For the hardcore Jobstairs Giessen 46er fans that were already making annoying noise in the Ost Halle in 2008, they will surely remember a 10 year old kid hanging around the stands watching his dad Florian play. 12 years later Isaiah Hartenstein is a solid NBA role player and gives the Giessen organization some of that NBA flair that they never had before. This season there is some new NBA flair in the Ost Halle with Isaac Hamilton. It isn´t a common thing to have brothers playing in the NBA, but there have been good examples in the last 30-40 years. Some nice current examples are the Spanish Gasol brothers Pau and Marc who gave the NBA a vital European charm that it didn´t really have before and  the Curry´s Steph and Seth who combined are playing their 21ist NBA season. There also have been other fine examples like from the 80´s with the King brothers Bernard who was one of the most lethal scorers and Albert who averaged 12,1ppg in the NBA. There also have been four brothers to play with the Jones brothers Caldwell, Charles, Major and Will or who could forget the sons of the NBA free throw champion Rick Barry who gave the NBA Brent, Jon and Drew. One last current example are the Holiday brothers Jrue, Justin and Aaron so where does Isaac Hamilton fit in? Well he has a set of brothers Jordan and Daniel who have played in the NBA, but now are playing in Europe. Jordan who had a stellar career at Texas played parts of 6 seasons in the NBA playing 151 games and currently is playing for Hapoel Jerusalem while younger brother Daniel had a nice career at UConn and played parts of 2 seasons in the NBA and currently is in Turkey. Isaac played at the well known institution UCLA, but despite playing for a major program, having tons of future NBA players as teammates and putting up good stats never made the NBA, but instead played in the G-League, Cyprus and now is Giessen and is about as far away from the NBA as Isaiah Hartenstein is to ever signing with Giessen. But one doesn´t really get the impression that Hamilton is overly affected by not being able to have had 3 Hamilton brothers in the NBA. He is very proud of his brothers and one feels that there is no jealousy in any way  “They have been inspiring and seeing their paths up close was super dope. Both of those guys are very close to me and we have different relationships. We’re all very close and on basketball wise knowing we all played high level we sharpen each other, which at times leads to some disagreements but it’s for the greater good”, stressed Isaac Hamilton. He brings that special NBA flair to Giessen via his brothers and wants to make his own special legacy as a professional basketball player.

                Isaac Hamilton was born on May 14^th, 1994 in Los Angeles, California. He began his basketball career at Crenshaw High in South Los Angeles. His brother Daniel and he helped lead the team to the Coliseum league title averaging 19,5ppg. The brothers then transferred to St. John Bosco High School. He had two great last seasons of high school averaging 24,0ppg and 22,0ppg helping his team capture the CIF Southern Section Class 3A title. He was named to the first team all state and became a Mcdonalds All-American. He was supposed to play for UTEP, but then went on to UCLA even though UTEP didn´t grant his release. On account of this, he lost a year of eligibility and couldn´t play games, but could take part in practices. He finally played his first season in 2014-2015 playing 36 games averaging  10.6ppg, 3.4rpg, 3.2apg, FGP: 42.6%, 3PT: 38.8%, FT: 68.8%. He right away was put into cold water despite not having played for 18 months. A number of guys had graduated and gone to the NBA so the club was dependent on guards Norman Powell, Bryce Alford and him. Despite being a shooting guard, he also took on point guard duties which he wasn´t used to. He scored in double figures in 22 games. He had a monster explosion in a 96-70 win against USC. That game against USC will always have a special meaning to him, because his grand mother had died 4 days earlier. The 36 points at that time had been the most scored in a decade for the Bruins. “That game was very memorable due to  my grandmothers passing and the fact that that’s why I came back to LA after committing to Utep coming out of High School. I found out she was sick and wanted to stay closer to home for my freshmen year of college “, remembered Isaac Hamilton. In his second season he made a big step as a scorer playing 32 games averaging 16.8ppg, 4.2rpg, 3.3apg, 1.0spg, FGP: 52.7%, 3PT: 37.7%, FT: 80.5%. That season he racked up some interesting and rare feats having 5 consecutive games of posting 8 or more field goals which had ben the schools longest streak since Tracy Murray did it in 1991 and he also showed his immense consistency being the first Bruin since Kevin Love in 2008 to post more than 20 games in a row of scoring in double figures. That season he scored in double figures in 29 of 32 games and his best scoring games included 27 points against Washington State and 26 points against Arizona State. He finished his NCAA career at UCLA staying consistent playing 34 games averaging 14.4ppg, 3.6rpg, 2.8apg, FGP: 54.5%, 3PT: 37.0%, FT: 83.3%. It is amazing that he could put up solid stats like this considering future NBA player Aaron Holiday was in the mix as well as freshmen Lonzo Ball and TJ Leaf. He showed his humbleness and took a step back and accepted their huge talent and just was content letting everyone share the ball which was key in the school being successful. “ What was crazy was that Aaron Holiday had to kind of wait it out after starting the year before. By doing that he came off the bench and played really really well, but that whole team was great. We had 7 players average double digits in scoring and Zo found everyone. If you were open you got the ball”, remembered Isaac Hamilton. In his senior year he scored in double figures in 26 of 34 games. He had some huge games like his 27 points in the win over Cal-Riverside or his 22 points in the win over CS-Northridge or his 22 points in the nail bitter 76-74 win over arch rival USC. But no game was bigger than his massive 33 points in the 102-80 drubbing of Arizona State where he dropped 9 three´s tying the record of ex NBA player Jason Kapono. Even now when his shot aren´t falling, he will look back to this game and seek motivation. Of course being able to have been around so much future NBA talent was gigantic for the American, but he also acknowledges that a lot of his success and growth as a player has to be credited to his ex UCLA coach Steve Alford. “Coach Alford was great. He taught me a great deal of tricks on how to get open and he really emphasized playing the game. A lot of times we’ll run actions and not necessarily plays, which allowed myself and other to be creative as a player”, stressed Isaac Hamilton. . He will always look back fondly on his UCLA days and also might wonder today if he will ever get a chance to play one on one against Lonzo Ball in the future somewhere in a L.A gym or outside court. “The relationships you build with guys and have a chance to follow each other’s careers is something that will always be memorable. Zo and I never played one on one. I never got that chance to beat him”, smiled Isaac Hamilton.  

            The American who lists his 5 best teammates of all-time as Thomas Welsh, Sir’Domonic Pointer, Daniel Hamilton, Tony Parker, and Prince Ali began his professional career in 2017-2018 playing at the NBA Summer League in Orlando with the Indiana Pacers playing 3 games averaging  5.3ppg, 1.0rpg, FGP: 37.5%. He then was with the  Cleveland Cavaliers (NBA) and then was sent to the  Canton Charge (NBA G-League) where he remained his rookie season playing 42 games averaging  7.4ppg, 2.5rpg, 1.2apg, FGP: 47.9%, 3PT: 33.1%, FT: 83.3%. He experienced some growing pains his rookie season coming from having been a major contributor at UCLA to being just one of many in the G-League with the Canton Charge. Despite all adversary, he always tries to take something positive. “It was very tough realizing I’ve come from a prestigious University, rich in basketball history and doing fairly well as a player and then coming to the G League not playing as much, but through it all I never complained and continued to work, it helped me mentally and physically. I was able to find a sense of peace to when giving an opportunity I can still be me and not play distraught”, expressed Isaac Hamilton. He scored in double figures in 12 games. He averaged 17,2 minutes per game as a rookie, but he closed out the season very strong averaging 34 minutes in his last 4 games including 23 points in a win over FT Wayne and 14 and 18 points in victories over the Milwaukee Bucks farm team Wisconsin.  In his second professional, he remained with the Canton Charge and his minutes dipped to only 10 as he played  31 games averaging 2,4ppg, 1,6rpg and 1,2apg. Even if he had to endure some more growing pains as a professional, he took positives out of his 2 years and stayed mentally tough which is never easy to do. “What I took was to never to give up, always stay locked in and not allowing your emotions to outweigh your decisions. Which I never let happen”, stated Isaac Hamilton. A very important thing for any professional is the kind of relationships and contacts you build. In the G-League and he was teammates and played against young guys that either have been in the NBA or are borderline, but every once in a while a player has the luck to have an older veteran around. For Hamilton having the opportunity to pick the brain of former NBA champion Kendrick Perkins was priceless. “Big Perk was great, I learned a lot from him being there. Without him speaking to me directly he would say things and I’ll take mental notes. He knew the game of basketball  and he explained it very well. Overall he was funny with a heavy Texas accent which made things even funnier”, said Isaac Hamilton.

                After two years in the G-League, he decided to come overseas. He joined Petrolina AEK Larnaca (Cyprus-OPAP Basket League) playing 20 games averaging  12.7ppg, 3.3rpg, 2.0apg, FGP: 53.8%, 3PT: 37.9%, FT-8(89.3%). It was a successful first season overseas as he helped the team reach the Supercup final and was elected to the Cyprus allstar team. He had that warm weather ín Cyprus something he was used to back at home in Los Angeles, but still not everything was easy to get adjusted to off the court. “ I think I speak for most Americans when saying that the food options is one of the most frightening things was a wake up call,  but once something as simple as that is met, to me it makes the transition much better”, expressed Isaac Hamilton. That season he scored in double figures in 15 games including 20 points four times in wins over Etha, Omonia, Apollon and Keravnos. He was teammates with ex Texas Tech(NCAA) guard Devon Thomas who was instrumental in thee x UCLA player being able to feel comfortable as a rookie in Europe. “Devon was great, he was a little scrappy player who was hungry, along with being a hard worker and great on ball defender. I would guard him because of his speed in practice and he’ll guard me, pushing me outside of my comfort zone. So it was great to have a guy like that on my team”, added Isaac Hamilton.

                So let´s fast forward to 2021. Isaac Hamilton who last watched the original Jungle Book is playing his fourth professional season in Germany for the Jobstairs Giessen 46ers. For a guy that hails from sunny California and played his rookie season in warm and beautiful Cyprus, one could imagine that coming to frigid temperatures and the small town atmosphere of Giessen would have been difficult for the American and on top of that with all the losing, but he has accepted it and once again always sees the positive in everything. “Cyprus was fun, enjoyed my first year. Learned a bit of what European basketball is like, but coming to Germany has been great thus far. Obviously we haven’t started the season off on a good note but I do believe we have the players and coaching/management to turn things around”, stressed Isaac Hamilton at the start of 2021. The club lost it´s first 8 games, but have began to play better wining against medi Bayreuth and the Fraport Skyliners. The shoot out philosophy something Ingo Freyer had practiced for years with some success in Hagen didn´t work in Giessen. Once you have an off day on offense and continue to allow 80-90 points a game, the wins won´t be automatic. “To tidy up on the defensive end requires a bit more effort, that’s all. Which the guys understand, so now it’s just about applying it. We’re more than capable of it. Losing is never fun, but I believe we can make some strides and we have. One thing for sure is to demand a bit more out of ourselves and collectively we can make a run”, warned Isaac Hamilton. It is always a delight when young players can have real real experienced veterans as teammates and on the Giessen squad, there are two Americans Brandon Bowman and Brandon Thomas who combine have 29 seasons of professional experience and for a guy like Hamilton having them on board has been a blessing. “Both Brandon Thomas and Bowman are great vets. We talk a lot about how to get better and seeing them work as hard as they do, at the age that they are, teaches me a great deal on professionalism”, warned Isaac Hamilton.

                Hamilton who´s personal NBA Mount Rushmore consists of Kobe, LeBron, Jordan, Kareem, and Wilt is a special player that displays a distinctive type game every night he is on the floor. He has difficulty trying to mention guys that he would compare his game to, but does like to study Jrue Holiday of the Milwaukee Bucks who is a well rounded player. But he credits a lot of how his game has developed over the years to his very early years when he was having those vital early childhood experiences with his brothers. “I have a very unique game, I define myself as a basketball player and all the entails is knowing where to be offensively and defensively majority of the time, trying to make the right reads. I accredit that style of play to growing up playing in our backyard where we’d play for hours through out the day. It helped me to really understand basketball”, stressed Isaac Hamilton. At UCLA he had his moments where he showcased his ability to be that offensive impact player, but when your on a team that has so much scoring ability, you quickly learn how you can be effective in helping your team in many other ways. That is something that he continues to prove at the professional level. “I think cutting is a big threat to my game, and playing with guys older than me growing up, I’ve learned that I wasn’t going to be the one dribbling all of the time, so I had to find ways to score and in addition to me shooting the ball it makes you a threat, always creeping behind the defense finding openings which are the most vulnerable areas when attacking a defense”, said Isaac Hamilton. He also understands that in order to keep moving up the basketball ladder and making new steps in his career, there are two areas that he will have to improve. “To reach 40% or above I believe comes with my hip alignment. I have a tendency to twist a little, but once I get to the point to where I don’t have to think about that, I believe a lot more shots would go in.  I can do a lot better pressuring and really studying guys tendency. That’ll help not only our team but me individually”, warned Isaac Hamilton. Even if he hasn´t played in the NBA yet, he will always enrich organizations with his unique game where ever he plays and have enough NBA stories about his brothers and ample UCLA stories about his NBA teammates to never have a dull moment anywhere.

A little more than a year ago basketball life for Chaed Wellian was normal as he was balling for the Itzehoe Eagles for ambitious and well known head coach Patrick Elze helping the team win the Pro B title together with top American Chris Hooper. Then in March COVID-19 rocked the world like a nasty and always present Tsunami that suddenly ended many basketball leagues world wide. Luckily for Wellian and the Itzehoe Eagles, they were able to win the title with no playoffs. More than a year later, COVID-19 is still stuck on us like Walter Tavares is on every player he has to defend in the paint in the Euroleague. Wellian didn´t remain in Itzehoe, but sought a new challenge with the ambitious EPG Baskets Koblenz. He helped lead the club into the playoffs, but it hasn´t been an easy season for him with COVID-19 being a daily occurrence. COVID-19 has affected people in so many different ways. For so many, loved ones were lost and for others that were more fortunate, they didn´t necessarily lose loved ones, but had to deal with Corona in other ways that affected them mentally. Wellian who hails from Holland was one of the more fortunate people that didn´t lose any loved ones, but he had to deal with COVID-19 in other ways. “To be honest nothing significant has really happened around me due to COVID-19 that had an impact on me. I can’t even imagine how for some individuals it has been a very painful year with losing loved ones to this virus. The only thing I can say is that this virus can take a toll on your mental health. It’s already hard for an athlete to play in a different country away from home and family but now during this pandemic and lockdown staying mentally healthy is so important. There are no outlets, you start to get into a mode where you just go to practice and then straight home. Doing that day in day out can be a little depressing. I feel like we all are social beings to a certain degree and being a professional athlete you have to limit being in contact with other people because of all the testing we go through to be able to play the games on the weekend. Sometimes it can feel like your a prisoner in your own home and I think that that’s what it is for me that has affected me the most”, stressed Chaed Wellian. After a year, COVID-.19 has become a daily thing for everyone and probably the most common question for everybody is when will it finally end and when will life get back to normal? The Dutch forward is more than ready for life to get back to normal as he has missed the normal interactions with people and having fans at games, because the dynamic without them is just totally different.

                The EPG Baskets Koblenz are in sixth place with a record of 11-10. They began the season in 2020 so well having a 8-2 record, but in 2021, the club was unable to keep their winning ways as they are 3-8 at the moment with one game remaining. It has been an up and down season that can always have a toll on the players. “ Mentally it has been not too bad. Losing is a part of the game, everyone wants to win every game or have a significant amount of wins. The adversity we had to face with injuries and new players coming in had a lot to with that in my opinion. It was where we had to find our own DNA as a team and build on from there. We have so much experience on this team that we know what we are capable of. Everyone is back healthy now so we knew that during our slump that there was no need for panic and that we can climb ourselves out of any hole. So mentally it was a little challenging but we never held our heads low”, stated Chaed Wellian. Two of the biggest problems of the club has been their inconsistency on the defensive end and just suffering too many mental lapses during the game. “It has to do with our chemistry, when Edin, C.J. And D.J. got injured we lost on average 30 minutes per game from them. So it was a little back to square one and finding the right solutions on defense and what works best for our defensive schemes with guys that had to step up. Granted the fact that our offense mostly makes up for our defense it is still something that can affect defensive rotations because we have to get used to defensive tendencies of our teammates. But now that everyone is back healthy I feel like it has only made us stronger and made us trust each other more on defense. There are 2 more weeks before the playoffs start and it’s starting to click more and more and I can’t wait to show the work we have put in and what we are capable of”, warned Chaed Wellian. The club made no secret about the fact that their main goal this season was to move up to the Pro A. This could have had an effect on the players mentally without them even knowing it. “I think for some players it can be difficult, maybe the younger guys on our team. But like everyone knows we have so much experience on this team and we know how to handle the pressure of a team wanting to move up. The club recruited their players with the intent of knowing that we as players know what is at stake and we as seasoned players implement that onto the younger guys, who respond greatly to that”, said Chaed Wellian.

                The EPG Baskets Koblenz have one regular season game left and will finish on their home court against Giessen. Koblenz won a real exciting nail bitter on the road 82-80 and never forgot the amazing game by German Johannes Lischka who poured in 35 points. “He’s a very good player and you can tell he has the national tram experience. His physicality is something to be matched! But I think we are up for the challenge, he is the engine for that team and it shows. I honestly couldn’t tell how that would translate maybe it would give him a little more quickness and finesse but then again it might go at the cost of his physicality. Either way it goes I think he would still be a great player”, stated Chaed Wellian. Last weekend the EPG Baskets Koblenz lost a brutal game in Dresden 81-79, but the fact that they can end the regular season playing the top two teams of the Pro B will give them an extra special edge over other playoff teams. “It absolutely is. Because it gives us an indication where we stand against the teams in the top tier. Playing Dresden we got the indication that we can beat them and with them being number 1 in the south we know that we have work to do but we are getting to the point where we have it figured out. I think we are a team that plays at its best with our backs against the wall. Giessen will be another good test for us as we might see them in the first of the playoffs. It gives us a chance to prepare for them as the last game we will have against them will be fresh on our mind. At this point there’s no room for mistakes so it’s our last chance to get it together before the playoffs”, stressed Chaed Wellian.

                The EPG Baskets Koblenz went into the 20-21 season with a very deep roster, but when the loses continued to pile up in 2021, the club had to react and hauled in new blood with talented and experienced players Bill Borekambi, Anthony Canty and Philipp Liesser. All guys are very special players and bring their own unique qualities to the table. “Like the team did with when I arrived in Koblenz, the new guys were welcomed with open arms and were ready to work from day one. We missed Philipp for a couple games but we are all together now and putting in the work to get playoff ready. Anthony brings a lot of leadership to the table and experience same for Phil. Bill brings us another inside presence which creates for other guys. So we are getting to the point where we want to be as a team”, expressed Chaed Wellian. One guy that is always a delight to watch on the court is versatile offensive force Bill Borekambi who is a genuine walking bucket and has made all kinds of shots on the court and just knows how to score in difficult situations and against good defenders. Being able to share the court with teammate Brian Butler makes the double B´s so much more dangerous for their opponents. The double B´s could make the difference in the playoffs between achieving a title and not. “Bill is super creative when it comes to the paint and midrange area. On top of that he has some serious skills to match with it. Just watching him work is something you can learn from. I think they can become our motor in the playoffs as their inside presence will create so much opportunity for the other guys. It opens up the outside shots for our guards. And when we need a bucket we can count on them to go to work”, warned Chaed Wellian. But not only is Borekambi a massive reinforcement for the club, but also guards Anthony Canty and Philipp Liesser. Wellian knows exactly what he cherishes the most from their games. “ The perspective of the game. Anthony is a high intelligent guard who knows what he wants from his teammates and makes sure that you share the same perspective of the court with him. I think it’s very important that you are on the same page as your point guard. Phil is a little different he just knows how to get in the lane to either create or get to the basket. They both make the game a lot easier for us as a team since they been here”, stressed Chaed Wellian. With a roster that is so deep, minutes are hard to come by at times and not only Chaed Wellian is aware of that, but also young talented German guard Lucas Mayer who is doing his very best to be as efficient as possible in the minutes that he gets. “Lucas is one of those guys who always steps on the court and feels like he has something to prove. He has a great work ethic and always brings it. He’s young talented and motivated, bright future ahead of him”, added Chaed Wellian.

                One thing that Chaed Wellian has done very whttps://youtu.be/a26MuwJNawYell as a professional is being able to adapt to different countries, leagues, coaches and teammates. He has proved this being able to put up solid and consistent stats where ever he has played and that hasn´t been little. He is currently playing his seventh season and one can almost say he has seen it all having played in 8 countries for 14 organizations. Why don´t you try walking in his shoes as he has that very special basketball equation of 14/8. What is very interesting to observe this season is that despite playing for a very talented and deep roster, he is averaging the most minutes per game since he played for German Regionalliga team Saarlouis in the 2016-2017 season. He has had bigger roles on other teams, but played less minutes. Playing so many minutes this season has surprised him a bit. “I guess I haven’t really paid any attention to that but I feel like I’m physically in the best shape I have been in a while. I’m just happy the team puts their trust in me to be an impact in the game. On top of that I’m very competitive and my mindset going into practice and games is that I expect to be on the court every minute possible”, commented Chaed Wellian. Every game is a gigantic challenge for him, because he never knows exactly how many minutes he will play.  For instance out of the 16 games he has played, he has logged 20 minutes or more 12 times and even played 34,33 and 30 minutes, but then again also logged only 5, 10,11 and 16 minutes. “It is definitely a challenge knowing from previous teams like Itzehoe where I had a specific and important role on the team to kind of the same role here but having such a deep roster making it difficult to know which rotation will work best in the game. I know that I’m capable of scoring 15+ per game but so does my next teammate. It’s all about finding the right balance with our team at the cost of winning. As a professional you have to live with the decisions your coach makes even if you disagree with them when it comes to playing time. If he thinks that benefits the team then I can’t argue with that”, stated Chaed Wellian. He is a player that is super critical about his play and it is only obvious that he isn´t content with his 7,9ppg and 4,0rpg. “It can be pretty tough especially since I’m an import we get looked upon different because first thing teams look at is your stats as a player so in that aspect I’m not really satisfied of my numbers but I feel like it doesn’t reflect to what I bring to the table, like I said before we have so many other guys that bring a lot to the table where some games you just take the background for the sake of the team. I would like to play a little more of my natural position so I can show that I’m not just a shooter and have all around offensive game. But as long as we win I’m fine with doing what’s needed of me”, warned Chaed Wellian. But his game continues to develop at age 28 as he changed some things up and has seen his basketball IQ get better and helped get his passing qualities on the radar, but feels he still hasn´t reached his peak yet. “I don’t think I’m there yet I feel like it’s just the start of getting there. I approach the game smarter and work harder than I have before in my previous years. I can just feel I have so much left in my tank or actually I feel like my tank has gotten bigger! I think with every game you play your basketball IQ gets a little higher I can’t say that I’ve noticed a significant difference I think I can reflect better on that after the season but I have no doubt that it’s developing! When I’m playing on the wing I think my passing is showcased a lot more because I’m more aggressive playing the 3 and creating more opportunities for dump offs to Brian or kick outs for the 3. I like to practice creative passes. My old coaches in Itzehoe are very familiar with that Timo The assistant coach used to hate when I did all these fancy passes and I kind of did it on purpose just to get a reaction out of him. But that was more the competitiveness coming out of me trying to show him that I can do it. That’s why I was happy playing for Patrick Elzie and he knew that I could do that and he let me be myself but made sure I didn’t get carried away”, remembered Chaed Wellian.

                With the post season just around the corner, all that counts now is winning games. The EPG Baskets Koblenz can make a positive first step towards the title by ending the regular season with a huge victory at home against Giessen. The club also knows that in order to be successful in the playoffs, they will have to bring a strong effort on the defensive end something that has plagued them all season long. You can bet that Chaed Wellian will bring that extra effort on defense as winning is the most important  goal for him. “Winning at any cost is the ultimate goal. Especially since we won last year without going into the playoffs I strive for that feeling of winning it in the playoffs it just gives you an extra feeling of satisfaction. Defensively I think we all have to get to the point of willing to make sacrifices for the sake of the team not just me. We can’t rely on one guy to do that, if we all on one page then it will be pretty hard to stop us. But any opportunity there is for me to help the team defensively that I have to go out my way for will be done of course”, expressed Chaed Wellian. The club has experienced so many highs and lows that they finally want to seek some consistency in the past season. The question is will the team be reborn and make a run in the playoffs in their quest to win the pro B title? “I’m super confident we are healthy and you can tell that everyone is ready to give their all. We didn’t end at the top tier of the table as we expected and you can tell that we have a chip on our shoulder. I feel like we made it through our adversity and are ready to translate that into the playoffs. Anything can happen in the playoffs and every team is beatable at this point.”, warned Chaed Wellian. Obviously wining the pro B title is his biggest goal, but at times, he finds a little moment to get away from basketball and just relax. Being on the couch and watching a good flick is a normal basketball player ritual besides playing play station. It was only obvious that he would watch the new Coming To America movie with Eddie Murohy and Arsenio Hall. The classic movie got mixed reviews from fellow players for part 2, but Wellian actually enjoyed it and gave a proper review that would even have gotten a wink from Siskel And Ebert from the heavens. Siskel And Ebert were a very well known American movie review duo who gave their two cents about movies every week. “I actually watched it the first day it became available for streaming and the first movie is a classic for me and one of my favorite movies to go back and watch. It’s just classic Eddie Murphy can’t go wrong with that. But I don’t think it was a bad movie it felt more like it was a reunion it’s pretty hard to make a follow up movie after 30+ years. I like that they kept the nostalgia alive in the movie and didn’t try to add too many new elements. Just alone for the reason of having almost the entire original cast in the movie after so long is making me give the movie a C rating minimum already. The criteria for movies nowadays to be considered great is already high so I don’t think it was the intent to make a Oscar nominating movie but just to entertain and in my opinion I think they did so I would give it a B”, stressed Chaed Wellian. Even if Chaed Wellian felt like being a prisoner during COVID-19 at times, at least for two hours during Coming To America he could drift into a different world with Eddie Murphy. Even if he wins the Pro B title, he surely won´t have a problem being a prisoner again as COVID-19 will still be reality when the Pro B title is won. All that matters for Chaed Wellian is winning and he definitely won´t be a prisoner on the court as the EPG Baskets Koblenz will do everything they can to achieve their lofty season goals.

Tucker Haymond has been in Europe two and a half years and has rapidly developed into a real basketball globetrotter having played in Cyprus and Germany for five teams and recently added a sixth team and new country to his ever growing basketball resume with SLUNETA Usti nad Labem in the Czech Republic. He reached his low point in November 2019 as he left AEL Limassol (Cyprus-OPAP Basket League) after only a brief stay playing three games, because he wasn´t getting paid. He went back to Cologne, Germany to wait for the next opportunity. To save money, he and his wife objected to staying in a hotel, but rather opted to stay at a friends house, but had to sleep on the floor for weeks. He finally finished the season with German Pro A team Schalke and then found a new challenge for the 2020-2021 season with Pro B team SC Rist Wedel, while also getting the luxury of being able to play easyCredit games for the Hamburg Towers who have a cooperation with SC Rist Wedel. All in all it was a very good opportunity for him as he had skyrocketing stats in the Pro B and even made his debut in the easyCredit BBL. But then in February his Hamburg gig came to a surprising halt as he decided to attempt a new challenge joining SLUNETA Usti nad Labem. After playing his first two professional seasons for one team, he followed his third professional season and made a second move in the season. The Washington native has experienced a lot in the last year and a half not to forget COVID-19 that unwelcomely interrupted everyone´s life. The guy is so hungry to keep moving up the basketball ladder that even now having found new opportunities in the last 12 months, he is more than content of doing almost anything to get up to the next level and just keep growing as a player even if it means sleeping on the floor again. “I have really been to a lot of places in the last little bit. But it’s been such a fun experience. I think at this point I really don’t have too many expectations, if that was only thing available I’d make the sacrifice to keep taking my career further in the right direction”, warned Tucker Haymond. The ex Western Michigan(NCAA) guard is always so positive and a smile on his face, that you would never have thought that he has been through so much basketball drama in the last year and a half. It seems like he is totally destined for the basketball nomadic life. “I think what I have learned to enjoy most is being able to experience new places, things, and new people. I’ve been able to have some great teammates in such a short time and made some new memories with the places I’ve seen. I know that eventually this will all come to an end, and I’ll be able to have great memories and have lived in some places that a lot of people take vacations to”, smiled Tucker Haymond.

                The ex  Austin Spurs (NBA G-League) guard began the season in the Pro B with SC Rist Wedel and soon after was promoted to be able to play additionally for the Hamburg Towers. He didn´t have the most luck wining games with Wedel as the team was 3-8 with him on board, but there is always something to gain with every experience you have. “I gained a lot of patience and understanding from a young team, we had a lot of injuries so I knew going in it was going to be a challenge. But I really enjoyed teaching and helping some of the young players. They really have bright futures and I look forward to seeing the careers shape of a lot of the youngsters from Hamburg”, stressed Tucker Haymond. The American first turned basketball heads in his first season with the RheinStars where he averaged 22.5ppg, 6.0rpg, 2.3apg, 1.0spg, FGP: 44.4%, 3PT: 30.3%, FT: 80.7% in 31 minutes of time per game. With SC Rist Wedel he was able to up his scoring to 24,9ppg, 6,3rpg, 2,8apg and 1,5spg. Plus he shot at 40% from downtown while playing 2 minutes less than in Cologne. “To be honest I felt I grew a lot because I was able to play my game within the system. My goal was to try and win games, be efficient, and play the game the right way on both ends of the floor”, stated Tucker Haymond. 

                With his stellar lightening play in the Pro B with SC Rist Wedel, he was then promoted to be able not only to train with the easyCredit BBL team Hamburg Towers, but also get inserted into games. He made his easyCredit BBL debut on December 13th, 2020 witnessing a tough 73-69 loss to ratiopharm Ulm playing 4 minutes. That first experience in the easyCredit BBL is something that he will never forget and took it all in stride in that he wasn´t able to play more games with them. “I wasn’t disappointed at all, I was just thankful for the opportunity. It showed me a high level of play and preparation that now is my goal to get back to. I knew going into it I was owed nothing and promised nothing. Sure, COVID-19 made things harder, but it also made me have to work harder for everything. I’m thankful for all the opportunities and my time in Hamburg. It’s sparked a flame in me to get back to the BBL full time”, warned Tucker Haymond. He was very fortunate to have one of the top coaches in Germany as a teacher with Pedro Calles and it was obvious that he would soak up as much as possible from him in his time there. “The most important thing I learned from him was the attention to detail. If something isn’t done right, the drill is done over and over again. Sure, maybe as a player it’s not fun. But at the end of the day, when you continue to build habits of doing things the right way, you get better. And I definitely got better in my time there”, stated Tucker Haymond.  He also had great teammates in Hamburg like BBL veteran Bryce Taylor, but he also had other guys that he will never forget. “TJ Shorts let me live with him for a about a week when my wife came to town and she had to quarantine. It was nice to get to know him and we also have a friend in common, his college teammate, my friend I grew up with”added Tucker Haymond.

                The American who last saw the movie El Camino Breaking Bad has began a new challenge in the Czech Republic with professional club SLUNETA Usti nad Labem that play in the NBL league. They arrived in the NBL league in 2012 and had their best season last season finishing in 4th place in the standings. They have had talented Americans in the past including 2020 Basketball Champions League winner Thad McFadden who played with them early in his career and has developed into a top guard in Europe. Some may have wondered why Haymond  would leave a golden situation with the Hamburg Towers and move to a lower league, but for him it´s all about continuing to grow as a player while seeing a new style of play. “There was no specific reasons other than trying to further my career. I really enjoyed my time with Wedel and the Towers and learned a bunch ! I had some great times with both teams, players and coaches. Although with talking to my agent we thought that this opportunity to take on a big role in a first division team would be a great move for my career. I was thankful that my GM and coach with Wedel were supportive in this opportunity given the cancellation of play downs. They really wanted what was best for me and I’m thankful for that”, said Tucker Haymond. The Washington native has seen so much in his short time in Europe and really has only one goal with his new club. “I have no expectations, I just have goals of trying to help the team make the playoffs. We are 1 game out of a playoff seed and I really want to play in a European post season. I haven’t played in the playoffs since my time with the Spurs”, expressed Tucker Haymond. He is most known for being an explosive and lethal offensive player, but he wants to show another side of his game in the Czech Republic. “I hope I can bring my defensive mentality that the Wedel and Towers teams instilled in me. My role will be to just do whatever the team needs me to do to win. Like I said, I want to make the playoffs”, warned Tucker Haymond.

                The American has been blessed to have seen so much beauty in his brief careerso far  in Europe. In Cologne he could run or bike along the famous Rheine river for miles and miles or just look up at the famous breathtaking cathedral. In Cyprus he was able to enjoy the warm weather and ocean and see a new type of culture while in Schalke, he saw the slow demise of the well known football club Schalke. He was in for a real treat in Wedel in that he lived along the beautiful Elbe river and in Hamburg he could witness history and water with the pretty Alster lake and famous harbor. Hamburg is one of the most beautiful cities in Germany, but unfortunately COVID-19 detoured his ability to really experience the beauty of Hamburg. “Everything was closed so the only place to kind of go or chill was home”, said Tucker Haymond. Now he calls Usti nad Labem his home. It has 93,000 people living there which is a lot bigger than Wedel, but tiny in comparison to Hamburg which has 1,8 million people. But like in Hamburg, he hasn´t been able to explore yet, because COVID-19 has hit the Czech Republic hard which has kept him away from getting to know his new home better. “My impression is it’s a nice small city, to be honest I haven’t seen much because I’ve been pretty busy getting settled in, but it’s nice that I live right next to the gym, so I can walk there any time to use the facility”, added Tucker Haymond. His first order of business is to help his new team reach the playoffs. What happens next season is still as far away as it is for the Boston Celtics to get out of their momentary rut. But one thing is for sure, if one were to read Tucker Haymond´s mind, one could surely pick up some thoughts about Germany. He has played for 6 organizations in Europe and four have been German teams. It is no secret that he has a lot of space for Germany in his heart. “I think I’ll be back to Germany one day. I love Germany, it’s almost become my second home. I’d love to return and play for a team that wants me. My wife and I really enjoyed our years there”, stressed Tucker Haymond. Even if it means sleeping on the floor again, he wouldn´t hesitate to do it, because he will do anything to get that new job. But he has built up such a good network of friends in Germany in the last two years that now he will find at least someone that has a guest room and bed. I´m sure that Stephan Baeck and Marvin Willoughby would always have a guest bed for him.

30 minutes had been played in Goettingen and the Fraport Skyliners were once again demonstrating their lack of consistency which has plagued them so much this season and is as annoying as it must have been for Euroleague team Khimki to witness the 10 lethal three pointer by Swede Marcus Erikisson. Frankfurt was down 76-62 after 30 minutes and even two crucial and clutch three pointers by young German Len Schoormann didn´t silence the many Skyliner haters who seem to have extreme difficulty to find anything positive about a club that is trying to reach the playoffs in a very tight and competitive BBL season. 10 minutes later, instead of escaping the Sparkassen arena unnoticed the Fraport Skyliners actually exited with their heads held high as they made an incredible fourth quarter come back exploding for 30 points and upending the 2010 Eurochallenge winner BG Goettingen 93-89. Often after a huge victory like this, one hears about the wildest parties on the bus ride home, but with the Fraport Skyliners they didn´t need any craziness happening in the bus, but rather showed class and remained quiet. “We had no real celebration on the bus ride home. We pretty much relaxed. It felt very good winning that game. The win felt really good after being down so bad. We definitely knew what we had accomplished. We haven´t done something like that this season”, stated ex Auburn guard Quantez Robertson. The Fraport Skyliners have had some fine come from behind wins in their history and it didn´t take Quantez Robertson long to name one of his biggest if not biggest. “This win against Goettingen is in my top 3 best come back wins with the Skyliners. I remember when we played Eurochallenge against Russian team Enisey. We were down by 19 points at half-time and came back and won”, remembered Quantez Robertson.

                The Fraport Skyliners did a good job on the offensive end in the first quarter netting 21 points, but couldn´t muster consistent stops on defense allowing 26 points. BG Goettingen kept control of the game in the second quarter as they did what they wanted in the paint and established their mid range game as Nelson Weidemann and Rhards Lomazs did a lot of damage against Frankfurt. BG Goettingen led at the break 49-43. “They played small ball. We got away from our game plan which allowed them to keep the lead. Their second group did a good job being aggressive at both ends of the court. We had our problems and couldn´t slow them down”, said Quantez Robertson. BG Goettingen continued their offensive onslaught in the third quarter scoring 27 points and kept Frankfurt to 19 points. BG Goettingen continued to show their fine mid range game as Luke Nelson and Deishaun Booker executed well, but also hit more three pointers to spread out their offense. It also didn´t help Frankfurt´s cause that they missed some free throws. Frankfurt was in a real rut and despite Schoorman´s two massive three´s at the end of the third quarter, there didn´t seem to be much hope for Frankfurt as head coach Sebastian Gleim was livid on the sidelines, but he still had hope in his players making a turn around. “Coach yelled at us about our defense. He told us to stay together and just play harder and too execute”, stated Quantez Robertson.

                In the fourth quarter came the big comeback for the Fraport Skyliners. Sometimes things happen so rapidly that if someone had briefly exited for the bath room or gotten another cold one, could have missed the Frankfurt brutal 12-0 run which cut the BG Goettingen lead to 78-74 and took only 3,01 minutes. Suddenly there was light at the end of the tunnel again for the Fraport Skyliners. In the run Matt Mobley sparked Frankfurt with five points and Len Schoormann continued to execute on offense getting five points. Despite Frankfurt being close, BG Goettingen didn´t relinquish the lead down the stretch, but Frankfurt was on their heels.  Booker gave BG Goettingen the 80-74 lead with free throws. Frankfurt kept chipping away at the Goettingen lead with a trey from Mobley and a basket from Joe Rahon to be down only 81-79. BG Goettingen held the lead, but Frankfurt got more easy baskets inside from Quantez Robertson and Jon Axel Gudmunsson to cut the BG Goettingen lead to 87-85. Then came the turning point of the game as Matt Mobley made a massive 4 point play to give Frankfurt the crucial 90-89 lead. Frankfurt then buckled down on defense and played the way they should always being aggressive and making big plays. Frankfurt had supplied the blow and sealed the win with Mobley and Robertson free throws. “This was by far our best quarter of offense this season. We put our heads down on offense and defense. We have been working on ball movement in practice. Coach told us that the extra pass would be there, but that the extra extra pass would be better”, warned Quantez Robertson.

                After some Ok games from Matt Mobley in the last weeks, but definitely not his best, he returned in Goettingen with vengeance and his killer scorer instinct exploding for 29 points. He also filled up the stat sheet well with five rebounds, three assists, one steal and one block. Mobley once again was worth every penny in Goettingen. “Matt made some big shots and also created open looks for us. His playmaking continues to be good. He couldn´t show it last season, because he played only one game with us. We couldn´t see last season how good of a passer he is, but this season we know he can pass the ball very well”, warned Quantez Robertson. Often the offense of Matt Mobley puts his defensive qualities off the radar. “He shows at times that he can be a very good defender. He has a lot of responsibility to score the ball for us. Him having to score against the double team takes a lot out of him. He continues to show glimpses of good defense”, added Quantez Robertson. Len Schoormann had his break out game in a Skyliner uniform netting 14 points in 13 points while picking his spots well and was efficient in 13 minutes. “Len just went out and played basketball. He didn´t worry or think too much about what he did. His continued extra shooting has shown that it has helped with his good games in the Pro B and now BBL”, expressed Quantez Robertson. Robertson scored in double figures for the second straight game as he continues to give his best at being a viable offensive option. Even if Mobley is that pure scorer, Robertson doesn´t need any of his aggressiveness to rub off on him. “I have always been aggressive, but I just haven´t been picking my spots as well. That has led me to taking bad shots and not doing so good playmaking”, stressed Quantez Robertson.

                The Fraport Skyliners continue to grind and chip away at the easyCredit BBL playoffs as they are currently in ninth place with a record of 9-13. They next meet their rival Giessen who are trying to escape the cellar area and have a 4-18 record. Getting up the standings wasn´t help last weekend as Giessen collapsed in the second half at home against the Telekom Baskets Bonn 92-75. In the first meeting, the Fraport Skyliners lost a bitter 75-74 game on the road and was a game they let slip away at the end. The Fraport Skyliners will seek revenge as they need a win as they are currently playing teams that they have to beat if they want to have any chance of making the playoffs. “We have to be consistent on defense like we have been in the last games and just follow the game plan”, warned Quantez Robertson. When Quantez Robertson isn´t on the floor in practice or in team meetings concerning scouting, he has a lot of times to roam Netflix. One new movie that has ben released is the long awaited Coming To America 2 movie. The original was released in 1988 staring Eddie Murphy and Arsenio Hall. The original will always be a classic. For many basketball players the original remains the best while the new one has gotten mixed reviews. Roberton´s ex teammates 2011 BBL MVP Dashaun Wood and Mike Morrison have seen the new Coming To America and so will Tez soon. “I´m definitely going to watch Coming to America 2. I pretty much remember the whole movie Coming To America”, chuckled Quantez Robertson. Knowing Quantez Robertson, he probably also remembers exactly what happened in the embarrassing loss in Giessen. That can only be a good omen for how focused Quantez Robertson will be in the return game this weekend in Frankfurt.

Predrag Lukic is a German/Serbian head coach who currently is coaching the Thang Long Warriors (Vietnam-VBA). He also has had experience coaching Chongson KungFu (China-ASEAN League) and BC Rise Sport Foshan (China, Guangdong province) in the far east. He got his coaching start in Germany and coached many teams there including Baskets Luedenscheid (Germany-2. Regionalliga), BG Hagen (Germany-Regionalliga), GiroLive-Ballers Osnabrueck (ProA), TSV Quakenbrueck Dragons (Germany-2.Bundesliga) women team, ChemCats Chemnitz (Germany-DBBL) women team, evo New Basket Oberhausen (Germany-DBBL) women team, MTV Wolfenbuettel von 2012 Herzoege (Germany-ProB), and Buergerfelder TB. He spoke to germanhoops.com about his coaching career.

Predrag thanks for talking to germanhoops.com. Where are you at the moment, and how is basketball life for you at the moment? Tell us also more about you?

Thanks for this interview and opportunity to talk with one of the most respected basketball news. Well, I was born in 1986, grew up in Germany with Serbian roots. Since 2010 I completed my degree as basketball coach at DBB and have now also the FIBA License. I started young as a Basketball coach (21) and coached teams in the DBBL as well as Pro A, Pro B in Germany. Like you know, 2015 I made the step to Asia, first China where I ”started” with youth development work and proved myself to become again in pro coaching, like with Chongson KungFu BC in one of the top leagues (ASEAN League). In 2018 my work brought me to the beautiful country of Vietnam, where I am now in my fourth season as Head Coach, actually for Thang Long Warriors by AUDI. In the years here, honored as ”Coach of the Year 2019” and twice my team (s) was runners-up of the season and was most recently a finalist in past season 2020. The 2021 season is now being meticulously in preparation.

In the past we talked about your China experience, how about coaching in Vietnam now?

Vietnam is a beautiful country, my family and I enjoy it here. Basketball is coming more and more popular and the league (VBA) Vietnam Basketball Association is every year winning on quality. The organization and people behind as also the Team Owners are doing big investment, great work to develop basketball in Vietnam. Like for example my Owners who built in next years a like ”NBA”-basketball gym with such of Hotel, restaurants, practice court etc. This shows the potential and future here of basketball. I am glad that I am part of growing together here.

What is the biggest different between Vietnam/Asia and Europe Basketball?

At the moment there is a big difference between these two, not at least the way of teaching in youth sector and kind of maybe lack of basketball education and little too much following NBA for it, (To avoid misunderstanding, NBA is the best league in the world), but if you want to develop especially youth and get good skilled ballers, in my opinion you should follow more European/FIBA basketball training methods here as for example nobody (Europe either) is NBA or can offer this kind of huge”Athletes” etc. So it’s a different way. But ok, it’s just my opinion and view on it. On the other side Vietnam have a lot of players with potential, and I am sure Basketball will have a big future.

How do you see Thang Long Warriors by Audi doing next season? How much potential does the club have?

-TLW is one of the more successful teams and have the best Fan’s in the VBA. It owns a championship in the still young league that has existed for 5 years and TLW for four years now have reached the finals twice and never missed the playoffs yet. I can proudly say that I’ve been a coach for the longest time now here in the club and get the opportunity to continue and build the successful history of the Warriors. Hopefully the 2021 season we get something more and bigger done again.

I can see you are having good input as the Head coach there, and what is your biggest goal in your coaching?

I am glad to be the coach of this team and club. I will share my experience and help where ever it needs to become more and more successful.

You have been some years now in Asia (China & Vietnam). Do you ever see yourself returning to Germany/Europe, or could you see yourself staying for an extended time in Vietnam/Asia?

At the moment, like I said already my family and I are very happy in Vietnam (Asia). But of course, when the right time comes and or also good offers, will return to Germany/Europe surely, ”home sweet home”. But no rush at all.

What you have missed most from German/Europe basketball side and the culture?

For sure you always miss your family, friends, etc. most, and as I always say, ”Basketball is Basketball” all around the world.

One more question about the global COVID-19 pandemic, how is it in Vietnam and is the sport currently being influenced as it is in most of the world?

Fortunately, everything in Vietnam has been brought under control by the government as well as possible from the beginning of COVID-19. They do an amazing job, and we can feel very safe, probably one of the safest countries worldwide at the moment. So we can also keep enjoying the work as professionals in sport and play in front of visitors! I hope the whole world comes back to it soon.

Thanks coach for the nice interview and good luck for the new season.

Thanks to you, for the opportunity to talk about my experience and stories as well. Cheers!

DJ Woodmore (190-SG-92, college: VWU) is a 29 year old 190cm point guard that is playing his first season with the EPG Baskets Koblenz. Last season with Morgenstern BIS Basket Speyer (Germany-ProB) he played 21 games averaging 15.1ppg, 4.4rpg, 2.3apg, 1.0spg, FGP: 60.0%, 3PT-2 (50.0%), FT: 87.3%. In 2018-2019 13.8ppg, 4.5rpg, 2.8apg, 1.3spg, FGP: 60.2%, 3PT: 36.5%, FT: 71.6% in the Regionalliga. In his first two seasons with Speyer he averaged 14.5ppg, 5.2rpg, 2.3apg, FGP: 44.6%, 3PT: 40.1%, FT: 72.1% and 17.5ppg, 7.0rpg, 3.4apg, 1.3spg, FGP: 47.5%, 3PT: 33.0%, FT: 76.4%. he played at Virginia Wesleyan College (NCAA3): from 2010-2014 and as a senior played 31 games averaging 20.1ppg, 5.9rpg, 2.4apg, 1.5spg, FGP: 50.3% (219/435), 3Pts: 46.0% (91/198), FT: 76.9% (93/121). Miles Schmidt-Scheuber and DJ Woodmore team together each week to talk basketball.

Thanks DJ for talking to germanhoops.com. What were you thinking most about the loss to Dresden on the long ride home?

How bad our starts always seem to be when we play a tough opponent. The games we should come out with energy and intensity are the games where we lack it the most in the first half. We have to find a way to change that.

After the win over Speyer, the team officially made the playoffs. Despite the loss to Dresden, can you say the team is slowly making positive strides towards the playoffs?

Yes, I think we’re making steps in the right direction. It’s been pretty difficult to find that chemistry with the new players because that naturally happens over time. But slowly it’s coming along.

The Dresden Titans had a very strong first half leading 48-35. What gave the EPG Baskets Koblenz the biggest problems on defense?

Just keeping our man in front of us. 1 on 1 defense was terrible in the first half. Too many wide open drives to the basket and not enough help side defense. 2nd half we picked it up and it made it extremely tough for them to score.

The EPG Baskets made a furious comeback in the fourth quarter. What adjustments did you make on the defensive end?

Just playing with a sense of urgency. We knew we could compete with this team, but for some reason we decided to wait until there was no other choice. If we play the first half the way we played the fourth quarter, we come away with a win.

What did you like about the team play most in the fourth quarter?

It showed again that we stay together during hard times. I think that’s what I liked the most. With all the challenges we’re constantly facing, everybody stayed together for the common goal. I think that will be important as we move into the playoffs.

You were down 79-76 with 15 second to play. Is there anything the team could have done better tactically in this phase to get closer?

No. Not really. I thought their coach made the smart play by fouling us before we had a chance to run an offensive and tie the game. We only converted 1-2 free throws and that put them in a great spot to secure the game. Even if we make both free throws, we’re still in a position to foul and give them the ball back.

Philipp Liesser had a good game with 17 points. What does he give the guard rotation that it didn’t have before?

He brings good size at the guard position. He creates mismatches with his size and skill. And when his shot is going, he’s extremely hard to defend.

You had a tough shooting day with only 5 points on 2/8 shooting. Could you take anything positive from your game?

Not really. Wasn’t my day offensively at all. Trying to adjust to another new role after integrating the new players. But I’ll figure it out and be better Saturday!!

The next game is against top team Giessen. Koblenz won the first meeting in dramatic fashion 82-80 on the road. They are a much better team. What will be key this time to getting the victory?

Stopping their 3 main guys!! If we can make it tough for one or two of their key players, I think we have a good chance. Their offense runs entirely through their bigs so it’s going to be a scrappy defensive game.

The reactions to Coming To America 2 haven’t been great. You can’t beat the original. Is this a movie that you will watch?

Agreed. It’s always hard to beat the original. Especially after so long between movies. But I’ll definitely check it out when I get some time. Would be nice to see it in theaters but doesn’t look like that will happen anytime soon.

Thanks DJ for the chat.

A professional player never forgets the first team that he played for and it isn´t any different for American TJ DiLeo who played his first three seasons in Giessen after never averaging more than 2,9ppg in the NCAA. For a guy who never averaged more than 2,9ppg in the NCAA, the New Jersey native has come a long way as a professional and proved that players can go a long way even if they didn´t produce the explosive NCAA stats. He learned what it meant to be a professional in Giessen playing for Denis Wucherer and then made the next step with the Telekom Baskets Bonn where he now is in his fifth season and been that durable leader who can do a little bit of everything on the court. He always took extra pride in playing against his ex team Giessen and came into the game in Giessen with a 6-1 record and had never lost in Giessen since leaving them in 2016. He returned back in 2021 with the Telekom Baskets Bonn who were continuing to try to reach the playoffs in 11^th place while Giessen was reeling to escape the bottom from 17^th place. The Telekom Baskets Bonn met a feisty Giessen club, but were able to pull away in the second half as they stepped up their defense throwing different schemes at them and on offense executed at a good rate winning 92-75. After the victory a content TJ DiLeo was spot on that he had only lost once against his ex team while winning his 7^th game against them. “The one loss we had, we shot so poorly while they hit everything. It´s a lot different playing in Giessen without fans. It´s always fun to come back here. It really sucks that Giessen don´t have their fans, because they are so important for them. Key for the win today was our transition offense and setting the tone on defense”, stressed TJ DiLeo. The Jobstairs Giessen 46ers played a spirited and hard fought first half, but lost track in the second half allowing a few Bonn runs and then it was lights out. “We played a good game. We played as a team in the first half. In the second half we lost rhythm and allowed Bonn to get to the free throw line. That slowed us down and they got their rhythm”, stated ex Phoenix Suns guard Diante Garrett.

                Before the game began, both teams had the usual hand shakes and when Chris Babb and Diante Garrett met, it was a massive hug and lost of smiles. They both have a very special connection as their paths have continued to cross their whole career. “We went to Iowa State together. We were teammates in the NBA Summer league with the Bulls and Suns. We also played against each other in Israel and Turkey. Whenever we see each other it is like a family meeting”, stated Diante Garrett. Both teams found their offensive rhythm quickly as ex Temple(NCAA) guard TJ DiLeo scored twice with a 15 footer and step back jumper while ex NBA player Diante Garrett scored five points giving Giessen the 7-4 advantage. “I got going. I know what we will get with their pick and roll defense, so I was open for some short range jumpers”, stated TJ DiLeo. After ex ratiopharm Ulm center John Bryant nailed a 25 footer for the 9-6 lead, it was time for the Telekom Baskets Bonn to go on their first run as they rolled out on a 8-0 run to get the 14-9 lead. In the run the guests got good support from Serbian forward Strahinja Micovic with a transition basket, a tip in from ex Fraport Skyliner big man Leon Kratzer and back to back shots from American Alex Hamilton who played at Louisiana Tech University (NCAA). Bonn did a good job sharing the ball and defending more aggressive on ball which forced Giessen to tough shots. Bonn continued to keep the lead getting some production from Kratzer and ex University of Florida (NCAA) guard Jalen Hudson for the 18-13 advantage. Giessen stayed close getting vital production from veterans Garrett with a three pointer and a lay in from basketball globetrotter Brandon Bowman who scored in the paint for the Giessen 19-18 lead. The back and forth play of both teams continued as the Telekom Baskets Bonn finished the quarter strong with two buckets from Eastern Michigan University (NCAA) center James Thompson for the 23-19 lead. “One of our goals in the game was to get transition baskets. We did a good job doing that in the first quarter”, stated TJ DiLeo. The Telekom Baskets Bonn shot 55% from the field and 0% from outside and had 9 rebounds and 1 turnover while the Jobstairs Giessen 46ers shot 50% from the field and 14% from outside and had 9 rebounds and 4 turnovers.

            The game continued to be back and forth in the second quarter but the Telekom Baskets Bonn were on top at the break with the 44-42 lead. The Jobstairs Giessen 46ers came out on fire going on a 11-2 run to retake the lead at 30-25. Giessen got solid production from ex Bradley(NCAA) forward Scottie James, German Alen Pjanic with a lay in, a trey from ex Murray State(NCAA) guard Jonathan Stark and free throws form John Bryant. Giessen had more control in their offensive sets while Bonn was too hectic and didn´t take care of the ball allowing Giessen to get away. The game of runs continued as Giessen lost some focus and intensity allowing to Bonn to rebound and slip away and grab the lead back at 37-32. In the Bonn 12-2 lead, ex Boston Celtic Chris Babb demonstrated why he is such a lethal scorer nailing two treys, while Micovic snuck behind the Bonn defense getting a touch down pass from Killian Binapel for the easy transition basket and Hudson scored inside and sunk free throws. Bonn did everything better on the court with getting the hustle plays, transition baskets and controlling the boards. Giessen came back to tie the game at 39-39 with a Garrett three pointer and classic John Bryant offensive rebound and put back. But Bonn went into half-time with the lead getting a Micovic three pointer and massive Babb tip in dunk. “Chris Babb got hot. When he gets hot, it opens up so much for us”, stated TJ DiLeo. The Telekom Baskets Bonn shot 51% from the field and 30% from the three point line and had 19 rebounds and 5 turnovers while the Jobstairs Giessen 46ers shot 47% form the field and 29% from the three point line and had 19 rebounds and 6 turnovers.

            In the third quarter, the Telekom Baskets Bonn were able to open up the game and they would never look back. Giessen gave some resistance to begin the third quarter and even took the lead back at 47-46 with a Diante Garrett trey. The Telekom Baskets Bonn then went on a 12-2 run to extend their lead to 58-49 and they would never trail again. In the run, the Telekom Baskets Bonn took good care of the ball and got support from many players as Alex Hamilton dropped a trey, Leon Kratzer made a hook shot. Micovic and ex Kent State(NCAA) guard Xavier Pollard scored on transition and Chris Babb made three free throws. Bonn increased their defensive intensity and threw many different defenses at Giessen. Transition baskets and getting to the free throw line also helped dig into their lead. Giessen recovered from the Bonn run as they snuck in a 5-0 run cutting the Bonn lead to 58-54 as Stark drained a three pointer and Bryant made another offensive rebound and put back. One could witness all night how good Diante Garrett and John Bryant clicked on the floor. “We have a good chemistry and help each other out on the court”, stressed Diante Garrett. But Bonn closed out the third quarter with a trey from ex Ulm forward Isaiah Philmore and a Binapel basket in transition: “We got in passing lanes and got our hands on balls. We turned up our defensive pressure and made it very difficult for them. We played better team defense”, said TJ DiLeo. “Bonn switched from zone to full court press. They gave us different defensive looks which led us to scramble on offense and that helped them get going”, added Diante Garrett. The Telekom Baskets Bonn shot 49% from the field and 36% form the parking lot and had 28 rebounds and 8 turnovers while the Jobstairs Giessen 46ers shot 42% from the field and 30% from the parking lot and had 28 rebounds and 11 turnovers.

In the fourth quarter the Telekom Baskets Bonn were able to manage their lead well and half way through the quarter upped their offense to a new level and lead by as much as 21 points. Giessen kept chipping away getting buckets from Bowmann and James, but Bonn didn´t back down, but continued to execute well on offense getting buckets from DiLeo, Binapel and Hamilton to keep a comfortable 71-61 lead. Bonn continued to execute at a good rate while Giessen couldn´t get a roll on defense to help them go on a run. Bonn got some more production from Babb and Kratzer while Giessen also got baskets from Pjanic, Bryant and Bowmann, but were unable to make any good ground still trailing big at 78-68. Giessen got 5 early team fouls which Bonn took advantage of going on a 11-0 run to ultimately decide the game leading 89-68 with a few minutes to go. In the run, the Telekom Baskets Bonn got good support from Micovic who sparked Bonn with his offense scoring 7 points while Kratzer and Babb also netted baskets. “We tried to make it tough for Bryant. We moved the ball well, got open shots and got to the free throw line”, commented TJ DiLeo. “Bonn hurt us with playing aggressive defense and switching well”, said Diante Garrett. Giessen closed out the game well with a 7-2 run as Garrett hit another trey and Bryant scored twice, but it wasn´t enough as Bonn won by 17 points. “We never took our feet off the gas pedal”, said TJ DiLeo. “We looked at each other with the clock ticking down. We have to learn to play hard and together for a whole game”, warned Diante Garrett. The Telekom Baskets Bonn were led by Chris Babb with 20 points. Strahinja Micovic added 16 points and Alex Hamilton 12 points while the Jobstairs Giessen 46ers were led by Diante Garrett with 20 points. Jonathan Stark and John Bryant added 17 points a piece. The Telekom baskets Bonn shot 52% from the field and 41% from outside and had 34 rebounds and 12 turnovers while the Jobstairs Giessen 46ers shot 45% from the field and 33% from outside and had 35 rebounds and 18 turnovers.

On a January afternoon in 2021, the Fraport Skyliners were playing a league game against 2010 Eurochallenge champion BG Goettingen and it was just another normal game, but with closer inspection you could have unearthed some NBA flair. Fraport Skyliner legend Quantez Robertson hasn´t played in the NBA, but he played at Auburn where NBA legend Charles Barkley played. Ok so there are guys every weekend who played at well known NCAA schools that have famous NBA alumni, but there were some more distinct NBA connections on the court. Jon Axel Gudmundsson and Aubrey Dawkins were going head to head and they didn´t even know that in 1986 there was a Petur Gudmundsson and Johnny Dawkins sharing the ball for the San Antonio Spurs. The Skyliner Gudmundsson wasn´t related to Petur, but Aubrey is the son of ex NBA guard Johnny Dawkins who had a solid 9 year NBA career averaging 11,0ppg and reached the NCAA final with Duke. Over the years there has been so much NBA flair in the Fraport arena as guys like Luis Scola, Marcin Gortat or a Jose Calderon played there as well as American players like Dorell Wright, Darius Miller or a Casey Jacobsen to name just a few. Well known coaches have also come and gone in the arena with the best known being Ettore Messina. But the two best known guys that have entered the Fraport arena were Michael Jordan in 1990 playing a contest with Steiner Bayreuth against a team from the American military and in 2018 ex NCAA and NBA champion Larry Brown coached Fiat Torino against the Fraport Skyliners in a Eurocup game. The American was very impressed when he heard which legends have graced the floor of the Fraport arena. “I can´t even say that I share the same air with guys like Michael Jordan and Larry Brown. Everybody respects these guys. Hopefully one day I can be somehow remotely be close to the kind of impact they had. It is cool to be able to step in arena´s where legends have been. I feel a special connection when I´m in a arena and know people like that have been there”, stressed Aubrey Dawkins. For the time being the NBA is on hold as Aubrey Dawkins is playing overseas for BG Goetingen. Even if Aubrey Dawkins had that NBA connection, his amazing love for the game will keep him happy even if he never reaches the NBA.

         Aubrey Dawkins was born on May 5^th, 1995 in Durham, North Carolina. He is the youngest of four children. He was raised there during the time when his dad Johnny was on the Duke(NCAA) coaching staff. His family moved to California in 2008 when Dawkins senior became the coach at Stanford(NCAA). Aubrey Dawkins then attended St Francis high school in Mountain View, California. In his senior year he averaged 18,8ppg and 7,0rpg and made the 2013 All-San Jose Mercury News boys basketball first team along with future NBA player Aaron Gordon. He then decided to do a post graduate year at New Hampton Prep School and averaged 12,3ppg and 3,6rpg. There have been many examples of ex NBA players son´s and how they became success stories or busts and often just coping with the pressure of being able to follow in their foot steps isn´t always the easiest task. But so far the young American Aubrey has carved out a nice professional career and is truly blessed and thankful for always having his dad when he needed him. “There are no words to describe how important my dad has been in my life. He has helped me so much with his approach, outlook and drive. I just try to add what he has given me to my game and life”, stressed Aubrey Dawkins. A phrase of his which he likes to mention as seemingly often as a Dennis Schroeder must be thinking “why am I blessed to play with Lebron James” is his love for the game something which can only be traced back to his dad. “I am really blessed for having a great childhood. Being able to be in environments like Duke and Stanford really helped me form this love for the game the same way my dad did. I am so blessed and appreciative for everything that he has done for me”, warned Aubrey Dawkins. Being the son of a former NBA player also brings sweet advantages like being able to mingle with other NBA players. “I have met a ton of NBA legends. It was awesome meeting guys like Kobe Bryant, Allen Iverson and Magic Johnson. That is when dreams really come true. I met Kobe twice last at a Nike Skills camp in 2017. It was a life changing moment meeting Kobe. He is one of my hero´s. He is my favorite player after my dad. It was so heart breaking when he died. I had happy moments with him and also got a picture with him”, remembered Aubrey Dawkins.

            He began his NCAA career in 2014 at the University of Michigan where he would play two seasons playing a total of 65 NCAA games. In his freshman season he played 29 games averaging 7.2ppg, 2.2rpg, FGP: 52.9%, 3PT: 43.8%, FT: 87.0%. He scored in double figures in 8 games and showed his first flashes of brilliance scoring 20 points in a win over Illinois and 21 points against Northwestern. But he saved his best for last at the end of the season where he scorched Rutgers for 31 points while dropping 8 three´s. It was the second most points for a Michigan freshman after current Dallas Maverick Trey Burke “That was a surreal moment for me. That is what dreams are about. I was so happy after that game and I proved in that game that I belonged in the NCAA. It was a real confidence builder that I could play. It was a big moment in my career”, stated Aubrey Dawkins. In his second year at Michigan he played 36 games averaging 6.5ppg, 2.5rpg, FGP: 58.6%, 3PT: 44.0%, FT: 72.4%. In his second season he scored in double figures in 10 games including 19 points in a victory over Youngstown and 15 points in a win over N Michigan. ”Playing at Michigan was a huge experience for me. It was my first time playing at a high level in the Big 10. This is what dreams were also made of. I had great teammates and coaches. I loved my time at Michigan and learned a lot there”, stressed Aubrey Dawkins. At Michigan he had the great opportunity to be teammates with future NBA player Caris Levert where he honestly stated that Caris got the better of him in one on one battles in practice and also had the incredible opportunity to learn under head coach Jim Beilein. “I didn´t shoot the ball well in high school. When I came to Michigan he helped me with my jump shot very much. He helped my shot become faster and get a more consistent release. He helped me become the shooter I am today. He really helped me lay down the foundation of my game. He also helped me with ball screens, reads and defensive rotations”, said Aubrey Dawkins. Despite putting up good stats in the time he got, his playing time decreased because of guys like Zak Irvin and Duncan Robinson. His dad was named head coach at Central Florida, so it was only fitting that he would join his dad in Florida.

            Dawkins who lists guys like Zion Williamson, RJ Hampton, Jalen Adams and Yogi Ferrell as his toughest foes in the NCAA arrived in Florida with his dad for the 2016-2017 season, but didn´t play until two seasons later, because he had to sit out his first year due to NCAA transfer rules and an injury ended his second year as well. Sitting out two years would be a difficult task for any player and it wasn´t any different for him. “I don´t wish any player to have sit out a season. I felt betrayed, and it was very tough, but I just worked hard during that time and I learned just how much I loved the game. It made me appreciate the game more, because I know the game can be taken away from you at any time. You need to appreciate everything”, warned Aubrey Dawkins. He played 33 games averaging 15.6ppg, 5.0rpg, 1.4apg, 1.0spg, FGP: 51.4%, 3PT: 40.3%. He scored in double figures in 29 of 33 games and his best scoring games occurred against Temple where he exploded for 36 points and had 11 boards, 26 points against SMU, 23 points against UConn and 22 points against Missouri and Wichita State. But the game he will never forget was his 32 points in his last NCAA game at the tournament where he had to suffer a 77-76 loss against Duke and couldn´t make his last shot over future NBA player Zion Williamson. “When I look back at that game, I don´t think about the stats, but about the little things that could have won the game. It was tough and beautiful at the same time. It was a story book ending that will hurt forever”, stressed Aubrey Dawkins. Having that NCAA experience is something no player will forget, but there aren´t many guys that can say that they played for their dad. “We had a great season and any win alongside my dad was incredible. I will never forget our win at UConn and see the pictures of my dad and I walking back to the locker room smiling. This the kind of moment you always hope for. Our relationship grew that year and we watched each other grow”, commented Aubrey Dawkins. He also had the pleasure of being teammates with current Boston Celtic Tacko Fall who has become somewhat of a cult hero in a very short time. “We spent so much time together. He is 7,6 and anywhere where we went he was always the tallest guy. He had problems going through doors. He is a hilarious guy and jokester and always has a smile on his face. He never says no to pictures and autographs. I´m happy to be able to call him a friend”, added Aubrey Dawkins. In the 2020-2021 season, Tacko Fall had a memorable game for Boston where he nailed a deep three bank shot and drove to the hoop like a guard. “I called him after that game. That was so hilarious. I will always poke fun at him, because he swears that he can shoot the ball”, laughed Aubrey Dawkins.

            The American lists only three players on his personal NBA Mount Rushmore with Jordan, Kobe and Lebron played his rookie season with the Erie BayHawks (NBA G League) playing 37 games averaging  9.3ppg, 3.5rpg, 1.0apg, FGP: 61.2%, 3PT: 35.7%, FT: 86.7%.”It was a different kind of experience. I learned to take care of my body and that everything is on you. How much work you put in reflects on how much you love and appreciate the game. I gave the same dedication to the game like I did in college”, said Aubrey Dawkins. He scored in double figures in 17 games including 22 points against Greensboro and 20 points against Westchester. Despite having that known basketball name, he got no freebies and had to go his own way. “I was just one of the guys. I was just another player that tried to be the best he could. Coach Pannone pushed me and I tried to take as much from him as possible”, stated Aubrey Dawkins. He also saw so many different types of guy´s stories about the NBA and getting to the big show isn´t simple. His teammate Jalen Adams averaged 19,1ppg and didn´t get a call up and now is dominating in France. Seeing something like him doesn´t discourage him about his own NBA dreams and guys not being taken accounted for for their skills. “It is part of life. I can accept it. There are a lot of opportunities overseas. The NBA is only a small portion of the basketball population. I´m happy for the guys that are playing there and living their dream. I can´t stop my dream, but you need to love where you play. My NBA dream is still realistic, but I don´t let it control my life. If the NBA comes calling great, but if not I´m fine with my career in Europe. Many guys can´t do that. It is special for me to play in Europe. I have fun playing and want to play to the best of my abilities”, expressed Aubrey Dawkins.         

            Let´s fast forward to 2021 as Aubrey Dawkins is playing his second professional season in Germany with 2010 Eurochallenge winner BG Goettingen. He is living in a beautiful part of Germany, but isn´t living in a big city or traveling first class like he might with other organization,s but his humble character has allowed him to fall in love with the club. “It has been fun playing with BG Goettingen and a new experience. I have had no complaints. The organization has treated me great and I have nothing but love for the club”, warned Aubrey Dawkins. Often guys coming over from the States and having to witness total new playing styles, different coaches philosophies, and European players that some can´t get adjusted well, but for Aubrey Dawkins he has needed no real transition period as he belongs to the best players on the team and is a big leader. “For me I always have the same approach to the game which is to love the game. I still have the same routine, listen and learn and continue to become the best player that I can be”, warned Aubrey Dawkins. He isn´t only in love with the game, but also his teammates like English national player Luke Nelson. “Luke is a great player. I couldn´t have a better teammate. He also has a special approach to the game. He makes everyone better and I´m happy to call him a friend”, stressed Aubrey Dawkins. Another guard who he has formed a special bond to is young German Nelson Weideman who began his career with FC Bayer Munich. He has been like a mentor for the talented German. “He comes to me at times for advice. I have had different experiences and sometimes he can use a different opinion. I also have asked him for advice and he has given me tips about certain players and how they play something I didn´t see in the states”, expressed Aubrey Dawkins. Another teammates that has stimulated him on and off the court has been ex Alba Berlin cup winner Akeem Vargas who is known as a fierce defender and good shooter and off the court a very intelligent guy. “
We are usually on different teams in practice. I pick up tricks from him. He is a very smart guy with his outlook on the game and life. It is fun to talk to him and pick his brain. He has given me a lot of helpful insight on and off the court. We have had some interesting conversations on the differences between Germany and the states”, added Aubrey Dawkins.

            The last movie that Aubrey Dawkins has watched was Nothing to hide and really enjoyed watching Kobe Bryant as a kid, but who didn´t? He likes watching guys that can shoot and effect the game on multiple levels like Jimmy Butler and Terence Ross. He has been known as a good shooter for a while, but his game encompasses so much more. “My biggest strength is my shooting, but I try to be an overall player and talented scorer. I love team basketball and will do whatever the team needs me to do”, warned Aubrey Dawkins. His shooting continues to be an area where he wants to go from being a very good shooter to an elite one. “It´s all about working hard. I need to always keep the defense on their toes and play smart. I need to be more dynamic, come off screens better and make good ball fakes”, warned Aubrey Dawkins. It isn´t always easy for guys to come from the G-League where defense isn´t mandatory and be able to step in and defend overseas. But Dawkins was lucky that he had Ryan Pannone as a coach in Eire who had had experience coaching in Europe and brought that defensive mentality to Eire. “Coach Ryan helped me a lot and I´m happy with the time I had with him. The defense I learned from him is now coming full circle to use. I need to continue to bring it here and continue to get better”, warned Aubrey Dawkins. Being that allrounder has always been his goal and that hasn´t changed overseas. “I want to continue to be the most complete player that I can be. I want to be able execute anytime when coach says something. I want to have no major holes in my game and maximize my abilities”, stressed Aubrey Dawkins. Great offensive skills and a defensive game that is continuing to mature overseas are helping Aubrey Dawkins to continue to climb the ladder, but he has a third strength that will also continue to aid him to becoming the best which is his unselfishness something that is always loved by coaches overseas. “I focus on team basketball and it´s never about me or my stat line. I want to help my teammates and always see them succeed. I don´t like being selfish, but just want to win”, warned Aubrey Dawkins. If his game will be enough for the NBA one day still needs to be seen, but for now he is content in being in Europe and developing his game further. He may have that NBA name, but he has something that is even greater than that and that is a special love for the game that will always keep him happy if he reaches the big show or not.

Cayden Edmonson is a 206cm center from Dixon, Kentucky that played his rookie season with the VfB 1900 Giessen Pointers (Germany-Regionalliga) playing only one game scoring 25 points, getting 13 boards and dishing out 3 assists in a loss to Idstein and then COVID-19 ended his season. He began his basketball career with Webster County High School and then played 112 NAIA games with Bethel University Tennessee from 2016-2020. In his freshman year he played 17 games averaging 2.0ppg, 2.0rpg. In his second season he played 31 games averaging 8.9ppg, 5.3rpg, FGP: 55.9%, FT: 71.4%. In his junior season at Bethel University, Tennessee he played 33 games averaging 14.3ppg, 7.3rpg, 1.5apg, FGP: 61.5%, 3PT: 42.9%, FT: 63.0%. He took it up another notch as a senior playing 31 games averaging 16.3ppg, 6.8rpg, 1.8apg, FGP: 58.3%, 3PT: 44.0%, FT: 67.5%. He spoke to germanhoops.com about his basketball career.

Cayden thanks for talking to germanhoops.com Congrats on signing with German regionalliga team Giessen Pointers. In a time with COVID-19 and the transfer market difficult to crack, how did this transaction come about?

I signed with Mr. Stinnett/David Gonzalez into Free Agency Basketball and once I got my passport, which was delayed quite a bit due to COVID-19, I was informed of my offers and made my decision from there. It was quite stressful, but I knew I was in good hands with my agents.

You had 2 offers from German teams. What was the deciding factor why you joined the Giessen Pointers and what was your first impression of head coach Daniel Doerr?

I joined the Pointers because they presented the best opportunity for my career. Coach Daniel is a great coach. I love his enthusiasm for the game and it helps that he played a similar position in his time, so we can relate quite a bit. He has helped me feel at home here, and has helped me with this transition as well.

How blessed do you feel about signing a professional contract. It isn’t that often that NAIA players get signed overseas. Have the goosebumps became less?

The realization that I had become a pro player was definitely a major cause of my nervousness. I didn’t really think about the aspect coming from an NAIA level because I was always told that if you can play, the pro teams would find you. It has always been a dream of mine to play professionally, I locked in and trusted God that he would lead me to where I needed to go. It all still feels new, but I know I am right where I need to be. I have done well on the court, but I know I have a lot more to give and I’m thrilled to play.

You had a really tough childhood losing your dad at age 2, sleeping on the floor and seeing drugs all around. How were you able to rebound as an adolescent Did Mr Himmelheber save your life?

I always had a positive mindset and a realization of what was right/ what was wrong, so I always tried to keep my head straight. Regardless of those situations, it is obvious that there are effects for children, but basketball was my escape. Coach D in my eyes saved my life, but God had us meet for a reason.

How has God changed your life. Where do you think you would be today had Mr Himmelheber and church not entered your life?

God changed my life by always keeping me on the right path regardless of the situation that I was in. I always had a voice over me guiding me in any situation. Without Coach D and the church, I would probably be living with my mother trying to make the best life possible with her because she is all I have as a parent.

Mr Himmelheber said this about you. ‘I’ve affected one. He’s going to affect thousands. The (number of) kids he’s going to be able to help is tremendous.’ Will you be looking to help kids in Germany?

I absolutely love kids, ultimate goal is to help as many people as possible. Due to the language barrier, it has been tough. If I can help some kids along the way, that would be an ultimate goal.

I love your quote ‘Anywhere is a chance to live my dream’ Obviously Germany is a great place to live, but would you have signed in Mongolia to live out your dream?

I would sign anywhere to live out my dream. It wouldn’t have mattered where I signed as long as I could play basketball.

You’re a history buff and living in Germany is a good place to learn about history. How excited are you about living in the university city Giessen and getting to know it’s history?

I’m ecstatic about learning the history of Giessen and getting as much knowledge about it as possible.

You played your last college game on March 5th against Loyola LA. How difficult was it abruptly your college career? What would you still have liked to have experienced as a player at the NAIA level?

The ending of my senior year in college was one of hardest things to go through because of the family that was at Bethel. I would have liked to experience a National Championship.

How did you experience the whole COVID-19 crisis in the States? How challenging was life in general for you and how did you get by best during this time?

The crisis with Covid forced me to move out of Bethel University.I had got an apartment with my High School teammate Shawn House. Life wasn’t too bad considering I had a job at the local Walmart, but the home workouts weren’t the same as an actual in gym workout.

How challenging was it finding gym time to stay in shape and also work on basketball skills? Did you have to come up with some special exercises that you didn’t do beforehand?

Staying in shape was not that bad because I was running a mile 3 out of the 7 days. Basketball skills were hard because I did not get a goal to shoot on until July. I started looking into calisthenics workouts with some friends and those workouts helped.

How did this whole COVID-19 crisis make you stronger as a man?

Covid made me focus on my mental health and become even closer with God, which prepared me more for overseas than anything.

Let’s talk about your game. You’re a 206cm center. If you had to compare your game to a NBA player who would best fit the description?

I think my play style is unique for my position. I couldn’t quite choose an NBA player.

You’re a player that can score and grab rebounds at ease. What do you feel is your absolute biggest asset on the court?

Biggest assets is that I have a do not give up mentality when playing – regardless of the score, Im still going to play like it’s a tied game

You took 46 three’s in your last 2 seasons at Bethel University Tennessee. Is developing your three something you will see doing as a professional?

I’ve always wanted to get better as a player and have more than an inside game to offer. Developing it to be more consistent is a personal goal.

On what things did you work on most this summer so you will be successful in your rookie season in Germany?

Body weight workouts were a huge success to prepare me for my rookie season because it brought more strength for me.

What do you feel is a hidden strength in your game that doesn’t always get noticed right away?

My court vision.

You played at bethel University Tennessee from 2016-2020. Was reaching the NAIA D1 Sweet 16 in 2019 your biggest achievement?

That was my biggest achievement because it was a team succession.

You had many personal good games at Bethel University Tennessee, but as a junior you had 4 games in a row against Middle Georgia, Florida College, Brewton Parker and Blue mountain averaging 23 points per game. Was this the best basketball that you played there?

Not necessarily the best basketball games, but it was the games with the mismatches down low. The game plan for those games were designed for me. I think my best basketball was as a senior on the road to my 1,000th point.

How did head coach Jeff Britt groom and prepare you best for a professional basketball career?

By pushing me to be a work horse on the court. He was always in my ear to make me better.

Who won a one on one in practice you or Kameron Rose?


I’m about 150-0 against Kam. I know a few times I won off just dunks.

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

Ja Morant.

Please name your 5 best teammates of all-time?

5 best teammates were Mason Roland, Isaac Edmondson, Charles Cobb, Jarred Walker, and Bradley Walker. They all pushed me to be the best possible player that I could be on the court.

What is your personal NBA Rushmore of players past or present?

Magic Johnson, Michael Jordan, Larry Bird, Dennis Rodman, and Shaq

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

Jordan all day.

What was the last movie that you saw?

Avengers Endgame

Thanks Cayden for the chat.

After beginning 2021 on a positive note winning four of seven games, the Fraport Skyliners fell into a rut again taking a four game losing streak into the game against Rasta Vechta. Now comes a phase again where the Fraport Skyliners who came into the game in 11^th place with a record of 7-13 play four games against opponents where three of them they can and have to beat. The last victory was against Rasta Vechta on February 6^th and tonight they had the opportunity to find their way back on the winning streak as they faced them again. It has been a terrible season for Rasta Vechta as they are in the easyCredit BBL cellar with a 3-17 record. They started the season on the wrong foot losing their first 11 games, but then built a three game winning streak including beating Brose Bamberg, but currently were clinging to life again having a six games losing streak. They came into Frankfurt and wanted to start a winning streak, but were denied again as they had a horrible third quarter which made them have to play catch up basketball for the rest of the night. They fought hard for 40 minutes, but just couldn´t get over the hump in the fourth quarter losing to the Fraport Skyliners 84-75. “We didn´t have the type of energy tonight the way we had in the last games. The 10-0 run by Frankfurt in the third quarter really hurt us and we were unable to recover from it. We risked a lot at the end, but turnovers hurt us and Frankfurt was able to close out the game”, stressed Rasta Vechta head coach Thomas Paech. The Fraport Skyliners continue to search for consistency for 40 minutes. After a difficult first half, the 2016 Fiba Europe Cup winner stepped up their defense in the third quarter which helped them get into an offensive groove and hold of Rasta Vechta in the fourth quarter. “I thought that we played ok defense in the first half, but they just made tough shots. We buckled down on defense in the second half and moved the ball a lot better which helped us get the win”, stated Fraport Skyliner guard Matt Mobley.

                Rasta Vechta was missing some scoring power without American Josh Young who had a shoulder injury, but that didn´t hamper their scoring as they sped out on a rapid 5-0 lead getting a trey from German ex Ehingen guard Tim Hasbargen and a two handed dunk from ex Boston College(NCAA) stand out Dennis Clifford. That basketball is a game of runs is nothing new as the Fraport Skyliners got their offense going going on a 8-2 run to get their first lead of the game at 8-7. In the run Frankfurt received valuable production from German big man Michael Kessens with a lay in, a nice jumper from ex Braunschwieg guard Joe Rahon who supplied some nice fakes and dribbling to get clear of his defender and from Quantez Robertson. Robertson has been up and down as a scorer this season, but he got two easy lay in´s which got his self confidence going quickly. Rasta Vechta got a 20 footer step back from ex Louisville8NCAA) guard Edgar Sosa who has been carrying the team getting two assists on the first two Vechta baskets. But the game continued to take turns as Rasta Vechta would close out the first quarter with a potent 11-7 run to lead 18-15. In the run, the guests did a good job forcing Frankfurt sniper Matt Mobley to take contested shots and didn´t allow American Rasheed Moore many touches. On offense the last place team did a good job sharing the love on offense as German Robin Christen drilled home a trey, ex Bremerhaven forward Will Voorhees hit a trey and former Pro B player Bjoern Rohwer supplied vital 5 points as he cleaned up the paint area. “We weren´t making shots despite getting good looks. That happens sometimes”, commented Matt Mobley. “We moved the ball very well and played good defense”, stated Rasta Vechta forward Jesse Hunt.

                Rasta Vechta continued to control the game in the second quarter and led by as much as 8 points, but the Fraport Skyliners stayed on their heels as they cut the advantage down to 42-38 at the break. Quantez Robertson remained aggressive on offense driving to the hoop for two points to cut the Vechta lead down to 18-17, but Rasta Vechta continued to demonstrate quick spurts of decent offense going on a 8-0 run to extend their lead to 26-18. In the run, good ball movement and wise decisions rewarded them with back to back trey´s by American Jordan Barnet who played at Missouri(NCAA) and ex Alba Berlin center Dennis Clifford made a lay in as Barnett made the extra pass. Frankfurt suffered mental lapses on defense, but luckily on offense they got further support from Quantez Robertson who added five more points to cut the Rasta Vechta lead down to 26-23. Rasta Vechta went on a 5-0 run to  extend their lead to 30-23 as Voorhes nailed another trey and Bjoern Rohwer continued to be at the right place at the right time making big plays as he caught a Sosa airball between three Skyliners and somehow managed to make the put back. The Fraport Skyliners continued to be able to stay in the game despite still getting no points from Mobley or Moore. Ex FC Bayern Munich guard Bruno Vrcic continues to stay consistent in the minutes he gets as he made 5 points and ex Davidson(NCAA) stand out Jon Axel Gundmundsson contributed 8 points in the last few minutes including notching two three pointers. “I´m happy that Jon used his time well today and made shots. It isn´t important if you start or come from the bench, but how well you use your time on the court”, stressed Frankfurt head coach Sebastian Gleim. Rasta Vechta held the lead getting an open three from Jesse Hunt, a runner with one second on the shot clock from Rohwer and a trey from ex Alba Berlin guard Stefan Peno. Frankfurt had 0 points from Mobley or Moore, but trailed only 42-38. Mobley´s shot wasn´t falling, so he became a facilitator. “Gundmundsson is so important for us. When he plays well, so do we”, stated Matt Mobley. “Gundmundsson is a good player. He hit some three´s and scored on transition. That is what good players will do”, stated Jesse Hunt.

                The turning point of the contest came in the third quarter as the Fraport Skyliners broke open the game with a massive run and never looked back as Rasta Vechta were unable to come back. The Fraport Skyliners came out of half-time rejuvenated and slapped Rasta Vechta with a brutal 10-0 run to snag back the lead at 48-42. In the run, Frankfurt was able to stop seven Vechta possessions and on offense were able to execute well. The run was sparked by ex Miami(NCAA) standout Kamari Murphy who made amends for his poor first half where he had three turnovers, two missed lay ups and an airball. He scored three buckets as every time it was Mobley that found him for a lay in, two handed dunk and an alley-oop dunk. Moore and Mobley also finally got on the board for the first time in the game. Frankfurt stepped up their defense being more aggressive and doing a great job pressuring the ball. The higher intensity on defense sparked their offense. But Rasta Vechta finally got some offensive power from Robin Christen who made free throws and drooped a three pointer as suddenly Rasta Vechta was trailing only 48-47. Frankfurt quickly picked up their defense again and closed out the third quarter strong and in fine fashion taking a lethal 11-3 run to lead comfortably again at 59-50. Frankfurt was aided by Rasta Vechta getting their fifth team foul with five plus minutes to play where they received six free throws. Frankfurt also got a two handed dunk from Mobley and a lay in by Bruno Vrcic as he snuck behind the Vechta defense hauling in a touch down pass from Joe Rahon. Bruno Vrcic continues to make good strides in his second season with Frankfurt despite having had injury woes this season. He finished with 13 points in 15 minutes and a lot of praise from Sebastian Gleim. “I felt that this was his best defensive game of the season. He didn´t hesitate taking shots. He shouldn´t think so much. His self-confidence rose throughout the game. He has really improved in the last months”, said Sebastian Gleim. Rast Vechta got a free throw from Peno and a 25 footer from Edgar Sosa. “We locked down on defense getting stops which led to easy baskets. We also got to the free throw line”, expressed Matt Mobley. “Frankfurt came out with more energy. We threw the ball away too much and kept our heads down. That helped them keep the lead”, said Jesse Hunt.

                The Fraport Skyliners led by as much as 15 points in the fourth quarter, but Rasta Vechta never backed down coming back and trailing by only five points, but they couldn´t recapture the lead again. The Fraport Skyliners blasted off with a rapid 8-2 run to extend their lead to 67-52. In the run, they got free throws from Michael Kessens, and two three´s from Bruno Vrcic and Matt Mobley. Robin Christen continued to be consistent on offense making a runner off the glass. Frankfurt kept the momentum of the third quarter as their offense was flowing while Rasta Vechta had problems covering the three point line. Rasta Vechta had been exerting a lot of energy in the second half trying to come back, but they still had some gas in their tank as they reeled off a huge 20-10 run to trail only 77-72. Instrumental in the come back was the spirited play of ex Notre Dame College (NCAA2) standout Will Voorhes who was a one man wrecking crew scoring 10 points. He showed his versatile inside out game hitting two three pointers and making a lay in and very beautiful 20 footer fade away jumper from the corner. Rasta Vechta was also aided in the run by Christen and Barnett three pointers and a lay in by Jannes Hundt. Frankfurt kept the lead with scoring with three´s from Gundmundsson and Mobley and another lay in by Quantez Robertson. Frankfurt then stopped the Rasta Vechta momentum closing out the game with a 7-3 run. Frankfurt got a Kessen´s tip in and clutch trey from Gundmundsson which sealed the victory. “We came back getting big shots from Christen and Voorhes. We cut it down to five with a few minutes to play, but they continued to get big shots and we couldn´t close the gap”, stated Jesse Hunt. “They were switching a lot at the end which didn´t allow us to get inside. So we had to do more 1-1 plays. We made the big plays and weathered the storm”, warned Matt Mobley. The Fraport Skyliners were led by Jon Axel Gundmundsson with 17 points. Quantez Robertson added 15 points while Matt Mobley had 13 points, 11 assists and 8 rebounds while Rasta Vechta was led by Robin Christen with 16 points and Will Voorhes had 15 points. The Fraport Skyliners shot 48% form the field and 47% from outside and had 31 rebounds and 15 turnovers while Rasta Vechta shot 45% from the field and 43% from outside and had 33 rebounds and 19 turnovers.