Brandon Shingles is a 28 year old 190cm guard from Albany, Georgia playing his third season in Germany and first with the Uni-Riesen Leipzig (Germany-ProB). He started his basketball career at Morehead St. (NCAA) and as a senior played 32 games: 4.8ppg, 2.2rpg, 4.8apg, 1.5spg. In 2010 he started his professional basketball career at Aschersleben Tigers BC (Germany-2.Regionalliga) playing 15 games: 14.5ppg. He led the team to the Regionaliga 2 title. In the 2011-2012 season he played for Guildford Heat (United Kingdom-BBL) playing 6 games: 7.5ppg, 4.8rpg, 2.8apg, FGP: 57.1%, FT: 31.3%; left in Nov.’11, then moved to BBC Febro Eagles Magdeburg (Germany-Regionalliga) playing 7 games: 16.1ppg, 7.1 rpg, 3.9apg, 2.0spg, FGP: 61.8%, FT: 63.0%. He then played for KB Drita Gjilan (Kosovo-SuperLeague) and two years ago for GBP Badajoz (Spain-EBA) playing 15 games: 15.5ppg, 8.3rpg, 3.6apg, 2.3spg, 2FGP: 60.8%, 3PT: 6.3%, FT: 57.3%. He spoke to German Hoops after the 87-81 loss to Wurzburg

 

 

 

Brandon thanks for talking to German Hoops. A tough 87-81 loss to Wurzburg. Except for an explosive third quarter where the UNI Riesen Leipzig powered home 31 points, you were never able to match the Wurzburg offense. Why was that a problem for three quarters?

I felt we came out sluggish the first half and put ourselves in a hole we weren’t able to get out of.

In the fourth quarter, Wurzburg had the lead despite Leipzig making runs and staying close, but why wasn´t the team able to get over the hump?

We just couldn’t get over the hump but all the credit goes to Wurzburg. They played a solid game.

How much does it annoy you that you helped force Wurzburg to 24 turnovers, but you still were unable to win the ball game?

Not really annoyed. Just shows we can really play good defense when we have to and this is something we can use going into the playoffs .

The UNI Riesen Leipzig did a pretty good job keeping American Travis Smith in check, but let the German duo of Felix Hoffman and Max Ugrai combine for 33 points. Couldn´t the team make better adjustments throughout the game against them?

All three guys are good players. Felix and Max had it going that night. We made some adjustments but it was a little too late .

The UNI Riesen Leipzig clinched the playoffs weeks ago, but a 4 game losing streak gave them the eighth place. How discouraging was it finishing the season with a 4 game losing streak?

I mean at the Christmas break we were in 3rd and now 8^th. The last 4 loses came down to the wire so it’s not discouraging at all. We just got to get back to having fun and playing good quality basketball.

You didn´t play bad team basketball as you were in every game against BG Karlsruhe, Nordlingen, Frankfurt and Wurzburg. What positives can you take into the playoffs?

The positives we can take is now we know we can play with some off the better teams in our league. We just need to put a complete game together rather than just a half .

How can the team be focused mentally right now for the playoffs after losing the last four games?

Mentally I think we are fine. We know what we are capable of. We are a very confident team.

You have two weeks to prepare for the playoffs now the best of three. What things does the team need to work on most?

We need to improve in all aspects ff we plan to make a playoff run. Especially as a #8 seed

Now you play against #1 Pro B north team Iserlohn. Doesn´t the slim Leipzig rotation already give you head aches when thinking about that deep team?

The fact we have a slim rotation doesn’t bother us at all. We know the situation we are up against this team we just have to be ready to play from start to finish.

How excited are you too battle Iserlohn in the playoffs? How do you see to step up your game now in the post season?

I’m very excited to be playing in the playoffs no matter who we would have played. It’s a blessing to be here. Post season basketball is about letting it all hang out and playing as one so if we want to pull off this upset we need to play together.

How did you see the NBA trades recently at the deadline? What teams did the best?

I’m a Spurs fan. So with them signing Andre Miller (one of my favorite players ) and Kevin Martin made them really deep for a Championship run in June.

Some of the older NBA players that played at different times are having a hard time giving Steph Curry and the Golden State Warriors credit for their success saying they might not have had that success 20-30 years ago. Are these former players just jealous or why can´t they just give credit where it´s due?

I’m more of a fan of the NBA back then than now but the game evolved so much. What Curry is doing is amazing. We have never seen anything like it. Just give credit where credit is due.

Recently ESPN made a top 100 greatest NBA players of alltime poll putting Lebron at #3 before legends Larry Bird, Magic Johnson and BIll Russell. Do you see that as being justified?

I hate all this talk about Lebron. I’m a fan of him. Let him finish his career out first and then see where he falls among the all time greats but right now there is now way he should be in front of those guys you mention.

What was the last movie that you saw?

Major Payne.

Thanks Brandon for the chat.

 

Alex Foster is a 23 year old 203cm forward that grew up in Portland, Oregon and also has the German citizenship and is playing his professional rookie season in Germany with the RheinStars(Germany-ProA). He played at Emory (NCAA3) from 2011-2015 playing a total of 108 NCAA3 games and as a senior played 20.1ppg, 7.9rpg, 1.0apg, FGP: 44.6%, 3PT: 39.9%, FT: 79.8%. He was able to improve his scoring and rebounding average each season. He spoke to German Hoops after the RheinStars 74-69 loss against the Hebeisen White Wings Hanau.

 

 

Alex thanks for talking to German Hoops. A tough 74-69 loss to the Hebeisen Baskets Hanau. After an offensive second and third quarter, where did both teams find the energy to buckle down and give that extra on the defensive end in the fourth quarter?

We’re fighting to end over a month of losing, so there’s plenty of motivation to give everything we can to win. I think that showed in the intensity of the game last night, we just didn’t do enough to win.

The Hebeisen White Wings Hanau had an annoying 8-0 run to start the fourth quarter. Was that the ultimate dagger that cut into the heart of the RhieinStars?

We fought till the end, but we made too many mistakes down the stretch, which kept us from taking back the lead. We gave up way too many offense rebounds and also missed free throws. If we would have taken care of those things, we could have came up on top.

The RheinStars got crushed on the boards 53-28. Do you ever remember getting hit for 22 offensive rebounds in your career?

I honestly don’t know. Not that I can remember.

Kruize Pinkins had the number of the RheinStars this season combining for 38 rebounds and this time around had an even better game with 25 points and 20 rebounds. What makes this guy seemingly impossible to control?

He’s a tough match up physically and has a nose for the ball. Their whole team crashes the glass hard, which puts pressure on the defense to control the rebound. Last night, every time a ball bounced around, it ended up in their hands.

If you could pick one positive thing from this loss, could one laud the overall defense which kept a very strong team at the moment to 74 points?

Our defense was alright, but we also need to do some things much better to get back to winning. I also think we are starting to move the ball better, which we need to continue to work on too.

Hanau is one of the hottest teams in the German Pro A and are closer than ever of reaching the playoffs. How has the team improved since your first meeting in Hanau?

I respect the intensity they brought on the road. You could tell they were driven to win, which is something we can learn from them. Like us, they’re not the most talented team. Yet they make the most of their abilities and play together, which wins games.

The RheinStars Cologne are riding a 7 game losing streak. Reaching the playoffs was never a goal, but the team was in the playoff race for a long time. Is the team mentally even prepared to think about it now or is it better just to go one game at a time and finish the season strong?

I think we have to play for ourselves and then see what happens. For me, its not about the playoffs, it’s about making every day count. It’s hard to play your game when you’re focusing on the end result. Instead, if we go possession by possession, day by day, we’ll have a chance to end the losing streak.

The RheinStars are a very young team. Is the fact that the season is very long that the club has felt the fatigue factor as of late as a reason for the team fading?

We can’t make any excuses for our recent struggles. I think we have to take responsibility and fix it.

The club has only averaged 66 points in the seven game losing streak. Why has the team had had so much trouble putting points on the board?

Losing game after game puts a weight on your back and I think we’ve gotten too tight because of it. It shows on offense for sure. For a while, we were looking at each other to make plays, or trying to force things individually. We’ve put an emphasis on moving the ball and running hard, so we can get better looks for each other.

What will be key for the team now to get out of this funk besides sticking together?

We need to reestablish a winning-posture and enjoy the time we have together as a team. Not in a happy-go-lucky way, but with the purpose of making the most of our season.

As the season winds down, you keep working on improving your three point shot. As a rookie, it is more than understandable to have ups and downs, but how comfortable do you feel momentarily with the progress? You hit three against Hanau after two games of being 0/6.

I’ve been sticking around the gym to get up extra shots, which is the only way to get out of a shooting slump that I know. I was 1-3 from the line yesterday, so I’ll be getting in lots of free throws this week.

As a rookie how have you felt the effects of a long season? How have you been able to handle this seven game losing streak best mentally?

I definitely have had to take better care of my body. Eating well sustains my energy week after week, and I’ve also made sure to treat all the injuries I’ve sustained throughout the season, so I can stay on the court. As for the losing streak, I try to stay present-minded, to not get too caught up in it.

How did you see the NBA trades recently at the deadline? What teams did the best?

I appreciate good deals, so I liked Portland getting a future first-round draft pick for nothing but cap-space.

Some of the older NBA players that played at different times are having a hard time giving Steph Curry and the Golden State Warriors credit for their success saying they might not have had that success 20-30 years ago. Are these former players just jealous or why can´t they just give credit where it´s due?

Every player has a natural tendency to hang on to their past accomplishments, but to not give the Warriors credit is silly. The NBA is as competitive as ever and their regular season run is remarkable.

Recently ESPN made a top 100 greatest NBA players of alltime poll putting Lebron at #3 before legends Larry Bird, Magic Johnson and BIll Russell. Do you see that as being justified?

It’s impossible to truly justify any kind of player ranking. It’s all just opinions. The way I look at it, players should be evaluated by how much they mean to their team. So Lebron is definitely up there.

What was the last movie that you saw?

Deadpool. I love super hero movies and this one was like nothing I’d seen before.

Thanks Alex for the chat.

 

 

Time goes and goes in the basketball world as players get older and quietly glide away in the sunset into retirement while others remain or even come out of retirement when that itch to battle under the boards returns even after having banged in the trenches for 17 years and having had to endure countless elbows over that span. For German Maksym Shten who was known as the Ukrainian train can look back at a very long basketball career that allowed him to play in the Beko BBL for 6 years with teams like ratiopharm Ulm, Frankfurt, TBB Trier, Eisbaeren Bremerhaven and medi Bayreuth amassing a total of 200 games. It would be interesting to find out which place was most loving to him as he did help Ulm reach the BBL in 2006, but with the Frankfurt Skyliners, he played with a very special team reaching the semi-finals of the 2008 playoffs where no Frankfurt fan will ever forget the very exciting 5 game series win over Leverkusen and loss to the Telekom Baskets Bonn. Frankfurt was also the only time, he played international club basketball where he played 9 ULEB cup games and probably his best BBL game was his amazing 24 point outburst in Goettingen where half the team was sick and he had to step up. From that 2007-2008 Frankfurt team, only four guys are still active with Alex King with Alba Berlin, Jimmy Mckinney with Bonn, Derrick Allen with SC Rasta Vechta and Illian Evtimov with Chalon in France. Shtein had a perfect 3-0 PRO B record with Weissenhorn against the Fraport Skyliners Juniors and 2-0 in the BCM and returned back ready to battle against the young German big men Johannes Richter and Niklas Kiel and show that this train still has ICE style. However Shtein saw only 6.15 minutes in the game making a point and an assist and as usual was very active inside, but his only shot was a missed three pointer as he was testing his 66% three point shooting. However it was the other ex Skyliner Filmore Beck that stole the show having a masterful game notching 28 points keeping the ScanPlus Baskets in the game, but overall as has been the case so often this season, it was the overall skill and deepness of the Fraport Skyliners Juniors that allowed them to win another game despite squandering lead after lead. “We had highs and lows in the game, but the difference was in the second half where we played better as a team, hit shots and made easy buckets”, stressed Fraport Skyliners Juniors guard Max Merz. ScanPlus Baskets point guard and leader Lorne Jackson was frustrated after the loss as he had fouled out at 6.16 minute mark of the fourth quarter, but stressed that there were many factors why his team couldn´t get over the hump. “They had the lead most of the game and we always had to fight back and were unable get the lead. They simply outworked us, made plays and hit many three´s which hurt us. We shot bad from the field and free throw line and had too many turnovers”, stressed ex Pepperdine(NCAA) guard Lorne Jackson.

You probably could have asked ScanPlus Baskets 35 year old Edward Williams who Tomas Dimsa was and he most likely would have shrugged and at least noticed that he wasn´t German, but after a few minutes and being down 17-4 quickly, the American who was German Pro B champion in 2009 with Crailsheim and played at North Carolina-Wilmington found out fast who the Lithuanian was as he steered 10 points in the run as his early explosiveness fueled the Fraport Skyliners which paved the road for a very strong team offensive performance over the course of 40 minutes. In the run, Dimsa showed just how lethal his athleticism is as he scored inside three times shifting gears with his speed whenever he wanted to and also knocked down a three. American Travis Thompson also connected from downtown and Johannes Richter scored inside on the pick and roll with Merz. The key to the big run was the aggressiveness of Dimsa which led to a consistent offense and they were defending steadily while they also had the upper hand in getting loose balls. However the day basketball ends being a game of runs is the day Donald Trump admits he isn´t the greatest as both will continue to be reality as now it was time for the ScanPlus Baskets to get some more luck and get a rhythm on offense as they smacked Frankfurt in the face with a nasty 12-0 run to trail only 17-15. The run was started by the never ending aggressiveness of American North Carolina native Tommy Spagnolo who got two offensive rebounds that he put home for put backs. German Brian Butler who played 65 Pro A games with Ehingen took a chapter from Dimsa´s book of being aggressive scoring inside and getting to the free throw line twice. Beck also nailed his first three pointer. The main reason for the Scan Plus Baskets getting back in the game was that they upped their aggressiveness inside and Frankfurt also got careless with taking care of the ball and on defense. However as has so often been the case this season, when an opponent is threatening, Frankfurt always find a way to stop the run and get their offense going again as Thompson and Stefan Ilzhoefer nailed three pointers carrying Frankfurt to the 27-20 lead after one quarter. “Frankfurt had a good start, but then allowed the opponent to go on a run and they played no team defense and too much 1-1 play”, stressed Fraport Skyliners guard Philip Scrubb. The Fraport Skyliners were shooting 64% from the field and 57% from outside while the ScanPlus Baskets were shooting 44% from the field and 40% from outside. Both teams had nine rebounds a piece and Frankfurt had six turnovers and the ScanPlus Baskets five turnovers.

The second quarter was similar to the first quarter in that the Fraport Skyliners Juniors had a good start getting a healthy lead again, but then allowed the ScanPlus Baskets on a 12-0 run to get their first lead of the game, but they still went into halftime with the lead. Paderborn native Niklas Kiel gave Frankfurt instant offense with a three pointer and a lay in giving Frankfurt the 32-22 advantage. After being almost invisible in the first quarter on offense, American Lorne Jackson got going making free throws and connecting on a pull up jumper. After Beck hit a step back shot, it was Merz that made a three pointer extending the Frankfurt lead to 37-27. Then it was time for the second big run and ScanPlus Baskets comeback of the night as they moved out on a 12-0 run to take their first lead 39-37. The ScanPlus Baskets took some of that Filmore Beck pizazz on the offensive end as the ex TV Langen guard got very hot not showcasing his three pointer, but also some of that Ricky Easterling type of game scoring inside spinning on one hoop and scoring off balance on another. Jackson also contributed to the run as well as 32 year old German/Bosnian Mario Simic who played with Weissenhorn from 2004-2012 who finished with a pretty finger tip lay in. However Frankfurt didn´t lay down and die, but fought for the lead back as Richter nailed a three pointer and Dimsa snuck inside for another lay in to give Frankfurt the slim 44-42 lead at the break. “The ScanPlus Baskets were very confident in their run while Frankfurt got out of their offense. It was good that Frankfurt didn´t let the opponent get a bigger lead on their run”, added Philip Scrubb. The Fraport Skyliners Juniors were shooting 48% from the field and 44% from the three point line while the ScanPlus Baskets were shooting 54% from the field and 29% from the three point line. The ScanPlus Baskets had the 18-14 rebound edge, but 12 turnovers while Frankfurt had 11 turnovers.

The Fraport Skyliners Juniors had another good start in the third quarter, but unlike the first two quarters learned from their mistakes not letting the ScanPlus Baskets go on another big run to get back into the game. Frankfurt got off on a quick 8-0 run to extend their lead to 52-42. The run was started by supreme ball movement which led to a Merz trey and sparked the run for further potent offense as Richter nailed free throws and Dimsa got free and hit another three pointer. The ScanPlus Baskets stayed tough going on a 6-2 run to cut the Frankfurt lead to 54-48 as it was Spagnolo scoring inside after getting a loose ball, Kevin Wysocki feeding Butler for an alley-oop slam dunk and the German dunker scored inside again. However the Fraport Skyliners continued to execute pretty well on offense and got enough stops to keep the opponent at bay and always have close to a 10-14 lead. Kiel was very effective getting to the free throw line twice and making a lay in as did ex Bremerhaven point guard Garai Zeeb being aggressive making free throws. Frankfurt showed their brutal three point shooting side connecting three times as Zeeb, Dimsa and Thompson connected giving the Fraport Skyliners Juniors the comfortable 73-59 lead after 30 minutes. “We hit big shots at the end. Thompson has been making them all season long. The ball movement was a lot better at the end. We know that we have very good shooters which helps our self confidence to take those shots”, added Max Merz. “Those three pointers at the end really hurt us. We were unable to make stops to get closer to them”, stressed Lorne Jackson. The Fraport Skyliners Juniors were shooting 50% from the field and 48% from the parking lot while the ScanPlus Baskets were shooting 50% from the field and 18% from the parking lot. Both teams had 23 rebounds a piece, but the guests had 14 turnovers and Frankfurt 12 turnovers.

In the fourth quarter, the Fraport Skyliners Juniors continued to throw their lethal offense at the ScanPlus Baskets while they slowly ran out of gas and were without their top scorer Lorne Jackson who fouled out early. The ScanPlus Baskets made their last push at the start of the fourth quarter going on a 8-2 run to cut the Frankfurt lead to 77-67 as there was still a shimmer of hope. In the run, it was Beck hitting a step back, Simic scored inside and Butler made free throws and tip toed around Niklas Kiel for the easy lay in. However then it was Jackson who fouled out at the 6.16 minute mark which propelled Frankfurt on a 7-0 run to extend their lead to 84-67 which broke the back of the ScanPlus Baskets even if Beck continued to give his all trying to get a comeback going with his buckets. In the Frankfurt run, it was Tim Oldenburg connecting on his bread and butter the 15 footer, Zeeb nailed a trey and Ilzhoefer anticipated perfectly where the rebound would go and tipped in the ball while cruising in from the wing. “I don´t want to say that we lost because I fouled out. We didn´t come together as a team. I thought the game was being called tightly. This was the fourth time that I fouled out this season and never this early”, stressed Lorne Jackson. Beck would score 12 of the last 13 ScanPlus Baskets, but they couldn´t get any stops on defense. Frankfurt continued to hit shots as Thompson made a three and Oldenburg a step back. Ilzhoefer was a type of unsung hero in the last few minutes keeping two plays alive with tip outs which kept the Frankfurt offensive alive. Without his stellar hustle play, who knows what else Beck could have fabricated extra on offense with a few more possesions. “We did a good job being aggressive on Jackson and getting him into foul trouble. I think even if he hadn´t fouled out, it would have been hard for them to win”, stressed Max Merz. “Frankfurt got in the bonus early and got to the free throw line and made their shots. We made stupid turnovers and they executed on most of them and also continued to execute on offense”, said Lorne Jackson.

The Fraport Skyliners Juniors were led by Tomas Dimsa with 19 points. Niklas Kiel added 17 points. Travis Thompson contributed 12 points, Johannes Richter 11 points and Max Merz 10 points. The ScanPlus Baskets were led by Filmore Beck with 28 points. Brian Butler added 17 points and Lorne Jackson had 14 points. The Fraport Skyliners Juniors shot 48% from the field and 44% from outside while the ScanPlus Baskets shot 50% from the field and 29% from outside. After losing the rebound duel by 30 in the first game, Frankfurt won the rebound battle this time 33-30, but had 17 turnovers while the ScanPlus Baskets had 18 turnovers. After the game, Fraport Skyliners Juniors head coach Eric Detlev had time to reflect on the win and season goals. “We reached one of our season goals which was to beat every team in the league at least once. Our next goal is to win at least two playoff games. We had good and bad phases today. The ScanPlus Baskets are an uncomfortable physical team where we did a good job taking advantage of their mistakes. The difference was when we play team basketball and have good ball movement we then are able to use our qualities best. When we have a good game rhythm, we are hard to stop. We have to defend well. In the playoffs, it will be important to do the dirty work”, warned Eric Detlev. The Fraport Skyliners Juniors meet the Artland Dragons in game one of the playoffs March 19^th in Frankfurt.

Jeremy Miller is a 19 year old 208cm freshman at Northeastern currently averaging 8,5ppg and 4,1rpg. He has scored in double figures in 11 of 30 games this season. He started his basketball career at the New Hampton school. This summer, he will make the journey to Germany with Northeastern to take part in the Basketball AID International Opportunity Tour and play against top class German professional teams. He recently spoke to German Hoops about basketball.

 

 

Jeremy thanks for taking some time from your studies and basketball to talk with German Hoops. Northeastern is looking to get back to the NCAA for a second year in a row. How confident are you that the team will achieve that goal?

Thanks for having me. The team is very confident getting back to the big dance, we are led by a core group of returners who know what they are doing. It’s not going to be a easy one, but we know that we will have to grind out the 2nd half of the season to get ready for the CAA tournament.

You are a 208cm freshman for Northeastern currently averaging 8,5ppg and 4,1rpg. What has been the most difficult thing that you have had to adjust to coming from prep school to the college ranks?

The most difficult thing for me was the physicality of the game. I knew the NCAA had some big boys and I needed to get stronger, which I have. I knew I was going to fit into our offense nicely but defensively would be a challenge.

Northeastern is led by senior trio David Walker, Zach Stahl and Quincy Ford. How well are they grooming you with their play and words for taking over the torch when they leave this summer?

Our senior group is amazing, there is so much experience on the floor when we all step out there. I have learned so much from them and I wish them the best after this year. Each one of them has talked to me personally about what I need to do to be a great player for my time here. I believe every word they say because they’ve been through hell and back trying to put Northeastern University Basketball on the map.

You have had some big games this season with 23 points against William & Mary, 18 points in a win against Stony Brook and 15 points in a win against UNC Wilmington and Delaware. What exactly is your role as a freshman this season?

My role is just to learn the game, be there for my teammates, rebound the ball and shoot when I’m open. I need to know the difference between a good shot and a great one. I also try to lead the other four freshman since we are going to be together for the next four years.

You played high school ball at New Hampton prep which has had some notable alumini like NCAA champions with North Carolina Rashad Mccants and Wes Parker as well as professional players Lawrence Moten and Darius Songaila. What made your Prep school basketball experience special?

After my four years at New Hampton and playing under Peter Hutchins, I really learned how to be mentally tough. Going to New Hampton was the best decision of my life because the way New Hampton plays reminds me of Northeastern. Practices are hard and what we do in practice translates to our games. Both coaching staffs are willing to do anything for us and they really know what they are flaking about.

How important has Northeastern head coach Bill Coen been so far for you making the transition from high school to the NCAA and what have you learned from him in this short time?

Bill is such a good person and coach. He expects the best of you on and off the court. The one thing I love about him is that he gets to know you personally first and then builds from there. I’ve learned that this level of ball is faster, stronger and smarter than high school, and he told me that during recruiting. He really paved out the picture and I fell in love with the school.

Northeastern will travel to Germany at the end of August 2016 to help strengthen the German-American friendship, play against professional teams and to support the BASKETBALL AID e:V which is a charity to aid children with cancer. How excited are you to be a part of this?

This is actually my first time hearing about this! I am very excited to say the least! I’ve only been out of the country once and I visited Italy and France. This will be a challenge for next years group without the leadership of our core seniors. But I believe we are up to the challenge, as long as we see what’s across our chest, we know what we are playing for.

How important will it be for you to be a part of this cause where you will get the experience of playing against top level professional teams and learn about a new culture?

It’s going to be very important because this is going to let me grow as a player, teammate and friend. Going against these professionals will really set the bar high and we either have to meet it or take it up higher.

I interviewed 2014 Euroleague(second most valuable professional basketball title in world after NBA) champion with Macabbi Tel Aviv Shawn James recently who played two seasons at Northeastern from 2004-2006 and he said he didn´t feel the legacy of Reggie Lewis at Northeastern when he was there. How is it for you and what does it mean for you playing for the school where Lewis made a name for himself?

Well being a Boston resident, I can feel the legacy of Lewis around campus. He left such a legacy here and I don’t think anyone will top it. It means that you have to be ready to go to war with your teammates and coaches. It means that you will do anything to win and it means to have a meaningful reason to wear that jersey.

Coming from the younger generation what player do you see taking over for Lebron James in the next years or isn´t a player like that moving up?

I see Steph Curry taking over when Lebron is done. The stuff that he is doing right now is not fair. He’s way to good right now and it’s scarey because he is really young. He’s not even on a big contract yet, he has a lot to prove and will take over this league if he hasn’t already.

What was the last movie that you saw?

The last movie I have seen, I think it was Point Break. It was very interesting. I would recommend it if you are the daredevil type. There are a lot of crazy stunts in the movie, which makes it really crazy and entertaining.

 

Thanks Jeremy for the chat.

 

 

Sterling Carter is a 24 year old 183cm point guard from Seattle, Washington and was playing his rookie season in Germany with Pro A team Dragons Rhondorf. Today the club announced thathe was heading home thus ending his rookie season. He started his basketball career at Pacific, then played three years at Seattle(NCAA) and finished at Purdue in 2014. Carter played 25 games averaging 15,6ppg, 3,5rpg and 3,5apg. He spoke to German Hoops about his rookie season and why he left.

 

 

 

Sterling thanks for talking to German Hoops. Today came the announcement that you have left the Dragons Rhondorf to go back home. With what kind of feelings are you leaving Germany?

I’m leaving Germany with my head held high and grateful for the opportunity in Rhondorf that I had to Play my First Professional Season.

The club stated that you were going home, because of personal reasons while head coach Christian Mehrens had signalized that you wouldn´t be playing a role for the rest of the games. Was it really a bit of both or was it just personal reasons?

Well honestly it was the fact that I worked really hard all season and stuck with the club through a lot of things then the head coach tells the team he’s only going to play the guys he wants to be back next season and with me having a wife and child I figured it would be best to just go back to my family because it’s not fair to them if I’m just away sitting on the bench. I’ve been away from them for 7 months and if I’m not doing my job anymore no need to keep them waiting my family is very important to me they support my every move.

I am sure when you came to Rhondorf, you never expected your rookie season to go like this. Was your rookie season like a bad dream where you never woke up from?

Well honestly it wasn’t as bad as it looked. I learned a lot from playing there and it motivated me and I know now that the only way I can go from this situation is up. I left with no hard feelings

The club has only two wins. Players came and went and a good team chemistry was never built. Was this a big reason why the club was never able to get a consistent level in their play?

Yea I think it had to do with that and a few other things but I enjoyed those two wins and I know that me and the guys that was there the whole time those games meant a lot for us to win.

Obviously players came and went, but you always stayed and as the leader had to keep the ship afloat. Were these duties just a bit too much for you as a rookie?

No it wasn’t too much for me and it was actually a good challenge for me and it has helped me a lot. But with me being a rookie it was hard to gain the trust of a few guys. I gave my all to the club and sad it had to end this way but everything happens for a reason.

Did you at times feel like being let down from your teammates, because you seemed like you had to do so much on the court. Did you really want to do this or were you in a way forced to have to take many shots?

No I was never let down by my teammates. They all worked hard and played their best and it was me that had the ability to take and make shots that was my role on the team.

You took a total of 218 three pointers and shot 33,5%. Some said you were taking too many shots and not creating enough for your teammates. Do you feel that this might have created a little rift early within the team that was never healed?

Yea well those shots I took where the same from the start of the season to the end I was asked to take and make shots and for those people that thought I didn’t create enough. I would just tell them to go back and look at some of the game film. I almost averaged 4 assists a game and I think my team understood what my role was and what I was good at.

Do you feel like if their had been better communication between you and Boris Kaminski earlier that it could have had an effect on the outcome of the season?

Well I think that if he would have communicated to the whole team what he communicated with me then we would have all be on the same page a little earlier but I would blame our season on that.

What was your biggest highlight of the season? Possibly your 31 point game in the win against the Bayer Giants Leverkusen?

I would say my biggest highlight was my game against Nürnberg when I had 17 points and 10assists It was my first double double being a professional and I feel like it showed that I can create and score the ball as well.

What did you learn from your rookie season in Germany with Rhondorf that will make you better as a player in the future?

I learned that you have to be mentally tough to play professionally and that it takes a strong guy to be able to travel across the country and play in an unfamiliar environment. I also learned that if you want to be the best you have to start at the bottom and earn your respect on your way to the top and I feel that I earned a lot of respect in the Pro A this season.

How would you like the Rhondorf fans to remember you. Could you please give some last words to the faithful supporters?

I just want them to know that I gave them my all in my time there and that I will forever have them in my heart and wish them all the best for their seasons to come.

What is the next professional step for Sterling Carter? Would you like to play in Germany next season if the opportunity comes along?

I will like to play where ever the best opportunity is for me and my family with no specific place, but just the best opportunity I’m open to just about all.

How do you recap the NBA trade line deals? What teams did the best?

I don’t think any team really gained much of an upper hand in the trades no one made a big trade at all which was a shocker to me.

Ex NBA players have attacked the Golden State Warriors saying the NBA isn´t as physical as it once was. Are these players just jealous or would Steph Curry and the Warriors not dominate say 20-30 years ago?

Haha I don’t know the league back then was very physical and I’m not sure guys back then would allow him to do the things he’s doing but we will never know.

Recently ESPN ranked the top 100 NBA players of all time. They placed Lebron James at #3 before NBA legends Larry Bird, Magic Johnson and Bill Russell. Do you feel that is justified?

No I don’t agree with that won’t be able to tell until Lebron retires.

What was the last movie that you saw?

Ride Along 2.

 

Thanks Sterling for the chat.

 

 

 

Thaddus Mcfadden is a 28 year old 188cm guard from Flint, Michigan playing his seventh professional season and second with Petrolina AEK Larnaca (Cyprus-Division A). Last season he played 25 games: Score-5(15.6ppg), 2.8rpg, 2.5apg, Steals-1(1.8spg), FGP: 55.9%, 3PT: 40.0%, FT: 79.7%. He started his basketball career at St. Clair CC (NJCAA)in 2006 and then moved Fairmont St. (NCAA2) and played there form 2007-2009 and as a senior played 29 games: ScoreNCAA2-2(25.4ppg), 5.4rpg, 3.9apg, 1.9spg, FGP: 45.5%, 3PT: 37.1%, FT: 79.6%. He started his professional basketball career in 2009 with SLUNETA Usti nad Labem (Czech Republic-NBL) where he played until 2012. In the 2012-2013 season he played for the New Yorker Phantoms Braunschweig (Germany-BBL) playing 15 games: 5.4ppg, 1.5rpg, 1.2apg, 2FGP: 39.4%, 3FGP: 39.5%, in Jan.’13 loaned to SLUNETA Usti nad Labem (Czech Republic-NBL) playing 14 games: 16.4ppg, 3.5rpg, 4.0apg, 1.3spg, FGP: 57.0%, 3PT: 33.8%, FT: 80.6%. In the 2013-2014 season he played for Cytavision Apoel Nicosia (Cyprus-Division A) playing 15 games: Score-2(14.1ppg), 3.1rpg, 2.9apg, Steals-1(2.5spg). He spoke to German Hoops during the Europe Cup playoff series against the Fraport Skyliners some weeks ago.

 

 

 

Thad thanks for talking to German Hoops. Welcome back to Germany. How often were you back in Germany since your short stay with Braunschweig?

This will be my first time back in Germany since I left Braunschweig

After being a top player in the Czech Republic, you have found a second home in Cyprus in your third season there. Is Cyprus a place where you could see yourself playing many more years?

Yes Cyprus has been my second home, I don’t know what the future will hold only God knows but yes, I have built a lot of good relationships in Cyprus and have had a lot of good memories in Cyprus

Two seasons ago you were second in league scoring with Cytavision Apoel Nicosia and last season fifth with AEK. What makes this level and style so appealing to your game?

I can make any style of basketball at any level of basketball appealing to my game. I’m a very confident player and I feel like as a player you have to know every country is different as there will be adjustments, you just have to make it fit in with your game. I was used to the run and gun high scoring games but here in Cyprus I had to adjust to the more physical, grind it out games, more defensive game which I take great pride in. Our goal as team is to make teams score around 60-70, in in both league (Cyprus and fiba) we are around that. We take pride in defense

AEK currently is in first place with a record of 11-2 tied with Kernavos. What has been the secret to the success of the team?

Defense, team work chemistry and coaching. We play together and everybody in the locker room likes each other and it’s like a big family, we can count on each other on and off the court, you should see the group chats we have , may seem simple but if you did, you’ll see this team cares for the next player and I feel like that’s big and this team represents the coaching, and our coach is a winner, and I love that because I feel like when you step on the court it’s about will and who wants it, not about what level this team is or this team has a huge budget, so coach is a huge part of the success and we have to keep up a level head because we still have goals to accomplish

The club has 8 players 30 or older. How vital has the experience factor been for the team being so successful?

Funny because I’m one of the young guys at 28 we joke about that lol but it’s been key, especially in close games, we have been in a lot of close games and tough situations but remained calm because with experience you know what to do and how to adjust but it’s been a blessing for me especially because I’m learning and learning so I’m taking advantage

In the last round of Europe Cup the team had a 3-3 record, but could easily have been 5-1. How bitter was losing the last 2 games by a combined total of 4 points?

Well it’s easy to get over it when you advance lol but honestly it was tough to swallow, because it would of been great to have home court advantage for round of 16 in front of our amazing fans but since I’ve been here and we all joke about it, nothing has been easy we always do things the hard way, so yes very tough losing close games and believe me I HATE losing but it’s over, learn from it and move on, we still have work to do

Is AEK Larnaca a better team than what it´s record shows in Europe Cup play?

Yes I strongly believe this, coach says it all the time, we have not reached our full potential as a team yet and even after a win he’s on us like we lost because he knows how good we can be. We have had a couple of injuries which I hate to use as a nexcuse, so we played short- handed in a couple games and having our big man out as he is a key player to our team, it was tough but we still believed and found ways to win games now with him being back and addition of CJ Leslie just made us stronger.

You were the go to guy at Fairmont State(NCAA2), BK Usti and Labem, and Cytavision Apoel Nicosia. Is that pretty much the role you also have with AEK this season?

Honestly we have a lot of guys you can go too, a lot of players on this team play a key role, my role is to be a playmaker and pressure the ball (play on ball defense), but yes I like to be one of the guys to go too.

You are an incredible defender with a lot of energy and led the league in Cyprus the last two seasons in steals. Does your defense mostly fuel your offense?

Yes good defense turns into good offense. The championships I won was due to good team defense, and it’s a fact playing good defense is a confidence builder. There are several factors to good defense where the other team shoots a bad shot adds to a long rebound easy fast break bucket or a steal and an easy bucket and its a lot more benefits from good defense. They say defense wins championships and that’s true

You are an explosive scorer, can score in bunches and are a first class defender, but what do you feel still gets unnoticed in your game even today

My ability to see the floor, I can play the point guard just like I play the shooting guard, people look and say ok he’s just a pure scorer but I know how to adjust, if you need me to be a pure pg I can do it, and I feel like it shows especially this year

Jujuan Cooley always told you to never be satisfied with your game. What are you working on most these days to keep getting better?

That’s very true. Last summer my focuses was getting stronger to take contact and still finish, my ball handling skills, and just reading situations, learning from one of the smartest point guards in Europe (Jujuan Cooley) helped a lot and I feel like the work over the summer is showing, but still not satisfied can always improve in every aspect of my game

How much of a thrill has it been playing with California native Brandon Bowman? Have you ever played with a guy that worked harder than him?

It’s been GREAT for me, this man lives in the weight room, true professional, take care of his body, works hard in practice, put in the extra work like I said a true professional, great example for me, I know I can go to war with him. He never cheats his self. It’s a lot more good I can say about him, when I think of Bo I just think hard work pays off , lets get better!!!!

Has he infested you with gym phobia. I called him last summer when I was in Malibu to say hi and where was he but in the gym in Santa Monica. It seems like he lives in the gym.

Not to brag but I’m a gym rat myself so it was easy connecting with Bo, because we both had the same mindset when it comes to putting in the extra work, funny because I told him recently I want to come to Cali to work out with him because I see the work ethnic

You now face the best team in Europe Cup play with the Fraport Skyliners who are 12-0. Do you see it as an advantage going in as the underdog as you have nothing to lose or will you have a different focus going in?

You got to love the challenge and we love a good challenge. We are highly confident in what we do and our abilities and we know we are playing a good team that’s been together for a while but we feel like if we stick with the game plan and continue to play good defense and team ball we have a good chance and like our chances at advancing. We are not satisfied with just the round of 16, and we know Frankfurt is hungry too, so this should be fun

The Fraport Skyliners are all about team and totally unselfish and defend very well. AEK also defend well in Europe cup. What kind of series can we await and what will be key to advancing?

You already said it defense and unselfish play, I can see a physical low scoring series, I feel like both team strategies are the same, key for us is just staying consistent in what we do

In the 2012-2013 season you played against the Fraport Skyliners losing 61-59 with Braunschweig. Quantez Robertson had 12 points and 10 boards in that game including a massive ally-oop dunk. What do you remember about his game?

I remember him being athletic, a good defender, and being the leader of the team, from what I see from watching film on them in fiba cup now, I still see him as one of the key players to their success

You only played a half of a season with Braunschweig. Was that just a total misunderstanding from the club´s part not knowing how to use you properly? Plus the guard rotation was quite full with emerging Dennis Schroder?

I felt like the club knew I was a good player but just wanted to go a different way in the style of play. I felt like I could of been very successful there, but that’s the business, you have to do what you have to do, no hard feeling still have respect for the club, firm believer of everything happens for a reason

What memories do you have with your short time there with Dennis Schroeder. There was hype starting that season, but did you think that he would reach the NBA

We was cool, and with us being the younger guys on the squad we connected well and we still do, I actually went to him play in the eastern conference finals last season, but I remember thinking man he’s good for his age and have a good chance at the NBA, and telling people that. He’s playing good ball in the NBA right now and has had a good start to his career. I’m proud of him well deserved

As a young buck what did ultimate professional Immanuel Mcelroy give you with his play and basketball wisdom that you took from Germany?

Mac was the OG lol the one that kept me level Headed, was like a older brother when I was there, taught me a lot on and off the court just about the European way on and off the court, the glue of the team and the guy you went to for advice because he been there and done that

You were a star in the Czech Republic, but didn´t win any titles. What did you gain there in your 3.5 years that has helped your game develop further?

Gained wisdom about the European style and actually helped me in my winning attitude, you can score but are you winning doing only that? Winning is the most important and you can be a key player by doing the little things, doing the little can win games. The Czech Republic gave me more of a winning attitude. I always had a winning Attitude but being in the Czech Republic made it stronger and helped me to realize what I have to do to win in the European game

You played two seasons at Fairmont State from 2009-2011 tearing up the NCAA2 and you continued to do so as a professional. Why do you believe have you been underrated your whole career? Your definitely not an undersized guard to get that label?

Good question!!!! I used to think about that but now it’s just something I feed off of and makes me even more motivated because I know my abilities and what I’m capable of and highly confident in them but I never question God´s work. Every where I’ve been has been a blessing for me, I learned more and more so I have no regrets and just continue to prove wrong and hopefully in the end I can be an inspiration to small college kids in not having to have a big school behind your name

Wiliam Hatcher is only three years older, but in terms of how his career has gone is he a major role model in your career?

Yes Bean is a competitor well I love and represent flint (my city) well. I saw how he grew in his career and didn’t go to a big school and just give me more confident because it’s someone you look up to growing up and also from the same playgrounds as you, so yes Bean played a good part in my career n mindset

How did head coach Tim Murphy groom and prepare you best for a professional basketball career?

Coach was like a father to me and still is, helped me become a man, going to Fairmont was one of the best choices I made funny because I had other visits but I just took the Fairmont visit and said this the place for me my mom said you not going to go to the other and I said no need and coach just gave me that killer confidence, that if you want something work for it and get it, and don’t let no tell you you can’t

Who was the toughest guy that you battled in college that made the NBA or is in Europe?

My best friend Kevin Tiggs not saying this because we are close but Kevin Tiggs I played him in junior college, could do it all and still can, athletic forward, don’t have many weaknesses, a good all around talent

What is the state of Lebron James in 2016? When all is said and done will he be mentioned in the same breath as a Michael Jordan?

That’s tough Micheal Jordan is the greatest and I do believe Lebron is the best overall talent I’ve seen because his size and what he can do with his size is unbelievable but in the same breath as Jordan the GOAT that’s tough, as there will never be another Jordan my opinion

What was the last movie that you saw?

John Wick lol my favorite movie

 

Thanks Thad for the chat.