Seth Hinrichs is a 25 year old 203cm guard from Clara City, Minnesota that is playing his second season with Rasta Vechta currently 13,6ppg, 4,5rpg and 2,4apg. Last season he helped the team move to the easyCredit BBL form the Pro A averaging 13.8ppg, 6.4rpg, 2.7apg, 1.4spg, FGP: 61.0%, 3PT: 37.0%, FT: 83.6%. Two seasons ago he played with the Kirchheim Knights (Germany-ProA) playing 35 games averaging 11.6ppg, 6.1rpg, 2.7apg, 1.3spg, FGP: 59.1%, 3PT: 42.1%, FT: 72.4%. As a rookie he played for FC Porto (Portugal-LPB) playing 20 games averaging 8.7ppg, 5.0rpg, 1.2apg, FGP: 55.0%, 3PT: 20.7%, FT: 79.1%; FIBA Europe Cup: 6 games: 6.7ppg, 3.2rpg, FGP: 64.7%, 3PT: 14.3%, FT: 83.3%. He played at Lafayette (NCAA) from 2011-2015 graduating from Lafayette as the all-time leader in 3PG % in Patriot League history. As a senior he played 32 games averaging 12.9ppg, 5.8rpg, 2.6apg, FGP: 55.5%, 3PT: 38.3%, FT: 83.1%. He spoke to germanhoops.com about the incredible season in the BBL. 

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

I’m in Vechta and basketball life is good. It’s been a fun year so far.

If someone had told you in September of 2018 that Vechta would be in third place at the end of January 2019 what would you have thought?

I had high hopes for this season but I think there’s still a lot of games left to be played and we need to keep improving. It’s more important where we’re at in May.

Congrats on the great season your having. Does it feel like a real Cinderella story or do you feel like as competitors you would be selling yourself short knowing the potential the team had. 

We knew we had potential. We were bringing back a good core from last year and added good pieces as well. We needed a few games to get our confidence as a group but I think Pedro has done a good job in bringing us along the right way. 

The club began slowly losing it’s first three games, but since then have rattled off 13 wins in 14 games. Was a reason for the turn around just the normal blab la of the team having to find each other in the early going or were the reasons for the turnaround a lot deeper?

I think we had good chemistry from the start. I would say the biggest reason for the turnaround was confidence. We just needed that first win to generate some momentum. 

You have found ways of wining in so many ways if it was through defensive battles, scoring shootouts or close wins which occurred three times. Half way through the season what do you feel is the teams biggest strength?

I think our biggest strengths would be our selflessness and our defense. We pass and share the ball well on offense and play an aggressive style of defense. 

You have celebrated some memorable wins in your career, but please explain where the victory against Alba Berlin ranks? How special was this day for the team? 

It was a good win for us and gave us confidence to beat a talented team like that. But at the same time we also know that they had some injuries and were not at full strength. 

Years ago winning in Bamberg would have been unheard of, but even now it’s no easy task. What did it feel like winning in Freak City? How big was this win for the team? 

This was another good win for us on the road. There’s also a lot of history and success with that club but I think they were having some internal struggles because they fired their coach after the loss. 

How huge in general was the win against Alba Berlin for the team mentality and self confidence? Do you feel like that win proved to the team that it can beat anyone?

As I said earlier that win added to our confidence. Every game in the BBL is tough and we caught Berlin at the right time. 

You have played against many talented kids and have seen Philipp Herkenhof and Luc Van Slooten develop, but just how raw is Franz Wagner at age 17? He didn’t do much against Vechta, but he has had some other really good games and even started games. Is this guy NBA material like his brother Moritz?

I think he has a bright future ahead of him and a high ceiling. I also think the youth development in Germany is really good and there are a lot of talented young players. There have been more and more Germans signed or drafted by NBA teams so I think that speaks to the level of talent in this country. 

Vechta averages 83 points per game and allows only 77 points per game which is third best. What has been the secret to the success on the defensive end?

I think our aggressive style of play. We try to pick up full court and make teams uncomfortable. Max DiLeo sets the tone for us every game in that regard. There’s a reason they call him the Verteidigungs minister.

How vital has head coach coach of the year candidate Pedro Calles been? How has he developed this season as a BBL head coach? 

I don’t think anyone who knows Pedro is surprised that he has been successful thus far. He has been the reason for all of it. His coaching philosophy and principles are what make this team go. Pedro is passionate about basketball and wants the best for each one of us. He makes the game fun and challenges us to improve every day. It’s easy to play for a coach like that.

There are no real super stars on the team. How key has the fact been that everybody has played for each other and that whole ego thing has been put aside?

I think that has been a huge key and has actually won us a few close games. Everyone is willing to work hard for their teammate and that’s a testament to Pedro and the type of high character guys he brought in. 

Let’s talk about your teammates. TJ Bray brought experience and a special fire that really capitulated his game to another level. He was always a solid professional player, but he really made the next step with Vechta. What do you believe has been the biggest reason for his success?

I think one of the biggest reasons TJ has been successful is that he’s been given an opportunity to showcase his skill set. TJ is an incredibly smart player and is able to take full advantage of that in Pedro’s system. It’s been a great fit and TJ does a great job of setting everybody up and distributing. He really sees the floor well and makes life easier for everyone out there. It’s fun playing alongside him. 

Even if there no super stars, American Austin Hollins has been that type of go to guy that has carried the team in his own way. How important has his leadership qualities been and does he ever tell some NBA stories about his dad Lionel? 

Austin’s brought a lot of leadership in the way he approaches the game. Every day in practice he brings his best and that’s helped elevate everyone else’s game. When he steps on the court he’s always focused and leads by example. And he’s been clutch for us in a lot of key moments, whether it’s hitting big shots or making big plays on defense. It’s fun playing alongside him as well.

How important was the pick up of Max DiLeo for the Vechta defense? How has he made an impact on the defensive end most that has helped the team most?

It’s been huge for us. Max sets the tone and is the heart of the team. He’s always picking up full court, diving on the floor for loose balls, and making all of the hustle plays. Max does all the dirty work that no one wants to do and is so selfless about it. He’s a guy who you hate to play against but you love to play with. 

Let’s talk about your game. Your averaging 13,6ppg, 4,5rpg and 2,4 apg and shooting 32% from outside. How happy have you been with your play this season?

I think there’s room for improvement but as long as we’re continuing to win games I’m happy with that. I want to continue to grow as a player and I think I’ve been able to do that as the year has gone on.

Is your role any different from last season? I would imagine you are one of the team leaders this season together with experienced Austin Hollins?

I think my role has stayed similar to what it was last year. Our captain and leader is definitely Josh Young but we also have a lot of leaders in different areas. We have a good group of high character guys.

You have needed so adjustment period to getting a feel for the BBL. What has been the biggest adjustment coming from the Pro A and what is the biggest challenge for you playing in the BBL?

I think the physicality and speed increase at each level. That’s probably been my biggest adjustment and challenge so far.

Your shooting at 32% from outside which is a bit down from the other seasons, but you are playing at a higher level. What do you work on on a daily basis in practice to help you be successful against the more skilled and athletic players in the BBL?

I work on my shooting after practice a lot with Robin Christen. We get a lot of shots up and I think that will pay off as the season continues. I also try and focus on improving my lateral quickness to be able to guard in the BBL. 

An important part of your game is filling the stat sheet and just being efficient. Your efficiency is a bit down form your seasons in the Pro A, but your still efficient. How difficult is it continuing to be efficient while playing at a higher level?

It’s definitely tougher because they players and defenses are better. But I think as I continue to gain experience I will grow and mature as a player. My goal is to still be efficient and versatile.

In our last interview you stated I think playing alongside so many other talented players and being able to pick their brains and take things from the way they play the game has helped. I study our game film and watch a lot of European basketball at the higher levels as well. I think watching film and learning from my peers has been instrumental in my growth’. You continue to be very versatile even at the BBL level. How has your game continued to grow this season?

Playing under a coach like Pedro has helped me improve how I see the game, what reads to make and what type of pace to play. He’s really helped prep myself and my teammates on how to read defenses and where to be in position on offense. He’s also done a great job over the last year and a half of showing me things I can add to my game to take my game to another level. Pedro is a great developer and teacher of the game.

It’s still so early, but when all is said and done could Luka Doncic be one of the greatest Europeans that ever played in the NBA? 

I think so because of his size and skill set. I’m excited to watch him and Porzingis together. 

What was your reaction when you heard that Lebron James named himself the greatest of all-time?

I thought it was a little premature because his career isn’t over yet but he definitely has good reason to think so. 

Charles Barkley recently proclaimed that Tom Brady Is more of a GOAT than Michael Jordan. Do you share his opinion?

I think it’s hard to compare across different sports but I would say they are both among the best athletes to ever play their respective sports. 

What was the last movie that you saw? 

Creed 2.

Thanks Seth for the chat.

One of the things I dreaded most as a kid during the summer´s was the nervous waiting and waiting in the afternoon and observing the ominous looking dark clouds that just didn´t go away for the night to finally come on the day of having tickets to go to a Boston Red Sox game. Even though my dad had season tickets, they were there for the company´s employees and customers, but every now and then I was allowed to go so every opportunity was a big highlight for a 10 year old boy. Some afternoons at times felt like an eternity, because time just didn´t pass by quickly enough as I was already day dreaming about if I would catch a foul ball, how many hot dogs I would manage to eat, if my favorite player Jim Rice would slug one over the Green monster and if I could get any autographs before the game. There was really only one thing that could stand in the way of being able to catch a major league baseball game and that was if the rain would come and in my case if those dangerous looking black clouds would lead to a down pour which would conclude the baseball night becoming a wash out. Not only would a massive down pour result in the failure(washout) of the game being played, but in terms of the Fraport Skyliners one will most likely never experience a leak through the Fraport arena roof that could lead to the cancellation of the game, but if the club doesn´t get their act together in the last two months, then their 20^th anniversary season could be a huge washout, something neither fans or management had calculated at the beginning of the season after having witnessed the personal that the club had reeled in. I reached Jason Clark on a Sunday afternoon when he was chilling with family and friends in Arlington, Virginia during the six day break from the Fraport Skyliners and was confident when he told me that he never experienced a washout at the ball park or will the Fraport Skyliners. “I haven´t been to many baseball games. I remember going to a Washington Nationals game. I don´t remember who they played, but I remember it being a very long game. There was no rain delay or washout and I´m more than confident that this season won´t be a washout either with the Fraport Skyliners”, warned Jason Clark. The few days back home in Virginia gave him ample time to refocus and get away from basketball for a little while and recharge the batteries. But basketball was still on his mind during the break as positive thoughts were flowing through his mind. “When you look at the standings, we are only three wins behind. We lost two very close games. We have been taking the right steps in the last weeks. When we come back from the break, we want to keep making those steps in the direction we have been going in”, warned Jason Clark.

                With a little more than two months to go in the regular season, it is now perform or go home as the Fraport Skyliners have a very disappointing 7-11 record and aren´t scratching at the top 4 positions of the easyCredit BBL as many had predicted, but instead are lounging around in 13^th place and with a somewhat clouded future as to what will happen on the court between now and mid May when the regular season ends. The season has simply not gone the way the club and head coach Gordon Herbert has wanted. In the last months one has been able to observe on many occasions just how disgusted Herbert is with his basketball world as he is on the sideline and has to witness one ugly turnover after the other. One could go on and on about all the problems, but it is something that can´t be avoided. The usual abundance of injuries and players not functioning were a big sore point in the Skyliners season which hampered a growth of the team chemistry that has seemingly stalled the whole season. Advancing to the next round of the Eurocup was a big success, but that didn´t help carry over to the BBL games where they have been up down the whole season. You obviously want to find some of the good moments of the season, but even if you have to try really hard to find those, when you do, one have to wonder where they would be in the standings if they had lost in Overtime in Vechta and if Quantez Robertson hadn´t hit the buzzer beater against the EWE Baskets Oldenburg. It wasn´t an easy time for Jason Clark to have to listen to my negative questions, but he swallowed hard and took it the way a true professional should staying calm while reflecting on the reasons why the season hasn´t gone the way they wanted to. “A lot of where we are now in the standings and how we have played has to do with us figuring out our roles. It takes some teams longer than others. We had many bumps in our way with injuries and players leaving. But now we are all back except for Akeem Vargas and now it is a perfect time to make a run. There are two months left and now it´s time to make our move”, warned Jason Clark.

                In the last weeks, the team has been making strides, but at this point of the season, it isn´t enough to have played well for 38 minutes, because if you aren´t getting wins, you won´t be making ground on other teams and won´t be necessarily strengthening one´s self confidence either. The last two loses are perfect examples that the Fraport Skyliners can play with very talented teams, because in both games they had their fate in their own hands, but lost in the last seconds. Had they won these two games, then their basketball world would be looking a lot different now. In the loss to the MHP Riesen Ludwigsburg, Frankfurt had the game already lost in the previous play, but still had a few seconds to inbounds the ball under the Ludwigsburg basket and get a possible miracle tip in. Instead of going to one of their two big men Jonas Wolfarth-Botterman or Leon Kratzer, they chose to go their identity figure Quantez Robertson who is athletic and can leap with the best of them, but in this phase, it would have been the better option if they had gone to one of the longer players. In Bamberg the team showed signs from old Skyliner days where their defense was their staple and had the chance to win on the last play, but their new go to guy Tyler Larson went for the win to soon instead of shaving more seconds off the clock missed and then watched as Euroleague winner Tyrese Rice won the game in the last seconds. “Those loses really hurt, but we didn´t lose those games at the end, but earlier in the game with the mistakes we did. Having Larson take the last shot was what we wanted. We have a lot of confidence in him. Of course it would have been more ideal if he had let some more seconds off the clock. He was in attack mode and every player has to decide for himself when it´s time to go. He saw the opportunity and went for it. It was unfortunate that he missed, but those are shots he can make”, stressed Jason Clark.

                There are many factors that have contributed to the Fraport Skyliner woes, but the most vital has been their inability to defend the way Gordon Herbert is used to. In their best days back when a Justin Cobbs and Jordan Theodore were calling the shots, the club belonged to the best defensive teams in the easycredit BBL and on average were giving up in the high 60´s per game. This season it has been a disappointing 82 points which is still ninth best in the league, but that shows just how offensive the league has become. For a Gordon Herbert to have to witness his team allowing so many points must be as disheartening for him as much as it is to see how the New York Knicks organization went from the glory days of the 70´s to what they are today, but he has somehow not let that affect him as he continues to preach his philosophy and the team gave one if not their best defensive performance of the season in Bamberg. In the last weeks, they have giving less points up as they demonstrated against Crailsheim and Oldenburg where they gave up an average of 71 points. Two of their biggest deficiencies have been their rotations which belonged to their strong point when they were defending well in the past and their poor one on one defense. Since the departure of Brady Heslip and Eric Murphy who were sore points on the defensive end and with the addition of guards Tyler Larson and Tra Holder there has been a considerable improvement and that will continue to grow as the current team and new players get better adapted to their defensive roles. Other problems this season has been their inability to take care of the ball where they give up 14,4 turnovers per game third worst in the league and their free throw shooting which is at 74% which is in the lower one third worst in the league. Even if these things have been a problem, Clark believes they can be corrected. “We have aggressive players and they all want to make the right play. I think a big reason for our turnovers this season has been because of guys just trying to make a play and make something happen. It is better to have turnovers while being aggressive than passive. If we want to move forward, we have to cut down on the turnovers. We can´t allow teams to have extra possessions against us or get easy points on transition. We have to learn to make our free throws. It is different with every player. It is free points. We have to get up more reps and start making more. We have all the tools to score many points, but our biggest goal now is improving our defense especially our rotations and one on one defense”, stressed Jason Clark.

                Even if they are only the 16^th best offensive team in the league averaging 79 points per game, it would still be a valuable weapon if they were the defensive team that they once was. The club has the ability to score a lot of points on any given night, but what happens when the game is on the line. They don´t have that proven consistent go to guy this season like they had in the past with guys like Dashaun Wood, Justin Cobbs, Jordan Theodore and Phillip Scrubb. This season they were hoping that Canadian Brady Heslip could be that guy, but instead he showed flashes, but wasn´t consistent enough and on many nights his inadequate defense forced Gordon Herbert to leave him fuming on the bench for longer periods of time. Jason Clark who never got comfortable as a point guard, but since the arrival of guards Larson and Holder has found a home at his natural position at shooting guard has been the teams most consistent scorer this season and is that go to guy player. Another guy who needed no adjustment period has been Tyler Larson who is leading the team in scoring at 19,3ppg, second in rebounds with 6,0rpg and second in assists with 4,3apg. He has played four BBL games and in the last three games has averaged 22,0ppg. He has the overall game, but it is his aggressive and constant attack mode that makes him the perfect go to guy and he will be a big reason if this club will make the playoffs or not. In the last years, Gordon Herbert has been known for making the right pick ups with Dashaun Wood, Justin Cobbs, Jordan Theodore and Phillip Scrubb just to name a few, but this season, he had misfortune in his choices, but with Larson, he has found back to his old ways as it has been the right one. Larson didn´t make the right decision in Bamberg, but Jason Clark knows that he and himself could be that successful go to guys duo. “Having two go to guys would be great for the team and us as well. Tyler is so dangerous on the floor. Plus he is so unselfish. If we would make all the shots from the passes that he dishes out, then he would average 10 assists per game. We compliment each other very well. He opens up a lot for me. Our combination of attacking and creating for others will be very helpful for the team in the last months”, warned Jason Clark.

                The team said farewell to Trae Bell-Haynes who had began slowly, but then had found his rhythm only to be injured which threw him totally off again. With Vargas coming back having this deep guard rotation will still be beneficial as the Fraport Skyliners will look to wear down teams more in the stretch run as they will keep high energy for 40 minutes. One player that the 2000 BBL cup winner is still waiting for to break out is rookie Los Angeles native Tra Holder. One has to simply give him time, because he never played for legendary head coach Larry Brown in Italy because he injured his shoulder. But now in Frankfurt he is at 100% and burning to show his basketball skills. He can be an offensive asset and makes the drive look easy with a touch of a floater. His defensive abilities also fits into the defensive philosophy of Gordon Herbert. The question now is when will he truly break through. Hopefully sooner than later. “He is still trying to find his rhythm. We have stressed to him to be more aggressive. He is still learning the program. We know that he can pay. The biggest thing for him now is not worrying to make mistakes or walking on our toes. That is normal rookie thinking. It takes some guys longer than others, but we see that he can give us a lot to be successful”, stressed Jason Clark. In the last week came the news that Gordon Herbert might take the job of Canadian national team. Clark doesn´t see this as a distraction and is genuinely happy for his boss. “This news doesn´t affect us. I think it is a great opportunity for him. It is great that he is getting the recognition, because he is a great coach. He knows how to get teams to win and we are all happy for him”, stressed Jason Clark. With his new job as Canadian national coach seemingly to become a reality, the only other thing that Gordon Herbert needs to accomplish now in the next months is to prevent that washout and make another trip to the playoffs. The first step to having any kind of success is to have healthy self confidence. If you don´t have that, then you will make life a lot harder for yourself. With Clark´s little nephew getting restless in the back-round, the American ended the phone call with that last positive push and self confidence in the direction of where he sees the Fraport Skyliners heading. “I believe that we will make a surge in the last months. I have so much confidence in this team especially with the steps we have continued to make. I believe 120% that we can make the playoffs if we continue to do what we have been doing recently”, warned Jason Clark. There are 16 games remaining for the Fraport Skyliners to reach the BBL playoffs as a lot will have to go their way as winning somewhere between 10-12 games will get them in. They have many tough games left, but have 8 home games remaining. In the past under Herbert, Frankfurt often proved to be at their best in the stretch run in their own living room especially against the top teams. They have a very talented team, but they have to produce right away on Saturday with an upset against Alba Berlin. A perfect opportunity to get revenge after the bitter cup loss recently. If they can find back to their old ways and days when they defended with passion and heart then they could make it, but the odds aren´t in their corner now, but will rise if they can start a run right away. Maybe they will experience a few wash outs on the island of Mallorca in form of heavy rain during their training camp and motivate them to never want to experience a wash out again if they don´t start producing on the court right away, because if they don´t then their season will end in a washout.

Shavar Newkirk is a 22 year old 183cm guard from the Bronx, New York playing his rookie season in Germany with FC Schalke 04 (Germany-ProA). He began his basketball career at Cardinal Heyes HS /Bronx, NY. In 2014 he began his NCAA career with St.Joseph’s (NCAA) playing 31 games averaging 3.3ppg, 1.7rpg, 2.3apg. In his sophomore season with St.Joseph’s (NCAA) he played 37 games averaging 8.1ppg, 2.4rpg, 2.7apg, FGP: 41.8%, 3PT: 31.2%, FT: 73.8%. In his junior season at St.Joseph’s (NCAA) he played 12 games averaging 20.3ppg, 4.8rpg, 3.5apg, 1.3spg, FGP: 49.6%, 3PT: 39.6%, FT: 84.7%. In his senior year with St.Joseph’s (NCAA) he played 32 games averaging 17.4ppg, 4.3rpg, 3.9apg, 1.6spg, FGP: 42.3%, 3PT: 32.7%, FT: 76.4%. He spoke to germanhoops.com earlier in the year about basketball. 

Shavar thanks for talking to germanhoops.com It is 2019 and you were rewarded with a rookie contract with FC Schalke. How did you arrive into 2019? How did you experience new years in Germany? How was it different from New York?

Thank you and the pleasure is all mine. I arrived to Germany the day after Christmas. I went to a New Year’s Eve engagement with some of my teammates. The difference between Germany and New York is the six hour time frame.

What do you know in general about the country Germany and it’s basketball? This isn’t your first time in Germany as you participated in 2014 at the Albert Schweitzer Tournament. Have you had any friends playing in Germany in the last years besides Javon Baumann?

You are correct, this is my second time in Germany. I don’t know much about Germany but I am planning to experience a lot while am out here for however long that is to meet new friends and lifelong partnerships. I am vaguely familiar with the German basketball league but I do know of a few players from the NBA that are from Germany such as Dirk Nowitzki and Dennis Schroder. Not that I am aware of, ‘What’s up Javon Baumann’ LOL
Are you one of those guys that likes to make new years resolutions of one of those guys that doesn’t believe in it? If you do what are some new years resolutions that you have set for 2019?

I don’t make New Year’s resolutions but I set goals throughout the year. My main goal is to be the best basketball player that I can be and my second goal is the win a championship.

Congrats on signing with FC Schalke. You started with Canadian team Halifax Hurricanes, but that was brief. How could a guy like you that ripped up the NCAA as a junior and senior not have had a team earlier in your rookie season?


Your guess is as good as mine. Things happen for a reason and I’m with FC now and I will give my best to them.

How did the last months effect your mentality and self confidence? How did you stay positive that you would land a team? 

It was frustrating that no one picked me up right away but I didn’t lose confidence. I continued working out and working on perfecting my craft. In addition, I played in a neighborhood tournament which I won a championship and received a MVP award. I had to stay patient and positive and I knew that my hard work would pay off.

Your coming to a team that is struggling in their first season in the Pro A. What has been your experience being apart of the FC Schalke organization? Do you feel that the club is rich in tradition? Especially with their football department and their amazing stadium? Do you like football? Will we see you at upcoming home games?

When I got here, they welcomed me with open arms and it feels like a family. I like the defense and offense schemes. Yes, with their deep rooted history in football I feel blessed to be part of this organization. I am interested in the sport of football and watched a few world cup games. If my time allows me, I would like to attend a few games at this beautiful huge stadium. I would like to have this experience.

You couldn’t have a better teammate and mentor at the guard position than Courtney Belger who belongs to the top guards in the Pro A. How important has he been for you on the court in the early going

I was brought her to put the ball in the basket but I feel like a ball player first and will do whatever it takes to the team to win.

Having you and Belger on the court could be one of the more explosive guard duo’s on the court. Do you feel like you both will profit from each other when you are on the court at the same time?

Because of his experience I’m getting a lot of wisdom which will help me at game time. He has taken me under his wing like I’m his little brother. I can’t wait to war with him. I haven’t experienced game time with him yet, but what I’ve seen in practice is amazing. With his experience and my youth and me being a blur, I think we will make a dynamic duo.

Let’s talk a bit more about your game. You’re a guy that has many abilities at the guard position. If you had to compare your game to an NBA player who would best fit tat description best?

Growing up I watched the great small guards and took bits and pieces from their game which is why I believe that I have an all-around game. If I had to pick someone, I would pick the future hall of fame Chris Paul because of his generalship and all-around game. 

You are a player that showed all around good offensive qualities in the NCAA. What parts of your game are most important at continuing to develop now in your rookie season?

For my game to continue as a pro and to be the best player that I can be.

What is a hidden strength in your game that doesn’t always get noticed right away on the court?

My basketball IQ and the ability to get the ball to the rim.

You grew up in Harlem. One always hears the worst stories about Harlem and it is often portrayed as not the best place. But how was it growing up in Harlem? Was basketball the best thing to stay away from trouble as a kid?

Growing up in a two parent household, my parents always kept my brother and I on the right path. We were not problem children. Harlem to me is a community and when the community knew I was striving for basketball they always had my best interest. To me Harlem will always be home.

You played at Cardinal Hayes HS which has some notable alumni like Martin Scorsese and well known ex NBA player Jamal Washburn. What stories do you remember growing up hearing about him there? Was his path via Cardinal Hayes HS that motivated you to keep grinding and moving forward with basketball?

I originally went to Rice High School and was transferred after my freshman year to Cardinal Hayes High School. I’ve heard stories about how phenomenal player that Jamal Mashburn was. I just wanted to make my own path and be the best player I could be. I gave them their best record in 72 years @ 26-2. I love the game of basketball so I don’t need motivation to keep grinding.
Before attending St Joseph’s you played in Germany at the well known Albert Schweitzer Tournament in Germany (Unofficial World Championships U18) in 2014 reaching the final losing to Italy. You played 7 games averaging 12.9ppg, 5.3rpg, Ast-5 (4.6apg), 1.3spg, FGP: 33.8%, 3PT: 35.7%, FT: 78.7%. What memories do you have of this experience and against top future players that you battled against?
When I went to Germany at 17, it was my first experience out of America. My most memorable moment was being undefeated until the championship round and losing to Italy. I also remember the bystanders with their painted faces, the live band; the atmosphere was unlike anything that I ever saw before.

You played at St Joseph’s (NCAA) from 2014-2018. What overall kind of experience was this? Was winning the Atlantic conference title in 2016 and reaching the NCAA tournament your most memorable experience?

Playing at St. Joe’s taught me to always be ready, work hard. I always knew we would win the Atlantic 10 conference title but my most memorable experience was going against Gonzaga University. We thought that they could not handle us and the hawk would never die. When we were at halftime, we were down by 30.

You played two seasons with Atlanta Hawk DeAndre Bembre. What kind of experience was it being his teammate and what was your most fondest Bembre moment in a game where you remember going ‘Wow’?

He was a big trash talker but his game backed it up. My fondest moment is the Atlantic 10 conference when he dropped 30, it was how he did it that made it so memorable.

He has had a slow but steady development with the Atlanta Hawks. Where do you feel will his path go in the NBA? Do you see him being a guy that will average double figures in stats in the NBA in the future?

I knew DeAndre to be a hard working player and hard work pays off. I could see him averaging double digits in the future.

In your junior year after 12 games you were averaging 20.3ppg, 4.8rpg, 3.5apg, 1.3spg, FGP: 49.6%, 3PT: 39.6%, FT: 84.7%. then you were injured and missed the rest of the season. Do you ever wonder how your career may have shaped up or turned out differently had you stayed healthy?

I really don’t dwell on it but with all the work I put in. I believe that it would have been a great season. Everyone’s journey is different.

You had many huge games as a senior against Washington State scoring 24 points, against St Johns with 26 points, against George Mason with 24 points, against Umass with 22 points, against La Salle with 30 points and against George Mason with 23 points again. Each game was lost by 4 points or less. Did you sometimes feel like the basketball God had it in for you as a team?

We were a young team and if you look at this year the experience has paid off and the team is winning games by 4 or more.

How did head coach Phil Martelli groom and prepare you best for a professional basketball career?

With his preparation of working hard and preparing me mentally. He helped to instill a hard work ethic and prepare me mentally for the game.

Who won a one on one in practice you or Chris Clover?

Of course it was me. LOL. Chris is my boy but I won.

If you had to pick your personal favorite starting five of teammates over the years which players would you chose?

James Denry, DeAndre Bembry, Isiah Miles, Aaron Brown, plus myself of course

If you had to construct your very own NBA mount Rushmore which 4 heads would you pick?

No particular order, Michael Jordan, Kobe Bryant, Allen Iverson, and LeBron James

What is your personal opinion about the never ending debate of who is the greatest between Michael Jordan and Lebron James?

I have to start off by saying that LeBron is my idol. I have also watched Jordan play and there are some things that I wished that LeBron would incorporate in his game. Jordan left no question unanswered.

What was the last movie that you saw?

My nephew and I went to see Bumble bee.Thanks Shavar for the chat.

It only seemed like yesterday when the Pro B season had kicked off as the Fraport Skyliners Juniors had began with a winning rage as they won their first six games as the Swedish shooting star Elijath Clarance had made his athletic presence quickly felt with crushing dunks left and right and at a pace that seemed amazing while BBC Coburg got their season going having gotten up on the wrong side of the bed losing five of their first six games and left the court with a bitter taste after the annoying 77-76 loss at the hands of the Basketball Lowen something that would haunt them especially on the last regular season game day as they arrived in Frankfurt. BBC Coburg had been up and down coming in with a 9-12 record, but only a few weeks ago in the playoff spots, but on the last game day even with a win and a Lowen Loss would not reach the playoffs, because they had lost both regular season games by only one point thus helping secure the team from Erfurt with the eighth and last playoff spot. The Fraport Skyliners Juniors on the other hand came into the last regular season game with a 12-9 record and needed to win while hoping that Giessen or FC Bayern Munich could win against the ScanPlus Baskets or the wiha Panthers Schwenningen giving them home court advantage for the playoffs.  Usually after a win or loss the Frankfurt players stretch in one corner, but after the big 74-69 win over BBC Coburg, there were many players crowded around a lab top at center court seeing the last seconds in Elchlingen. After the Scanplus Baskets had lost a one point heart breaker to Giessen, it was clear that Frankfurt had received home court advantage for the first round of the playoffs. Frankfurt also got help from FC Bayern Munich who also won with one point at Schwenningen. After the win German Konstantin Schubert reflected on the victory. “We survived the Coburg runs and comebacks and also added our own runs. We were able to hold up against their runs and make the deciding points when we needed them. We did a good job sticking to the game plan and getting Armin Trtovac and Aaron Kayser the ball in the paint. Our turnovers continue to be a problem for us”, stressed Konstantin Schubert. Not having the right focus and energy cost BBC Coburg the last three loses and tonight it was their defense that couldn´t make the big plays down the stretch. “We went back to bad habits in this game. We got beat too much 1-1 and our help side wasn´t good. We did a good job not fouling, but we need to have more intensity on defense and keep teams out of the paint. We have to fight a little bit harder”, stressed ex Uni Baskets Paderborn guard Chase Adams.

The Fraport Skyliners Juniors were without German Richard Freudenberg and Swedish shooting star Elijah Clarance. Both teams found their offensive rhythm quickly as they traded leads back and forth. BBC Coburg guard from France Kevin Franceschi got going quickly nailing two pull up jumpers and also dropping a trey as he was quickly 3/3 from the field. Frankfurt moved the ball around well in the early going getting  a three from ex USC Freiburg forward Cosmo Gruehn, and a left handed lay in from ex Bremerhaven guard Garai Zeeb. With BBC Coburg up 11-7, the Fraport Skyliners Juniors stormed out on a lethal 14-0 run to take the commanding 21-11 lead. Frankfurt began pounding the ball inside and got two baskets from Trtovac and a Lay in from Kayser on the pick and roll after getting the perfect feed from Garai Zeeb. The Fraport Skyliners Juniors also let the long ball thrive as Zeeb connected as did 16 year old 2018 JBBL MVP Len Schoormann. Schoorman scored again using his quick first step scoring with an easy lay in. After a Franceschi lay in, it was Kayser that closed out the scoring in the first quarter with a lay in getting the nice pass from Maxi Begue. “We did a good job getting Armin and Aaron involved and taking advantage of our size inside forcing their big man to their third foul early”, added Konstantin Schubert. The Fraport Skyliners Juniors shot 53% from the field and 50% from outside and had 11 rebounds and 3 turnovers while BBC Coburg shot 29% from the field and 13% from outside and had 11 rebounds and 4 turnovers.

The second quarter remained tight as BBC Coburg started with a run to get to one point of Frankfurt, but the home team was able to keep the lead going into the break. BBC Coburg started with a bang hitting Frankfurt with a 6-0 run to cut Frankfurt lead to 23-21. BBC Coburg did like Frankfurt did in the first getting their big man Max Von Der Wippel involved as he made an offensive rebound and put back and connected on a 20 footer while ex Baunach guard Steffen Walde hit a jumper. BBC Coburg had a good rhythm on offense, but couldn´t handle the German inside duo of Trtovac and Kayser who would combine for 35 points almost half of the clubs points. Trtovac scored twice and Kayser got another easy bucket in the paint as Frankfurt led 31-25. Both clubs also displayed fine shooting as Zeeb nailed two three´s, while the guests got three´s from Chase Adams who played the last three seasons in the Pro A with Paderborn and Hanau playing 90 contests and scoring in double figures 56 times and German Yassin Turan who is in his sixth season with the club as Frankfurt led 37-33. Adams dropped another trey while Aaron Kayser continued to find his spots and make easy buckets scoring twice. The Fraport Skyliners Juniors had the slim 41-36 advantage at the break. “We had a bad phase in the second quarter where we shot too many three´s and took too many quick shots instead of concentrating on getting the big men the ball inside”, stressed Konstantin Schubert. The Fraport Skyliners shot 51% from the field and 38% from the three point line and grabbed 20 rebounds while getting 8 turnovers while BBC Coburg shot 35% from the field and 19% from the three point line and grabbed 11 rebounds and had 7 turnovers.

The contest remained a game of runs as in the third quarter saw the Fraport Skyliners begin strong being able to lead by double digits, but allowed BBC Coburg to come back and cut their lead down to 4 points. The Fraport Skyliners Juniors got off to a quick start going on a 7-0 run to extend their lead to 48-36. Frankfurt upped their defense achieving 7 stops and did a good job taking advantage of the weak Coburg 1-1 defense getting easy lay ins from Gruehn and Schoormann and got another trey from Zeeb. The German who got his first BBL experience with Bremerhaven hasn´t always played Pro B in the last weeks on account of conflict in his schedule with the easyCredit BBL team where he has a double license. Frankfurt was fortunate that Zeeb was on board, because other import guard Dennis Mavin had a poor shooting night putting up the big goose egg with 0 points. Zeeb took some of that needed input that Frankfurt couldn´t get from Mavin. The game remained a game of runs as now BBC Coburg struck back with a brutal 16-4 run to dead lock the game at 52-52. In the run the Bavarian team got much needed input from Baltimore native Chase Adams who produced 11 points being aggressive and getting to the free throw line 4 times. Adams who once hit Hanau for 29 points in the Pro A and also pounded Baunach with 27 points became more aggressive and was able to lead the team in the come back. The Fraport Skyliners Juniors closed out the third half with a 4-0 run as Schoormann made a free throw and Trtovac scored again for the 56-52 lead after 30 minutes. “Guys like Adams and Franceschi are great 1-1 players and can always get hot. We knew they could get hot at any time especially when they showed it in the first game”, stressed Konstantin Schubert. “It continued to be a game of runs. We showed better execution in this quarter and got to the free throw line”, added Chase Adams. The Fraport Skyliners Juniors shot 45% from the field and 32% from the parking lot and got 32 rebounds and had 15 turnovers while BBC Coburg shot 34% from the field and 25% from the parking lot and got 26 rebounds and had 12 turnovers.

In the fourth quarter the Fraport Skyliners Juniors kept a comfortable lead, but it was clear that BBC Coburg would make one more run and they did, but some key missed free throws and an offensive foul cost them the game. BBC Coburg got on the board first with as ex Ehingen forward Christoph Wolf who showcased a runner as Frankfurt led only 56-54. But one thing that the Fraport Skyliners Juniors have displayed all season long is that they can go on quick runs especially when their trey´s are dropping. The Fraport Skyliners Juniors were able to launch a 9-0 run to smoothly extend their lead to 65-54. In the run, Frankfurt countered their snipers from down town as Begue and Gruehn hit and then they mixed it up giving the ball to Trtovac who got another easy basket inside and a free throw. BBC Coburg had some energy left and raced out on a 14-4 run to cut Frankfurt´s lead to 69-68. “We got nervous with their changing of zone to man. We need to be more calm in those situations, but that is normal for a young team”, added Konstantin Schubert. “ We showed fighting qualities. I always preach consistent energy. If you drop it, teams pounce on it. When you lack focus and energy, teams take advantage of it”, stressed Chase Adams. BBC Coburg got valuable production from German Dino Dizdarevic who played  27 BBL games with Gotha last season. He nailed a trey and executed on a pull up jumper. The Cobrug press and their switching from zone to man caught Frankfurt off guard breaking their rhythm.  Adams connected for a trey to cut Frankfurt´s lead to 69-66. BBC Coburg did a good job stepping up the defensive pressure causing Frankfurt to cough up the ball more. They continued to pressure Frankfurt and German big man Max Von Der Wippel got the free throw line three times, but shot only 3/6. Overall the team shot well from the free throw line at 21/25 for 84%, but when they needed free throws the most, they couldn´t capitalize. With 1.17 to play Schoormann scored on an aggressive lay in for the 71-68 lead. Chase Adams then produced an offensive foul which sealed the win for Frankfurt. Trtovac made two more free throws closing out the 74-69 win. “The game changer was the offensive foul from Adams on Pons. When that happened I knew we had won”, said Konstantin Schubert. “We missed free throws and we didn´t expect my offensive foul. You have to live with it and keep playing. It was a real bummer”, stressed Chase Adams. The Fraport Skyliners Juniors were led by Armin Trtovac with 20 points and 10 rebounds. Garai Zeeb added 16 points and Aaron Kayser produced 14 points while Len Schoormann added 10 points. BBC Coburg was led by Chase Adams with 21 points. Kevin Franceschi with 16 points. The Fraport Skyliners shot 49% from the field and 36% from outside and had 42 rebounds and 21 turnovers while BBC Coburg shot 32% from the field and 24% from outside while getting 35 rebounds and coughing up the ball 14 times.

Chase Adams is a 30 year old 188cm point guard from Baltimore, Maryland that is playing his ninth professional season and first with BBC Coburg. Last season he played with the Hebeisen White Wings averaging 11.6ppg, 2.6rpg, 3.9apg, Steals-4 (2.0spg), FGP: 46.2%, 3PT: 41.1%, FT: 76.2%. He played two seasons with the Uni Baskets Paderborn and two seasons ago averaged 11,9ppg, 4,1rpg and 5,6apg. He started his basketball career at Centenary (NCAA) in 2006 where he played three seasons and a total of 89 NCAA games. As a senior he moved to Pittsburgh (NCAA). He turned professional in 2011 and played briefly in the ABA and in the UBL before making Germany his home as he played for teams like Dortmund, Bochum, and Science City Jena. He spoke to germanhoops.com before the last regular season game against the Fraport Skyliners Juniors. 

Chase thanks for talking to germanhoops.com This is our eighth interview since your first full season in Paderborn in 2015-2016. The interviews just keep coming, time flies by and your with a new team again with BBC Coburg. Could one say that Germany is your second home now?

I think I’m Germanized for sure now, so yes. I’ve enjoyed all my seasons here in Germany and I’ve been able to grow tremendously throughout the process on and off the court.

After 8 interviews I will finally get to see you play. What will be the first thing that you will ask me when we meet after the game? 

So! Am I the real deal or not? Something like that. Just hearing your honest opinion about my game will help me to see where I can improve.

After being a Pro A player for three seasons was it tough taking a step back this season and playing in the Pro B with BBC Coburg? 

At first it was tough mentally but I learned to change my perspective on things. I’m doing what I love every day and now my job is to keep lifting this team up. We came up short by not reaching the playoffs, but it doesn’t mean we failed.

You really had very good statistical seasons in the Pro A, but last season Hanau struggled in the Pro A. Do you feel like Pro A teams didn’t want to give you a chance to lead their teams this season?

I believe my game and what I bring to the table is far greater/valuable than what the stats can show and last year I thought I proved that. I don’t need to pull out a fact sheet either, it’s unfortunate this season I wasn’t in the PRO A; that won’t discourage me. I’ll be ready for whatever comes my way, that’s just how I’m built. 

Two words that will stick with you whenever you look back to the Coburg season and that is Basketball Lowen. You lost two tough one point games to them which cost you the playoffs. How tough is it for you and the club having to live with this? 


This is all part of the learning process, there were so many challenges we had to face as a team and one moment didn’t define our entire season. We overachieved and put ourselves in a position to talk playoffs which is a great sign for things to come for this organization. From this point on its building on the momentum that we finish off with; which is much more than what they had the previous season. Takes time to establish/build culture; the Philadelphia 76’ers/Golden State Warriors are a perfect example of that.

A few bounces and stops could have secured you the playoffs in the two games against the Basketball Lowen. Is it fair for you to take a part of the blame as the point guard? 

Looking in the mirror is second nature for any competitor. I can recount so many times that I could have did something better to lead the team to victory in both Derby Games. The fact is if you give a team too many chances they will find a way to burry you eventually. Erfurt has a strong squad and they played some of their best basketball in those games. 

BBC Coburg had a three part season. You began bad losing five of the first seven games, then had a good phase winning 7 of 9 games and now have a four game losing streak. Do you feel like the club had more potential to have had the ability to have won more games?

A slow start to the season ended up being a theme to our ending. There was tremendous potential that we couldn’t quite hone in on. This is not how any of us pictured the last few games going, the playdowns you can expect us to get back on track. 

Do you feel like the last loss to the Basketball Lowen cost you the season? After that you lost three games by an average of 25 points?


Even after that crushing loss we had a fighting chance to make playoffs still. Now our focus will shift, and we can treat it like the 4th part of our season. It’s about time we do the stomping because 25 point losses won’t cut it. 

What do you feel like did the team get away from in the last three loses? The team gave up 90 points on average. 

Our lack of focus and energy hindered us in these crucial games down the stretch. We got a little complacent minded and other teams thrived off that. In the big games we won, we initiated the fight. As teammates we have to hold each other accountable and lock in on our opponents starting from the top of the week. When we consistently bring that focus and energy we are a top team in all of Pro B.

Now the club comes to Frankfurt and will play 7 more games in the playdowns. You obviously will want to close out the season strong. What kind of motivation will these last games give the team? 

This isn’t the time to relax for any player looking forward to playing next season. We will be fighting with other clubs to stay in the league. Now is the time to reboot and start fresh again with the intent to change our old/bad habits. Everyone is geared up to do this, changing the narrative is important to us.

How excited will you be playing in the beautiful BCM training facility of the Fraport Skyliners? Isaac Bonga learned his trade here two years and the gym also has welcomed guys like Dirk Nowitzki, Carlos Arroyo and Alan Anderson over the years. 


I played pre-season in that facility last year, it’s nice. Hopefully I can leave my stamp on the court, as one of the greats to grace that gym. 

Let’s talk about your teammates. How much of a pleasure has it been playing with French man Kevin Franceschi? Was that the first time that you had a French guy as a teammate? What do you appreciate most about his game?

First time ever playing with a French man, It’s been a great one-two punch, and he’s excellent Crpe maker too. His athleticism and speed is remarkable, I thought he could use it even more at times. Having such a polished perimeter game, he didn’t have to rely on banging with the bigs as much, and I thought that was smart. Kevin has tremendous upside for the future.

German Christopher Wolf has a lot of potential at age 23. He has played many years of Pro B in Ehingen as well. Does a guy like this have Pro A format?

Chris is definitely Pro A material, I remember playing him when I was at Paderborn thinking he was an older guy. His ability to shoot the 3 is his best asset as a stretch 4, makes teams unable to help as much. This year statistically has been one of the best for him and he’s showing he can do much more than just shoot. The fact that he’s under 25 is a major plus and it’s certain he has the ability to step up to that level. 

Did you take German kids Christoph Bauer and Louis Herbst under your wing? What did you concentrate on most in helping their game progress as point guards? 


It’s always a great feeling to share knowledge when you can and just show them effective ways to produce on the court. Defensively giving tips on how to force players into bad situations is a big key and offensively controlling the game/setting up teammates is another aspect I like to share with the point guards. Coaches look to us to establish defensive pressure and the ability to run the team, so I focus with those areas the most.

Let’s talk about your game. In Paderborn you played for German Uli Naechster and in Hanau for American Simon Cote while in Coburg for German Ulf Schafbacker. What have been the advantages in your experience to having played for German coaches? 

I don’t think there are really any advantages, they all treated me with respect and trust to run the show. With all three coaches we were able to connect well and deliver the message to the rest of the players; being on the same page helps the players to buy in.

You are filling up the stat sheet well in the Pro B and have upped your stats from your Pro A seasons. Have you been content with your individual play this season? 


You already know the answer. ABSOLUTELY NOT. I just won’t be satisfied until I have it all. Even if I had all the accolades, it’s nothing like winning a championship. It’s nice that I’m playing well don’t get me wrong but I want more. 

In our last interview you stated that your leadership badge never got removed when you went from Paderborn to Hanau. How was it for you leading a Pro B team with Coburg this season?

I continue to wear my badge proudly wherever, whenever, however need be. I knew coming in exactly what was expected of me. Coming in to a 1-4 start situation was a challenge I was willing to accept. I had no choice but to do what I’ve been doing over the past few years and everyone was receptive to me. 

In our last interview I asked you about your secret to improving your three point shooting in Hanau. You stated ‘ I like to challenge myself with intense shooting routines and having a shooting gun is a huge plus. Always watching film of games, how teams will guard ball screens or how they defend scorers; then practicing those type of shots. Consistency is that final ingredient, even when I start shooting bad. Keep fine tuning your shot so your ready when that moment comes, that’s all you can do’: With Coburg you upped your shooting again to 42%. You seem to be getting better with age as a shooter. 


Yes indeed. I can’t make this up or stress it enough, this game takes more than just attending your practice once or twice a day. How bad do you want it? There are so many things you can do to develop, at any age. It’s all about tapping into each area; mental, body care, conditioning, repetitions. Once these things become routine then your really become a Pro.

In our last interview you also stated ‘These are the pre stages of my prime. I’m definitely not slowing down, just starting to get my flow back. After having improved in many area’s of your stats this season, do you feel that you have now arrived in your prime at age 30?

Ok Ok, Maybe now is the start of prime Chase. If so I’m ready to capitalize on it because I feel about 25. I haven’t lost anything yet so that’s a good sign.

It’s still so early, but when all is said and done could Luka Doncic be one of the greatest Europeans that ever played in the NBA? 


He has my vote as long as he stays healthy and out of trouble. 

What was your reaction when you heard that Lebron James named himself the greatest of all-time?

It’s his opinion, I respect it. Looking at his resume it’s hard to refute that statement. Let’s just say he is at the GOAT table next to MJ.

Charles Barkley recently proclaimed that Tom Brady Is more of a GOAT than Michael Jordan. Do you share his opinion? 

No chance. He’s the GOAT of football, but as an athlete, he might have to take a backseat to MJ. 

Do you think that the New England Patriots and Tom Brady Can Win A Seventh Super Bowl and where would Tom Brady then stand with the greatest athletes of all-time?

If Brady is in the championship for a 7th time it’s hard to go against him. Top 10 All-Time Greatest Athlete. 

What was the last movie that you saw? 

The Nice Guys

Thanks Chase for the chat.

Darnell Foreman is a 185cm guard from Pitman, New Jersey playing his rookie season with the Uni Baskets Paderborn (Pro A). He began is basketball career at Pitmann High School and played Pennsylvania (NCAA) from 2014-2018 playing a total of 118 games and as a senior played 33 games averaging 10.7ppg, 4.5rpg, 3.6apg, 1.1spg, FGP: 52.9%, 3PT: 28.4%, FT: 73.2%. He spoke to germanhoops.com about basketball. 

Darnell thanks for talking to germanhoops.com Welcome to Germany. It took a while but you are a professional player. How does it feel being bale to play the game you love for a living?

It is truly a blessing. I am just grateful for this opportunity to continue playing. With that being said, I am more hungry than ever to keep progressing in all aspects of the game.

It took you a while to find a team. Why do you feel was it such a struggle getting that first professional opportunity considering that you had a fine NCAA career at Pennsylvania? 

I wouldn’t say it was a struggle but just my personal journey to finding my next opportunity. While yes it was much longer then I initially expected, I could not start questioning things. It was just apart of the journey.

How tough were the last months trying to make the next step form the NCAA to the professional ranks? Was there a person besides friends and family that really made a difference?

It definitely was a welcoming challenge. Just trying to gain information about the next steps to your basketball career was crucial. Once I did that, just being confident enough to make solid decisions about what u wanted to do next. I would say my coaches at Penn, both former or current, and friends that play professionally were big aids for me. Just being their to answer questions that I may have or giving me personal advice for situations that they have been through. If I had to give names it would be the current staff at Penn, Ira Bowman, Mike Lintulahti, Jerome Allen, and players like Tony Hicks and Samme Givens

How thankful are you of having a guy like Gerrit from Scorer’s First for finding you the right fit? What stuck with you with his positive attitude with getting you a job?


Very. I met Gerrit through a mutual friend not too long ago. I was immediately impressed with his work effort in such a short notice. He really did his job and researched well in order to put me in the position I am in now. I give a great deal of credit to him.

Congrats on signing with German Pro A team Uni Baskets. What were the main reasons for signing with this team? The club didn’t get a replacement for the injured Grant Benzinger, but felt it needed some added bulk at the point guard position. What was your biggest goal and challenge coming in to achieve on the court?

Thank you! Like you said, Grant suffered a injury that would have him out so they had a need for another import. My biggest goals was to just be myself even though I will be coming in towards the end of the season and also making it apparent to my teammates and coaches my commitment to working hard and winning games.

It hasn’t been the easiest of seasons for the Uni Baskets who have been up and down the whole season? Were did you see the biggest improvement areas when you arrived?

I wouldn’t call it an improvement area but just being a guy that can control the game’s pace and also being able to put guys in good positions with and without the ball.

The team started to win when you arrived. Do you feel like the team mentality has changed with your arrival?

Not necessarily. I think the commitment level from each individual guy for winning is there. I think I am helping bring that to a more collective view and also having that be the standard every time we step on a court as a team.

The spots around the last playoff places are tight and the club still has chances to slip in. How vital will it be to allow less points and find some consistency in the down stretch of the season?

Crucial. That is the goal for our club getting to the playoffs but we can’t look to far to do that. We have to worry about one team at a time.

Let’s talk about your teammates. How important has other point guard veteran Demetrius Ward been for you? How did he help you get accustomed to the new style and league best?

D Ward has been a huge help with understanding how we play, other teams play, and how Germany is in general. We talk all the time about how we can be better communicators and also how we are able to play off each other.

How much easier just a guy like sharp shooter Connor Wood make your game when he shooting at extremely high clips? What have you learned to appreciate most about his game?

It’s makes one defender less likely to help. Teams have to be aware of him at all times on the court which makes them space some more. I really appreciate his commitment level to not just being a ‘shooter’. He has shown me that he can score at all three levels and also has been eager to guard guys on the opposite end.

How vital has a guy like fellow rookie Matt Klinewski been for you? Did you remind him that you had a 2-0 record against him in the NCAA?

It’s brings a familiarity to me even though we are far from the US. I remember how tough of a competitor he was when we were in college so I know what to expect from him. Hahaha. Towards the end of our college careers I got the better of him and wouldn’t be a good teammate if I didn’t lol.

Klinewski has adjusted well to the Pro A. Is he another guy that you can soak up rookie info that you need on the court?

For sure! Just being able to share game experiences is very helpful to me.

Let’s talk about your game. You’re a 190cm point guard that can do it all. If you had to compare your game to an NBA player who would best fit that description?

I don’t have a true comparison to anyone in the NBA. I do like to watch film on Mike Conley and Tony Parker. Their abilities to change speeds, push tempo and their comfortablity in the paint has help me in my development.

You were never that explosive scorer in the NCAA. You showed signs of it in the game against Trier dropping 27 points. Do you feel that when given more of a scoring role that you can be that guy that could average 15 plus points as a professional?

I think that my game has developed a great deal through college and in my first pro year. I still focus on being a floor general more than anything but am very comfortable with taking advantage of scoring opportunities when they present themselves. It’s just another way to keep the defense off balanced and another benefit for any team that I play on.

You were up and down as a three point shooter in the NCAA. Is your outside shooting a work in progress and how are you best trying to become a better shooter besides just getting up more reps and having good shot selection?

Just having that composure when I have an open shot. Not rushing it or being off balance. And only taking good, quality shots from there. Not putting myself in bad positions. I put in quite a lot of time to becoming a better shooter. I have definitely gotten better as a shooter. Like everything in this game, your effort will determine your results.

How much pride do you take with defense?. You helped win the Ivy League title by slowing up the Ivy league player of the year Seth Towns to 5-14 shooting. Would you describe yourself as being a lock down defender?

I just love playing it. Defense is definitely driven by your effort and competitive spirit. I’ve always prided myself in that. When things are not going your way, your personal defense is one anchor that can turn your game around.

You have an unbelievable work ethic something that you built at Pennslyvania. How has your work ethic continued to grow as you continue to work harder than the rest as a professional?

Being a pro now, I consider myself back at the bottom of the totem pole. That’s what I need as motivation. All I have done in basketball means nothing to me, personally. I have to push myself to new limits in order to keep progressing in this game.

On what things are you really adhering to improve in your rookie season so your climb up the professional basketball ladder will be able to work well?

Just being consistent on the court with my performances and also establishing myself as a true professional on and off the court. Being a positive, hardworking piece for any club I’m apart of.

You played at Pennsylvania (NCAA) from 2014-2018. What were your fondest memories there? Was one possibly winning the 2018 Ivy League tournament something that hadn’t been done in 11 years?

Definitely winning the Ivy title last year was a huge accomplishment. I would also say winning my first Philadelphia Big 5 game was a milestone for me too

Have you put a mark on the calendar on the 23rd of February? That is when you will battle your ex teammate at Pennslyvania (NCAA) Tony Hicks. How excited are you to display what you have learned since he left after your freshman season to go to Louisville?

Man that game is going to be one of those experiences that you remember until it happens again. Tone is my brother in real life. He has helped me through so many obstacles in college and in life. We both share similar ideas when it comes to our approach to the game. Just to outwork everyone at all cost. As far as the game, we are just going to compete like we did everyday in practice.

What do you remember from Tony Hicks when you were at Pennsylvania (NCAA)? How did you benefit from his game as you were trying to fit in as a freshman?

Tone was and still is a pretty dynamic scorer. He can score from all 3 levels and when he gets going he is pretty hard to stop. His work ethic was definitely something that rubbed off on me. Him just being in the gym at all hours was motivation for me to do the same.

You improved your scoring, rebounding and assists averages each season. How do you feel did your game overall improve in your four years at Pennsylvania (NCAA)? Talk a bit how you conquered the early growing pains?


I think my career at Penn was a perfect representation of myself. I was not a highly touted recruit but I worked really hard and knew that my efforts will be rewarded one day. My freshman and sophomore years, I struggled somewhat to produce statistically and in the winning category. With that being said, I was able to establish myself as a guy committed to do everything the team needed. Being a guy that just wanted to compete and win. As the years progressed, I started to have a better feel for the game which meant I was able to produce more on the stat sheet while also displaying those intangibles

Quite a few guys from Pennsylvania (NCAA) went on to have great careers like Michael Jordan and Adam Chubb who won titles in Germany. What stories do you remember hearing about these guys especially Jordan who I know had a picture on campus that you looked at constantly for four years?

I actually have been in contact with those guys for the past couple of years. They have been very supportive in my career and I could not thank them enough for that. Both of those guys have very interesting stories, Adam really excelled once he started playing in Europe so he was able to tell me stories how he worked his way up throughout his career. Mike Jordan is a Penn legend. He excelled whereever he went. With that being said, he still was eager to reach out to me throughout my career which was very helpful.

You made the last dance in 2018 losing to Kansas (NCAA) 75-60. What will you always remember from that game where you held your own against future NBA players?

Just the idea that when you apply yourself and put in the work, you can compete against anyone. When we played against Kansas at no time did I feel overwhelmed. Had we made more free throws and got some more stops, that game would have been different. Regardless, it’s a experience that every player dreams of growing up.

You faced off against current NBA player Devonte Graham in your last NBA player. How much does a guy like that continue to make you work harder than the rest as you continue your path up the basketball ladder?

From playing against him, I learned, first and foremost, how much confidence you must have in yourself to be successful in this game. His demeanor never wavered throughout the game. Whether they were up or down, he still had this swagger about him.

You played a season for Jerome Allen and three seasons for Steve Donahue. How did these two coaches groom and prepare you best for a professional basketball career?

I learned a great deal from both of them. Both coaches truly loved the game. They watched a extreme amount of film and their overall preparation for the game was bar none. Coach Allen was a great point guard also. He taught me so many things about the position and also how to carry yourself in life in general. With Coach Donahue, I learned a lot about the value of each and every shot. Never wasting a possession and getting a high quality shot eveytime.

Who would win a one on one in practice today you or Matt Howard? What do you remember most about your two hour battle as a freshman?

Definitely me. No doubt about it. That’s still my brother though. Hahaha. That they used to be exactly that, Battles. He was way more talented than me. He had good size, super athletic, score at all levels and was very physical. So I really had my work cut out against me. At the time none of that affected me though. I wanted to win and if I could do it against him, I could do it against anyone.

Who is the toughest guy that you battled in the NCAA that reached the NBA?

Dejonte Murray. He was so creative with the ball that he was hard to scout and even harder to play against. He made shots when we played them so he was pretty much unguardable

If you had to pick your personal favorite starting five of teammates over the years which players would you chose?

Me, Tony Hicks, Ryan Betley, Matt Howard, and Max Rothschild. We would score a ton of points and would be able to guard multiple positions.

If you had to construct your very own NBA mount Rushmore which 4 heads would you pick?

Lebron, Michael Jordan, Kobe, and Shaq

What is your personal opinion about the never ending debate of who is the greatest between Michael Jordan and Lebron James?

Lebron, he is a better overall player.

What was the last movie that you saw?

American Gangster featuring Denzel Washington

Thanks Darnell for the chat.

CJ Carr is a 23 year old 173cm guard from Rock Island, Illinois that is playing his rookie season in Germany with BG Topstar Leitershofen/Stadtbergen (Germany-Regionalliga). He began his basketball career with Rock Island HS and in 2014-2015 started to play at SIU Edwardsville (NCAA) playing 28 games averaging 6.2ppg, 1.9rpg, 2.2apg, FGP: 38.1%, 3PT: 33.3%, FT: 82.5%. In his second year at SIU Edwardsville (NCAA) he played 28 games averaging 7.5ppg, 2.7rpg, 3.1apg, 1.0spg, FGP: 39.2%, 3PT: 28.0%, FT: 75.6%. In 2016-2017 he moved to Missouri So. (NCAA2) playing 27 games averaging 18.2ppg, 2.9rpg, 5.1apg, 1.7spg, FGP: 48.5%, 3PT: 29.7%, FT: 82.0%. In his senior year at Missouri So. (NCAA2) he played 29 games averaging 18.4ppg, 4.4rpg, 6.0apg, 2.2spg, FGP: 44.0%, 3PT: 35.5%, FT: 80.5%. He spoke to germanhoops.com recently about basketball. 

CJ thanks for talking to germanhoops.com. Where are you at the moment and how did you come into 2019?

I am now back at home in Davenport, Iowa. I was fortunate enough to bring in 2019 with my family and friends.

Your playing your professional rookie season with BG Topstar Leitershofen/Stadtbergen (Germany-Regionalliga). What has been the coolist thing about being a professional player and being able to do what you love most?

The coolest thing would probably be being able to win and doing it with these guys! My teammates have been great in welcoming me and made this transition a lot easier.

Two stand out players from Missouri Southern Skyler Bowlin and Jordan Talbert have had great professional career’s. Have you ever met them and are they like role models for you and where you want to head in the future?

I have not spoken with Jordan Talbert, but I have with Skylar Bowlin a good amount of times. Skylar has offered a lot of information about what to expect and how things are going to be. He’s playing in the top league so there are definitely things I would love to pick his mind about, because my goal is to be in the top league.

BG Topstar Leitershofen/Stadtbergen (Germany-Regionalliga) belong to the top teams in the Regionalliga. What has been the secret to the success of the team?

Our club has been doing great so far. Our secret is that we have good guys that play extremely hard and together. When you have that it makes the game easier.

The club has shown a lot of versatility winning shoot outs, defending great against teams and even winning massive defensive battles. How much potential does this club have?

This club has a lot of potential! We can defend, score, whatever it takes to win. This club is on the rise. We have great fans and people running the club as well.

Let’s talk about your teammates. Even though you are a young guy you have special experience having played in the NCAA, but how important is a guy like Emmanuel Richter from Slovenia not only for the team, but for you this season who has had 5 years experience in Germany making the whole transition easier?

My teammates have been great in helping me adapt to the culture and style of play. We’re lucky to have a guy like Emmanuel Richter on our team. He’s experienced and it shows. He’s a good player and leader.

Big man Bernhard Benke is one of many many young talented Germans in Germany. He started his career with top youth program Ratiopharm Ulm, but took a step back and is playing his second season with BG Topstar Leitershofen/Stadtbergen (Regionalliga) putting up very good stats. How much potential does he have and do you see him moving up the basketball ladder again in the future?

Bernhard Benke is very talented. He has been doing great this season so far and you can expect big things from him in the future. The sky’s the limit for him and he can take his career as far as he wants to.

Let’s talk about your game. You’re a small 173cm guard that knows how to score the ball. If you had to describe your game to an NBA player who would best fit that description? Possibly a type of a Nate Robinson?

I would say being able to score the ball pretty well I would compare myself to Isiah Thomas.

You’re a guy that can really score the ball well. Would you say that the German Regionalliga is around the same skill level as the NCAA 2 or what is higher?

I would say the levels are pretty similar. Regionalliga is about the same as NCAA2.

How tough has your height been for you in general in your basketball career? What has been the most positive remark you have heard concerning your height and basketball abilities?

My height has no negative impact on my game. I feel like I can play and compete against anyone no matter how tall they are and I feel like I have proved that and will continue to prove that. The only negative thing is that people see me and think I’m not skilled because of my height. My job is to prove I am skilled and that height is not a factor.

You had really high assist rates in the NCAA 2. Do you feel that you could up that as a professional in Germany once you get an even better feel for the style?

Yes. I feel that I pass the ball pretty well. I can score the ball at a pretty high rate but I can also get my teammates involved and put up high assist numbers.

You were near a triple double against Jena 2 with 35 points, 8 assists and 11 boards. How enticing is it getting that triple double? You also were close last season against Pittsburg State and Truman State. Is it something you feel you are capable of achieving at the Regionalliga level?

Yes I have been pretty close many times and it is something that I think is possible and will happen during my career. I just try to do whatever I can to help my team win.

You’re an offensive force being able to score from anywhere and can shoot the three. Is shooting the three more consistent one of your big goals of developing even more as a professional?

Definitely! I want to continue to improve every part of my game, but shooting the three is definitely a priority. As a guard I must be able to stretch the floor and hit an open shot.

You’re a guy that can fill the stat sheet, but what do you feel is a hidden strength in your game that doesn’t always get noticed right away?

I think me trying to improve everyone’s game is a thing that most people don’t see. My goal is to make everyone better.

You began your basketball career at Rock Island HS. You went to a school that developed top players like Chasson Randle and Pete Mickeal. Did you already have the drive to want to become a professional player in high school?

Yes I’ve always wanted to play basketball at the professional level. And those two guys are guys I have watched growing up. My high school does a very good job in developing their players.

You played your first two seasons with SIU Edwardsville (NCAA). You played a total of 56 games putting up solid, but not overwhelming stats. What kind of an experience was it playing in the NCAA and what were your highs and lows there?

There were many highs and lows. I played a lot of minutes and was close to being freshman of the year my first year. We then had a coaching change and I started most of the year. Overall it was a good experience. I was able to compete and play at the highest level but I felt I was restricted as a player.

You had some very good NCAA games against schools like Butler and Murray State. What was your most memorable game there?

My most memorable game would probably be at Butler University. They were ranked in the nation at the time and we came in competing but they end up pulling away in the game late.

You picked up your game some more as a sophomore at but then decided to transfer to Missouri Southern. Why did you choose to take a step back at that moment in your basketball career?

I wouldn’t say I took a step back in my career. Missouri southern is one of the top programs in the country, and their level of play is about the same, if not better than siu Edwardsville.

You then played two years at Missouri Southern (NCAA2). When you look back at your career there, would you say you made the right decision leaving SIU Edwardsville (NCAA)? Do you ever wonder where you might be now had you remained at SIU Edwardsville (NCAA).

I would say I made the right decision to transfer schools because I was able to finish off my collegiate career in a good place and putting up good numbers. I think about where I would be if I did not transfer sometimes but I honestly do not know if I would be where I am today if I had stayed.

You had many great games at Missouri Southern (NCAA2), but where does your 33 point game in the win against NW Missouri State?

That game might one of the most memorable games I’ve played there. At the time NW Missouri St was top in the country and had never lost on their home court. I also was able to accomplish my 1,000th point that night.

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

Coach Boschee is a great coach and we have many conversations about what I can do better to be the player I want to be and I can’t thank him enough for the opportunity he gave me.

Who won a one on one in practice you or Braelon Walker?


I won the one on ones haha. He’s a great player though and they’re having a great year this year.

If you had to pick your personal favorite starting five of teammates over the years which players would you chose?

I would say Kris Davis (Phoenix Hagen) Burak Eslik (turkey) Elyjah Clark (Missouri Southern) Jalen Henry (France)& Enis memic (Missouri Southern)

If you had to construct your very own NBA mount Rushmore which 4 heads would you pick?


Michael Jordan, Lebron James, Kobe Bryant, Allen Iverson

What is your personal opinion about the never ending debate of who is the greatest between Michael Jordan and Lebron James?

Lebron James is the best I’ve seen and from what I’ve seen Mike was great but Lebron just does so much on the floor and it’s hard to compete against that.

What was the last movie that you saw?

The last movie I saw was Training Day.

Thanks CJ for the chat.

With the regular season slowly winding down, NBBL team were looking to put in extra energy in the stretch run of the season as teams were jockeying for playoff spots. Eintracht Frankfurt/Fraport Skyliners had had a solid season with a record of 10-2, but they couldn´t follow up their strong 8-0 2018 campaign in 2019 as they were 2-2 while the Metropol Baskets Ruhr have had a surprising strong season at 9-2 and came to Frankfurt wanting revenge after their 75-67 loss at home to the hands of Frankfurt. Both teams fought hard, but in the end Eintracht Frankfurt/Fraport Skyliners shot a tad better from the field and they easily won the rebounding battle which was key for them escaping the road with a victory. Despite being without their top player 16 year Len Schoorman, Frankfurt got vital support from their starting five receiving double figures ins scoring from all five players as Leon Pullen led the way with 19 points while Jordan Samare and Risto Vasiljevic added 13 points a piece. Maxi Begue added 12 points and 12 boards while the Metropol Baskets Ruhr were led by Alexander Winck with 21 points. On a very warm Sunday afternoon Eintracht Frankfurt/Fraport Skyliners welcomed the guests and played a strong game for 40 minutes displaying their consistent defense and were able to brush off an annoying third quarter run by the guests and win their 11^th game 81-57. After the big win 2019 ANGT player and U-16 national player Len Schoormann was doing his normal post game stretching routine and lauded the overall play of the team at both ends of the court, but also added the not so fine points of the game. “We had really good ball movement today and were always talking on defense. We also rebounded the ball very well. What wasn´t so good today were the many turnovers and loose balls that we couldn´t get”, said Len Schoormann. The Metropol Baskets Ruhr were fighting for that first position in the standings and gave a spirited effort, but just couldn´t handle the Frankfurt defense that limited them on offense while on defense, they had good spurts, but overall couldn´t handle the Frankfurt solid inside out game. “I thought that we played good team basketball, but we had a very bad shooting day. We defended better in the second half with better on man defense and had better ball movement. But this result showed that Frankfurt is a stronger team”, stressed 18 year old point guard Valentin Bredeck.

                Eintracht Frankfurt/Fraport Skyliners were without their starting center Jordan Samare who had calf problems and sat out the game while the Metropol Baskets Ruhr were without two of their veterans with their top player 19 year old forward Alexander Winck and 18 year old Philip Von Quenaudon. The first few minutes were very even as both teams were feeling each other out and the guests had two leads. Eintracht Frankfurt/Fraport Skyliners got the ball inside early and got German forward Leon Puellen involved as he scored twice. The Metropol Baskets´s Ruhr top scorer Felip Galvez-Bratz was on the bench and 18 year old 198cm forward Nils Peters who is called Kobe from his teammates because of his present mid range game took over responsibility and scored 6 points in the early going. The guests had the 4-2 and 6-4 lead, but Eintracht Frankfurt/Fraport Skyliners had an early offensive rhythm on offense and got the lead back on a Schoormann trey and Maxi Begue dunk and they would never look back leading 9-6. Eintracht Frankfurt/Fraport Skyliners had their defense standing strong early and were able to disrupt the guests and forced them too bad shots while they raced out on a 10-0 run to extend their lead to 19-8. In the run Eintracht Frankfurt/Fraport Skyliners continued to give Leon Puellen the ball and he responded by registering 6 points while Schoormann hit free throws and made a nifty floater. Eintracht Frankfurt/Fraport Skyliners shared the ball well while on defense were communicating well and closing down the lane well while the three point shooting disease of the Metropol Baskets Ruhr was ongoing. In the last few minutes, Peters continued his scoring spree scoring twice while Eintracht Frankfurt/Fraport Skyliners got solid scoring punch from their bench from 18 year old forward Goran Lojpur that added two baskets including a nifty old school looking running hook shot and Frankfurt led 25-14. “We had a good start. Our goal was it to get the ball inside against their zone. Puellen had a good start”, added Len Schoormann. Eintracht Frankfurt/Fraport Skyliners shot 59% form the field and 20% from outside and had 12 rebounds and 3 turnovers while the Metropo Baskets Ruhr shot 35% from the field and 0% from outside and had 5 rebounds and 2 turnovers.

                Eintracht Frankfurt/Fraport Skyliners continued to keep their lead in the second quarter as their potent defense kept the Metropol Baskets Ruhr on edge. Eintracht Frankfurt/Fraport Skyliners had a good start to the second quarter getting 4 defensive stops which led to a 5-0 run on offense to extend their lead to 30-14. In the run Eintracht Frankfurt/Fraport Skyliners got good production from 16 year old 204cm center Alexander Szymczyk who was only playing his second NBBL game gaining an offensive rebound and put back while Maxi Begue hit a one handed shot and captain Alvin Onyia hit a free throw. Eintracht Frankfurt/Fraport Skyliners weren´t playing their best basketball, but were able to keep a comfortable lead, because of their stable defense and pathetic Metropol Baskets Ruhr outside shooting from downtown. Eintracht Frankfurt/Fraport Skyliners were getting some turnovers which the Metropol Baskets Ruhr took advantage of with buckets from Peters and 18 year old 186cm point guard Luka Gerke, but Frankfurt still led 34-20. Eintracht Frankfurt/Fraport Skyliners didn´t have the even bigger lead simply because of their numerous turnovers that they were producing. The Metropol Baskets Ruhr got good play at both ends of the court from 18 year old 196cm power forward Semih Sehovic who produced 3 blocks in the game and down the stretch made free throws and a turn around shot. However they didn´t have an answer for Eintracht Frankfurt/Fraport Skyliners sniper Risto Vasiljevic who hit BG Goettingen a few weeks ago for 26 points including 6 three´s did his magic again nailing two bombs and giving Eintracht Frankfurt/Fraport Skyliners the very comfortable 42-24 advantage at the break as the guests had shot 0/15 from outside as their parking lot shooting disease was at an all-time high. “Frankfurt was playing great and were playing good defense getting in the passing lanes. They were playing with high intensity and creating many turnovers”, stressed Fraport Skyliner Junior Dennis Mavin. Eintracht Frankfurt/Fraport Skyliners shot 50% form the field and 20% from the three point line and grabbed 25 rebounds and had 11 turnovers while the Metropol Baskets Ruhr shot 29% from the field and 0% from the three point line and grabbed 15 rebounds and had 8 turnovers.

                The Metropol Baskets Ruhr had been waiting all game long for their shinning moment with that big run and got it in the third quarter as they shaved down a 23 point lead to 8 points. Eintracht Frankfurt/Fraport Skyliners actually had the better start again going on a quick 5-0 run to give them their biggest lead of the contest 47-24. Eintracht Frankfurt/Fraport Skyliners had their offensive rhythm working quickly as Puellen scored inside with ease again and Begue dropped a trey. Then came the best phase of the game for the Metropol Baskets Ruhr as they escaped out on a fierce 17-2 run to cut the Frankfurt lead down to 49-41. When they needed the three point ball most, they finally got it as Galvez-Bratz and Peters started the onslaught with back to back three´s. The Metropol Baskets Ruhr played their best defense in this quarter forcing Eintracht Frankfurt/Fraport Skyliners to 9 turnovers while finally finding consistency on offense. Peters was a one man scoring machine and scored four more baskets as Frankfurt was unable to slow him down. In the run Peters connected for 11 points. The guests kept up the offensive pressure as Gerke made a steal and went coast to coast for the easy lay in as Frankfurt led 51-43. After not getting any offensive execution that must have felt like an eternity, Len Schoormann finally freed Eintracht Frankfurt/Fraport Skyliners from their offensive woes going on a 5-0 with a trey and hard one handed dunk after stealing the ball at center court and gliding to the rim for the basket as the home team led 56-43. Neusel and Vasiljevic traded three´s in the last minute, but Eintracht Frankfurt/Fraport Skyliners still led in double digits 60-48. “We weren´t fatigued, but just not mentally there during their run. We didn´t concentrate and didn´t play good defense”, added Len Schoormann. “We played good press defense and got in the passing lanes well. On offense we were using a new play that worked well. We switched up our offense a lot keeping them off track and finally hit our three´s”, stressed Valentin Bredeck. Eintracht Frankfurt/Fraport Skyliners shot 46% from the field and 27% from the parking lot and hauled down 36 rebounds and had 20 turnovers while the Metropol Baskets Ruhr shot 37% from the field and 14% from the parking lot and hauled down 22 rebounds and had 14 turnovers.

                In the fourth quarter the Metropol Baskets Ruhr had one last gasp of energy early and cut the Eintracht Frankfurt/Fraport Skyliners lead down to 9 points, but they wouldn´t get any closer as the home team closed out the game in fine fashion not coughing up the ball once. A Neusel free throw and Gerke lay in cut the Eintracht Frankfurt/Fraport Skyliners lead down to 60-51 and gave the guests some light at the end of the tunnel, but Frankfurt then rudely slammed the door in their faces stepping up their play at both ends of the court. Eintracht Frankfurt/Fraport Skyliners closed out the game with a lethal 21-6 run. Eintracht Frankfurt/Fraport Skyliners continued to bang the ball inside and Puellen continued to be aggressive and score at ease. He would add 8 points in the run and the club also got added support from Schoormann who added 5 points and Vasiljevic continued to have the hot hand nailing a trey and also scoring off a steal and sprinting coast to coast for the easy lay in. The last five minutes looked very routine for Eintracht Frankfurt/Fraport Skyliners as they were able to play their game while the guests fell back into their rut of the first half. Vasiljevic closed out the game with a game ending trey, but it was Len Schoormann that made one last spectacular play shortly before the last trey making a hard one hand dunk. The night before Hamidou Diallo of the Oklahoma Thunder was able to excite fans by winning the 2019 NBA slam dunk contest by dunking over Shaq and then hanging on the rim and ripping his shirt and showing the Superman logo. Who needs a Diallo in Frankfurt when one has a Schoormann? “I like Diallo a lot. He is very athletic. I didn´t see his dunks yet from the contest. My dunk was a normal one. We need to have a very big lead for me to make a special dunk”, smiled Len Schoorman. “Missing two players showed today. We weren´t consistent today and Frankfurt showed that they were stronger”, added Valentin Bredeck. “We made a run at the end and played like we did in the first quarter. Both teams were tired in the fourth, but we were calmer against their press and more concentrated”, added Len Schoormann. Eintracht Frankfurt/Fraport Skyliners were led by Leon Puellen with 21 points. Len Schoormann added 17 points and Risto Vasiljevic 16 points while the Metropol Baskets Ruhr were led by Nils Peters with 23 points. Eintracht Frankfurt/Fraport Skyliners shot 45% form the field and 24% from outside and got 48 rebounds and had 20 turnovers while the Metropol Baskets Ruhr shot 33% from the field and 11% from outside and got 35 rebounds and had 19 turnovers.

With every new loss that the Dragons Rhondorf suffer now, the more gloomy their outlook looks for their future in the Pro B. It isn´t 10 to midnight for the ex Pro A team, but the last seconds before the gong, because any more loses in the last two game days could ultimately strip them from any chance of making ground in the last 6 playdown games that will determine if they play in Frankfurt next season or Kronberg on the road. It will come down to Wurzburg and Rhondorf for that last ticket in the Pro B and the Bavarian team has four wins more and 7 points more. It was do or die this weekend for the Dragons Rhondorf. With a loss to Orange Academy and a Wurzburg win at home could of ended the season early for the Dragons Rhondorf if they didn´t start to produce now. They gave a spirited effort in Ulm in the first meeting losing only 74-69 as it was one of their better defensive efforts of the season. The game was decided on the glass as they were badly outrebounded 42-29. The Dragons Rhondorf defended a lot better the last two weekends in the loses to Giessen and the ScanPlus Baskets allowing an average of only 76 points, but they also had to find a way to break the defensive wall of Orange Academy as they met the best defense in the Pro B allowing only 69 points per game. Orange Academy as usual had no let downs on defense as they gave a solid defensive effort for 40 minutes wearing down the Dragons Rhondorf 89-73. The Dragons Rhondorf fought hard, but couldn´t overcome a fierce third quarter run by Orange Academy which sealed the win for them. After the victory an ecstatic Eric Davis was all smiles as he summarized the win. “Execution on offense and having trust in each other was huge. We had good ball movement and just being aggressive and confident helped us get the win. Our defense was ok. Our defense is always something that we can clean up. As we get ready for the playoffs, we will continue to sharpen our defense”, warned ex Texas(NCAA) guard Eric Davis. After the loss, the Dragons Rhondorf snuck into the locker room, but only captain Joe Koschade remained outside and faced the music in defeat. One could sense much disappointment in his voice and unfortunately a bit of resignation. “We all fought hard and are trying all we can to stay in the league. Our problem is when the opponent goes on a run, we tend to loose our nerves and play hectic.  Every guy tries to do to much and play one on one instead of staying calm and playing team basketball. We had some good phases on defense, but it needs to be more consistent”, stated Dragons Rhondorf guard Joe Koschade.

                The first quarter had two faces as there were numerous lead changes in the first five minutes, but in the latter half of the quarter, Orange Academy was able to get away as it was raining three´s as they got 15 of their 26 points through the long ball. Rhondorf had the 5-4 lead  as captain Joe Koschade had scored all Dragons points and German Til Pape all of Orange Academy´s points. The lead kept changing as German Christoph Phillips scored and as did Lithuanian double double beast Zygimantas Riauka as the Dragons Rhondorf had the 7-6 advantage. But then Orange Academy was able to break away and score 12 points as they saw an open ocean and easily sunk four three´s as 39 year old ex Wurzburg forward Nils Mittman connected as did 17 year 2018 Albert Schweitzer winner Timo Lanmueller who scored twice as did American Eric Davis as the guests led 18-11. After the win, Eric Davis was all thumbs up for Nils Mittman still running up and down the floor at age 39. “He has so much experience and is always talking. He tells us hints and secrets, but he never tells us everything, but a bit at a time. I ask him every day, what his secret is to play until 40, but he won´t tell me”, smiled Eric Davis.  Rhondorf was executing well inside the paint, but still coughing up the ball too easily while Orange Academy had the three ball flying and scoring. Rhondorf stayed on the heels of Orange Academy as ex Bremerhaven forward Bo Meister hit a three to cut the guests lead to 18-15. But Orange Academy was able to end the first quarter in style leading 26-20. Their offense was rolling as Mittmann nailed another trey and Pape scored inside. “We went into the game concentrating to stop their drives, but they surprised us with their three´s. We didn´t do a good enough job getting out on their shooters”, stressed Dragons Rhondorf guard Joe Koschade. Orange Academy shot 64% from the field and 71% from outside and had 3 rebounds and 5 turnovers while the Dragons Rhondorf shot 90% from the field and 67% from outside and had 4 rebounds and six turnovers.

                The second quarter was a dog fight as the Dragons Rhondorf fought back and played Orange Academy tough and was on their heels, but in the last minute allowed a few mistakes to get the opponents into the locker room with a seven point advantage. The lethal offense of the first quarter continued in the second half as Orange Academy got good production from the bench. 20 year old German Nicolas Moebus who played 24 Pro A games last season gave some offensive firepower with a trey and back door lay in While Till Pape continued to dominate inside getting an easy transition basket as Rhondorf´s transition defense slept. Rhondorf got some instant offense from ex Kentucky Wesleyan(NCAA2) guard Kwan Waller who hit a trey and lay in, but Rhondorf trailed 33-28. The great ball movement totally tore apart Rhondorf´s defense as time in and time out the guests had open shooters that didn´t miss. Rhondorf simply was too inconsistent at both ends of the court and little mistakes plagued them. The Dragons Rhondorf then got some fortune as Orange Academy was hit with two technical fouls on Eric Davis and head coach Danny Jansson. Ex Phoenix Hagen forward Julian Jasinski answered with 4 points cutting Orange Academy´s lead down to only 33-32. Whenever the Dragons Rhondorf scored, Orange Academy came up with an offensive answer and often punished them after little mistakes. After the two technical fouls, Orange Academy countered with a Pape step back jumper and a Davis trey extending their lead to 38-32. Rhondorf still had enough energy and continued to chip away and responded with two treys from Waller and ex Speyer forward Yannick Kneesch cutting the Orange Academy lead down to 40-38. Riauka tied the score at 40-40 with a lay in. However the Dragons Rhondorf were unable to get away, but instead allowed Orange Academy to get into the break on a 13-7 run to lead 53-45. A Pape lay in and Mittmann five points at the end and a Phiipps basket put a huge dent into the Dragons confidence. “We were in the game at the end, but a few dumb mistakes gave them the good lead going into half-time. Their run hurt us mentally and we had to have energy again to come back”, added Joe Koschade. Orange Academy shot 68% from the field and 65% from the three point line and hauled down 10 rebounds and had 10 turnovers while the Dragons Rhondorf shot 70% from the field and 56% form the three point line and hauled down 9 rebounds and had 12 turnovers.

                In the third quarter Orange Academy kept a nice lead, but the Dragons Rhondorf were able to cut the lead down to 62-56, but the guests then slammed the door on the home team early ending the third quarter on a maiming 14-2 run to seal the win early. The Orange Academy offense continued to click as Pape hit a trey and Marius Stoll a floater, but the Dragons Rhondorf got more instant offense from Kwan Waller who had the need to step up and take responsibility scoring 7 points to cut the guests lead to 58-52. Orange Academy continued to demonstrate an amazing ball movement that nearly always found an open shooters as Stoll scored again giving Orange Academy the 61-52 advantage. Then came a very good phase for the Dragons Rhondorf at both ends of the court as they produced three stops and went on a 4-0 run as Riauka nailed a hook shot and Jasinski scored in the paint cutting Orange Academy´s lead down to 62-56. It looked like the Dragons Rhondorf had the momentum and would make their move, but instead it was Orange Academy that hit the lever up a few floors and reeled off a brutal 14-2 run to totally decide the game after 30 minutes leading 76-58. Orange Academy were bringing it from the bench as well as 17 year old Zach Ensminger got aggressive scoring 6 points. Moebus added another trey and pull jumper and Phillips a lay in. The Dragons Rhondorf didn´t get back on transition defense and continued to produce turnovers at an alarming rate as the aggressive Orange Academy defense damaged their sets and ball movement. “We wanted to pick up the tempo. We did a good job outrunning them and they seemed to have tired legs”, stressed Eric Davis. “The run turned the game around. We had too many turn overs in that phase. Our problem was that whenever they scored, we felt like we needed a quick answer which led to turnovers. We should of stayed calm and played calm in that phase. Our self confidence was hurt and we couldn´t find our rhythm back”, stressed Joe Koschade. Orange Academy shot 61% from the field and 50% from the parking lot and they got 20 rebounds and had 13 turnovers while the Dragons Rhondorf shot 59% from the field and 55% from the parking lot and got 16 rebounds and had 17 turnovers.

                In the fourth quarter the most damage had been already done as both teams took a little break from the scoring as the Dragons Rhondorf won the quarter 15-13, but obviously couldn´t make any ground on the big Orange Academy lead that grew to 25 points in the fourth. Zach Ensminger got the first field goal of the fourth quarter and was so wide open that it seemed like the Dragons Rhondorf were taking a stroll as far away as the Rhein river as he dropped the shot with ease. Phillips then scored in the paint and the Dragons Rhondorf experienced their biggest low point of the game trailing 83-58. With the game decided, the Dragons Rhondorf found some day light going on a 10-2 run to cut Orange Academy´s lead  down to 85-66. In the run the Dragons Rhondorf were boosted by two Riauka baskets, a Alex Moeller bucket and Jasinski fade away jumper. With a few minutes remaining, the Dragons Rhondorf needed a serious miracle, but nothing happened. Stoll and Waller traded trey´s as Orange Academy led 88-69. Rhondorf got a few more points with Koschade free throws and a Riauka lay in. “We did a good job still executing despite having a big lead. We tried to work on other things like getting the ball in the post and running sets that we don´t always run”, stressed Eric Davis. “I don´t think that we were tired in the fourth quarter. We had a good phase with a lot of defensive intensity. We showed signs of what we can do, but need to do it for a whole game. We need to be focused in the last 7 games and play good defense”, stressed Joe Koschade. Orange Academy gave another solid defensive performance and Eric Davis explained the secret to the defensive success. “We have experience through intentional reps meaning we want to make it perfect. We take no short cuts and take a lot of time to work on getting stops. We take a lot of pride on defense. You don´t often see young players having that”, warned Eric Davis. Orange Academy was led by Christoph Philipps with 17 points. Till Pape added 15 points and Nils Mittmann 11 points while Marius Stoll added 10 points. The Dragons Rhondorf were led by Kwam Waller with 20 points while Zygimantas Riauka added 18 points. Orange Academy shot 55% from the field and 48% from outside and got 27 rebounds and coughed up the b all 16 times while the Dragons Rhondorf shot 58% from the field and 50% from outside and got 21 rebounds and 21 turnovers.

After presenting loses after loses on the Crailsheim Merlins menu in the first few months of the season which would have gave any other restaurant menu in Crailsheim like the one at Acanto an awful taste to their otherwise tasty dish Rib Eye steak, the Crailsheim Merlins rode into Frankfurt in January 2019 and shocked a somewhat helpless Fraport Skyliner club 91-77 and after the big win, the screams and shouts of joy as the players were getting to the locker room felt more like they had just won a title instead of only their second game ending their embarrassing nine winless streak. One player that had helped put his own staple on the huge victory was diminutive combo guard Dewayne Russell who had led all scorers with 22 points in only 14 minutes and was clutch in the third quarter scoring 10 unanswered points helping the team break a 50-50 tie and they led 68-61 after three frames and would never look back. The American gave scoring in bunches a new meaning and might even have had Houston Rocket scoring disease James Harden tug on his beard and wonder who this kid was had he seen the highlights. ““I just took what the defense gave me and took advantage of the mis matches against the bigger guys. Finding my spots and making shots gave me added confidence”, stated Dewayne Russell. He made this statement seem like the most natural thing in the world, but his eye brows rose and he risked a smile as I mentioned “You went to Grand Canyon right”?. Ok so non basketball aficionado´s or even people with basketball knowledge might have wondered why this reporter had asked a professional basketball player if he had gone to one of the seven wonders of the world and said it in not correct English. When looking at NCAA schools, there are a few that have peculiar names like the Campbell Fighting Camels, Presbyterian College Blue Hose, Purdue Boilermakers or the Akron Zips, but an NCAA school called Grand Canyon? It´s no joke. I had honestly never heard of the school and at first asked the player if that was at the picturesque Grand Canyon, but he answered “no, no it´s in Phoenix”. It´s always nice to learn something new. Even if Grand Canyon isn´t a known basketball school, Dewayne Russell for sure made a name for himself. He has experienced a lot in his short basketball life so far. He averaged better than 21,0ppg in the NCAA as a senior, something very many NBA players can´t say they ever did, battled against many future NBA players and not only held his own, but was better than they were and even had a face to face chat with NBA legend Magic Johnson. But he isn´t playing in Madison Square Garden or staying in Four Season hotels around the states on NBA road trips, but instead making a living in Germany and calling a small, but pretty German town called Crailsheim home sweet home this season. The kid definitely has game, but so do 1000´s others in the world especially at the guard position which features so many great players that getting the right exposure and true opportunity is so difficult even if a guy like Russell deserved it. “I have a chip on my shoulder to prove to everyone that I’m a good player and I can help teams win”, warned Dewayne Russell. Dewayne Russell´s drive to having to always Prove himself will most likely never remove the chip on his shoulder.

         Dewayne Russell is a 25 year old 180cm guard that was born in Philadelphia and grew up in Peoria, Arizona and attended Peoria High School. After high school he started his NCAA career at N.Arizona (NCAA) playing 32 games averaging 14.4ppg, 2.4rpg, 3.2apg, 1.5spg, FGP: 42.7%, 3PT: 33.9%, FT: 73.2%. Sometimes even when the stats look good, not everything is in harmony as the American didn´t gel with head coach Jack Murphy. Despite the early growing pains as a freshman, having the hardships helped him in the long run. “That experience really helped me grow up and help me mentally”, stressed Dewayne Russell. He scored in double figures in 25 of 32 games and scored 20 points or more six times. His best game was a 25 point effort against Sacramento State. After his freshman season he moved to Grand Canyon (NCAA) but sat out the 2013-2014 season due to the NCAA transfer rule and couldn´t officially start his sophomore year until 2014-2015. It is never easy for a player to transfer and have to sit out the first season. But for Russell the one year off was a blessing in disguise as he changed up his shot. He remembers what could have happened if he hadn´t made a change in his shot. “It would have been a lot easier for people to guard me and my game would have never evolved”, stressed Dewayne Russell. That first season he helped the club be a WAC regular season runner up. He needed no real integration period with his new school as he put up consistent stats again playing 23 games averaging 14.2ppg, 3.0rpg, 3.9apg, 1.4spg, FGP: 42.8%, 3PT: 33.3%, FT: 75.7%. He scored in double figures in 17 games including 24 point games against Utah Valley and CSU Bakersfield. He never did forget the difficult 56-55 loss against Chicago State where he dropped 23 points, grabbed 5 boards and issued 4 dimes. “, It was one of my tougher losses at GCU. We were the better team but we didn’t come out focused that night”, added Dewayne Russell.

                In his junior season at Grand Canyon(NCAA) ex Phoenix Suns great Dan Majerle who was Russell´s coach there had other ideas for the youngster making him take a break from being that explosive scorer and making him a point guard. Russell had no problems making this adjustment as it offered him to help develop another aspect of his game. “We had really good players on the team that year. It was best for me to take the backseat and get those guys the ball. It was the right move because we were 27-7 that year”, commented Dewayne Russell. His scoring was down, but his playmaking qualities excelled as he led the WAC in assists playing 33 games averaging 9.7ppg, 3.0rpg, 5.3apg, 1.3spg, FGP: 40.8%, 3PT: 42.4%, FT: 70.1%. In his junior season he scored in double figures in 17 games. He really broke out in his senior season averaging 21.2ppg, 3.8rpg, 5.4apg, 1.5spg, FGP: 40.2%, 3PT: 39.7%, FT: 75.8% as Dan Majerle wanted him to lead a young team and be a scorer. He is confident that having had the chance to really showcase his offensive abilities helped him progress forward. “I’ve always been confident in my game but having the opportunity to be the first offensive option allowed me to showcase what I could do. It definitely helped my professional career”, warned Dewayne Russell. One of his most memorable games in the NCAA if not the most memorable was his unbelievable 43 point explosion against powerhouse Louisville. Russell did lose the game, but witnessed future NBA player Donovan Mitchell put up a measly 9 points and will never forget legendary head coach Rick Pitino´s reaction after his scoring clinic. “The thing I remember most were Rick Pitino’s comments after the game. It meant a lot to me”, smiled Dewayne Russell. That senior year he would prove time in and time out that he was a very good player and held more than his own like against top NCAA basketball school Arizona where he dropped 19 points in a tough 64-54 loss, but competed his heart out against future NBA players Kobi Simmons, Lauri Markkanen, Kadeem Allen and Rawle Atkins. Having played at a school playing in a lower conference has kept his chip on his shoulder alive ever since his NCAA days. But it wasn´t just his hard work and dedication that helped him excel on the court, but also by the guidance of head coach Dan Majerle who helped teach him about loyalty and was brutally honest with him. He will never forget the teaching from him. “The best advice that coach Majerle has ever given me was to never be satisfied with just being good. He never took it easy on me as a player or a man”, warned Dewayne Russell.

                After his stellar NCAA career at Grand Canyon, there were NBA teams that took notice like the Dallas Mavericks and Los Angeles Lakers who invited him to workouts. Just being in a NBA atmosphere and getting some valuable experience would have been more of a treat for most players, but getting called into the office of NBA legend Magic Johnson to talk basketball and get valuable advice is something that very few can achieve. Russell will never forget that encounter and took very vital advice from Magic into his professional basketball career. “ The piece of advice that Magic gave me that I remember most was the responsibility and leadership qualities of a point guard”. Stressed Dewayne Russell. Unfortunately nothing further came from the work outs, so he concentrated on getting overseas and signed with Sluc Nancy Basket Pro (France-ProB). After many seasons in the Pro A, the club finished the 2016-2017 season in 18^th place and moved down to the Pro B. As a rookie he led the team to a seventh finish losing to Fos-Provence in the playoffs. The American had a strong rookie season in France playing 34 games averaging 13.6ppg, 3.0rpg, 5.5apg, 1.5spg, FGP: 46.8%, 3PT: 32.3%, FT: 81.3%. He was the only American on a team that mainly had French players, but he bonded quickly with Canadian veteran Jevohn Shepherd who played in Germany many years ago in the BBL with Frankfurt and Giessen. “. He has helped me so much with my game and my career. He even helped me pick my agent, he is like a big brother to me”, added Dewayne Russell. He scored in double figures in 27 games including top games against Rouen with 27 points and 25 points against Poiters. This season in Germany, he has little problems with the Americanized culture, but last season had that special wake up call to being a rookie in France. “I knew I was far from home when I went to charge my phone and the outlets are different”, stressed Dewayne Russell.

                Russell who lists Utah Jazz Donovan Mitchell as his toughest foe in the NCAA made the next jump in his professional career signing with German easyCredit BBL team Crailsheim Merlins. He came from a winning program in France and is playing for a losing team in Germany. It wasn´t an easy adjustment, but he has seen positive aspects from his sophomore season. “It’s definitely been tough but it’s making me better mentally and helping me lock in on the little details of the game to help us get better and win some games”, stressed Dewayne Russell. Crailsheim lost 12 of it´s first 13 games and allowed 90 points or more in six of the losses. Despite allowing very many points, it scored 81 points per game. It then finally got a break winning two games in a row against Frankfurt and Braunschweig, but then started a losing skid again showing how up and down the club is. “We just have to do a better job trusting each other defensively and having the same common goal. We just need to come with the same focus every night. Sometimes we have a better focus in the games we play well in than we do in others”, warned Dewayne Russell. The team has six players that are 30 years old or older so experience isn´t a problem, but then why can´t the vast leadership opportunities help translate in wins? The club believes though that they have the means to remain in the league. “We just need to do a better job of following our leaders and everyone buying into the same common goal. We are very confident that we can stay in this league. We picked up some momentum with the two wins and figured our identity on how to win games”, warned Dewayne Russell.

                On a team that has a lot of depth, his minutes have fluctuated this season, but he has held his own currently averaging 9,0ppg, 1,9rpg and 3,8apg while shooting a solid 35% from outside. He has been able to soak up so much from the abundant experience on the club like 36 year old veteran Sherman Gay and 30 year old point guard Frank Turner. “Sherm has been great to me. His knowledge on different aspects of the game have helped me progress. He also has helped me with different reads on pick and roll. I hope his efficiency rubs off on me as much as possible. Frank has been amazing for me this year especially playing against him every day at practice. He is one of the best guards in the BBL and I’m grateful to have him as somebody in my corner”, warned Dewayne Russell. But he hasn´t only learned from many guys on the court, but also seen how a guy like Konrad Wysocki ticks who is also 36 and as a German got an Ivy League education at Princeton something that isn´t to common. “You definitely can see how intelligent he is by the way he carries a conversation. But at the same time he knows how to joke around and make the atmosphere really light”, added Dewayne Russell. His idol as a kid was Allen Iverson and he compares his game to NBA players like Tyler Ulis and Kemba Walker and shines with his quickness getting in the lane and picking his spots, but he is aiming to also being that feared outside shooter the way his mid range game is. “I am very confident that I can be an outside shooter. I work on my jump shot every day and I can feel myself getting better. The biggest challenge for me is making sure I am taking smart shots”, stressed Dewayne Russell.  He is mostly known for his scoring, but proved at Grand Canyon(NCAA) that he can be that feared and controlled playmaker and now wants to continue to remain that ruthless scorer, but also that dangerous playmaker. “I am working on provoking the defense with my scoring so I can get my teammates involved more”, warned Dewayne Russell. Even if it has been a very tough season with Crailsheim, the growing pains have helped once again as it did at N.Arizona (NCAA) six seasons ago as he continues to go his way up the basketball ladder. But no matter how much higher he climbs in the next years, that chip on his shoulder will most likely continue to sit there as that is what positively drives him to continuing to make strides in his game as he continues to make a name for himself.