Lamont Jones a 29 year old 183cm guard from Harlem, New York that is playing his 7th professional season and third in Germany and first with the Fraport after having played with MBC and the MHP Riesen. He also gathered professional experience in countries like Japan, Qatar, Saudi Arabia, France and Montenegro. He began his basketball career at Rice high school and then played 2 seasons at the University of Arizona (NCAA) and 2 seasons with Iona (NCAA). He is conducting a special diary with germanhoops.com at the BBL Munich tournament
Miles Schmidt-Scheuber and Lamont Jones in Frankfurt in 2018
Before we chat about the loss against Ludwigsburg, I have to ask you how are you feeling. You went down against Ludwigsburg. Can you play against Vechta on Thursday? At the moment I’m not optimistic that I will play against Vechta. I will see how I’m feeling in the morning. I have a lot of pain right now. Painkillers aren’t really helping. I have a bad hematoma. It is the worst pain that I have ever had. I felt like I had to throw up.
You came into the tournament so focused and motivated and had good feelings about the team’s chances. Now your season may be over. How are you doing mentally? I’m doing good mentally, but it’s a bummer what has happened to me and just very unfortunate. You haven’t played for so long, then you can play again and you get hurt. But I understand the risks of playing. It is nothing that you can control. I’m just going to rehab and understand that it is part of the game and that this happens.
Another tough loss and the third of the season against the MHP Riesen Ludwigsburg. Is there a curse on the Fraport Skyliners to close out games? I don’t know what it is. I don’t know if it’s a curse. It just keeps happening. If you watch the end of the game then you saw Richie Freundenberg defending Marcos Knight very well. Marcos dribbled the ball like 20 times and hit a in your face fade away jumper over him. The ball sat on the rim and rolled it. I was thinking then when are we going to get a break? We watched the tape and Mcquaid wasn’t out of bounds. I thought that he was fouled. Losing like this was a total bummer, but it’s part of the game. We just have to keep chopping away and get a win. The guys did what they could. It was the last seconds and could of gone either way. There was nothing we could do about it.
Does a team need a Bartolo,Tez and Freudenberg on Marcos Knight to totally shut him down or is he really just a perfect 1-1 player? He is a tough cover and is a bull. I played with him last season and tip my hat to him. For me if there is anyone that I would be ok with beating us then it’s Marcos. I’m very close to him. He is a great person and father. He has put in the work and time to be the player that he is. He was firing on all cylinders against us. He did what Marcos does. He had the hot hand.
I hate asking the question, but what positives could the team take from the loss? How key is winning the rebound battle easily, getting 21-9 assists and shooting 81%-56% from the free throw line? when you still lose at the end?
I felt like we played a great game We rebounded the ball very well which was a key for the game for us. Our spirts aren’t down. Tez found his rhythm. Bartolo was being Bartolo and the other guys like Richie Freudenberg and Gytis Maciulis are also playing well. Akeem Vargas is playing very efficiently. We believe that we can win games and are all locked in
17 year old German Len Schoormann had another solid game with 7 points. Ex Skyliner Adam Waleskowski said months ago that the German was playing well in practice. How have you seen his development and can he be more than a solid BBL player in the future?
Len is young and still has a lot of work to do, but he has a lot of heart. He is always willing to listen. He doesn’t say much, but soaks everything in. This is pivotal in his growth as a player. I think that when he has more experience, he will come into his own and be a force. His development this season has been phenomenal.
How was the day today? Talk a little about the team schedule today and how the pre game preparation is going against Rasta Vechta? We had an optimal breakfast. Then we had recovery. Then we had lunch at 12:15 which was followed with a walk through and then a team meeting and film. We capped off the day with a barbeque. Every team has one at some stage of the tournament.
Rasta Vechta like Crailsheim don’t have as deep a roster as the other teams. What kind of game can we await and what will be key to getting the win? This game will be a dog fight. All teams want to win. Our spirits are high, Tez is in rhythm and I think that we will play a good game. Keys to winning against Vechta will be rebounding and playing good defense. We also have to continue to believe.
There is a game room in the hotel. Have you checked it out and if so what player has made shown a good figure there? I haven’t played video games since 1998. I watch people play and many get so caught up with it. I see my brother sit in front of a TV for 16 hours. I don’t knock anyone doing it, but for me it just isn’t appealing. I played video games with my dad when I was very young in our living room. Then when he died, I never played again. It just didn’t feel right. I tried to play Call Of Duty when I was playing in Saudi Arabia, but it didn’t feel right either. I played for 1 day there. It was very short lived.
Who wins a one on one you or Akeem Vargas? Me. He is a great defender, but I’m a great scorer. I don’t take many players over me. I played against him the last years and now he guards me every day in practice. I know his tendencies. A one on one would be fun.
Javontae Hawkins is a 26 year old 196cm forward from Huntigton, West Virginia playing his third professional season and first with the Crailsheim Merlins currently averaging 16,4ppg, 4,6rpg and 1,4apg. Last season he played with Holargos B.C. (Greece-A1) playing 29 games averaging 11.7ppg, 3.9rpg, 1.2apg, FGP: 53.4%, 3PT: 33.3%, FT: 77.5%. As a rookie he played with the Salon Vilpas Vikings (Finland-Korisliiga) playing 54 games averaging 14.3ppg, 5.1rpg, 1.1apg, FGP: 54.9%, 3PT: 40.6%, FT: 79.9%. He played NCAA basketball at three schools with S Florida from 2012-2014 playing 54 NCAA games, then had his break out season with Eastern Kentucky (NCAA) playing 30 games averaging 17.0ppg, 4.8rpg, 2.1apg, FGP: 56.4%, 3PT: 33.3%, FT: 76.5% and finished at Fordham (NCAA) playing 31 games averaging 14.0ppg, 4.9rpg, 1.0spg, FGP: 46.5%, 3PT: 35.2%, FT: 84.3%. He and germanhoops.com have teamed up for a diary from the BBL tournament in Munich
Crailsheim suffered their second loss in the tournament against FC Bayern Munich. How tough has it been experiencing these loses considering how good everything was working before COVID-19 hit?
It’s very tough, but it’s a learning situation for us as a team. With injury and new players we have to find a way to be the best version of ourselves. The coaches have been doing a great job of that during this tournament in reminding us who we are, what we do and how we can become better. The past is the past and I feel like every team in the BBL respects us for what we did and brought to the table at full strength
It is obvious that you are a big time competitor and are focused to beat any team. But the overall talent level between both teams was very big. What were the biggest problems that the Merlins had? Was it containing their hot shooting or defense which forced you to 19 turnovers.
The biggest problem we had was inexperience. However I am proud of how we stayed in the fights despite the result.
A big loss was not having the services of Dewayne Russell. How proud are you of kids Liam Carpenter and Aleksa Kovacevic for doing the best job they could against the top team in the BBL?
It was very tough to not have Dewayne Russell out there on the court as our starting point guard. He has been exceptional all year, and has had an MVP season but it’s the right thing to do for him to sit out for the best interest of his future. The younger guys like Liam, Aleksa and Vladan came in and gave a lot of energy and played with no fear. I respect those guys especially Liam who has been working so hard all year despite seeing limited action. Those guys deserve to be out there due to the hard work and patience they’ve had all year and on top of being GREAT teammates.
You had 8 points and 4 rebounds in 23 minutes and took the third most shots on the team. When you look back at the game, could you have been more aggressive on the offensive end?
I think my performance wasn’t the best. But it’s not about what I do, or how many points I put up. In the second half I focused on playing the right way instead of trying to take over the game by making the right plays, getting guys open shots and being a great teammate. I just want the younger guys to know that despite defeat you must continue to play the right way.
The club is now 0-2 and faces 2-0 Ulm. You face a must win and a win would do wonders for the club. Do you still have memories of the 91-79 win over Ulm during the regular season?
I feel like every time we lace them up we have an opportunity to win. We have an opportunity to be better than yesterday. And it’s key to keep our same principles going into the game against Ulm. What we did earlier against Ulm is in the books, it’s fun to talk about and look back on but we must focus on reality and try to find a way to win this time around.
Ratiopharm Ulm are one of the favorites to win the title now and have a very deep roster. What will be most key to get the win?
The biggest key for us to win is to be who we are and play how we practice. And be happy with the results in the end as long as we played our best and left it all on the floor.
You play against so many guys, but do you get excited over playing against a guy like ex Kentucky guard Archie Goodwin who played many years in the NBA?
I always get excited about playing against all players. Archie Goodwin is a great player. But there is no one I feel like I have to prove that I can play at a high level. I know what I can do and I believe that what I do best is what’s best for the team no matter who I’m going against.
How have the last days been in the hotel? Have you had any chats with opponents or has your focus been on keeping your distance from other players?
Me and Jarelle Reishel, Christian Sengfelder, Tre Mcclean, Zamal Nixion, Teyvon Myers have all had conversations since being in the hotel about the season, about future plans, etc. I wish those guys a healthy tournament and future seasons.
Have you checked out the game room yet? Any favorite games that has caught your attention?
I have no checked out the game room yet but I plan on checking it out very soon.
Zamal Nixon is a 31 year old 186cm guard form Brooklyn, New York that is playing his 9th professional season. He began the season with the MLP Academics Heidelberg (Germany-ProA) playing 28 games averaging 13.7ppg, 2.4rpg, 4.1apg, 1.4spg, FGP: 61.6%, 3PT: 33.8%, FT: 82.3%. He was signed by the MHP Riesen for the BBL season ending tournament in Munich. He played for other teams in Germany like Herten (Pro B), Phoenix Hagen (BBL) and Nurnberg (Pro A). He also played in Poland, Austria, Austria and 3 years with GS Lavrio (Greece-A1). He began his basketball career at Xavier high school and then played at the University of Houston (NCAA) form 2007-2011 playing a total of 122 NCAA games and as a senior played 30 games averaging 10.3ppg, 2.6rpg, AssistsCUSA-3 (4.7apg), StealsCUSA-3 (1.8spg), FGP: 44.6%, 3PT: 36.1%, FTNCAA-3 (92.2%). He spoke to germanhoops.com shortly before the begin of the BBL tournament in Munich.
Zamal thanks for talking to germanhoops.com We did our first interview together in 2012 in your rookie season with Herten and second one in 2014 when you had your first tour of duty in the BBL with Phoenix Hagen. How has time flown by since then?
The time has flown by rather quickly. My first professional job was here in Germany and for me it’s hard to believe that now I’m headed into my 10th year as a pro.
Let’s talk a bit about the last months that has shocked the world with COVID-19. How did you experience the last 3 months. Did you return to the States or did you remain in Munich?
I stayed in Munich the whole time. Me being from New York and New York being one of the places that was hit the hardest with the Virus I thought staying inMunich with my family would be the best option.
How did you experience the day to day dealings with life during COVID-19? What was the most difficult thing to get adjusted to during these difficult times?
The toughest part for me was not being able to move around freely. Stores, restaurants, gyms, and even parks were all closed. It was difficult staying in the house so much, but I’m happy things seems to slowly be getting back to normal.
How do you feel did you get stronger as a person during COVID-19?
I wouldn’t say it’s made me any stronger but it’s help me appreciate the little things in life that I might have taken for granted.
How did you stay in shape best during this time? Did you sense like you might land with a team somewhere to end the current season when it was made known that the pro A season was over?
For me during this time staying in basketball shape was a bit difficult. Nothing can prepare you to be in that type of shape besides actually playing games in my opinion. I rode my bike a lot around Munich though, and was able to do some running outside as well. As far as getting on a team goes I really wasn’t sure what would be possible. I just knew that if a team did need a player that maybe me being in Germany already would work in my favor.
You played in Germany in 3 of your first 4 professional seasons and then was away for 4 years playing 3 years in Greece before returning back to Germany to play in the Pro A with Heidelberg. You last played in the Pro A with Nurnberg in 2012-2013 How have you witnessed the Pro A change in the last 7 years?
The Pro A has changed a lot in many ways for the better I would say. Having a social media presence is something new that wasn’t really going on while I was playing. Also having all the games available for people to watch on Air tango was great. When I was playing back in 2012 it was a lot more difficult for people back home in the states to be able to watch games. It also seems like there are a lot more ambitious clubs in the Pro A. A lot of teams want to make that push to get into the first league. Teams like Chemnitz Bremerhaven Jena Heidelberg Rostock Nuremberg are among a few I can think off of. You even have a lot of former first league clubs in the Pro A now as well. With Artland, Trier, Hagen & Tuebingen are all teams who I played against when I was in the first league as well.
How disappointed were you that you couldn’t finish the season with the MLP Academics Heidelberg. What did you enjoy most this experience and do you feel like the club could have made a run in the playoffs?
It was unfortunate that the season had to end the way it did. Especially for us in Heidelberg. Right before the season ended we were playing really good basketball. I enjoyed playing in Heidelberg it’s a really great club & everyone in the city is excited about the new arena that’s being built. I have no doubt in my mind that we could have made a deep run in the playoffs.
You have signed with the MHP Riesen for the final tournament in Munich. How exciting is it to be back in the BBL and what are your memories of the league when you were with Hagen?
It’s exciting to be back in the BBL especially for this tournament which is something I’m sure everyone in Germany will always remember and will always be talked about. The league has changed a lot since I was in the league. I think the league has gotten better every year and it’s really cool to see teams like Vetcha who was in the Pro B when I started and now they are one of the better teams in the league and even played champions league this season.
What is your impression of the club? The team has lost some key players with Leissner, Carrington and Konga but gained you and Teyvon Myers. How is the team shaping up on the court and how have you adjusted to the style of John Patrick?
Ludwigsburg has established themselves as one of the best teams in the BBL over the course of the last couple years. Coach Patrick has done a great job in the BBL and in international competition as well. They went to final 4 in Champions league a few years ago which was a great accomplishment for the club. Teyvon went to the same High school as me He’s a little bit younger but I’ve known him since he was a teenager and it’s been cool to play with him after us having such a long friendship. I think the team is shaping up well. It’s a lot of talented guys on the team and everyone has been working hard. I think I’m adjusting well. J.P has done a great job of communicating the things he wants from me both defensively and offensively and really making me feel welcomed here so all in all it’s been a smooth transition so far.
What has been your impression of German big man Ariel Hukporti? He is on the radar of many NBA teams. How far do you see his game compared to the most talented NCAA players that are his age?
Ariel has been fun to watch and play with. I think he has tremendous upside if he keeps working. If he went to college in the states I’m sure he would be a 5 star recruit and have offers from every major University.
How cool is it sharing the back court with Jaleen Smith another guy like you that had to pay his dues in the Pro A before making the jump to the BBL. Do you have a different kind of relationship with him considering the type of paths you started to take as professionals?
I met Jaleen a few times because he came to Heidelberg to watch some games during the season. He’s a great guy & it’s definitely cool to share the backcourt with someone who’s grinding their way to the first league through the lower leagues. I always have a different level of respect for those guys because I know first hand how hard it is.
What kind of role do you see yourself having with this team that will have more scoring options than Heidelberg? You don’t always have to score 30 points in a game. Could we see you having more of a playmaking role?
As far as my role goes here I just want to help my guys out in anyway possible. Over the course of the last 4 years I’ve played as playmaker more than any other position so I’m comfortable in that role. We have a lot of weapons offensively so I’m just here to help wherever I can. Weather it’s scoring passing defending or cheering the guys on from the side. I just want to win.
You have played for many coaches in your life like Ingo Fryer in Hagen where defense wasn’t an issue and now have John Patrick who preaches defense. Do you feel like you can make another step as a defender in the next weeks at age 31?
No matter how old you are I think you can always find ways to get better. So for sure I believe that playing for a defensive minded coach can help me better myself.
How is Zamal Nixon a different player today than when he played with Phoenix Hagen?
I think the biggest thing is that I have a lot more experience now. I’ve played in Greece and France since I left Hagen. Playing in different countries and adapting to different styles really has helped my IQ for the game grow even more. I understand European basketball now a lot more than I did back then. I believe I’ve sharpened my skills and grown a lot mentally throughout these years since Hagen.
All 10 teams are staying in the same hotel. It won’t be easy avoiding other players. If you had to chose 2 players that are in the tournament that you would like to get to know better who would you pick? I can image that guys like Rickey Paulding and Quantez Robertson will be high on the list?
I’m new here to the team and have only known these guys for about 2 weeks so I think I’ll spend my time in Munich getting to know the guys on my team a little bit better.
There is a lot of turmoil in the States concerning the death of George Floyd who was murdered by a white policeman. Ratiopharm Ulm legend Per Guenther has stated he will pay the first 10,000 euro in player fines should players get involved with making some kind of protest during the tournament. Do you think that these could happen with the influx of Americans that are taking part in the tournament?
First I I would like to start by saying that I have a unbelievable amount of respect for Per Gunther for coming out and making such a strong statement it’s speaks volumes to his character and the type of person he is. As far as protest goes I don’t think any players are going to protest anything. In the U.S we are dealing with a great deal of systemic racism, inequality and Police brutality. So speaking up on these issue or wearing clothing that supports our stance shouldn’t be a problem with anyone in my opinion. If anything it should be supported by the league because a lot of players that have played in the league come from these areas where people are suffering from these problems.
You played 3 seasons in Greece. How do you feel did your game progress being able to play against top Euroleague teams Panathinaikos and Olympiakos?
Playing in Greece helped me better myself as a player a lot. The league is very tactical and physical. Many of the games are played in hostile environments. I think I became a lot smarter and tougher mentally throughout my years playing there. Greece has many historically successful teams. Olympiacos, Panathinaikos, AEK, POAK ARIS, & Pertisteri all have rich tradition within the European basketball world.
What memories do you have having played many years against top guard Nick Calathes? What was most challenging about limiting him as best as you could with his game?
Nick is one of the best guards in Europe. With his size IQ and ability to pass to the ball makes it very tough to guard. He hast he ability to control the game without scoring, but has the ability to score if the team needs him to.
You also battled one of Europe’s best point guards Mike James who played in the NBA before, but recently signed a 3 year deal to remain with CSKA Moscow. Despite having played against so many players in your career can you still remember scenes on the court with him and you that just have stuck in your mind?
Mike James is a big time guard also one of the best in Europe. you can only imagine how much of headache it was for teams having to stop him and Nick. I just remember Mike James being a guy who can score all types of ways, & having great athletic ability.
You played a season with Euroleague player Kevin Punter. Would you have thought years ago that he could make the Euroleague and how much of that chip on his shoulder has helped him get to where he is today?
K.P is a guy I always knew had the talent to play at a higher level. But how fast things has happened for him has been surprising to me. To think he has 2 Champions League Titles and now is playing Euroleague already in only his 4th or 5th year as a pro is amazing. That chip he plays with on his shoulder is the reason he is where he’s at now. I couldn’t be more happy for him and all the success he’s having.
Please name your NBA Rushmore of past and present players?
My Mount Rushmore would be Jordan, Kobe, LeBron, Tim Duncan & Shaq. These are the guys from my generation that I actually got to watch. Not taking anything away from the other great players that paved the way before I was old enough to watch the game.
Did the current incredible ‘Last dance’ documentary help Michael Jordan solidify his title as the greatest of all-time a bit more and make it a bit harder again for Lebron James to pass him one day?
I personally don’t think LeBron will ever be able to pass M.J . That doesn’t mean LeBron isn’t a great player but when you watch the Documentary and you see how much of a larger than life figure that Mike was even before social media was around I don’t think we will ever see anything like Mike again.
What was the last movie that you saw?
The last movie/show I watched was ‘Jeffrey Epstein: Filthy Rich’
Kameron Taylor is a 26 year old 198cm guard from Hyattsville, Maryland that is playing his fourth professional season and first with Brose Bamberg. Last season he played with Pecsi VSK-Veolia (Hungary-A Division) currently averaging 19.2ppg), 8.1rpg, 3.9apg, Steals-1 (2.2spg), FGP: 57.7%, 3PT: 40.7%, FT: 74.8%. Two seasons ago he played in Germany with the Dragons Rhondorf and tore up the Pro B averaging 23,4ppg, 7,9rpg and 5,6apg, and 2,6spg. As a rookie he played with Team Ehingen Urspring (Germany-ProA) playing 29 games averaging 10.8ppg, 3.9rpg, 2.3apg, 1.3spg, FGP: 50.0%, 3PT: 43.9%, FT: 80.2%. He started his basketball career at DeMatha Catholic and in 2012-2013 started his career at Seton Hill (NCAA2) and as a freshman played 28 games averaging 7.8ppg, 4.8rpg, 2.0apg, 1.5spg, FGP: 40.6%, 3PT: 27.3%, FT: 70.0%. In his second season at Seton Hill (NCAA2) he played 27 games averaging 12.6ppg, 6.3rpg, 2.6apg, 2.0spg, 1.2bpg, FGP: 43.5%, 3PT: 35.3%, FT: 77.9%. In his junior season at Seton Hill (NCAA2) he played 16 games averaging 13.1ppg, 4.8rpg, 2.1apg, 1.0spg, FGP: 43.3%, 3PT: 39.6%, FT: 70.6%. In his senior year at Seton Hill (NCAA2) he played 27 games averaging 20.8ppg, 8.7rpg, 4.1apg, 2.2spg, 1.0bpg, FGP: 49.6%, 3PT: 36.1%, FT: 76.8%. He and germanhoops.com have teamed up sharing a diary from the 2020 BBL tournament in Munich.
Miles Schmidt-Scheuber and Kam Taylor in Rhondorf in 2017
How was the last week of training in Bamberg? How was the team looking after the long lay off? What things were good and not so good?
We actually have been looking really good in the last week of practice. Everyone’s conditioning is up and we were able to play a lot of 5 on 5. I guess the only bad part is that we weren’t able to play vs other teams to get a feel for other teams.
How were the first 24 hours in Munich? How are the hotel accomodations and what has been most pleasant of the situation so far?
I haven’t stayed a full 24 hours just yet but the best thing is having your own room.
Is it a positive or a negative to be playing your first game on the fourth day against Alba Berlin which will be playing their second game?
I think its the best thing because we get to see where we are against one of the favorites in the tournament. With fresh as legs as well.
There has been a lot of drama the last weeks in Bamberg concerning management and the club. How confident are you that the players are totally focused 100% on the tournament?
We are 100% focused and excited to play. We are trying to do something special with this tournament. So I have only been focusing on what we want to do in the tournament.
You lost a tough 4 point contest to Alba Berlin and then got pounded by 37 points. Alba Berlin is for many a favorite. Have you guys learned from the 2 loses and what will have to be better this time to be successful?
We have to be focused and locked in a full 40 minutes. We know Berlin is a very quality team and it’s going to take full focus and effort to get a win.
Funniest teammate experience so far in Munich?
You are going to have to ask me in a couple days because we just got here lol
With what non Bamberg player have you had the first real meaningful experience with in Munich?
I haven’t really met anybody here from the other team. But shoutout to Per Gunther He has my full respect for acknowledging what’s happening in the states.
How cool has it been being teammates with Jordan Crawford? What have you soaked up from him and is there something you asked him about his NBA days that you just had to know?
Jordan been great, he’s the ultimate scorer, with a lot of experience. So I really like guarding him every day because if I can guard him then it’s not too many people that can go like him.
Who wins a one on one in practice this season you or Paris Lee?
Lamont Jones is a 29 year old 183cm guard from Harlem, New York that is playing his 7th professional season and third in Germany and first with the Fraport after having played with MBC and the MHP Riesen. He also gathered professional experience in countries like Japan, Qatar, Saudi Arabia, France and Montenegro. He began his basketball career at Rice high school and then played 2 seasons at the University of Arizona (NCAA) and 2 seasons with Iona (NCAA). He is conducting a special diary with germanhoops.com at the BBL Munich tournament
Miles Schmidt-Scheuber and Lamont Jones in Frankfurt in 2018
A tough 82-71 loss against Alba Berlin. How tough is it going back to the hotel after a difficult loss and seeing your opponent walking around?
I haven’t seen them around much. In a tournament setting like this you have to play for the next game. I thought a bit about the game when we left the gym, but as soon as dinner was over and we watched film, I was already focused for the next game.
It is no secret that a basketball game has 40 minutes. Once again the Fraport Skyliners were unable to put together a game for 40 minutes. What is your summary for not being able to get the win?
I think that at a certain point we lost our legs and Bartolo got hurt. We missed some easy shots and we didn’t have that rhythm yet. It was our first game in a long time. But I feel that we played a lot better than we expected. Despite the loss, I’m really excited to see how we will rebound from the loss and play against Ludwigsburg. I think that after that first game we won’t have the jitters and hype that we had against Alba Berlin. I believe that we will be more locked in and focused against Ludwigsburg.
Did the 9-0 run to begin the fourth quarter decide the game?
No because we did come back and were down only 3 points. I had some good looks and shots I usually make. Shooting just felt weird in that first game. For months I shot by myself and didn’t go against other players. We did a good job controlling the game and had chances down the stretch. It was a game of runs and we have to understand that we played against Alba Berlin. They had no run the whole game and then had one in the 4th quarter. We played good, but just couldn’t finish.
What positives could the Fraport Skyliners take form this opening game loss? Perhaps the strong play of Yorman Polas Bartolo?
Bartolo will be on the floor against Ludwigsburg. I thought that we moved the ball well and played together. Freudenberg came out of the gate very aggressive. We fed of Bartolo’s energy early. He had something like 3 steals early. When he went down, our energy went down. A positive going into the Ludwigsburg game is that we know our bodies will feel better and the whole experience will feel more normal on the court.
You had 10 -points, 2 rebounds and 3 assists and 1 steal. How pleased were you with your play?
I didn’t play well. I got a lot of looks, but I couldn’t get to my spots as well because of my legs. It had been 3 months since I last played a game. I always expect to play better even when I played a good game. The whole feeling was worse because we lost.
You played 24 minutes. Do you feel like a team performance like this that you could have been more aggressive?
Yes I should have been more aggressive. I shot too many jump shots. After a while I was 3 point happy. I can always be more aggressive. I shot 2 long jumpers and felt good. I wanted to shoot more and never got into attack mode. The aggressiveness comes with time.
How difficult is it having to prepare for a tough team like Ludwigsburg within 48 hours. What is key in preparation in a short time and are you looking forward to playing your old team?
You try to watch as much film as possible and follow scouting. Important also is to prepare the mind and do things differently. Keys to the win will be to keeping them off the glass and matching their aggressiveness. I’m looking forward to the matchup between Bartolo and Wimbish. I have no real special feelings playing against my old team. We lost to them twice this season. I am very motivated to play them and win.
You have always been a great scorer, but how did you grow on the defensive end with John Patrick as head coach?
It was a tough year for me. I sat out for some time. I learned more about life situations off the floor than anything else. I learned to be strong minded.
How wins a one on one you or Quantez Robertson?
We actually played for the first time a few weeks ago. Tez, Bruno and I played king of the court. I challenged to play him. It feels good to have beaten one of the top defenders in the league
Javontae Hawkins is a 26 year old 196cm forward from Huntigton, West Virginia playing his third professional season and first with the Crailsheim Merlins currently averaging 16,4ppg, 4,6rpg and 1,4apg. Last season he played with Holargos B.C. (Greece-A1) playing 29 games averaging 11.7ppg, 3.9rpg, 1.2apg, FGP: 53.4%, 3PT: 33.3%, FT: 77.5%. As a rookie he played with the Salon Vilpas Vikings (Finland-Korisliiga) playing 54 games averaging 14.3ppg, 5.1rpg, 1.1apg, FGP: 54.9%, 3PT: 40.6%, FT: 79.9%. He played NCAA basketball at three schools with S Florida from 2012-2014 playing 54 NCAA games, then had his break out season with Eastern Kentucky (NCAA) playing 30 games averaging 17.0ppg, 4.8rpg, 2.1apg, FGP: 56.4%, 3PT: 33.3%, FT: 76.5% and finished at Fordham (NCAA) playing 31 games averaging 14.0ppg, 4.9rpg, 1.0spg, FGP: 46.5%, 3PT: 35.2%, FT: 84.3%. He and germanhoops.com have teamed up for a diary from the BBL tournament in Munich
How were the first days in Munich. Is there anything you already hate about being holed up in a room by your self?
I don’t think it’s anything I hate about being in a room all by myself because I know and understand it’s for the safety of not only the players but everyone in the hotel. However, it would be nice if there was a bit more freedom for players.
The Crailsheim Merlins suffered a tough 89-78 loss to BG Goettingen. You usually never want to make excuses, but in this case was iut justified considering how many guys were missing and Dwayne Russell didn’t seem fit either?
There is no excuses in the loss we suffered against Goettingen. They played very well, they also have more of their core of the team from the season. Hats off to them and their team. Russell has been playing exceptionally well ALL year. It’s very difficult to play at the same speed and rhythm when you haven’t played in 3 months (4 months for me). I believe everybody knows how good our team was with guys like Aaron Jones, Quincy Ford, Jan and Jeremy Morgan we were a top 3 team with those guys, but that’s the past and now we’re focused on what’s now with new additions like Marvin and David who fits our system very well. It’s all about showing and maintaining our character to improve each and every day.
Crailsheim shot the ball well, rebounded well and had only 11 turnovers. What were the biggest problems on the defensive end? We played a very good game against Goettingen they had 10 more free throws than us and we only went to the line 10 times the whole game which is very questionable, but we still had missed some good defensive opportunities to seal us the win.
How excited to play Munich again and try to get revenge for the 19 point loss. Do you have that we have nothing to lose mentality going in?
I have a winning mentality. No matter who we play, no matter what others think going into the game, my job as a person, player and teammate is to reassure the team that we are playing to win and we should have a winning mentality no matter who we’re are playing.
Do you feel like the awareness that the senseless death of George Floyd worldwide has gotten will be able to help fight racism in some way?
The George Floyd situation in America was very unfortunate and disgusting to witness on video. However, it isn’t just George Floyd this is just the tip of the iceberg of what’s been going on in America for years. Police brutality against blacks and racism has always been a major problem in America and has been ignored for years. I believe the protest throughout the world and support from ALL races have allowed people to realize that racism shouldn’t exist. We are all the same as human beings we just come in different races, shapes and sizes and we should except each other with how we came into this world.
Sarandis Mastrogiannopoulosis a 22 year old 194cm point guard from Greece that played the last 2 seasons with GS Lavrio Aegean Cargo (A1) and this season played 20 games averaging 4.5ppg, 1.5rpg, 1.2apg. In the 2018-2019 season with GS Lavrio Aegean Cargo (A1) he played 23 games averaging 2.3ppg and also played 2 Fiba Europe Cup games. He began his career with AS Apollon Patras (A1) and played 45 Greek A-1 games. He chatted with germanhoops.com during the COVID-19 crisis.
Hi Sarandis where are you at the moment and how is your current mood despite the world turmoil at the moment because of the out break of the Corona Virus? I am currently in my hometown in Patras. I am in good health first of all meanwhile there is a concern about the state of covid-19
When you first heard about the Corona Virus did you ever think that it could have such an effect on the world? At the end of January I heard about this virus for the first time. The truth is that, while I knew there had been pandemics in the past, I did not expect it to have such a dimension if one considers the progress of science today.
How did you experience the day to day life in Greece during the early Corona Virus outbreak? Did you see that corona effect on the culture there or was it not so much different happening in your day to day dealings? I follow the measures of the experts and the government and during the quarantine I am home. My only way out was for my daily exercise to maintain my physical condition. There is a big difference in our daily life in Greece, if we consider that we live in a country that favors the climate of having an intense social life
Did you become more aware about how you handle yourself in public in terms of shaking hands and not being in the line of fire with somebody coughing Yes Definitely. I am much more careful with hygiene issues and I follow them meticulously
Basketball leagues have shut down all over Europe. How disappointed were you about this and not being able to finish the season? The truth is that the season ended abruptly and unexpectedly. I am very disappointed about this because I could not continue to do what I love. But health is above everything .
Before leagues were shut down there was a BCL game in Bonn against AEK Athens and a Fiba Europe Cup game in Bayreuth without spectators in Germany. What is your overall opinion of playing a game without fans? I think fans are a strong part of the game and that’s why it’s not a nice picture of empty stadiums for sports in general.
What have you learned about these tough times that has made you stronger as a person?
It has made me stronger, more conscientious and more in solidarity with my fellow human beings.
Will it be a big adjustment having to start 3 months earlier with workouts and basketball skill development? What will be the advantages and disadvantages of this? It will definitely be difficult to adapt due to the great abstinence from active action. At the same time, however, we, the younger ones, are given the opportunity to improve on an individual level
The whole world economy is going to be affected including Polish basketball. How worried are you about the future of professional basketball. The next season will have many changes. How are you handling this mentally now not knowing what to expect? The virus has influenced and will affect the world economy. Part of that is professional basketball. The next season is expected to be difficult both for the athletes and for everyone directly involved with basketball and sports generally
If you had to name another player besides guys from your team that you have been in most contact via Social Media who would it be? I have maintained very good communication with several of my former teammates and we talk almost every day through social media
You began your basketball career with AS Apollon Patras (A1). Talk a little about your early life. Which players inspired you and to what NBA player would you compare your game best to? I made my first basketball steps in the team of my neighborhood, AO Skagiopouleiou. At the age of 15 I went to Apollon Patras the most historical club in my hometown. From a young age I was a fan of Diamantidis Spanoulis and Papaloukas. Kyrie Irving is one of my favorite players and I would love for my game to evolve like his own
With AS Apollon Patras you played from 2015-2018 including with the junior teams. How important were these 3 years in your early basketball development. How do you feel did you grow as a player there? It was important because I gained a lot of experience and images close to good players who helped me in the development of my game. I am glad that I grew up in such a historic team in my city and it helped a lot in the first steps of my professional career.
How key was experienced Greek point guard Nikos Argyropoulos for your early development? He played his 15th season and last season with Patros when you were only 17 years old. Nikos was and is my friend first. It is very important that young players are close to such good players with great careers as Nikos. He always supported and advised me and above all he inspired me with his hard work and consistency.
In your last season at AS Apollon Patras (A2, starting five) you had your break out season playing 31 games averaging 12.0ppg, 3.2rpg, 1.8apg, 1.0spg, FGP: 50.0%, 3PT: 39.8%, FT: 73.8%. What did you learn about yourself as a player that season? My last year at A2 it was a developed year for me. It helped me gain more confidence and competitiveness and improve my weaknesses.
You were one of the team leaders at only 20 years of age. What was the most important thing that you game gained in this break out season? It made me more mature and responsible in my game.
You were teammates with ex NBA and Euroleague player Alex Acker. Was he a guy that you wanted to have a special bond to? If so what do you feel could you gain most from his presence? It is a blessing to be a teammate with such a great player with a career in the NBA and the Euroleague. Alex was friendly and familiar from the first moment and we immediately had a very good relationship. I was impressed by his professionalism, simplicity in his game and I was inspired by his quality technical characteristics.
You have played many games in your young career but was your 26 point game in the win against Papagou a memorable game so far in your career? I remember this game because it gave me more confidence to have a similar continuity in the next games
You played the last two seasons with GS Lavrio Aegean Cargo (A1). How tough, but also beneficial was that first season? You had limited minutes, but were also teammates with very skilled guards like ex NBA player Doron Lamb and other guys like Zamal Nixon, AJ English, Brandon Young and William Buford. Was there one guy who’s game stood out most to you and where you tried to soak up most from from their game? It was an adaptation year changing category but more difficult due to level. They were all notable players and each in his own way helped the team. Everyone had something special in their game and I was trying to get what suited me.
This season 2019-2020 you played 4 minutes more per game, but as usual had a lot of American guards on the squad.How tough is that day to day battle in practice with them? What do you feel does your game still need to have polished for you to be a Greek A starter? The training every day was tough and they helped each other for the good of the team.
You had two solid games against top team Panathinaikos playing against great player Jimmer Fredette and Nick Calathes despite losing badly. Do these type of games where you play well give you the needed confidence to know that you can play against top competition? When you can cope with the difficulties and demands of such a race, with hard work it is possible to reach a high
During a game do you take the time to observe how a guy like Nick Calathes operates? What is something that his games has that you would like to have?
It takes a lot of experience to understand the game of such a big one player. I would love to have the opportunity to pass on to his teammates
What is the next step for you? You have always played in Greece. Would you consider playing in another country?
My goal is to improve every day and as a professional I want the best for myself
Who was the toughest player that you ever faced that reached the NBA?
Vassilis Spanoulis
Please name your 5 best teammates of all-time?
Acker, Dilllard, Lamb, McCollum, Hickey
Please produce your own personal NBA Mount Rushmore with 4 heads past or present? Jordan, Kobe, Harden, Antetokoumpo
Where were you when you heard about the passing of Kobe Bryant? How much of an affect did he have on your basketball life? I was at home when I found out about his loss and I really couldn’t realize it
What is your general opinion with the debate between who is greater Michael Jordan or Lebron James? Both are among the best of all time and each has its own characteristics
What was the last movie that you saw? Contratiempo
Lamont Jones is a 29 year old 183cm guard from Harlem, New York that is playing his 7th professional season and third in Germany and first with the Fraport after having played with MBC and the MHP Riesen. He also gathered professional experience in countries like Japan, Qatar, Saudi Arabia, France and Montenegro. He began his basketball career at Rice high school and then played 2 seasons at the University of Arizona (NCAA) and 2 seasons with Iona (NCAA). He will conduct a special diary with germanhoops.com at the BBL Munich tournament
Miles Schmidt-Scheuber and Lamont Jones in the Fraport arena in Frankfurt
How have the first days been in Munich for you. Does the Munich Quarantine have that room service feeling that you didn’t have in Frankfurt?
I wasn’t in quarantine in Frankfurt. It has been a different feeling here. The food isn’t the same. I remember the hotel from other visits. The service is nice and I feel comfortable. It is really beautiful here and we have all we need. You can get massages when you need to and we even have a game room, but I haven’t seen it yet. I hope the breakfast get better. I need bacon with my eggs. But other than that I haven’t had any complaints. This has a bit of that NCAA tournament feel, but it’s actually more like an AAU feeling.
How were the last days of practice in Frankfurt. What was your impression and what did you like most about the team’s progress?
I felt that we competed well in the last days and learned a few new things. We also got the new players better integrated and familiar with our system. We are a hungry bunch. Important has been the acquisition of Yorman Bartolo Polas. He has given us that extra umpf. We will be a tough bunch. I’m really excited to play.
You lost the first game against Alba Berlin by 34 points. How is this situation different to if you were facing them without the COVID-19 period? Do you feel like this will be a totally different kind of atmosphere?
If this was the regular season and there had been no COVID-19 then the atmosphere would be a lot different. That first game against Alba was tough. We had had injuries and played them out of the gate. I’m really excited to go against them now with our 2 new players. It is always good to play against my homey Peyton Siva. I’m looking more forward to playing against them now than if it was the regular season.
What kind of game can we await? How confident are you that Frankfurt will give a better defensive performance than in the first meeting?
I’m 100% confident we will have a better defensive effort than the first game. We still are one of the best defensive teams in the BBL. Add Bartolo, Tez and Richie Freudenberg blocking shots from the weak side, I feel that we will be a lot better equipped to play them and handle what they throw at us.
After seeing your teammates in practice in the last weeks, what player do you see being able to make an impact in the tournament?
I love Richie Freudenberg’s hunger. The hunger he has now is something I haven’t seen since I got here. I’m also very excited to play with Bartolo. His toughness reminds me of a guy I played with from back home. I’m really happy to be on the court with him now instead of being elbowed and being chased around for 40 minutes like in the past. I feel he will make a big impact in this tournament.
Funniest teammate experience since being in Munich?
I’m not sure that we have had one yet, but it will still come.
First meaningful conversation you have had in the hotel with a non Skyliner?
That was with Peyton Siva. We have known each other since 7th grade. We grew up playing against each other. The years after we built this connection that we still have today. Our conversations today center mostly around family, but we spoke about how this tournament reminds us of AAU ball and the Las Vegas circuit. He said that in about 1-2 weeks, the atmosphere will be a lot different. Now everyone is running around laughing but soon people won’t be talking to each other anymore. I told Peyton that I see the atmosphere changing a lot sooner. By this Thursday the mood will be a lot different. Guys will be more serious as the games become more meaningful.
How would win a one on one in the Iona practice facility tomorrow and on the playground in New York you or Sean Armand?
Me. No question about it. Sean is my guy, but the big difference is that Sean is a shooter and I’m a scorer. One on one is my thing. Sean is back home relaxing now and hasn’t played in a while. A one on one would be a lot of fun with a lot of trash talking. I always take myself.
Lamont Jones is a 29 year old professional basketball player from Harlem, New York that has experienced a lot in his career, but already saw so much in young years that nobody would have wanted any at that age to experience the crime and drugs in New York´s worst area that Mo Mo did in the 90´s as everyone who knows him calls him. He lost his father as a kid and that was the first time he felt what it meant to have family. The meaning of family popped up again in his life as COVID-19 exploded upon the world in 2020. Jones who began his basketball career at Rice H S and then played at Oak Academy before playing 2 years at Arizona(NCAA) played his last game before COVID-19 landed in Germany on March 7 contributing 23 points,3 rebounds and 7 dimes in the convincing 90-82 victory In Giessen then did something very un American deciding to stay in Germany instead of following most of the American players and head home. His reasoning was that he had a lot of faith in the German health system and didn´t want to risk infection on the trip home which was great. He was also happy that his family and friends supported his decision. “I didn´t really get a lot of slack. Everybody understood and even my mom was happy I stayed in Germany. The last months in Germany gave me a chance to clear my head, reflect on myself and stay in shape. I always knew that the season would continue. I feel that if I would of returned home, it would of taken away my focus and I think I would have had a greater chance of catching the virus had I gone home”, stressed Lamont Jones. Staying in Germany also was positive, because he learned something else that he wouldn´t have had he gone back to the States. “The whole world was in shock and anxiety and I learned to become more patient. I got closer with myself and that was very good for myself”, warned Lamont Jones. Lamont Jones lives in a mall called Nordwest centrum where the Fraport Skyliners train and with most teammates back home and with COVID-19 in full effect and less people around, he could of become very lonely, but he wasn´t. He was lucky to have his brother around. Family has always been an important part in his life and it wasn´t any different during the Corona crisis. “Our relationship grew. For me having him around was an amazing time. I might have lost out on basketball, but had him around everyday to support me. We got a lot closer and talked about deeper things. Having him by my side put a lot in perspective for me. There are a lot of guys that don´t have family. But for us having each other was a real blessing warned Lamont Jones.
Miles Schmidt-Scheuber and Lamont Jones in the 2017-2018 season after a Frankfurt-MBC game in Frankfurt
Jones did a good job staying fit and working on his game as best as he could, but also took in the whole COVID-19 crisis just like everyone else shacked up in Germany. At first the American didn´t take the Coronavirus serious, but as basketball leagues started to shut down, he sensed that this was a serious matter and something that would change the way we live. He was happy to be in Germany in a difficult time, because the people took the matter serious as a community and did the right things to stay safe. Even if his focus now is on the tournament in Munich to find the 2020 BBL champion, he does have an eye on next season as the transfer period will be one that nobody has ever witnessed before. “I´m not worried about the future of basketball, but next season. I have to take care of my family. It will be tough with lower budgets, but we have to adapt to the situation and understand that things happen in life. You may not be making what you did the season before, but players don´t always understand is that money isn´t what makes the game, but the love for it”, warned Lamont Jones. If Jones had gone home to the States, he would have had more family and possibly less time to discover new things that one does indoors, but being in Germany with his brother, he did have that mini family atmosphere, but also learned to do other things that he wouldn´t have done had COVID-19 not embarked on the world. “I think that the confinement and the situation always being in the house and not being able to do the normal things showed me that I didn´t need to be outside. I had so much fun being inside and doing things like reading. Now I know is that when the world opens up again, I can still do great things inside. I learned that I could adapt to things that I usually wouldn´t have done”, stressed Lamont Jones.
The American is a player that has seen a lot of basketball in his young life having played in Japan, Qatar, Saudi Arabia, Finland, Montenegro and Germany where he has suited up for the MHP Riesen, MBC and now Fraport Skyliners. He is one of those special players that takes a lot of pride in his game and has that immaculate work ethic that only few have. There were players that questioned the BBL finishing the season because of health risks, but for the American there was only one light he wanted to see and that was the green light. “For me it´s a business. I love that we can play again. We will be a part of history. I love the big stage and that all eyes will be on us. We as players have to take advantage of the situation. I also think playing these games ia a lot better than being stuck in the house for another 29 days”, warned Lamont Jones. The New York native also doesn´t buy the notion that the BBL and teams only had money in their thoughts and totally neglected the health issue. “Does anyone really care what is right or wrong in business? Important is how they get business done. Their approach is simple. How to make money and keep everything going, but at the same time to put the players in the safest possible environment. If everything pans out, then it was a brilliant move. If that happens then nobody will question it”, warned Lamont Jones. He does agree that not only the BBL needs a players union, but all other leagues in Europe. Some players criticized the BBL during COVID-19 for not having a voice in the decision making of the season being prolonged. “We are the product and need a voice. I think that if the players don´t have a say then the league won´t work as well. People who don´t play basketball won´t understand the player as well, but if a player can speak then they will be understood a lot better”, commented Lamont Jones.
Let´s rewind back a few months before COVID-19 struck and one saw an unsatisfactory season for the Fraport Skyliners as they had a 6-15 record and were 5 victories away from the eighth and final playoff spot. Jones is a player that won´t make excuses and despite the club having had the injury bug, the team still had their chances to have been a better team despite the circumstances. “I feel that we had some tough breaks with injuries as the basketball God wasn´t on our side. We fought well and had a chance to win a lot of games, but let some slip away. We were right there in many games, but can´t blame injuries on our loses. We had to have done a better job figuring things out on the fly. It was a constant emotional battle. Now we can show everybody the type of team we could have been during the regular season. It is very exciting”, expressed Lamont Jones. 4-5 years ago the Fraport Skyliners under head coach Gordon Herbert were at their best on the defensive end allowing in the high 60´s in points on average, but this season have allowed 80 points per game, but still belong to the top 5 defensive team sin the BBL. “I think that we are one of the better defensive teams in the BBL. I think that in the last years you have found more teams like the Munich´s and Berlin´s who have stayed together for years and have guys that can score. Defense in the BBL is good, but players also have gotten better. I´m always trying to figure out ways how the defense can´t stop me”, stressed Lamont Jones. Last season the Fraport Skyliners couldn´t adjust to the physicality of the BBL and this season couldn´t rely on a full roster on a consistent basis. “I remember 2 years ago when I played Frankfurt, they had Mike Morrison in the middle who was a beast. Then add a Tez, Scrubb and Huff, and you have a lot of length and a good defensive squad. Teams change and so do coaches. This season we have a young rookie BBL coach with Sebastian Gleim who has managed us and has had to learn on the fly. I think our biggest problem this season on the defensive end has been not being able to get in rhythm with so many injuries”, warned Lamont Jones.
The biggest strength of Lamont Jones is his scoring abilitiy, but another strength is that he has a good knack for being able to adjust to a new coach. That is something that comes with the territory when you are a basketball globetrotter. Gleim gave the reigns to Lamont Jones to lead the team and the American has seen the young coach develop well this season. “Sebastian has become more patient. At the beginning, he had a lot of emotion and excitement. It was tough for him at the start as a first time BBL coach. But as the season went on, he became more patient and trusted us more and we trusted him more. It isn´t easy for an older player to have a younger coach. As an older player you want to say I know it and have more experience, but at the same time you need to know that he is your coach and just as smart as you are as a player”, said Lamont Jones. He has played with very many good basketball players in his career and one of those guys when all is said and done where Jones will say “Tez” belongs in my best teammates of all-time list. The way a Gordon Herbert can rave about a Jordan Theodore or Johannes Richter, Jones will rave about a Quantez Robertson. “I love Tez. He is the man. He is up there neck in neck with Marcus Hatten as my best teammate of all-time. As an older guy, Tez isn´t greedy at all. He doesn´t say this is his show or say we do it my way. He is like a brother I never had. He allows you to learn and is an all around great guy. When my brother came, he showed him around town. He is like family and the main reason why I joined the Fraport Skyliners”, expressed Lamont Jones. He has profited very much from Robertson at both ends of the court. “He is vocal and has taught me to talk more on defense. On offense he has taught me to slow down the game and use different paces”, stressed Lamont Jones.
This season with the Fraport Skyliners Jones is averaging 17,4ppg, 2,3rpg, 4,8apg and 1,1spg. Even though he is a shooting guard, he has played point guard before and was trust into the playmaker role this season when starting point guard Anthony Hickey went down right before the season opened. He had his best assist average in Europe and misses the position now with the arrival of Joe Rahon. “I love to play point guard. I never got a chance before because I can score. I have no problem passing and reading the defense. It has been fun leading the team. I have really enjoyed it and would love to do it more”, warned Lamont Jones. Of course with the club losing a lot more than it was used to, he did get criticized at times, but people forgot that it wasn´t his normal position and the scorer in him usually got the best of him. “Knowing when to finish and when to pass was difficult in certain moments, because naturally I´m a scorer. This a lot of the time kicked in in crunch-time as the scoring instinct took over. I think this will gel more when I play the point more”, stressed Lamont Jones. The American has demonstrated everywhere he has balled that he is a lethal scorer, but that first professional title still has eluded him. Even if the Fraport Skyliners are an underdog to win the 2020 BBL title, his hunger to finally win that first chip is huge as he knows anything is possible in this unusual tournament in Munich. “I´m very hungry and motivated to win the title in Munich. I´m very excited to play in Munich and many don´t understand that the title is right there to get. I think that whoever fights and wants it the most will get it”, said Lamont Jones. With a lot of time on his hands in Munich, he will have time to look back on his only title that he won with Iona in 2013 with the MAC tournament. He beat Manhatten 60-57 in the final scoring 14 points which got them a NCAA tournament date with Ohio State which they would lose. If he does look back on that 2013 MAC title win, he won´t throw in the tape, but relive the game only in his mind. “I have never watched the final again. I haven´t watched many of my college games. I will save that game for when all is said and done with my career and really enjoy it. I have all my tapes. There will be a point in time where I will watch all of them”, warned Lamont Jones. He remembers the last seconds against Manhatten in the final well, but also has very fond memories of beating Niagara in the semi-finals as he got an introduction to real trash talking and had to put up with a very prominent fan heckler of ex New York Knick great Anthony Mason who was supporting son Antoine. “They had the ball and had the last shot and I secured the rebound. It was an amazing feeling. We had a huge New York rivalry with Manhatten. In the semi-finals against Niagara, I talked trash with Anthony Mason. It is an epic memory and winning after hearing from Mason that I couldn´t get it done”, stressed Lamont Jones.
Now with the Munich tournament looming closer and closer, Lamont Jones won´t have to deal with an Anthony Mason or any other fan hecklers, because all the teams will experience something totally knew with very quiet arena´s. “It´s tough to play without fans, but we are professional´s and have a job to do. We play scrimmage games all the time without fans. We will have to motivate ourselves and play as best as we can without fans”, commented Lamont Jones. There are only two groups with 5 teams a piece. No group is a cake walk as the Fraport Skyliners will battle Alba Berlin, Bamberg, Ludwigsburg, and Vechta. Despite the tough group, Lamont Jones is extremely confident that his team will be able to get the job done. “You will see a very hungry team. We know that many are counting us out, but we are ready to play. You will see good basketball. I have a great feeling”, warned Lamont Jones. All the teams will be playing a lot of basketball in a short amount of time, but Jones isn´t worried about the risk of injury at all. “You have to take care of yourself. The NBA is always playing a lot of games. This is our job. We will have everything that we need to our disposal in the hotel. The teams will make sure that we get the needed treatment. If it isn´t taken seriously, then there will be a higher risk of injury. But There is always a risk of injury in every game. You can´t think about it. You just have to go out and play and not be scared to play”, said Lamont Jones. Frankfurt has picked up 2 players to help fortify their roster with young talented Lithuanian big man Gytis Masiulis and top BBL defender Yorman Polas Bartolo. The latter could be the key to stepping up their defense a notch. “Bartolo is a strong defensive minded player that is an animal on the court. I´m very excited to be his teammate. He is like a Tez for me”, stated Lamont Jones. The American says that key to being successful in Munich is rebounding, defending and closing out games. He also knows that he will spend a lot of time in the hotel where all other 9 times will be crammed into. Even if his main focus is winning the title, he was quick to mention 2 players who he would like to get to know better. “I wouldn´t mind getting to know Ricky Paulding better and also Petteri Koponen of Munich. I had interactions with him in Finland on the court and he seems like a cool dude. He is one of the best shooters that I have ever seen. He can really shoot the ball”, added Lamont Jones. 3 weeks will be a long time to be holed up in the same hotel and it won´t be tough for him seeing his peers on a regular basis, but knowing that his mind will only be on one thing. “It will be cool being in the same hotel with everyone, but I´m not here to make any friends. I will mostly stay to myself. I´ll have a couple of laughs, but I´m mainly here for business”, warned Lamont Jones. Fraport Skyliners fans wouldn´t want it any other way, as Lamont Jones has 3 weeks to prove if he had had the right business approach.
Ishmail Wainright is a 24 year old 196cm forward from Kansas City, Missouri that is playing his second professional season and first with Rasta Vechta (Germany-BBL) currently averaging 10,3ppg, 5,5rpg, 2,4apg and 1,9spg. Last season he completed his first season in Germany with the Nuernberg Falcons BC (Germany-ProA) averaging 12,1ppg, 7,3rpg and 2,8apg. He began his basketball career at Montrose Christian School and then played 131 NCAA games at Baylor (NCAA) from 2013-2017 and as a senior played 35 games averaging 5.5ppg, 5.1rpg, 3.2apg, 1.7spg, FGP: 53.0%, 3PT: 29.2%, FT: 68.3%. He spoke to germanhoops.com during COVID-19 before the easyCredit BBL had announced it would complete the season in Munich.
Hi Ishmail where are you at the moment and how is your current mood despite the world turmoil at the moment because of the out break of the Corona Virus?
I am currently in Germany during this whole Corona turmoil. The BBL has agreed to the tournament and I flew back out to go to war with RASTA.
When you first heard about the Corona Virus did you ever think that it could have such an effect on the world? –
No I didn’t think it would shut the world down like it did. I thought and heard it was similar to the flu. So I really didn’t think much of it.
How did you experience the day to day life in Germany during the Corona Virus outbreak when you were still in Germany? Did you see that corona effect on the culture there or was it not so much different happening in your day to day dealings? –
I still continued my every routine to be honest. Woke up and went to weights and still got up shots even though we didn’t have practice. That was an everyday thing. It only affected me walking around the city like I normally do to get some fresh air. It was more walking on trails then in the city.
Did you become more aware about how you handle yourself in public in terms of shaking hands and not being in the line of fire with somebody coughing –
Yes. Absolutely!! Every time someone coughed I was scared. I was scared to cough myself. Haha
Basketball leagues have shut down all over Europe. How disappointed were you about this at first thinking the season may be cancelled? –
I WAS HEATED! we was going on the second half of the season and we as a team was finally feeling and looking how we wanted to look.
Before leagues were shut down there was a BCL game in Bonn against AEK Athens and a Fiba Europe Cup game in Bayreuth without spectators. What is your overall opinion of playing a game without fans? –
I think it’ll be weird to play with out fans over here to be honest. I mean, I’ve played without fans growing up and also like in Summer league games without fans but this is a way bigger stage than those times you know. So playing without fans will be weird but it doesn’t matter at the end of the day because we (RASTA) will have our own energy.
What have you learned about these tough times that has made you stronger as a person? –
It’s giving me time to actually sit back and think about life. Where it was taking me and where it could take me in the future.
The whole world economy is going to be affected including German basketball. How worried are you about the future of professional basketball. The next season will have many changes. How are you handling this mentally now not knowing what to expect?
– It can get to you at times because I know it has got to me. Not knowing when the season is going to start back up. Or where am I going to play at this year. This is only my second year professional, I’m just getting started.
If you had to name another player besides guys from your team that you have been in most contact via Social Media who would it be? –
Really all my Baylor guys to be honest. We are everywhere. Stateside. Poland. Germany. France. Puerto Rico. Belgium. Australia. And a few other countries. It’s a brothahood.
On April 27th the BBL after having a video conference with all 17 teams have decided to finish the season with only 10 teams as 7 teams declined to finish. What is your first reaction to this? –
I’m down ! I just want to hoop and have fun doing it !
There are a lot of positives and negatives to this. How do you personally feel about playing in a time where most of Germany’s sports is shut down coupled with that fear and risk of infection playing against other players and being around other people? –
This is what we do for a living, I’m sure they are going to take every step to make sure we are safe.
The BBL has decided to have 2 groups of 5 teams play each other which then will be followed by the quarterfinals, semi-finals and finals best of 3 all played in one location. What are you looking most forward to this format and what do you feel will be most difficult for the players playing in one location? –
I would love it. It’ll feel like middle school and high school AAU times but on a lot more serious stage you know. Some guys wouldn’t want to be stuck in one location for a long period of time. I personally don’t think it’ll be difficult because it about business. One goal and one goal only and that’s to win.
Possibly not all teams will have their imports on board plus some teams may have to put in their youth players. What would you tell critics who say that no matter what happens and who wins the title, the season won’t have the same value as if the season had been finished under normal circumstances? –
We are going to compete like it was the regular season is on the line. We are going play every game like it’s our last.
How vital will be the 2 week quarantine time and short training camp before the new Corona season starts? Obviously no player for any team has ever experienced this before, but what do you feel will be most vital for each team to come through this time best to best prepared for the rest of the season? –
Making sure our bodies will be ready to move when it’s time. Some guys will have to change routines. Some guys have probably had the same routine for years and now have to change them due to the 2 week quarantine. Each team will have to work twice as hard to be on the same page as one another.
How big will the mental factor be for the clubs that aren’t Munich or Berlin knowing that it’s a new season and no team has a real advantage? –
The mental factor is huge because now I’m sure teams have changed a lot during this time. Teams have had two and a half months to break down even more film. But all I can say is that we will compete from start to finish.
Rasta Vechta began slow losing it’s first 3 games and then from mid October to the end of January had it’s best time winning 10 of 13 games and then finished at 2-3 before the season was stopped. What was key for the club being successful in that time? –
Trusting in what we did best and believe in the process.
Rasta Vechta lost 2 key players from last season with TJ Bray and Austin Hollins. How much has head coach Pedro Calles impressed you with his coaching making another competitive and successful team. What have you seen as being his biggest strength? –
Getting us all to buy in in his teaching. Pedro is a phenomenal coach !!
What has it been like playing with 32 year old veteran Josh Young? He played in the Pro A and with Nurnberg and is shooting the ball at a clip he never did previously as a professional? Is he a candidate for being that so called perfect teammate? –
It’s been great. He’s helped my game and taught me things in the court. He’s given me and not just me but everyone on our team the confidence that we need to keep going and also in our play. And Yes ! He’s for sure the Perfect Teammate!! He know basketball. He loves the game.
How vital was Steve Vasturia been for the success who will make the next step and play for BC Zalgiris next season? How big has his IQ and versatility been for the team? –
Steve is a tremendous player ! He’s game speaks for himself ! He took the challenge Pedro gave to him and killed it and I’m proud of him. We all are proud of him !!
Let’s talk about your game. You have needed no adjustment period in the BBL coming from the Pro A averaging 10.3ppg, 5.5rpg, 2.4apg, Steals-2 (1.9spg), FGP: 64.5%, 3PT: 26.8%, FT: 79.1%. What has been the key for success? How much did self confidence from your great Pro A season plays a role? –
I came in with a chip on my shoulder and will continue to have that throughout my whole career.
In our last interview you stated that ‘I feel like I was the best defensive player in Pro A. That’s my mindset. Not many guys have that mindset. Defense to some guys are the relax time. I still need to figure things out but at the end of the day, I felt like I did what I had to do on that end of the court’. Despite being the second best steal getter in the BBL what has been the toughest adjustment defensively in the BBL and how has your game at both ends of the court developed further this season? –
I was trying to be the 1st steal getter in the BBL this year. But the toughest adjustment was really , the players. They are smart. Older. And also our style of defense. I love what Pedro does on the defense standpoint of the game. Play to the limit and I will carry that with me where ever I go throughout my career. My game has developed a lot and still will continue. Shooting the ball. Scoring off the dribble. Finding my spot on the floor. Things I still have to work on to being one of those top guys in Europe.
Where were you when you heard about the death of Kobe Bryant. What kind of influence did he have on you during adolescence? –
I was playing 2k in my home in Vechta and I just broke down crying. Growing up I use to have the Kobe Crazy 1s. With the armband. Wearing number 8 and the mini Afro. My father was a Kobe fan. It was tough because I too have a daughter and that broke my heart.
How bitter is it that the NCAA March Madness has been canceled? This tournament for some kids is the greatest time of their lives. What advice would you give that senior who worked hard for 4 years and would have had his one and only chance now? –
The Baylor Bears would’ve won the whole thing for sure !! But I know the feeling of being in the tournament and getting that taken away from you sucks man. It really does. Dreams come true during those times. Guys get drafted of what they do in the tournament most times you know. To the seniors out there, I know you all gave it y’all’s all to get to the tournament. I know it’s tough but don’t stop. Go into those NBA workouts, Mini camps, or whatever y’all got going on , go to them teddy to show them and give them everything you got. You’ve been doing this your whole life, it’s time to feed your families now.
