When a child is stricken with cancer, a first thought may be that a continued life can only occur in the hospital, but that isn´t correct as there is so much more value to life. There was always that misconception that children, cancer and sports can´t mix, but that is false. The notion that cancer stricken children can´t do sports something that they had always done before isn´t correct, but it is actually possible. Studies have shown that that children continuing to take part is physical activity can have a positive impact in fighting cancer. BASKETBALL AID International Tour, in cooperation with the ISSW and the NCT, supports the sports program at the oncology station for children. BASKETBALL AID International Tour chairmen Hans Beth supports the children’s cancer station at the University Hospital in Mainz and now additionally the children’s oncology station in Heidelberg. Beth believes very strongly that physical activity is very important for children stricken with cancer. BASKETBALL AID have come up with a plan that will allow cancer stricken children to take part in sport activities at a regular basis especially basketball. The sessions will be held by Simon Feisst, who is part of the ISSW (Institute for Sports and sports science).

 

Last August a charity basketball game was held in Heidelberg, Germany organized by the BASKETBALL AID International Tour and the MLP Academics Heidelberg where the BASKETBALL AID allstar basketball team that consisted of many German professional basketball players took on the well known American NCAA team of the Iowa Hawkeyes. 5000 Euro was raised on this night as many of the clubs sponsors helped raise the money as well as entrée fees. On this night there was also a Maik Zirbes Jersey that was auctioned off that had signatures of all the current German national players. BASKETBALL AID International Tour chairman Hans Beth looks back at this event and the continued support as very positive. “„I’m very happy that we have managed to collect 5.000€ to support the sports session for the kids and give them an opportunity get active and play basketball. Maybe for some of them it will be a new hobby and a passion as well.“ Martin Lautenschläger of the MLP Academics was is also thrilled about this new step. “The organization and support for the BASKETBALL AID International Tour has been a heartfelt wish for us. Additionally to the fact that our supporters saw a very competitive game, we are pleased that the money will be used to start such a wonderful project. We will follow this project closely in the future.“  Dr. Joachim Wiskemann, NCT Heidelberg, group „Movement & cancer also looks positively towards the future. “We have started with physical activities back in 2009 at the oncology station for children, back then for patients with bone marrow transplantations. With this donation, we want to focus on children that have completed the therapy and want to get back to their normal, active life.

 

Contacts Chairman BASKETBALL AID International Tour 2017 Hans Beth Mobil 0049 (0) 1467151 234 73 404 Mail hans.beth@hb-basketballcoach.de Skype hans.beth1 Web http://www.hb-basketballcoach.de english: http://hb-basketballcoach.de/en/index.html Managing Director Public Relation Malte Pohl CURUBA Media / Thomas Schaarschmidt Mobil 0049 152 249 03 734 Mobil 0049 172 341 84 69 Mail maltepohl1@googlemail.com Mail thomas@curuba-media.de

 

 

At first glance when you observe 25 year old Dennis Clifford, his 216cm frame stands out with long arms dangling, but he has two positive traits that aren´t necessarily present in everyone, but definitely two things that any person would love to have not only professional basketball players. Besides being a very skilled professional basketball player, the Bridgewater, Mass native has a very good character and also knows how to joke around, but at the same time knows when it´s time to be serious. Before having an illustrious basketball career at the well Known Boston College where he got the fullness of intellectual life while experiencing the big religious tradition the school offers, he got his last year of high school learning at the top prep school Milton Academy 15 minutes outside of Boston where a part of it´s mission statement expressed Embracing diversity and the pursuit of excellence, while creating a community in which individuals develop competence, confidence and character. His character definitely was made in these two places of learning and a big reason why Alba Berlin hauled in the big man as they learned from their roster fluctuations from last season as the team chemistry just didn´t function without having stellar character players. But just because you have a strong character doesn´t mean that you have to refrain from having fun and only thinking about what is proper 24 hours a day. Clifford also knows how to have a sense of humor and might have indirectly picked up on how to tickle a German´s sense of humor when he played at Boston College and was roommates with German national player Patrick Heckmann. He is one of those guys that likes to joke around, but he learned at Boston College that when comparing countries, you shouldn´t mess with Germany and Patrick Heckmann. “Pat Heckman was my roommate in college so we would always talk trash about Germany vs America”, joked Dennis Clifford. On the basketball side, Clifford has already been near the NBA world as last season as a rookie he played with the Santa Cruz Warriors (D-League) playing 38 games averaging 11.9ppg, 8.1rpg, 2.0apg, 1.0bpg, FGP: 59.2%, FT: 64.5%. “My experiences in Santa Cruz were all positive. I was kind of an unknown player when I arrived in Santa Cruz, and my teammates and coaches really helped me develop into the player I am today. I like to believe that I was really close to a NBA call up last year. I heard rumors of almost getting one before my injury”, stressed Dennis Clifford. This season with Alba Berlin the American has been very solid in the BBL and Eurocup being very consistent in both competitions putting up 11/5 stats. The American takes a lot of pride on his defensive game and knows no matter what that will always save a not so bright offensive day. “I have always loved playing defense because no matter if youre having a bad day on offense, you can always play good defense. In the last few years I have added a lot of strength and I think that has helped me a lot with my defense and physicality”, expressed Dennis Clifford. Even if he might not have noticed yet that his fine basketball IQ has already grown due to his new teammate Luke Sikma who has the perfect basketball IQ. “On transition, offense and defense I think I can really help the team by being quick and making good decisions”, added Dennis Clifford. His character will bring him a long way, but one thing is missing from making the next step. “I think I still need to be more of a physical presence on offense and defense in order to get to the next level”, said Dennis Clifford. Even if the NBA doesn´t pan out, he must of got the best of Heckmann on the joke side as he is already growing a love for Germany. “If the NBA doesn´t work out I would love to have a long and prosperous career in Germany”, warned Dennis Clifford.

After the disastrous last season where Alba Berlin finished in sixth place and were manhandled by FC Bayern Munich in the playoffs, it was time for Alba Berlin CEO Marco Baldi to sit down and conduct some serious soul searching . The only bright spot was their offense last season where they averaged 81 points per game. But they really floundered on the defensive end as the once strong defense that coaches like Luca Pavicevic and Sasa Obradovic had prided was nonexistent as they allowed 81 points in the BBL and even worse 91 points in the Eurocup. They also lost a handle under the boards grabbing only a pathetic 27 per game. The first order was bringing discipline back to the club and they brought in Spanish legend Garcia Aito Reneses. Who could forget last summer the first speculations that Denis Wucherer might be the next coach? Instead Garcia Aito Reneses was named and many moaned why him. Now nobody is moaning anymore as Alba Berlin is back on track to living up to it´s proud tradition as the club is playing well again and near the top of the standings. The real basketball experts had their thumbs up because he is a Spanish legend and real basketball teacher. His success speaks for itself as he has won 3 ACB titles and three cups with FC Barcelona as well as 2 Eurcups in the 80´s and 90´s, the Korac cup in 1999 and demonstrated his coaching skill winning the Uleb Cup in 2008 with DKV Joventut Badalona. He also won a silver with the Spanish national team at the 2012 Olympics. He has brought excitement back to the Alba Berlin community after last season´s horrible finish losing 9 of their last 14 and then sinking against FC Bayern Munich. This season he has brought back discipline to the team and a club that has prided it´s self on defense under Pavicevic and Obradovic are back to defending like they know how allowing only 71 points per game third best in the BBL.

It´s no secret that having good team chemistry has to do with getting the right mix of players as well as keeping the correct players. The club didn´t have an easy job as most left from last season, but it held Germans Niels Giffey(last season BBL 8.3ppg, 3.9rpg, 1.4apgEurocup 6.6ppg, 2.4rpg)  Bogdan Radosavljevic(last season  BBL 5.3ppg, 1.9rpg Eurocup 4.7ppg, 2.4rpg) and Akeem Vargas that combined have eight years of service with the team. Giffey ´s stats are a bit down from last season, but is shooting over 50% from outside while Radosavljevic is extremely effective and efficient in the minutes he is getting from the bench. The key player is Peyton Siva who had a solid season last season despite the troubles with the play of the team, but this year is making the next step as he already proved with upping his stats and showing he can lead a team. The three Americans have panned out to be excellent signings as Aito knew Sikma from the ACB who reads a defense as well as Tom Brady does an NFL defense and is averaging four assists a game, Spencer Butterfield is shooting over 50% from outside and Dennis Clifford is bringing stability to the paint. All three are known as super character guys. Aito had Lituanina Marius Grigonis last season and his hot shooting and annoying defense have also paid off. Stefan Peno is the only player that hasn´t panned out, but he is only 20 years old and already showed glimpses of brilliance in the Europcuo with 15 and 12 point games. One can only wonder if Alba Berlin has a second Brendan Rooney as scout?

Basketball fans in Berlin have been living an annoying titleless basketball life since 2008 without a league title and if this season´s team has enough  to win the title is hard to say at this time, but the team has the ability to be way better than last season. So far the club has shown it´s an upgrade from last season. The club has quickly gotten on the same page on defense but had a few accidents against Munich and Bayreuth that resulted in loses, but overall this team has a lot of potential and will continue to heighten their game. They have a lot of scoring power and will continue to improve there as the chemistry continues to build with experience. The rebounding is still a work in progress, but with the experience of Aito something they didn´t have last season on the sidelines, this team should if injuries don´t totally get in the way at least reach the semi finals or even the finals should everything go right. It´s good to have a successful Alba Berlin back so Munich and Bamberg have someone to worry about in the rear view mirror. The team is very talented and the current team chemistry is very scary. The key is a consistent potent Peyton Siva doing his playmaking thing and the three Americans Sikma, Butterfield and Clifford. If these three character guys can stay healthy then they might bring back memories to a certain year 2008 where two other great American character guys Julius Jenkins and Immanuel Mcelroy who had some kind of say in winning the league title. But before they can continue to dream very casually about the league title and cup, they have to take it game by game especially in the BBL, a league that becomes closer and closer competition wise. They first have to get by the Fraport Skyliners this weekend who have been drastically hit by the injury bug. Frankfurt has been playing brilliant considering their seven man roster, but suddenly were hit with three injuries to Jonas Wolfarth-Bottermann, Richard Freudenberg and Shawn Huff last week. The injury bug continued with top scorer Philip Scrubb and center Mike Morrison.  A team reeling for healthy bodies is meeting a power and offensive hungry Alba Berlin who are shooting out the lights as Butterfield, Grigonis, Giffey and Saibou are hitting over 40% from the parking lot. The Fraport Skyliners aren´t where they want to be yet with their consistent defense as it is still a work in progress, but gradually getting better, but now meet a very strong offensive team where their defense will be tested and are undermined while their team chemistry was hit with the injury bug. Frankfurt head coach Gordon Herbert is known for expertise scouting and he will really be tested for his qualities in this game. Every time Frankfurt played against strong teams this season, they have faltered and it most likely will be like that again this season. The Fraport Skyliners will likely suit up half their Pro B team for this encounter.

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Even if the EasyCredit BBL season has been one to forget for the Oettinger Rockets, there most likely have been times when Ekene Ibekwe made the trouble times just a tad easier being able to sprout some of his worldly basketball experiences with his teammates in the quaint city of 46,000 persons. Ebekwe is a 32 year old 207 center that is playing his 11^th season and his basketball resume looks like a fine delicate mess simply with all the places he has discovered and played at in his stellar career. In his 11 year career he has played in 11 countries and laced up his sneakers for 19 different clubs. In Germany he has worn the jersey of five clubs with Artland, Bayreuth, Giessen, Frankfurt and currently with the Oettinger Rockets and last season for the first time played with four teams experiencing highs and lows like no other which has been transported into this season. With so many stations and teams, one can debate if he was even around enough to win titles, but he has racked up his titles over the years starting before he was a professional with Maryland(NCAA) winning the tough ACC tournament in 2004 and collected a Bronze medal at the 2005 African championships. As a professional he has done most damage in France winning the Pro B title in 2008 as a rookie with Besancon Basket Comte Doubs and was Pro A champion last season with Chalon. He also won the 2015 NBL title in Australia with the New Zealand Breakers and has had no problems living the nomadic basketball life. “I just will go there where a team wants me and where I fit in best”, warned Ekene Ibekwe. The Nigerian/American who has played with the Nigerian national team for ages also had very fond memories balling for the African Nation playing at the 2006 World championships and losing to Germany on a Dirk Nowitzki buzzer beater and priceless memories of taking part at the 2012 Olympics in London and 2016 Olympics in Rio where he led the tournament in blocks. His exciting basketball career just continues as he keeps chugging along past the ripe age of 30 as last season he encountered a period of ups and downs that has carried over into this season. Last season he played a total of 55 games in 6 competitions in four countries Czech Republic, Germany, Turkey and France. Even if he moved around as much a Russell Westbrook seemingly does on the court in each game his season ended with a happy experience e. He began in the Czech Republic playing seven games, but the club had a stacked roster and he quickly found himself with the Fraport Skyliners where he played very well averaging .9,3ppg, 4.2rpg, FGP: 65.6%, 3PT: 50.0%, FT: 90.0% in the Basketball Champions League and in the  German BBL 7.9ppg, 4.6rpg, 2FGP: 56.3%, 3FGP: 35.3%, FT: 69.2%. However in Frankfurt he also got lost in the shuffle and then had a very short stay in Turkey with Muratbey Usak Sportlif Basketbol where he didn´t get the desired minutes averaging  5.6ppg, 4.5rpg, 1.5bpg, 2FGP: 50.9%, FT: 52.8% in the Turkish BSL. With spring time having arrived, he was ready to pack up and go home to Los Angeles for the summer, but instead the big man that can hurt you from outside on any given night landed in France with Chalon as they needed an experienced player in their stretch run and playoff hopes. With Chalon he played 15 games averaging 5.2ppg, 3.2rpg, FGP: 51.2%, 3PT: 34.8%, FT: 70.6%. He averaged 15 minutes per game, but was an important player from the bench giving energy on both ends of the floor. He witnessed two very exciting playoffs series beating Paris in four games and overcoming Strasburg in five games to win the Pro A title as he powered 7 points in game five. Even if he could entertain a crowded Lantica Trattoria restaurant in Gotha with his basketball experience and wisdom for an evening, just reliving what had happened last season would have lasted a whole night into the wee hours of the morning. He finished off last season with a high and this season is currently encountering a low as he and the Oettinger Rockets are near the end of the EasyCredit BBL standings in 16^th place as their biggest misfortune has been seemingly unending injuries. Despite the hardships, he is holding his own averaging 13,6ppg, 7,1rpg, 1,0spg and 2,4bpg while shooting 44,4% from outside and leading the league in blocks. He hasn´t lost his touch and is just as good as a player as when he was 25 or 26 years old. He has done the best he could and continues to prove that he can fit in anyway and takes losing like a professional. He may not win a title this year, but just being able to produce a wonder and somehow keep the Oettinger Rockets in the EasyCredit BBL for another season will be like winning a title.

The goals and expectations with the Oettinger Rockets have been huge for years as their rise from Regionalliga also has been huge. In 2009, they were still playing in the Regionalliga until they moved up to the Pro B in 2010 and in only two short seasons won the Pro B crown in 2012 and moved to the Pro A. They reached the Pro A playoffs in their second season and in their sixth season got to the EasyCredit BBL. A lot of the success and growth of the club had to do with the successful management of Wolgang Heyder who had been successful in Bamberg and had a new vision with Gotha. Also the coaching duo of Chris Ensminger and Steve Esterkamp was key, but they were unable to fullend their goal of the BBL as they were dismissed last season in a down period last where they weren´t winning and in a way were unjustly left out in the cold to freeze losing their jobs. Gotha finished the season with Ivan Pavic. They gave their fans an unforgettable playoff run beating Crailsheim in four and then doing the unexpected somehow overcoming Chemnitz winning three do or die games in a row as they had been down 2-0 early and won the last three games by a combined total of not more than 11 points.

            The Oettinger Rockets came into their inaugural BBL season going with a very risky plan by Wolfgang Heyder where he put a big focus on developing Germans, but as the summer wore on less and less imports were signed which got many to think how this club would survive a BBL season and not return back to the Pro A. A big problem is that the club brought in unproven Germans like Johannes Richter(7,0ppg, 4,0rpg) and Andreas Obst(11,3ppg, 2,4rpg, 1,3apg 49% from outside), but were very hungry to develop further and prove to their ex clubs that they have the talent to become very good BBL players. Both have had a good start and their confidence will carry them to good seasons. Robert Oehle(4,3ppg, 2,4rpg) is an experienced BBL player, but a player that would need to take a lot more responsibility here then he would anywhere else and putting up consistent solid stats with Gotha is rather unrealistic. The ex Bamberg players Daniel Schmidt(6,3ppg, 1,1rpg, 3,5apg) and Dino Dizdarevic(4,4ppg, 1,4rpg) are talented guys yearning for a chance and getting it, but also unproven that also need to take responsibility. All have shown flashes this season, but being consistent is a goal that is seemingly impossible for these players to be able to accomplish. On top of needing production from their Germans, Gotha has been hit with a massive injury bug as planned key players Dane Watts and Sava Lesic were lost to injuries putting a dent into their team chemistry. It also didn´t help the club that main club sponsor decided to turn off the clash flow fountain. The club has some talented Imports. Ekene Ibekwe is the leader and keeping Darrell Mitchell(6,0ppg, 3,5rpg) was a plus as his experience having played in the top leagues like France and Turkey has shown in the BBL as he has needed no time to adjust. Belgium national player Retin Obasohin also has done a fine job taking responsibility in his second season after coming from Scandone Avellino (Italy-Serie A) is taking the scoring load for Gotha averaging 14,5ppg, 4,6rpg and 3,4apg. Another bright spot has been Serban Nemanja Jaramaz(12,3ppg, 3,3rpg, 2,8apg, 42,9% from outside) who also adds Euroleague/VTB experience. But the club didn´t extend his short term contract as he moved to the Basketball Lowen Braunschweig.

At first glance on paper the Oettinger Rockets might seem like a team not deep enough for generating sufficient scoring power, but they are averaging a surprising 82 points per game and can light up teams on any night as they have scored 80 points four times, but there biggest problem is defense as they give up 89 points on average. They have allowed 90 points or more four times and even if they did win their last game against Tuebingen 90-83, there seems to be no cure for their defensive woes. They are also the worst rebounding team in the league getting only 25 rebounds per game. Granted the loss of Sava Lesic and Dane Watts has put a void into their rebounding core, but still they have big bodies with Richter, Ibekwe and Ohle that just need to be more physical and show more presence in the paint as well as the guards who need to help out more. Gotha isn´t a bad team as they have talent and can score on any night, but they simply need more effort and heart on the defensive end. If they could find some kind of chemistry on the defensive end then there might be some hope in saving their season, but at the moment they have some fortune and breathing room as seemingly way better stocked teams like Tuebingen and Bremerhaven are underachieving and worse than the Oettinger Rocekts. However the Oettinger Rockets are still one of the main favorites to move down. It is only a matter of time before Bremerhaven finds a groove and Tuebingen has the talent, but need the right coach now to save them. This coming weekend surprise team Fraport Skyliners come to Gotha with the sixth best defense in the league. Frankfurt have prided themselves on always defending well for 40 minutes as their defense hasn´t peaked yet and maybe Gotha should take some notes how well Frankfurt communicate, switch and clog the paint area to make life very uncomfortable for their opponents. The Fraport Skyliners have a slim rotation, but Niklas is back, but still needs time to  adjust after his concussion that kept him out for six weeks. Both teams will be rested after the World Cup qualifying period and have the needed energy for a 40 minute battle. But the Fraport Skyliners will grind it out on the road without problems as Philip Scrubb will be very motivated to get back on the winning track as he and Canada were upset by the Dominican Republic earlier in the week and with their combination of aggressive defense and well molded offense that continues to get better over time.

Will Thomas is a 31 year old 203 cm forward from Baltimore, Maryland playing his 10^th professional season and second with Valencia Basket (Spain-ACB). Last season with Valencia he won the ACB title and averaged 6.7ppg, 4.3rpg, FGP: 57.5%, 3PT: 39.8%, FT: 92.3%. In the Eurocup, he played 23 games averaging 6.3ppg, 4.4rpg, FGP: 56.3%, 3PT: 23.9%, FT: 65.6%. He started his professional basketball career in 2008 with Belgacom Liege Basket (Belgium-D1) and on the Belgium Super Cup in 2009. He then played with Ostende and in the 2011-2012 season played with Army Sport Klub Tbilisi (Georgia-Superleague) with the Georgian league title in 2012. He then played the next two seasons with Pinar Karsiyaka SK Izmir (Turkey-TBL) and with Sidigas Avellino (Italy-SerieA). In 2014 after 6 professional seasons and at the age  of 28 finally made the jump to the Spanish ACB playing two seasons for Unicaja Malaga (Spain-ACB). He played at George Mason from 2004-2008 playing a total of 131 NCAA games reaching the NCAA Final 4 in 2006. As a senior he played 34 games averaging 16.1ppg, 10.4rpg, 2.0apg, FGP: 64.2%, FT: 67.2%.  Finished career ranked 1st all-time at Mason in games played (131), games started (118) and minutes played (4,144). Also ranks 1st all-time at Mason in field-goal percentage (.616) and 3rd all-time in the CAA as well as 3rd all-time in rebounding (993) and 6th all-time20in the CAA. He spoke to German Hoops before the Euroleague game against Brose Bamberg in Bamberg.

 

 

 

 

 

Will thanks for talking to German Hoops. Welcome back to Germany. In your long career you have played against German teams 15 times scoring in double figures in 8 of 15 games. Could you guess what your record is vs German teams?

 

 

It might be negative.

 

 

 

It is 8/7. Your over 500. What are your fondest memories of playing German teams? Possibly sweeping Alba Berlin last season in Europe Cup or BG Goettingen in the 2011-2012 Eurochallenge?

 

 

 

I remember that German teams have always been really good over the years. All the teams are always competitive and they play really well.

 

 

You are back in Bamberg. You split with them in the 15-16 Euroleague season. With Unicaja Malaga (Spain ACB). With what kind of feelings are you returning back to Bamberg and what memories do you have of then?

 

I remember the games against Bamberg as always being very tough. The atmosphere in Bamberg is great and their fans are unbelievable.

 

 

 

What do you know in general about the country Germany and it´s basketball? You played three years in Belgium early in your career. Did you ever come to visit and do you have friends playing here?

 

 

I had one friend who played in Germany years ago with Folaran Campbell. We were teammates at George Mason. When I was playing at Liege early in my career, I was in Germany almost every weekend in Cologne or Duesseldorf.

 

 

Your playing your second season for Valencia Basket (Spain ACB) and won your third professional title last season with the ACB title. What stood out most for you in being able to win this title?

 

Winning that title meant everything to me. Winning the ACB would mean a lot to any player. It is good for the resume and just stands out.

 

 

 

Does the club feel a lot of pressure defending the ACB title and having a good Euroleague season?

 

 

We plan on having a very good season in the ACB. We also plan on competing every night in the Euroleague and trying our best to win. We have new players and a new coach and we plan on taking it one game at a time.

 

 

 

 

Your playing with very many talented and experienced players that are stacked up front. What kind of role do you have and is it any different from last season?

 

 

 

My role isn´t any different from last season. I am doing what I have been doing my whole career which is rebounding, playing defense, bringing energy and scoring when I can. I want to continue to be a good teammate and help lead with my experience.

 

 

How thankful are you to be playing Euroleague again? Do you appreciate it more simply because you played your first game in your seventh season at age 28?

 

I am very thankful to be playing Euroleague again and am very grateful. When you look over Europe at how many players there are and there are only 16 Euroleague teams, you notice that only a select can play Euroleague. I am happy I can show my talent against the best.

 

You have been a consistent scorer and rebounder your whole professional career. If you had to compare your game to an NBA player to who would you pick?

 

I don´t know. I wouldn´t compare myself to anyone. When I was young, I was trying to be Michael Jordan, but that didn´t work out too well.

 

 

What kind of experience has it been playing with the talented veteran Bojan Dubljevic. How do you feel have you both profited from each other on and off the court?

 

I think that we compliment each other very well. He can space the floor like a stretch four and be a tough guy in the post. I do sort of the same. We bring a certain toughness to the front court that helps us win.

 

 

After six seasons as a professional having played in Belgium, Georgia and Turkey, you reached the ACB in 2014 joining Malaga. Do you feel like you developed later than others or did people just recognize your talent later?

 

It really depends on being on the right teams and getting the right exposure. Early in my career I played in Belgium and Georgia that weren´t top leagues, so top teams didn´t see you play. When you are playing in leagues that have less exposure, it´s hard to move up. You have to play Euroleague and Eurocup for top teams to see you play. Euroleague teams want experienced players. I had to wait my turn to reach the Euroleague.

 

 

You had some very good Euroleague games, but was your 20 point game win against Maccabii Tel Aviv one of your most memorable games?

 

I remember that game in Malaga. I got in the zone and there was nothing that they could do about it. It was a very nice memory.

 

 

You played two seasons with Mindaugas Kuzminskas who reached the NBA last season. Did you have a feeling in your two seasons with Malaga that he could make it there?

 

Yes I did for sure. He was still young then and was very talented. He might not have shown his talent as much in Europe, but he had a game that he could use in the NBA. There was more space and 1-1 opportunities in the NBA which suited his game. It didn´t surprise me when he signed in the NBA.

 

 

After playing in Belgium, Georgia and Turkey, you moved to Sidigas Avellino (Italy-SerieA) in the 2013-2014 season playing 30 games averaging 15.3ppg, 7.4rpg, 1.3apg, 1.0spg, FGP: 58.5%, 3PT: 41.5%, FT: 70.7%. Do you feel this was your real breakthrough season in a real top league?

 

I never have looked at it like that, but I guess it was. That got me to where I am today. Italy was considered one of the top leagues then and I worked myself up and showed what I could do. Some NBA Summer league teams took notice of me then as did top teams in Europe.

 

 

In the 2012-2013 season you played with Pinar Karsiyaka SK Izmir (Turkey-TBL) playing 30 games averaging 11.2ppg, 4.8rpg, 1.2apg, FGP: 56.7%, 3PT: 19.0%, FT: 67.5%; In the EuroChallenge, you played 17 games averaging 14.3ppg, 7.4rpg, 1.8apg, FGP: 58.3%, 3PT: 26.1%, FT: 72.2%. What memories do you have playing in Turkey in a league that was slowly developing into one of the top 5 in Europe?

 

 

I really didn´t know what to expect when I came to Turkey, but after a few months I really could see how competitive the league was. The style was slower than other places, but there were good players there, the league was well organized and was good coaching. Every game was a battle there. You had to play very well 90% of the season to make the playoffs. I knew then that Turkey would become a top league in a short time.

 

In the 2011-2012 season you played with Army Sport Klub Tbilisi (Georgia-Superleague) winning the league title playing 6 EuroChallenge games averaging 15.0ppg, 11.3rpg, 1.5apg, 1.5spg, FGP: 50.7%, 3PT: 21.4%, FT: 68.4%; In the Georgian League, you played 25 games averaging 16.5ppg, 7.4rpg, 1.9apg, FGP: 60.4%, 3PT: 27.6%, FT: 71.4%. How much of a privilege was it playing briefly with NBA player Sundiate Gaines who was there because of the NBA lockout?

 

He was a really good point guard. He really understood the game and knew how to get everyone involved in the offense and played very good defense. He wasn´t there long, but he helped me get off to a good start.

 

 

You played in Belgium with Ostende and in Spain with Malaga with American power forward Caleb Green. How vital was his presence for your game over the years?

 

He was a great guy and great teammate. We played against each other in Belgium and Italy and were teammates in Belgium and Spain. We played the same position and there was a mutual respect for each other. We battled each day against each other in practice. We made each other better and we also played together at the same time on the court an we played well together, because we knew each other so well from our daily battles in practice.

 

 

 

 

You played your first two seasons with Belgacom Liege Basket (Belgium-D1). What was your wake up call to being a rookie in Europe where you knew that you were very far away from home in Baltimore?

 

 

I had a lot of them, but they were off the court. On the court basketball is basketball. You shoot, pass and run up and down the court. The basketball part wasn´t much of an adjustment. Off the court, I had to learn to adjust to everything. I had to learn how to cook and drive a stick. In college you were never far from home so if you needed something from home your parents would bring it. It was also tough talking to people on the phone, but not seeing them for 3-4 months.

 

 

You have won three professional titles, but how special was winning the 2009 Supercup with Belgacom Liege Basket (Belgium-D1). What memories do you have of it?

 

 

 

That was so early in my career. I didn´t know at that point how important the cup competition is in Europe. No one expected us to win. We were a very young team and we beat the defending champs. It was great starting the season like that winning a title. Our season then really took off for us.

 

 

After playing at George Mason(NCAA) you took part at the Portsmouth Invitational Tournament (Pre-NBA Draft): averaging 17.0ppg, 7.3rpg, 1.7apg, FGP: 64.7%, FT: 58.3%. You also played with the Washington Wizards NBA Summer league team. Are you disappointed that after your good showing at the Portsmouth Invitational Tournament that you didn´t get more of a look from NBA teams?

 

I came out of college undersized. There was little interest. But then I had a good showing at the Portsmouth Invitational tournament. I showed there that I had a lot of talent. I got interest from European teams and some from Asia. I had no agent at that time. I remember that if you had one good game, then there would be hundreds of agents wanting to talk to you after the game with each one flinging their business card at you. It was crazy. I tried out for the Washington Wizards Summer League team, but got cut after 4-5 days.

 

 

 

You played at George Mason(NCAA) from 2004-2008. You reached the NCAA final 4 in 2006. What made the run so special? The club had no future NBA players, but how vital were Tony Skinn and Folaran Campbell?

 

 

We had a great run in 2006 at the tournament. No one expected to go that far. We just went out and had fun. We lost in the Final 4 to Florida who would win it all. It was a very tough game. I remember playing in Indianapolis in front of 65,000-70,000 people. I had never played in front of so many people. I´ll never forget that.

 

 

 

How did head coach Jim Larranaga groom and prepare you best for a professional basketball career?

 

 

He didn´t really prepare me for a professional career. I think that if you never experienced how it is in Europe then you can´t really prepare someone for it. Coach prepared me for college to be the best that I could be. He knew I was smart enough to learn to become a professional player.

 

 

Who won a one on one in practice you or Darryl Monroe?

 

We never played then. I would win today. I would kill him.

 

Who was the toughest player that you battled in the NCAA that is in the NBA now?

 

 

I would say Michael Beasley. He was a very tough guard. He had an NBA game already in college. He could do it all. There was a reason why he was the #2 overall pick in the NBA draft.

 

 

 

If you had to construct your own NBA Rushmore which 4 heads would you chose?

 

 

Michael Jordan, Magic Johnson, Larry Bird, Lebron James

 

 

 

 

Lebron James failed to win his fourth NBA title and is still three away from Michael Jordan. Where does Lebron stand right now in your opinion in the never ending debate of who is the best of all-time?

 

 

 

 

Jordan is the best. He is the best because of the way he always was able to perform in the moment. Lebron shrunk too much in the moment.

 

There has been criticism of Russell Westbrook to be focusing more on rebounding to help inflate his stats and possibilities of getting triple doubles instead of focusing on his defensive assignments. Do you feel that this is a fair assessment to the player Russell Westbrook?

 

 

 

I believe it´s not a fair assessment of the player Russell Westbrook. He always tries to do the most for his team to win.

 

 

 

How do you summarize the 2017 NBA Draft. What sleepers do you see playing a role in the NBA?

 

I like Jayson Tatum and Kyle Kuzma

 

 

 

 

Where will the journey of the Houston Rockets go this season with Chris Paul and James Harden in the back court. Do they have enough to make a serious run at the title or is something missing?

 

 

 

I don´t think so. They have pretty much the same team from last season adding Chris Paul. Nobody can beat the Golden State Warriors.

 

How do you rate the Kyrie Irving-Isaiah Thomas trade? Who got the better deal and which team will profit better in the long run?

 

Right now the Celtics. I think that the Cavs will turn it on at some point of the season. The Cavs won´t win the NBA title, but beat the Celtics in the Eastern Conference title.

 

 

 

Where will the journey of the Oklahoma Thunder go this season with Westbrook, George and Anthony? Can they make a serious run in the west?

 

 

 

They can´t get past the Golden State Warriors. None of the stars on that team have been in a final except Westbrook.

 

 

 

 

What was the last movie that you saw?

 

John Wick 2.

 

Thanks Will for the chat.

 

 

 

 

Erick Green is a 26 year old 190cm guard from Virginia that is playing his fifth professional season and first in Spain with Valencia Basket (Spain-ACB). Last season he played with Olympiacos S.F.P. Pireus (Greece-A!) playing 31 games averaging 9.4ppg, 2.2rpg, 1.5apg, FGP: 40.0%, 3PT-2(47.3%), FT: 76.7%; In the Euroleague, he played 36 games averaging 9.9ppg, 1.9rpg, FGP: 47.1%, 3PT: 40.0%, FT: 81.7%. He was drafted by the Utah Jazz in 2013 at #46 in the second round and played as a rookie with  Montepaschi Siena (Italy-SerieA) playing 45 games averaging 10.8ppg, 1.5rpg, 1.1apg, FGP: 56.4%, 3PT: 34.0%, FT: 83.3%. In the Euroleague he played 10 games averaging 11.1ppg, 1.7rpg, 1.0apg, FGP: 46.5%, 3PT: 33.3%, FT: 69.2%; In the Eurocup, he played 6 games averaging 11.2ppg, 2.0rpg, 1.8apg, 1.3spg, FGP: 51.1%, 3PT: 25.0%, FT: 70.0%. In the 2014-2015 season he played with the Fort Wayne Mad Ants (D-League playing  2 games averaging 21.0ppg, 2.5rpg, 3.0apg, 2.0spg, and the Denver Nuggets (NBA) playing 42 games averaging 3.5ppg. In the 2015-2016 season he played with the Denver Nuggets (NBA) playing 3 games, the Reno Bighorns (D-League) playing 44 games: Score-3(26.5ppg), 4.4rpg, 3.9apg, 1.3spg, FGP: 57.2%, 3PT: 43.6%, FT: 85.5%, in Feb.’16 moved back to Utah Jazz (NBA) playing 6 games averaging 2.2ppg. He played at Virginia Tech(NCAA) from 2009-2013 playing a total of 128 games and as a senior led the NCAA in scoring with 25.0ppg, 3.9rpg, 3.8apg, 1.3spg, FGP: 50.7%, 3PT: 39.3%, FT: 81.7%. He spoke to German Hoops before the Euroleague game against Brose Bamberg in Bamberg.

 

 

 

 

Erick thanks for talking to German Hoops. Welcome back to Germany. You split last season with Brose Bamberg in Euroleague. With what kind of feeling are you coming back to Bamberg?

 

 

It is a good feeling coming back to Bamberg. It will be a tough game. They have another good team this year. They have a good crowd and nice atmosphere in the arena.

 

 

Overall you have a positive 3-1 Euroleague record against German teams. In your rookie season with  Montepaschi Siena (Italy-SerieA) you swept FC Bayern Munich. What memories do you have overall playing against Germans teams?

 

 

I don´t remember too much to be honest except for playing against my ex teammate Malcolm Delaney. I am really happy that he got a chance to play in the NBA after that

 

 

 

You have played in Italy, NBA, G-League, Greece and now in Spain with Valenica. What do you know in general about the country Germany and it´s basketball? Do you have any friends playing here?

 

 

I have a friend playing in Germany with Daniel Hackett of Bamberg. I have known him for four years. Other than that I don´t know too much about Germany.

 

 

Valencia Basket are the ACB defending champions and have started off well in both competitions ACB and Euroleague. You have the two big powerhouses Real Madrid and FC Barcelona and many other title candidates. The team has kept a healthy core of players from last season and added some new pieces. How confident is the team after this start that it could repeat?

 

 

I think that we are confident at the moment and also know that we will be competing against the two tough keepers Real Madrid and FC Barcelona. But we have another great team and coaching staff and if we continue to improve as the season goes on, then I believe that we will have good chances to repeat.

 

How inspiring has it been playing with 35 year old veteran and heart and soul of Valencia with Rafael Martinez who is in his tenth season with the team and won two Eurocup´s. How vital is he for the success and what have you tried to soak up from his game?

 

 

He isn´t only a great leader, but a great guy. He has been helping me a lot pushing me and giving me a lot of confidence. He keeps continuing to stress for me to score and make plays. He is so valuable for me and a great captain.

 

 

Two seasons ago, you were in the Utah Jazz organization and played one game with German Tibor Pleiss. How has his game progressed since that time and what added dimension does he give the team?

 

 

Tibor has gotten so much better since being with the Utah Jazz. He has such a great touch and can finish with his left or right hand. He has a nice mid range shot that spreads the floor and is that seven footer and important presence inside that every team could use. He continues to get better and better. I feel he didn´t get a fair opportunity with Utah. He was in the right place at the wrong time. So many guys can play in the NBA, but so can he. I am sure that he will get another chance. He is an NBA player.

 

 

Let´s talk about your game. You a scoring combo guard. What is your role this season with Valencia Basket and is it different from last season in Greece?

 

 

My role this season is to score and be that player that they didn´t have last season. They want me to be that go to guy that will finish well 1-1. Last season in Greece we were stacked with a lot of talent and there were many great players. It was tough playing behind Vasilios Spanoulis, but I didn´t pout, but learned as much as I could from him. He was a great leader and guy.

 

 

 

 

You have been a scorer all your career, but if you had to compare your game to an NBA player who would you choose?

 

I would compare myself to Lou Williams. We have something in common in that we can both score and are great 1-1 players. We both know how to get buckets. You can watch him and see him having four points and before you know he will have 20 points. It is crazy how fast he can fill the stat sheet.

 

 

Your also a guy that can fill the stat sheet, but what do you feel is a hidden strength in your game that doesn´t get noticed right away on the court?

 

My ability to create. I think that I can be a really good passer when I am aggressive.

 

 

After two seasons in the NBA, you returned back last season to Europe and played with Olympiacos S.F.P. Pireus. There you played with Greek legend Vasilios Spanoulis who has won 12 Greek titles, three Euroleague titles and numerous medals for his country. Do you feel like some of winning genes and leadership rubbed off on you last season that will help you lead Valencia to tiles?

 

Yes I think so. He is a winner. He doesn´t care about how many points he gets, but just wants to win. At the end of the day that is what it´s all about. I learned so much from him, but one thing really stuck. He told me that I can do so much on the court especially score and that it is important to pick and choose carefully. In Europe it´s not all about scoring, but picking and choosing on the court. You also have to know how to find your teammates. He also told me “Don´t chase the money just play well and good things will happen to you”. There are too many guys in Europe thinking too much about the money. I learned so much from him and he told so many interesting stories

 

You played parts of two seasons in the NBA with Denver and Utah. When you look back at this time, what did you learn to appreciate most about the whole experience?

 

It was a great experience. I played behind some very experienced and older point guards like Jameer Nelson, Ty Lawson and Nate Robinson. Most important was that I learned great work ethic from these guys. These guys were all around and over 30 years of age, but their work ethic was incredible. A Nelson was already in the gym at 8:30 in the morning when we had a practice at 11am.and he already had a full out sweat when I got there. I was 23 years old and this kind of work ethic made me get my butt in the gym seeing that an older guy was putting in the work.

 

 

In the 2014-2015 season you played 42 games with the Denver Nuggets and on the last game scored 17 points and dished out seven assists in a loss against Golden State. Is this one of those games that stick in your mind knowing you held your own with some of the best players in the world with Curry, Thompson and Green?

 

 

100% yes. I had the chance to showcase my abilities and a game like this gave me confidence that I could play with the best. My goal continues to try to get back to the NBA. I hope my dream of the NBA will come through again.

 

When you look back at that season with Denver do you feel like you could have done anything differently that would have earned you more minutes or were you content with your stay?

 

 

I would never say that I was content, but it´s hard to get minutes when you are the third string point guard. It was difficult to really be able to show what I could do. In the games where I did get a chance to show what I can do, I felt I did well for the minutes that I received.

 

 

This is your second season back in Europe and you last played NBA Summer League in 2015.Have you pretty much ended the NBA chapter or do you feel with more Euroleague experience you could make it back to the NBA soon? I think your ex teammate Malcolm Delaney is a great example of a guy reaching the NBA after some years in Europe.

 

Yes that dream never closes. My goal is to get back to the NBA and I really do hope that I will get another chance. I feel that where I am now is the best route in trying to get back to the NBA. I have the chance to prove and play well at the ACB and Euroleague level where NBA scouts are always present. Last year there was something like 5 Euroleague players that went to the NBA.

 

As a rookie you played for  Montepaschi Siena (Italy-SerieA): 45 games: 10.8ppg, 1.5rpg, 1.1apg, FGP: 56.4%, 3PT: 34.0%, FT: 83.3%; Euroleague: 10 games: 11.1ppg, 1.7rpg, 1.0apg, FGP: 46.5%, 3PT: 33.3%, FT: 69.2%; Eurocup: 6 games: 11.2ppg, 2.0rpg, 1.8apg, 1.3spg, FGP: 51.1%, 3PT: 25.0%, FT: 70.0%. What was your wake up call to being a rookie in Europe where you knew that you were very far away from home in Virginia

 

I had quite a few wake up calls. I was thousands of miles away from the states and it´s tough for a young guy coming out of college to come to Europe. At Virginia Tech, I was three hours from home, but in Italy I was 9-10 hours away by plane and my family only visited twice a year. There were some times where I thought about going back home. It was difficult being in a small city and getting used to the language barrier. All in all, Italy was great. Siena was a beautiful city and I am happy that I didn´t walk away and go home. In Italy I matured and became a better player.

 

 

 

How important was it having many Americans on the team that helped you make the adjustment easier? Was there a particular guy that you felt you profited most? You had teammates like Marquez Haynes, Josh Carter, Spencer Nelson, Matt Janning and Othello Hunter?

 

 

 

All of them. They are all great people and I still have great relationships with them today. We are all in a group chat and keep in touch. They showed me how to play in Europe and without them, I don´t really know if I would have survived.

 

 

 

You played at Virginia Tech from 2009-2013. How tough was it your senior year being the best scorer in the nation, but the team playing below 500. Despite playing so much did you ask your self at times if you could have been doing more?

 

Yes for sure. I remember my parents saying what you scored only 25 points? You have to be getting 30 points to help your team win. It was cool getting all the honors and winning the scoring title, but in the end I never made the NCAA tournament in my four years there. That really got to me having to hear my friends talking about their experiences in the NCAA tournament.

 

 

After struggling your freshman year at Virginia Tech, you became a gym rat and your game rose after that from season to season. Even after leading the nation in scoring as a senior, have you continued to practice that same focused work ethic now in the pro´s?

 

Yes for sure. Work ethic is what got me to where I am today. I have had this type of work ethic my whole career. I love being in the gym. I love seeing how my game improves. I strive to get better every summer and then keep improving during the season. I want to continue to improve each year.

 

 

You didn´t have much to cheer about in your senior season concerning wins, but was the 66-65 win against Wake Forest where you led all scorers with 22 points one of your most memorable wins as a senior?

 

 

That was a nice memory, but the best memory was beating Oklahoma State when Marcus Smart of the Boston Celtics was on the team.

 

 

 

In the 2012-2013 season Adam Smith was with the team, but couldn´t play, but he practiced daily with the team. What memories do you have of your battles on the court?

 

 

Adam is a great player, shooter and guy. When he came to Virginia Tech(NCAA), he didn´t expect the level of the ACC to be so high. He was also a gym rat like me and worked his tail off in his time at Virginia Tech. Seeing how he improved was great and he had a heck of a career there.

 

 

 

 

How did head coaches Seth Greenberg and James Johnson help groom and prepare you best for s professional career?

 

 

Seth Greenberg was a great coach. He was my first coach for the first three years and was very demanding. I remember when I came in as a freshman in open gym and him telling me that he thought I would be an NBA player. He stayed on me the whole three years and demanded a lot from me. Johnson was the assistant coach in my first three years and became head coach in my senior year. I had known him since I had been 15 years old and he always had recruited me wherever I went. He was a big role model for me and was like a father figure.

 

 

 

Who won a one on one in practice you or Malcolm Delaney?

 

 

He got some of the best of me as I was a freshman. He is a very good player and taught me a few things. In my second year I did some work on him though. I always thought that he would get drafted. In one on one you saw two great scorers going against each other. It would be fun going against him today.

 

 

 

 

Who was the toughest player that you battled in the NCAA that is in the NBA now?

 

 

I would say the toughest guy I faced was Grevis Vazquez. He gave us 40 points. That was one of the best performances that I ever saw in the NCAA. I have had the chance to play against Kyrie Irving in high school and other guys like Kevin Durant and Brandon Jennings in the summertime.

 

 

 

If you had to construct your own NBA Rushmore which 4 heads would you chose?

 

Michael Jordan, Lebron James, Kobe Bryant, Shaq

 

 

 

 

 

Lebron James failed to win his fourth NBA title and is still three away from Michael Jordan. Where does Lebron stand right now in your opinion in the never ending debate of who is the best of all-time?

 

 

 

When looking at rings it´s Jordan, but when you look at the player it´s Lebron. He is so dominant and a player that we haven´t seen before. I saw Jordan play at the end of his time, but in my era Lebron is the most dominant.

 

 

There has been criticism of Russell Westbrook to be focusing more on rebounding to help inflate his stats and possibilities of getting triple doubles instead of focusing on his defensive assignments. Do you feel that this is a fair assessment to the player Russell Westbrook?

 

 

 

Westbrook is one of my favorite players. I don´t think that it is a fair assessment to him. It was crazy to average triple double stats. He helped lead the team to the playoffs without Kevin Durant. He has the most edge of any player. He goes 100 miles and tries to kill you when he has the ball.

 

 

How do you summarize the 2017 NBA Draft. What sleepers do you see playing a role in the NBA?

 

 

My two NBA rookie of the year candidates are Ben Simmons who can change a game and Dennis Smith Jr.

 

 

 

Where will the journey of the Houston Rockets go this season with Chris Paul and James Harden in the back court. Do they have enough to make a serious run at the title or is something missing?

 

 

They can make a good run, but Golden State will be too strong for them.

 

 

 

How do you rate the Kyrie Irving-Isaiah Thomas trade? Who got the better deal and which team will profit better in the long run?

 

 

Boston got the better deal. The deal shows just how much Boston was willing to give up for Irving. Lebron probably has 2-3 more good years, but Boston is young and if they stay together will be very scary in a few years.

 

 

 

Where will the journey of the Oklahoma Thunder go this season with Westbrook, George and Anthony? Can they make a serious run in the west?

 

I think they could. They are losing at the moment, but they will be clicking soon. They are missing a bench, but will be scary. They could give Golden State a run, but won´t have enough in a series against them.

 

 

 

 

 

What was the last movie that you saw?

 

It. It´s a clown horror movie.

 

Thanks Erick for the chat.

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

On a cold Saturday afternoon in Mid November or better described at midday when it´s a BBL game day, you will find most Fraport Skyliners going through their regular game day routines with finishing with the pre game shoot around and if you’re a Quantez Robertson possibly getting a last short sweat in the weight room as that freak athlete is still in top shape at 33 and then spending some quality time with his kids before it means taking the short 10 minute ride to the Fraport arena for the 6:00pm battle against ratiopharm Ulm. However if your a Philip Scrubb you most likely will be in his second living room the BCM watching a Pro B game or a NBBL game as he is one of the most faithful Skyliners that follows and watches the lower teams of the Fraport Skyliners. In the NBBL(U-19) league you don´t have the usual luxury that professional players have of spending the whole day preparing mentally for the evening clash against a formidable opponent, but more often than not have to get on the floor at 12 or 1 in the afternoon which presents totally different kinds of pre game preparation than would a professional player who plays the bulk of their games in the evening. The 3-2 Eintracht Frankfurt/Fraport Skyliners had a midday tip off against the 3-1 TSV Bayer 04 Leverkusen who came into the game with a solid 3-1 record and were giving up only 48 points per game. The Frankfurt side went into the season having lost their big 3 from last season with Isaac Bonga who could still play, but is concentrating only on the EasyCredit BBL as well as Konstantin Schubert and Cosmo Gruehn who were too old. The Frankfurt team now had to rely on other pieces like Niklas Pons and Maxi Begue who have to take over the heart and soul role of the club. Against the Leverkusen team, it looked for a long time like Eintracht Frankfurt/Fraport Skyliners would leave the court as the losers, but they never gave up as a furious first half-second half comeback rewarded them with a hard fought victory and the guests from Leverkusen like the unfortunate losers who seemingly gave the game away. After the win, Frankfurt head coach Miran Cumurija looked content, but also knew that he had some luck on his side, but his defensive adjustment in the second half proved to be the correct decision. “We played our standard big man defense in the first half, but in the second half we changed it and played more switching which gave them problems. We also fought the whole game and played with heart which factored in the win”, stressed Eintracht Frankfurt/Fraport Skyliners head coach Miran Cumurija. On the other side, Leverkusen head coach Hansi Gnad was disappointed of having let the game fall out of their hands in the second half. “We gave up a big lead. They played more physical and we couldn´t adjust to that. We have two very big players, but we couldn´t get the ball inside on a regular basis. Frankfurt did a good job taking that away from us”, stressed Leverkusen head coach Hansi Gnad.

A few minutes before the game started Leverkusen head coach Hansi Gnad took a short break form reviewing his game plan and actually looked like he could moonlight as a sewing specialist as he put together a jersey with number for 18 year old 191cm guard Jan Philipp Merkens who had forgotten his jersey. The first quarter had two stories as both teams played at eye level in the first five minutes, but down the stretch run, Leverkusen made a run and had the comfortable 24-13 lead after 10 minutes. Leverkusen started off hot as 17 year old small forward Lasse Branding got a pair of buckets already putting Eintracht Frankfurt/Fraport Skyliners early on their heels and having to be in comeback mode. Eintracht Frankfurt/Fraport Skyliners got big production from ex TV Langen guard Niklas Pons who found his stroke early hitting two three´s and tying the score at 8-8. But then all of a sudden their stellar defense that was giving up only 48 points per game and had a very functional zone began to halt Eintracht Frankfurt/Fraport Skyliners on offense and in their offense climbed out on a 12-2 run to take the commanding 20-10 lead. The Leverkusen defense also sparked their offense getting two easy transition baskets from 17 year old 200cm Maximillian Marcus and 17 year old 185cm point guard Simon Muller-Landsvik from Norway. Then came the unbelievable three point shooting clinic from 18 year old 185cm guard Leutrim Ebiballari who entered the game averaging only 4,3ppg and was shooting 16,7% from outside suddenly had 8 points on his basketball account nailing two trey´s and making free throws and totally shocking the BCM gym. That wasn´t enough as he stroked home a third for good measure as did Eintracht Frankfurt/Fraport Skyliners guard Leon Pullen. At the end of 10 minutes Ebiballari had 11 points and was leading the game in scoring as Leverkusen led 24-13. “We had a bad start and then the Leverkusen big run hurt us”, stressed Eintracht Frankfurt/Fraport Skyliners guard Niklas Pons. TSV Bayer 04 Leverkusen was shooting 57% from the field and 50% from outside while Eintracht Frankfurt/Fraport Skyliners was shooting 33% from the field and outside. Leverkusen had the 9-5 rebound lead and five turnovers while Frankfurt had seven turnovers.

The second quarter also looked like a tale of two quarters as Leverkusen continued to extend their lead to huge proportions leading by as much as 21 points, but a much needed 11-0 run in the second part of the quarter not only brought Eintracht Frankfurt/Fraport Skyliners back into the game, but also was the start of their massive comeback that would go until the end of the game. Leverkusen started the second quarter with a bang going on a 8-0 run nailing consecutive three´s as Ebiballari hit his fourth in a row and kept giving Eintracht Frankfurt/Fraport Skyliners fits and Muller-Landsvik also connected from outside and from inside giving the guests their biggest advantage of the contest at 32-13. Frankfurt was doing a good job on Leverkusen´s bigs Thiemann and Selimovic limiting them to little touches and no points, but didn´t have the guard Ebiballari on their scouting report as he was a menace with his shot. The Leverkusen zone was giving Eintracht Frankfurt/Fraport Skyliners headaches as they had no rhythm on offense and Maxi Begue was no factor yet. 15 year old huge German talent Len Schoorman stopped the Leverkusen run with a pretty runner, but then it was time for Leverksuen to show how lethal scoring in bunches can be as they went on a mini 4-0 run getting a Marcus and Merkens fast break points as Leverkusen had their biggest lead of the game 36-15. Eintracht Frankfurt/Fraport Skyliners didn´t lay down and die, but fought back showing life as they closed out the second quarter with a furious 11-0 run to claw back into the game and trail only 36-29 at halftime. In the run, Eintracht Frankfurt/Fraport Skyliners was led by Niklas Pons who hit his third three of the game in as much tries and also Maxi Begue who nailed his first field goal and added another one while 17 year old 180cm guard Cem-Turkay Akbayir who started his career at EOSC Offenbach snuck inside making a back door layin and 16 year old Risto Vasiljevic who started his career at BC Darmstadt also scored. A big factor in this run was the Eintracht Frankfurt/Fraport Skyliners defense that was led by 18 year old 200cm forward Antonius Douloudis who was active in the paint. “We woke up after the time out and defended more aggressively and showed more quality on defense”, added Niklas Pons. TSV Bayer 04 Leverkusen was shooting 37% from the field and 40% from the three point line while Eintracht Frankfurt/Fraport Skyliners was shooting 36% from the field and from the three point line. Both teams had 18 rebounds apiece, but Eintracht Frankfurt/Fraport Skyliners had 15 turnovers and Leverkusen only nine turnovers.

Eintracht Frankfurt/Fraport Skyliners continued their improved play in the third quarter continuing where they had left off in the second quarter working on their run and extending it to 17 points in a row as they added 6 points in the first minutes cutting the Leverkusen lead to only 36-32 as they had once trailed by as much as 21 points in the second quarter. After getting his rhythm on defense in the latter part of the second quarter where Douloudis was a huge spark, he let that carry over into his offense as he scored twice in the lane as his aggressiveness and athletic cleverness haunted Leverkusen. Eintracht Frankfurt/Fraport Skyliners remained very aggressive in the paint area as 16 year old 180 cm energy package Alvin Oniya also snuck inside for two points. However Eintracht Frankfurt/Fraport Skyliners lost a bit focus and intensity and couldn´t totally get over the hump as they allowed Leverkusen to go on a 10-2 run to lead in double figures again 46-34. In the run Leverkusen finally got on the board for the first time in the second half at the 6.29 minute mark as 17 year old 190cm guard Moritz Finke scored. Leverkusen also got a basket from 17 year old 195cm forward Justin Peplinski who started his career at BBV Koln-Nordwest and two baskets from Marcus who carried the team as their two bigs Thiemann and Selimovic continued to be no factor in the scoring department. Eintracht Frankfurt/Fraport Skyliners closed out the third quarter not getting lost in the Leverkusen run, but getting back into the game with a key 9-3 run as their comeback was still in full throttle as they trailed 49-43 after 30 minutes. In the run, Eintracht Frankfurt/Fraport Skyliners got some production inside from Douloudis and 18 year old 196cm forward Dennis Machlab that scored inside, Begue free throws and a clutch trey at the buzzer from Akbayir. “We continued to fight and never gave up. Guys like Oliver Babitsch and Alvin Oniya took more responsibility on the court”, added Niklas Pons. TSV Bayer 04 Leverkusen shot 39% from the field and 35% from the parking lot while Eintracht Frankfurt/Fraport Skyliners shot 37% from the field and 31% from the parking lot. Leverkusen had the slight 28-27 rebound advantage, but only 13 turnovers while Frankfurt had 18 turnovers.

 

In the fourth quarter Eintracht Frankfurt/Fraport Skyliners kept fighting and annoying Leverkusen with their defense taking control of the game as the guests couldn´t buy a basket at their will. 17 year old 208 cm German Lars Thiemann entered the game averaging 11,3ppg and 12.3rpg, but had been held scoreless for the first three quarters, but finally got on the board with an off balance shot to give Leverkusen the 51-43 lead. Eintracht Frankfurt/Fraport Skyliners continued to defend hard and with passion getting two stops which led to two buckets from 18 year old 193cm guard Oliver Babitsch who started his career at TG Hanau and from Begue as both Germans dominated in the paint as they were taking advantage of the penetration, but Leverkusen led 51-47. Leverkusen now had a small phase where they got Thiemann better involved which led to free throws and another basket inside as Leverkusen stayed strong trying to defend off the Eintracht Frankfurt/Fraport Skyliners comeback as they led 55-49. However Eintracht Frankfurt/Fraport Skyliners didn´t back off as they continued to go inside as their penetration was working as Akbayir scored. After Marcus free throws, Oniya tested his 35% three point accuracy and passed finding nothing but net as Eintracht Frankfurt/Fraport Skyliners suddenly trailed only 56-54 with 3.28 left. A Douloudis block led to Oniya free throws as the game was deadlocked at 56-56. 18 year old 203cm 135 kilo beast Dezemal Selimovic had been quiet all afternoon long but got fouled and hit free throws as Leverkusen led 58-56. Eintracht Frankfurt/Fraport Skyliners came back strong as Pons made a very difficult and risky pass, but it was perfect through traffic finding Pullen back door for the easy layin as the game was deadlocked again at 58-58. Eintracht Frankfurt/Fraport Skyliners clamped down on defense now and also got some fortune as guard Muller-Landsvik stayed true to his 33% free throw percentage missing both and Oniya made a steal which led to Pons and Begue free throws as Eintracht Frankfurt/Fraport Skyliners led 60-58. Eintracht Frankfurt/Fraport Skyliners then stopped Thiemann forcing him to a miss and Begue came back at the other end taking responsibility and hitting a clutch runner from the corner giving Eintracht Frankfurt/Fraport Skyliners the 62-58 lead sealing the win. “I didn´t start so well and I continued to fight to get a rhythm. I got my defense going and then got my offense going as I got to the basket more. I had a lot of confidence making that last shot”, stressed Maxi Begue. After a Finke miss, Eintracht Frankfurt/Fraport Skyliners  scored one more bucket and had the very hard fought 65-58 win. “Begue had a bad start, but was strong at the end. Our physicality was key at the end. We had better luck with the 50/50 balls and just wanted it more”, stressed Niklas Pons. “Frankfurt was more clever at the end and deserved to win”, stressed Leverkusen head coach Hansi Gnad. Eintracht Frankfurt/Fraport Skyliners were led by Maximillian Begue with 13 points and Niklas Pons added 12 points. TSV Bayer 04 Leverkusen were led by Leutrim Ebiballari with 14 points, Maximillian Marcus added 12 points. And Simon Muller-Landsvik had 10 points, five assists and seven steal. Eintracht Frankfurt/Fraport Skyliners shot 39% from the field and 27% from outside while TSV Bayer 04 Leverkusen shot 32% from the field and 30% from outside. Eintracht Frankfurt/Fraport Skyliners won the rebound battle 42-37, but had 21 turnovers while the guests had 16 turnovers.