The next time Justin Cobbs will see a Beko BBL opponent Phoenix Hagen will be more than two weeks after their disappointing choke loss in Bonn where they were leading by 15 points and just caved in the last quarter. In this time the 2004 Beko BBL champion has been occupied with pursuing the team´s third title in Eurochallenge play as combined both teams have been on the road for more than a week trying to reach the final four. In the last nine days the Fraport Skyliners and Russian team Enisey Krasnoyarsk have only played against each other twice, but combined traveled around 32,255 kilometers. If this best of three series actually had one game more back in Krasnoyarsk, then both teams would have combined traveled around the world once in the last nine days. The Fraport Skyliners won game one in Frankfurt a week ago 77-74 as they were playing catch up basketball all night long, but in the fourth quarter put their heads together and let the general Justin Cobbs play heroics and do what he does best in crunch time which is win games. In game two Enisey Krasnoyarsk defended their home court winning 78-68 as despite 23 points by Skyliner rookie Sean Armand were unable to put the series to record as they were without the heart and soul of the team Justin Cobbs as he had knee problems. Frankfurt was unable to stop the Enisey 14 three pointers and coughed up the ball 19 times. In game three the whole travel fatigue was put aside as the only thing on the menu for both teams was 40 minutes of basketball in a do or die situation. Justin Cobbs was back in action despite having hurt his knee in game one and on Monday was seen as a 50/50 chance of playing, but the importance of the game didn´t leave the Los Angeles native sitting, but he dressed up and led a furious comeback in the second half after being down by 19 points leading the Fraport Skyliners to a 85-80 victory and invitation to the Eurochallenge Final Four and keeping his record spotless at 10-0 in the competition. After a slow first half where he had eight points, but was unable to guide a sputtering offense, the American stepped it up in the second half combing with German national player Johannes Voigtmann for 45 points, but foremost got his team going in the third quarter leading a 33-15 run where his scoring was put on the back burner and he got his playmaking to function like a well oiled bicycle. “I thought my game was ok. I thought that I made a few too many turnovers and missed some critical shots in the fourth quarter. I didn´t feel pressure in this game at all. Our pick and roll worked very well in the second half. Joe Voigtmann and I have a great feel for the pick and roll. Joe sets the screen, I make the decision and he did the rest. Joe has good hands and I know that all I have to do is put it close to him and he will pull it down and do the rest. Reaching the Eurochallenge Final four is in my top achievements. I only reached the NCAA Sweet 16. This is a great step for us to be seen at a big stage and we can show what we can do”, stressed Fraport Skyliners point guard Justin Cobbs. “Cobbs did a great job. He is a tough cover and he will get his assists or basket one way or the other. He is a big time player and is 10-0 in Eurochallenge play. We can compete without him, but it is like day and night when he is playing with us. He took the game to another level in the second half. He is such a great floor general and the best point guard that I have ever played with”, stressed Fraport Skyliners forward Jacob Burtschi. Cobbs made the job so easy for teammate Johannes Voigtmann who is delighted to have a super point guard like Cobbs feeding him the ball. “He reads the pick and role so well and it is all so easy with him. He is a stone cold dog and deserves the nickname Mr Eurochallenge”, stressed Johannes Voigtmann.

The Fraport Skyliners entered the do or die game averaging 80,0points per game and were giving up 74points per game in the Eurochallenge and in the two game series The Club averaged only 72points per game in the two game series and knew that if they didn´t defend Fraport Skyliners basketball that they would have a very difficult time beating the high scoring Russian team. After scoring only 25 points in the first half, the Fraport Skyliners came out of their funk scoring 60 points in the second half as they put on an NBA like scoring explosion. “We played a lot better in the second half. We had three assists in the first half and 15 in the second half. Coach got loud at halftime and told us that we weren´t moving the ball and were giving up easy baskets. After a while when you keep getting scored against, it starts to paralyze you after a while where you can´t react. Halftime was a good time to come for us. In the second half, we went inside more and did a better job on the pick and role. We played with a lot more energy in the second half. We are very happy about reaching the Eurochallenge Final Four, but need to remain focused on everything else”, stressed Fraport Skyliners center Johannes Voigtmann. Enisey Krasnoyarsk entered the game averaging 84 points per game and had given up 79ppg in the Eurochallenge. In the two game series they averaged only 76 points per game and averaged giving up 72 points per game. But for the Russian team who is second to last in the VTB league with a record of 6-16, it was the old story which has hampered them all season, the difficulty of conserving leads. “We have been up by 20 points so much this season and tonight we were unable to hold the lead again. You have to be able to make adjustments, but we were unable to do that in the second half. We weren´t aggressive anymore on the pick and role and lost intensity on defense”, added Chicago native DJ Cooper.

Before the game even started Fraport Skyliner forward Jacob Burtschi was the last player to exit the court in pregame shooting and took one last shot from halfway from the court to the runway door and nailed it. If that wasn´t a good omen for things to come with hot shooting, it didn´t occur in the first half as Frankfurt couldn´t hit the side of a barn even if they were standing in front of it. That hot Burtschi 14 meter shot before the game started to rub off on Frankfurt in the second half. The first quarter was one of those quarters where one could feel the tenseness of both teams as effort and nerves seemed to take something off their shooting. Enisey Krasnoyarsk took the early 4-1 lead as Serb forward Sava Lesic scored inside and 25 year old 191cm guard Vyacheslov Zaytsev scored inside. It took the Fraport Skyliners a few minutes before they found their groove as they went on a 7-0 run to take the 8-4 lead. The run was started by a Quantez Robertson jumper which was followed by Aaaron Doornekamp three pointer and Voigtmann lay in. The first quarter seemed to remain a fight as no team could really go on a run as Frankfurt had their nose forward as Cobbs nailed a pull up jumper and Sean Armand scored a lay up on the fast break to lead 12-7 as Frankfurt caught the Russian team napping on transition defense. Frankfurt lost some intensity at the end of the first quarter as Enisey Krasnoyarsk snuck in a mini 4-0 run to trail only 14-13 after ten minutes. On the run it was Elmedin Kikanovic hitting a jumper and White showing his athletic ability scoring on a drive to the bucket. “Both teams got off to slow shots and neither team shot well”, stressed Fraport Skyliner Junior Andrew Bock. The Fraport Skyliners were shooting 42% from the field and 20% from outside while Enisey Krasnoyarsk were shooting 36% from the field and 20% from outside. Frankfurt had the slight 9-7 rebound edge and both teams had four turnovers a piece.

In the second quarter the Fraport Skyliners totally fell apart as Enisey Krasnoyarsk put on a scoring clinic winning the second quarter 31-11 leading 44-25 at the break. The second quarter actually started off on the right foot for the 2004 Beko BBL champion as Justin Cobbs connected on a step back jumper for the 16-13 advantage, but then everything went downhill. Enisey Krasnoyarsk then went on a 11-0 run to lead 24-16 as their back up point guard Pavel Sergeev who played in the Fraport arena 6 years ago with Triumph Lyubertsy tested his 37% three point shooting percentage nailing three in a row and showing that they had their own type of Sean Armand who can hit buckets. Frankfurt then had a little daylight going on a mini 4-0 run as Cobbs and Voigtmann hit free throws as Frankfurt trailed 24-20. However Enisey was just getting started in their previous 11-0 run and ended the second quarter with an annoying 20-5 run. The Russian team was displaying accurate inside out play as Memphis native Terrico White hit back to back three pointer and Sava Lesic continued to be aggressive inside getting two lay ins and free throws. Kikanovic also did damage inside as he nailed his bread and butter the 15-20 footer and Evgeny Kolesnikov dropped a three pointer for the last points of the second quarter. “Sergeev had the hot hand and they made many in your face shots. Frankfurt couldn´t get any offense going and didn´t have good one on one defense”, stressed Rialto California native Andrew Bock. Enisey Krasnoyarsk was shooting 53% from the field and 50% from the three point line while the Fraport Skyliners were shooting 33% from the field and 11% from the three point line. Enisey had the 18-14 rebound edge and only six turnovers while Frankfurt had eight turnovers.

The third quarter belonged to the Fraport Skyliners as they started a massive comeback outscoring Enisey Krasnoyarsk 33-15 to trail only 59-58 after 30 minutes. The first few minutes went back and forth as both teams traded buckets and Enisey Krasnoyarsk was able to keep the comfortable 20 point lead. Kikanovic got the Russian team on the board first with a runner in the lane, but Frankfurt responded with a 5-0 run as Doornekamp hit a three pointer and Robertson made free throws to cut the Enisey lead to 46-30. Enisey responded with a 6-2 run to extend their lead to 52-32 as that 20 point cushion seemed to haunt the Fraport Skyliners. In the run for Enisey, it was Kikanovic again who continued hurting Frankfurt with his mid distance shot, White made a pull up jumper off the fast break and Zaytsev hit from the corner. The Fraport Skyliners desperately needed a spark and then all of a sudden the Frankfurt offense started to shine as they went on a 20-4 run to cut the Enisey lead to only 56-54. As is so often the case good aggressive defense sparked the offense as the Fraport Skyliners starting hitting shots, getting their pick and role game going, got on the break and got to the free throw line. The run was started by a two handed dunk from Robertson after getting the no look pass from Voigtmann. Robertson and Cobbs then scored in the paint on the transition and Burtschi nailed a three pointer as Frankfurt trailed only 54-41. Some more costly Enisey turnovers were fueled by Skyliner points as Doornekamp cut the Enisey lead to ten points and Voigtmann then scored seven points in a row as he was wearing down Kikanovic inside with a lay in and free throws as Frankfurt trailed 54-51. Frankfurt continued to be on the comeback trail and continued to cause havoc inside as the two big men Voigtmann barreled into the zone splitting the defense and ramming home and one handed dunk and ST Petersburg Florida native Mike Morrison ended the pick and role pass from Cobbs with the monster two handed dunk. Cobbs closed out the third quarter with a coast to coast drive as Frankfurt trailed only 59-58 after 30 minutes. “We finally made shots and we stepped up on defense as Tez and Armand got in the lane and guys made plays”, stressed Justin Cobbs. “Frankfurt made shots and keyed in on me better not letting me do my strength with the pick and role”, added Chicago native DJ Cooper. “We ran more and played better and showed that a game has 40 minutes”, added Oklahoma native Jacob Burtschi. Enisey Krasnoyarsk were shooting 51% from the field and 42% from the parking lot while the Fraport Skyliners were shooting 53% from the field and 31% from the parking lot. Enisey had the 22-18 rebound edge, but 11 turnovers while Frankfurt had 10 turnovers.

The fourth quarter remained very exciting and had that do or die flair as there were four lead changes, but in the end Frankfurt hit the more timely wins to squeeze out the win. The Fraport Skyliners regained the lead on their first bucket as Morrison made a dunk off a Cobbs feed as Frankfurt led 60-59. However Enisey Krasnoyarsk struck back nailing consecutive three pointers as the two Americans Cooper and White hit for the Enisey 65-60 advantage. However Frankfurt didn´t allow the Russian team to go on another huge run and struck back with a 5-0 run as Burtschi made a big tip in and Sean Armand drilled home a three pointer to deadlock the game at 65-65. Then it was time for an Enisey 4-0 run as Lesic hit free throws and White scored on the fast break for the Enisey 69-65 lead. The Fraport Skyliners then went on a 11-2 run to regain the lead 76-71 and would never look back. In the run it was the wrecking crew of Voigtmann and Cobbs that preserved the points. Voigtmann scored inside as did Cobbs and then the American may have made his finest play on the night as on the fast break he faked to his right to Armand, but passed to his left finding a flying Voigtmann who powered home the big dunk. This huge play led to a Robertson steal and coast to coast score and Cobbs free throws. Enisey didn´t hang their heads as they fought back getting a fade away jumper from Kikanovic to trail 76-74. However Frankfurt had no flaws now as Cobbs and Voigtmann continued to do their own show as the American found the German big man for a lay in and then hit free throws as Frankfurt led 80-74. Cooper hit some big baskets late including a three pointer with a minute to go to cut the Frankfurt lead to 82-79, but Armand and Cobbs secured the win with free throws. “When a game is tight at the end it is all about execution and we did that. Our pick and role worked and we stepped it up on defense securing the win”, stressed Justin Cobbs. “Cobbs continued to get into the paint and we failed to make any adjustments on defense. We haven´t been able to correct this problem all season long with letting guys do what they want in the paint”, stressed DJ Cooper. “We got many 50/50 balls, got tough rebounds, hit shots and got to the free throw line”, expressed Quantez Robertson.

The Fraport Skyliners were led by Johannes Voigtmann with 26 points, seven rebounds and three assists. Justin Cobbs added 19 points and eight assists. Quantez Robertson chipped in with 13 points. Enisey Krasnoyarsk were led by Elmedin Kikanovic with 21 points. Terrico White added 17 points and six rebounds while Sava Lesic added 11 points. The Fraport Skyloiners shot 51% from the field and 25% from outside while Enisey Krasnoyarsk shot 50% from the field and 44% from outside. Enisey Krasnoyarsk won the rebound battle 30-26, but had 17 turnovers while Frankfurt had 12 turnovers. The Fraport Skyliners will go for the 2015 Eurochallenge title on the last weekend in April. “Reaching the Eurochallenge Final 4 is big and we will have a tough opponent with Nanterre. Now we can show what we are capable of doing and build of this momentum for the next BBL games”, added Jacob Burtschi. “I wish Frankfurt all the best. I think they have a good chance to win it”, added DJ Cooper.

 

Craig Blackmon is a 27 year old 193cm guard from Houston, Texas that is playing this season for  Forex Time Apollon Limassol (Cyprus-Division A) He started his basketball career in 2006 for  Howard Payne (NCAA) where he played until 2008. He then played at Texas-Tyler (NCAA3). Before coming to Europe last year, he got experience playing with the  Texas Legends (D-League) training camp; Rio Grande Valley Vipers (D-League). In 2011, he was drafted by the drafted by Houston Express (UBA,2rd(19). In 2011-2012, he played for the Houston Express (UBA) playing 10 games: 15.7ppg, 4.0rpg, 3.0apg, 1.3spg, FGP: 43.5%, 3PT: 42.4%, FT: 60.0%. In 2012-2013 he played for he played for the  KB Drita Gjilan (Kosovo-SuperLeague) averaging 20.6ppg, 4.3rpg, 3.6apg, 2.5 spg, FGP: 58%, 3PFG: 43%, FT: 83%. Last season he played for Barmer TV (Germany-Regionalliga) playing 24 games: 19.0ppg, 7.1rpg, 2.2apg, 2.2spg, FGP: 41.8%, 3PT: 32.6%, FT: 71.9%. He spoke to German Hoops about basketball when he played in Germany last season.

 

 

Craig thanks for talking to German Hoops. You are playing for Barmer TV (Germany-Regionalliga) this season in Germany and living in Wuppertal. Has it been a big culture shock coming from Houston, Texas or are you one of those people that has little problem getting adjusted to new surroundings?

Hey thanks for having me, umm yeah it is a totally different vibe coming from Houston but I love the small town feel as well and I’m an explorer so it was no trouble getting settled here.

It has been a tough season for Barmer as the club sits in last place of the German Regionaliga division. When you came to the team did you ever think that the season would go as it has?

I knew it would be a challenge but I never would think we would give up, and I still don’t. I am always looking to prove people wrong and many doubted us so Its tough in that aspect but to answer your question, No.

What have been the biggest problems with the team not being able to win more games this season?

Many teams here have 2-3 pro players and a few experienced players which played in higher leagues, our club just had myself, and now with the recent acquisition of Patrick Nyeko we have 2, so that plays a major factor in tough games.

You are the only international player on the team. Is there just too much pressure on you to have to get the win for the team or is the talent level around you just not as strong as would be beneficial for getting more wins?

I love the pressure, it makes me perform and give everything I have. The guys around me are all great guys and we get along very well, which you would think is hard due to the situation of being in last place but we always keep a fight with us. Talent wise they may not be as strong as most teams but they give everything they have and I love them for that.

After playing in the States since childhood, you played in Kosovo last season and now in Germany. Was it a big adjustment having to play for non American coaches? How has it been getting guidance from Abdelhadi Saou?

I am a big student of the game, I evaluate myself in every aspect, and the great thing about Eli (Coach Saou) he is the same. We always pick each other brain about basketball, from things I can do to help the team and things to improve my game in general. We spend a lot of time in the gym getting shots up, working on footwork, and making sure we stay on the same page. This season is the hardest on him, but he keeps a positive atmosphere in practice and reminds me to always remain professional despite the situation.

I have to ask you about coming to Germany. Last season you played for KB Drita Gjilan (Kosovo-SuperLeague) averaging 20.6ppg, 4.3rpg, 3.6apg, 2.5 spg, FGP: 58%, 3PFG: 43%, FT: 83%. It is hard to believe that after a strong season like that you would land in the German Regionaliga. Did you not have better offers?

You have no idea how many times I have been asked that question lol, I did have some other offers in other countries but the reason I took this one is simple, stability and growth. I will tell you my secret, in my career I would like only one thing, thats to find a club grow with and win a championship and I feel Germany is the place to do it, the economy is strong the culture is great and not to mention the food is pretty tasty! So I took the offer to get my foot in Germany and introduce myself.

Do you see yourself as a type of role model for young German players on your team? What has been your nicest memory on the court with a German teammate where you could really see that he appreciated your help?

Definitely, I think leadership is my strongest quality and the guys seem to respect that, it just comes natural to me. The one moment that stands out for me is before a game Sascha Bornschien, the captain of our team came and told me “We are led by you, you must lead us well” That meant so much to me! I also coach our U18 team and those guys really give there all for me, I’m hard some days which they hate lol but they are a great group and will be amazing players

You have a lot of time between games and practice. I know you are busy working on your game. How does a private individual training day look like for Craig Blackmon?

Yeah I call it “Lab Time”. When I step in I usually find a good playlist to put on in the gym something up beat. Get a good sweat going with ball handling for 15- 20 min then some off the dribble shots from spots I get in the game and lastly spot shooting for 200 makes then I’m out till practice. I usually go hour and half maybe 2.

I notice that you have very high rebound totals for a point guard. Has rebounding always been easy for you?

Yeah, I am a bigger guard and I have really long arms so rebounding has been my thing, my high school coach Larry Brown use to challenge me so I would always have to step up when needed.

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

I think its my defense, this year not as much as I’m in the top 5 in the league in steals but I would say defense is always over looked when you are a scorer.

Let us go back a bit to when you were growing up in Houston. Who were your NBA idols as a kid?

Wow being from Houston, Hakeem was the man when I was younger and didn’t know much about the game I just knew the Dream Shake! Then as I got older and started playing Kobe Bryant became the guy I wanted to be! From coming out with the glasses on to make his decision to go pro he was my guy. So if I could do a Mt. Rushmore it would be, Hakeem, Kobe, MJ, Bill Russell…can’t beat 11 rings!

When did you know that you wanted to become a professional basketball player? What drove you most to follow this dream?

The most driving force to become a professional was my mother. She sacrificed so much for me and my sister. She would come to all my games in HS and make as many as she could in college. I loved the game of basketball and figured this is my way to make her proud.

You started your NCAA career at Howard Payne where you played two seasons. You then transferred to Texas-Tyler (NCAA3). What were the main reasons for going back two steps to the NCAA3?

I was very confused at that time in my life, I didn’t have much guidance and I wasn’t focused on what I wanted to do with it all. College really was the time I had to transition from a boy to a man.

In 2010, you signed to play at the University of Houston but NCAA 5-year eligibility clock ended. How bitter was that for you? How would you summarize your time in the college ranks? What did you learn from this experience?

That was a tough blow at the moment, I was a bit depressed because me and my roommate had prepared so much for it but to be turned down at the last moment was tough. I became friends with many guys that was playing and they helped me through it, Maurice McNeil, Adam Brown and Aubrey Coleman much thanks to them.

Do you still get annoyed with yourself, that you didn´t get better grades in high school, which might have made your basketball journey easier now?

All the time!! I go back to my high school and talk to many of the kids so they won’t follow the same mistakes I did. It bothers me till this day

In 2010, you had work outs with the Atlanta Hawks and individual training sessions with 1977 NBA champion with the Washington Bullets Greg Ballard. Did he give you some extra pointers on how to rebound?

Yeah! He is actually my cousin, we would speak often when I was coming overseas and he was working for the Hawks. He would give his insight on my game, its great to have him as a resource. Haven’t spoken in a while but I’ll be sure to contact him when I get back to the states

In 2011, you spent some time with teams Texas Legends (D-League) training camp; Rio Grande Valley Vipers (D-League), only pre-season. You never played in the D-league. Would the D-league still be an option for you now?

Yeah I enjoyed working with those D-League teams, I wished more would have come out of it. I still do some drills we did and playing with those players made me a better player. So the D-League could be an option, in the right situation.

With the Rio Grande Vipers, you spent time with head coach Paul Finch/Nick Nurse. What important things did they give you which has helped you with your professional career now?

After I had an on court session with at the time assistant coach Jai Steadman, I went in Nick Nurse office and he had my resume in hand. He told me, you are a good shooter and possess a lot of things we could use but the biggest thing that kills you is your resume. He said u have a lot of short and unfinished seasons. That has stuck with me, from then on, no matter where I played all I cared about was longevity.

You also had experience in the minor leagues of the UBA and the Houston Express. How valuable was this time being able to play at home?

Great, I enjoyed the UBA its a nice up and coming minor league to allow players to stay in shape and play against some competition, not like a local YMCA league.

Explain how you got to Kosovo. I think if you had been off that day at the restaurant, you may never have come to Europe and living your basketball dream now?

Wow, its a long story but I can give you the short version lol. GOD!! It was in his plans, I was working at a steakhouse in Houston to save money for a camp in Europe, a guest came in and offered to pay my flight! Next thing you know I’m at the Europe Basketball Academy in Serbia ran by Srdjan Premovic, in a 1 months professional-program. Learned the European game there continue to network although Europe with many clubs and coaches and grow my talent. Training with many clubs, from BKK Radnicki to KK Vrsac in Serbian 1 league Also Ilysiakos and Nea Kiffisa in Greek A1, then got a call from KB Drita Gjilan and made my debut!

There are few players that have given up as much sacrifice to the game he loves as you? You have spent your last dollar to attend a work out? If you had to describe your love for the a game how would you do it?

Thats what you do when you truly believe in yourself and have faith. God had a plan for me, it took nights of sleeping on a friends floor in Belgrade, missing thanksgiving dinners and eating a cold turkey sandwich by myself in Athens, working out on and outside court in Novi Sad because the gyms were closed or even eating the same food everyday just because thats all that was available It takes so much but I wouldn’t say it was hard because I LOVE TO PLAY BASKETBALL!! Its not hard when I step on the court rather I’m in pain or not. My love for this game is to my soul!

I was very happy to hear some praise from your part about my work for German basketball. Your words felt so genuine. How important is good character and good basketball in your life?

I read all your interviews, watch your videos and see the work you put in for german basketball and you are truly what it needs! Good character and good basketball go hand-in-hand you can’t have one without the other to me. Because after I hang up my shoes I will always be rememberd for the type of person I was and that will matter the most to me. I’m a person first and a player second.

Last season you were the MVP of the Kosovo allstar game. What memories do you have of this and was that you biggest basketball achievement in your career?

That was a great achievement and big monument in my life, so many great players foreign and domestic so it meant a lot to be on the court and competing and having fun with the fans. We didn’t get the win but I enjoyed the game.

How great was it having a teammate like Brandon Shingles in Kosovo. You have two inches on him. Who won a one on one in practice?

Lol!! Brandon Shingles is like a brother to me, we met each other a few years back in Serbia and we have been close ever since. We are both southern guys so we got a fight in us, those one on one battles are legendary, I’d say the series is tied about 20-20! I would love to be on a team with him again soon! He is a fierce competitor a very smart player and great guy on and off the floor.

You have stated that your ultimate goal is to become the greatest player to ever play. Where do you get this knack of arrogance and self confidence?

The work I put in. I don’t work hard as a number 2 guy or a subpar player, I take my self to the limits so I can be number 1. If you aren’t striving to be the best then what are you truly working towards?

Who is the best player that you ever played against that is in the NBA now?

Well being from Houston a lot of guys in the NBA work out there in the offseason and we all usually end up in the same gyms, so the best I would say is Gerald Green or James Harden

What tips do you have for young American players that don´t have the best advantages of becoming a professional player, but have that desire and heart to always chase that dream?

Don’t give up and be willing to go through whatever to make it even a possibility! It will be Hard but the satisfaction of achieving a goal is worth it!

Where do you see yourself in five years?

On a Euroleague team fighting for a championship, or a BBL team with the same goals and aspiration. Married with my wife and kids living a great life abroad! Thats the plan and goals I have set for myself. Unless I get a call from an NBA team lol.

What was the last DVD movie that you saw?

Best Man Holiday.

 

Thanks Craig for the chat.

 

 

Scoring 48 points is all in a day´s work for Jules Adoko even if he didn´t score all those points in one game. On Saturday night Akodo who played the last three years for the Union Olimpija Ljubljana junior team was in action in Rostock in the Pro B playoffs with the Fraport Skyliners Juniors and hammered home 29 points in a 97-91 overtime loss to the Sea Wolves. He then traveled back the 669 kilometers to Frankfurt in the morning hours and 17 hours after the buzzer sounded in Rostock, Akodo was competing again in the NBBL playoffs and led Eintracht Frankfurt to a hard fought 72-63 victory in game one against Team Basket Munich North scoring 19 points. Eintracht Frankfurt entered the game the favorite having had a 15-1 regular season record while Team Basket Munich Nord had a 10-6 record. Eintracht Frankfurt had held teams to 50 points or less 12 times this season and didn´t do that against Team Basketball Munich Nord, but overall defended very consistently even if they could never totally shake off the pesky Bavarian team until the fourth quarter where they were able to lead by 10 points despite having to combat a last Munich comeback near the end. “Consistency was a factor today. This was our first playoff game as a group and I thought that we played well together. Their play on the boards kept them in the game. We didn´t rebound well as a group”, stressed Jules Akodo. Team Basket Munich North fought hard for 40 minutes, but just could never get over the hump and go on a huge run and get consistent stops. “I thought that we played a good game defensively, but their shooting killed us. They moved the ball very well and Jules Adodo was a big factor for them”, stated Team Basket Munich North guard Liam Carpenter. “This was a hard fought game. We knew what to expect with their unorthodox play. We didn´t have Niklas Kiel and had problems rebounding. The game was always tight, but we always led. We did make some bad mistakes in the game, but we need to correct them and learn from them”, stressed Eintracht Frankfurt guard Armin Musovic.

Eintracht Frankfurt barreled out to the quick 4-0 lead as the two guards Musovic and Akodo scored. Team Basket Munich North got early big man presence from 201cm center Oliver Russ that connected twice inside and made a free throw as the Bavarian team led 5-4. However Eintracht Frankfurt responded well and went on a 7-2 run to regain the lead at 11-7 and would never trail again in the game. Musovic gave Eintracht Frankfurt the lead back 6-5 with his bread and butter the pull up jumper. 18 year old 203cm big man Ivan Mihaljevic battled underneath and made the put back on his third try and 18 year old Jamin Knothe dropped a three pointer. Eintracht Frankfurt did a good job spreading out the scoring as 18 year old shooting guard Lennart Okeke was successful on his first two shots extending the Eintracht Frankfurt lead to 16-12. Team Basket Munich North guard Chris Wurmseher gave his team a boost at the end going coast to coast for a lay in, but at the end of the first quarter Eintracht Frankfurt still had their nose ahead leading 17-14. Eintracht Frankfurt was shooting 33% from the field and 29% from outside while Team Basket Munich North were shooting 36% from the field and 0% from outside. Munich had the 11-10 rebound edge, but five turnovers while Eintracht Frankfurt had two turnovers.

In the second quarter Eintracht Frankfurt held on to the lead, but Team Basket Munich North continued to live on their door step. Eintracht Frankfurt took that intensity from the first quarter directly into the second quarter jumping all over their opponent going on a 7-2 run to extend their lead to 24-16. Okeke continued to have the hot hand nailing a three pointer and Can Akbayir hit back to back buckets. However Team Basket Munich North took a page out of the Eintracht Frankfurt scoring book going on their own run of 6-0 to cut the Eintracht Frankfurt lead to 24-23. In the run the Bavarian team got production from three different players with a three pointer from Wurmseher, a beautiful hook shot from 18 year top scorer Salman Manzur and Carpenter jumper. Eintracht Frankfurt would hold the slim lead as the two Eintracht Frankfurt guards Musovic and Akodo continued to harmonize together on the floor. Musovic made a no look pass to Akodo for the easy lay up and Musovic then hit another pull up jumper for the 28-24 advantage. Wurmseher continued to be an important offensive force making free throws and dropping a three pointer as Eintracht Frankfurt led only 29-28. However Eintracht Frankfurt went into half time with a brutal 6-0 run as Akodo and Knothe connected on consecutive three pointer to lead 34-29. Eintracht Frankfurt was shooting 41% from the field and 31% from the three point line while Team Basket Munich North was shooting 37% from the field and 25% from the three point line. Munich had the 19-16 rebound lead, but six turnovers while Frankfurt had two turnovers.

The third quarter continued to remain very tight as Eintracht Frankfurt always had the lead and were able to lead by six points after 30 minutes. Manzur entered the game shooting 42% from outside and got Team Basket Munich North on the board first nailing from downtown as Team Basket Munich North trailed only 34-32. The game continued to be a contest of little runs as each team could always counter the other with coming back. Eintracht Frankfurt went on a 5-0 run to lead 39-32 as Akodo was instruemental penetrating for a lay up and finding Mihaljevic back door for the lay in. However Team Basket Munich North responded with their own 5-0 run to trail only 39-37 as 16 year old Oscar Leon Da Silva scored inside off the Justin Hedley shovel pass and Mansur made a runner. Eintracht Frankfurt big man Armin Trtovac then scored against the double team, but Liam Carpenter scored on the penetration as Eintracht Frankfurt led 41-39. Eintracht Frankfurt then again found some offensive daylight while getting consecutive stops going on a 7-2 run to extend their lead to 48-41. In the run it was Akodo and Okeke who scored inside and got points from the free throw line. After a Hedley three pointer, Eintracht Frankfurt closed out the third quarter with a 5-0 run to lead 53-45 after three quarters. Okeke nailed a three pointer and Knothe then blocked Hedley which set up the last peculiar Eintracht Frankfurt play. Musovic took one last shot that was an air ball, but somehow landed in the hands of Akodo who put the ball home. An air ball turned into a mini ally-op. Eintracht Frankfurt was shooting 43% from the field and 27% from the parking lot while Team Basket Munich North was shooting 38% from the field and 29% from the parking lot. Team Basket Munich North had the 28-27 rebound edge, but six turnovers while Eintracht Frankfurt had two turnovers.

In the fourth quarter Eintracht Frankfurt led comfortably in double figures until a last comeback by Team Basket Munich North, but time elapsed halting their come back. Eintracht Frankfurt raised their intensity one more notch as David Scheffels registered a block and Okeke got a steal which led to a Musovic lay in and Trtovac bucket which extended the Eintracht Frankfurt lead to 57-45. Big men Manzur and Mihaljevic traded buckets and then it was Hedley who made a jumper and Wurmseher made free throws as Team basket Munich North trailed only 59-51. Eintracht Frankfurt was able to keep Team Basket Munich North at bay halting another comeback and going on a 7-2 run to extend their lead to 66-53. In the run it was the guards of Musovic and Akodo that led the charge. Musovic hit a clutch three pointer and Akodo scored form the free throw line twice and made a big block on Carpenter. Team Basket Munich North made a last run going on a 10-4 run to cut the Eintracht Frankfurt lead to 70-63. In the run they got timely three pointers from Carpenter and Mansur who led the charge. However Team Basket Munich North ran out of time as there were only 20 seconds to play. Trtovac got the games last points as Eintracht Frankfurt won 72-63. “We penetrated more in the fourth quarter and attacked their bigs and it worked for us. They got a bit tired also. We have to go on the road now, play hard, consistent and get a good game flow”, added Jules Akodo. “We had foul problems in the fourth and that gave us matchup problems. We struggled to score and they closed out the game well. We want to stay with our defensive strategy in game two, move the ball well and get the ball inside. We will have to work on our shooting this week. We played physical and the zone helped to contain them more inside. We will need to stick with that in game two”, warned Liam Carpenter. “We will have to win the rebound battle in game two and play better one on one defense on Manzur. He is a key player and we didn´t do that well on him in game one”, warned Armin Musovic. Eintracht Frankfurt were led by Jules Akodo with 19 points, seven rebounds and four assists. Armin Musovic added 15 points and six assists. Lennart Okeke contributed 14 points and seven rebounds. Team Basket Munich North were led by Salman Manzur with 20 points. Justin Hedley added 13 points and eight rebounds and Chris Wurmseher had 12 points. Eintracht Frankfurt shot 44% from the field and 29% from outside while Team Basket Munich North shot 36% from the field and 30% from outside. Eintracht Frankfurt won the rebound battle 39-34 and both teams had eight turnovers.

Jermale Jones is a 28 year old 186cm guard from Birmingham, Alabama that is playing his third season for German pro B club TV Lich. He started his basketball career in 2005 for  Lawson State CC (JUCO) where he played until 2007. He then played two more years at Tuskegee (NCAA2). In 2011-2012 he came to Germany and played for SSV Lokomotive Bernau (Germany-ProB) playing 18 games: 17.5ppg, 2.0rpg, 1.7apg, 1.2spg, FGP: 45.6%, 3PT: 36.4%, FT: 79.2%. Last season for Lich he played 24 games averaging 18.5ppg, 3.6rpg, 1.3apg, 1.3spg, FGP: 46.9%, 3PT: 35.7%, FT: 76.2%. He spoke to German Hoops before the play down game against TV Langen.

 

Jermale thanks for talking to German Hoops. After two years in the Pro B playoffs for you, you now will be playing in the Pro B play downs. Overall what is your summary for the regular season? What was missing from reaching the playoffs?

To me I think we had an OK season especially dealing with the injuries we had in the beginning of the season and also dealing with other things as well but the season still could have been better. We missed the playoffs by lack of consistency game by game. When we had chances to beat teams we didn’t take advantage.

 

Even if it isn´t the playoffs, there continues to be excitement for all teams in the play downs and you will be playing six more games. What kind of appeal do the play downs for you?

Well every game I have the same approach. Go play with heart, passion and WIN.I treat every game like its my last and these games means a lot because I don’t want this team to move down.

With TV Jangen, Speyer and Saarlouis there are three tough opponents for you? You played against all teams this season. Which team do you feel poses the biggest difficulty for Lich?

Speyer will be our biggest difficulty. They are playing better basketball now. An addition to them having Marcus Smallwood that’s a major help for them.

 

The Licher Baskets Baehren enter the play downs having won their last game against the Fraport Skyliners Juniors. How much momentum does the team really have going into the first game against TV Langen?

After winning this past weekend it gives us more confidence and gives us a lot of momentum going into this weekend game against Langen.

In the last game against Frankfurt, you played only 17 minutes coming from the bench scoring 12 points. Were you being rested a bit for the coming games?

No, I wasn’t being rested. The other players were playing very well so that was the reason of my 17 minutes. I enjoyed watching those guys execute and get things done.

Lich start the play downs on Saturday against TV Langen. How thrilled are you to be dueling against your friend Martinis Woody?

It’s always good playing against friends but when that whistle blows it’s no friends on the court.

Lich split the season series with TV Langen. What will be key to winning in Langen? Lich had problems on the boards in this game?

The key to winning in Langen is limiting second chance points, rebounding and taking care of the ball every possession.

How important will Jerrod Kenny be in this series as an additional scoring threat from the bench which Lich didn´t have in the early season game?

Jerrod Kenny is a very important player on our team. He’s always looking for his teammates and looks for his self last..If we had him in the beginning of the season things would have been totally different.

Who are your NCAA final 4 early picks?

Kentucky, Villanova,Georgetown,Gonzaga

What was the last DVD movie that you saw?

Blended.

 

Thanks Jermale for the chat.

 

When German 23 year old Konstantin Klein took the Fraport arena microphone Tuesday night after the tough hard fought 77-74 Eurochallenge victory against Enisey Krasnoyarsk to announce that he had had his contract extended, he had no idea that this continued trust from the Fraport Skyliners could be an important ace in the hole for his self-confidence as little did he know shortly after the win that he would have to take over the reins in game two in the beautiful, but barren region of Siberia where Enisey Krasnoyarsk are at home. American rookie Justin Cobbs had knee problems and stayed in Frankfurt for observation and for treatment so could be ready for a game three in Frankfurt next Tuesday. There is no need to explain the worth of the Los Angeles native Justin Cobbs who is the general of the team and when he plays Eurochallenge the Frankfurt team has never lost as his 9-0 record stands tall. He scored in double figures in 21 of 23 games this season in German and Eurochallenge play and in all nine games in international play when he is wearing the Skyliners jersey. The only game since the arrival of Cobbs that he didn´t play in the Eurochallenge was against Avtodor Saratov that Frankfurt lost 71-68. However in that game was the debut of Konstantin Klein again after his long injury and he did a solid job scoring 10 points, hauling down four rebounds and dishing out four assists in 28 minutes of play. He held his own against ex NBA player Courtney Fortson who wasn´t much better logging 37 minutes while scoring 10 points and grabbing six rebounds and handing out six assists. Instead of the rematch between Justin Cobbs and DJ Cooper, it was the battle between Klein and Cooper. Without Cobbs on the floor, the Fraport Skyliners went in as the underdog and played catch up basketball all night long, but after tying the game at 63-63 in the fourth quarter were unable to combat a 15-5 Enisey run to end the game losing 78-68. Once again without the trusty general Cobbs, Frankfurt was unable to win again in Eurochallenge play. Frankfurt did a solid job containing DJ Cooper early, but at the end he was at his season average of nine assists and he chipped in with six points. Konstantin Klein and Quantez Robertson did the best that they could at the point guard position combining for 16 points and six assists. Despite a strong performance from American Sean Armand who added 23 points and really got the team going with his timely shots, it was Serbian Sava Lesic who had 16 points and Terrico White who produced 14 points and took seven possessions away from Frankfurt with his seven steals being the game´s unsung hero.

The Fraport Skyliners entered the game coming off a huge 77-74 victory at home in game one, had the momentum and didn´t have as much pressure as Enisey Krasnoyarsk, but felt the jet lag in the first three minutes as they quickly trailed 12-2. Enisey Karsnoyarsk came in very aggressive and didn´t waste anytime as they quicly got a Elmeden Kikanovic lay in and Terrico White three pointer. Sava Lesic who shines with that perfect inside out game also demonstrated his scoring in bunches as he hit a runner and nailed a three pointer. White finished off the run with a lay in. The Fraport Skyliners were being forced too many tough shots and weren´t getting into their sets as that Justin Cobbs decision touch was missing. Frankfurt then went on a 6-2 run to cut the Enisey lead to 15-8 as Quantez Robertson scored in bunches as he snuck inside for a quick two and then was fed a bomb pass from Johannes Voigtmann for the easy lay in. Voigtmann then secured an offensive rebound and made the put back. However Enisey continued to sparkle on the offensive end as their shots were falling as easily as it is too find sand on a beach as Eugeniy Kolesnikov and White hammered home three pointers to extend the Enisey advantage to 21-10. Finish shooting guard Mikko Koivisto was inserted and quickly got into a rhythm hitting his first shot and then finding Mike Morriosn for the perfect pick and role lay in cutting the Enisey lead to 22-13. However whenever Frankfurt struck, Enisey had an answer as Lesic dropped a three pointer for the 25-15 lead. Frankfurt did stay in the game as they ended the first quarter with a mini 4-0 run as Robertson made a dunk after getting a back door pass from Morrison and then made free throws. After one quarter Enisey Krasnoyarsk was leading 29-22 and was shooting 66% from the field and 85% from outside while the Fraport Skyliners were shooting 58% from the field and 25% from outside. Enisey had the 6-4 rebound edge and three turnovers while Frankfurt had five turnovers.

The Fraport Skyliners continued to fight back and got back into the game trailing by only five points midway through the second quarter, but trailed 46-38 at the intermission. Enisey continued to have hot shooting on the menu as it cooled down any nasty Siberian breeze that may have snuck through an open arena door as they bolted out to a 8-2 run extending their lead to 37-24. In the run it was 26 year old Artem Yakovenko who reached the 2010 Eurochallenge final with Samara losing to German club BG Goettingen was a one man wrecking crew as he nailed two three pointers and dropped free throws. Frankfurt got a bucket from Morrison with the dunk as Koivisto hooked up with the St Petersburg native for the second time. Now it was make or break time for the Fraport Skyliners and the perfect opportunity for Sean Armand to step up and give his team what he does best buckets. Despite the big win in game one, Armand remained scoreless posting the big goose egg and after the game had as long a face as one would ever see and he had a lot to prove. He came up big leading Frankfurt on a huge 9-0 run as he scored three consecutive buckets with a lay in, step back and floater. Oklahoma native Jacob Burtschi also contributed knocking down a timely three pointer as Frankfurt suddenly trailed only 37-33. However Enisey kept their nose in front closing out the second quarter 9-5. Enisey did a good job getting to the free throw line as Kolsenikov got there twice as well as Cooper and Lesic one. Frankfurt got another hoop form Armand who made a tough shot and Klein took Frankfurt into halftime with a three pointer trailing 46-38. Enisey Krasnoyarsk was shooting 52% from the field and 66% from the three point line while the Fraport Skyliners were shooting 56% from the field and 30% from the three point line. Both teams had 11 rebounds and Frankfurt nine turnovers and Enisey six turnovers.

In the third quarter Enisey Krasnoyarsk continued to lead, but the Fraport Skyliners had the fighting spirit cutting the Russian lead to 60-56 after three quarters. After starting the game with a 10-2 run, second quarter with a 7-2 run, they got off firing again at the start of the third quarter with a 7-3 run to extend their lead to 53-41. Komarovsky started off the run with a three pointer and Sava Lesic scored inside as Cooper found him all alone. Klein followed with a three pointer and Lesic then scored inside again. The third quarter then witnessed three more runs, two by Frankfurt and one by Enisey. Frankfurt had a 7-1 run to cut the Enisey lead to 54-48 as German national player Johannes Voigtmann scored in bunches nailing a hook shot and lay in. However Frankfurt then gave up a 6-0 run to Enisey as they continued to have difficulty combating the Russian ability to hit big three pointers as Yakovenko and Pavel Sergeev hit to extend the Enisey lead to 60-48. However the Fraport Skyliners finished the third quarter strong with a brutal 8-0 run as Morrison connected on his second chance and when Frankfurt needed buckets it was Sean Armand time as he hit two three pointers with his second from as distant as Karaulnaya Hill, Krasnoyarsk as Frankfurt trailed only 60-56 after 30 minutes. Enisey Krasnoyarsk was shooting 45% from the field and 55% from the parking lot and the Fraport Skyliners were shooting 55% from the field and 36% from the parking lot. Frankfurt had the 22-16 rebound edge, but 17 turnovers while Enisey had only 11 turnovers.

The fourth quarter was a tale of two runs as the Fraport Skyliners came out in comeback mode going on a 7-3 run to tie the game at 63-63 and seemed like the momentum was on their side, but it didn´t really sink in on the court as Enisey Krasnoyarsk let their offense speak for them finishing the game with a 15-5 run winning 78-68. For the second time in the game it was Armand again showing his undeniable explosiveness scoring three consecutive buckets as when Frankfurt needed spark he was the man. The ex Iona(NCAA) shooting machine scored inside and two step backs with the last being a difficult three pointer to tie the game at 63-63. Enisey Krasnoyarsk halted the Sean Armand shooting clinic as they had more options as Komarovsky scored a finger tip role, unsung hero Terrico White nailed a three pointer and Komarovsky struck again with a three pointer extending the Enisey lead to 71-63. Robertson stopped the Enisey run with a back door lay in as Voigtmann gunned him a bounce pass. However Frankfurt was unable to get consecutive stops as Kikanovic hit free throws and Enisey then displayed great team basketball as Cooper found Komarovsky back door, but with he had a bad angle and he found Kikanovic with the better shot which he finished with a lay in and Enisey 75-65 lead. White then made a steak and Kikanovic scored inside as Enisey led 77-65. Jacob Burtschi got the last Frankfurt bucket from down town. Frankfurt was unable to have that crunch time calmness they usually, made bad decisions, costly turnovers and couldn´t get big stops when they needed to. Enisey Krasnoyarsk were led by Sava Lesic with 16 points and five rebounds. Terrico White supplied 14 points, five rebounds, two assists and seven steals. Elmeden Kikanovic added 10 points. The Fraport Skyliners were led by Sean Armand with 23 points and Quantez Robertson chipped in with 10 points. Enisey shot 45% from the field and 535 from outside while the Fraport Skyliners shot 48% from the field and 33% from outside. Frankfurt won the rebound duel 29-26. Enisey had 13 turnovers and Frankfurt 20. Both teams duel in a do or die game three Tuesday March 17^th for the ticket to the Eurochalleneg Final four.

 

DJ Cooper is a 24 year old 183cm point guard from Chicago that has the American and Bosnian citizenship and is playing his second professional season and first in Russia with Enisey Krasnoyarsk (Russia-VTB). He played at Ohio(NCAA) from 2009-2013 playing a total of 141 NCAA games and as a senior played 33 games averaging 14.1ppg, 3.2rpg, 7.0apg, 1.9spg, FGP: 50.7%, 3PT: 36.0%, FT: 69.9%. Last season as a rookie he played for PAOK Thessaloniki (Greece-A1, starting five): Eurocup: 10 games: 10.2ppg, 4.7rpg, Assists-2(6.5apg), Steals-4(2.1spg), FGP: 42.5%, 3PT: 37.3%, FT: 57.9%; Greek League: 35 games: 10.6ppg, 4.6rpg, Assists-1(6.5apg), Steals-3(1.7spg), FGP: 53.6%, 3PT: 31.1%, FT: 77.4%. He spoke to German Hoops before the game one of the Eurochallenge quarterfinals in Frankfurt.

 

 

 

DJ thanks for talking to German Hoops. You are playing your second season as a professional. Is this your first visit to Germany? What do you know about the country and its basketball?

 

 

This is my first visit to Germany. I know some guys playing in the second and third leagues in Germany. The only one that comes to mind now is Carlton Guyton.

 

 

You are playing your first season for Enisey Krasnoyarsk (Russia-VTB). How would you compare the style of play between the Greek league where you balled as a rookie with the VTB league.

 

It has been a little different this season. The Greek league has good basketball, but I think that the VTB is probably the top league in Europe now. I face top point guards each weekend

 

 

Currently Enisey Krasnoyarsk (Russia-VTB) is one of the teams near the end of the standings. Why has the team had difficulty this season not being able to have a better record? Has the loss of ex NBA player Kosta Perovic been a big factor?

 

Anytime you lose a key player, it hurts and Perovic was a big part of our team. However we lost many close games after usually leading by 10 points or more in the first half. We have to learn to close out games better.

 

 

You have played in more than eight countries this season in VTB and Eurochallenge play. Has the travel taken a toll on the team now in the late stage of the season? Is the body starting to feel it?

 

The travel is very tough. We have one of the toughest travel schedules in Europe. It takes us five hours just to get to Moscow. But you can´t take that as an excuse. We have to come out and play better.

 

 

 

 

Enisey Krasnoyarsk (Russia-VTB) now play German team Fraport Skyliners in a best of three series with you possibly making two 12 hour flights to Frankfurt? What kind of series can we await?

 

I think that we will be able to adjust better to the traveling because we are used to it. It will be a good series. They have some young talented players and they like to push the ball. If we can win the first game in Frankfurt then I think we will close out series at home.

 

The Fraport Skyliners have a very talented rookie in Justin Cobbs who played at California8NCAA) and was this season the last cut for the Charlotte Hornets(NBA) How much are you looking forward to playing him and what do you know about him?

 

I have watched film on him. He is a good point guard that likes to score. He is a very poised player just like me. I think that he could play in the NBA. I look forward to competing against him.

 

 

 

The team has six players that are 203cm or taller, but no one grabs more than 5,2rpg in the Eurochallenge and have three players shooting 40% or better from outside. What is the teams biggest strength?

 

Our biggest strength is our offense. We are dominant on the pick and role and have good shooters. Elmeden Kikanovic is a good pick and pop player.

 

 

Would you define yourself as a classic point guard? You averaged 6,5apg at Ohio and this season is averaging 9,0apg in the VTB league and 7,8apg in the VTB league?

 

I am a classic point guard and I think that Europe appreciates my game. I find guys and make them better.

 

 

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

 

A hidden strength in my game is rebounding and deflections. I get 8-9 rebounds a game sometimes. I think I am a pretty good rebounder for my position.

 

 

How important was it having Pavel Sergeev for you? As a point guard did he give you tips about the league here when you came in?

 

He is a very experienced guy and great shooter and overall good guy. I have had good experiences with all my teammates.

 

 

 

How challenging was it playing against Courtney Fortson? Despite a 90-85 win, Fortson had a 26 point night?

 

I see a high quality point guard like him every night in the VTB. Fortson is a good point guard that is always attacking and has a lot of freedom. Going up against Justin Cobbs Is just like another night in the VTB

 

 

 

Last season you played for PAOK Thessaloniki (Greece-A1) leading the league in assists. What was your wake up call to being a professional player in Europe during that season?

 

My wake up call was getting my first pay check. The whole experience in Europe has been great

 

 

 

One hears the craziest stories about the Greek basketball fan culture. Is the Greek fan support a step above what you can experience in the NCAA?

 

 

The fans in Greece were crazier than in the NCAA. You often had to deal with hostile fans, but I didn´t experience any bus shaking, but saw some chairs being thrown on the court against Aris.

 

 

You were a two time MAC tournament winner in 2010 and 2012. Which one was sweetest?

 

2012 because we went on to reach the NCAA Sweet 16. The 2010 win we weren´t supposed to go as far.

 

 

Was the 65-60 Ohio win against Michigan your biggest win in college? You won the duel against Trey Burke(16 points9 and Tim Hardaway(14 points) while you had 21 points and five assists.

 

It was one of my best games in terms of winning. But overall I rack it up with my best games.

 

 

 

ESPN college basketball analyst Jay Bilas dubbed you as one of the best passers in the nation during Bilas’ Weekly Report segment on January 29, 2013.^[ He said of Cooper, “[He] can score, he can dish, does a great job off the pick and roll and always seems to make the right decision. He can absolutely pass it, but more important than that, he can absolutely play. He’s among the best point guards in the country. But you weren´t drafted. How disappointed were you? Was it because of playing in the MAC and your height?

 

It was a mixture between playing at a mid-major and my height. I think that I needed that extra push from my agent that I didn´t get to get NBA try outs. Now I focus on playing at the highest level no matter if its in Russia, Euroleague or NBA. I just want to play at the highest level possible and make the best money while being comfortable.

 

 

You are the first player to record 2,000 points, 900 assists, 600 rebounds and 300 steals in a career. What category of those stats was the most difficult for you to get?

 

The 300 steals was the toughest. I still needed like 30 steals in my senior year. It isn´t as easy to get steals as one may think.

 

 

Do you think that if you would have gone to Kentucky(NCAA) that you would have been the player you are today?

 

I don´t regret anything. Maybe it would have been different if I had gone to Kentucky, because with some good games you get on the NBA radar, but then again I might not have had the freedom I had at Ohio.

 

 

 

How did John Groce prepare you best for a professional basketball career?

 

He was a great coach and a real offensive guru. He helped me on the pick and role and defense the most. He is a great person off the court.

 

 

Who was the toughest guy you had to defend in the NCAA that is in the NBA right now?

 

Trey Burke was the toughest cover. He is very versatile that can get to the rim and shoot.

 

Do you ever see Derick Rose being able to play some seasons healthy or will that injury prone label be stuck on him for the rest of his career?

 

I can´t say what will happen, but I wish him the best. Injuries are a part of the game. I think when he builds his confidence he can be one of the top point guards in the NBA again.

 

 

 

What was the last DVD movie that you saw?

 

Law & Order season 16.

 

Thanks DJ for the chat.

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

In the last weeks facing top point guards in the Eurochallenge has been as usual for the Fraport Skyliners as it has been for them squeezing out overtime wins, Justin Cobbs scoring in double figures as he has in 20 straight games or Jacob Burtschi wining winning and winning as he is 7-1 since returning back to Frankfurt. In the last round of the Eurochallenge play the Fraport Skyliners battled against strong point guards Courtney Fortson who played in the NBA with The Los Angeles Clippers and Houston Rockets and rookie Brandyn Curry who played at Harvard(NCAA) together with Los Angeles Laker Jeremy Lin and is gaining steps toward his goal of becoming the best point guard in Europe with a very potent rookie season. Both guys had big games against Frankfurt as Fortson averaged 12ppg and 7,0apg while Curry was even more lethal in the scoring department scoring 27 and 26 points and was so close to winning in both games even taking Frankfurt to a two OT in Den Bosch, but was unable to win while Fortson won in Frankfurt, but lost in a double overtime game in Saratov. The intense point guard opponents didn´t stop with these two as the 2004 Beko BBL champion had to face the next gem in DJ Cooper from Russian team Enisey Krasnoyarsk in the quarterfinal of the Eurochallenge competition. Cooper is a 24 year old 183cm point guard from Chicago that played in Greece last season and is the classic pass first point guard that averaged 6,5apg in the Greek league and Eurocup for PAOK Thessaloniki. At Ohio(NCAA) he was the only player in the history of college basketball to record 2,000 points, 900 assists, 600 rebounds and 300 steals in a career and for many good enough for the NBA, but his size may have been one obstacle too much for him. This season he is dominating the VTB league averaging 11,2ppg, 3,8rpg and 9,0apg while his Eurochallenge stats are impressive as well as he is averaging 10,4ppg, 3,2rpg and 7,8apg. Cooper dished out an incredible 23 assists in a 95-86 victory against Astana and also had 17 assists against VEF Riga, but that was before the arrival of Fraport Skyliner Justin Cobbs who had a short stint in Lativa. Cobbs took his perfect 8-0 Eurochallenge record into the game facing off against the 7-5 record of Cooper as the big battle of the point guards was won by Justin Cobbs as he nailed a game winner in the last 20 seconds to give the Fraport Skyliners a huge 77-74 win to secure game one in the Eurochallenge quarterfinals. Cobbs set himself apart with both his scoring and playmaking as he scored 20 points and dished out 9 assists while DJ Cooper scored 12 points and had 11 assists. There seemed to be some real trash talking on the court as both guys were pretty mum about the others play after the game. “Cooper was alright. He was talking a lot”, stressed Los Angeles native Justin Cobbs. Oklahoma native Jacob Burtschi who has played with many talented point guards in his career took some time to reflect on the points guard C battle of Cobbs and Cooper. “Both are great point guards as Cobbs is the scorer and Cooper sets his guys up. He killed us in the first 10-15 minutes on the pick and role. The trash talking between the two started early, but competitive guys will always talk on the court. I think Cobbs took the Cooper talk as disrespect. When Cobbs grows in maturity he will let something like that go”, stressed Fraport Skyliner forward Jacob Burtschi. “The point guard battle was good. Cooper gets his 10-12 asissts a game while Cobbs is also a good point guard and can score. The Battle will continue Friday”, added 2010 Detroit Pistons NBA Draft Pick Terrico White.

Enisey Krasnoyarsk entered the game averaging 85 points and averaging giving up 80 points a game while the Fraport Skyliners came into the game averaging 80 points a game and were fourth best in the Eurochallenge averaging giving up only 74 points a game. The game went back and forth for the most part with the Fraport Skyliners seeming to always be on the comeback trail as the Russian team always had the lead mostly and were able to hold it with the strong rebounding and play in the paint as the three point shooting took a night off for both teams. The Fraport Skyliners have demonstrated it so often this season they do have fighting qualities especially in the Eurochallenge where they have won the last two games in overtime and eked out a thriller at home against Enisey Krasnoyarsk. “The game could of gone either way. We fought very well in the last 15 minutes as we picked up our defense and got many easy points on the transition. Cobbs hit some big shots and we stayed together for 40 minutes”, stressed German national player Johannes Voigtmann. Enisey now have a long 12 hour flight back to ponder what went wrong and what to correct for the do or die game two for them. The biggest problem that the Russian team has had all season long in VTB and Eurochallenge play has been their inability to conserve leads. “It was a tough game, but it was the old story. We are up by 15-20 points and can´t keep the lead. That happened again tonight. We have to learn how to close out games better”, added ex Ohio(NCAA) point guard DJ Cooper.

The Fraport Skyliners got off to a good start taking the 7-3 lead as Cincinnati native Quantez Robertson scored twice inside and Justin Cobbs hit a three pointer after Burtschi kept the play alive with an offensive rebound. However Enisey Krasnoyarsk went on a 5-0 run to take first lead 8-7 as 29 year old Evgeny Kolesnikov who won the 2013 Eurochallenge with Samara scored twice once inside and on a coast to coast scamper. The game then went back and forth as there were four lead changes. Voigtmann and Burtschi supplied offensive support with jumpers while White scored inside. However the back and forth game took an abrupt stop as Enisey Krasnoyarsk finished the first quarter with a 11-2 run to lead 22-13. The Russian squad got much support from many faces as Serbian Sava Lesic who won the 2010 Serbian cup with Partizan Belgrad hit a floater, Elmeden Kikanovic who has played 42 Eurocup games scored inside, Lesic scored inside again, White made a tip in and 2010 Eurochallenge finalist with Samara Artem Yakovenko nailed a three pointer. Frankfurt had a lull in their offense as shots were falling short and Enisey did a better job containing the Frankfurt pick and role. The best offensive play that Frankfurt mustered in this scoring drought was a perfect pick and role in which Florida native Mike Morrison finished with a monster two handed dunk off the quick Cobbs pass. “We gave up too many easy baskets and they took away our inside play”, stressed Johannes Voigtmann. Enisey Krasnoyarsk was shooting 60% from the field and 20% from outside while the Fraport Skyliners were shooting 38% from the field and 14% from outside. Enisey led the rebound duel 10-7 and had three turnovers while Frankfurt had four turnovers.

Enisey Krasnoyarsk controlled the first three minutes keeping the lead with 10 plus points, but the Fraport Skyliners started a furious run and comeback cutting the Enisey lead to only 36-33 at the intermission. Enisey Krasnoyarsk started off the second quarter with an annoying 6-0 run to carve their biggest lead of the game at 28-13. In the run it was the usual playmaker Cooper who averaged 6,5apg in college including a season at 7,0apga nd 7,5apg scoring twice once on the penetration finishing with his left hand and then getting fed a touchdown pass from Kikanovic on transition. Kikanovic also scored inside who was giving Frankfurt problems all day with his inside play as well as his consistent 15 footer. After a Gordon Herbert time out the Fraport Skyliners found back to their old self playing Frankfurt basketball and going on a crushing 18-4 run to cut the Enisey lead to 32-31. In the run the Fraport Skyliners upped their intensity on both ends of the court getting extra energy and fueling their offense with big plays on defense. Cobbs started the run with free throws, Aaron Doornekamp hit a jumper, and Voigtmann scored inside as Frankfurt still trailed 30-19. Cooper than showed his Jared Jordan like passing qualities as he fed Yakovenko with a slick no look pass as Frankfurt trailed 32-19. However Frankfurt held on to their run momentum as they got to the free throw line twice as Voigtmann and Robertson connected on free throws. Then came the play of the game as Cobbs led the fast break and heaved up a perfect ally-op pass to Robertson who slammed it home as Frankfurt trailed only 32-25. Voigtmann continued to be aggressive on the boards getting free throws and a tip in. Robertson then finished another fast break play as Enisey saw their lead cut down to 32-31. Enisey did keep the lead going into halftime as Pavel Sergeev hit free throws and Lesic made a lay in. Cobbs closed out the second quarter with a floater as Enisey Krasnoyarsk led 36-33. “The 12-0 break helped us get back into the game. We had more intensity then Enisey and got transition and secondary points which is our game. Our fighting qualities were also very important”, stressed Johannes Voigtmann. Enisey Krasnoyarsk was shooting 44% from the field and 8% from the three point line while the Fraport Skyliners were shooting 36% from the field and 11% from the three point line. Enisey had the slight 21-20 rebound edge and six turnovers while Frankfurt had seven turnovers.

Enisey Krasnoyarsk held the lead in the third quarter as the Fraport Skyliners continued to battle never letting their opponent go on a run and sending the game into a crunch time duel in the fourth quarter. Enisey Krasnoyarsk came out of half time refueled and took something from the Frankfurt run book going on their own run of 12-5 getting the 48-38 lead and that sprouting danger again to possibly run away with the game. In the run Enisey Krasnoyarsk continued to demonstrate their potent offensive attack being able to score in so many different ways. Cooper continued to show a balance between scoring and setting up his teammates as he hit a runner and scored from way downtown. The Russian team also got production from Lesic who continued to find holes in the lane connecting on a runner and Kikanovic scored from the baseline getting by Voigtmann. Yakovenko ended the run with a left handed lay in. Frankfurt got buckets from Cobbs and Voigtmann. However Frankfurt reacted harshly against the run as Burtschi returned and showed his handyman skills as he repaired things on the court especially the poor three point shooting percentage as he connected twice as Frankfurt trailed only 50-46. After a White runner, it was Burtschi again scoring this time with a hard drive to the hole as Frankfurt trailed 53-49. Frankfurt was unable to get a healthy string of stops as Cooper continued his hot shooting even connecting on a three point bank shot as Frankfurt trailed 56-49. Frankfurt closed out the third quarter with a brutal 8-2 run and only trailed Enisey 58-57. On the run they scored four consecutive buckets to regain the lead shortly 57-56. Mike Morrison scored twice showing his energy inside, Klein scored on the fast break as Robertson made the long outlet pass and Cobbs hit a jumper for the lead. Sergeev silenced the crowd with a floater. “We struggled at the start, but good defense and Burtschi three pointers brought us back into the game”, stressed Johannes Voigtmann. Enisey Krasnoyarsk was shooting 49% from the field and 19% from the parking lot while the Fraport Skyliners were shooting 45% from the field and 21% from the parking lot. Enisey had the 27-26 rebound edge and 11 turnovers while Frankfurt had 10 turnovers.

Three was a charm for the Fraport Skyliners in the fourth quarter as they fought back and got the lead three times as the third time was the game winning shot from Justin Cobbs. Kikanovic started off the fourth quarter hitting his bread and butter the 15 footer, but the Enisey lead was quickly erased as Robertson nailed a three pointer dead locking the game at 60-60. Enisey then went on a lightening 6-1 run as Kolesnikov and Lesic dropped three pointers while Cobbs capitalized on a Sergeev technical foul, but Enisey led 66-61. Enisey continued to hold the lead as Lesic made a free throw and Kikanovic burned Frankfurt for the second consecutive time with a 15 footer as Enisey led 69-63. However with the home crowd support getting louder, it helped Frankfurt go on a stifling 8-0 run to regain the lead 71-69. Voigtmann was pivotal in this run as he finally was getting the ball inside again something that he hadn´t earlier in the game. The German big man scored twice including giving his team the lead again. Klein also scored free throws and Cobbs scored on the fast break on a coast to coast sprint. White who had been fairly quiet the whole night scored consecutive buckets while Voigtmann made a tip in, but Enisey still led 74-73. With time running down, Cobbs hit a jumper as he took what the defense gave him giving Frankfurt the 75-74 lead. Klein then made free throws securing the 77-74 win for Frankfurt. “Cobbs is the best at creating a shot for himself. Even if he can´t shoot, he is calm enough to find us. He is 9-0 in Eurochallenge play and so dangerous at the end of games. He also helped us win many BBL games. Since he has been here our BBL record is up”, stressed Johannes Voigtmann. “We didn´t play aggressive enough on Cobbs on his last shot”, added DJ Copper. “I was looking to pass, but they took Voigtmann away and I had the seven footer. I am happy it fell. We showed again today how much we want to win. It doesn´t matter who the leading scorer is because we play together and fought until the end”, added Justin Cobbs.

The Fraport Skyliners were led by Justin Cobbs with 20 points, six rebounds and nine assists. Johannes Voigtmann chipped in 19 points and four rebounds. Quantez Robertson added 13 points and Jacob Burtschi contributed 11 points. Enisey Krasnoyarsk was led by Elemden Kikanovic with 16 points. Sava Lesic had 15 points and seven rebounds. DJ Cooper and Terrico White added 12 points a piece. The Fraport Skyliners shot 46% from the field and 23% from outside while Enisey Krasnoyarsk shot 46% from the field and 23% from outside. Enisey won the rebound battle 36-31, but had 16 turnovers while the Fraport Skyliners had 12 turnovers. Game two is Friday night at Enisey Krasnoyarsk. Frankfurt can clinch a top 4 berth with a win. “It will be tough travel for both teams. We can go in a bit more relaxed as there won´t be as much pressure for us. We have to win one of two games, but want to come home with a win”, warned Johannes Voigtmann.

 

 

With one game to go in the season, TV Langen is already thinking about who their opponent will in the Pro B play downs, while the Take-Off Wuerzburg Blue Baskets will be battling in the playoffs this season. With one game to go in the regular season they could still jump up a place or two as everything is very tight in the Pro B south standings from four to eight. One guy who has had an amazing season is experienced California native Donovan Morris who is playing for his third team in Germany after playing Pro A with Nordlingen and Regionaliga with TV 1864 Salzkotten last season where he tore up the league playing 19 games averaging 26.5ppg, 6.8rpg, 4.4apg, 1.9spg, FGP: 64.4%, 3Pts: 49.1%, FT: 92.6%. This season is no different as he is near the top of the best scorers in the league averaging 20,9ppg, 5,9rpg and 3,6apg. This season except for a five point effort against Iserlohn in a 75-57 loss he has scored in double figures in 20 of 21 games. He has scored 20 or more points 12 times including 34 and 30 points against BG Karlsruhe. In the last meeting against TV Langen, the ex Long Beach State guard poured in 30 points in a 84-73 losing cause. In order to get perfectly ready for the start of the playoffs, Morris was very focused to get a win for his team and shine as he usually does on the court. With Morris and TV Langen forward Martinis Woody, the two best players of each team that play different positions fought for pride and extra playoff jockeying position as TG Wurzburg Baskets Akademy waited until the fourth quarter to do damage as they outscored TV Langen 29-12 winning 76-66. California native Donovan Morris waited 30 minutes until starting to get to work as he poured in 14 of his 20 points in the fourth quarter leading his team to victory. “This was by far the strongest fourth quarter that we have had this season in this kind of situation. We had our other two points guard Constantin Ebert and Nico Brauner out so I had more of a duty to involve everyone else on the team. I wasn´t as aggressive scoring in the first three quarters, but turned it up in the fourth quarter. It was do or die and had to do something and did. Our rebounding intensity was like night and day in the first and fourth quarter. We need to take this momentum of the fourth quarter and use it in the playoffs”, stressed ex Fresno State guard Donovan Morris. TV Langen arrived in the game having lost five of their last six games and played well enough to win after thirty minutes, but completely fell apart in the fourth quarter as they suffered the turnover panic attack where they coughed up so many balls and the needed medicine wasn´t there to correct it. “We lost game completely in the fourth quarter. I came out at the eight minute mark and we led by 10 and the next time I checked the score it was tied. John Florveous was aggressive on the boards, Christoph Wolf hit a huge three pointer and we turned over the ball too much. Benedikt Nikolay did a good job on Morris, but in the fourth quarter he was living in the paint and and scoring off our turnovers”, stressed TV Langen guard Anish Sharda.

TV Langen got off to a solid start leading 6-2 as their two big men Martinis Woody and Tom Alte got easy buckets inside and the South Carolina native Woody had his defensive intensity on blocking two shots. Wurzburg 20 year old Christoph Wolf kept his team in stride nailing a three pointer as TV Langen led 6-5, but the home team had their offensive flow on early as they cruised out on a 9-2 run to extend their lead to 15-7. TV Langen was using an effective inside out game as Michigan native Nick Freer made a powerful two hand dunk, Maxim Schneider snuck inside for two and Nicolay dropped a three pointer. TV Langen would extend their streak to 20-10 as they continued to work for their points in the paint as Schneider used his potent penetration skills for a lay in and Tom Alte was set up nicely from Freer. However TV Langen lost that momentum getting careless in the last two minutes letting Wurzburg go on a 6-0 run to cut the TV Langen lead to 26-20 after one quarter. In the run, Wurzburg got exceptional defensive work from 19 year old German Lukas Beuschlein as he made back to back steals and coast to coast spurts for easy baskets. “TV Langen got off to a good start and were in control. However they let up at the end turning the ball over twice and letting Wurzburg get easy baskets. TV Langen lost the momentum and took some bad shots at the end”, stressed Fraport Skyliners U-14 head coach Igor Starkevic. TV Langen was shooting 64% from the field and 50% from outside while TG Wurzburg Baskets Akademy were shooting 38% from the field and 14% from outside. TV Langen had the 9-7 rebound edge and both teams had four turnovers a piece.

In the second quarter, both teams stepped up their defense as there was less scoring as less shots were made and two lead changes, but TV Langen still led at halftime. TV Langen got off on a bang in the second quarter going on a quick 5-0 run to extend their lead to 25-16. In the run it was ex Mainz guard Anish Sharda that was fed by Woody from the low post for an easy lay up and then 23 year old guard Gianluca Raebel hit a three pointer. However this wasn´t going to be a game where a team would just suddenly run away with the game as Wurzburg stayed on their heels struck back on a 11-0 run to take their first lead of the game 27-25. The run was started by brutal back to back three pointers from 19 year old German Daniel Urbano and Christoph Wolf. Wolf then struck back with points inside, Morris nailed a floater and free throw. That sudden run didn´t scare TV Langen, but motivated them to get their own run going as they scored three consecutive buckets to retake the lead 31-27. Nicolay started the run using his lightening speed getting out on the fast break scoring, Freer connected on a pull up jumper and Woody scored inside using his physicality. Wurzburg didn´t muster any more points from the field as Florida native John Florveus made one free throw and TV Langen got aid from Woody and Nicolay from the free throw line as TV Langen had the 34-28 advantage. “Both teams played good defense. TV Langen did a good job containing Donovan Morris. Wurzburg stayed in the game because they were defending well”, added Igor Starcevic. TV Langen was shooting 46% from the field and 33% from the three point line while TG Wurzburg Baskets Akademy was shooting 32% from the field and 27% from the three point line. TV Langen had the 23-16 rebound edge, but nine turnovers while Wurzburg had seven turnovers.

The third quarter remained tight until TV Langen could free themselves a bit near the end to get a higher lead. After more bricks and solid defense from both teams in the second quarter, the third quarter had more offense on the menu as shots started to fall at ease again. Wurzburg started off the third quarter on a 7-2 run to cut the TV Langen lead to 36-35. In the run, Wurzburg got key buckets from Morris on a coast to coast run where he caught TV Langen napping on transition defense and Florveus got an offensive rebound and put back. Wurzburg surely would have had the lead in the third quarter had it not been for Maxim Schneider who dominated the quarter and kept TV Langen ahead with his scoring touch of seven points, assists and steals. Alte scored in the post with a powerful left handed lay in and Schneider scored inside as TV Langen led 40-37. After a Florveus tip in, it was Schneider again who had the needed self confidence dropping a three pointer to give TV Langen the 43-39 lead. Wolf then snuck behind the TV Langen transition defense catching a baseball pass from Morris as Wurzburg trailed only 43-41. Then it was Schneider again hitting a very difficult of balance shot which was matched by a Wolf lay in as TV Langen still led 45-43. TV Langen then closed out the third quarter with a crushing 9-2 run to lead 54-45 after three quarters. In the run TV Langen got various help as Schendier set up Nicolay with a no look pass, then Schneider found Woody for a bucket, Alte scored inside and Raebel hit a jumper. “Schneider really was playing well and was attacking the screen and role well and was hitting his jumpers”, expressed Anish Sharda. “Schneider was the reason why TV Langen was in the game. He controlled the game for 30 minutes”, added Donovan Morris. TV Langen was shooting 47% from the field and 30% from the parking lot while TG Wurzburg Baskets Akademy were shooting 40% from the field and 25% from the parking lot. TV Langen had the 30-27 rebound lead and had nine turnovers while Wurzburg had 11 turnovers.

In the fourth quarter TV Langen fell completely apart as they coughed up ball after ball as Wurzburg took the chance to capitalize on their mistakes and regained the lead and never looked back. TV Langen started the fourth quarter getting two buckets from Freer and a Nicolay three pointer leading 59-49 and it seemed like they were rolling and would possibly get well into the double digit lead, but instead Wurzburg took advantage of the TV Langen turnover panic attack going on a back breaking 12-0 run to retake the lead 61-59. In the run, Wurzburg got two field goals from Morris and free throws and also got big buckets from Urbano and Florveus. Beuschlein continued to be an annoying thorn in the side of TV Langen as he made his third steal at center court and going coast to coast for the lay in. Woody then tied the game at 61-61 with a lay in, but Wurzburg wanted to play a complete quarter and slammed the door shut in TV Langen ending the game with a 15-5 run continuing to live off TV Langen turnovers. Morris scored back to back buckets while Alte hit a turn around shot continuing to demonstrate how well he has improved his low post game as his consistency showed. TV Langen trailed 65-63, but Wolf hit a huge three pointer and florveus scored inside as Wurzburg led 70-63 as the team from Bavaria was riding a 23-9 run. A Freer jumper couldn´t help as Morris hit four free throws and Wolf made a lay in as TV Langen ended the regular season with a 76-66 loss. “We switched a lot on defense and also did something on defense this season that we never did before. We were disciplined instead of gambling. We rebounded very well and helped each other on defense”, added Donovan Morris. “We got a bit tired at the end. They were pressuring us as we were them. We were worn out and they made easy layups. This was a tough loss and we have to bounce back. We have to show what we are made of now in the play downs. I think that we will bounce back”, warned Anish Sharda. TG Wurzburg Baskets Akademy were led by Donovan Morris and Christoph Wolf with 19 points a piece. John Florveus had 15 points and 14 rebounds. TV Langen was led by Tom Alte with 13 points. Martinis Woody had 12 points and 15 rebounds and Maxim Schneider had 12 points. Benedikt Nicolay chipped in with 11 points. TG Wurzburg Baskets Akademy finished the game shooting 47% from the field and 29% from outside while TV Langen shot 42% from the field and 24% from outside. Wurzburg won the rebound battle 40-38 and had 14 turnovers while TV Langen had 16 turnovers.

 

 

 

Daryl Arnold is a 198cm swing man playing his first season with TV 1864 Salzkotten (Germany-Regionalliga) He previously had pro experience with Cafeteros de Armenia (Colombia-Liga DirecTV). He got college experience with schools like SE Louisiana (NCAA), S.Mississippi (NCAA) and Belhaven (NAIA). He spoke to German Hoops about basketball.

 

 

Hi Daryl thanks for talking to German Hoops. Congrats on the 97-91 win against Schalke. What was key for getting the win for Salzkotten?

 

The key to winning against Schalke was playing intense defense and run the tempo on the offensive end! We also shared the ball and trusted each other

 

 

You had a shooting duel with Nikita Khartchenkov who played with top European team BC Khimki-Moscow and also played with top BBL teams in Germany. You had 30 points and he had 29 points. How much does a player like this motivate you to show that you can play with them and at a higher level?

I take it as a chip on my shoulder! Always play hard improve things and become the best I can be! It’s always great to play against others that are good to see where your at and where you want to be as a player

 

You have been in Germany now three months. How quick have you been hearing about the big sports teams? Schalke has a rich tradition in soccer, but nobody knows about their basketball program.

I’ve heard about the traditions of several teams in my league by our coach and teammates so I take heed to it! I never want to underestimate my opponent! Want to be prepared and ready to go!

 

How exciting has your rookie season been so far? What were the main reasons for coming to TV Salzkotten?

It’s been a thrilling fun experience! I love the experience and exposure! The atmosphere of playing is something I have been doing since I was young now doing it professionally ! It’s amazing to learn so many things about food, language, playing style, weights, spare time etc! I wanted to play and finally got everything situated for me to come to take this opportunity! I knew I had to start somewhere and I know I have what it takes to make it!

 

 

 

You finished school in 2012 and before coming to Germany played for Cafeteros de Armenia (Colombia-Liga DirecTV). Why has the job market been so tough for you the last years?

I was in MS where I was transitioning from a player to a coach! I would play but not workout! I was learning and giving my knowledge to players that I was coaching! Then I decided I wanted a new route so I moved to California with my dad! I worked out for Jim Cleamonts and he saw the potential contacted a guy who helps mold me not just as a basketball player but person Charles Lovely Sr! Once I moved to California last summer I started playing in leagues! I started getting exposure I started working out and my love for the game came back as a player as well as a coach! So I was coaching and working out constantly! Won mvp in leagues and played in 2 prestigious Pro Am leagues JBL and Drew League! The Drew League is very rich in history and nba players play in it! Last summer was my first time playing in it and my friend recommended me to the team in Colombia! I’m very appreciative of the exposure and experience I got from that! So now I had people looking out for a job overseas than in MS I didnt!

 

 

You never gave up the last years and now are playing in Germany. How tough were the last years and how did you stay focused and who helped you the most get to where you are now?

 

Last few years was tough because I wanted success quicker but as I have grown to understand just work and being patient things work out better that way! Also always have other plans and plan accordingly! Everyone and everything I did kept me motivated! The people who didn’t believe it, I got to prove them wrong and the ones who did believe I have to make them know they were right! Mr Lovely and others helped out tremendously with words of wisdom open arms etc for me! I can’t name them all nor give the credit to some! I’m just thankful for all the support from my circle!

 

 

 

Salzkotten has a record of 10-12. What have been the main reasons for the team not being nearer at the top?

Injuries, sickness and with me coming almost Dec! If we could have been more healthly we would be better but I’m so proud of our fight as we fight every game since I’ve been on this team!

 

 

You’re a top player in the German Regionaliga averaging 24,1ppg, 8,2rpg and 2,3apg. Does it sometimes feel like you are a man playing with boys?

 

I don’t brag on my game I just play one way tough aggressive and to the end trying to get a win! It’s a team effort! They trust me to do certain things and I trust them to do others!

 

You seem to have a very solid inside out game, but what is a hidden strength in your game that doesn´t get noticed right away?

 

 

My defense or how I share knowledge to teammates to help them understand the common goal to win! Also play making

How important has it been having teammate Daniel Lieneke and head coach Artur Gacaev who have tasted BBL air. How has their experience helped you in the first months?

It’s very important to have a veteran on your team like Daniel to show you the ropes! Then Arthur is a great coach that motivates you as well stay on you to make you and the team better! I love how I can talk to Daniel and Arthur to make adjustments in practice or in the game to help our chances on winning.

 

 

What was your wake up call to being a rookie with Cafeteros de Armenia (Colombia-Liga DirecTV) where you knew that you were a professional player now?

When I was constantly working out in my room trying my best to make better without the equipment!

 

How would you describe your college basketball experience playing at SE Louisiana (NCAA), S.Mississippi (NCAA)and Belhaven (NAIA) Did all this moving around shape you as a player better than had you played with just one school?

As I look back at all the changes in school I might should’ve stayed at my first school but I grew not just as a basketball player but a man! I saw the worst times when the joy was gone to everything was just right through it all! So it helped me get a reality check and how harder it will be coming from a small school!

 

You played at SE Louisiana with s.Oliver Baskets Wurzburg guard Jeremy Dunbar. Does his incredible outside shot still remain in your memory?

Yes Jeremy can shoot the ball! In practice and in games he could rip the Nets down.

 

 

You played your last season of college ball at Belhaven(NAIA). How did head coach Tom Kelsey prepare you best for a professional basketball career?

He was different type of coach! Had a different approach so it may me be more open minded and understanding to its different ways to get things done! May not like the way someone instructs it but it has to get done

 

 

Will you be more aggressive now in the offseason with your productive season at Salzkotten? You should get offers for the upcoming season from German Regionaliga and Pro B teams.

 

 

Of course no complacency have to become better as a person then a basketball player it’s a everyday goal!

What was the last DVD movie that you saw?

 

Last DVD movie was Kings of Comedy.

 

Thanks Daryl for the chat.

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Jermale Jones is a 28 year old 186cm guard from Birmingham, Alabama that is playing his third season for German pro B club TV Lich. He started his basketball career in 2005 for  Lawson State CC (JUCO) where he played until 2007. He then played two more years at Tuskegee (NCAA2). In 2011-2012 he came to Germany and played for SSV Lokomotive Bernau (Germany-ProB) playing 18 games: 17.5ppg, 2.0rpg, 1.7apg, 1.2spg, FGP: 45.6%, 3PT: 36.4%, FT: 79.2%. Last season for Lich he played 24 games averaging 18.5ppg, 3.6rpg, 1.3apg, 1.3spg, FGP: 46.9%, 3PT: 35.7%, FT: 76.2%. He spoke to German Hoops before the game against the Fraport Skyliners Juniors.

 

 

A couple weeks ago we talked and you were very focused on reaching the playoffs, but a two game losing streak stopped that. How disappointed are you about not getting there?

I’m very disappointed about not making the playoffs and very frustrated because we have had chances to make it in and we failed to get it done

 

Two weeks ago last placed Saarlouis shocked Lich by 23 and last week you played Iserlohn tough, but lost by seven points. Why was the team unable to play more consistent in the down stretch?

It was a lack of execution and we had too many break downs on defense.

 

You guys held your own against Iserlohn, but the 21 turnovers hurt. Was this something the team worked on this week in practice?

Yes every week we work on taken care of the ball and making better decisions. That’s the cause of most of our turnovers.

 

You only had 5 turnovers twice this season and one of the games was against Iserlohn. Orlan Jackman told me that when Iserlohn play Iserlohn defense than they hard to beat. How good chances do they have to win the Pro B?

They have a nice chance to win it all but you can’t count out the north teams because they have some solid teams also. It will be interesting who wins it all.

 

You have one game left against the Fraport Skyliners Juniors. What memories do you have of the 63-59 win in Frankfurt? I remember after the game head coach Steven Key was still not content about the way you guys played?

The memories I have from the game is us just playing hard and executing the game plan and played with a lot of energy. Yes he wasn’t content with the way we played because he know we can play way better than we did. At the end of the day a win is win

 

In the Frankfurt game they were without many BBL license players as will be the case today. You guys are in the play downs. How important is this game for Lich and what will be key in getting the win?

 

This game today is very important for us as we go into the playdowns. Going into the playdowns with a win will give us confidence and momentum.

 

 

17 year old Niklas Kiel has made big strides in the last three months since you last played him. You also have seen him get BBL minutes. With all the young players that you see where do you see his potential at the moment?

Niklas Kiel has a lot of potential for his age. He’s very skilled and have very good foot work. If he continues to learn and improve his game he will be one of the top players.

 

 

Playing play downs will be a new experience for you. Your friend Martinis Woody will have the same experience. How confident are you that you too will come out on top?

I’m very confident that we will stay in the league. If we come out and do the little things every night and play with the energy and effort for 40 minutes we will be successful.

 

 

What kind of Jermale Jones will we see in the next weeks? Do you suspect to heighten your game and what will be vital for you having success?

Every time I step on the court, I always strive to give everything I have in me……you will see the same Jermale, full of passion for this game, that you always see. Being able to keep all of my team mates involved will be vital for success.

 

 

What is your prediction for the Fraport Skyliners in the Eurochallenge. How far will they go?

 

I can see the Skyliners winning the Eurochallenge especially if everyone is healthy.

 

 

What was the last DVD movie that you saw?

 

The Loft.

 

Thanks Jermale for the chat.