Torey Thomas is a 30 year old 178cm point guard from White Plains, New York that is playing his ninth professional season and first for Rosa Radom (Poland-TBL). He started his basketball career at Holy Cross (NCAA) in 2003 where he played until 2007 playing a total of 125 NCAA games. As a senior he played 34 games averaging 13.7ppg, 4.7rpg, 4.7apg, 2.8spg, FGP: 37.5%, 3Pts: 40.3%, FT: 77.1%. Last season he played for Aris Thessaloniki (Greece-A1) playing 31 games averaging 10.2ppg, 3.9rpg, 3.4apg, Steals-1(1.8spg), FGP: 47.0%, 3PT: 34.5%, FT: 75.4%,He is a basketball globetrotter as he has played in 11 countries since turning professional in 2007 and Rosa Radom is his 17^th professional team that he has laced up his sneakers for. He is still looking for his first professional title, but has demonstrated his basketball craft on both sides of the court as he was top assist man in Holland, scorer in Sweden and steals in Sweden, Holland, Russia, and Greece. He is a a true °pass-first” point guard, but that can lead a game in scoring on any night. Unselfish player. Makes everyone else better and on the defensive side an absolute lockdown defender that is a great on the ball defender. Like Quantez Robertson can fill up the stats sheet. He spoke to German Hoops before the Europe Cup game against the Fraport Skyliners.

 

 

Torey thanks for talking to German Hoops. How did you get into 2016 and what new years resolutions do you have as a player and as person?

You’re welcome Miles. Happy New Year. I don’t have any resolutions as a player or as a person. I simply set goals and try my best to achieve them.

You are 30 years old and playing your 9th professional season and your playing for your 17th professional team and in your 11 country. Do you at times feel like you are a basketball globetrotter?

Yes I definitely feel like I’m a basketball globetrotter. What better way is it to play basketball and see the world than what I am doing now.

If someone had told you in the summer of 2008 after your rookie season with teams in Turkey, Sweden and France that a kid from White Plains, New York would still be playing professionally in 2015 what would you have thought?

I would have thought that I am extremely blessed to have this opportunity. I know how hard I work for this but many people don’t get to keep playing professionally as long as I do and I very grateful. I thank God everyday for this blessing.

You played once before in Poland with PGE Turow Zgorzelec (Poland-PLK) and this season your playing for Rosa Radom (Poland-TBL), 5 years after playing in Poland last, how would you describe the player Torey Thomas and what does he have now that he didn´t have in the 2010-2011 season?

I have more wisdom. Playing for these years I gained more and more knowledge of the game.

Currently Rosa Radom is in second place behind Stelmet as the top positions are very tight. What have been the main reasons for the success of the team?

We play as a cohesive unit on both ends of the floor. We play very solid defense and we move the ball around on offense. We have a good mixture of players and good teammates. Our coaches believe in our abilities.

A big strength of the team is team defense as it allows 70 points in the Polish league and has given up 70 points or less seven times. What has been key for developing this consistency on the defensive end so early in the season?

Communication and togetherness. Knowing that if you get beat one of your teammates will be there to help you and always rotating to the next player. We take pride in our defense.

Another team strength is team rebounding. You and American CJ Harris average 9,6rpg combined. How key has been the guards helping out at all times?

This helps big time. When your guards rebound it takes pressure off of the big guys and they can focus on good boxing out. When the guards like us rebound we can score points in transition.

American CJ Harris might be the teams top scorer, but aside from that what other aspect does he give the team that is extra special?

He’s can create his own shot very well, rebounds very well, and plays defense. He’s an up and coming star. Euro league type of player.

Rosa Radom had a 5-1 record in the first round of Europe Cup and now come into a group with Frankfurt, Royal Hali and Sodertalje. What can we expect from this group?

This is an extremely tough group. You can expect some very good games between all the teams. Basketball on all levels is represented well in this group. I’m excited to see how this round shapes up.

The next game is against the Fraport Skyliners. What do you remember from your ex teammate at Holy Cross Keith Simmons telling you when he played with Frankfurt?

I heard that Frankfurt is a beautiful city. He liked the organization and the fans. This will be a good trip for us. I like to explore every city that I travel to. I hope to see something very interesting in Frankfurt.

Do you still get pumped playing against big time point guards like ex Seton hall American Jordan Theodore that like you spent much time in New York city as he comes from across the river in New Jersey.

Yes I definitely get pumped up playing against a great guard like Jordan Theodore. He has the whole package and it’s great to see NYC or Tri-State guards playing professionally and doing well.

How key will the inside battle be between the two Polish big men Robert Witka and Michael Sokolowski against the Frankfurt twin towers Johannes Voigtmann and Danilo Barthel. How much of the game could be decided with these four players?

These are key match ups because all 4 played are key contributors in the game. I believe that it will rely heavily on the overall play of both teams.

You are only 178cm big. In what other areas of your game do you make up for your lack of height?

My heart makes up for my lack of height. If I’m 178cm big then my heart has to be most of that height lol I enjoy rebounding and getting down there with the big guys.

What is a hidden strength in your game that doesn´t get noticed right away?

Basketball IQ is not seen right away but the ability to read plays on both ends of the floor really is a strength I take pride in.

With all the different teams that you have helped win games, how surprising is it for you that you are still looking for your first title?

Its tough because most leagues have a dominant team in their country that usually wins the championships. I have helped teams get back to their winning ways but my main objective is to win a title. I believe before my career is over I will do that.

In the two seasons 2012-2014 you played for 6 teams with two in Turkey and France and one in Serbia and Italy. Is it difficult to keep motivating yourself for a new team, country, culture etc after having to leave so often?

In this business you can’t always factor in something going wrong or why you have to leave a particular situation. So my love for the game of basketball keeps me motivated to go into another country, culture, and environment. I look at is as another opportunity to play the game that I love but also learn about a new culture that I normally wouldn’t have known about before I arrived.

In the 2001-2011 season you played with PGE Turow Zgorzelec with Germans Konrad Wysocki who studied at Princeton and Robert Tomaszek who once scared away a burglar in Germany. How do you remember these two fine men best in your memories?

Man first of all both great people and great teammates. We accomplished so much that season going all the way to the finals game 7 vs Asseco Prokom euroleague team. Rob was my enforcer and Konrad was always the voice of reason. I enjoyed playing with these guys.

What was your wake up call to being a rookie in Europe when you played for Kepez Bld Antalya, Akropol BBK (Sweden-Basketligan) and Etendard de Brest (France-ProB).

My wake up call was scoring my first basket and it was announced in another language. It was an amazing feeling but it was weird like wow I am actually playing professional basketball.

For a professional basketball player winning is most important, but stats don´t lie. You have been top assist man in Holland, scorer in Sweden and steals in Sweden, Holland, Russia, and Greece. Would you say you pride your game most on defense even if people might get blinded by your offensive strength?

Yes I definitely pride myself on being defensive first but I work continuously on my offensive skills so that I am not a one dimensional player. I want to be a complete point guard so that means leading my team first and foremost. After leadership it’s making sure I assist, rebound, steal, score and make other teammates have confidence in themselves to make big plays.

It has been more than 12 years ago where two young New York boys Keith Simmons and you arrived in Worcester on the campus of Holy Cross. It has been a long time, but when you look back what is your most cherished memory with him on and off the court?

Most cherished moment on the court with him was in 2007 winning the Patriot League Championship on our home court and giving him a big hug. It was special moment to get bid into the NCAA Tournament. Off the court we were roommates and we enjoyed each other’s company I’m very happy and proud of Keith’s success!

You have played against so many great players over the years, but which player was the toughest that you ever had to play against?

I would have to say Scottie Pippen back in 2008 in Akropol. He came to Sundsvall, Sweden and played against us and at 42 years old he still had everything. It was special to share the court with a legend.

What is the state of Lebron James in 2016? When it´s all said and done do you see him being greater than Michael Jordan?

Lebron James is the best all around basketball player in 2016 in my opinion. He’s been the best all around player for several years. I don’t see him being greater than Michael Jordan though. That’s okay because that’s why his name is Lebron James he will leave his own legacy when he’s done playing.

What was the last movie that you saw?

Creed which was an excellent movie.

 

Thanks Torey for the chat.

 

Andrew Jones is a 32 year old 191cm shooting guard that has been a professional basketball player since 2007 and has returned back to the Dresden Titans this season. He played at Miles(NCAA2) and has played in Germany for most of his professional career with four seasons with the Dresden Titans and three seasons with the BG Aschersleben Tigers (Germany-Regionalliga). He also gained experience playing with teams like Marietta Storm (SEBL), BC Celtics (SEBL), C.B. Aridane (Spain-EBA) and Universidad Tecnologica Equinoc. Quito (Ecuador-National League). Last season he played for BG Aschersleben Tigers (Germany-Regionalliga) averaging 19,9ppg, 6,5rpg and 3,9apg. He spoke to German Hoops after then huge 118-79 victory against the Uni-Riesen Leipzig.

 

 

Andrew thanks for talking to German Hoops. You have been playing in Germany for many years and especially in Dresden have seen the classic Christmas tradition being lived. How did you spend the holiday season and new year?

Thanks Miles it’s always good speak with you. This actually my third Christmas vacation in Germany since I’ve been here. Especially Dresden, which has one of the best Christmas Markets in the world. I spent the holidays here in Dresden. A great place to be during the holidays.

What new year resolutions have you made for 2016 for Andrew Jones the professional basketball player and person?

I’m not a big new resolution guy. But if I had one, I would like to help get our team get on track to the high level basketball we play. Personally, try to be the best man I can be.

Shortly before the holiday break, the Dresden Titans lost to BG Karlsruhe snapping a three game winning streak. Did that loss personally take long for you to digest?

Any loss is difficult when your trying everything to win. I will say that loss did hurt because our team is very talented. We gave away a game at their home by 3, after controlling until the last minutes. Then they came to our house and beat us by 16. That’s tough!

When looking back at the loss to BG Karlsruhe, what did you notice was missing from the Dresden Titans game to be a top team like them?

We didn’t have any fire on defense. We let them grab every rebound and we were a step too late on rotations.

With what kind of approach was the team going into the game against Leipzig? You were looking for your first win against a top 3 team in the Pro B south?

We were looking to run. Leipzig is a very good team. But their main players play heavy minutes. We wanted to use that to our advantage.

Congrats on the huge 118-79 win against the Uni-Riesen Leipzig. It was the biggest point total of the season and second 100 plus game. What do you feel is the most underrated part about the Dresden offense?

I don’t think teams really know how many scorers we have. We have options everywhere on the court.

The game was decided at halftime as you led 66-34. What were the key words that new head coach Steven Clauss stressed besides not losing focus that allowed you to continue playing your game and scoring consistent for 40 minutes?

ARE WE HAVING FUN. Then proceeded to coach the same game plan that got us the big lead in the first half.

How much self confidence did this win give the club and do you see it growing in the next months?

I think the club is feeling confident. It helps when what your practice works on game day. Everyone has no choice but to feel good about this.

After going into the game with a 6-8 record, on what things does the team still need to improve on to reach the playoffs this season?

We have to keep running our transition. Defense can always get better. We want to have great offense and defense!

The club had six players in double figures. Can this unselfishness be carried on into the next games?

The style of play Coach Clauss is teaching enables us to have many scoring threats. We had three more players who missed the double digit mark by a few points. I believe this will be a normal playing style for us.

How important was the pick up of Randal Holt who netted 25 points in his first game?? What does he give the club that was lacking before besides massive scoring punch?

Randal is very important for this team! He gives us a quicker pace. He controls the game very well. I’m personally excited to have a player like him on our team.

How excited are you to be playing with Randall Holt. What can we expect from this duo and how lethal could it become?

Playing with Randal is a blessing. He will change how teams defend us. Dresden has two guards that are in attack mode! I hope I can get a couple alley oops

The club has a very experienced and knowledgeable coach with Steven Clauss. What does he give the team now that German Thomas Krzywinski didn´t have?

Coach K gave blood, sweat and tears to the Titans. It is difficult to say what he didn’t give, because he gave everything. However, Coach Clauss brings a style of coaching that translates easily. His resume speaks for itself.

You are averaging 10,3ppg, 4,5rpg and 3,5apg. You had an up and down first half and I don´t need to tell you are you happy with your performance. What have been the main reasons for the less productive Andrew Jones being on the court?

I can honestly say that I allowed things outside my control to affect the way I play. This is definitely the worst half of basketball in my career. I’m happy to have gone through this. If God allows me another game, I will play at my highest level.

How confident are you that you will pick it up in the second half? Could a Randall Holt help propel your game with his play?

Very confident things will change. Randal will be a big part of it, he is our floor general.

Your defense is very solid. Are you a kind of player that is confident that good defense will get your shooting going? Your shooting has been down, but repairable.

I’m not the guy to make excuses or says what needs to be done for my shooting to get better. It just needs to get better. I will take advantage of every opportunity I have to make it better.

Do you see Steph Curry hitting for 70 points in the next years?

If any player can, it is definitely him. Incredible talent!!!

Have you seen the new Star Wars movie? What was your impression of it and how do you compare it to the others?

I haven’t seen it yet. Stars wars is a classic so I will definitely see it soon.

What was the last movie that you saw?

I can’t remember a movie, but I just finished Ray Donavan on Netflix second season.

Thanks Andrew for the chat.

 

Richard Williams is a 28 year old 178cm guard that is playing his first season with the Kirchheim Knights averaging 18,3ppg, 8,5apga and 4,0rpg at the moment. He recently played for the Fraport Skyliners Frankfurt (Germany-BBL): EuroChallenge: 2 games: 9.0ppg, 3.5rpg, 6.5apg, 2.0spg; German BBL: 9 games: 8.2ppg, 2.0rpg, 3.0apg, 1.4spg, 2FGP: 40.6%, 3FGP: 48.0%, FT: 70.6%, in Jan.’15 moved to SC Rasta Vechta (Germany-ProA): 12 games: 4.6ppg, 2.7rpg, 3.3apg, 1.0spg. He is a very fast guard that can play either one or two. Great at pushing the break. Can score by shooting the three or using his explosiveness to beat his man. Gets to the basket and scores in traffic. A specialist in steals that uses his quickness to intimidate on defense. Great ball control. Gets the whole team involved when playing the point but can takeover a game at any time. He started his basketball career at San Diego St. (NCAA) in 2005 where he played until 2009. In his senior year he played  36 games: 7.2ppg, 4.3rpg, 3.5apg, 2.1spg, FGP: 40.9%, 3Pts: 37.5%, FT: 64.2%. In 2009-2010, he started his professional basketball career for The San Diego Surf (ABA), in Jan.’10 moved to FSU Selfoss (Iceland-Express League, starting five): 8 games: 27.5ppg, 8.1rpg, 3.4apg, 2.8spg, FGP: 51.6%, 3PT: 46.2%, FT: 72.7%. In 2011-2012, he played for  UBC Hannover Tigers (Germany-ProB) 33 games: 18.3ppg, 5.1rpg, Assists-4(5.7apg), Steals-2(3.2spg), FGP: 48.1%, 3PT: 36.1%, FT: 75.8%. In the 2012-2013 season he played for SC Rasta Vechta playing 38 games: 15.6ppg, 5.2rpg, Assists-1(6.7apg), Steals-1(2.5spg), FGP: 45.6%, 3PT: 35.2%, FT: 79.9%. In the 2013-2014 season for Vechta he played 34 games: 14.6ppg, 4.7rpg, 4.4apg, Steals-3(1.9spg), FGP: 46.0%, 3PT: 29.3%, FT: 82.7%. Last weekend, he helped steer Kirchheim to a 88-75 win with 11 points and 11 assists, but spoke to eurobasket earlier after the loss to Gotha.. He spoke to German Hoops about the first half of the season.

 

 

Richie thanks for talking to German Hoops. You were recently back home for the holiday season. Besides seeing family and friends what is something that never gets old in the city of San Diego?

I always make my first stop at the taco shop. I had it every day for that whole week I was home

What new year resolutions has Richard Williams the professional basketball player and the person made for 2016?

I’ve don’t have any yearly resolutions but I do have some lifetime resolutions that I continue to work on. Don’t waste time, don’t take anything for granted and be grateful for my health.

After losing the first game by a point to Gotha, how much more did it hurt to lose to them again and then also having to play the extra five minutes and lose then?

It doesn’t hurt but it is a bit annoying that we controlled both games and still found a way to lose them.

Gotha is a playoff team and could even be a team that you might face in the post season. What lessons did the team gain from these two tight loses that they will do better in the next possible meeting?

Maintain focus for the whole game. Too many mental errors when the game mattered most.

Kirchheim seemed to have control in the overtime period, but let it slip away at the end. Was it the simple mistakes that let this win get away from you?

Defensive rotations down the stretch were a second late. Can’t have those breakdowns at crucial points of the game.

You had another good scoring and assist game at 14/14, but had 6 turnovers. How long did you think over this loss until it was digested?

Not much. I mainly think about did I give everything I had on every possession, not mistake and what could have been.

Do you point the finger a bit at yourself for not being more productive in the OT period?

When my team isn’t successful I always ask myself what I could have done better or differently to change the outcome.

Despite the first loss of the season the Kirchheim Knights finished at 11-5 at the Christmas break. What was your first half summary?

We were actually 11-4 at the break but I felt we should have been 11-2. Gave a couple games away to last second shots but that’s just extra motivation for the second half.

Except for a 7 game winning streak, Kirchheim has been up and down. What will the team have to do to be more consistent in the second half of the season?

Getting better. We can’t take days off. Winning is never easy even though it can look that way at times

Despite giving up only 65 points per game, what do you feel can the club still do better on the defensive end that will spark the defense even more?

Always play with energy. Defensive is primarily made up of effort.

German Andreas Kronhardt had some strong games early against Chemnitz and Jena, but had his real breakthrough against Gotha with 25 points. How vital will his play be down the stretch for the club to be successful?

Andy had a great game and that’s huge for his confidence. Playing with that type of aggression and focus can help take this team to another level.

Keith Rendelmann is having a very strong season and a main contributor with you to the success. What do you like most about his game?

His approach. He doesn’t complain about touches, playing time or anything. He always play hard and he’s a great listener. Great teammate all around.

How much fun are you having this season running the offense and how is it different to your teams in Hannover, Vechta and Frankfurt?

Every team and season is different for all kinds of reason. This season has been fun this year mainly because of my health. I can move and do things with confidence now that I feel good.

You are having your strongest Pro A season in Germany in terms of scoring, assists and steals. Are you getting better with age?

I’m getting smarter. I’m getting better at picking my spots and playing with more tempo than speed.

Turnovers is something I stressed in our last interview. Your averaging 4,1 per game. What do you focus most on in practice in improving so you can cut this stat down in games?

I focus on getting those possessions back elsewhere, either by steals or offensive rebounds.

You were very close to a triple double against Cologne. Do you think that we will see a triple double from you this season?

We’ll see. I just do my best to make winning plays, the stats will take care of itself.

Do you see Steph Curry hitting for 70 points in a game this season?

All is possible with Steph Curry on the court. Haha

What was the last movie that you see?

Dope.

 

Thanks Richie for the chat.

 

Already last season, the Fraport Skyliners displayed club strength with five players taking part at the 2015 Beko BBL allstar game as they sent the German twin towers Johannes Voigtmann and Danilo Barthel as well as three Germans to the NBBL allstar game with Niklas Kiel, Armin Musovic and Lenny Okeke and it could have been even more had someone thought about naming a Justin Cobbs who was having a solid season. This season it wasn´t any different as the 2004 Beko BBL champion sent 5 players with the big German three of Johannes Voigtmann, Danilo Barthel and Konstantin Klein as well as Super Tez Quantaze Robertson as well as young German Garai Zeeb. The day of festivities turned out to bring success and a win for the first time for team national.

 

The day started out with the NBBL allstar game where the young 18 or under can show their talent on the floor and demonstrate who might be a Beko BBL allstar in the future. Zeeb helped the NBBL south team beat the North with 93-86. The ex Bremerhaven guard steered 8 points nailing two three pointers and also showed class on defense registering three steals.

 

Between the NBBL allstar game and Beko BBL allstar game is possibily the most fun as the fans can watch the three point shooting and slam dunk contests. The only thing more entertaining is possibly when all the team mascots dance on the court trying to see which one will gain the most love from the fans. The ex Gotha guard Konstantin Klein was named as a replacement to take part at the three point shooting contest. What can a participant do to practice for a contest like this on the day of the event? There isn´t much one can do except get up as many shots as possible and get a good feel as possible of the rims. Klein didn´t have his best shooting day and had to tip his hat to ratiopharm Ulm guard Per Guenther who won with 23 points. Guenther had home court advantage while Klein will look to make amends in the second half of the season with continued good shooting from down town.

 

Quantez Robertson entered the slam dunk contest looking to finally win the title after bowing out twice in the final in 2010 in Bonn and 2011 in Trier, but had to tip his cap to Tuebingen American Garlon Green who must have felt good after winning knowing that the flak about dunking in his own basket some weeks ago could now be a bit hidden after winning this title.

 

In the finale, fans got too see the Beko BBL allstar game where the four Fraport Skyliners combined for 37 points. Team national won for the first time 128-118 as Johannes Voigtmann led the charge with 17 points, five rebounds and eight assists. Despite filling up the stats liek a Pau Gasol, the MVP award went to Per Guenther who scored 21 points. The versatile game of Voigtmann once again showed that he not only is or is one of the best centers in the Beko BBL, but also one of the best players in the league. Heidelberg native Danilo Barthel added 8 points, three rebounds and two assists, Konstantin klein 8 points and four rebounds and Quantez Robertson rounded out the scoring with four points and four rebounds for team international. Once thing is for sure, the season is still very long and the bragging rights could be brutal as Quantez Robertson will always have the big German three of Voigtmann, Barthel and Klein reminding him “remember Ulm Tez? The day Germany was better than USA at basketball.

 

 

Ricky Easterling is a 32 year old 190cm guard from Baltimore playing his 10 professional season in Germany and over the years has been crowned Mr Regionaliga as he averaged over 30 points three times with TV Saarlouis and is now playing his second season in the German Pro B and belongs to the top 3 players there. Before moving to Saarlouis in 2007 he played at Bridgewater (NCAA3) an dthen as a rookie played with TSG Reutlingen (Germany-Oberliga and Bergheim Bandits (Germany-Regionalliga). Last season with TV Saarlouis he played 28 games: Score-1(22.9ppg), 4.5rpg, Assists-4(5.3apg), 1.4spg, FGP: 55.2%, 3PT: 25.0%, FT: 86.1%. Currently he is averaging 22,2ppg, 3,4rpg and 4,4apg. He spoke to Eurobasket before the start of the second half of the season.

 

 

 

Ricky thanks for talking to German Hoops. Where are you at the moment and how has the Christmas holiday been for you?

Over the holidays I stayed in Saarlouis. A lot of Americans like to go home but I stay because the break is not that long and I want to get a good rest and relax while I have the chance. I think traveling a lot doesn’t give me that opportunity. So I just wait for the end of the season to go back home to visit my family.

Have you been able to stay away from giving the basketball type gift or do you tend to give traditional type gifts?

I think I buy more traditional gifts for my loved ones. But when I am asked what I want for the holidays and I normally want more basketball related gifts. For example the latest retro Jordans if they are still available in stores or online.

You are playing your ninth season for Saarlouis. At this stage of your career do you think that you will end your career with them?

It is hard to say where I will end my career. I have been here a while and I really like it here in Saarlouis. But every year is different and anything can happen. So I guess we will have to see what happens

I could imagine you playing into your 40´s and possibly further as a player/coach. Would this be an option you will look into if your body continues to be good and allow you to play at a high level?

Yes if my body stays healthy and I am able to compete at a level I am satisfied with then I would love to keep playing. I’m in love with the game and it will always be a part of my life in some kind of way.

Saarlouis is currently in 11th place with a 3-10 record and very much in the playoff race. How badly do you want to make the playoffs in your second season in the Pro B?

We have had a rough start to the season. We have shown at times we can beat any team in the league if we play to our potential. I’m looking forward to the second round of the season and hopefully we can win more games and make playoffs. That was the goal for us coming in to the season and we are not going to give up.

Talk about the first half of the season. The club started with a 4 game losing streak, then won two of three, then lost three in a row and now are on a two game winning streak. Why is the team so up and down?

At the moment we just are very inconsistent. We often let the other teams control the game and make stupid mistakes that cost us games. We are aware of this and are working hard to correct these issues. We have made a couple changes and things are looking better for us

 

What has the team done better in the games against BG Karlsruhe and Speyer on defense that has allowed on average only 64 points in these two games while during the season 79 points?

We are just executing what we want to do on the defensive end better then we have done before. We are also playing better on offense which I think contributes also contributes to us playing better defense. When you can hit shots and take care of the ball then that keeps the other team from getting easy baskets in transition. We are able to get back and set up our defense rather than chasing the other team down and trying to stop them in transition.

How big was the loss against BG Karlsruhe? Despite the loss this must have given the team confidence going into the second half of the season?

Even though we lost this game it was big for our team ego. We showed we can play with anyone in this league as long as we play our game and play to our potential. One play was the difference in this game and a person can pick and choose what play that was. The game could have went either way. Unfortunately the win went to Karlsruhe but we showed the league and ourselves that we are better then what our record says.

How important is team consistency in the second half of the season for the team to be successful?

Consistency is huge for us this second round and we understand that. If we stay at the level we have been playing the last two games we will win a lot more game this round and hopefully make playoffs.

On what other things does the team need to work on to be successful and qualify for the playoffs?

Limit our turnovers and continue to play together on offense. We have been doing a good job of that and we have seen the difference in how we are playing. Working hard on defense is also something we need to continue to do but I’m not really worried about that because if we are able to get back and set up we are a strong team defensively.

How important has Brennan Mcelroy been for the team and you? You must love him because he is like a playmaker as he is a great passer for forward inside player.

It is a great pleasure playing with a guy like Brennan. He is our work horse and does so much for us. As you can see when you look at his stats. He fills all categories. Probably one of best all around players I have played with in career.

How are playing your ninth season with big man Muharem Mujkanovic. He is one of those players that doesn´t get much press or respect, but does his job. How important is he on the floor for the team since he is the only real true man that produces on a consistent level.

Harri is my bro! We been together since I came to Saarlouis and I can’t imagine playing in SLS without him. He has come a long way since our first season together and I am very proud of him. He is doing a great job this season and I hope he starts to get the credit he deserves. He is a key component to your team and if we want to turn things around the next round Harri is going be one of the guys we go to, to take us to where we want be by the end of the season. PLAYOFFS!

Let´s talk about your game. You are having another great season. Are you getting better with age? How important is your summer off season training for you now at your age?

Haha! I like that term getting better with age. I guess you can say that. I am very fortunate to have stayed healthy this long and to continue to be able to play at a high level. The off season is a very important part to my game at this point of my career just like it has always been. I am fortunate to have a guy like Chris Cummings in my life that has taught me so much of how to be a true professional and how to stay at the top of my game. I have been working out with him every summer and season since I have started my professional career. I would not be the player I am today without having him in my corner guiding me. Hopefully I have the opportunity to keep working with him in the future.

Last season you took 44 three pointers and now at the mid way point only 10. If you jog your memory could you remember where you took all 10 three pointers this season? Lol

Umm yeah I think I could if I really think about it. But as we both know 3s are not a shot that I take much of. But I think in this second half of the season if teams start to play more zone against us then I will shoot more 3s. I work on my 3pt shot in my shooting trainings and I am very confident in shooting them. So if I need to shoot more of them I will with confidence.

If I say 3 points, five fouls in 12 minutes could you tell me what opponent it was and when?

Yes season 2014-15 against Iserlohn. That was the first week of the season and we played a double header weekend. Friday against Speyer and Sunday against Iserlohn. I had some knee issues from the game on Friday against Speyer and it effected my performance against Iserlohn. That was a frustrating day for me and still haunts me from time to time.

You are having another great season averaging 22,2ppg, 3,4rpg and 4,4apg. How happy have you been with your game? Is it more just shot selection and hitting shots that you look at in how your scoring keeps developing this season?

To be honest I’m not satisfied with my numbers right now. I think they should be better all the way around. They will improve in the second round which will be very beneficial to my team helping us win more games.

Your averaging 4,8 turnovers a game. What has been your biggest problem at taking care of the ball and how can you work at keeping that down?

I have no excuses for that and I promise you this stat will drop!

In the 85-71 win against Speyer you had 26 points, 12 assists and shot 2/3 from outside. Could we see you taking more three´s in the second half of season?

They played a lot of zone in this game and that shot was available for me to take. Like I said before if teams want to test my teams outside shooting by playing zone. I’m ready for the challenge and will shoot deep with confidence.

It really doesn´t matter who I talk to in the Pro B, but every player says you have the best mid distance shot ever. Talk about how this shot has developed and how you keep it being unstoppable?

Mid range shooting has been a big part of my game since high school. My coach at Dundalk HS Kevin Peiser came up to me one day and said that shot is open for me a lot and I should look to shoot it more. So that is exactly what I did. Since then I been working on that shot and it became very comfortable for me. I went to college and my coachs Bill Leatherman, and PW Weller keep me in the gym working on my shot. Then I meet Chris Cummings in Germany and he brought my shot to another level. A lot of reps got my mid range shit to what it is today. So reps and hard work is what helped me get to this point

What personal goals do you have in the second half of the season. Will we maybe see a triple double?

My personal goals are team oriented. I just want get more wins and make playoffs. If it takes triple doubles to get us there then so be it.

 

You have averaged 6,5apg in the last three games. Does your creating come from what the defense gives you or have you become more of a playmaker as of recently?

I’m just playing more point guard recently. Eventhough I am a scorer I can also create for my teammates. People don’t seem to realize that because of my scoring but I can also create easy opportunities for teammates. I work on that part of my game every day in practice.

What new year resolutions have you been thinking about for 2016?

Get more wins in the secomd half of the season and take better care of the ball.

What was the last movie that you saw?

Rediculous 6 by Adam Sandler.

 

Thanks Ricky for the chat.

Royal Hali Gaziantep (Turkey-BSL) 206 center Anthony King may be 30 years already, but there was a time when he was a young inexperienced 23 year old rookie wearing a Frankfurt Skyliners jersey and had the daily panic thoughts about what kind of criticism he would receive from head coach Murat Didin or if it was worth it to go downtown to shop when he really had all that he needed in the NWZ mall that is adjacent to the training facility of the then Deutsche Bank Skyliners. When the ex Miami Hurricane came to Frankfurt in 2008, he was able to gain valuable experience from a Derrick Allen or Jimmy Mckinney, while Quantez Robertson was a senior at Auburn(NCAA). His rookie year was anything but easy as he hardly played averaging 3.2ppg, 2.8rpg. After leaving the Beko BBL, he had to pay basketball dues in Cyprus, but won 2 titles with InterCollege Etha Engomis (Cyprus-Division A), before returning back to Germany in 2011 and played for the Artland Dragons and became a very solid big man in an always progressing league. In the last 4 years, King battled against the Fraport Skyliners eight times and has a positive record of 5-3 and the first and last meetings will probably remain in his mind most from all games. In his first meeting in the 2011-2012 season, the game result looked more like a massive shoot out between the Green Bay Packers and Denver Broncos with a Peyton Manning and Aaron Rodgers combining for 10 touchdown passes as Artland won 49-44 showing no players had any post Christmas food on their ribs as both teams defended as if their life depended on it and in last seasons last game, it was Artland winning again 90-87 in 2OT as King had a superb game of 15 points and 11 rebounds. Now it was the first meeting of King against the Fraport Skyliners in an international club uniform as he welcomed his ex team to Turkey and had a rough day at the office going 0/3 and grabbing three boards as Royal Hali Glaziantep lost a tough fought game 71-66 as the Fraport Skyliners remain unbeaten in Europe Cup play at 8-0. It was a pretty even game for 40 minutes, but when it counted most in crunch time, the Fraport Skyliners made the big buckets and played tough defense keying in on ex NBA player Andrew Rautins who hit six three pointers, but didn´t get any shots near the end and they also defended ex NBA player Jawan Williams very well. This was the toughest and most talented team that the Fraport Skyliners have faced this season considering they had to tackle ex NBA players Andrew Rautins, Jawad Williams and Julyan Stone. “Those guys are really talented players but our defense was key tonight. We were able to make them uncomfortable at the most important part of the game. No game is easy. Every team has good players. No one stops a player on his own. It takes a team effort and that’s what we’ve prided ourselves on all season. Playing great team defense. When you look up the Skyliners, It should say a great collective unit who plays together on both ends of the floor”, stressed ex Seton Hall guard Jordan Theodore.

The Turkish team got off to the better start in the first quarter taking a quick 5-0 lead as Atlanta native and ex Unicaja Malaga (Spain-Liga Endesa) guard Earl Calloway hit a jumper and then set up ex Fraport Skyliner Andrew Rautins who whipped home a three pointer. However it didn´t take Frankfurt long to find their rhythm on offense as they rattled off a 8-3 run to dead lock the contest at 8-8. In the run Frankfurt got solid production from ex Auburn star Quantez Robertson who hit a jumper, Heidelberg native Danilo Barthel scored on the fast break, Canadian national player Aaron Doornekamp made free throws and German national player Johannes Voigtmann hit a pick and pop jumper. The contest carried on momentarily as a game of runs as now it was Royal Hali Gaziantep stringing off a 5-0 run to extend their lead to 13-8 as ex NBA player Jawan Williams who was a menace all night long spreading the floor making a jumper and then it was ex New York Knick Rautins hitting an off balance jumper in the corner as the Turkish team showed their best ball movement of the evening. However Frankfurt tied the game at 13 with a 5-0 run as Voigtmann nailed a fade away shot and Lithuanian and ex B.C. Zalgiris Kaunas (LKL) forward Tomas Dimsa brought massive energy from the bench with a three pointer. Both teams exchanged a few more lead changes as ex NBA players Julyan Stone and Williams connected, but Frankfurt withstood their fire power and led 21-19 after 10 minutes as ex Braunschweig forward Doornekamp scored in bunches with a trey and a lay in. It was a pretty even game, but Frankfurt quickly established the points in the paint area as well as getting buckets in transition. The Fraport Skyliners were shooting 50% from the field and 40% from outside while Royal Hali Gaziantep was shooting 44% from the field and 44% from outside. Frankfurt had the 9-8 rebound edge and had three turnovers while Royal Hali Gaziantep had four turnovers.

In the second quarter there was even less offense being executed as both teams started off cold not getting the first field goal until the seven minute mark. Both teams had their chances, but weren´t always using the best options. Frankfurt finally got their offense going getting buckets in bunches as Voigtmann hit a jumper and at that point was the most stable offense player for Frankfurt and Dimsa snuck inside as Frankfurt led 25-21. Royal Hali Gaziantep then got the lead back at 26-25 as they received instant offense from 36 year old 207cm Croatian Tomislav Ruzic who was the 2002 MVP of the Croatian Allstar game scored inside and then connected from deep in the corner. This didn´t faze Frankfurt as they went on a 8-1 run to take the 33-26 lead. The run was started by a deep three pointer from 2015 University games silver medalist Konstantin Klein, Robertson made free throws and then found Barthel from the parking lot. Frankfurt did a super job taking advantage of the Royal Hali Gaziantep mistakes and finally executing more consistently on the offensive end. However Royal Hali Gaziantep ran into halftime in charge going on a 5-2 run to trail only 35-32 as Rautins nailed another trey and Williams connected on a runner from the base line. After 20 minutes the game remained an even affair as neither club was able to break free. The Fraport Skyliners were shooting 44% from the field and 33% from the three point line while Royal Hali Gaziantep was shooting 42% from the field and 46% from the three point line. The rebound duel was tied at 16 a piece, while Frankfurt had seven turnovers and Royal Hali Gaziantep 10 turnovers.

Just like at begin of the second quarter, both teams had difficulty executing on offense as neither had real respect for either defense as it was playing at a high level. The first field goal was made at the 6.40 minute mark as Royal Hali Gaziantep got a trey from Calloway to tie the game at 35-35. Former teammates Klein and Rautins then traded three pointers as the game remained dead locked at 38-38. The Fraport Skyliners then were the controlling team for the rest of the third quarter as Royal Hali Gaziantep was playing catch up basketball and did a good job not letting the guests decide the game early. Frankfurt went on a 6-0 run to lead 44-38 as Doornekamp made free throws and Voigtmann hit a 20 footer on the pick and pop play with Robertson and then was fed from Barthel for the two handed crushing dunk. Royal Hali Gaziantep got free throws from Stone and a trey from Williams who looks like an NBA player just by his stagger on the court. Frankfurt got back to back buckets from Robertson who made a step back and two handed dunk getting the shovel pass from Florida native Mike Morrison as Frankfurt led 48-42. Rautins then made an off balance three to keep Royal Hali Gaziantep at bay 48-46. Calloway made some free throws and Jordan Theodore who often gets going in the second half made a tough left handed lay in in traffic. Ex Turk Telekom guard Can Ogut connected on a deep three pointer to send the game into the fourth quarter at 52-52. The Fraport Skyliners were shooting 40% from the field and 31% from the parking lot while Royal Hali Gaziantep was shooting 42% from the field and 48% from the parking lot. Frankfurt had the 26-25 rebound advantage and eight turnovers while Royal Hali Gaziantep had 13 turnovers.

Royal Hali Gaziantep got the momentum at the start of the fourth quarter going on a lightening 6-0 run to lead 58-52 as the Turkish team got consecutive three pointers from the corner from Stone and 35 year old 204 cm Slovenian Jure Balazic who won the 2011 Eurochallenge with Krka Novo Mesto. Frankfurt took a time out and came back on the court rejuvenated going on a quick 5-0 run to trail only 58-57 as Theodore got Frankfurt going getting to the line and then finding Voigtmann inside for the easy bucket. 2010 Eurochalleneg winner John Little then made a heads up play getting an offensive rebound and easy put back. Calloway then hit a jumper as Royal Hali Gaziantep led 60-57. Frankfurt then went on a mini 4-0 run to retake the lead 61-60 as Dimsa found some huge daylight inside as no one challenged him and he got in the lane and finished with a one handed stuff and Voigtmann made a huge hustle play making a steal at center court off the inbounds pass and getting off to the races and making the easy lay in. Ruzic then made a free throw to tie the game at 61-61. As crunch time approached it was Frankfurt that had the better nerves, options and executed better and tightened up their defense going on a 9-3 run to lead 70-64 and would never look back. Frankfurt got free throws from Voigtmann and Klein for the 64-61 lead and stopped the ex North Carolina Tar Heel Williams twice in this span as they didn´t give him any good looks, but he still opted to shoot and Robertson added on to the lead scoring inside getting a nifty back door pass from Voigtmann for the 66-61 lead. However never be too sure of your fortunes when a Rautins is on the court and hovering around the three point line as he nailed a trey to cut the Frankfurt advantage to 66-64. Frankfurt stayed mentally tough then as Theodore as he so often does made a huge bucket scoring inside and then Frankfurt then stopped Balazic inside. “Crunch time is where I’m at my best. I feel like it’s my job to make the right plays. I saw the big man and I just wanted to attack him and I was able to get him off balance and finish at the rim”, stressed Jordan Theodore. Doornekamp put icing on the cake with free throws as Frankfurt led 70-64. Calloway then made a jumper and Doornekamp a free throw to end the game. The Fraport Skyliners were led by Johannes Voigtmann with 15 points and nine rebounds. Aaron Doornekamp added 12 points, seven rebounds and four assists. Jordan Theodore, Konstantin Klein and Quantez Robertson added 10 points a piece. Royal Hali Gaziantep was led by Andrew Rautins with 18 points. Earl Calloway added 12 points, eight rebounds and five assists while Jawad Williams also contributed 12 points. Frankfurt shot 42% from the field and 26% from outside while Royal Hali Gaziantep shot 39% from the field and 41% from outside. Frankfurt won the rebound battle 38-35 and had 11 turnovers while Royal Hali Gaziantep had 16 turnovers. Frankfurt dominated the points in the paint 32-6 and had a 26-0 transition points advantage.

Clevin Hannah is a 28 year old 179cm guard from Holly Springs playing his sixth professional season and second in Spain and first season with Bilbao Basket (Spain-Liga Endesa). He started his basketball career at Paris JC (NJCAA) and Chipola JC (NJCAA). He then played his last two college years at Wichita St. (NCAA) and as a senior played 32 games: 12.0ppg, 2.8rpg, 4.7apg, 1.3spg, FGP: 45.1%, 3PT: 42.5%, FT: 90.4%. He started his professional basketball career in 2010 with BC Perla Harghitei Miercurea Ciuc (Romania-Div.A) playing 23 games: Score-2(21.2ppg), 3.1rpg, Assists-3(6.2apg), 1.5spg, FGP: 57.5%, 3PT-3(47.6%), FT: 86.3%. In the 2011-2012 season he played with Karhu Kauhajoki (Finland-Korisliiga) playing 44 games: 18.3ppg, 3.4rpg, Assists-4(4.5apg), 1.4spg, FGP: 56.9%, 3PT-1(46.8%), FT: 89.0%. KIN the 2012-2013 season he played for ALM Evreux Basket (France-ProB) playing 39 games: 16.8ppg, 2.9rpg, 5.3apg, 1.5spg, FGP: 55.7%, 3PT: 47.2%, FT: 88.5%. In the 2013-2014 season he played for Sluc Nancy Basket Pro (France-ProA): 38 games: 10.3ppg, 2.3rpg, 4.3apg, FGP: 47.8%, 3PT: 39.4%, FT: 82.5%. Last season he played for FIATC Joventut Badalona (Spain-Liga Endesa): 35 games: 10.2ppg, 1.3rpg, 2.4apg, FGP: 47.9%, 3PT: 38.5%, FT: 85.7%. He spoke to German Hoops in Ulm the night before the Euro Cup game against ratiopharm Ulm.

 

 

 

Clevin thanks for talking to German Hoops. 2016 has come. What new year resolutions have you made as Clevin Hannah the player and person?

 

 

As a player I want to win more games and focus on the small things that help win games and get back on track and win games. As a person I want to be a great father and be a better one.

 

 

Just like in Germany, you had to play over Christmas and New Years in the Spanish Endesa league. Was there any difference to celebrating the holidays in Badalona last year and in Bilbao this year?

 

There was no major difference from last year. I was with my family. We did a day trip to Madrid as my family had never been there and checked out the sights and some stores.

 

Currently Bilbao is in eighth place with a record of 6-8. The last time we spoke the team was off to a good start in the Spanish league at 3-1, but since then have been very up and down. Why hasn´t the team found a consistent basis yet?

 

 

We have to focus on the small things and have the right spirit and chemistry to win games. I think that if we can do these things we will be a better team in 2016.

 

The last 5 loses were all pretty tight games that you couldn´t win. What is missing from the team for it to be a better crunch time team?

 

There are a number of things that we can do better in crunch time that will help us be more successful. We need to figure out where the ball is at the moment, what player needs to have the ball and which not. The most important thing for crunch time success is too focus on our roles more.

 

The team is giving up too many points on defense with 80 per game, but have improved in the last three games giving up only 70 points per game. What has changed on the defensive end?

 

We have focused practicing harder on the defensive end. We have shown more intensity in the last games that has transitioned over into the games. This intensity really has helped us.

 

 

 

Is that defensive presence and energy missing down low with the departure of Shawn James?

 

Yes it is missing. He was a big part of our defense. He was able to alter a lot of shots and helped our perimeter defense. Everyone needs to help now and it starts with playing better 1-1 defense, because we don´t have that big body inside.

 

 

With Dairis Bertans, Alex Mumbru and yourself the team has three guys that score in double figures, but is that potential fourth consistent scorer and crunch time force missing? Maybe a Alex Ruoff could be that guy?

 

I feel that it is a team thing and we shouldn´t really focus on that one guy. But it would help us if Alex Ruoff got going, but we need to get him better looks. When he gets going, we will be a totally different team.

 

 

This is your third time in Germany this season after playing Eurocup in Oldenburg and Bonn. Now you are in Ulm. Are you slowly becoming an expert on the German playoff teams?

 

You could say that. I am learning a little bit more each time I return here. Oldenburg and Bonn were good teams and I saw nice atmospheres in both arenas and the fan support was nice. I enjoy coming to play in Germany.

 

 

Once again Bilbao has two German teams with ratiopharm Ulm and FC Bayern Munich and Turkish team Banvit. What expectations do you have going into this round and what will be key for advancing?

 

Our expectations are to be number one and we are working hard every day to win each game. Key for having success in this group will be being on the same page and being together as a team on each possession.

 

 

 

Bilbao has the height advantage over ratiopharm Ulm. How key will it be establishing the post early on and finding consistency?

 

It will be key getting our big guys involved early. But most important will be too get each guy involved. Ulm has a very strong all around team and it´s tough to play there. We need 100% from each guy to go home with a win.

 

 

You obviously play against the top point guards in Spain, but have to be prepared each week in Europe Cup for new players as well. What do you know about German national player Per Guenther and can you contain his quickness?

 

He is a very good player and exceptional leader for his team. I can match his quickness and it will be a big challenge to play against him, but I am up for it.

 

 

You recently had a dry spell from outside being 0/8 against FC Barcelona and your ex team Joventut and put up the big goose egg against the latter. Did this stretch preoccupy your time much going into 2016?

 

 

It was a tough situation and it was on my mind, but soon after the game, I focus on the next game and don´t let it linger on and don´t dwell on it any longer. I went back into the gym and got shots off and had a better game last weekend.

 

Despite losing a close 67-64 against Tenerife on January 3^rd, you found your stroke again from downtown going 3/7. Is shooting sometimes like playing the lottery?

 

Shooting is like playing the lottery. You can´t control hitting or missing a shot, but taking the best shot possible. I just dwell on other things like playing good defense and as a point guard getting everyone else involved. If I make shots than it is great for the team and an added bonus.

 

You really have picked it up on the defensive end in December getting 13 steals in the last 5 Endesa games. What can you contribute to this rise in your game?

 

I have been extra focused on the defensive end and more than earlier and that may be why I have been shooting bad for that period. I want to contribute as much as possible on the defensive end and help my team as much while not worrying as much about scoring and assists.

 

You sometimes come from the bench. Does it give you an advantage watching the flow of the game and already getting a feeling of how the game is going?

 

Coming from the bench is helpful, because you can see the flow of the game in the first few minutes and see what you can change and how to help your team best. It is definitely an advantage to come from the bench.

 

 

You may not have scored against your ex team Badalona, but you won the game. What was it like playing against teammate Demond Mallet? What continues to amaze you about his play at age 37?

 

He is such a good payer and leader and I watch his game and do the little things necessary to win games. He told me after the game that I won and it didn´t matter that I didn´t score. All wha they care about is winning and that advice really helped me.

 

 

Your ex teammate Toure Murry is playing for the Texas Legends (D-League) averaging 14/6/6. Do you see him fitting into the Washington Wizards rotation this season?

 

It is possible. I think that the Wizards is a great fit for him. He could really help off the bench as a third point guard and maybe he could stick on.

 

Do you see Steph Curry hitting for 70 points this season?

 

I can´t say he will. He is such a team player and so unselfish. He can hit 50 though.

 

Have you seen the new Star Wars? What was your impression?

 

I haven´t seen it yet, but heard it was a classic movie. I will try to check it out

 

What was the last movie that you saw?

 

The last movie that I saw was Unbroken. It was a really good movie to watch.

 

Thanks Clevin for the chat.

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Aaron Anderson is a 24 year old 201cm forward from Tucson, Arizona playing his third professional season and second with Sodertalje Kings (Sweden-Basketligan). He started his basketball career at Kennesaw St. (NCAA) and as a senior played 30 games: 9.6ppg, 9.0rpg, 1.0apg, FGP: 51.4%, FT: 53.7%. In 2013-2014 he started his professional basketball career with CAB Madeira (Portugal-LPB): 17 games: 12.8ppg, Reb-1(12.4rpg), 1.4spg, FGP-2(70.3%), FT: 30.2%. Last season he played with the Sodertalje Kings (Sweden-Basketligan, starting five): EuroChallenge: 6 games: 6.0ppg, 3.7rpg, 1.3apg, FGP: 62.5%, FT: 60.0%; Swedish Basketligan: 44 games: 9.4ppg, 7.7rpg, FGP-1(69.4%), FT: 54.4%. He recently talked to German Hoops about basketball.

 

 

Sodertalje Kings (Sweden-Basketligan) started the season strong with a 10-0 record and like the Fraport Skyliners are used to winning as of late as they had a 13 game winning streak. What has been your biggest winning streak in any kind of organized basketball for you?

I think that 10 game winning streak we had was the longest I’ve ever been a part of. Unfortunately we couldn’t keep it going a little longer into the season.

However the team then suffered a losing streak and lost a bitter 90-49 game to Uppsalla. What has the team gotten away from in the last weeks?

We got away from playing our basketball, didn’t pay attention to the details that got us to 10-0 in the Swedish league. Every game in Sweden is a tough one and we have to play well all 40 minutes to get a win, especially on the road where we lost those two games.

In that game the team shot 2/25 from outside. Do you remember ever shooting so bad in a game as a team?

No I can’t remember a game we shot that bad in the past. We have a team full of players that can really shoot the ball well, we just didn’t compete in any aspect of the game, not just shooting.

On offense the team averages 82 points in the Swedish league and have 5 players averaging double figures in scoring. How big has the team unselfishness been and how do you explain it being there so early?

Our team is full of unselfish players and that really benefits us, we all work hard to get ourselves or our teammates in the best position to score the ball. Our kind of play basketball will spread the points pretty evenly through our team, and I think thats a big reason we have been successful thus far.

In the Fiba Europe Cup the team is averaging only 26 rebounds per game. Has the inside game been somewhat been exploited by the opponents? Against Uppsala nobody was taller than 201cm in the starting lineup?

Rebounding is always one of our biggest points of emphasis. It’s no secret we have a small team in comparison to the other teams in the FIba Europe Cup, but we don’t make that an excuse. Rebounding is just something that we have to do as a team at all five positions on the defensive end.

The Sodertalje Kings (Sweden-Basketligan) lost the first two games in Europecup, but qualified to the next group with a 3-4 record. How thankful are you that the team was able to advance?

Our goal and preparation was the same even after losing the first two games. Our coaches did a great job of preparing us every game and that put us in a great position be successful. We always had goal to advance, it just made it a little harder on us after losing the first two games.

Now in the next group you face tough teams from Turkey, Germany and Poland and Sodertalje Kings (Sweden-Basketligan) are the underdogs. Do you think you will have an advantage as nobody is expecting that much from you?

All the teams that advanced have proven that they are good teams. We don’t look at ourselves being the underdogs, we just want to go out there and play our game and let it determine our outcome. We can compete with teams from great leagues as we showed in the first round, now it is just important that we can keep doing that for the entire second round.

You are playing your second season with the Sodertalje Kings (Sweden-Basketligan) and last season played EuroChallenge: 6 games: 6.0ppg, 3.7rpg, 1.3apg, FGP: 62.5%, FT: 60.0%; Swedish Basketligan: 44 games: 9.4ppg, 7.7rpg, FGP-1(69.4%), FT: 54.4%. Is your role different from last season?

My role isn’t any different than it was last season.

You have been compared to NBA player Louis Amundson. What is your biggest strength on the court?

I compared myself to him while I was in college and he was playing for the Phoenix Suns. His role was to bring energy, rebound the ball, and play defense. I liked that he embraced that roll and didn’t try to do too much while he was on the court. I liked that about his game.

What is a hidden strength in your game that doesn´t get noticed right away on the court?

Im an undersized big guy but I can defend multiple positions on the court for a few possessions if we get caught in switches. I take pride in that.

How has Croatian Toni Bizaca helped your game with his play on the court and leadership off the court?

He is a great guy and a great teammate. He has a unique offensive game but it is very effective as he can score in what seems like a million different ways. He is an older guy for us so his leadership and experience are huge for us, as we are a young team for the most part.

Do you see Nikolas Spires who played for FC Barcelona farm team for 3 years making the next jump in his career in the next years and what do you appreciate most from his game?

I really like his game. His combination of speed, size, and shooting ability makes him a tough guy to guard every day. I see him making big jumps to big leagues in the next couple years. He is in a great spot here in Sodertalje learning from our coaches and playing in the Swedish league and the Fiba Europe Cup. Besides him being hard to guard in the low post because of his quickness, his shot blocking is really impressive as he is a natural at that.

What was your wakeup call to being a rookie in Europe in Portugal with CAB Maderia where you knew that you were very far away from home in Arizona?

I didn’t mind being away too much, because I spent my college career far from home in Georgia. It wasn’t easy being away from everything I knew for nine months, but I had some great teammates that really made it easier for me as a rookie.

How important was Jobi Wall for you as a rookie? Was pushing each other and the competitive level very intense that season?

Jobi was a great guy that I spent a lot of time with off the court as well. He was always trying to better himself in every aspect, he was always reading and I really appreciated that. I learned a lot from his work ethic and dedication to the game. That guy never had a bad practice or a bad game on the court, he was always so consistent and it’s because he worked so hard and cared so much. He’s a great guy and I loved playing with him.

You played at Kennesaw St. (NCAA) from 2010-2013. You lost your last college game against Florida Gulf Coast 67-49, but had a season high 22 rebounds. Will this feat still have a big standing in your memory despite the bitter loss?

Yeah I will always remember that game, being my last collegiate game and grabbing a few rebounds against a team that made it to the sweet 16 of the NCAA tournament that year. There is a lot to remember about that game.

Was the 67-65 win against South Carolina State where you had 12 points and 11 rebounds one of your most memorable games as a senior at Kennesaw St. (NCAA)?

No that game isn’t as memorable, we won, which was big, but my goal was to average a double-double for the season, but that game doesn’t stick out too much for me.

How did head coach Lewis Preston prepare you best for a professional basketball career at Kennesaw St. (NCAA)

He was a coach that taught us about life as much as he taught us about basketball. He always put the team first and he sacrificed a lot for us, I always appreciated that. He had a good amount of success playing overseas so I tried to pick his brain about that as much as I could after my collegiate career ended. The thing that I learned most from him was that you have to be willing to sacrifice a lot of unnecessary things if you want to be successful, and he definitely sacrificed a lot of himself for the betterment of our team. I will always have that memory.

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

Iman Shumpert was tough, he had a killer instinct that I didn’t see much of before or after him. We beat him when he was at Georgia Tech in the biggest win of my career, but he did everything he could to put the team on his back.

What is the state of Lebron James in 2015? Will he ever be mentioned in the same breath as a Michael Jordan?

It’s hard to call him the best player in the world now with Steph Curry playing the way he is. I still think he holds the top spot, but he’s got to win another championship or two before he gets out of his prime. I don’t think he has the same mindset as Michael Jordan, and thats ok, but his physical ability is unmatched, and I love that EVERYBODY wants to play with him, because he seemingly makes everybody better.

What was the last movie that you saw?

I actually am watching the Ridiculous 6 as we are doing this interview, but before this it was Star Wars.. I had to see that one!

 

Thanks Aaron for the chat.

 

Brandon Spearman is a 24 year old 190cm guard playing his second season in Germany in the Pro A for the Gladiators Trier. He started his basketball career in 2010 for Dayton(NCAA) where he played 36 NCAA games. He then moved to Indian Hills CC (JUCO) and finished his last two seasons at Hawaii (NCAA) and as a senior played 26 games averaging 11.2ppg, 4.4rpg, 1.2apg, FGP: 57.8%, 3PT: 33.0%, FT: 52.8%. As a rookie last season in Germany he played for SC Rist Wedel (Germany-ProB) playing 18 games: 17.1ppg, 4.9rpg, 1.8apg, 1.4spg, FGP: 54.8%, 3PT: 41.0%, FT: 64.0%. He spoke to German Hoops after the 77-69 victory against the Finke Baskets Paderborn.

 

 

Brandon thanks for talking to German Hoops You spent Christmas and new years in Germany. Despite not being home in the United States, what were you able to cherish most about the experience in Germany?

Spending Christmas in Germany this year was amazing. I stayed in Trier and had my girlfriend come out to visit me. It was well spent.

What new year resolutions have you given yourself as the basketball player and the person off the court?

Basketball resolution is to continue playing well for the Gladiators and help lead this team to the playoffs. Off the court nothing changed for me from 2015, I will continue being the same Brandon Spearman.

Congrats on the big 77-69 win against the Finke Baskets Paderborn. How proud are you of the team to come back after losing the last two games before the Christmas break and getting the first win in 2016?

Very proud of my team it was the right way to start the new year off with a win. Very happy how we played we must continue this effort.

How vital was it holding Paderborn to 9 points in the first quarter to laying the foundation for a very strong defensive team performance?

Defense comes first on this team and were looking to do a much better job at that end of the floor this second half of the season.

New Gladiator Kwadzo Ahelegbe scored 14 of his 20 points in the fourth quarter of his debut against Paderborn. Did he give an early indication that he could be an added crunch time type of player in the second half of the season?

Kwadzo is another player on this team that can make big plays for us. He played a great game. Can’t wait for Saturday game

The club did a good job limiting Paderborn top scorer Chase Adams to eight points and four assists. Was this was one of the keys for the game to contain him well?

Adams is a strong pg that is always on the attack and we slowed him down with our constant pressure.

Coming into the Paderborn game the Gladiators Trier have held opponents to 70 points or less eight times and did again to Paderborn keeping them to 69 points. With the team defending so well this season can you still get excited over a defensive performance like that despite it happening on a regular basis this season?

Every weekend when we hit the floor we want to set that tune on defense. We have to be that team that makes plays on the defensive end. We can and will continue to make progress on both ends of the floor.

Kwadzo Ahelegbe had a great debut with 20 points, eight boards and four assists. What has impressed you most about his game and what does he give the team that it didn´t have before he came?

Kwadzo is another capable guard that can do a lot for this team. He’s a smart experience guard that played in Europe before. With our team being young he’s a great add on for us all. Excited about playing with Kwadzo we can be top back court in the League in my eyes. Love to have him apart of the team.

The Gladiators Trier went into the Paderborn game in 10th place with a record of 7-9. You are a lot better team than the record shows. How do you see the club still being able to heighten their game in the second half of the season?

In 2015 we lost a lot of close games that we should of won. Now in 2016 those close games have to be won games for us. We not looking back in 2015. 2016 is here now and we are 1-0 and a much better team, we have a lot to show. We confident coming in to the new year.

What are the team goals for the second half of the season and with the team chemistry having been interrupted with players coming and going do you see a healthy team chemistry being developed now in the second half?

The chemistry is great everybody enjoy playing with each other and everybody has that winning attitude. With players coming and going we still able to come together.

Jack Eggleston is averaging 8,3ppg and 6,0rpg. He is still finding his rhythm after displaying his craft in the German Pro A the last years. What does he give the team that wasn´t present before he arrived?

Jack is another experienced player that brings a lot to the team, he does a lot of work for us that goes unnoticed. He’s a very smart player and willing to sacrifice anything for the team. Jack brings a lot to the team and he will continue to do so.

The team has had injury woes at the guard position losing German Simon Schmitz for a long extended period. How well has other German Kevin Smit taken on the responsibility at the point guard position in the absence of Schmitz?

Schmitz is working his away back and having him would be another great add on for the new year. With adding Kwadzo now we have multiple guards that can handle multiple responsibilities

Your leading the team in scoring with 14,8ppg. Is your shooting range from downtown one of the main areas that you want to improve on in the second half of the season?

Yes most defiantly it’s quiet shocking right now I’m not shooting well from 3 something I been great at in previous seasons. But there’s a lot work I have to put in not just from 3 but all around included but I’m more than confident that it will come back to me.

Do you see Steph Curry hitting for 70 points this season?

Curry can go for 70 for sure.

What was the last movie that you saw?

Hoop Dreams.

 

Thanks Brandon for the chat.

 

 

Sterling Carter is a 24 year old 183cm point guard from Seattle, Washington and is rookie in Germany playing for Pro A team Rhondorf. He started his basketball career at Pacific, then played three years at Seattle(NCAA) and finished at Purdue in 2014. He spoke to German Hoops after the big 83-65 win against Rent4Office Nurnberg

 

 

Sterling, thanks for talking to German Hoops. How was it spending your first Christmas and New years in Germany? Was it what you expected?

No problem anytime. Christmas and New Years was very lonely different from what I’m used to but it’s a sacrifice and I signed up for it. It was very different then I expected especially New Year’s I heard fireworks right outside my window and it woke me up, in the States you have to go a ways away to light fireworks. But the holidays were still great got to talk to my family and spent most of it talking to my Fiancé on FaceTime.

Congrats on a very impressive 83-65 win against Rent4Office Nurnberg in the first game after the Christmas break. This was a much needed win and biggest of the season. How proud are you of the team?

I’m extremely proud of the team we came out and played our hearts out and guys really stepped up in the first half while I struggled a little it gave me confidence to have a better second-half. I’m so proud of the guys from tonight win this group of guys works really hard each and every day and practice so I think that when was this a reward and it shows that we are a better team than what we showed in the first half of the season.

Rhondorf had the slim 34-33 lead at halftime, but Rhondorf came out on fire in the third quarter hitting for 32 points. With what kind of direction did head coach Boris Kaminski send the team into the second half?

Well basically he told us that the game wasn’t over and we still had a second haaf to play and he wanted us to go out and put our hearts on the line and battle with each other for each other and we did that and we came up with a win

The third quarter was key for the win. You scored 14 of your 16 points in the third quarter keying the win. Did you feel an urge to take control as big time players do, or was it more just what the offense gave you?

I felt like I let the team down in the first half with my struggles and when I got the opportunity in the second half it was my time to take over and win the game but without my teammates encouragement I wouldn’t have came out as strong as I did in the second half.

This was after the Bayer Giants Leverkusen the second fewest points that Rhondorf has given up all season long. You forced Nurnberg to 18 turnovers and as a team had 10 steals What part on the defensive end were you most proud of that the team did best together?

Well in the first match up against them we allowed a player to score 39 points on us and tonight we focused on playing defense as a team and not allowing any easy buckets and we succeeded with that he ended up with zero points tonight

How important has the pick up been of American Justin Smith been who scored 21 points in the win against Rent4Office? What new element has he been able to give the team that wasn´t there before?

Playing with Justin has been a great addition for this team he can stretch the floor he can rebound and really shoot the mid range he also plays with a lot of energy and a lot of passion and that helps me because it’s another player out there I know that is just as fired up as I am going into the game and during the game.

What goals does the team have for the second half of the season besides keeping consistency on the defensive end?

Well our number one goal is to continue to play at a high-level and play with a lot of heart and energy on both sides of the ball and give our all for 40 minutes and whatever result we get with doing that we will be fine with come the end of the season.

The team averaged only 13 assists this season, but dished out 23 against Nurnberg. As the point guard is this an area where a lot of responsibility lies on your shoulders. What was the key to getting the offense going better tonight that wasn´t present as much in the first half of the season?

Well the difference tonight was that we all were firing on all the same cylinders and we knew where each other was going to be and each other’s decision-making and we played with a lot of heart. That’s what helped a lot with the assist as well

Has one step to improving the defense been the pick up of Jordan Hamilton? What kind of presence does he give Rhondorf on the defensive end that wasn´t present before?

With Jordan he is a very energetic defender and it helps us when he’s out on the floor playing with all his energy. Adding him to our team has helped us out a lot.

How have you seen the development of young German Robin Lodders? He played a lot more in the first 7 games and his minutes have been cut down a bit. How vital will his production be for the success of the team in the second half of the season?

I think that Robin’s development has been going pretty good him being young he will have ups and downs but as he continues to grow and get better he will take his downs and turn them into ups very quickly once he gets a better understanding of the things that he should work on, but I think his production level will rise in the second half of the season as well as our teams production.

There seemed to be some turmoil within the team before the break. What was the state of the team going into the Nurnberg game and as one of the team leaders what did you do to get some more calmness into the roster?

Well we just told ourselves that no matter what happens on the court we have to play through adversity and as a leader of the team, I told my team is once it started to get a little chippy between the teams I said look at the scoreboard we don’t have to go into a tussle match with them we have to be smart and not lose our cool.

Your leading the team in scoring, second in assists and third in steals. What things do you want to improve in the second half?

I want to improve every category but mostly my percentages and I want to work on being very consistent through the second half of the season.

You take very many shots including very tough shots and are shooting 34% from downtown. Do you see yourself keeping this pace in the second half or possibly stepping it back a little and getting your team even more involved?

Well honestly I take the shots, because I’m confident and I work on the shots and yes my percentage may not be the best but I feel that I will continue to be better and I will continue to help my team to be better with Justin and Jordan being added to our team I won’t have to take as many tough shots as I did in the first half of the season but as the leader of this team it’s my job to take the tough shots and I make some And I miss some but I have to live with it either way it goes. A lot of people may see me as a selfish player but I feel that I do a great job getting everyone involved on our team but at the same time I make decisions off of what the defense gives me and the confidence I have about my game.

Do you see Steph Curry hitting 70 points this season?

No way Steph Curry won’t score 70points but he will get close.

What was the last movie that you saw?

CREED.

Thanks Sterling for the chat