I have often had those moments when I´m somewhere and I see a guy who has that suitable professional athlete´s body, but I´m not sure if they are one. Then I will go up more times than not in a shy and uncomfortable way, because I don’t want to ask that line of “Excuse me but are you a player” and then be wrong. I remember every so often when I was a kid waiting to get autographs from MLB players at hotels and only seeing them in street clothes which made me a bit unsure if they were a player or not because they weren´t in uniform. I made wrong assumptions on many occasions and usually either got a laugh of disbelief that they could be mistaken or the usual line back “I´m not a player”. Your only on this earth once, so why not press your luck and see if it´s a player or not. Pressing my luck and asking people if they were players was an adolescent thing, but it stayed with me even far into adulthood. It was late June 2008, and I remember it being a very very hot day in Munich. I was there for a weekend as the German BBL season had ended. It was sometime in the early afternoon and I was walking down the posh Maximillian street and then I reached the Bavarian Opera house. There were some tour buses in front with typical tourists and a lot of buzz. Then I noticed this giant. I literally thought now that´s a giant. If that guy isn´t a basketball player then I don´t know what he could have been. His body was made for basketball. I knew he was a player, but the whole time I was thinking, that he had to be a German player, but who. I went up to him and asked if he was a basketball player. He just smiled and said yes. The ice had been broken. I was happy that I had been right for my assumption and the big 216cm guy seemed content even if I didn´t know who he was. We engaged in a short conversation and he told me his player life story. The big giant that I had met in downtown Munich was none other than Sascha Hupmann who at that time was 38 years old and already retired from a professional career since 4 years. Today on April 14^th, 2020 he is dead. The German passed away on Sunday in the United States at only age 49. He succumbed to a neurological disorder called Ataxia.  People affected by this degenerative disease  can have problems using their fingers and hands, arms, legs, walking, speaking or moving their eyes. He was only 9 days shy of his 50th birthday.

                Hupmann was born in Munich, Germany on April 21st, 1970. He began his basketball career with  DJK Sportbund Munich and then went to the United States in1988 and played at a high school. His overseas journey in the States would last 5 years as in 1989 he went on to play 4 years at the University of Evansville (NCAA) helping lead the club to two NCAA tournament appearances in in 1992 and 1993 and two MCC titles. Even 27 years after graduating, he is still remembered fondly from his days when he was strapping on the Purple Aces jersey. He was a tough physical big man that brought 250 pounds to the scale. He twice got A-Midwestern Collegiate Conference honors and had very good stats in his last two seasons where his team made it to March Madness. In his junior season he averaged 12,3ppg and 8,1rpg. He was able to make another huge jump in his development as a senior as he averaged 11,5ppg and 10,6rpg. He registered double doubles in the two March Madness games he played leading his team in points and rebounds in each game. He is in the school record books as he ranks third all-time in blocks with 160 and ninth all-time in rebounds with 716. That is an amazing feat considering that he was hurt for a majority of his 4 years at Evansville breaking his metatarsus three times.  Recently the German was honored along with the early 90´s teams at halftime in a game against Northern Iowa. Despite being in a wheel chair for some years now, he always managed to have a positive attitude despite the pain he was going through.

            After his stellar college career at the University of Evansville, the gentle giant would have an illustrious professional career in Europe from 1993-2004 playing 5 years in Germany and 5 years in Greece winning a total of 7 titles. Despite having a great NCAA career, he didn´t land right away with a top German team, but played his rookie season with TVG Trier where he played alongside Trier legend James Marsh and American point guard Carl Brown. After a strong rookie season, top teams took notice. Legendary German national coach Dirk Bauermann was head coach of the Bayer Giants Leverkusen and had just won his 5^th BBL league title in a row and wanted to add a few more and needed that aggressive big man and hauled in Hupmann. Hupmann played 2 seasons with Leverksuen playing alongside some other German legends like 1993 Euro winner Henning Harnisch and Euroleague winner Michael Koch and Denis Wucherer. Hupmann would win 3 titles and help keep the dynasty going. The German then went from one dynasty to the beginning of the next one. Lever kusen won their 7^th BBL league title in a row with him and then Alba Berlin would start their own dynasty winning 7 in a row from 1997-2003. Hupmann was an important role player in that first Alba league title being that consistent high performance rebounder and being that rim protector. He averaged 8.8ppg, 8.5rpg, and was second in blocks in the league with 1,6. He also helped win the cup title in 1997.

            After playing in Germany for 4 seasons, he then needed a change of scenery and culture as he played 5 seasons in Greece. Money was surely a factor, but as well as seeing a new culture and living in a warm place was a important for him being there for a longer period of time. It also was a honor to be recognized as a top player as he signed with top European and Euroleague team  Panathinaikos Athens (Greece). He played there from 1997-1999 winning two Greek league titles. In his two seasons he was reunited with Michael Koch again as well as being teammates with a young 17 year old Antonis Fotsis who was just at the start of an amazing career and teammates with then 36 year old NBA champion Byron Scott who probably had unending Magic Johnson stories to tell. In his second season he was teammates with 3 time Euroleague winner legend Dejan Bodiroga. He then moved to Iraklis Thessaloniki (Greece) where he played from 1999-2002. There he also had the fortune to play with some great players like Greek legend Dimitris Diamantidis, ex NBA player Buck Johnson, Lazaros Papadopoulos and baby Shaq Sofoklis Schortsanitis. He returned back to Germany and closed out his career with  TSG Ehingen (2.Bundesliga). There he was a veteran that was able to help young German talents develop further and make the next step. One of those young talented players was 3 time BBL champion Lucca Staiger who once scored 106 points in a youth game in the Ehingen organization. In Hupmann´s last season as a professional in 2003-2004, Staiger was only 15 years old when he was teammates with him. That may have been 15 years ago, but the German still remembers Hupmann fondly. “He was an unbelievable player, but an even better person”, stated Lucca Staiger. Another young teammate of Hupmann was Nico Simon who retired last year after having a solid 11 year German BBL career where he won a BBL title with Alba Berlin and belonged to the German national team in 2012. He was 16 in Hupmann´s last season. He also remembers the gentle giant very well. “I have the utmost respect for Sascha and his great career. I had the luck to play a season with him in Ehingen. I think of him as a very special person who didn´t shy away from us young guys and showed us the ropes. I will always be very thankful for that. His charismatic and positive way will always be in my memories. My thoughts are with his family in these hard times”, stressed Nico Simon”, explained Nico Simon.

            The three time BBL allstar also was a member of the German national team for numerous years in the 90´s. He played 67 caps and took part at the 1994 World Championships and 1997 European championships. One player that accompanied him in 3 places with Leverkusen, Panathinaikos and the German national team was Michael Koch who later made a name as a head coach in Germany with the Telekom Baskets Bonn and today is the manager of BBL club Giessen 46ers and has very fond memories of him on and off the court and is hurting like so many other people that knew him. “I went a long way with him as teammates with Leverkusen, Panathinaikos and the German national team. We had known for a while that he had been sick. Leverkusen had a gathering some years ago and he couldn´t make the reunion. He had two sides. As a player he was a robust and tough player that wouldn´t shy away from making a hard foul. Off the court he was the generous nice person that would come to you at 3 Am if you were in need. He was a very open person. I have a memorable story about him when we played in Greece together. We were playing a Spanish team and they had a tough defender named Augullo who was defending Dejan Bodiroga very hard. Our coach came over to Sascha on the bench and told him, you know that Augullo guy is driving me crazy. I want you to go in there and defend him. He understood his role no matter if he played 1 minute or 20 minutes. On the first pick and role, Sascha put him out of the game with his aggressive play. When he returned to the bench he said you see I did my job. That was the type of player that he was. He had no ego and played every second for the team. He had been struggling the last years with his disorder, but he was always positive and never in a bad mood. His death really hurts”, stated ex Euroleague champion Michael Koch. After his basketball days he went back to Evansville and worked in a school. He is survived by his wife Brooke and son Noah who had grown to be a seven footer like his dad and also shared his dad´s passion for the game and was playing high school basketball at Covington Catholic. The gentle giant had been in a wheelchair for a few years and his condition continued to decline. There is still no cure for Ataxia as well as no medicine or the possibility of having surgery. I was shocked when I read the first few posts on social media which had me googling right away. A few hours later there were numerous stories from various German media outlets on Easter Monday afternoon. Even if my brief encounter with Sascha Hupmann is 12 years old, I remember as if it was yesterday. There was literally a giant in front of me that seemed to be in very good health at least from my naked eye. To me he seemed like he could of still played then. This young death shows how a person´s health can go in a totally different route at any time. He was unfortunate to be hit with the incuriable disorder Ataxia. In a time now where the whole world is affected by the Coronavirus crisis, we should always be thankful for our family and cherish every moment. A person may be in very good health, but then unexpectedly get hit by some disorder and disease. You never know what can happen to a loved one. Sascha Hupmann was taken way too early. His family and friends will never forget him. He made positive long lasting memories in the States and in Europe. R.I.P Sascha Hupmann.

 Curtis Hollis a 21 year old 198cm forward from Arlington, Texas that played his first season overseas and first in Germany with the Dragons Rhondorf averaging 22,4ppg,8,2rpg,3,8apg and 3,1spg. He left the club to go back home on account of personal reasons. He began his career at Mansfield Summit High School. In 2017-2018 he played with Hutchinson CC (JUCO) playing 34 games averaging 6.9ppg, 3.3rpg, 1.4apg, FGP: 50.0%, 3PT: 27.0%, FT: 66.3%. In 2018 he played in Lavar Ball’s new league with the Houston Ballers (JBL) playing 7 games: Score-5 (29.3ppg), 11.3rpg, 5.3apg, 2.6spg, FGP: 46.0%, 3PT: 21.2%, FT: 71.8%. He spoke to germanhoops.com before entering the 2020 NBA draft about the coronavirus and his upcoming plans

Hi Curtis 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?

Wassup Miles! I’m currently in Dallas. My current mood is a little in the air. I’m not really sure how to feel it’s been a wild past month though to say the least.

When you first heard about the Corona Virus did you ever think that it could have such an effect on the world?

Not even close. I just thought everybody was overreacting at first.

How have you experienced the day to day life in Texas during the Corona Virus outbreak? How badly is Texas effected compared to other places in the States?

Texas isn’t as bad luckily but it’s not the best either. We actually just went into a state emergency and now have a curfew to be home by midnight.

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 I did. I just give out fist pumps but I’m not around too many people so I don’t have to worry too much about that.

Basketball leagues have shut down all over Europe and in other places of the world. Did you have contact to some of your ex teammates of the Dragons Rhondorf to get updates about what they were going through?

I haven’t got the chance too I talked to Marek because his birthday was the other day but other than that I haven’t reached out yet.

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’m not too sure because I haven’t been through it but it would be pretty weird in my eyes. The fans make the game exciting.

What have you learned about these tough times that has made you stronger as a person?

Just to always be aware of everything and to make sure your hygiene is always top notch.

The whole world economy is going to be affected including German basketball leagues all over the world. 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?

I’m not too worried. Professional basketball will always be there! Mentally not knowing is for sure a weird spot but I’m thinking positive and just hoping this ends sooner rather than later.

You have been home for about 2 months now. How has your training been before Corona and how has it been since? Have you had to make adjustments in how you train or have you been able to keep your routine going?

Yes I have been training! It was 5 days a week 3 times a day. I had to switch everything up because they closed everything now I can’t even get in the gym. So I’ve just been working out at home to stay in tune and in shape.

Talk a little about what kind of training you have done? What have you been concentrating on in the weight room and what kind of basketball drills have you been concentrating most on the court?

The weight room just every part of my body. I know getting stronger is something I need to be really focused on so I’m diving head first to put on weight. On the court just a little bit of everything as well. A lot of catching and shooting making sure my shot is the same every
time.

You were drafted by UBA team Dallas Heat as the 4th pick in the first round. How can one rate this league? There are so many professional leagues in the States. Is this a semi pro league?

It’s a semi pro league yes. I’m not playing in it this year. Last year I played to stay in shape and work on my game against older guys but the UBA is nothing I take serious or anything like that. I just played for fun.

Are you expecting NBA work outs as soon as some normalcy comes from the coronavirus?

Yes sir I am. The COVID-19 virus is a very serious matter, that is affecting millions of people and leagues all across the world. Obviously, my dream is to play in the in NBA, but the COVID-19 virus, and how to handle it, is the most important task right now. I’ll be ready when the Draft process begins, and I trust my team will have everything else ready for me once that process begins.I should have a lot lined up so hopefully everything works itself out.

I had heard that NBA teams have you on their radar and had watched Rhondorf games. Can you confirm that there is interest and have you been in talks?

Yes I can confirm my agent has been working very hard me over the past year behind the scenes, & there is lots of interest. I have been working hard on & off the court. The NBA has been a dream of mine since I was a kid, so it would be a dream come true to get drafted and compete in the NBA.

What other goals do you have now in the next months? Everything is difficult now with the Coronavirus as the future is very clouded. What are you going to try accomplish in the next months despite all the obstacles of the Corona Virus?

Put on some weight get to 200 & just try to keep working as much as I can! Also stay healthy and try to make sure to stay safe.

You have probably seen many beautiful places in your basketball career, but how did the city of Rhondorf grow on you?

It grew on me pretty well. It’s a very nice city and Calm. I loved it

Luka Doncic had an amazing sophomore campaign. Is he a top 3 NBA player now?

Top 3 could be a stretch but man he is extremely good. I’m so glad he’s in Dallas on the Mavs!

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?

No tournament has been unreal. It’s sad! Some advice I would give the seniors is don’t give up & keep working. There are a lot of opportunities out there so don’t give up.

What was the last movie that you saw?

The Blind Side.

Thanks Curtis for the chat.

On Easter Monday April 13^th, 2020 it will be 10 years since Murat Didin was head coach of the Fraport Skyliners, but if you visited the Nordwestcentrum where the club practiced and lived back in the day and heard the word Baba being called there, you knew that Murat Didin wasn´t far away. It didn´t matter if you were a teammate, office employee or fan, you would be called Baba by Didin and vice versa. If you were to ask 10 random ex Skyliners who played for the Turkish teacher then, I would bet that at least 8 out of 10 players would remember the Baba calling first before any other memory and he had many lasting memories in his parts of 5 seasons of being coach there. If it was reaching the 2005 BBL league final, witnessing the unforgettable game 5 playoff win in Leverkusen or the bitter ULEB Cup loss to Anwil where the club had 6 players on the court and were hit with a technical to lose the game. There were countless positive memories that the organization had with Didin not to mention the many great players that he had and in between all the memories, the day to day basketball life and Baba callings were a routine matter. I hadn´t spoken to Murat Didin in many years and honestly had lost contact to him. Last year I got in contact with his son Ahmet who is nearing the end of his studies in Berlin and asked for his dad´s number and got it. We wrote a bit on WhatsApp last year and with Corona having hit the world so severely and with basketball stranded like so many other things, I decided to get in touch with him and talk about the present and the past. I reached Murat on a Saturday night, a time where usually basketball is filling my time, but with Corona your at home and obviously have more luck of being able to contact people. The Coronavirus is a heavy topic for all, but before the 65 year old and I discussed the world wide problem, I had to ask him about the famous Baba name. There was a short pause and then a warm laugh sounding like he was happy that he could talk about the word that became like a house hold name in the Basketball City Mainhatten training facility of the Skyliners. “ Baba means father and if you call someone that who isn´t your father then it means like your acting as a father. People called me Baba because I helped a lot of players reach a high level. I was like a father helping them. Two nice memories of Baba was in Frankfurt when the fans made signs with the words “Baba stay with us” and with Besiktas they made a poster. These two experiences were very unforgettable for me”, explained  Murat Didin. Didin has had a fascinating basketball career and it is only fitting that he is portrayed in my Miles where are they now series.

                Obviously the life of Murat Didin has revolved so much around the game of basketball, but in these current hard times, the Turkish basketball ambassador is able to take a short break from basketball and reflect on the Coronavirus. As I began to ask the first question about it, I could sense in his voice that this is something that has truly affected him even if his family are all safe and healthy. He has seen how the world has suffered and is a very unhappy camper. “When the whole Coronavirus broke out in China, I feel like the world took it just as news. I believe that the world underestimated it and no one thought it could become so bad. I also didn´t think it would come to this. I am lucky that I live in a clean country where people pay attention to hygiene. The same is for you in Germany. I have been following many news outlets including German ones, CNN, Chinese television and the BBC. I feel that the world has to know after this that when there is a world problem that it could become their problem. We have to take care of our world and know and care about our neighbors”, stressed Murat Didin. He is still living his life in Turkey, but also understands that one has to take this virus very seriously. “We have a big culture and education is very important now. A problem here is that some places are more educated than others. Some people had the idea that not knowing about this virus or thinking about it wasn´t important, but that is wrong. I think now with what it has done to the world, people are understanding more that the virus is our enemy. This has been a huge enemy for the world. I give my condolences to all the people and families that have been effected worldwide”, stated Murat Didin.

                From almost one day to the next, the basketball leagues stopped play in Germany which saddened many fans, but everyone understood that you can´t gamble with health. Ok almost all leagues shut down, but the easyCredit BBL in Germany have left the option of continuing sometime with a decision coming April 30^th as to whether to continue or cancel the season. Didin is a bit torn from both sides as to continue to let leagues play or to shut down for the season.” I think the BBL is wrong. health comes first. The Euroleague is also contemplating finishing the season. If you don´t, then in 30 years if someone looks back and sees that in the 2019-2020 season there was no champion, you will have to explain why. I think it is important to keep regularity. Maybe Euroleague can play in July or August? The virus is very dangerous, but shouldn´t delay life forever. I wish that all leagues could play at sometime. At the end of the day you have to play sometime”, warned Murat Didin. There is still the idea if games are to be played to play them without fans. This wouldn´t hurt a league like the NBA, but would have severe consequences in a league like the BBL. Didin the great story teller that he is always has something in the back of his mind to make the interview answer great. “Normally it isn´t a nice thing playing without spectators. I remember I was commentating a Euroleague game between Alba Berlin and Galatasaray and there were no fans allowed. I remember talking with Alba Berlin CEO Marco Baldi who couldn´t believe that this had happened. Normally the club should be penalized by fees, but you shouldn´t punish the fans. I feel that you should finish the leagues without fans, but just this time”, added Murat Didin.

                It is no secret that the Coronavirus will deeply effect the world economy and even if basketball now has become unimportant as well as other sports and the entertainment business, there will be a time when these things will all resume again and one has to wonder how everything will resume and get back to normal. Didin is optimistic that countries and their clubs will have the opportunity to get out of this mess, but has some tips how it will be mastered best. “I remember when I was coaching in Germany that the prices for players weren´t too high, but normal. The player fees have jumped in the last years a couple 100 thousand, but saying it is millions is exaggerated. I feel that clubs in general should be managed better today. Spending money for the youth program is very important. I´m not talking only about basketball clubs, but any kind of business even the Pizza restaurant. I think that after Corona, clubs have to be more careful, more detailed and responsible. The good organizations that can do that will stay on their feet. I feel that whatever organization can find answers quicker and be more effective will survive”, warned Murat Didin. Seeing how the Coronavirus has affected the world in a negative way also has made Didin more reflective about life and even he has taken lessons out of the experience and learned new things. “I want to thank my family for letting me grow up where I never took anything as a big drama. Everything was ok with my health but as with others you always have ups and downs. Now with the Coronavirus, I have learned that there is nothing more important than health. The health of the family is very important. We are born to help our environment and surrounding is also important. We need to always help each other and create a positive environment. This is our first duty. Losing a basketball game is not the end of the world. We have to understand that life is a gift and we have to know it´s value”, warned Murat Didin.

                Didin has coached more than 30 years and 20 years in Turkey where he won numerous titles, coached the national team and helped develop young players. He also coached in Italy and coached in Germany for parts of 8 seasons with 5 in Frankfurt and 3 in Duesseldorf. However in the past years, he has taken a step back from coaching professional teams except for a season in Lithuania from 2018-2019. From 2013-2018 he didn´t coach at the professional level, but found other basketball outlets to showcase his basketball expertise. He got in to Turkish television commentating games something he still does today calling Euroleague games and also teaches the youth with various coaches clinics around the world. He also has helped produce children´s books which just another way for him to give back to the youth. Many people wondered why he wasn´t coaching anymore and there was a specific reason why he didn´t want to coach in Turkey during these years. In order to be successful, you need the right players. In Frankfurt and Duesseldorf, he had the reigns of control of selection, but in Turkey it wasn´t like that anymore.  “I´m am born to teach, but I couldn´t coach in these years. When I came back to Turkey, clubs were recruiting like a big family. That isn´t my style. You are seeing this in other countries as well. I´m born free and my heart and mind are free. No one can buy my spirit. It isn´t for sale. Also many of the big clubs had coaches in place. So I decided to work with kids”, added Murat Didin. Sometimes asking those very uncomfortable questions is difficult and even with a Murat Didin who is considered the best friend of the basketball journalist where it seems like no question is too harsh, I was very hesitant to ask him if he had been blacklisted in Turkey. I mean I had heard rumors that he had become unfavorable to coach in Turkey and wanted to know what he felt about this accusation. I didn´t know what to expect, maybe a Turkish outburst that I couldn´t understand, but I had absolutely no idea how he would react. I tried to ask him the question as softly and understandable as possible and I was pleasantly relived by his professional style. I could sense in his voice that the question hurt, but he tried to answer it as smoothly and as professional as possible. “Who said it? That is a big lie. There is nothing like blacklisting. That is like losing your honor. I have a big respect. Tomorrow I will be on Turkish television talking about Corona. I have never done anything wrong to be blacklisted. I am very proud of life”, warned Murat Didin.

                In the 2018-2019 season Murat Didin had a coaching challenge again coaching a division 2 team in Lithuania called Jonava Jonavos (Lithuania-NKL). Didin is a basketball junkie and he was definitely in the right place, because in Lithuania they eat, drink and live for basketball. The Turkish coach had a big reason why he went was because he had a friend there who was a big business man.  Both wanted to invest into the team. Didin and him had big goals wanting to get the team into the first division and make it a Eurocup team. Both had big goals for the club. But Didin and management had a different mind set. Whereas Didin wanted to focus on moving up, management didn´t want to move up as quickly. It was a big chance for the organization. Management didn´t feel the value of investing in players. But overall it was a new experience one for Didin and one that he won´t forget. He also had the opportunity to train young Lithuanian players who are the norm in lower leagues there something which was completely new since he had mostly been showing young Turkish players how to play the game for years. ”Young Lithuanian players don´t look as professional as young Turkish players, but they do have very talented players there. I remember we had this young player Justas Furmanavicius who had played NCAA at the University of Mississippi. He played the position 4 there, but for me he was a born 2. He began with us, but soon a Greek club signed him because he was so good. He reminded me of Alex King. Alex was also not a position 4 to me”, stated Murat Didin

            His previous coaching job before Jonava Jonavos (Lithuania-NKL) was in Germany with the Duesseldorf Giants (Germany-1.Bundesliga) who had won the license of the Bayer Giants Leverkusen. He was head coach there from 2010-2013 and played in the BBL the first season reaching position 18 and played in the Pro A in his last two seasons reaching the playoffs each season at position 6 and 3. Despite severe financial woes in his third year, the club found a way to block that all out and reached the Pro A final in 2013 losing to Vechta. It was another step for Didin in his coaching career, but at the same time he also was confronted with ups and downs. He wasn´t only head coach, but also was in charge of helping run the team something that he wasn´t able to master that well. The club filled for bankruptcy, but it wasn´t all his fault. “I went to Duesseldorf to have stability and I had good Turkish support. They signed many sponsors for 3 years. We had close to 1 million Euro budget. I felt that we could play well in the BBL with that budget. But it didn´t happen that way. The reason why we got financial problems in the third year was that the money for the third year was spent in our second year. I didn´t know that. When I found out we had zero budget in the third year, I went to the Commerz bank and they told me what happened. This was totally unexpected. This wasn´t professional. We had a nice president, but he wasn´t a basketball guy. We could of moved up but Ludwigsburg got the wild card. It was obvious it would happen because Alexander Reil became BBL president. My experience in Duesseldorf showed that anything can happen. I never thought something like this could happen in Germany. I did the best I could. I had to accept the result. At the end I paid all the players salaries out of my own pocket. If I had the chance to do this all over again today, I would do it”, stressed Murat Didin.

            Didin had his best years with the Frankfurt Skyliners. He had instant success in his first tour of duty in 2004-2005. He led the club to the BBL final with the help of the Bermuda Triangle with German captain Pascal Roeller and the two special Americans Chris Williams and Tyrone Ellis. It also didn´t hurt having special role players like Bernd Kruel, Kavossy Franklin and Spiros Panteliadis that came to the rescue more often than not He came back in March 2007 serving as a fireman for the departed Charles Barton saving the season and then led the club to two 6^th place finishes in 2008 and 2009 and semi-final and quarterfinal runs which resulted in loses to Bonn and Oldenburg. In the 2009-2010 season he was let go late in the season as Gordon Herbert took over leading the team to the 2010 final losing a nail bitter 5 game series to Bamberg. Of course Didin has fond memories of his Frankfurt days, but one memory that will stay etched in his mind the most was that heart breaking game 5 loss in Bamberg in 2005. “The Skyliners had a good infrastructure and good fans. I wish that they would get their own arena. I am proud that I pushed for a second team which began in 2009 in the Pro B. It was 2-2 against Bamberg in the finals. I remember that game 5 being a very hot day. We had made good preparation on and off the court. I also remember Bamberg fans really knowing their basketball. We were simply unlucky at the end. There were 3 chances at the end and we had 2 and didn´t take advantage of it. Badiane missed a lay in and then Bamberg made free throws. We still had one chance at the end, but Ellis missed from the corner. Luck had a big effect on that day and we didn´t accept it. But Bamberg deserved it more than us on that day”, explained Murat Didin. That loss really hurt for him. He had won titles in Turkey before that, but to be able to win in Bamberg would have been special. The loss hurt so much that he hasn´t rewatched that game 5 often, but after 15 years, the pain has subdued a bit. “I have watched that game maybe once. If you find it, please send it to me”, chuckled Murat Didin.

            Didin has coached hundreds, probably thousands of players in his basketball career. He has big talents and special players that he has guided along the way. But he has also had a few very special players and one of those was Chris Williams. On March 15^th,  2017, 4 days before Didin´s birthday, a huge tragedy happened as the athletic forward that many called big smooth passed away at only the tender age of 37. This was a big shock in the basketball community and it also hit Didin hard. He remembers it as if it was yesterday. His voice came very quiet and I could sense some severe sadness within him. “I was in Turkey. Someone told me Chris Williams had died. I quickly asked did he play in Germany? The man said no he played for Turk Telekom. I knew right away it was him. I couldn´t believe my eyes. I was very upset. I still couldn´t believe it and went online and did a search. Then I read that he had suddenly died. At that moment the first thing that came into my mind was that amazing Euroleague win in 2005 with Frankfurt over Panathinaikos where Miro Todic made the winning basket. I didn´t only remember that last shot, but also Williams´s key rebound at the end. I called Tyrone Ellis in Spain. That was the only number that I had of him. I didn´t know that he was living in the States. It was a big shock for me. If I would to make a lifetime roster of the best players that I have coached then Chris would be one of them”, stressed Murat Didin. When you coach a high class player like Chris Williams, you don´t have 1-2 amazing memories each week, but you have one every day and memories to last a lifetime. It wasn´t easy for Didin to choose one golden memory of Chris Williams, but he was able to share one. “I remember during the Euroleague season we lost to Treviso on a last second shot. We then beat Malaga at home and then had a road game at Pau Ortez. Pascal Roller wasn´t 100% and had injury issues and Spiros Panteliadis was sick. I remember having a team meeting in the hotel and telling the guys that we would be having a very difficult game. I remember telling the team to please stay in. So then soon after I see some players leaving the hotel and Chris Williams leading in front. I couldn´t believe what was happening. So when they came back I confronted Chris. He looked at me and said hey baba, the guys didn´t want to stay in so I took them out. Don´t worry, I will repay you tomorrow. I asked him how do you want to do that? We will win and I will do everything on the court. He was right we did win. After the game he came to me and said see I promised we would win, but please let me go to the casino again”, laughed Murat Didin. Williams began his career at Virginia(NCAA) and began his pro career in Australia before coming to Frankfurt in 2003 where he played two seasons. After Frankfurt he would play in South Korea, China, Turkey, Philippines and Iran. However, but for some reason after his stay in Frankfurt, I was waiting for him to become that great Euroleague player, but it didn´t happen. It felt like he wanted to take the more comfortable route with great money instead of taking maybe a step back and finding the right fits that would lead him towards a Euroleague career easier. He had good statistical years like in the very offensive Chinesse league with  Qingdao Double Star (China-CBA) averaging 27.7ppg, 11.3rpg, 5.5apg, Steals-2(4.3spg), 1.3bpg, and in his second year 23.9ppg, 9.1rpg, 3.5apg, Steals-1(3.8spg), FGP: 59.4%, 3PT: 32.7%, FT: 65.1% and winning 3 titles, but for some reason I expected him to play more in Europe. Perhaps the NBA could have been an option or was he just a professional player at the wrong time for that NBA opportunity? “Chris had no shot for his size. He had to always penetrate. He did improve his shot, but for his size at that time, it was impossible for him to play under the basket in the NBA. He did have that European smart mind”, added Murat Didin.

            Didin also has fond memories of the other two thirds of the Bermuda Triangle with Tyrone Ellis and Pascal Roller. Today Ellis is head coach of G-League team Stockton Kings and Roller is a businessman in Duesseldorf. “I coached Tyrone 3 years. Two in Frankfurt and one year with Besiktas. He was a very smart player. I feel that he could have been even better if he had taken better care of his body. We had a good friendship even if he was under my constant pressure. I always tried to help him become better. I always told him that he had more capabilities and that he can do better. I think that these experiences will help him now as a coach. What I will remember most about Pascal is that he was always very happy winning any game. The second time I saw him most happy was when he bought his first house. I will also never forget his smart play that helped us win in Wurzburg. There was 1,5 seconds to play and we had a throw in from the side and he threw a touchdown pass to Williams for the win”, stressed Murat Didin. You could spend a day with Murat Didin and experience how great of a storyteller he really is. He is so good, he could easily charge money. Because he has been around the basketball block for so long and has many to tell. I could of asked him so many more questions and this long article could have become like a book, but I had to keep an eye on the number of questions I had. There was a question I always wanted to know and that was why the Frankfurt Skyliners never signed Robin Benzing. Benzing was a huge German talent that almost went to Michigan(NCAA), but then opted to begin his career in the BBL. He would go on to have a stellar basketball career that found him playing for ratiopharm Ulm, FC Bayern Munich and Wurzburg in Germany and he also made the jump to the Spanish ACB playing 3 years for Casademont Zaragoza  and played a season with Besiktas Sompo Japan Istanbul (Turkey-BSL). He began his career with TV Langen that had a cooperation with the Skyliners in 2008 and he was tearing up the Pro A and it was only logical that he would land with the Skyliners sometime, but he never did. I remember seeing the trio of Benzing, Sebastian and Kai Barth practicing in the BCM after press conferences. I was under the impression that Didin didn´t like Benzing, but that was false. He wanted Benzing in Frankfurt. “I watched Benzing a few times and told Gunnar Wobke to sign him tomorrow. The problem was that Benzing´s father was tough. He felt that the kid still had time. If he had been born in Belgrad then Partizan and Belgrad would have been fighting over him. I said let him come. He was cheap. I told Gunnar to pay him extra. That weekend we were in Hamburg playing the cup top 4. I was ready to put him in the starting 5 against Duesseldorf without him having played a single game with the Skyliners. Gunnar thought I was crazy. He was born to be a basketball player. In the end he left for Ulm”, stated Murat Didin. Didin was also responsible for getting Quantez Robertson in 2009. Robertson came to Frankfurt not offensively gifted, but as an incredible defender that could be that lock down player on the defensive end. He would vastly improve as an offensive player, but even more important become that great all-around player that would make a career out of filling the stat sheet with ease. His only real deficiency was his three pointer which has always been a work of progress. He may have even have had a shot at the NBA had he had a more steady shot. 11 years after Didin got him, he is still with the Skyliners and the clubs second identity figure in their history after Pascal Roller as well as an identity figure together with Rickey Paulding in the easyCredit BBL. Getting Tez as everyone calls him in Frankfurt wasn´t an easy task for Didin. “When I told Wobke about Tez, he told me to send some tapes. I told him no. When you watch his game you will never take him. I told Gunnar will you take a guy who goes 1/9 from the free throw line and 0/3 from outside?  You would say why would we take a guy like him. Well he is a real good player. If there is any hole on defense, he will close it. I told him that he will improve his shot. Gunnar then said, he is wearing #23 and trying to imitate Michael Jordan, but he has no shot. I then said all kids are imitating Jordan. I told Gunnar that we have to take him. Gunnar told me that I had full responsibility. Look now he is still in Frankfurt. I am very proud of him”, stated Murat Didin.

            There weren´t only special players that Didin coached in Frankfurt, but also special unforgettable games that he also never forgot. The 2008 game 5 semi-final loss at home to the Telekom Baskets Bonn was a heartbreaker, but the series before against the Bayer Giants Leverkusen, Frankfurt had more luck beating them in 5 games on the road. That game 5 was a hard fought low scoring game and with just seconds remaining Pascal Roller hit free throws for the 1 point lead, but Leverkusen still had one last chance. It was ex Skyliner Tyrone Mccoy who attempted the last shot with a penetration to the hole and failed. More than 12 years later, I met Tyrone Mccoy again at the Fraport Skyliners 20 year anniversary party and I just had to ask him about that last shot. He still feels like he was robbed and should have had free throws. “I think it is only normal that he said that. I don´t think there are too many players that get fouled in traffic in a situation like that who wouldn´t  say they got fouled. What can I say, It was a tough call. I´m just happy we won the game. German basketball can be very happy that they are up at the top in Europe with officiating”, added Murat Didin. Another game in Skyliner history that won´t be forgotten so soon was a bitter ULEB Cup loss against Polish team Anwil. Frankfurt had a chance to win the game, but let it out of their hands. The score was dead locked 65-65 with 5 seconds to go and Frankfurt had their destiny in their own hands, but faltered. Frankfurt was called with a technical with 6 men on the court and lost the game. In the Fraport Skyliners book 111 reasons to love your club it states that Jimmie Hunt had a sleeping disorder. Did he miss the call to stay at the bench? “No Jimmie did nothing wrong. I wanted Alex King to inbounds the ball, so he hesitated so I let Jimmie do it. It was Dominik Bahiense De Mello that should have been on the bench. There was a lot of commotion. The Anwil players were all standing at the bench and De Mello was near there. He didn´t hear me. He thought that he was still in the 5, but I wanted him substituted. He was a young player and that kind of thing can happen”, said Murat Didin.

                The press conferences were always very entertaining with Murat Didin. He didn´t shy away to openly criticize his players especially the centers, but he also knew when to stop and say that famous phrase that the reporters heard at every press conference. “Gentlemen this is not for writing”. He chuckled when I reminded him about this famous phrase and wasn´t prepared to give me something for writing that once wasn´t for writing. “I can´t remember something that wasn´t for writing then. It was many many years ago. There were too many stories, but If I remember one, I will definitely tell you”, commented Murat Didin. It is almost 10 years ago where Murat Didin was let go. The date was April 13, 2010 and in all the years since then he never ever thought what may have happened to the club if he had finished that season. Because he isn´t a what if guy and is always looking forward. “I never ever thought what would have happened had I finished the season. What is done is done”, warned Murat Didin. Didin really had a very nice stay with the Fraport Skyliners giving the team success and also helping it develop further into becoming more of a top BBL club at that time. But what is a bit of a shame is that he hasn´t kept the relationships that he had then. “Life is really loaded and is going quick. Unfortunately I don´t have too much contact to the Skyliners organization anymore”, added Murat Didin. He can also go into his story crate and pick out very memorable stories he has had with other well known basketball figures. One of those is the legendary Israeli head coach Pini Gershon who has won 7 league titles and 9 cups with Maccabi Tel Aviv as well as back to back Euroleague titles in 2004 and 2005. Didin was able to get Gershon and his teams Olympiakos in 2007 and Macabbi Tel Aviv in 2009 to Frankfurt for test games. The games were closed to the public, but I was able to attend because I was a member of the press. I remember seeing incredible players like Scoonie Penn, Alex Acker, Carlos Arroyo, Marcus Fizan, Marcus Brown and Alan Anderson. All played in the NBA except Penn. Gershon was that special character that liked having it only his way and even was prepared to have the game stopped with Olympiakos because he was unhappy with the officiating. Didin was used to the Gershon antics and remembers his friend well. “Pini is a funny guy and smart coach. At the moment he is a little tired of coaching. He has a managing position with the Israeli basketball Federation. He has invited me to give a coaching clinic in Tel Aviv and I will go. He is a special guy that has won a lot including the Euroleague. He has helped a lot of young players reach a good level of basketball. If I call him at midnight, I know that he will have something funny to say”, said Murat Didin.

I have only positive and fond memories of Murat Didin. I don´t want to reveal too much, because there is a chapter about him in my new book which hopefully will be released at the end of the year. If I had to name one coach that I enjoyed most covering in my 17 year career then it has to be Murat Didin. In Frankfurt I have covered him and also Gordon Herbert the longest. Herbert is more the serious guy and I also had a good positive working relationship with the Canadian and could call him anytime for that special quote for an article, but he isn´t necessarily the guy that I would hang out with. Didin was a lot different. He knew when to separate work and pleasure. He was a smart guy, because he knew how to get the press on his side. His whole character and personality is one that you just have to like if your  a journalist or fan, but not necessarily if you’re his player. He is a very tough coach, just ask Tyrone Ellis, Alex King or Illian Evitimov. Lucky for me, I wasn´t a player, but a reporter who covered the Skyliners on radio and online and I can´t ever remember a moment where he was in a bad mood when I had dealings with him. He was always prepared and willing to give me an interview and I really appreciated that about him. As I already stated earlier, he was a magnificent storyteller and in general just a real nice guy. I know other people haven´t had the best experiences with him, but I´m just lucky that I was able to see his good side. The last time that I saw him was in April 2013, when I covered a Pro A semi-final game where he and Duesseldorf beat Nurnberg to reach the final. After the game, he invited me into the VIP room and we chatted which at that time, I didn´t know would be for the last time face to face. After that I had very very little contact until 2019 where we got active again over social media Recently we started getting more active over WhatsApp. I thought it was time for an article on Murat Didin´s career and am very happy that I could interview him again and connect again after such a long time. It was a real pleasure. Soon I will be getting mail from Turkey, but it won´t be addressed to me but to my 3 year old son Evan. Didin may not be coaching a professional team at the moment, but being a teacher gives you the possibility to teach in so many area´s and in so many age groups. At the moment he is giving back to the future of tomorrow so It´s absolutely no surprise that he is thinking about my son first instead of me which is nothing bad, but just very refreshing. He was nice enough back in the day when he was coach of the Skyliners to allow me to perform my job to the fullest. Now he is nice to me again, but in another way in that he is reaching out to my son and thinking about his future something that he by no means is expected to do. But I thank you Baba for your generosity. I definitely will teach Evan a new word. I wonder how quickly Evan will say Baba?

Radwan Bakkali is a 23 year old 108cm power forward/center from England that completed his rookie season in Germany with the ETB Wohnbau Miners (Germany-Regionalliga) averaging 14,4ppg and 10,6rpg. He began his basketball career with the Barking Abbey Leopards (EBL D3). He then played at Kilgore JC (JUCO) from 2015-2017 playing a total of 57 games. In the 2017-2018 season he made new experiences with Jacksonville (NCAA) playing 27 games averaging 3.3ppg, 2.3rpg. Last season he made one more jump and played with Indianapolis (NCAA2) playing 21 games averaging 1.8ppg, 1.5rpg. He spoke to germanhoops.com about his memories of Kobe Bryant

Where were you and how did you find about the death of Kobe Bryant? 

I was sitting in my apartment playing a video game when I received a notification on my phone with the news. I couldn’t believe it. I completely stopped everything I was doing and waited for more information to come through. I would compare this death to the magnitude of Michael Jackson’s death in terms of global impact. We all remember where we were when Michael Jackson died and I’ll never forget where I was and how I felt the moment I got that notification about Kobe. 

When I heard about it, I thought it was a hoax. What were your first thoughts when you heard about it? 

I was hoping it somehow wasn’t true, I was hoping it was a bad joke or mistake. I was in shock. I am aware that our time will come when it is supposed to but this just seemed so premature. It may sound silly, but my immediate thought was ‘Kobe can’t die.’ Almost like he was a superhero or something. For many, including myself he was. 

How much of your day the day after did you take informing yourself about his death and watching videos? 

Outside of practice and workouts that’s all I did the next day, watch his highlights, best moments and interviews as well as watching interviews of those that were close to him as they shared stories about Kobe and the impact he had on their lives.

Can you remember about when you first knew about Kobe Bryant and what was your first impression of him as a kid? 

So I started playing organized basketball at 16, but it seemed like Kobe was always somebody I admired in my life. Even before I picked up a ball I would watch his ‘signature moves’ videos on YouTube where he would breakdown his famous fadeaway shot, jab steps and reverse layup moves among others. I was simply impressed by how focused he was on the smallest details of every aspect of what – to the untrained eye – seems like a simple move. That kind of focus and passion is something that could be applied to anything in life which is why Kobe transcended sports and had such a global following. 

How did your love for Kobe Bryant develop over time as you were growing up? How do you remember following his career?

It’s strange because I never proclaimed myself a Kobe super fan or anything but it seemed like he was also a subconscious influence in different aspects of my life. When I picked up basketball I eventually became obsessed with Kobe shoes, especially the 8’s so I started to collect that one silhouette in as many colours as I could. I always felt like Kobe had the best style and shoe collection on the market. Not only this, but in my senior year of college when my usual number wasn’t available, my first thoughts was to wear number 24 ‘because Kobe did it.’ Furthermore, for my last ever project in college as part of my video editing class we were asked to create a 30-minute documentary on the life of someone who inspired as. Immediately Kobe Bryant was my choice. So as you can see, he’s always subtly had in influence in my life even without me thinking much about it, which goes to show how iconic he truly was and still is.

Kobe Bryant was for so many the greatest ever. What did you appreciate most about his game? Was he a guy that you pretended to be on the playgrounds? 

For me, the most impressive part about Kobe Bryant was not his signature fade-away, his ability to make tough shots over 4 defenders or even his ability to make these same shots with his left hand! What I appreciate most about his game was his renowned ‘Mamba Mentality’ Kobe Bryant himself described Mamba mentality as ‘all about focusing on the process and trusting in the hard work when it matters most,’ ‘It’s the ultimate mantra for the competitive spirit. It started just as a hashtag that came to me one day, and it’s grown into something athletes – and even non-athletes – embrace as a mindset.’ The last part is what makes it so powerful, that no matter what your profession or task at hand is, this mentality can be used to achieve optimal performance and the success you are looking for. 

Kobe Bryant had so many amazing games like his 81 points and countless other games where it was lights out as well as winning 5 titles. What is your fondest memory of him of what he did on the court? 

My favourite Kobe Bryant game has to be his last. It’s no secret that Kobe struggled to replicate his prime form in his latter years, especially after his devastating Achilles injury. But for his last game, he was able to overcome all his adversities to create what is surely one of the most memorable performances in the NBA ever, scoring 60 points and securing an important win over Utah. His famous post game speech with the ‘Mamba Out’ line was a fitting end to such an illustrious career. 

The outpouring of sadness was incredible. Guys were crying and leaving heart felt messages on Social Media. How long do you think it will take until the basketball world comes to terms with this tragedy? 

Life has an unfortunate way of moving on but this death is certainly one that will hurt for a long time and for many people. What gives me some peace of mind about Kobe Bryant’s life is that he did what he had to do to ensure that his name and his legacy is remembered for generations to come.

When you look back in 20 years on the career of Kobe Bryant how will you remember his legacy best?

Kobe’s legacy can be best summed up by his pure competitive spirit, the willingness to make the sacrifices necessary and do the things that the next person is not willing to do in order to come out on top. His work ethic and approach to be the best at whatever he did has inspired countless numbers of people from all walks of life, across a multitude of different disciplines. It’s just such a shame that we didn’t get to see all the other great things he was going to go on and do with his life. He won an Oscar award for his work in animation and was having great success with his Mama Sports Academy, his children’s books and all his other business ventures. I wonder what was going to be next. 

One of my last questions in my standard interviews is what is your opinion of the neverending debate of who is the greatest of all-time Michael Jordan or Lebron James. Often players remind me that I left out Kobe Bryant.I have been thinking about this a lot . How worthy is a Kobe Bryant to be seen as the greatest of all-time? 

Whenever the MJ-LBJ debate arises I’ve always been one to mention that Kobe Bryant must be included in the conversation. If you watch film of Michael Jordan and Kobe Bryant side by side you’ll see that they were almost identical in their style of play and the way they carried themselves. Kobe Bryant is a worthy candidate for the position of GOAT because of this and all the personal and team accolades he was able to collect throughout his career. Kobe Bryant should certainly always be in the conversation. More than anything else though, it’s important to spend more time appreciating these players and what they have done for the game of basketball in their own right rather than waste time debating about who is best, something we will never have a definitive, concrete answer for. 

My last question isn’t what is the last movie you saw, but what video of Kobe Bryant will you take a look again when you have some time to look back at his great career? 

When the time is right I’ll dig up that 30 minute documentary I made in college about his life and rewatch it.

Thanks Radwan for sharing your intense memories of Kobe Bryant

Matt Vest is a 27 year old 195cm guard from Kettering, Ohio that finished his sixth professional season and first withScience City Jena (Germany-ProA) playing 26 games averaging 9.6ppg, 3.1rpg, 5.3apg, 1.5spg, FGP: 61.2%, 3PT: 36.5%, FT: 56.1%. He scored in double figures in 11 games including a 24 points game against the Uni Baskets and 20 points against Nurnberg. Last season he played with the NINERS Chemnitz (Germany-ProA) averaging 6.0ppg, 2.3rpg, 3.2apg, FGP-1 (67.5%), 3PT: 36.4%, FT: 59.0%the In the 2017-2018 season he played with the Rhein Stars Koeln (Germany-ProA) averaging 7,8ppg, 2,3rpg and 3,2. He played two seasons with Paderborn and as a rookie in 2014, he played with BiG Oettinger Rockets Gotha (Germany-ProA) averaging 6.2ppg, 3.3rpg, 1.3apg, FGP: 58.2%, 3PT: 27.4%, FT: 67.6%. He played at Wright State from 2010-2014 playing a total of 114 NCAA games and as a senior played 29 games: 7.4ppg, 3.4rpg, 2.0apg, 1.2spg, FGP: 65.4%, 3PT: 43.1%, FT: 64.9%. He spoke to germanhoops.com during the Coronavirus crisis. 

Hi Matt 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 still in Jena, Germany right now with my wife. We are expecting the birth of our first child anytime in the next 1-2 weeks. We have decided to stay in Germany for the next few weeks to welcome our new baby into the world and stay safe during this difficult global health situation.

When you first heard about the Corona Virus did you ever think that it could have such an effect on the world?

I definitely did not. One of my best friends, AJ Pacher, actually played near Milan, Italy where the virus really became serious. He was telling me about the situation there as it spread, but I never thought it would get to the level it is now. 

How did you experience the last weeks? Are your loved ones in the States concerned for your well being?

The last few weeks have been difficult as the season came to an unexpected end. Of course, my family was concerned, but we are doing everything we can to remain healthy and not spread the virus. It has actually given my wife and I time to relax and prepare for our baby, which is the most important thing. We have been cleaning the apartment, preparing the nursery, talking with friends and family, reading, going on walks, and watching some of our favorite tv shows. We are trying to make the best of the situation.

How have you experienced the day to day life in Jena during the 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?

The daily culture in Jena has changed a little bit since restaurants, bars, and cafes have been closed, but I do not sense any panic. Everyone here seems to be remaining calm.

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? 

Yea I have become much more aware of things like that, as I am sure we all are. I think doing all the little things to keep ourselves healthy and away from large crowds of people will make a significant difference. 

Basketball leagues have shut down all over Europe including the Pro A. How disappointed were you about this and not being able to playoffs? How tough is it not knowing where Science City Jena would really have landed at the end? 

Very difficult ending, but of course completely out of our control. I believe we had put ourselves in a great position to make a run in the playoffs, but we will never know how things would’ve ended for us. I just feel grateful for the opportunity to have been part of this club and this team. 

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. Could you ever imagine not having fans at a game? 

The fans certainly bring a great amount of energy and excitement to a game. Playing without this would’ve have a weird experience for sure. 

How tough is it having the season end this way? Would it be easier or more difficult to get motivated to get into the lab each day to keep working on your game or would you try to play in another country that doesn’t have the corona virus?

Although, it is difficult the season had to end this way I plan on using this long offseason to get in the best shape of my life. I want to use this time as an opportunity to really work on my game and body.

Let’s talk about the Science City Jena season. The ex BBL team finished in third place with a record of 18-9 and you still had some games left. How content were you with the season?

I am very happy with what we accomplished as a team. I think we were on the right path to building something special and giving ourselves a chance to compete at moving up to the BBL. I think we developed a strong core group of guys here in Jena. 

Could Science City Jena have had a good chance in a 5 game series against your ex club Chemnitz or Bremerhaven? 

Definitely! I think we continued to improve as the season progressed and would’ve challenged the top 2 teams in the playoffs. Although, Chemnitz and Bremerhaven both had strong seasons, I think we definitely had a chance. 

Science City Jena averaged 83 points per game and were the fourth best rebounding and assist team. It had it’s problems on defense allowing 83 points per game. It allowed 80 points or more 16 times. The team seemed to find it’s defensive identity quickly to start the season in the 5 game winning streak not allowing 80 or more points, but then in the next 9 games allowed 80 points or more 9 times. Why was the defense so up and down?

Our defense always seemed to be what held us back as a team. A reason for that could’ve been our lack of depth at times which didn’t allow us to play consistently with the type of energy and intensity you need to be a high level defensive team.

You had three very thrilling wins by not more than 2 points against PS Karlsruhe, Phoenix Hagen and Trier. Which win was the most exciting and emotional? 

I think the Trier win was the most exciting because of the buzzer beater shot at the end of the game. I still think that was the best game winning shot I have ever been a part of in my entire career, and I made the pass so I had a nice view!

Let’s briefly talk about your teammates. How much of a pleasure was it playing with experienced Brad Loesing? How vital was his BBL experience and leadership qualities for the success of the club?

It was great playing with Brad again. We played together in Gotha my rookie year as well. He is a great player, competitor, and person. He was a huge part of the success of our team and I really enjoyed being around him at work every day!

It is always important to have strong German role players and Jena had that with Dennis Nawrocki and Julius Wolf who combined averaging 25 points per game. What quality of each guy was most crucial for the team success? 

First of all they are both high character guys and team guys, which is most important. Dennis and Julius brought great shooting to our team at the German positions. The job they both did this season was critical to our success. 

Big man Alex Herrera has established himself as a top Pro A player in the paint. What do you still feel is missing for him to reach the BBL?

Nothing. Of course, we can all get better to improve our weaknesses, but I see Alex as a quality BBL big right now. As long as he continues to stay healthy and continue to improve I believe we will see him at that level soon.

Let’s talk about your game. You averaged 10,1ppg, 3,0rpg and 5,1apg, 1,5spg and shot 36% from outside. How content were you with your game this season?

I am really happy with how I performed this season. I was able to stay healthy all year and contribute to our team’s success. I think I did a great job of bringing efficient production on offense and also bringing a high level of defense to the team. I am excited to keep working and improving to prepare for next season. 

You had one of your best seasons as a professional comparable to your second season with Paderborn. How do you explain the good season? Was it a combination of hard work, having the right teammates and the Jena system that led you to your success?

I think it was a combination of staying healthy, being in a good situation in Jena, and definitely a lot of hard work. I take pride in my ability to improve every season and I think I took a nice step forward this year. 

You have stated in past interviews that shooting is something that you can never stop working on. How would you describe your shooting skills in 2020. Have they progressed the way you have liked this season? 

Shooting is a skill you can never stop working on. I am happy with my percentages, but am also looking to develop my offensive skillset every year. I will certainly take advantage of the long offseason. 

You have always been a very good defender. Does defending get harder as you get older and your body has had more wear and tear or is the effort something when there will always get you going in the right direction to success? 

I think in some ways what I bring defensively is my biggest strength. As I continue to gain more experience the game has slowed down and my defensive instincts have become even sharper. I am grateful that I was taught at a young age the importance of defense because it has served me well my entire career.

Are you looking forward to the next signing summer or dreading it? The coronavirus will put a big dent and change in team’s budgets. Would you play for less and possibly in a lower league if you had to? 

I guess time will tell. I plan on being patient this offseason as clubs try to organize their budgets and plans for next season. As always I will talk with my agent and try to make the best decision for my family and career. Wherever my career takes me I always just try to stay committed to my values and make the best of each situation. 

What was your personal favorite and best game this season? Your 20 points, 3 rebounds and 7 assists in the thrilling 86-85 win over Trier or 20 points in the 98-88 win over your ex team Paderborn? 

Going back to Paderborn was a special game for me this season. We were able to get a win and I had one of my best offensive games of the season. To do this in front of a lot of old friends in Paderborn was a fun experience. There is a place in my heart for all the clubs I have played for in Germany, and certainly Paderborn is no exception.

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

There were so many quality guards in the league this year, it is difficult to pick just one. I think Hill from Bremerhaven had maybe the strongest year. His speed, athleticism, and skillset made him very difficult to defend. 

Where were you when you heard about the death of Kobe Bryant. You were 12 years old when he began in the NBA. What kind of influence did he have on you during adolescence? 

Kobe is a role model for basketball players all over the world. His mentality and work ethic were things I always admired. I can’t tell you how many times I have lost myself on Youtube watching Kobe highlights or workout videos.

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 news was difficult to hear just for me as a fan, but I can’t imagine how tough it is for some of those seniors. March is such a special time of year for college basketball. 

What was the last movie that you saw?

1917. Very Good movie!

Thanks Matt for the chat.

Terrell Harris is a 26 year old 190cm guard from Indiantown,Florida that completed his fourth professional season and first with the NINERS Chemnitz (Germany-ProA) averaging 14,1ppg, 2,6rpg and 5,0apg. Last season he played with the Rostock Seawolves (Germany-ProA) averaging 13.6ppg, 3.7rpg, 3.4apg, 1.0spg, FGP: 55.4%, 3PT: 37.3%, FT: 66.3%. Two seasons ago he played with the Svendborg Rabbits (Denmark-Ligaen) playing 24 games averaging 17.0ppg, 4.7rpg, 2.6apg, 1.2spg, FGP: 57.3%, 3PT: 42.6%, FT: 71.6%. In his rookie season he played with the Iserlohn Kangaroos (Germany-ProB) averaging 18,1ppg, 4,3rpg and 1,8apg. He started his basketball career at Mars Hill (NCAA2) in 2011 and then moved to Georgia College in 2012. As a senior he played 29 games averaging 24.6ppg, 6.7rpg, 4.0apg, 1.6spg, FGP: 59.1%, 3PT: 36.3%, FT: 76.8%. He concluded his college basketball career winning the All-PeachBelt Player of the Year 2016. Harris spoke to germanhoops.com during the Coronavirus crisis.

Hi Terrell 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?

Hey Miles, I am good. We are all in good spirits and in good energy. I am still in Germany at the moment but hopefully I will be home soon to my family. This year has been crazy and full of surprises.

When you first heard about the Corona Virus did you ever think that it could have such an effect on the world?

I honestly had no idea this virus would cause this much panicking and interruption to the world but hopefully it can go away. I’m sure in the near future we will find a solution and get back to living.

How did you experience the last weeks? Are your loved ones in the States concerned for your well being?

I’ve been in good spirits also my family been in good spirits as well. Times has been unpredictable and unknown but everyone is ok.

How have you experienced the day to day life in Chemnitz during the 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 mean as hoopers we are not allowed to workout in none of the facilities so all of us players are feeling the effects. Hopefully this ends very soon.

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?

No not at all, we were taught to cover our mouths when we cough and wash our hands to stay clean on the regular.

Basketball leagues have shut down all over Europe including the Regionalliga. How disappointed were you about this and not being able to playoffs?

I was very disappointed that the league shut down. You play this game for moments like the playoffs and championship rounds. Our health is bigger than sports though. The league did the right thing by shutting it down and giving the top 2 the right to move up to BBL.

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. Do you see any kind of advantage having games played without spectators?

I didn’t see that particular game but playing without fans is more of a practice or open scrimmage. I’m sure we as Chemnitz would’ve been good to go. Our best competition was our practices. We had some game type vibe and feelings a lot of days in practice.

If somebody had told you two months ago that the Chemnitz season would be over in mid March, but you would have still got the BBL ticket. Could you have come up with any plausible reason why this could have happened not knowing about the coronavirus?

I would’ve thought someone lied to me but it is what is. We were clearly the best team this year. When we took teams serious and locked in we dominated from start to finish. Our easy games were actually against the top teams. Heidelberg both games. Jena away game was a slaughter in the 4th quarter. Bremerhaven we beat easy as well. Rostock was probably our most dominant game at home. We were just head, shoulders, and toes above everyone.

What kind of a feeling do you have being able to move up to the easyCredit BBL without earning it through the playoffs and through the coronavirus? Are there mixed feelings?

I wish we could’ve played the season out but it didn’t happen like that. The league made the decision to stop and promote the top two teams something we couldn’t control. I hear a lot of players and fans had things to say but they should’ve beat us in the regular season when they had the chance. Bad habits doesn’t just stop when the playoffs start. All of a sudden everybody thinks they could beat us 3 out of 5 times in a series where we didn’t lose at home all season. If I am teams I am glad Chemnitz left because it would’ve been the same next year plus a year of playing with each other.

Despite how it all happened, the Niners Chemnitz had a very strong season. How do you sum up the season and how the team performed on the court?

This season was just fun basketball and culture to be a part of. We had games like practices most of the times. Coach Rod made this year fun and exciting from Day 1. It’s hard winning, it takes a lot to win consistently. He always found new ways to motivate us and keep us sharp. As players, I never met or played with a bunch of selfless guys. We had our moments of ups and downs but we always stuck together and figured it out.

The team was the best offensive team and sixth best defensive team. How much fun was it this season being part of a very lethal offense?

The most dangerous part of our offense was the ability to create and flow with how we were being guarded. We had sets that will explore your weaknesses. We were good at exploiting other teams weaknesses. When you have guys who are willing to play together for the bigger cause as in winning a championship it made the game easy for everyone. We understood our roles and how to play with each other.

The club had many guys from last season, but also had 5 new players to integrate. How much credit does the success go to head coach Rodrigo Pastore. How has he developed as a head coach since your first tour of duty in Chemnitz?

Before coming to Chemnitz I really wanted to go back to Rostock. I felt they could’ve built a team to compete due to their budget. But once I did my homework and saw who Chemnitz was bringing back I was in awe because I thought most guys would leave. My childhood friend wanted me to join him which he already knew the system. Once I got the call from coach Rod I was convinced by the picture he painted with who we wanted to sign. I felt we could be special if we stayed committed to the process. He has to be one of the best coaches here in Germany. He took 5 new players who never played with each other and broke the Pro A most consecutive wins in a single season without a single starter from last year team. He deserves coach of the year for sure. Coach Rod just kept us grounded and level headed from day 1. He never promised anything and treated everyone fairly. He was the same guy last game against Kirchheim.

Let’s talk about your teammates. How vital was it for the team to have Chris Carter this season? He came from a tough Pro A season in Vechta. How much did you enjoy him as a teammate and could you soak anything up from his game that helped your game?

Our relationship is bigger than basketball. He’s like a big brother to me. As soon as my season in Rostock ended we got on the phone and talk about teaming up. It was just a matter of where. I’m grateful I was able to play for Chemnitz with him. He showed me a lot from the pg position which I improved very much in. We had all of our individuals together so we were able to feed off each other a lot.

You’re a veteran, but please describe what kind of an influence veteran Virgil Matthews had on you. The American is turning 37 years old this month. Do you see him reaching age 40 as a player and does his work ethic motivate you to play longer now than what you might have felt before you met him?

Uncle Virg is immortal. He’s the most savvy and smartest player I played with. I tried to stick by his side with whatever we do from film, to bus rides, on the court watching him etc. He has a very high IQ. He showed me so much this year on and off the court. I will never forget him. Another lifetime friend. I’m sure Virgil can play to he’s 40. He takes care of his body and eats very healthy so he’s still in good shape. He doesn’t seem 36 for sure

German Malte Zigenhagen had an amazing season and if he could of hit a few more free throws he could have been a member of the 90-50-50 club. You have seen him the last years in the BBL and was teammates in Chemnitz in 2016-2017. How did he develop and improve this season?

I only played against Malte once and with him this past year. He’s the best shooter I played with. He shot 50% on 154 attempts that’s insane. He had some games where he caught instant fire and broke the lead open for us. I love playing with him on the court

If you had to pick a player who was the most improved who would you pick from last season?

It’s hard for me to say that because I wasn’t here last year but throughout the season to see the development of Nicklas was amazing. He has a chance to be special. He can shoot, drive to dunk, and handle and 6,9. It’s rare you see that in this league.

Let’s talk about your season. You averaged 14,1ppg, 2,6rpg, 5,0apg and 1,4spg. How content were you with your season?

I could’ve been a lot better in some areas but for the most part I like the way I played this season. This season I was able to play my game and create more for teammates rather just trying to score all the time. Coach Rod put me in great situations such as pick and rolls and down hill situation all season long for me to be successful which allowed us to be successful as a team.

Would you consider your Chemnitz season your best as a professional? You scored better in lower leagues, but your overall stats in a good league were excellent. 

Yes for sure this was my best season. Coming out of college you think scoring is winning basketball. In those lower leagues you have to score to make your name in Europe. As you climb the ladder and play with good players you have to do more than just score because your minutes will go down, your touches will go down, and teammates are better all around. So you will need to find ways to stay effective. I figured out how to make everyone around me better with my play making ability and speed. I played less minutes and had less touches this year compared to last year. I was able to finish top 10 in assist and top 12 in scoring. All my numbers were up so yes this was my best year.

You have made huge strides in your playmaking. As a rookie with Iserlohn you averaged only 1,8apg and this season it was 5,0apg. Did the playmaking of Virgil Matthews influence your game?

Yes watching Virgil in practice and film helped me a lot with my play making ability also from Chris as well. Coach Rod allowed me to play point guard in practice everyday so I had to run my own team most of the year in practice. I had my ups and downs, I never had a coach who put me in that situation but it helped me in the long run.

You had a very strong Pro A season with Rostock in 2018-2019, but made even more strides with Chemnitz. Both teams had talent and were deep. How was the overall Chemnitz situation with it’s offensive players different than in Rostock that helped you make another step with your game?

In Rostock I wasn’t use the same way as I was here. I wasn’t able to create for others as much. I was more of a spot up and shot my midrange whenever I got my play call. We didn’t play as a unit most of the time there. We were winning off natural talent. Here in Chemnitz from day 1 we implemented an offense where everyone was able to touch the ball and make plays. We had our 5 and 4 man starting fast breaks. Coach Rod just created a system where we enjoyed playing with each other. We had numerous games of 30 plus assists that speaks a lot about the culture we had.

In our season ending interview with Rostock you stated ‘I feel my game grew as in more playmaking defensively and offensively. I guarded the other team’s best perimeter player every game. I knew I can defend but this year I think I really showed that I can defend at a high level. Whenever I was the primary defender on a guard they usually didn’t get their average. Most of the top perimeters struggled against me from Andrew (Hamburg) avg 16 a game in the regular season, but in the playoffs only 9.5. Goodwin, Choice, Ziegenhagen, and etc had some of their worst scoring games against me. Offensively I showed again that I was very efficient. This was the most assists I ever average this season as well . I can always shoot the three and pull up at a good percentage. I should’ve got to the free throw line more and attempted more 3s for sure though. How do you see did your game improve once more with the Niners Chemnitz and ycou played 5 minutes less this season than last season in Rostock. You were more effective this season. Could you estimate about how much you would have scored per game had you played 5 minutes more?

I did play 5 minutes less than I did last year but all my numbers improved. I’m sure if I would’ve played 5 minutes more I would’ve scored 4 more points maybe 2 assist more 17 or 18 a game easy along with 7 assist on avg but who cares when you’re winning. I knew I was giving those things up when I came here and I was ok with that. I take the season I had over all the guys who were about to miss the playoffs or wouldn’t have gone far if they made the playoffs. I love winning and I got a great taste of it this year. My game grew with Chemnitz from play making and knowing when to score and when to get your teammates involve. I feel like if you’re able to be effective in Chemnitz you can play anywhere because you learn here how to play high level basketball from a high IQ coach. I really enjoyed this year with these group of guys.

How tough is it having the season end this way? Would it be easier or more difficult to get motivated to get into the lab each day to keep working on your game . How important will individual work be now during the corona virus time?

Who knows what is going to happen for next year. I mean from this Corona Virus to contract situations amongst the leagues some teams might take a hit financially. All I know Is that I have a few months to build on the season I had. Im very excited to get back in the lab.

Who was the toughest player that you faced in the 2019-2020 Pro A season?

Pro A had some really tough guards this year I like Kasey Hill’s game a lot though he can be special. Good speed and can finish with both hands. Also Lofton was good, Geist, Mccullum, and Wilson.

How much do you feel for those NCAA guys who might have reached March Madness as a senior for the only time and now can’t play. What advice would you give that player who missed March Madness because of the CoronaVirus?

I am grateful I was able to play all my years in college. This sucks for seniors at the collegiate level hopefully they can some how get the games back or something. It will be tough but I’m sure they will find a solution.

I feel Luka Doncic is a top 3 NBA player. Am I a bit blinded or is that a proper assessment after his second professional season?

Luka is great but he hasn’t deliverd a championship yet only time will tell. Bron, Steph, KD, and Kathy already delivered multiple times. I hate ranking players so just let him be great and we will see where that stands when he’s done.

Atlanta Hawk guard Trae Young made huge strides in his second season. How much better can he get now and is he a top NBA point guard now?

. Trae Young is going to be special he can do it all. As long as he stays level headed and puts in the work he will have a very successful career.

What was the last movie that you saw?

Last movie I saw was Spenser Confidential with Mark Wahlberg. It was a good one.

Thanks Terrell for the chat.

Corey Raley-Ross is a 28 year old 193cm guard from Charlotte, North Carolina that has three professional seasons under his belt and this season played with KB Bashkimi Prizren (Kosovo-Superliga) averaging 18,7ppg, 6,4rpg, 3,9apg and 2,0spg. Last season he played with C.B. Aridane (Spain-EBA) playing 30 games averaging 15.9ppg, 4.6rpg, 3.0apg, 1.3spg, FGP: 57.8%, 3PT: 38.6%, FT: 71.1% In the 2017-2018 season he played with CB Virgen de la Concha Innova Chef (Spain-EBA) playing 28 games averaging 18.3ppg, 6.8rpg, 2.7apg, 1.5spg, FGP: 57.0%, 3PT: 41.4%,FT: 64.8%. As a rookie he played for TTU Korvpalliklubi Tallinn (Estonia-Alexela KML) playing 28 games averaging 6.6ppg, 3.0rpg, 1.1apg, FGP: 45.7%, 3PT: 30.4%,FT: 63.6%; and played 9 Baltic League games averaging 8.7ppg, 3.8rpg, 1.8apg, 1.1spg, FGP: 43.8%, 3PT: 11.1%, FT: 76.0%. He played at Buffalo (NCAA) from 2010-2014 playing 59 games. He spoke to germanhoops.com about his memories of Kobe Bryant.

Where were you and how did you find about the death of Kobe Bryant? 

Thanks again Miles for another interview. I heard about Kobe’s tragedy while I was eating dinner through ‘social media’ of course. 

When I heard about it, I thought it was a hoax. What were your first thoughts when you heard about it?

I believed it right away! The media usually doesn’t joke with these type of things. Upon hearing about it I took a moment to myself. I wanted to be alone. 

How much of your day the day after did you take informing yourself about his death and watching videos? 

Not much at all really! His passing helped me to put my life more into perspective. How fragile and short it truly is. 

Can you remember about when you first knew about Kobe Bryant and what was your first impression of him as a kid? For sure.

My first impression of Kobe Bryant was watching him duel Allen Iverson in the 2001 NBA finals. That was a joy to watch.

How did your love for Kobe Bryant develop over time as you were growing up? 

He was my generations version of MJ. He was a winner and a killer to his adversaries. The love and respect of his craft came to me naturally.

How do you remember following his career Kobe Bryant was for so many the greatest ever. What did you appreciate most about his game? 

He was the best player in the NBA until LeBron won his first championship. Also, I appreciated how he never changed his game. 

Kobe Bryant had so many amazing games like his 81 points and countless other games where it was lights out as well as winning 5 titles. What is your fondest memory of him of what he did on the court?

I have so many memories of Kobe. The first that comes to mind is when he scored 55pts on MJ when he was playing with the Wizards. Phil Jackson didn’t play him in the 4th either. 

The outpouring of sadness was incredible. Guys were crying and leaving heart felt messages on Social Media. How long do you think it will take until the basketball world comes to terms with this tragedy? 

At this moment in time basketball has stopped around the world. I believe that this is symbolic of his passing. When basketball resumes as we know it, I think that will be us all coming to terms. 

When you look back in 20 years on the career of Kobe Bryant how will you remember his legacy best? 

I’m going to remember his legacy as iconic. He was more than a joy to watch. 

One of my last questions in my standard interviews is what is your opinion of the neverending debate of who is the greatest of all-time Michael Jordan or Lebron James. Often players remind me that I left out Kobe Bryant.I have been thinking about this a lot. How worthy is a Kobe Bryant to be seen as the greatest of all-time? 

He’s more than worthy to be in the debate. I believe Kobe Bryant at his peak is on the same level as each of the two. Perhaps excluding MJ. 

My last question isn’t what is the last movie you saw, but what video of Kobe Bryant will you take a look again when you have some time to look back at his great career?

NBA 2K!!! 

Thanks Corey for the chat.

A month ago the easyCredit BBL was still in full swing and the Fraport Skyliners were in another season slump, but kept their composure and nerves and played a very strong game on the road against their rivals Giessen 46ers winning 90-82 on March 7 snapping an annoying 6 game losing streak. It seemed like possibly the 2016 FIBA Europe Cup winner was finally going to turn the season around, but how often did I think this this season? At the same time the new Coronavirus continued making new bigger headlines every day, but no one dared to even think that something like that would soon affect world sports and the entertainment field. On May 10^th there was a Basketball Champions League game between the Telekom Baskets Bonn and AEK Athens in Bonn and on May 11^th a Fiba Europe cup game between medi Bayreuth and  U-Banca Transilvania Cluj Napoca (Romania-Liga Nationala) in Bayreuth that had no spectators. “Playing without fans would be extremely tough to do. They give us that extra boost of energy. It would be hard for me to do but if that’s what we have to do to play I’ll do it”, warned Shaquille Hines. These were the first strong warning signs that the Coronavirus was for real and already had fans in Bonn and Bayreuth reeling with anger, but it would become a lot worse. The next day the easyCredit BBL postponed the season and have prolonged the delay until April 30^th where an announcement will be made if the season will be completed. “When the league shut down I was very disappointed. I love basketball and I love to compete. It’s just an unfortunate situation. But safety comes first so I understand”, warned Shaquille Hines. He also became more aware how to handle himself in public with the outbreak of the Coronavirus. “I became aware and I did my own research and the club told us what to do. I stayed away from everything and big groups and washed my hands every chance I got”, commented Shaquille Hines. Most leagues have shut down in Europe, but the BBL still wants to keep the option open about attempting to complete the season. Ex Atlanta Hawk and current FC Barcelona point guard Malcolm Delaney criticized the Euroleague for wanting to continue the season citing it being very difficult for guys to get back into game shape. “I agree with Malcom. It’s going b so hard to get in game shape and game rhythm without playing basketball for over 1 month. But I understand the league it’s a business”, stressed Shaquille Hines. But at the moment the last thing on the minds of the players is basketball, but moreover the Coronavirus crisis. Shaquille Hines was on his way of taking more steps of becoming that Jimmy Butler type of player but then the Coronavirus got in the way.

            Hines is in his fourth professional season after playing in Sweden and Greece in his first two seasons and last season played in Braunschweig while this season is with the Fraport Skyliners. The 27 year old 203cm forward is from Chicago and back home with his loved ones. He has been keeping most contact in these hard times with friend Jaylin Airington who is playing with the SK Cherkasy Monkeys (Ukraine-Superleague). He saw what the situation was like in Germany with the Coronavirus and now he is seeing close hand how Americans are dealing with it and having more difficulty than Germans. “My day to day life here is pretty chill. We can’t do much at all. A lot of things are shut down. Just grocery stores and some restaurants. Americans are more panicky than Germans I would say”, expressed Shaquille Hines. Like so many other people in Europe the Coronavirus took him by surprise as he lived his life in the Northwest center in Frankfurt where the Skyliners have their practice facility. “I did not think the corona virus would have this big of an impact I think it took all of us off guard but safety comes first. I noticed how distant and protective everybody was once the news got serious. I notice how empty the mall would get day by day”, added Shaquille Hines. He has a lot more time to reflect on the future of basketball and his career. With the season possibly being cancelled, he knows it will be something new getting back into the lab earlier than usual and have a lot more time to work on his game as well as finding a new employer. “It will be an adjustment but I will eventually find my rhythm. The advantages are you get to work on your game more and take care of the body. Also be with your family longer. There are no disadvantages to me. I’ve already prepared myself for the next step. I know the BBL will take a hit financially. But know no one saw this coming. So I’ll just go with the flow and hopefully get the best deal I can get”, warned Shaquille Hines. But the most important thing for Shaq as he is called by most is family. The whole Coronavirus crisis has made him more reflective about life knowing that it can be taken from you at any time. “I learned to lean on family when times get hard. And to never take life for granted honestly. It can be gone in a blink of an eye”, warned Shaquille Hines. Even if this is a very serious time for everyone, you can´t get too depressed with everything and not forget to have some sense of humor concerning being captured in Quarantine with teammate Quantez Robertson for a few days. “I would get sick of his music, but Tez is my guy and would keep me entertained I´m sure”, stressed Shaquille Hines.

            Hines was born on March 23, 1993 in Chicago and got his first basketball experience at Harlan Community Academy. He then continued his basketball career at the University of Texas Pan American (NCAA) in 2012 and played there until 2016 amassing a total of 122 games and was able to average scoring in double figures in his last three years and averaged 12,0ppg and 5,0rpg. In his senior year he averaged 13.9ppg, 5.5rpg, 2.7apg, FGP: 50.6%, 3PT: 35.6%, FT: 74.4%.Eventhough it has been 4 years since he played his last NCAA game, he still has his NCAA days in good memory. “My fondest memories at UTRGV was developing as a player and getting that experience to play a lot. Experience is the biggest teacher I learned so much from just playing”, warned Shaquille Hines. He already learned how to be a consistent scorer at the NCAA level as in his last two season he scored in double figures in 43 of 61 games.  He had many stellar games in school like his 30 point explosion against N Mexico State, his 27 point game against Nebraska-Omaha or his 24 point games against Chicago State and North Dakota, but his best game was against  SE Missouri State where he scored 23 points, hauled down 8 rebounds, dished out 7 assists and had 3 blocks in the 83-74 victory. “The game vs SE Missouri was one of my best overall games. That game showed the player I am and what I can do on the court”, warned Shaquille Hines. He credits 2019 NBA champion with the Toronto Raptors Pascal Siakam as his toughest cover became a professional thanks to the guidance of his head coach then in the NCAA Dan Hipsher. “He made me mentally tough, He challenged me and made me better and forced me to get better. He expected me to show up every game and I thank him for that”, stressed Shaquille Hines.

            In the summer of 2016 he signed his first professional contract with Boras Basket (Sweden-Basketligan). In his rookie season despite having trouble adjusting to the time difference, he needed no adjustment time to the Swedish style as he played 33 games averaging  11.2ppg, 5.1rpg, 1.2apg, FGP: 51.2%, 3PT: 38.5%, FT: 75.3%. He scored in double figures in 19 games and had 3 21 point games against Umea, and against Jamtland twice. He had a few other Americans with him on the team, but was able to take very much from then 33 year old Swedish forward Christian Maraker who played his last NCAA game in 2006 with the University of the Pacific. “He was a great player and teammate. I learned a lot from him as well. He was very smart. He invested in things to take care of his body, he ate healthy all time. Those are the main things I took with me”, warned Shaquille Hines. Before heading to Greece for his second professional year, he was fortunate to breathe some NBA air at the 2017 NBA Summer League in Las Vegas. This was a golden opportunity for him to play with and against the best young players at that time and remembers one young man well. “Playing with the OKC summer league team was great. I enjoyed every minute of it. I learned so much in a short period of time. Domantas Sabonis was very impressive and he was so skilled and strong and athletic. Great guy as well”, stressed Shaquille Hines. In his second professional season he signed with ASA Koroivos Amaliadas (Greece-A1) playing 26 games averaging 10.0ppg, 5.4rpg, FGP: 54.5%, 3PT: 39.0%, FT: 71.4%. He was fairly consistent again scoring in double figures in 15 games. Two of his best games were in major blowout loses to Olympiakos and Panathinaikos where he scored 17 and 16 points. Even if his team lost combined by 85 points, he will never forget the experience playing against some of Europe´s best players.” My experience from playing against Olympiakos and Panathinaikos was great. Those are the teams and level I one day want to play for. I will always have the memory that I played well individually against both clubs. That’s good for my confidence”, stressed Shaquille Hines.

            In his third professional season he made the jump to the Basketball Lowen Braunschweig in Germany´s highest league easyCredit BBL. It would be one of Braunschweig´s best seasons in almost a decade as they reached the playoffs again after a long dry spell. He definitely made the right move coming to Germany and adjusted well coming from the Greek league. “My experience in the BBL with Braunschweig was great. I liked it a lot there even if it took me a while to get adjusted with the team but I became more comfortable than ever. Every one played their role and I think That´s why we were so successful. Playing in the BBL was very competitive I think that was the biggest difference from the Greek league. Every team from top to bottom is very competitive in the BBL”, warned Shaquille Hines. .The whole second half of the season was a sheer roller coaster ride. Whenever they had big wins, big loses would follow. They lost some real nail bitters against Giessen 99-97, to Science City Jena  85-83, and to Rasta Vechta 88-85 and in the last few weeks lost to Bamberg, Bonn and MBC combined by only 13 points. On the last weekend, they saved their best for last beating Frankfurt and Bayreuth to sneak into the last 8^th place playoff spot to face FC Bayern Munich.  Obviously reaching the playoffs was a huge season highlight, but so was beating Alba Berlin and Bamberg in the regular season. “Those wins vs Bamberg and Berlin were huge. We played great defensively those games. That game was great as a basketball player you live for games like that. We were excited after beating them”, stressed Shaquille Hines. Braunschweig didn´t lie down and die against FC Bayern Munich, but played their hearts out, but just couldn´t match their depth getting swept losing by 11 points and twice by 10 points. Braunschweig was one of those teams that weren´t seen as a playoff team before the season and made it because they played as a team and stuck together at all times. Hines had some amazing teammates like Deandre Lansdowne who is living the ultimate Cinderella story having gone from Pro B to the BBL in a matter of 3 seasons and is a guy that the American will never forget. “Dre is great and he’s a professional. I learned a lot from over this short time on how he approaches everything. We definitely wouldn’t be where we were without him. “The Dre story and grind is tremendous. I think he still has a chip on his shoulder as we all do. As a basketball player you never want to get to high and never too low”, expressed Shaquille Hines. . He also had other great teammates like Scott Eatherton and Christian Sengfelder who were huge contributors to the success of the team.  For the American Eatherton was the best center in the BBL ahead of Giessen beast John Bryant. “For me I will say Scott is number 1, I’m biased because he was my teammate but he’s great he’s a work horse on the court. He’s so skilled and has great hands with a great touch. He is also a great teammate. Christian was a great addition for us. Playing NCAA has helped him a lot. He played against great competition and many pros during his time in college and that has prepared him for now”, said Shaquille Hines.

            Hines who lists the 4 legends Michael Jordan, Lebron James, Kobe Bryant and Shaq on his own personal NBA Mount Rushmore had a solid season with Braunschweig playing  34 games averaging 8.2ppg, 4.6rpg, FGP: 53.8%, 3PT: 34.5%, FT: 66.1%. His stats weren´t quite as good as his first two years in Sweden and Greece, but the EasyCredit BBL was also a step above those leagues in terms of skill level and competition. He compares his game to a Luol Deng in his prime and is still working on becoming that type of Jimmy Butler player who made a name for himself with the Chicago Bulls, but in the last years has been bouncing around the league with the Timberwolves, 76ers and currently with the Miami Heat. Butler is a lock down defender that became a go to guy in his fourth professional season and developed his three pointer. While Hines is athletic and is continuing to develop a three pointer and is a versatile defender and can defend smaller players and is also potent off ball. With Braunschweig he scored in double figures in 14 games and finished the season very strong scoring in double figures in his last 6 games. He played his best basketball in the Munich series averaging 16,0ppg and 9,0rpg. His three pointer continues to be a work in progress. After shooting 38% and 39% in his first two seasons, he shot only 34% and 35% in the last two seasons, and thinks that he is capable of becoming a 40% shooter from the parking lot. “I am very confident that I will become a 40 percent shooter. I work so hard towards it. I just have to take smarter shots”, warned Shaquille Hines. Before he would start his fourth professional season with the Fraport Skyliners, he had some goals last summer to help improve his game so he would be prepared for the new season. “The things I’m working on the most this season is my shot. I want to become a 40 percent shooter and also my ability to drive and attack the basket and make plays for others. In Greece I was determined to show that I can play at a top level. I had to prove that too myself and I was up for the challenge I was focused and I worked hard that year to have a good season individually. My game grew just from the experience, experience is the best teacher”, warned Shaquille Hines.

            In his fourth professional season he signed with the Fraport Skyliners. It was a tough season from the get go and when the Coronavirus came and halted the season the team was in 14^th place with an unsatisfactory 6-15 season. The toughest part about the losing season is that he came from a winning culture in Braunschweig and surely was expecting to experience another winning season with Frankfurt. “The toughest part is losing honestly. We let a lot of games slip away. We are a better team than our record”, warned Shaquille Hines. They lost the first three games of the season and were never able to recuperate from that. After that they were up and down, but had real problems closing out games and just choking in crunch-time. They gave away 5.-6 games and had they won at least half of them would have been knocking on the playoff door. Then 2020 came and the team lost 7 games in a row which was the last straw and robbed them any chance for playoff hopes. Injuries also hurt the team tremendously as they lost their starting point guard Anthony Hickey for the season and then had numerous guys injured like Richard Freudenberg, Akeem Vargas, Leon Kratzer, Lamont Jones and Hines. A further problem was the defense. For years the Skyliners belonged to the best defensive teams in the league averaging giving up in the high 60´s, but this season were giving up 80 points while scoring only 75 points which made it hard to win games easier. “I think we have just been inconsistent defensively. But we showed that we can be one of the best defensive teams and we are confident”, stressed Shaquille Hines. Frankfurt had signed a new sniper Matt Mobley who had played at Iona(NCAA) and were hoping he could give the team a new spark. He had had a solid debut in a Skyliner jersey scoring 8 points in Giessen and he definitely had game. “Matt could have a been a great add on for us. He would’ve helped us a lot. We were missing a piece like that”, added Shaquille Hines.

            Not only was the losing tough for Shaquille Hines, but also when the BBL was halted by the Coronavirus. After an up and down start with his play, he was finally coming into his own recently. He played 19 games averaging 9.4ppg, 5.1rpg, FGP: 54.1%, 3PT: 35.4%, FT: 70.7%. In his first 11 games, he scored in double figures only 3 times and shot 7/27 from outside, but in his last 8 games scored in double figures in 6 games and shot 21/52 from outside. He had his best game in a very bitter 83-81 loss to Crailsheim where he dropped a personal BBL high of 29 points(7/9 from outside) and grabbed 8 rebounds. That is definitely a game that he will never forget. The question is will he ever be able to watch it for a second time? “That game was extremely tough I didn’t sleep for 2 days honesty. And I did not watch that game I couldn’t take it”, said Shaquille Hines. His three point shooting is a tale of two halves as the second half showed just how good of s shooter he can be. “The beginning of the year was a struggle I was rushing every shot. But I slowed down took better shots and saw big improvements as the season went on”, warned Shaquille Hines. The season was definitely up and down, but the way he finished will give him the needed confidence for the next step in his career. “I will always be confident in my game regardless. I know what I’m capable of. The season was getting better for me. I was going to continue to build on it”, stressed Shaquille Hines. The American will learn the fate of the season on April 30^th and even if it ends then, he will have a early summer vacation and know that he was another step closer to becoming that Jimmy Butler type of player and have special Quantez Robertson moments that he will always be able to share at home in Chicago or elsewhere in the world where he is playing. “I feel like I was making a step into taking my game to the next level honestly. I was feeling and playing good as of late. I love playing with Tez. I respect him a whole lot. How hard he plays every game motivates me every game”, stated Shaquille Hines.

Kendale Mccullum is a 185cm guard from Elgin, Illinois that played his rookie season in Germany with the Uni Baskets Paderborn (Germany-ProA) averaging 18,1ppg, 5,3rpg, 7,2apg and 2,6spg. The Uni Baskets Paderborn have had many very talented point guards in the last years, but none better than Kendale Muccullum. He has had an enormous impact on the success of the club as was the third best scorer in the league and led the league in assists and steals. He also shot a very respectable 42% from outside. He registered a rare triple double against Schwenningen with 22 points, 10 rebounds and 13 assists. He began his basketball career at Larkin High School and then played three seasons at Wisconsin Parkside (NCAA2) playing 73 games. In his last two seasons there he averaged 15.0ppg, 5.0rpg, 5.1apg, 2.1spg, FGP: 49.6%, 3PT: 41.1%, FT: 76.7% and 15.5ppg, 4.9rpg, 6.2apg, 2.7spg, FGP: 53.3%, 3PT: 30.4%, FT: 76.4%. He played his last season of college ball at Lewis (NCAA2) playing 31 games averaging 16.4ppg, 5.5rpg, 6.3apg, 2.8spg, FGP: 52.1%, 3PT: 40.5%, FT: 80.2%. 

Hi Kendale 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? 

Hey, I am currently at home in the Chicagoland area! It sucks not being able to go outside the house and being trapped in but it’s what’s best for right now. 

When you first heard about the Corona Virus did you ever think that it could have such an effect on the world?

I didn’t think it would be like this! I just thought it was one of those viruses that would be gone within a month and not affect the world like it has. 

How did you experience the day to day life in Paderborn during the 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? 

We still had practice, weights and everything. We did not change our schedule until we found out how serious the spreading was getting. ButIi didn’t not see anything change really. People were still out doing their daily activities! 

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, I just have a head nod or an elbow to elbow or just said what’s up! Made sure to wash my hands before and after doing anything. Didn’t really interact with people coughing. 

Basketball leagues have shut down all over Europe including the Pro A. How disappointed were you about this and not being able to finish the season? 

I was disappointed just because it happened so late in the season. Right when the playoffs were coming up things started to get more intense. And we had the chance to do something Paderborn hasn’t been able to do in the last 10 years 

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 mean, that’s what we play for. We play to give the fans a show. It’s hard to play a game without a crowd. Playing home or away. It’s tough. There’s no advantage really anymore. I think we shouldn’t play if there are not fans. 

You have returned back to the States. How have you experienced the coronavirus outbreak at home compared to Germany? 

We’re on lockdown here in Illinois. So, it’s different here than in Germany. I think we’re taking action right now. 

What have you learned about these tough times that has made you stronger as a person? 

I’m the type of person that’s never in the house. I like to be around friends and people. So, now I’m doing puzzles and reading books and it’s helping me do new activities and things like that. I never really sat in the house and read and do puzzles. 

Wil 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? 

I think it’s an advantage because we have more time to recover from the long season we just went through. More time to spend with skills trainer, get stronger and watch film. Also, not in such a rush to sign a contract with a team. More options and more time for teams to watch film on you to see if they actually want you. 

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? 

I think it’s more not knowing when it will start so we have to stay ready for when that is. And just staying patient and healthy. 

Congrats on a marvelous season with the Uni Baskets Paderborn. The club finished with a record of 14-12 in sixth place. It was the clubs best finish in 6 seasons. What made this years club so special? 

I think we knew we were the most talented to team but we had a bond that was phenomenal. I think we had a unique play stay and a roster. We weren’t the biggest, nor the most athletic. 

How tough is it being at home now and not knowing how the season of the Uni Baskets would have ended. Do you sometimes go over certain scenarios of how the season might have gone? 

I think we would have made the playoffs. Might’ve be close because we didn’t really have tiebreakers with teams fighting. But I think we had a really good chance to win our last couple of games. Things were starting to click for us and we were playing well. 

The Uni Baskets Paderborn began the season slow losing 4 of 5 games, but then won 6 of 8 games. What were the reasons for the swift turnaround? 

I think guys started to finally understand their roles and who should be shooting what shots, who should be in ball screens and etc! Then, coach also found an offensive and defensive style that fit the guys we have. 

How vital was that exciting 77-75 victory over Tuebingen to begin the turnaround? 

After that game, was when we realized how good we could be. If we played together, never gave up and trusted the system. 

The club kept a good core of guys from last season and added 4 new players that made the difference. How confident were you that this team chemistry would continue to grow throughout the playoffs and lead to success? 

We spend so much time together. We do a lot of team bonding and that’s what helped us build our chemistry. I think we would have surprised teams by making a playoff run. 

Head Coach Steven Esterkamp has been undergoing a stellar development as a coach. He got good Pro A experience in Gotha with Chris Ensminger, led Wolfenbuettel into the Pro B playoffs and now did the same thing with Paderborn. What was it with his style and coaching that made the season so successful? 

We didn’t do anything special. It was just a simple action into a pick and roll. But we have several actions a team stopped the first action we had 4-5 ball screens in one action. It was hard for teams to guard if we ran it at a fast pass. Another thing was if you’re open, let it fly. As long as it was the right guys shooting those shots. 

Let’s talk about your season. How vital was the experience of Demetrius Ward? Did he take you under his wing early on and give you the tips that helped you have a great rookie season? 

Dimi and I had a great connection. He taught me a few things to look for and how to get away with certain things. But most of the stuff come from Steve helping me adapt to the European basketball. Different style played there than here in the states. Watched a lot of film and worked out a lot to adjust. Daniel also helped me too.

The trio of you Jackson Trapp and Ryan Logan was a big reason for the success this season. Could you describe a little what you appreciated most about them on and off the court? 

Well, we lived together so we were always together. It was nice for me because they’ve been in the pro life awhile so I just picked up things from them and how they went about certain things. On the court, things were just natural for us. It felt like we’ve played together our entire lives. 

If you had to choose one player who you feel improved the most this season who would you pick? 

I would say Henning Ballhausen, kid is grinder and a gym rat. Works hard and always wants to get better. 

Let’s talk about your game. In your rookie season you played 26 games: Score-3 (18.1ppg), 5.3rpg, Assists-1 (7.2apg), Steals-2 (2.6spg), FGP: 58.5%, 3PT: 42.4%, FT: 76.2%. How content were you with your first professional season? 

I honestly didn’t expect it to this well. During preseason, I was having doubts on if I was good enough to play at this level. Thinking I should be in Pro B! Then, after our last preseason game, I had a talk with Steve. And after that everything just started to click for me and I never had that doubt in my mind again. I’m happy it ended well for me, coaching staff and the players trusted me to make plays and let me be me. And I’m thankful for that. 

You began the season scoring 27 points in a loss to Heidelberg and never let up scoring in double figures in 25 of 26 games. Were you a bit surprised how you exploded in the Pro A coming from the NCAA 2? What do you believe was your secret to your success? 

I’ve always had a chip on my shoulder. People don’t realize how good D2 basketball actually is. There’s some really good players. It’s all about agents, and teams taking a chance on that player. My secret was I have nothing to lose. A team just needs to give me a chance to show I can play. I believe I can play at a high level. I still have a lot more I can learn and get better at which is scary. Players from others teams were shocked when I’d tell them I played D2! 

You stated in our first interview that will and determination is a big part of your success. Do you feel like you brought that to a new level as a rookie? 

I definitely feel like I took it to another level. The determination that I was going get better everyday to improve my game and give Paderborn the best chance to every game we play. 

You are very humble concerning your defensive qualities. In our first interview you stated ‘okay, I’m not letting you get by me’ is what helps me be an above average defender. How do you feel was key for making the jump from being a great college defender to a great rookie defender? 

It’s a lot more physical here so it happens. They don’t call the hand check fouls so it helps me with being physical on the ball and putting good ball pressure. 

You were close to getting a few triple doubles in school saying then that you tried to hard when you were close. You achieved your first professional triple double in your fourth game in a win against Schwenningen achieving 22 points, 10 rebounds and 13 assists. Take us back to that game. Did you know again at the end that you were close and didn’t try to hard and let the game come to you or were you not aware that you had got it until you checked the stat sheet at the end? 

I never know until after the game. Through the game, I was just in the grove and was in my zone. I didn’t try against Schwenningen. Everything was just clicking for me and my teammates were making shots! I found out in the locker room. 

You shot a strong 42% from outside as a rookie. In our last interview you stated that ‘shooting 3’s off the bounce. I think once I get the hang of that, my game will be at another level’. Do you feel like you made it to the next level as a shooter combined with added self confidence? 

I did take another step in that! It’s starting to become a strength. Still have to improve at it but have a lot of time this summer to work on it. Once it becomes elite, I’ll be tough to guard in the pick and roll. 

You stated in our last interview that leadership is off your radar. You showed as a rookie that you can lead a team well. Do you feel like people noticed your leadership more this season? 

I think I could have been a bit more vocal. But, yes I do believe a lot of people noticed my leadership. But, it’s a different type of way you have to lead playing pro than playing college. It’s more challenging here. 

You had many great games as a rookie including your triple double and games against Jena and Rostock where you were missing an assist or close wins against Chemnitz and Tuebingen. What game do you feel was your strongest as a rookie? 

This is a tough one haha! But I would say at Rostock, or the win against Chemnitz. 

After a season like this easyCredit BBL teams have you on the radar. On what things do you need to work on this extended spring/summer to make the next step to the top league in Germany? 

I would have to put on some weight, keep working on different finishes around the rim. Such as floaters. Then, just coming off the ball screens and pulling up from 3! 

Who was the toughest player that you battled in the Pro A as a rookie? 

There were a lot of good players in the league. My favorite guys to play against were Kasey Hill, were super similar. I feel like. Duane Wilson, Jordan Gist, Jalen McCloud, and Shy Ely! 

You have probably seen many beautiful places in your basketball career, but how did the city of Paderborn grow on you? 

Paderborn is a great city. It’s not too small but it’s not too big. The people were awesome, super friendly. Everything was super close. Food was amazing. It felt like home and that made the transition easy for me. 

Luka Doncic had an amazing sophomore campaign. Is he a top 3 NBA player now? 

I would say top 10! But a top 3 point guard 

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? 

I think the NCAA should give those seniors that year back. I think it’s unfair to them because they won’t be able to play in the biggest game of their lives and for much of them they were going be done after their senior season anyways. Some guys needed this big stage to play in front of NBA scouts and agents. 

What was the last movie that you saw? 

Ready or not! Great movie

Thanks Kendale for the chat.

Demetrius Ward is a 29 year old 188cm guard from Detroit, Michigan that played his eighth professional season and second with Pro A team uni Baskets Paderborn and averaged 12,2ppg, 3,8rpg, 3,9apg and 1,0spg. Last season he averaged 9,1ppg, 4,4rpg and 5,6apg. He played his first six professional seasons with MTV Wolfenbuettel Herzoege (Germany-ProB) playing a total of 138 games. He played at Western Michigan from 2008-2012 playing a total of 129 NCAA games and as a senior played 31 games averaging 12.1ppg, 4.6rpg, 3.0apg, 1.2spg, FGP: 41.3%, 3PT: 31.5%, FT: 76.2%. Currently he is averaging 17,4ppg, 6,4rpg and 4,7apg. He spoke to germanhoops.com during the Coronavirus crisis

Hi Demetrius, where are you at the moment and how is your current mood despite the world turmoil at the moment because of the outbreak of the Corona Virus?
Hello Miles, I’m currently in Paderborn. My mood is a bit weird and not being able to do much due to this Corona Virus.
When you first heard about the Corona Virus did you ever think that it could have such an effect on the world?
No, I did not think the COVID-19 virus would have such a significant effect on the world. It’s shocking to see how the world around us has changed so drastically.
How have you experienced the day to day life in Paderborn during the 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?
When the COVID-19 first began to spread, day to day living was going normally. When the number of cases started to increase drastically, life began to change, and normal routines were disturbed. I think we were one of the last cities to shut down. Now each day we are facing new restrictions and guidelines to keep ourselves and other safe.
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, the COVID-19 virus is very serious. I try to limit myself to going outside unless I absolutely need too. I ensure to wash my hands regularly, use hand sanitizer, and avoid touching my face. I keep myself at a distance from other people in order to protect myself and others.
Basketball leagues have shut down all over Europe including the Pro A. How disappointed were you about this and not being able to finish the season?
I was very disappointed to learn the basketball season was cancelled. However, I understand the reasoning behind such action. We as a society have to remember our health is more important, keeping ourselves safe and healthy is extremely important for the better good of the world.
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 could be interesting. Playing basketball is my passion and I believe it is better to play without an audience rather to not play at all. However, I understand why that’s not a possibility right now.

Have returned back to the States or are you going to remain in Germany first for a while?. How have you experienced the coronavirus outbreak at home compared to Germany?
I have not returned to the States, I am still in Germany and will remain here for a while.

What have you learned about these tough times that has made you stronger as a person?
I have learned that we should live in the moment and appreciate our family, friends, and health.

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?
I truly believe it will be an advantage if the gyms are open and we are able to go workout. The disadvantage would be having a lockdown for 3 months.

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?
Mentally I am staying strong. I can’t control what will happen. All I can do is work hard daily to keep myself in good shape in order to compete in the next season. I can’t predict the future and how it will affect the professional basketball, all I can do is work on myself and continue to improve my strength and skills.

Congrats on a marvelous season with the Uni Baskets Paderborn. The club finished with a record of 14-12 in sixth place. It was the clubs best finish in 6 seasons. What made this years club so special?
Thank you for the recognition of our team’s success. Our team chemistry made it special. We worked as a real team and didn’t rely on 1 or 2 people to carry the team. We all had the same goal, all of us wanted to reach the playoffs. We knew how tough the league was going to be, so we focused on the little things we could control like practicing hard daily, being mentally focused, and playing selflessly.
How tough is it being at home now and not knowing how the season of the Uni Baskets would have ended? Do you sometimes go over certain scenarios of how the season might have gone?
It’s tough, we truly wanted to make the playoffs. We worked extremely hard to reach our goal. There were only 5 games left and we were currently in 6th place. We were in a good situation to make it there. Sometimes I play in my head how our season could’ve played out, if we would’ve made the playoffs, and who we would have played.

The Uni Baskets Paderborn began the season slow losing 4 of 5 games, but then won 6 of 8 games. What were the reasons for the swift turnaround?
The swift turnaround happened because we continued to stay and work together. We continued to believe in what coach Steve was teaching us. We never got discouraged or lost hope, we kept working and it started to click. We lost those games by 1-2 possessions which meant it was only small things we needed to fix. 

How vital was that exciting 77-75 victory over Tuebingen to begin the turnaround?
It was really exciting because we know how hard winning in Tuebingen is. Winning with 2 points ahead made the long ride home a lot better.

The club kept a good core of guys from last season and added 4 new players that made the difference. How confident were you that this team chemistry would continue to grow throughout the playoffs and lead to success?
The team chemistry was great, it was one of our strengths. I had no doubt that we would keep growing. It only took time where we locked in and started to believe.

Head Coach Steven Esterkamp has been undergoing a stellar development as a coach. He got good Pro A experience in Gotha with Chris Ensminger, led Wolfenbuettel into the Pro B playoffs and now did the same thing with Paderborn. What was it with his style and coaching that made the season so successful?
Coach Steve is very intelligent, he pays attention to detail, which helped us succeed as a team. He was always on us to be our best and was open to feedback. He gave us the trust and confidence to play freely within his system. He recruited a good group of guys that fit his system in playing fast and shooting 3’s.
How vital was your experience for Kendale Mccullum did you take him under his wing early on and give him the tips that helped him have a great rookie season?
Kendale and I had a good relationship on and off the court. I helped him out a few times with a few small things. I helped him more off the court with when the stores open where to buy certain things. On the court he didn’t need much help just small adjustments.

The duo of Jackson Trapp and Ryan Logan was a big reason for the success this season. Could you describe a little what you appreciated most about them on and off the court
Jackson and Ryan were a good combo. Ryan a point forward and Jackson a deadly shooter from outside. What I appreciate on the court about Jackson was he made it easy for me, teams didn’t want him to get an open shot, so he let things open up for others. Off the court we use to always go to the second team games together. His music playlist was pretty good. Ryan had eyes in the back of his head. He’s very selfless maybe to selfless at times but he’s a good teammate and he loves to compete, and trash talk which pushes us to play harder. He could post up and also drive from the outside and his play making ability made him a hard matchup. Off the court we would play a lot of Xbox together.

If you had to choose one player who you feel improved the most this season who would you pick?
I would say Henning Ballhausen, he worked his butt off daily in practice and never complained about anything. There were games where he played 10 mins and the next game maybe 0, but he was in practice the next day working without complaining. His jump shot got a lot better also with his decision making.

Let’s talk about your game. You played 26 games averaging 12.2ppg, 3.8rpg, 3.9apg, 1.0spg, FGP: 54.5%, 3PT: 39.2%, FT: 82.1%. Was this your best season as a professional considering your stats you gave at the pro A level?
Yes, I would say this was my best season as a pro. Seeing numbers like this and one may ask why? The other years my numbers were all higher, but my efficiency wasn’t as good, and we didn’t finish the league in 6th place. This year I’ve done what I needed to do to help the team in limited minutes. I was very efficient within 23 mins average with an efficiency of 14.5 where other players with 30mins average have the same or less efficiency but you see 18pts 2rebs 2ast and think it was a better season for this guy. Sometimes I think that goes unnoticed, people look at the stats and see high number but don’t pay attention to efficiency or minutes played. So yes, I know this was by far my best season as a pro.

Your turning 30 this summer. Can one say looking back at your season that you have reached your prime now?
I would say yes, my understanding for the game is at an all-time high. Coach Steve helped me realize that you don’t have to average 30 mins to be effective. So, with my age and experience I bring a lot to the team, not only statically but off the court as well.

You made another step as a player as you’re getting older. How confident are you that you can continue this curve up instead of back as often is the case as players reach 30?
I’m confident because I know what I can do, and I trust in myself to keep getting better. I play my game and I don’t force things. So,my goal is to keep growing and continue to prefect my skills.

You shot 39% from outside which was your best three point percentage since your junior season at Western Michigan. What do you attribute to shooting so well and having your best percentage as a professional in your eight seasons?
Taking good shots, being in the right spot to get good shots. This summer I worked a lot on shooting the ball off the dribble, so I was more comfortable taking those shots in the game when I had to. Also watching a lot of film to know where my shots would come from and having good teammates to find me.

Your assists and rebounds were down and your minutes, but you were more efficient than last season considering having the dominate Kendale Mccullum on your side. Did taking less dribbles factor into the success?
No not necessary, my role changed this season. Kendale was our point guard and ran the team, I was the backup. We had a well-balanced team, so my numbers were down, but we were winning so everyone is happy.

What is the next step for you? I can imagine you will want to return back. On what things will you be working on this extended spring/summer to help you make the next step once again?
I will work more on my body and my conditioning. Along with some different types of finishes around the basket. The next step is to stay healthy and wait for this corona virus to be over.

Steven Esterkamp has been your coach for three seasons. Has your relationship grown over the years and how has he helped you become a better player in the last three years?
Yes, over the years my relationship with coach Steve has grown. He continues to push me to better and guides me to be successful on and off the court. I have a lot of respect for his role, he has many hard decisions to make and he helps each player to become better and better each season. 

I don’t have to guess what your best game was. Your amazing 14 points, 6 rebounds, 10 assists, 1 steal and ,3 blocks in the thrilling 92-91 win over top team Chemnitz was an achievement. What memories do you have of this game and where does it rank in your best games as a professional?
The memory that stands out to me the most is how loud the gym got when we took the first lead in the game in the 3rd quarter. It was an overall amazing game with a lot of great memories. Chemnitz was a good team and had won the last 22 games before coming into Paderborn and we ended that which was a good overall feeling.

Who was the toughest player that you battled in the Pro A this season?
I would say the players I had to guard daily in practice.

You have probably seen many beautiful places in your basketball career, but how did the city of Paderborn grow on you?
Paderborn has grown on me because it’s not so big and everything I need is in walking or biking distance. Paderborn is pretty nice and quiet with a lot of historical things. 

Luka Doncic had an amazing sophomore campaign. Is he a top 3 NBA player now?
Luka is no doubt an amazing player but in my opinion in this moment, his is not a top 3 player in the NBA just yet.

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 at home when I got the news. He had an incredible influence on my life growing up. His love for the game, how hard he worked, and the respect he demanded from others. He was the reason I started playing basketball and the reason I fell in love with the sport.

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?
It’s very unfortunate for those players that missed the opportunity to participate in the tournament experience. It is not easy getting to the tournament, if you’re not at a big school. So, to be picked for the tournament and then it gets cancelled is very bitter and sad for those players. I would tell them to keep their head up focus on life and move forward.

What was the last movie that you s

Bad Boys For Life

Thanks Demetrius for the chat