went to the big show and he didn´t. “Everyone is different, Isaiah is a great player and I’m a great player. Everyone’s journey is different”, stressed Derrick Gordon. He scored in double figures in 11 games including 15 points in a win over Providence and 14 points in a win over Dartmouth. He reached a third NCAA tournament and bowed out to Gonzaga 68-52 where he contributed 10 points. “I had a solid game but it clearly wasn’t enough. We played in Denver where it was very hard to breathe there which had an impact on us”, remembered Derrick Gordon. Reaching a third NCAA tournament with three different teams is mind boggling and that record still stands today. “It just shows the type of player that I am and what I can bring to a team. A winning mindset and doing whatever it takes”, warned Derrick Gordon. He was very fortunate to have a coach in Kevin Willard that understood his needs on the floor. “He just wanted me to play hard and let everything take care of itself. He knew the type of player I was and the impact that I had on my last two teams so he really just let me play my game”, added Derrick Gordon.

            Usually after a solid NCAA career, the next step for a player will be the NBA or overseas, but Derrick Gordon who last watched the flick The Conjuring 3 The Devil Made Me Do It just didn´t have a one track mind at that moment, but rather wanted to experience different interests. During the summer of 2016 he announced that he was training to become a San Francisco firefighter. However that new dream was short lived as he left firefighter training after only 2 months and did not complete the training. In 2017 he announced that he was going to make another attempt to play basketball professionally. He hired an agent but did not receive any offers. Later that year he went on to pursue acting and writing. He received his first acting job to play Marshawn in an upcoming movie ‘Conundrum: Secrets Among Friends’ to be released in 2018. The firefighting gig and acting gig were short term and short lived, but all in all, he wouldn´t have traded in those experiences for anything in the world. “I went to the firefighter boot camp in San Francisco which was a great experience. But the more I looked at it I just couldn’t see myself doing it long term. But it did seem cool and amazing at the time I will say that. With acting I had a lead role movie coming up that I was preparing for and then the pandemic hit and stopped everything. I was just getting my foot in the door. I did a pilot in NYC for a tv show which was a lot of fun. I will say this you have to love it in order to stay focused and want to continue to keep doing it. But that’s with anything else right?”, expressed Derrick Gordon.

            After not playing organized basketball from 2016-2020, he finally got the playing itching bug again and coming back in 2020 wasn´t that tough, because he never got lazy in those 4 years, but was a regular visitor in the gym. “I’ve always stayed in great shape, I love working out and I did it more once I stopped playing for those 3 years. It was more getting back to basketball shape which is a bit different and the running and sliding, etc. It took me a couple games to find my mojo”, smiled Derrick Gordon. He played his rookie season in 20-21 with BC Apollon Limassol (Cyprus-OPAP Basket League) playing 20 games averaging 12.7ppg, 5.4rpg, 3.0apg, Steals-5(2.0spg), FGP: 44.1%, 3PT: 25.0%, FT: 56.1%. What was really impressive was that for a guy that hadn´t played in four years and had no resume except for the NCAA, was that he was able to land with one of the top agencies in the business with Wasserman. “George David who is my agent and we ran into each other in LA and he knew of my coming out story and stopped me and asked why wasn’t I still playing basketball. Once I did my research on Wasserman I was shocked and pretty impressed to find out how big of an agency they were.  Long story short we both knew the challenges in to getting back into the sport since it was at the time been 3 years since I’ve played basketball. I was able to luck out and get a job offer in Cyprus and played for Apollon Limassol”, said Derrick Gordon Every American who comes over to Europe has a wake up call and for him it was one that many guys struggle with. “Being a single guy and away from family and friends was the hardest thing for me. You miss out on birthdays, Thanksgiving, and Christmas. It can be rough but it comes with playing professional basketball in Europe”, commented Derrick Gordon. He scored in double figures in 14 games including a 23 point and 20 point games in loses to E.N. Paralimni. For a guy who had been away from competitive ball for 4 years, he definitely had no adjustment period in Cyprus. “I was able to catch on to the style of play there, which didn’t take long. I was more focused on getting back to how I use to play since I took 3 years off. I am curious as to how different it will be once I’m in Germany”, stressed Derrick Gordon. He was also very fortunate to have had some real down to earth veterans on the team with ex NBA player Joey Dorsey and American Jeff Allen who were always there for him. “Joey Dorsey and Jeff Allen both kind of took me under their wing and told me things to expect and how to get through things mentally which I’m very grateful for them doing that”, said Derrick Gordon. One also can´t forget that not only was he able to adapt to basketball after four years off, but he also had no real adjustment time having to deal with COVID as he profited it from it in many ways. “I’m a pretty low key guy so I can be a bit of a home body. I don’t need to be out and about all of the time, my health is the most important thing. When not playing basketball it was a lot of movies and video games that kept me busy. I would say it for sure made me stronger mentally. I’ve been dealing with Anxiety for 2 years now so just keeping myself busy was the most important thing. It made me stronger to stay safe and put my health #1 over everything else”, warned Derrick Gordon.

            Let´s fast forward to 2021 as Derrick Gordon who hasn´t seen the sequel to Coming To America as he is more of a Scary Movie guy is playing his second professional season in Germany with Trier. After a solid season in Cyprus, he didn´t waste any time finding a new team so he wouldn´t have to be worrying in July about where he would be playing. “I´m extremely grateful and thankful. I have such an amazing agent and I´m glad to sign very early. It takes a lot of stress away and I can have a relaxing summer and focus on just working out and getting ready for the upcoming season”, added Derrick Gordon. He also found out rapidly that playing with the Romerstrom Gladiators was a no brainer. “Playing in Germany was always a dream country of mine. The fact that I can play basketball there and experience Germany as well is a dream come true. Talking with Coach Marco Van Den Berg and what he wanted from me as a player and to bring to the team I wanted the same thing. It’s a great opportunity for me as a player and continue to grow”, stated Derick Gordon. He feels no pressure to have to prove himself again and knows exactly what is on his agenda this season with the Romerstrom Gladiators. “I feel after not playing basketball for 3 years and having a decent season I would say isn’t bad. But I have so much more in the tank and what I’m truly capable of doing on the court which I will focus on this summer. I do have personal goals but the main goal for me is to win a championship, that’s what matters the most”, warned Derrick Gordon. When you watch film on him, it quickly becomes apparent that his game resembles that of Russell Westbrook. “I can do a little bit of everything. Shooting, driving, getting my teammates involved. It’s so much that I am ready to show with my game. There are some other comparisons I believe in my game but I will let everyone else decide once they see me play”, said Derrick Gordon. He has a motor that just goes and has the ability to take over a game on both ends of the court. It will be interesting to see this season just how much of an impact he will have on the defensive end. You can expect fierce battles every night when he is on the court. “Stopping the other team’s best player from scoring is what I enjoy most. I guarded a lot of players in my past like Austin Rivers and Kyrie Irving so I feel I can guard anyone”, warned Derrick Gordon. This summer he had a lot of time to continue to grind in the lab as he worked on all areas of his game to become the total package and a guy that can do it all on the offensive end. One thing is for sure, if there is ever a very boring and dull moment in a Gladiators 9 hour bus ride to Rostock, Derrick Gordon will be able to tell enough eye opening stories about life where he will get the young German players thinking about the meaning of life.

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 spoke to germanhoops.com about basketball.

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

Thanks for having me again. I am currently in Germany, Grevenbroich to be exact,
Down the road from Duesseldorf and Koln. It’s safe to safe basketball is treating me well I have no room to complain.

Basketball life can be so tough. If someone had told you two years ago as you arrived in Grevenbroich that you would play only some games in the next two years what would you have thought?

Well with us having to end our early success last year due to corona with 4 straight wins to start the season, it was tough on us because we were rolling with such good chemistry but with the same focus I believe we can make that happen again this year.

In October 2020 you played against the Lowen, Dorsten and Bonn 2. Because you played only three games, do you remember these games a lot over time?

I remember all 4 games we played last year before the corona shut down and I haven’t missed a beat mentally or physically, when it comes to the game I love, I can pretty much recall anything.

Especially the game against Dorsten was huge where you scored 36 points and grabbed 10 rebounds in a big 114-110 win. Do you remember certain moments of this game?

I remember a tough moment right before we went into the 2nd OT, telling our team that our time is now, let’s seize the moment.

You were on your way to becoming a German Regionalliga star. How do you think today would that season have gone for you had you not been injured and had COVID not come?

Can we say ESPN top 10 plays lol but I know everything happens for a reason so I’m excited about the future and what it holds.

How much do you think does not playing professional games for two seasons effect a player’s game? How does not having the competitive games hurt a player’s development?

It hurts a lot of talented players who are gifted beyond measure but can’t play at the highest level because of ‘politics’ there are many players across the entire nation who can compete and hold there own against BBL, pro A, even the NBA and other top leagues in the world but people let little things like ‘politics’ and ‘playing games’ standing in the way of that particular success route. I believe if a player shows that they can play and compete at a high level, they should be given the chance to show it no matter what league it is. Personally I’ve been on the negative side of politics just because like you said people want to see you play games but I feel I’ve proven myself time in and time out to be at one of the highest leagues in any country, I don’t sit on the couch waiting for a phone call, with or without playing games I work hard every single day to get better so I’m ready for that moment when it comes

How did COVID effect you the most in the last two years? What was the most challenging thing for you on and off the court?

Covid affected my team last year because like I said we were on such a hot streak as far as winning goes but at the same time I just used it as motivation to get better and make sure I was ready for the next season.

With all that you experienced during COVID how do you feel did it make you stronger as a man?

Covid taught me to live in the moment, never take anything for granted and remove all probable situations out of my life, for example once I took the should of, could of, would of out of my daily routine, I could feel myself getting better mentally and physically. Covid taught me that instead of talking about what you should do just stop talking about it and actually be about it.

Did you have contact to your teammates like Moritz Krume or Jonathan Coles or other guys during the Pandemic? Did it sometimes help to talk about things during the hard times?

Yes those guys were along the same lines with me to get better and it really was messed up we couldn’t continue together but they seem to be in good spirits, really proud of those guys.

In those four games you played against talented American guys like Jeremy Lewis, Lavon Hightower and Mark Gordon. How much do you miss the battles against players like these?

I miss it like it crazy. Sometimes it’s hard to sleep not playing because that’s the release of energy you get when playing against top players in the league, they also bring the best out of me as a competitor which makes me better in the long run.

You had a lot of time to grind and work on your craft in the lab. Did you try to do things differently with the time you had that you may not have done had COVID not hit in terms of certain drills not to let the whole training get monotonous after one and a half years.

You can quote me on this: I will NEVER stop getting better, no matter what’s going on outside Covid taught me to grind without excuses and get better EVERY single day and yes this was different I worked smarter, got faster, more flexible, and stronger in my lower center of gravity, I took what Covid meant to corrupt and used it as correction to better myself for the future.

Did you work on certain area’s of your game or did you grind on all parts? Talk a little about the type of work outs you had in the last year and a half?

My workout consisted of starting on the track getting faster getting my takeoff stronger getting my takeoff more consistent making my lateral movement more durable creating a better vertical jump also a quicker vertical jump I also worked on my shot being more consistent at the three-point line defensively keeping people out of the paint also making sure that I worked to a certain level everyday and I didn’t take days off. Most people take vacations to relax, I only took vacations this past summer to grind in a different area codes. No matter how many games I’ve played on paper, I know for a fact I can perform at any level in any league, against any players. I’ve most definitely put the work to do so and say so.

Were you able to practice with other players? And if so were you able to match up against high level guys from the NBA?

Yes indeed, where I’m from everybody is a high level guy and there are a lot of current and former NBA players that I went against everyday, this is another reason I know for a fact I can perform at a high level.

How much are you looking forward to playing with Grevenbroich again? How does the roster look like this season?

The roster is looking excellent and I’m ready to play now more than ever I feel like people are waiting for me to play games which is how it goes but like I stated previously no matter how many games played on paper, I’m always ready to compete and win at a high level in real life.

I expect that you will probably have the same role the last two years ago as the go to guy. Do you feel even more motivated to tear up the league after not playing for so long?

I haven’t been this furious to win and tear up the league ever in my life, I feel like it’s now or NEVER and I’m beyond ready!!!!

Did your chip grow on your shoulder even more over the past two years? How heavy is your chip at the moment?

It’s so heavy it weighs me down at night when it’s time to sleep, I’m just ready to get out on the floor and show people I can perform no matter where I’m the world I am.

Did you watch the 2021 NBA finals. Should one call Chris Paul a chocker? Four times his team led 2-0 in the playoffs in his career and he couldn’t get the series win.

As you get older you understand more and more about basketball and see how people react to winning, I believe he will get his ring before it’s all said and done

Has there been a worse free agency for a player the way Dennis Schroeder went from getting a four year 80 million deal with the Lakers to only 6 million from the Celtics?

I’m sure he and his representatives did what was necessary for the best situation in his regards. We don’t know everything as spectators and there is always 2 sides to every story

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

Not really sure the purpose but I feel it was great entertainment and a good storyline to keep the first movie apart of history.

Thanks John for the chat.

Every August if your strolling around the shopping mall at Nordwest center where Basketball City Mainhatten is where the Fraport Skyliners train, then there is a very good chance you might bump into Skyliner legend and identity figure Quantez Robertson (188-G-84, college: Auburn, agency: Interperformances). The athletic guard just keeps coming back every late summer and the 2004 BBL champion Fraport Skyliners are more than thrilled that he has never wanted to wear another jersey. Entering the BCM training facility for the first time for Quantez Robertson was in September 2009 and for him it seems like it was yesterday as he had no problems remembering specific events that happened those first few weeks when he was a member of the then Deutsche Bank Skyliners. Back then there was probably absolute no one that could have predicted Tez staying so long in Frankfurt except for maybe Turkish head coach Murat Didin who was running the Frankfurt ship then and was instrumental in the Ohio native coming to Frankfurt. I personally remember seeing Tez for the first time in the BCM sitting in the lower stands and being very shy. Boy would that shy persona never become evident on the court. He actually had a short term contract of only three months which then was prolonged during the season until the end. Tez remembers that first week as if it was yesterday. ‘I remember Frankfurt playing Maccabi Tel Aviv, but I didn’t play. We then traveled to Strasburg, France where I played my first game. A week later the season started. I over packed. I brought a lot of bags not knowing how long I would stay. It was cold and I had shorts on. The team was looking for a combo guard. Aubrey Reese put in a good word for me and the rest is history , smiled Quantez Robertson. One teammate that he will never forget is Derrick ‘Mr Ballerina’ Allen. Right away he got an introduction to what work ethic and energy was really all about. ‘D.A really took care of his body. He was always running and never got tired. He rarely took water breaks. He didn’t only run all day, but also talked all day. He was always telling us what to do and also got on us when we messed up. It was always a challenge defending him on ball screens, because he was so quick. He got so many open slips for easy lay ups’, remembered Quantez Robertson. Very rarely does a player not take himself in a one on one. Even now 12 years after being teammates with Derrick Allen and having battled him more than a dozen times as opponents, he would still take himself, but it won’t be a one sided game against the retired player who is now coaching Rasta Vechta. Of course I would win, but it would be a very close game’, smiles Quantez Robertson.

Quantez Robertson is in his 13th training camp and so far the Fraport Skyliners have left a fine impression about how the team could function properly this season. They beat teams like Bochum and Giessen, but then also lost to Heidelberg and Wurzburg. One can’t expect wins to be served on a golden platter, but one thing that one has noticed that defensively the team isn’t allowing a lot of points even if defensive specialist Quantez Robertson isn’t satisfied yet with the defensive qualities. ‘We are still getting used to how to play with each other. We are also still looking for our spots, but we are coming together. We aren’t talking on defense yet the way we did before, but that will come with familiarity. We have a lot of size so it looks like we will play inside more. Coach wants us to shrink the court’, added Quantez Robertson. The philosophy of new Spanish head coach Diego Ocampo isn’t only to develop a fine line on the defensive end, but also other things and the athletic freak is like an extended arm of the coach on the court. ‘Coach wants us to always get out on transition and try to get easy baskets. He likes that up tempo style and wants us to get the easiest shot in the first 8 seconds. If that doesn’t happen then set something up in the half court offense. Our bigs have been rotating well and playing well on the pick and roll defense. I try to relay what he wants on the court. But in general he wants us to call our own plays and just play’, warned Quantez Robertson. The Fraport Skyliners haven’t made the playoffs for a few years now, but when your Quantez Robertson you want to make the playoffs every year. ‘Reaching the playoffs isn’t a stretch. We need to fight each game. It hurts that we lost Bruno Vrcic, but I still think we are deeper with our German players than other years. If we can execute our game plan and play hard, I feel like there could be a good chance of reaching the playoffs’, stated Quantez Robertson.

Like every new season players come and go and this off season with a new head coach brought in, the organization did a house cleaning. The only key players to remain were Quantez Robertson, Rasheed Moore, Len Schoormann, Richard Freudenberg and Bruno Vrcic. The last missing puzzle piece was sharp shooter and ex NBA player Reggie Hearn. It will be interesting if he can become that first scoring option the way Matt Mobley was last season. It may not be easy at first as he played his whole career in the G-League and the Skyliners are his first team overseas. ‘He is very strong and gives us another big wing. He isn’t just a good shooter, but can also play defense. He is a great scorer. If he becomes that first scoring option depends how we start off games and if coach wants that’, explained Quantez Robertson. The last few years, the big man game wasn’t as in force with the Fraport Skyliners, but that should change this season. With rookie ex Purdue (NCAA) 221cm center Matt Haarms, and raw 206cm player Brooks DeBisshop, the team have some interesting talent. It will be interesting to see how Diego Ocampo can shape them into solid easyCredit BBL players. ‘Haarms and Debisshop obviously still need to get used to the physicality of the BBL, but they are getting there. They are doing a good job hedging out another thing that they haven’t been used to. Haarms does a good job passing out of the pick and roll and DeBisshop is rotating well and is tough and will take that elbow to the chest. He has said that he doesn’t only want to be the best rebounder on the team, but also in the league. He has rebounded very well so far’, warned Quantez Robertson. Another very interesting player to watch is young German Lorenz Brenneke that grew up in the Alba Berlin system. He is a guy that won the NBBL title with guys like Franz Wagner, Malte Delow and Jonas Mattissek and has been around great talent his whole life. He is another guy that will probably get extended Pro B minutes, but also should be able to slip into the BBL rotation. ‘He could play at the position four or even at the three. He has been playing against Rasheed Moore a lot in practice. It will always depend how big we play. He is strong and bangs on the block and can defend’, added Quantez Robertson.

One thing that the Fraport Skyliners have seldom lacked in the last ten years has been having talented point guards that have been successful in a Frankfurt jersey, Guys like Dashaun Wood, Justin Coobs and Jordan Theodore left their mark for the Fraport Skyliners. But what kind of fate will new point guard Donovan Donaldson have? He has had solid professional seasons, but in lower leagues. The easyCredit BBL is a step up and it will be interesting how well he can play and how rapidly he will get adjusted to the speed, physicality and competition? ‘I believe that he can make the next step. He isn’t a straight up point guard. He can score very well, but he needs to take that playmaking role first and then look for his shot. There will be times when he will have to score right away. He can shoot the ball very well off the pick and roll’, warned Quantez Robertson. It will also be interesting to see how some of the other German players do. Len Schoormann is looking to make another step this season and looks a tad stronger, while 2021 German Olympian Lukas Wank is looking to have an important role and with the injury to Bruno Vrcic, his role will be bigger while for Alex Richardson his time may still be a little too early to break into the big man rotation. ‘Len has been shooting the ball lights out in pre season. You can tell that he has been working on his shot a lot. He will be more of a back up point guard, but coach wants him to play shooting guard. I really like how calm Lukas is in certain situations. He doesn’t rush getting into plays or getting to the rim. He is a great defender that can guard the positions 1-3. He is versatile and can shoot the ball well. He could possibly be our starting point guard. Alex will play more for Pro B team. But you never know, but he could step in for us if he keeps practicing hard and shows progression’, said Quantez Robertson.

So what kind of a player will we see with Quantez Robertson this season at age 36? Being that impact defender is a given, but he also is looking to be a force on offense and bring even more stability to the team scoring. ‘I want to be more of an offensive threat this season and shoot better’, warned Quantez Robertson. The risk of him getting burned out or getting injured of playing excessive minutes could be cut down this season simply because head coach Diego Ocampo will be subbing in and out as quickly as a John Patrick does with his playing style. ‘I will do whatever it takes to win even if it means playing a lot. But the way coach has had the rotation going, I might not need to play 36 or 35 minutes per game. He wants to keep fresh guys in as much as possible’, stressed Quantez Robertson. Last season under new Hakro Merlins Crailsheim head coach Sebastian Gleim, Tez averaged 32 minutes per contest. That Tez has always wanted to moonlight as a point guard isn’t a secret. So often over his career, he has come in and helped with the playmaking. Last season he dished out 5 assists or more in 8 games including 9 dimes against Chemnitz. Having that passing mentality is something that won’t ebb this season. ‘Being able to find guys and look for the open shot will be beneficial. I think that being able to make good decisions on the pick and roll will also help the team’, added Quantez Robertson. Tez has belonged to the best defenders in the easyCredit BBL his whole career and even at age 36 he can get up and down the court with anyone even the young bucks. When you have been a great defender the way he has, it never gets old annoying offensive players on the floor. ‘You will continue to see me attached to guy’s hips and read the offensive guys eyes on the weak side and continue to rack up steals’, warned Quantez Robertson. I reached Tez on a Tuesday night and he was in good spirits. 9 Hours earlier the German Basketball federation announced that his ex coach Gordon Herbert who he played 8 seasons for was named new German national coach. ‘I was shocked when I heard the news, but at the same time very happy. I sent him a message right away. I believe that he will have success with them. He has coached NBA guys before and I think that he will run the team the way when he helped the Toronto Raptors. I am pretty sure that he will have a different game plan, but he will get the best out of the players’, warned Quantez Robertson. One thing is for sure that Tez won’t be moonlighting for the German national team even if Gordon Herbert wouldn’t of minded it at all. ‘Gordy told me I should of got my German Passport’, laughed Quantez Robertson. It is probably better for the Fraport Skyliners that he doesn’t moonlight, because they need all of Tez’s energy for them this season.

Terrell Harris (191-G-93, college: Georgia Coll., agency: Players Group) is a 27 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 about the 20-21 season.

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

Miles hope all is great, I just returned to South Florida 4 days ago just been enjoying family time and healing my body mentally/physically.

What is the first eatery that you sought out when you landed back in the

I been to a couple places for some hot wings, hard to find those in Germany.

Before we get to basketball, we have to talk a little about COVID-19. You played a whole season with it. What was the most challenging part for you on and off the court?

This entire year was just insane dealing with COVID, we were one of the unluckiest teams this season in the BBl due to COVID. Having to quarantine during the season was tough because you’re entire flow and rhythm was interrupted. It was hard to come back and find your momentum against teams like Ludwigsburg fresh out of quarantine. Off the court it was tough due to not be able to visit cities or go into the city to sit down and relax from time to time just to get your mind of basketball a little.

How highly can one honestly rate the season of the NINNERS Chemnitz with all the COVID drama that the team went through?

On a scale 1-5 I would say 2. Yes we been through COVID a few times but we still had opportunities to make the playoffs. For the club we stayed in the league but in my eyes we underachieved with the talent level we had. A lot of us could’ve played better in stretches including myself. We just didn’t figure it out like I thought we would’ve. We were playing great basketball in February then things went south from there.

Congrats on a solid 12-20 season for the NINNERS Chemnitz. If the season would have had fans, how many games do you feel would the team have won?

Who knows how many games we would’ve won, Chemnitz for sure have some of the best fans but at the end of the day the fans can’t score baskets for you neither play for you. I’m sure a lot of teams felt like they would’ve won more with fans but who knows.

How would you summarize the season. The team started slow and finished slow but had good moments in between. Despite all the problems with COVID how would you summarize the team

This season in my eyes was like a C average C- to me. We had a lot of talent but we didn’t play up to our abilities every night as a whole. COVID didn’t make it any better but that’s still no excuse. I felt like we had the team to make the playoffs. We proved at times we could play with some playoff teams.

The club had some amazing wins like the weekend back to back upsets of Bamberg and Munich and sweeping Hamburg. What do you believe was missing from the team being able to put up more wins?

I wouldn’t say surprising wins. We should’ve beat Bamburg the first game but we lost a close one. Also in Munich we should’ve won but we fouled a shooter up 1 with 5 seconds to go also with fouls to give. I also felt like we just matched up against Hamburg very well and it showed. We tend to play to our competition for the most part, the focus was there more when we knew Hamburg and a team like Munich was in the building. We would play against Munich and Hamburg with fight then go on the road and lose by 20 to Vechta. I still don’t understand that.

How do you feel did head coach Rodrigo Pastore make another step as a head coach with his first season in the easyCredit BBL?

Coach Rod was growing like all of us in BBL, it was his first year so I’m sure experience will be his teacher moving forward. He handled the first year ok, I’m sure it’s somethings he thought he could’ve did better, it was a learning process for all of us.

How much of a pleasure was it balling with ex NBA player George King? He also had a very friendly character. What did you learn from him on the court and how did his positive self impress you most?

George is a very good player who is talented. He has a NBA body, athleticism, and he’s probably the best shooter I played with. When he gets hot he can score in bunches. He took some time to adjust to the Chemnitz offense but after a while we learned we have to let G be himself and he had some big games for us. He’s even a better person off the court. Always on time, the first one to the gym before everybody and he was a very funny person off the court filled with positive energy.

Isaiah Mike had a very solid season and continues to make strides. How do you feel did the BBL help his game grow most?

Isiah is a special talent. He can really play. He was basically a senior in college playing first division in Germany. He for sure held his own. He’s NBA athletic, can shoot the three, and play multiple positions. He was a vital part to our team. The sky is the limit for him. Someone will be lucky to have him.

Ex NBA player Marcus Thornton left the club with unending amazing memories. Did you cringe at his shot Technik at the first day of practice or did you know right away that he would be special?

I didn’t pay too much attention to his shot as long as it went in I could careless. Marcus is a great guy off the court. One of the coolest and chill teammates I ever been around. He’s for sure one of the best scorers I ever played with. He’s pretty much unguardable one on one. When he’s hitting his shot you can forget about it. Someone will be lucky to have him next year, he saved us a lot this season. He didn’t get enough credit for that.

What young German player do you feel made another huge step this seasn and was most improved?

We didn’t really have any young Germans all these guys are of age now. Nick and Jonas had very solid seasons for us.

Let’s talk about your game. You averaged 11,4ppg, 3,3rpg and 3,9apg in your first full BBL season. How content were you with your season?

I was just ok/average in my eyes. I know that I could’ve done better. I have big expectations on myself.BBLfor sure taught me some things that I will work on this summer to come back better next year.

You have improved many things as a player the last four years like rebounding and playmaking as well as outside shooting. How do you feel did the easyCredit BBL’s intensity and skill level help you become more of a versatile player?

The BBL just makes you think faster and have a plan B, the IQ level stands out the most because veterans guys just know how to play. Pro A was easy so I just blew by people with speed, ending the season last year I knew I had to work on my 3 ball because the physicality and IQ at the BBL level would make it harder for me to get to the the rim. At the guard position in the BBL to be successful I think you have to be able to play make and hit shots to be successful.

Last season you said that playmaking and knowing when to score and when to create improved. What do you feel improved most this season in the BBL?

I felt like I improved my shooting more. The best I shot the ball my entire career. I was a deadly midrange shooter and get to the basket type of guy but now I opened up my range. I’m very excited to have this summer to put it all together now.

You shot a crazy 48% from outside. The best in your college and professional career. Was there anything else that can be credited to this huge step besides repetitions and shot selection?

I honestly only worked on my 3 ball last summer and finishing at the rim. Next year I will continue to get up more attempts per game.

You had solid games in the big wins over Bamberg and Munich, but was your 18/11 game in the exciting 98-97 most memorable personal game of the season?

The most memorable game for me was home vs Munich 4th quarter I scored 8 straight with 4 minutes to go and DJ finished them off with a buzzer beater. I say most memorable because we had to be separated with 6 mins to go in the 4th. They were up 12 and started to talk a lot. Then things turned around quick.

Who was the toughest BBL guard that you battled against this season?

The BBL had a lot of tough guards to battle this year. I like playing against Jaleen since pro A days, vey good player, Bell-Haynes very good player, also Matt Mobley. Those guys were very good offensively.

On what area’s of your game will you be working on most this season to continue to move up the basketball ladder?

We have a full summer if things being open now so I can get back to working on my body like I want to. I want to work on ball handling, my 3 ball as in staying consistent, and getting my first step back and pop back off the dribble.

Many guys have debated Lebron vs Steph in the MVP debate this year. Who should be MVP?

I haven’t kept up with NBA this year. I watch a lot of euro league and eurocup. I can’t really say who deserves the MVP. All those guys are great.

How good is Devin Booker. Where does he rank right now in today’s NBA? Is he only top 10 or top 7? Or is he even better?

D. Booker is very good always been talented he still somewhat young so I’m sure he will get even better. I don’t do the ranking thing because it takes away from all their greatness.

How did you react when you heard Kwame Brown’s words referring to his career and how he was treated by Michael Jordan?

I didn’t hear what Kwame said about Jordan. Just a few things about Gilbert Arenas.

What was the last movie that you saw?

Judas and The Black Messiah. Greta movie you should watch it.

Thanks Terrell for the chat

How often have you heard that well known phrase in Basketball circles “that player just hasn´t been able to make the adjustment to overseas ball yet”. It is one that often happens and at times is as frequent as it for new Americans coming across the Atlantic and getting travel after travel calls. Of course there are also players that come over and have no difficulty like a Rasheed Moore who became a legend in Schwenningen or a Kendale Mccullum who tore up the NCAA 2 with Lewis and then did the same in the German Pro A with Paderborn becoming the third top scorer of the league as a rookie and top assist leader. New wiha Panther David Cohn wants to finally land some long lasting memories in the Pro A as well with his new club in Schwenningen. After an incredible career at William & Mary where he made a prosperous development and put his name in the NCAA record books landing in the very prestigious 50/40/90 group, he came overseas in 2018 with high expectations, but was disappointed in Israel as he was unable to make an impact as he just didn´t get a chance as getting the kind of minutes that he got in the NCAA were as sparse as the kind of dough Dennis Schroeder is getting this season with the Boston Celtics. It is always refreshing to hear positive words coming out of a player´s mouth after having suffering through an uneventful experience, but that just shows the kind of character that David Cohn has. “Of course you always want to play the whole game like in NCAA, it wasn’t easy as any competitor would tell you, I don’t like not playing especially when I know I can help the team and had proven I help the team. I used that as motivation to get better and stay focused on the long term goals of mine, it’s a marathon”. Warned David Cohn. After two tough years in Israel David Cohn´s marathon continues as he is looking for his professional break through with the wiha Panthers.

                David Cohn who lists Utah Jazz player Donovan Mitchell as his toughest foe in the NCAA was born on March 28^th, 1995 in Chicago, Illinois. He began his basketball career at York Community high school. He left his mark there averaging 22/5/5 as a junior and 17/5/3 as a senior and was an all state selection both years. He finished his illustrious career scoring 1,600 points and his best scoring game was netting 47 points. He then commenced his NCAA career at Colorado State in 2013. He played 31 games averaging 3,9ppg and 1,2apg while averaging a solid 15 minutes as a freshman. He scored in double figures in three games including 15 points a piece against Colorado Springs and Prairie View A&M. Even if he was only there for a year, it was a time that still benefited his game. “The Mountain West was a top 5 conference in the country at the time, it was an amazing experience there I loved CSU. I learned more that year than any other, I had learning curves. I had a lot of ups and downs that year like any college freshman. Thankfully I made the right choice to transfer from there to a much better fit and situation at William and Mary”, remembered David Cohn. He then attended William & Mary from 2014-2018 and sat out his first season because of transfer rules. Coming into a new situation and not being able to play at all is never easy, but a majority of players that experience it are always thankful of having done it. For Cohn it was vital especially learning from future Boston Celtic NBA Draft pick and current medi Bayreuth guard Marcus Thornton. “My red shirt year was huge for me, sitting out learning, watching and competing against Marcus was awesome. He taught me a lot, I tried to be a sponge around him. We are much different players but I tried to take what I could from him”, stated David Cohn.

            The American who always has Michael Jordan as the greatest of all-time in his book, because he is a Chicago boy finally got a chance right away at William & Mary in 2015-2016 playing 31 games and averaging 9.6ppg, 3.2rpg, 4.6apg, FGP: 46.4%, 3PT: 37.3%, FT: 83.5%. He scored in double figures in 15 games and had 23 points and 21 points in wins over Delaware and UNC Wilmington. He finished the season very strong scoring in double figures in seven of his last eight games. That season he had the second-best assists per game percentage in the Colonial Athletic Association (4.6), and the third-best free throw shooting percentage (.835). In his junior year he played 31 games again averaging  6.2ppg, 2.6rpg, 4.5apg, FGP: 44.7%, 3PT: 36.5%, FT: 73.1%. He scored in double figures in five games including 18 points in a tough loss against North Carolina Wilmington. He had the fifth-best assists per game percentage in the CAA (4.5). He made a massive jump as a senior playing 30 games averaging 14.5ppg, 3.0rpg, 6.7apg, 1.7spg, FGP: 60.3%, 3PT: 43.6%, FT: 91.2%. He was the top best assist maker in the CAA and was 11th best in the entire NCAA. He also had the best free throw percentage in the CAA (.911; fifth-best in the NCAA), was second-best in steals per game (1.6), and sixth-best 2-point field goal percentage in the CAA (.605). Even many years after, he still has much delight in remembering his time there. “I cant express how much I loved my four years at William and Mary. The coaches and teammates were amazing; I was just comfortable and confident. I played my game and it led to success, everyone bought in to what I brought to the table. It was lots of fun and we won a lot of games. My senior year was a historical year for me individually and as a team, we still have a lot of NCAA records that stand. We always say that is the best offensive team in NCAA history, we scored a lot of points at a really high efficiency”, commented David Cohn.  He scored in double figures in 20 games and hit Charleston for 30 points and netted 26 points twice against Drexel. He had so many memorable games in the NCAA including 25 points against Hofstra, but there is one game that he will never forget. “My senior night and last home game at William and Mary vs College of Charleston who had 3 NBA players on that team I had an excellent game. I had 30 points on 12 shots and 9 assists against them, it was a fantastic environment at Kaplan that day. It was something you dream about as a kid, I wouldn’t trade that for the world”, warned David Cohn.

             In basketball there are so many amazing feats like achieving a rare triple double, or  scoring 50 points, all things that are so difficult to do, but there is something that is even more uncommon. Cohn was the only player in the nation, out of 351 Division I teams, who shot at least 50% from the field (52.9%), 40% on 3-point attempts (42.6%), and 90% in free-throw attempts (91.2%). He is one of only ten NCAA players to have joined the division one men’s basketball’s 50-40-90 club since 1993. “ It is probably my greatest accomplishment as a player. There were over 4,000 division 1 players that year in college basketball and I was the only one to accomplish that feat. Only 8 people since 1993 have done it, so I am in some great company. It was a great year, I am happy that I did it´s something no one can ever take away from me”, stressed David Cohn. His hard work daily as well as battling Matt Milon up and down the court and winning the one on one duels were key for his development at William & Mary, but he wouldn´t be where he is today without the focused guidance from head coach Tony Shaver. “Coach Shaver and his staff Jonathon Holmes, Kotie Kimble and Austin Shaver were awesome. I have great relationships with them to this day. They prepared me in more ways I can even thank them for, Coach Holmes and Kimble really went the extra bit to make sure I was the player they believed I could be”, added David Cohn.  

            The pass first point guard who lists Steph Curry, MJ, LeBron, Dirk and Kobe on his personal NBA Mount Rushmore began his rookie season in 2018-2019 with  Hapoel Eilat (Israel-Winner League) playing 34 games averaging 1.5ppg, 1.4apg. He averaged only 7 minutes per game and really was unable to show his abilities the way he would have liked. He played against many top teams and players including Euroleague power house Maccabi Tel Aviv playing a total of 10 minutes and scoring 3 points in the two games. He battled against some great players like Scottie Wilbekin, Tarick Black and future NBA player Deni Avdija. Even if he didn´t play much he couldn´t have asked for a better experience then getting his feet wet in professional basketball in Israel. “Being in Israel was a heck of an experience, I wish the basketball worked out better there because the country is amazing. We were really good that year losing to Maccabi Tel Aviv in the final four by 1 point. I backed up Avi Ben Chimol who was the league leader in assists like 5/6 seasons in Israel. I feel like I excelled in my role as back up PG, I led the Israeli Premier league in AST/TO ratio at 4/1 and was 3^rd the league in AST per minute. There just was not that much opportunity, but we loved each other as a team and really played well together”, stressed David Cohn. He was also fortunate to discover a very raw Elijath Bryant who would write his own personal Cinderella story only two years later with the Milwaukee Bucks. “I can’t say enough good things about Elijah, we are still very close friends and I was able to go to 7 NBA playoff games of his this year. I am so happy for him, no one deserves it more than him. He works harder than anyone I know and has the mental strength superior to anyone. We had talks back in Eilat about what we hoped our career paths would be, his came to fruition. Again, I am thankful that he is still one of my close friends we have a great relationship that will last a life time, I don’t doubt anything he says”, warned David Cohn. In his second season in Israel he played with  Maccabi Hunter Haifa  (Israel-Winner League) playing 9 games averaging 1.6ppg. His playing time decreased there to 5 minutes per game. He played against Maccabi Tel Aviv again and this time was on the other side playing against his good friend Elijah Bryant and met some other ex NBA players on the floor with Othello Hunter and Quincy Acy. Obviously playing against top competition daily was a plus in his development even if he wasn´t allowed to show it in games. “I got one start that year and played well. I felt, along with other people on the team and in that organization that I should have had a much bigger role on that team. Unfortunately politics and other issues got in the way, it was frustrating but it happens in this business. I learned to keep my head down and work eventually I will get the right opportunity, stay patient it will all workout. I believe in my ability, and that is the most important thing”, stated David Cohn. He also was introduced to ex Boston Celtic James Young´s game daily and couldn´t believe he wasn´t in the NBA anymore. “James is a phenomenal player, and a great guy. We spent a lot of time together that year hanging out and getting dinner and what not. He is a heck of a talent who I think should be in the NBA”, expressed David Cohn.

            After sitting out a season the great free throw shooter who lists Elijah Bryant, Omar Prewitt, Terry Tarpey Nathan Knight and James Young as his best teammates of all-time hopes that three will be a charm in Germany with the wiha Panthers Schwenningen. Of course he is blessed that he has a new opportunity to show case his game even if the last year and a half wasn´t easy with COVID. “COVID was a difficult time for everyone, and it really made me reflect on how precious things were pre-COVID. COVID taught us and me in particular not to take anything for granted because you really miss the daily activities and seeing people that you see all the time. Of course there were a multitude of challenges to face, but thankfully we got through it and excited to move forward. I had amazing people supporting me and I am just thankful to have society return mostly to normalcy and excited to be playing basketball again”, stressed David Cohn. Making the decision wasn´t difficult because there were many positive factors that helped him make his decision. He had heard only good things about the country especially with it´s beauty, but he also had heard about how well respected the easyCredit BBL is and that it belongs to the top leagues in the world and that the Pro A is also a strong league and keeps getting better. It also didn´t hurt that his two ex William & Mary teammates Omar Prewitt and Justin Pierce would also be coming to Germany to play in Bamberg and Ulm. Of course he then had his chat with head coach Alen Velcic and then everything fell into place and clicked. “I had a great conversation with Coach Alen Velcic, my agent and family. This just seemed like the best choice to play in a great league in a great country and have the opportunity to compete for a championship. I’m excited to get started working towards that ultimate goal. Coach Velcic is a great guy who is very passionate about the game and knows his stuff. He seems like an excellent competitor and someone who will coach you 100 percent, 100 percent of the time and wants to win at all costs. I love that and I’m ready to go to war with him”, warned David Cohn. He replaces American point guard Lamonte Beardon who couldn´t full-fill expectations in pre season. It won´t be easy for Cohn to come in late, but he will be prepared. “I’m very excited, I love basketball more than anything. Every time I got to play extended minutes in Israel, I played well. I’m ready to go out there and play my game and make guys around me better and win basketball games”, stressed David Cohn.

What kind of player will fans see with David Cohn who hasn´t seen the sequel to Coming To America, but thinks that the original should have left alone got the most incredible compliment from Alen Velcic on who his game reminds him of. ““That’s very flattering to be compared in the same breathe as Steve Nash, and I really appreciate it. I loved him growing up and really enjoyed watching the high scoring up-tempo style they brought to the league and I have always tried to immolate his style out there. Another player I would compare myself to is Chris Paul. Combining play making with leadership and ultimately scoring the ball when the team needs it”, explained David Cohn. Even if he is that classic playmaker that can also turn on the scoring button, his game also has other strengths. “I have a high motor, I always go-go-go, energizer bunny some people say. But I think my greatest attribute is making others around me better making the right pass at the right time, I take great pride in that. I am a better athlete and defender then people normally give me credit for”, said David Cohn. He won´t only shine on the offensive end, but will also give his two cents plus more on the defensive end that will give hell to opponent guards. “I am a gritty defender who is quick and uses IQ to gain an edge, I have learned a lot as the years have progressed. I intend on being a defender that disrupts the opposing point guard and uses defense to get quick offense for our team”, expressed David Cohn. It will be interesting to see how his game progresses in the Pro A and how well he can lead the wiha Panthers to success. He isn´t hectic about getting better right away, but knows it´s a process. “I think there is always ways to improve and get better, I want to be the best possible version of myself. All around taking it day by day, and addressing the parts of my game that I feel aren’t sharpest and working on them until they’re my strengths”, warned David Cohn. Hearing these type of words should make coach Alen Velcic happy and all David Cohn needs to do now is to keep running as he isn´t anywhere near the finish line yet with the wiha Panthers Schwenningen.

Montrael Scott (191-PG-93, college: PVAMU) is a 28 year old 190cm guard that finished his fifth professional season and second with the EN Baskets Schwelm (Germany-ProB) playing 29 games averaging 16.8ppg, 6.6rpg, Assists-5 (6.5apg), 1.7spg, FGP: 55.3%, 3PT: 25.0%, FT: 85.2%. In his first season with the EN Baskets Schwelm he played 22 games averaging 17.5ppg, 6.0rpg, Assists-1 (7.1apg), 2.3spg, FGP: 57.2%, 3PT: 29.1%, FT: 81.5%. In 2018-2019 he played with the VfL Sparkassenstars Bochum (Germany-ProB) avergaing 15.6ppg, 5.4rpg, 3.8apg, 1.9spg, FGP: 48.5%, 3PT: 33.3%, FT: 72.6%. In 2017-2018 he played with the ETB Wohnbau Baskets Essen (Germany-ProB) playing 27 games Score-3 (18.8ppg), 7.0rpg, Assists-5 (5.6apg), 2.1spg, FGP: 50.9%, 3PT: 35.8%, FT: 72.2%. He played his first two professional seasons in Kosovo for Golden Eagle Ylli (Kosova-SuperLeague) playing 15 games: Score-2 (20.8ppg), 4.7rpg, Assists-2 (5.5apg), Steals-1 (3.6spg), FGP: 54.4%, 3PT: 34.0%, FT: 70.0% and for KB Trepca Mitrovice (Kosovo-SuperLeague) playing 27 games averaging 14.0ppg, 5.7rpg, 4.1apg, 1.0spg, FGP: 60.6%, 3PT: 33.9%, FT: 68.4%;and played 9 Balkan League games averaging 13.6ppg, 4.9rpg, 3.9apg, FGP: 47.0%, 3PT: 33.3%, FT: 78.3%. He began his basketball career with Prairie View A&M (NCAA) in 2011 playing a total of 124 NCAA games and as a senior played 29 games averaging 15.4ppg, 4.3rpg, 1.8apg, 1.4spg, FGP: 50.7%, 3PT: 31.7%, FT: 74.7%. This SUMmer he played with the Metroplex Lightning (PBA). He spoke to germanhoops.com after the 2020-2021 season.

Montrael thanks for talking to germanhoops.com. Where are you and how is basketball life treating you?

I’m back in Dallas now just enjoying the family and friends. Basketball life is treating me well so far.

What was the first eatery that you visited after touching down in Dallas?

First thing I ate was Golden Chick. A chicken spot in Dallas

Before we talk about basketball, I have to ask you about COVID. What was the most challenging thing for you in your second season with COVID?

I think the most challenging thing would have to be not being able to move around how I wanted too. Being on lock down kind of sucked as well.

How can one honestly rate this season with all the drama that went on with COVID? Every team had their problems.

I can rate our season as a blessing in disguise. On a scale of 1-10, I’d rate it as a 8.5. Our team gained so much chemistry with being around each other everyday. Mentally, it was the most challenging for sure.

Congrats on an amazing season and getting to the Pro B semi-finals. How much did it hurt not to reach the final?

Thank you. It hurt me a lot simply because I wanted to make it to finals for my guys. Being one of the leaders of my team, it was my goal to get us to finals. Yet, It didn’t hurt as much as some thought because this season was by far one of the best for me personally but, also for SCHWELM!!!

What kind of emotions did you have when you began the season at 2-3? Was the huge potential then just not used yet?

I mean I had no real emotions because every team has its ups and it’s downs. Have to think, we were still figuring out our chemistry. We never lost hope on what could be and in fact did, turned out to be a HELL OF A SEASON.

How key was it for the end stretch winning against Duesseldorf and Bernau and then beating Itzehoe twice?

HUGE for us because that gave us the confidence we needed to know that we could beat any team we faced. Beating Itzehoe twice is not easy but we managed to stick together and did what we needed to do.

You played Itzehoe tough in the semi-finals but lost. What was missing to beating them?

Hats off to Itzehoe man. I wouldn’t have wanted to battle with any other team than them. If we are being honest, we were just gassed. It was a long season, bodies were banged up and they just had a little more juice left in them to capture the semi finals. My guys and I left everything we had on the court and that’s why we can be happy about the results even if it weren’t the ones we wanted.

How much respect do you have for Itzehoe head coach Pat Elzie who was always able to maneuver his team from adversary and get them on the winners street?

Coach Pat is one of my fav coaches to play against but also one of my favorite people to just know. The things he instills into his guys, is the reason they are always top 4 in Pro B. He just has a thing for winning and it shows every year I’ve played against him and his teams.

What was special about this seasons team that wasn’t there last season?

The team this year were a family. Like I can really talk about this year’s team and just everything that went into being as great as we were. We had a mixture of young/middle/older guys. Most days the young guys pushed us older guys and that’s very rare. So I’d say we actually became more of a FAMILY this season!

Let’s talk about your teammates. You played your second season with Anell Alexis. He continues to make big strides with his game. Last season you stated it was his creating for himself that improved. But how did he make another step in his game this season?

Anell is the type of player that most teams would like on their team. He has the body frame and he can play 3-5 position. This season he took another step in not settling and being more aggressive whether it was drawing fouls or just getting to the basket.

How key were guys Dario Fiorentino and Milen Zavhariev for keeping the team together and just being consistent?

My guys. Love these two man. Dario, with it being his final season, gave us everything he had left in him. Definitely enjoyed my two years with him and was honored to share the court with him for the last time. Milen was probably our best player this season. I say that because most of the nights, he had to guard the best player but also still being able to play on the offensive end like he did. His confidence grew over the summer and it showed this season. He should have been Most Improved Player Of Pro B this year. Whoever gets him next season, they are going to see why!

What steps did you see young German player Marco Hollersbach make? He is a huge German talent and has found his path in the Pro B.

Marco is one of those young guys who has a lot of upside to his game. Coming off a knee injury and playing the way he did was great for his confidence. Next season will be a great year for him I think.

Let’s talk about your game. You averaged 16.8ppg, 6.6rpg, Assists-5 (6.5apg), 1.7spg, FGP: 55.3%, 3PT: 25.0%, FT: 85.2%. Your stats were just a tad down from last season. You played the same amount of minutes per game as last season, but 7 games more. How content were you with your season?

I’m content with my season on how far we made it and the growth I have seen in my game. It was a mentally challenged season for me overall. My numbers were up and down all season but I can live with how I finished out especially leading my team to the semi finals.

I love this quote from you. ‘I’m 10 times better as a point guard. My IQ for the game and getting my teammates the ball is what makes me a natural point’. How do you feel did you make new steps as a point guard with the special brand of teammates’?

I made a huge step from last season when it comes to getting my guys the ball. Also, they’ll tell you Every time I passed them the ball, I told them to shoot it or score. I built the confidence with my teammates through the season and it showed. I knew exactly where each one of my teammates scoring area was on the floor.

On what area’s of your game will you be working on most this summer so you will be prepared to make the next step in the Pro A?

I’m focusing on my strength and my shooting as always. I’m looking to put on at least 10 pounds of muscle this summer. It won’t be easy but I’m up for the task definitely!

Your three pointer continues to be a work in progress. Does your playmaking at times interfere mentally with being able to connect from outside?

It does interfere a lot because I look to get my guys the ball. I’m not afraid to shoot the 3 but often, I never take the shot. Milen was one of the main guys who always was like shoot the ball Monty!

Last summer you focused on working on your three pointer. Will that be the same this summer?

It will be another focus this summer along with just building up my strength plus my finishing at the rim too.

You had super games in all against Itzehoe. What was your favorite?

I’d have to go with the first playoff game at home against them. Me and Falk had a y’all right before tip off. He told me lead the team and keep them composed. Me being a player who often steps up in big games, I had to lead them plus give that confidence.

Who was the toughest player that you battled in the Pro B this season?

As for opposing team, probably Chris Hooper If I’m speaking on my team, David Ewald!

Chris Paul recently passed Magic Johnson for fifth all-time in assists. Where do you rank him with the best point guards all-time despite never having won a ring?

Chris Paul is the best point guard in NBA this year. That’s my opinion. All-Time I’d say he’s top 10!

Where do you see the journey going with Jayson Tatum who recently scored 60 points? Is he a top 10 player in the NBA now?


Jayson Tatum journey we be a great one to witness. He may be top 10 for some people but for me, he’s top 15 for sure!

Dino Radja recently said he couldn’t see Russell Westbrook leading a team in Europe to success. Do you agree?

I mean I don’t think there’s any guy overseas that could put up the numbers he does. I think he could lead a team in Europe but for a championship contender? Heck no! Just wouldn’t work in my eyes

Draymond Green recently said that he is the best defender on the planet. Do you agree?

Uhhh he’s Top 10 for sure but not the best one.

Have you seen the Coming to America sequel? It has had mixed reviews. Shouldn’t they just have left it alone?

For me, it was actually okay. I do think they could’ve made it way more exciting but hey it was something they thought of doing again.

Thanks Montrael for the chat.

Back in the 70’s actor Karl Malden was present in America’s living rooms together with a young Michael Douglas in the classy crime show The Streets Of San Francisco. But Malden wasn’t only handling a gun from time to time, but also flashing an American Express Card in an ad that would last into the late 90’s making it one of the most successful campaigns of all-time. When Malden retired other famous faces like the Who’s Roger Daltry, Steven King and actor Peter Ustinov took over. Malden would utter the famous line ‘Don’t leave home without it’ referring to the American express card as being something that nobody could ever go wrong with. In a way this phrase can be connected to new Telekom Baskets Bonn guard Parker Jackson-Cartwright, but with the only difference that he isn’t boasting the American Express card on the court, but moreover using some very valuable advice that was handed down to him by his brother Miles. Not only does the Parker-Cartwright family have two gifted basketball players, but they also have an older brother J Davey who is an alternative rock singer. Miles is three years older and has three more years of professional experience. He made a name at the University of Pennsylvania (NCAA) giving consistency a new name as he averaged double figures in scoring each season. As a professional he has had success in Germany playing for Hanau and Wurzburg and dominated the Dutch first division in his rookie season. He has found a home in Luxemburg the last three years reaching the league final twice and averaged 21ppg and 6,0apg each season and winning the assist crown each season. Miles knew from an early age that he always had to be a good role model for his younger brother. ‘Even as the older brother to Park, I look up to him. He’s been through a lot but continues to succeed’, warned Miles Jackson-Cartwright in 2017. It is also no secret that Parker really looks up to older brother Miles. Before Parker embarked out on his rookie season in England, it was Miles that gave him the most fitting words where Parker has never left home with out since then. ‘The best advice he gave me was what he told me before my rookie year and it’s stuck with me ever since. He said something along the likes of, ‘From day 1 your team will test you to see if you soft or not.’ Obviously, this is the PG version but it sticks because this game is cutthroat and you have to go in with the right mindset’, warned Parker Jackson-Cartwright (176-PG-95, college: Arizona).

Parker Jackson-Cartwright who lists ex Oakland (NCAA) player Kay Felder as his toughest battle in the NCAA was born on July 12th, 1995 in Los Angeles, California. He played high school ball at Loyola and averaged 14,0ppg, 5,0rpg and 8,0apg as a junior. He couldn’t finish there because of an academic issue, but instead was allowed to finish school at Sierra Canyon school concentrating on his studies and not playing basketball. Despite not playing his senior year, he was still very much sought after from schools and was a four star recruit and chose Arizona over Los Angeles schools UCLA and USC and Washington. He was ranked as the No. 32 overall recruit and No. 5 point guard in his recruiting class by Scout -14. He played at Arizona (NCAA) from 2014-2018 playing a total of 132 games. ‘It’s an very enriching experience being a student-athlete at the Arizona. I improved as a player and man each year I was there’, stated Parker Jackson-Cartwright. He reached the NCAA Elite 8 and a Sweet 16 and won three PAC-12 tournaments. The school had so much talent that it was difficult to believe that they never won it all. ‘Not surprising maybe disappointing. Anything can happen in March that’s why the tournament is globally viewed and loved every year’, said Parker Jackson-Cartwright. He was able to improve his scoring and assists average each season. His first two seasons he played behind future NBA players TJ Mcconnell and Kadeem Allen who he had many battles in practice with, but wouldn’t comment who won more, but he made a significant rise in minutes from 9 to 21. In his freshman year he played 34 games averaging 2,9ppg, 1,4rpg and 1,8apg and scored in double figures in one game where he produced 11 points in a crushing 87-57 rout of USC. In his second year he played 34 games averaging 5.2ppg, 1.6rpg, 3.4apg, FGP: 42.9%, 3PT: 37.5%, FT: 64.9%. He scored in double figures in four games including 16 points in a big 81-75 win over UCLA and 14 points in a 88-76 victory over Boise State.

In his junior year, the guard who last saw Spiral from The Book Of Saw made another jump in minutes averaging 24 minutes while playing 30 games averaging 6.0ppg, 2.4rpg, 4.1apg, 1.2spg, FGP: 44.1%, 3PT: 42.3%, FT: 70.4%. He scored in double figures in six games including a 20 point effort in the 78-59 win over Washington State. He also produced a solid 15 points and 11 dimes in a 71-55 victory over N Colorado. In the summer of 2017 before his senior year Arizona did a team trip to Barcelona, Spain and he was only feet away from the tragic Barcelona attacks as he fled into a store and escaped unharmed. This scary encounter is an experience that still affects him today. ‘Digesting it in the moment was fine it’s the trauma that comes with it’, warned Parker Jackson-Cartwright. In his senior year his minutes rose again to 32 and he played 34 games averaging 7.9ppg, 2.4rpg, 4.5apg, 1.4spg, FGP: 47.1%, 3PT: 40.7%, FT: 75.9%. He scored in double figures in 13 games including scoring a career high 19 points in a 94-82 win over Utah and 14 points in victories over California and Colorado. He played with so much talent at Arizona (NCAA) and future NBA players like TJ Mcconnell, Rondae Hollis-Jefferson, Stanley Johnson, Alonzo Trier, Kadeem Allen, Rawle Alkins, Kobi Simmons, Lauri Markkanen, and Deandre Ayton that he could probably write a very entertaining book. It wasn’t hard figuring out that each player affected him in a special way. ‘TJ McConnell, Alonzo Trier, Kadeem Allen, and Lauri Markkanen affected me the most, but I’d say, all impacted me in some way’, warned Parker Jackson-Cartwright. Not only did these wonderful talented players have a big impact on him in his four years, but so did head coach Sean Miller. ‘Sean Miller gave me tools and knowledge that I utilize until this day. He groomed me to have a certain toughness and grit, chip on my shoulder in being successful at the professional level’, stressed Parker Jackson-Cartwright.

The California native who lists Jordan, Lebron, Kobe, and Magic in his personal NBA Mount Rushmore and gives Steve Nash honorable mention because he’s his favorite player ever was drafted by the Raptors 905 (G-League) in the second round at #25. He was cut due to a leg injury which cut his season short. He signed late in his rookie season with the Westchester Knicks (NBA G League) and played only two games. That rookie season was really eye opening, but he never ever lost faith in the basketball process and of course always had brother Miles’s advice in the back of his mind. ‘That year was tough. My faith was tested more so than any other year in my life. At first, I had doubts and thoughts of giving up but then something clicked within. From being cut twice that rookie season dealing with a significant injury, I dug deep and learned that I needed to believe within to win’, stressed Parker Jackson-Cartwright. In his second professional season he made the trek overseas and landed in the United Kingdom with the Cheshire Phoenix (United Kingdom-BBL). His wake up call to being overseas was driving that first time on the opposite side of the road. On the court, he needed no real adjustment period as he averaged 20.0ppg, 5.2rpg, Assists-3 (7.5apg), Steals-1 (3.7spg), FGP: 50.9%, 3PT: 38.0%, FT: 75.8%. He demonstrated in the UK that he could be a scoring machine as he struck Bristol for 31 points, Glasgow for 28 points and Leicester for 26 points. In his third professional season he played for Saint-Quentin Basket-Ball (France-Pro B) and made another step in a higher league playing 33 games averaging 15.6ppg, 3.2rpg, Assists-1 (7.1apg), Steals-1 (2.4spg), FGP: 52.9%, 3PT: 35.7%, FT: 77.1%. ‘I grew a lot from where I was at the start to who I was at the end. I put in many hours during the season to get the Pro B level and I’m proud to have seen that work pay off’, remembered Parker Jackson-Cartwright. But being able to grow with his game wasn’t easy as he didn’t witness normal conditions, but had to deal with COVID for a whole season. ‘I think my biggest challenge on the court was the adjustment of play styles, physicality. The English league was different from France, in that, I had to play at a higher level psychically whilst asserting my quickness. Off the court, I can say it was adjustment as well. I mean, this is the first situation in my life where I was predominantly around non-English speakers so that was challenging. Nonetheless, the experience of it all was great’, commented Parker Jackson-Cartwright. But off the court, he was also able to grow seeing how a different culture reacts to the pandemic. ‘COVID-19 was sort of like a blessing in a disguise for me. Dealing with the pandemic while living on my own, uncomfortably forced me to evolve and mature’, said Parker Jackson-Cartwright. He also remembered getting very many of his dimes to ex Fordham (NCAA) stand out Ryan Rhoomes. ‘I enjoyed getting him the ball. As our cohesion on the floor started to blossom, he knew he could count on me finding him and it just became second nature’, expressed Parker Jackson-Cartwright.

The American who didn’t even know that former Arizona (NCAA) great Jason Gardner played with his new team years ago now will start a new challenge in Germany with easyCredit BBL club Telekom Baskets Bonn. The younger Jackson-Cartwright will attempt to make his brother Miles proud as well as starting a new chapter in Germany with a new brother pair. Over the years German basketball fans have seen pairs like Philip and Thomas Scrubb Per und Philip Guenther Bennet and Jannis Hundt Jacob and Justus Hollatz David Stockton and Michael Stockton, Jacob and Johannes Patrick, Chris Babb, and Nick Weiler-Babb, TJ DiLeo and Max DiLeo David and Jonas Falkenstein, Fabian and Timo Thuelig and Jan and Gotz Rhodewald. Before signing on the dotted line for the Telekom Baskets Bonn, it was only fitting that he would ask his brother Miles again for the right advice. ‘All of his accounts from his time in Germany really helped me in making my decision. He knows the country and league well so hearing his experiences, trials and tribulations, during his German tenure was very beneficial for me’, added Parker Jackson-Cartwright. He will play for one of the most underrated as well as best up and coming coaches in Europe with Tuomas Iisalo who made the Hakro Merlins Crailsheim from an unknown club into a household name in Germany in a span of only two years. ‘ His overall genuineness in what he says impressed me the most. I’ve enjoyed our talks and I’m looking forward to building a relationship this season’, warned Parker Jackson-Cartwright. Tuomas Iisalo has had a keen nose for stealing off the radar point guards and making them better. In the last two years he had the right feeling with Dewayne Russell and Canadian Trae Bell- Haynes who recently made the Canadian Olympic team where 10 of 12 players are NBA players and this season will play in Europe’s best league ACB. ‘It’s significant that he’s been able to elevate PG’s to a high level. Continual growth, at all cost, is always a positive in my eyes. It’s comforting to be playing for a coach who can help me reach my max potential’, stressed Parker Jackson-Cartwright. It won’t be a cake walk on the court for him. He is coming from the French Pro B which is below the easyCredit BBL, plus he also knows the legacy that Jason Gardner has had as he led the team to a sixth place finish in 2006-2007. The last Arizona point guard to play in Bonn was Nick Wise who couldn’t fulfill the expectations to a 13th place finish in 2010-2011. ‘It will be challenging. I feel, in year 3, I’m ready to take this step and built for this setting. I don’t go into any year with any personal, concrete goals. I just want to get better each day’, stressed Parker Jackson-Cartwright.

So what kind of player will we see with Parker Jackson-Cartwright who believes that Lebron James is the greatest player that he has ever seen? Fans will have to make their own comparisons to what NBA player his game is similar to, because he doesn’t feel like he plays like anyone else, but only like himself. He has shown as a professional player that he can be a potent scorer, but he is even a more lethal assist maker. Setting up his teammates has become his trade mark as a point guard overseas. ‘I love dishing. I’ve always done a good job finding guys and it’s rewarding to see a teammate score from a pass I’ve made’, smiled Parker Jackson-Cartwright. But just as great of a dime maker he is, he is just as good of a defender if not better as he led the leagues in England and France in steals. On account of his size, he makes the extra effort to prove all doubters wrong. ‘I take much pride in being a good defender. We often get labeled as being average to mediocre defenders because of our stature so I like taking the challenge in stopping guys. The next step, for me, in being a better defender is being more aware of the ball’, warned Parker Jackson-Cartwright. In order to be an impact player in the easyCredit BBL, he knows exactly in what areas of his game he needs to improve so he can make a difference for the Telekom Baskets Bonn in the BBL. ‘The middle game, free throws, and extending my range is what I’m working on the most heading into this new season. All have to improve to be successful’, warned Jackson Parker-Cartwright. It will be an important season for the Telekom Baskets Bonn as they want to make their sponsors and fans happy again with success. A big key for that happening will be the play of point guard Parker Jackson-Cartwright. So far he has been successful where ever he played in Europe. As long as he has that stellar advice from brother Miles, everything will be ok.

Kai King (182-G-85) is a 35 year old 182cm guard who is still playing professional ball. He last played in Mexico. He also played in countries like Eqatorial Guinea, Kosovo and in Germany. In Germany he played Art Duesseldorf, Marler BC, and FC Schalke. He also sampled experience in the ABA early in his career. Before turning professional he played at Cal State Fullerton. But it isn’t only basketball that he is involved with, but also many other area’s. Especially during COVID, he was able to tackle other areas in life. He is still playing ball in local leagues at home, but most of his time is spent helping the community. germanhoops.com spoke to him about life.

Kai what made you turn to activism? Was this a passion that you always had?

Seeing what happened to George Floyd, seeing what happened to Breonna Taylor and Ahmaud Arbery. Seeing people that look like me killed. I had to use my voice and use my energy to try and make a difference to try and make a change.

Have you experienced racism overseas while playing and if so where and was it like the issues you’ve faced in America?

I haven’t faced racism overseas, I feel quite safe overseas as opposed to being stateside. Overseas the police don’t have guns, people are a bit nicer and more polite. In America I have faced issues at protests and also being racially profiled. You just do the best you can and hope that eventually things will get better.

Through your activism, is there something you would also like to do overseas? Is there a message you want to share with your friends that you’ve played basketball with abroad?

It would be a privilege and a honor. I would love to take the work we’ve done with Stronger Together now abroad. I would love to talk about gender equality. About how you can better the lives of others simply by listening. Basketball is a safe haven, overseas is as well. It would be nice to share with people overseas how were treated. And maybe find ways that we can educate others and create real change.

How has life been without basketball due to covid? Will you play again if an opportunity presents itself and will you take that same message of Black Lives Matter overseas?

Life without basketball has just put things in perspective. Though I love the game, it isn’t forever. I’ve created a non profit organizationwith my co founder Janelle Guerrero. And we’re trying our very best to be a part of the change that we hope to see. I’m spending more time with my family and just trying to find other avenues outside of sports. An if I am allowed to play ball overseas I would love to. And I would definitely share the message of Black Lives Matter with my teammates and the league. It’s important to create solidarity, and important to make sure people understand the inequality in our society.

What types of services does your organization offer?

We have a kids sports bubble. I got the idea from the NBA and other pro sports. We use covid tests weekly and we administer them to kids. And with a negative test we’re able to create a safe and covid free playing environment for the kids. We do this because we think it’s very important. Especially in the developmental years of children to play and interact with other kids. We do things to empower women in the community. To help feed and clothe the homeless. We do backpack give aways, we donate money to other partners that we work with. We try to have our hands in lots of things we find passion in.

How do you see your experience in basketball helping your non profit?

I have been to many different countries Germany being one of them. Spain, England, Ireland, France, Italy, the Netherlands, Norway. Among others, and during my time there, I’ve seen the differences that exist and it’s very unique. No these places aren’t perfect, but just seeing how the lives of others are different in other countries. Mostly through social programs has helped me want to bring these amenities to the states. In other countries people are treated differently. They are looked at differently, the police aren’t armed. And through that a calm and peace is in the hearts and minds of people. My experience abroad will help me better serve my non profit and my community because I know that it’s possible to treat others better. To lend a helping hand, and operate without violence. I’ve seen that first hand abroad.

How do you want to be remembered?

I want to be remembered as a good player but a better person. I know my efforts on the court are important. But I want to be recognized for my efforts off the court even more so. I am a team player, a point guard. And without my teammates on the court I can’t do anything. I learned that by making those around you look good through assists. You can go a very long way, putting those around you first will be instrumental in going forward. I want to be known as a great player but a even better person. That’s my goal and what I want as my legacy.

Thanks Kai for the chat.

Omari Knox (187-SG-86, college: Bloomfield) is a 34 year old 188cm guard from Brooklyn, New York that recently completed his 10th professional season and first with the Ebbecke White Wings Hanau (Germany-ProB) playing 23 games averaging 9.9ppg, 2.4rpg, 1.9apg, 1.0spg, FGP: 43.3%, 3PT: 39.4%, FT: 89.7%. In the 2019-2020 season he played with TSV Oberhaching Tropics Deisenhofen (Germany-ProB) averaging 15.5ppg, 3.6rpg, 2.2apg, FGP: 55.6%, 3PT: 34.6%, FT: 87.5%. He has played his whole professional career in Germany including 2 years with OSB Hellenen Muenchen , one season with the RhenStars Cologne and 4 years with the TSV Dachau Spurs. He played 8 seasons in the Regionalliga and has belonged to the top guards in the league averaging over 20 points 5 times and twice averaged 27,0pp in a season. He began his basketball career at Bloomfield College (NCAA2) and as a senior averaged 18.8ppg, 6.7rpg, 1.7apg, 1.6spg, FGP: 40.1%, 3Pts: 40.1%, FT: 71.8%. He spoke to germanhoops.com after the 20-21 season.

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

Thanks Miles!! I’m currently back home in Munich, enjoying the off-season and watching the NBA Playoffs. I took a few weeks off after the season ended. Slowly starting to get back in shape again now.

If you were to travel back home to the States now which eatery would you seek first?

I’m actually flying back home to the states in a few weeks so I have a bunch of places on the list. I think the first stop will be ‘Soul Food’ (Fried Chicken, Mac n Cheese, etc.)

Before we get to basketball, I have to ask you how you experienced a full season of COVID. What were the biggest challenges for you personally on and off the court?

I was very thankful to still be able to play during a Pandemic. However, this was a long season, mentally. I take my hat off to the league, and all of the teams and players who were able to get through it. Constantly hoping each week that everyone on both teams would test negative, so that you could play the game as scheduled and/or also didn’t have to go into quarantine. I think the toughest part was trying to get yourself back in top shape after having to break for 2 weeks mid-season. This happened multiple times throughout the season.

Obviously the fans were missing, but if you look deeper into the COVID issue how would describe this crazy and unpredictable season? Did it feel like a real basketball season?

It took a while to adjust to playing without fans. You literally could hear all the play calls and instructions for both teams. I think it helped our team to support each other more and make sure we always had energy on the bench. There were definitely times throughout the year when it didn’t feel like we were in season.

The Ebbecke White Wings had a solid season reaching the playoffs. How high can you rank the achievement of the team getting to the post season despite COVID?

This was a special season, that I won’t ever forget. There were many ups and downs. We had a bad start to the season, losing the first 5 games. We had several injuries, and 2 also quarantines. Through it all we not only managed to make the playoffs, but also advanced to the second round. I’m proud of everyone who was a part of this season.

You had a new head coach and didn’t begin the season well. Why was 2020 so tough for the club trying to find an identity on the court? Things got better in 2021 as you went 7-3 going into the playoffs. What improved from your stand point in how the team was performing on the court?

Coach did a good job of establishing our identity early on but the problem was that we were small under the basket missing Joe Eichler for the first few games and didn’t have Mike Acosta yet. We were able to compete with every team early on but would lose in the end because we got killed on the boards. In the second part of the season we had both Mike Acosta and Jo Eichler so we usually won the rebound battle and were able to put together a nice win streak.

What was missing in the playoffs to going farther? You couldn’t get by Bochum.

In the playoffs it was the same problem. We lost both Jo Eichler and Mike Acosta for the season so we were again very thin under the basket. Bochum was loaded with size as well as talent so we played them as tough as we could but didn’t manage to beat them.

What is your season summary for the 20-21 Hanau season? What was your fondest moment from the season?

We had a nice mix of veteran and young talented players who all sacrificed their personal goals for the team. Paired up with the motivated Coach Kamil Piechucki, we as a team took over the persona of the coach. Hungry and outworked most of our opponents even when they may have had more talent. There are so many huge wins that come to mind from this season. My fondest moment from this season has to be the playoff road win in Karlsruhe with the game-winner from Til Joenke.

Let’s talk about your teammates. How much of a pleasure was it playing together with German Till Joscha-Joenke? He is also one of those guys way to good for the Pro B.

It was definitely a pleasure playing with Til. He’s a guy I know I can always go to war with. True competitor and leader.

Please describe how German sniper Felix Hecker is more than a three and D player?

Felix definitely made a huge step forward this season. With all of our injuries throughout the year, he was often forced to play more on the ball and make plays for others. I think he did a great job adjusting to the role.

One guy I really enjoyed watching was young German Justus Peuser. How did you see him grow during the season and how far could his journey go?

Justus is a really tough kid. I enjoyed his growth throughout the season. He embraced the starting point guard role. Like every other young player, he has his ups and downs but whenever he was challenged by coach or an opponent he played up to the challenge. He also works super hard and puts in extra work regularly. I think that will take him a long way. I’m excited for him to get the chance to play Division 1 college basketball in the USA this upcoming season.

Who was the toughest player that you battled in the Pro B with Hanau?

Montrael Scott or Lars Kamp

Let’s talk about your game. You averaged 9.9ppg, 2.4rpg, 1.9apg, 1.0spg, FGP: 43.3%, 3PT: 39.4%, FT: 89.7%. Your stats were down from last season with the Tropics, but you played 13 games more. How was your role different this season?

This season with Hanau, I sacrificed a bit of my own personal scoring to allow the younger guys to develop. In the long run it helped the team to perform much better and made us more dangerous. Opposing teams now had more players that they had to focus on stopping, rather than focusing on just one or two guys.

How content were you with your season. Was it difficult not having that Regionalliga type of role anymore?

It took some getting used to, to adjust to not having the same role of carrying a team all alone. It was truly a learning experience. Things also change the higher the level is, in most cases. As I grow older, I expect that my role going forward on any other team will be not only to help with my scoring/play-making abilities, but also with my experience.

Your turning 35 this year. After your 10th season, how strong do you feel? You stated last season with all the Regionalliga season you saved more energy. What direction is your career going now?

This season with the White Wings was more of the same. I improved at realizing when the team needed me to focus more on other things, rather than my scoring. It also felt good to know that I can still take over a game with my scoring whenever it’s needed. After 10 seasons, I feel pretty good, even after having such a major injury over a year ago. I feel like I still have a few years left in me to play at a high level (whether Pro A or Pro B and I can help any team with what I bring to the table. I would say that I’m now in my Jamal Crawford/ Lou Williams years.

Many guys have debated Lebron vs Steph in the MVP debate this year. Who should be MVP?

Stephen Curry is my MVP

How good is Devin Booker. Where does he rank right now in today’s NBA? Is he only top 10 or top 7? Or is he even better?

Devin Booker is a huge talent. I think he’s just getting scratching the surface with what he can do as a player but still has a ways to go. I would say he’s Top 10.

How did you react when you heard Kwame Brown’s words referring to his career and how he was treated by Michael Jordan?

I actually wasn’t surprised. We all saw how competitive Michael Jordan was as a player, and also as a person, I wouldn’t expect him to be any different as a general manager.

Chris Paul recently passed Magic Johnson for fifth all-time in assists. Where do you rank him with the best point guards all-time despite never having won a ring?

Chris Paul in my opinion will go down as one of the best point guards of all time. Super-talented competitor who makes every team better wherever he’s played. I would have to rank Chris Paul lower than some of those who do already have rings (Isaiah Thomas for example) because he has played on championship caliber teams and never won one.

Where do you see the journey going with Jayson Tatum who recently scored 60 points? Is he a top 10 player in the NBA now?

Jayson Tatum is one of my favorite players to watch at the moment. He’s a guy who has it all. I just hope that he somehow develops that Alpha mentality that Kobe and MJ had. Much easier said than done but attitude, work ethic, determination and pure will, separate many players. I wouldn’t say he’s a top 10 player yet. He still has plenty to prove. No disrespect to a guy like Paul George but those mental aspects of the game separate a Paul George from Lebron James and/or Kevin Durant. Tatum can go either way being a Paul George (who is really good) or, Lebron/KD level which is a once in a generation type of player.

Dino Radja recently said he couldn’t see Russell Westbrook leading a team in Europe to success. Do you agree?

If we are talking Euroleague, then yes I completely agree! In Europe it’s different type of game and Westbrook’s game wouldn’t translate well in the long run.

Draymond Green recently said that he is the best defender on the planet. Do you agree?

Hahahaha no, I don’t agree with that. Really good defender though.

Have you seen the Coming to America sequel? It has had mixed reviews. Shouldn’t they just have left it alone?

I enjoyed the sequel but definitely not better than the original. I guess it’s good for the new generation but they would have to watch both of course.

Thanks Omari for the chat.

                With the basketball dog days of summer over, now the basketball dog days of pre season have arrived as easyCredit BBL teams are getting ready for the upcoming season as best as possible. It isn´t any different for clubs Fraport Skyliners and new league team MLP Academics Heidelberg. Frankfurt was coming off an easy blow out win over Pro A team Astrostras Bochum while Heidelberg had clobbered the Pro A team wiha Panthers. Both teams faced each other for a pre season duel in Frankfurt with many new faces at both ends of the court. But one guy who never goes away and will be able to see his #23 jersey high above in the Fraport arena even in 20 years is Quantez Robertson. He is playing his 13^th season while being one of the identity figures of the league with EWE Baskets legend Rickey Paulding. The identity figure of the MLP Academics is clearly their head coach Serbian Frenki Ignatovic who was still paying his dues in 2007 with TV Langen, but since then was six years with the Kirchheim Knights and now is in his eighth season with the MLP Academics and is clearly the biggest reason together with manager Matthias Lautenschlager why this organization has made such a massive rise in German basketball in the last years. The Fraport Skyliners seemed like they had a 30 man bench as head coach Diego Ocampo had enough players to chose from while the MLP Academics had only a nine man rotation as players Courtney Stockard and their new center were out while Frankfurt was without new American ex NBA player Reggie Heard. The Fraport Skyliners had a great start and held the lead in the first half, but let up severely in the third quarter allowing the guests to get a 10 point lead and then eke out the 63-60 victory. “The effort was very good. We started very well. As soon as we missed shots, our defensive level went down. We began to think too much which hurt our defense. We need to improve our mental strength”, stressed Fraport Skyliner head coach Diego Ocampo. The guests fought until the end and got spirited play from their scoring guards Jordan Geist and Shy Ely who carried the team in tough times. “We played 30 minutes of solid basketball. Frankfurt is always tough and play very physical. We had problems with the physicality at the start. As soon as we settled in, we made it a defensive struggle. We need to cut down on turnovers, but I thought that we did a good job sticking to our defensive principles”, stressed Heidelberg guard Shy Ely.

                The Fraport Skyliners Jumped out all over the MLP Academics taking a rapid 13-2 lead. Frankfurt got on a groove and the offense just continued clicking. Second year forward Rasheed Moore was instrumental netting 7 points showing he can score in bunches and has a fine inside out game. Frankfurt also got a basket from young German Len Schoorman who is continuing to want to make a new step this season. Ex Alba Berlin forward Lorenz Brenneke made a dunk and new Skyliner Donovan Donaldson made a lay in on transition. This was probably Donaldson´s strongest part of the game as he was a true floor general organizing the offense well and always pushing the ball in transition. Frankfurt was able to keep controlling the game and closed out the first quarter strong getting a bucket from 221cm Dutch man Matt Haarms and a trey from Frankfurt identity figure Quantez Robertson who is in his 13^th season with the club. Heidelberg got a basket from German forward Maxi Ugrai and free throws form ex Missouri guard Jordan Geist who couldn´t buy a basket in the first quarter. The MLP Academics had their problems sustaining consistent playmaking and had problems on the boards as they were missing length and physicality down low. The Fraport Skyliners had the comfortable 20-9 advantage after 10 minutes.

                The Fraport Skyliners held the good lead, but it slowly waned away as the guests were able to cut it down to 36-34 at the break. Heidelberg began with a swift 4-0 run as Pro A veteran Albert Kuppe scored on a lay in and flashy Rob Lowery who played with Alba Berlin in 2015-2016 made a lay in on transition cutting Frankfurt´s advantage to 20-14. But Frankfurt then got a burst of offensive production from ex Auburn(NCAA) great Quantez Robertson who scored 5 points to up Frankfurt´s lead to 25-14. Heidelberg picked up their offense in the second quarter and began to execute  a lot better. They surprised Frankfurt going on a 8-0 run to trail only 25-22. In the run the club got vital force from rugged physical 32 year old German Philip Heyden who played his first BBL game in the 2007-2008 season with Alba Berlin. He scored twice in the paint showing he can score with his back to the basket and Shy Ely showed his shooting abilities netting two 20 footers. Frankfurt kept the lead, but just couldn´t shake the MLP Academics as they always had an answer. Frankfurt got good production from new American Brooks DeBisshop who made a runner and Brenneke who scored. But Heidelberg countered with the then usual suspects Heyden connected on a pretty hook shot and Ely dropped a three pointer. Ex Wurzburg forward Brekkot Chapman sunk a three to dead lock the game at 31-31. Frankfurt wasn´t as aggressive anymore and gave the guests more open looks. Heidelberg made wiser decisions and finally hit crucial shots something they couldn´t in the first quarter. Frankfurt tried to close out the second quarter with a swift kick and 5-0 run as Haarms made a dunk and Moore hit a trey, but Quantez Robertson made a bad foul allowing Jordan Geist to sink three free throws with three seconds to go. Frankfurt had the slim 36-34 lead after 20 minutes. “This was a typical pre season game. Both coaches were trying things and both teams had good and bad phases. Frankfurt played well, but couldn´t always use their advantage on the boards”, stated ex Science City Jena assistant coach Steven Claus.

                In the third quarter, it looked like the Fraport Skyliners had just got out of bed. They couldn´t muster any kind of productive offense allowing the MLP Academics to shoot out on a 12-0 run to grab the lead back and have the 46-36 advantage. In the run the guests got important contribution form Jordan Geist who finally got his offense going scoring seven points. The club also got a trey from Shy Ely and Chapman. Frankfurt had massive problems stopping the quick Heidelberg guards on the penetration and were unable to get baskets in the paint. Frankfurt were unsuccessful in their first 9 possessions which allowed Heidelberg to run away with the lead and hold the home team to no points in the first 6 minutes and 45 seconds of the third quarter. Often last season it was Rasheed Moore that would come off the bench and be that spark plug and this time it was the same deal. He came on the court was aggressive and executed on offense with 7 points leading a 12-3 run to tie the game at 49-49. Donaldson also scored as did young German Jordan Samare who gave 4 points and 2 rebounds in 4 minutes. It was apparent to observe that the MLP Academics were getting tired as boasting a 9 man rotation wasn´t easy. Frankfurt couldn´t get the lead back as Shy Ely scored inside giving the guests the 51-49 lead after three quarters. “We played great defense and finished each possession with a rebound. We forced them to turnovers and got out running”, added Shy Ely. “We had too many turnovers and didn´t finish the plays the way we wanted to “, stressed Fraport Skyliner Lukas Wank.

                The Fraport Skyliners  got off to another slow start in the fourth quarter, but rallied again to come back and make the game exciting again. The MLP Academics got out on a quick 8-2 run to extend their lead to 59-51. They got buckets from Heyden who made an easy tap in with no resistance form the Frankfurt bigs, a acrobatic Geist lay in, free throws from Chapman and a 25 footer from Ely while Quantez Robertson used the mismatch and scored inside. The Fraport Skyliners then made a furious come back going on a 9-2 run to cut Heidelberg´s lead to only 61-60. In the run, Frankfurt got back to back crushing two handed dunks from Matt Haarms who was fed each time from German Matthew Meredith who was sporting a new hair dew that had me fooled, because I had to ask a quite surprised Marco Voeller who #77 was . Donaldson who had a slow shooting day going 3/11 took a no look pass from Tez and sunk a three in the corner. Lorenz Brenneke then made a lay in. Frankfurt took advantage of the Heidelberg playing to much hero ball on three consecutive possessions to creep back. German Niklas Wuerzner then made the play of the game tipping a ball away from Donaldson at mid court and getting the lay in and 63-60 lead with 44 seconds to go. Frankfurt then didn´t get the right shot that they wanted as Matt Haarms missed a three. Ely then missed and Frankfurt took advantage of Heidelberg not fouling and had one more chance to take the game into OT, but Moore´s three point attempt went in and out and that was the ball game. “Frankfurt came back and took advantage of mis matches. But we were able to weather the storm and got needed stops and baskets. We should of fouled at the end. They had a good look. We take that as a learning experience”, stated Shy Ely. “We didn´t get the shot we wanted at the end. Moore had a great look. It was so close between going in and out”, stressed Lukas Wank. The MLP Academics were led by Jordan Giest, Shy Ely and Philipp Heyden who had 14 points a piece. The Fraport Skyliners were led by Rasheed Moore with 17 points while Quantez Robertson added 10 points. The MLP Academics shot 41% from the field and 29% form outside and had 34 rebounds and 18 turnovers while the Fraport Skyliners shot 40% form the field and 24% from outside and had 32 rebounds and 19 turnovers.