Kerron Johnson is a 24 year old 185cm point guard from Huntsville, Alabama playing his second professional season and first in Germany with the MHP RIESEN Ludwigsburg. Last season as a rookie he played with the New Zealand Breakers (Australia-NBL, starting five): 28 games: 12.6ppg, 2.8rpg, Assists-5(4.3apg), Steals-5(1.2spg), FGP: 56.9%, 3PT: 31.1%, FT: 59.8%. He started his basketball career in 2009 with Belmont(NCAA) playing a total of 133 NCAA games and as a senior played 34 games: 14.2ppg, 3.1rpg, 4.7apg, 1.7spg, FGP: 50.0%, 3PT: 29.5%, FT: 77.8%. He spoke to German Hoops at the 2015 Beko BBL Allstar game in Ulm.

 

 

 

 

Kerron thanks for talking to German Hoops. How thrilled are to be at the 2015 Beko BBL Allstar game?

 

I am really thrilled to be a part of the 2015 Beko BBL Allstar game. I am very humbled to be here and it is great to be around many so excellent veteran players.

 

 

What player are you most looking forward to battling on the court?

 

I really am looking forward to playing against Heiko Schaffartzik. He always plays hard, smart and knows the game. He played us tough this season with FC Bayern Munich.

 

 

What is your impression of the format National-International?

 

I think that it is an awesome format. It gives the fans something to cheer about. It is great for the fans to cheer for the home grown players.

 

 

What German player has impressed you most this season in the Beko BBL?

 

Besides Heiko Schaffartzik it has been Daniel Theis. He is so athletic, has a great inside out game na dis sought after by so many NBA teams.

 

 

You are playing your first season for MHP Riesen Ludwigsburg. The team had a less than satisfactory start, but came into the Allstar break with a three game winning streak. What has gotten better with the team on the floor?

 

I believe that we finally have found our identity on the court. We had many changing parts and it took some time to gel. I think that we will have a great 2015.

 

 

How is your relationship to head coach John Patrick? What has he given you that no other coach has in your basketball career?

He has a lot of experience and as a former point guard at this level can give me a lot. He really knows the game and has taught me to think the game and not just play it. There isn´t a better coach to have then him when it comes to learning how to run a team. He is hard on the point guards, but it makes us better.

 

 

How surprised were you scoring 38 points in your first game in Germany? Were you in the zone on that day?

 

I was in the zone. I never expected to score that many points in my debut in Germany. I found my rhythm early and had a good day. That game gave me a good confidence booster for the next games.

 

 

How important has new player DJ Kennedy been? What do you appreciate most about his game?

 

He takes a lot of pressure off me on the court. Having his presence on the floor, I don´t feel like I have to do everything myself. He is very unselfish and not only a scorer, but a playmaker. He gets everyone involved and just fits in well in the system of John Patrick.

 

 

Last season as a rookie you played for the New Zealand Breakers. What was your wake up call to be a rookie professional player?

 

I think getting to know the competition. We were picked to win it all, but didn´t and we didn´t have a great season. That was the first time in my career where I had a losing season. I learned to survive in tough times. I learned to stay strong and trust the coaches and my teammates that we could dig ourselves out of tough situations.

 

 

 

What were you able to learn from 38 year old veteran CJ Bruton as a rookie?

 

He was like a mentor for me. He oozed basketball, confidence and charisma. He was the kind of guy that you wanted to learn from. We wouldn´t have made the playoffs without him. He showed me how to be a good point guard. I still talk to him today.

 

 

You played at Belmont(NCAA) from 2009-2013. What was sweeter the 2011 or 2012 Sun tournament win?

 

I think that the 2011 win was the sweetest. Up to that win we knew that we were good, but after the win we knew that we could dominate. We won in 2012 again and after that the OVC tournament. That was a huge confidence builder and the program keeps going up.

 

 

How did Rick Byrd prepare you best for a professional basketball career at Belmont?

 

Coach gave me discipline and passion. If you met him you wouldn´t think that he could yell, but he just pushed you to be the best. I have so much respect for him as he did so much for me on and off the court and helped me develop into a man.

 

 

Who won a one on one in practice you or Utah Jazz Ian Clark?

 

I won. Ian is my best friend. He was my roommate for four years and we talk every day. Our battles were always good even if they weren´t pretty at the end. He is like my brother and I am proud where he is today. Our battles were pretty even, but in the end I took it.

 

 

 

How do you get Jon Brockman to laugh?

 

He plays with a lot of intensity on the court. He is the kind of guy that you want on the court. Off the court he is a jokester and just enjoys life. He is always smiling and guys always want to be around him.

 

 

 

What was the last DVD movie that you saw?

 

The American Sniper.

 

Thanks Kerron for the chat.

 

 

Brad Wanamker is a 25 year old 193cm guard from Philadelphia playing his fourth professional season and first in Germany with the Brose Baskets Bamberg. Last season he played for Giorgio Tesi Group Pistoia (Italy-Lega Due Gold, starting five): 35 games: 16.2ppg, 4.0rpg, Assists-3(4.7apg), Steals-2(1.9spg), FGP: 53.2%, 3PT: 44.4%, FT: 77.5%. Two seasons ago he played for Limoges CSP Elite (France-ProA, starting five): 30 games: 9.0ppg, 3.4rpg, 3.4apg, 1.3spg, FGP: 50.6%, 3PT: 22.2%, FT: 78.4%. As a rookie he played for Banca Tercas Teramo (Italy-SerieA, starting five): 7 games: 7.6ppg, 4.0rpg, 1.6apg, 1.3spg, FGP: 54.8%, 3PT: 12.5%, FT: 66.7%, in Dec.’11 moved to Atlanta Hawks (NBA), in Jan.’12 agreed terms with MarcoPoloShop.it Forli (Italy-Lega2, starting five): 4 games: 17.8ppg, 4.3rpg, 1.8apg, 2.8spg; then joined Austin Toros (D-League, starting five): 24 games: 6.3ppg, 2.4rpg, 2.2apg, FGP: 46.4%, 3PT: 33.3%, FT: 72.7%. He started his basketball career in 2007 with Pittsburgh (NCAA) playing a total of 134NCAA games and as a senior played 34 games: 11.7ppg, 5.2rpg, 5.1apg, 1.4spg, FGP: 44.8%, 3PT: 32.7%, FT: 76.0%. He spoke to German Hoops at the 2014 Beko BBL Allstar game in Ulm.

 

 

 

 

Brad thanks for talking to German Hoops. How thrilled are to be at the 2015 Beko BBL Allstar game?

 

I am really excited to be here. I am happy that I was picked and fans recognized my hard work on the court.

 

 

What player are you most looking forward to battling on the court?

 

Everyone.

 

 

What is your impression of the format National-International?

 

I think that it is a great format. It gives both teams a great incentive to win. The Germans are more familiar with each other, but we are still going to compete. It is a game where someone can have bragging rights for another season.

 

 

What German player has impressed you most this season in the Beko BBL? Perhaps your teammate Daniel Theis?

 

He has impressed me the most. He works hard each day and always wants to get better. He has been very consistent as of late and is a very versatile player.

 

 

The Brose Baskets Bamberg are one of the hottest teams in the Beko BBL having a 7 game winning streak including wins against Alba Berlin and FC Bayern Munich. What has the team most improved on?

 

I think that we have improved the most on defense. We have been very consistent and have been forcing teams to to take tough shots and and our better ball pressure has led to easy baskets. It is all about being focused and wanting to improve.

 

 

What have you learned to appreciate from head coach Andrea Trinchierei that no other coach has ever given you?

 

He has told me too stay humble and work hard. Millions of players want your position so work hard each day and results will show.

 

 

Last season you played for Giorgio Tesi Group Pistoia (Italy-Lega Due). How much fun was it playing with guard Kyle Gibson? What did you respect most from his game?

 

I have great respect for Kyle. He is such a hard worker, scorer and guy that makes others better

 

 

Two years ago you played in France for Limoges CSP Elite (France-ProA,). What memories do you have form Vassil Evtimov? What is the perfect nickname for him?

 

Vassil was the veteran of the team and worked hard every day. Everybody thinks he is a serious guy when you see him, but in reality he is a very funny guy. He had a floater that he liked taking and in practice he would always scream Opa. It looked like a crazy shot, but it always went in. When I would see him I would salute him with Opa.

 

 

As a rookie you played for three teams in Italy, played in the Atlanta Hawks organization and played in the D-league. What was your wake up call to being a professional?

 

My rookie season was tough. I was the last cut of the Atlanta Hawks a day before Christmas. My rookie season was a great experience though even if it was tough playing for so many teams. This time made me mentally stronger. Having to survive made me work harder.

 

 

You have been very close to making the NBA. What is still missing in you making that dream come true?

 

I think like for many other talented players it is finding the right situation at the right time. It is still my dream. I am 25 now and hope I will get that chance sometime.

 

 

 

You played at Pittsburgh(NCAA) with some future NBA players. Which of those players was your best teammate? Possibly Dejuan Blair?

 

Blair was a funny guy, but he and Sam Young really showed me that hard work will bring results. Just seeing them play in the NBA has kept my dream alive and keep working hard.

 

 

 

How did Jamie Dixon get you best prepared for a professional basketball career?

 

I think that the system that coach Dixon ran at helped me as a player translate to the next level.

 

 

 

Where will the journey of the Philadelphia 76ers end this season?

 

It is hard to cheer for them now. I was always a fan. Growing up Allen Iverson was the man. They won´t make the playoffs this season or in the next years.

 

 

 

What was the last DVD movie that you saw?

 

The Interview.

 

Thanks Brad for the chat.

 

 

 

Janat Talts is a 31 year old 205 cm forward from Estonia that is playing his sixth season for Tartu Ulikool/Rock (Estonia-KML). He played in Germany at a young age for RheinEnergie Koln (Germany-1.Bundesliga) from 2004-2007 winning two Beko BBL cups. He also gained experience playing in Italy for Cimberio Varese (Italy-SerieA) from 2011-2013. Last season he played for Tartu Ulikool/Rock (Estonia-KML) EuroChallenge: 15 games: 9.8ppg, Reb-5(7.0rpg), 1.7apg, FGP: 50.9%, 3PT: 42.9%, FT: 70.4%; Baltic League: 18 games: 9.9ppg, 5.9rpg, 1.9apg, 1.2spg, FGP: 54.2%, 3PT: 28.8%, FT: 72.7%; Estonian League: 31 games: 10.8ppg, 6.4rpg, 1.5apg, FGP-1(66.9%), 3PT: 39.8%, FT: 63.5%. He spoke to German Hoops before todays Eurochallenge game against the Fraport Skyliners.

 

 

Janar thanks for talking to German Hoops. I saw you play early in your career when you played in Germany with RheinEnergie Koln. Frankfurt Skyliners should be a nice memory for you at least their arena. The 10 year anniversary is coming up for RheinEnergie Koln where you won the BBL cup in Frankfurt against Ludwigsburg. What memories do you have of that final game?

I remember we had a great team and very good and experience players in that every year a title was special and cup is very important in Gemany, I was first year in Cologne and this was great for me and for everybody in Cologne! i think it was this cup final when Sasa Obradovic dunked the ball in final minutes and he was 36 or 37!!This was impressive for me in this time.

After some years in Italy, you returned home back to Tartu Ulikool/Rock (Estonia-KML) and are playing your sixth season with the club. Are you at the stage of your career where you think that you will finish your career here?

I dont think about finishing my career jet! I hope I got some good years left in me! I like Tartu and that they play Eurochallenge so i feel good here!

The Fraport Skyliners and Tartu Ulikool/Rock (Estonia-KML) are good defensive team. You have given up fewer than 75 points four times this season in Eurochallenge competition. Can we expect a hard fought defensive type of game tonight?

About todays game I would say every game is hard fight and specially at home nobody gives anything easy for the opponent so its going to be a hard game for both.

You are averaging 8,0rpg in Estonia and Eurochallenge play combined. How excited are you to match up against the Frankfurt twin twoers of Danilo Barthel and Johannes Voigtmann? What do you know about these players?

About the Frankfurt twin towers I know they are tall and good players but I dont care about my own things on court i only hope we win against them!

The Frankfurt twin towers Danilo Barthel and Johannes Voigtmann got a taste of the Estonia winter and it is nonstop snowing. What tips could you give a German to be able to survive a winter in Estonia?

About the winter in Estonia-dress good because they also have to go to Russia where this winter looks like summer!!!

What was the last DVD movie that you saw?

The last DVD what I saw was probably Cartoon”Cars” which I watched with my 3 year old son!!

 

Thanks Janar for the chat.

 

Marvin Omuvwie is a 17 year old 197cm forward playing NBBL and Pro B for Weissenhorn. He was invited to the 2015 Beko BBL Allstar game to compete in the slam dunk contest. He spoke to German Hoops about his experience in Ulm at the 2015 Beko BBL Allstar game.

 

 

How excited that you were chosen to participate in the 2015 Beko BBL Allstar game?

 

 

I am very excited and it is a big honor to be here. I practiced some dunks in the last days of practice. I got a lot of inspirations watching dunk videos from Vince Carter and Blake Griffin. Some of those Carter dunks I saw have been the best dunks that I ever saw.

 

What do you want to take with you form the 2015 Beko BBL Allstar day?

 

Just being here will give me more experience. This is the first time that I have been at such a big event. I was at some smaller dunk contests, but this is the biggest and I am very excited.

 

What do you know about the other dunkers Will Clyburn, David Brembly and Salu Benjamin Tadi?

 

I only know what Will Clyburn can do. Clyburn can really jump and dunk. I have a lot of respect for Clyburn. He is very good competition.

 

How usual is it that people can pronounce your name correct at the first try?

 

It is actually pretty usual that people will get my name right. Out of 10 people, I would say that six or seven people pronounce right the first time.

 

You go to school, play Pro B for Weissenhorn and NBBL. Is it difficult getting everything organized on a day to day basis.

It isn´t easy to get everything done and at times very hard. On Mondays I do individual training before school. I don´t train as much as the rest, but all in all it is well organized.

 

Who are the NBBL top players in the NBBL 2015 Allstar game for you?

 

Isiah Hartenstein is very far in his development for a guy form the year 1998. I also have Niklas Kiel and Jan Niklas Wimberg as the top players.

 

German Pro B team Weissenhorn had a slow start, but now are 10-5. What are the main reasons for the turnaround of the team?

 

I think that we have much experience, but at the start our roster wasn´t full, but we finally found together, stayed positive and continued to help each other out on the court. Plus everyone knows their roles now.

 

How has coach Jannson helped you get better as a player in the last months?

 

He is a good coach and has brought me further with my individual skills. I am looking forward to working together with him the next years. He has taught me to make quick decisions on the court.

 

In Canada Jordan Baker was called the white Lebron James. Do you agree with that assessment?

 

 

Yes I do. Jordan is very athletic and always gives 100%. He is a very physical player and very experienced for a rookie. In the short time that he has been here he has helped me a lot with my game.

 

Your teammate is David Kramer. Do you see the Austrian making the next step in the next years?

 

He is my roommate. I think that he will go his way. He is a good shooter, gives his best always and does all he can to make the team better?

 

 

What does the future have in store for you?

 

I will play one more year of NBBL. I don´t see college as being an option. I will concentrate on Weissenhorn and hoping to get into the ratiopharm Ulm roster in the future.

 

What was the last DVD movie that you saw?

 

Night at the Museum 3.

 

Thanks Marvin for the chat.

Randall Holt is a 23 year old 185cm point guard from Bedford, Ohio that is a rookie playing for Weissenhorn. He started his basketball career at Kent St. (NCAA) in 2009 and played 131 NCAA games until 2013 and as a senior played 33 games averaging 14.6ppg, 3.2rpg, 2.5apg, 1.3spg, FGP: 36.4%, 3PT: 38.6%, FT: 86.0%. He spoke to German Hoops about basketball.

 

 

 

Randal thanks for talking to German Hoops. Welcome to Germany. Welcome to Germany. You are a rookie playing your first season in Germany with Pro B team Weissenhorn. How do you like the country?

Germany is a great country and it wasn’t hard for me to adjust at all with a many people speaking English I can also communicate really well with people

You finished at Kent State in 2013. You didn´t play anywhere last season despite having a work out with the Cleveland Cavaliars. Why didn´t you play last season? How tough was this period for you? How did you stay positive and focused with you basketball dream not dying?

That is correct and I’m not sure as to why I couldn’t land on a roster last season. Yes of course this was a rough period for me but I just stayed in the gym and kept faith that God would bless with me an opportunity to play for a team I just made sure I was ready to take full advantage

Guards Ray McCallum, Jr. (Detroit), Michael Snaer (Florida State), and Nemanja Nedovic (Serbia), as well as centers Zeke Marshall (University of Akron) and Mike Muscala (Bucknell), also participated in the Cavaliers’ pre-draft workout. Some are in the NBA now. How thin is the line drawn between players? You are playing in the third German league and some are in the NBA.

Yes that is a very talented group of players but everyone’s situation is different and unique in its own way. Pro B Germany was a good situation for me to show people what I can do at the point guard position seeing I played primarily shooting guard in college. As a player you always want to compete at the highest level sometimes there are certain steps you have to take

You got signed very late into your rookie season. Were the offers limited or did you just not like the situations that were presented to you?

Yes the offers were limited to a certain extent but I also wanted to make sure I was patient enough to wait for the right opportunity to present itself

Why did you chose to come to Weissenhorn? Were you impressed with their dedication to the development of young players? Did you get any advice from ex teammate Carlton Guyton who is playing in Germany for Gotha?

I chose Weissenhorn because I felt like it was the right situation for me with already having good young players on the team adding what I can bring to the team I thought we could be a great team. I talk to Carlton Guyton a lot and get advice from him as far as being a professional and to check on him and see how he is doing while playing in Germany

You came in late to the team after the first game was played. Your averaging 20,2ppg, 3,7rpg and 4,2 apg. Did you see yourself as a leader type of guy when you came despite being a rookie?

Yes I think being a leader has always been a strength in my game and my coach also has a lot of confidence in me being the leader of the team and that helps a lot

 

How important has been the arrival of Canadian Jordan Baker. He also has been a guy that has had no problems to adjusting to the German Pro B as a rookie.

Jordan Baker is a really good player on both sides of the ball and he stretches the court for our team with his ability to play inside and on the perimeter he helps our team a lot

If one examines your stats one could say that you are a scoring point guard. What is a hidden strength in your game that doesn’t always get noticed right away?

I would have to say my ability to make plays for my teammates and my ability to lead a team

With David Kramer and Soren Fritzke you have two other very young point guard teammates. Fritzke has been injured for two months. They must look up to you and how do you help each other get better on the floor?

Yes David and Soren are two very talented young players and we just compete to our best ability in practice making each other better and that translates to the games

You played at Kent State from 2009-2013 and was able to improve your season scoring average each season. What kind of experience was this 4 year journey for you?

College was a great experience for me I went from a boy to a man and learned a lot on and off the court. I think one of the biggest tools I took with me was how to get in the gym for extra time to improve my game.

How did Rob Senderhoff get you prepared for a professional basketball career the last two years at Kent State?

Playing for Rob Senderoff was a huge part of my success at Kent State I learned a lot from him not only in basketball but about life as well. I think playing for coach Senderoff helped me become a better player and person.

You seemed to have Buffalo´s number as a senior beating them twice and having your best scoring games with 27 and 28. What will you cherish most form these two wins?

I will just cherish those moments you spend with your teammates after a big win and the feeling that comes with that

 

Who would win a one on one in practice you or Kris Brewer?

Me, no question about it

Where will the journey of the Cleveland Cavaliars end this season?

I’m hoping they win the NBA championship being a Cleveland native

What was the last DVD movie that you saw?

 

Think like a man.

 

Thanks Randal for the chat.

 

Patrick Richard is a 25 year old 196cm swingman from Carencro, Louisania that is playing his first season in the Beko BBL for the Mitteldeutscher BC. He played four years at  Mc Neese St. (NCAA) and as a senior played 32 games: 18.1ppg, 6.3rpg, 3.2apg, 1.3spg, FGP: 48.6%, 3PT: 27.9%, FT: 76.9%. In 2012-2013, he started his professional basketball career being drafted by the  Iowa Energy (D-League) and played at Sandringham Sabres (Australia-SEABL-East, starting five): 24 games: 18.5ppg, 6.4rpg, 2.1apg, 2FGP: 42.7%, 3PT: 38.2%, FT: 80.7%. Last season he played in Holland for  Matrixx Magixx Wijchen (Holland-Eredivisie, starting five): 38 games: Score-4(15.3ppg), 4.9rpg, 2.7apg, 1.4spg, FGP: 54.1%, 3PT: 37.1%, FT: 78.9%. He spoke to German Hoops before the 2015 Beko BBL Allstar game.

 

Patrick thanks for talking to German Hoops. A bitter 86-82 loss in Ulm. How long will you have to digest this loss? The Mitteldeutscher BC had their chances to have won this game?

Right now of course we have a break so maybe that can help us regroup! And yes we had plenty of chances to win the game we just didn’t make the shots or get the stops when needed

After starting the season with a 7-2 record and having much euphoria in the wolf den, the club has suffered a 7 game losing streak. What has happened to this team in the last seven games?

Yea we are on a big losing streak and we have lost a lot of close games! At the beginning of the season those close games we were winning them! Also in some games we had gotten away from what had gotten us off to the great start we were on! Playing together as a team on both ends!

MBC could very well be 11-5 now as the team lost four games by four or less points. Besides executing in crunch time better on what other aspects of the game does the club have to work on more in the second half of the season?

In the second half of the season we just need consistency in the effort in every single game! The score will tell us at end of games how we played regardless who the opponent is!

The goal was always to stay in the league, but MBC is still near the playoff places. Was their any positives that the team could take out of the last weeks and take into the second half of the s Of course on a seven game losing streak people would say how can you have positives?

But I believe we have plenty of positives to take away from the first half of the season! A lot of guys have been stepping up and playing much better it’s just so many small mistakes we have been making that have to be limited in order to win.

In single game performance where do you rate your 32 point game effort against Bayreuth when you look back at your seasons in Holland and Australia?

Well that game was a great shooting night for me personally BUT we did lose the game so I’m not happy about that. But It just shows improvement from season to season for me personally

Ryan Nicholas had his break out game in Ulm with 22 points. How important was this game for him and the club and do you see him having more of a role in the second half of the season?

It was a great game for Ryan. He works very hard and I believe it’s all about confidence with him. He has been improving each week and he will be very important for us moving forward.

Congrats on being named to the German 2015 Beko BBL Allstar team? How excited are you to being a part of this?

Thanks for the congratulations! And it is a great honor playing in the game against some great players and with some great players! This league is one of the top leagues in Europe so being selected as an Allstar is a honor and I am excited about it.

What is your overall impression of the format International vs national? Do you think this format spices up the competition a bit?

Well it’s my first year being apart of it so first hand I don’t know much about it all. But from the looks of it I like it. It will build probably more competition between the two all star teams with the Germans versus The international players.

Is there a player that you are excited to be playing against and what teammate are you most excited to be playing with?

I am not over excited about playing with anyone in particular BUT it will be great to meet guys in that type of environment. Basketball is a universal language so the conversations should all be good.

Do you have any friendly wagers with teammate Christian Standhardinger about which side will win?

Me and Christian actually haven’t even talked about it really. We just congratulated each other about the honor of being selected to play

 

How did you celebrate your first Christmas in Germany and what new year resolutions did you make?

My first Christmas in Germany was actually like being back home! My family from back home came here to visit. Mom dad sister niece brother in law and my fiancé all came here to visit me! That was a great feeling to have family here in that time!

What was the last DVD movie that you saw?

The last movie I watched was equalizer with Denzel Washington.

 

Thanks Patrick for the chat.

 

When you think about the most famous NBA twin towers, the state of Texas comes to mind right away and I am thinking about the cities Houston or San Antonio, where the two tall duo´s of Ralph Samson and Akeem Olajuwon of the Houston Rockets and David Robinson and Tim Duncan of the San Antonio Spurs who all have long dangling arms that for many NBA defenders felt like they were being bombarded by nasty and annoying octopuses all night long on the glass. Of course these NBA legends of Hall of Famers and future of famers aren´t worthy of being compared to, but if you walk down the long and after loses unseemingly endless hall way between the Fraport Skyliners locker room and mesh area where you are greeted with clapping after big wins when each player walks in, you are transformed into a magical world between Frankfurt and airport as the Frankfurt skyline by night is plastered on the wall and sometimes by request one can witness a flashing light over the picture of the skyline giving one a sense of being on the runway at Frankfurt airport courtesy of the airport operating firm Fraport. So it is fitting when the Fraport Skyliner hulking youths Danilo Barthel and Johannes Voigtmann exit the locker room that suddenly two extra twin towers have arisen to brighten up an already sparkling Frankfurt Skyline. Sometimes this Skyliner twin tower duo are joined by point guard Konstantin Klein as they march down the catacombs in the Fraport arena as their point guard side kick the same way that John Lucas was in the 80s in Houston and Avery Johnson was in the 90s in San Antonio. Barthel and Voigtmann may only be at the start of their career, but in a careful sense one could name them the Fraport Skyliners own version of The twin towers as they continue to develop more and more and gain extensive respect and also will be teammates for the first time at the 2015 Beko BBL Allstar games playing for the national team.

Danilo Barthel will be taking part in his second Allstar game while his teammate Johannes Voigtmann will be making his debut in Ulm. When you look at each Beko BBL roster, you mostly find a big forward and center, but not each team has the luxury of this height advantage especially a Phoenix Hagen where a Keith Ramsey is the tallest player at 205cm. For example in the last years top teams like the EWE Baskets Oldenburg had a type of twin towers with German Chris Mcnaughton and Serb Luka Bogdanovic or Bamberg back in 2008 having future NBA player Tim Ohlbrecht and ex NBA player Alexander Johnson roaming the zone area or more recently in Freak City as Chris Fleming had a brutal inside presence of twin tower capacity with Germans Tibor Pleiss and Philipp Neumann. However but where does that description with the twin towers fit best other than in Frankfurt that has the only real American style of Skyline in Germany whereas in Bamberg and Oldenburg the cow pastures are only a blink away. Barthel and Voigtmann are the only twin towers duo in this years competition that are coming from the same team. Both Germans are more than worthy of their nomination and despite the up and down of the Fraport Skyliners this season, both guys have continued to develop in their own right as in the first 10 Beko BBL games they carried a team that was still searching for their identity and had massive injury woes while in the last eight Beko BBL games and three Eurochallenge games as Beko BBL rookie Justin Cobbs came on board helped lead the team to a 10-2 record and grow further with the calm and stable floor general play of the American. A prime example of their dominance was the twin towers combining for 38 points and 17 rebounds against cellar team Crailsheim Merlins. Their dominating inside presence right of the bat laid the foundation for the Fraport Skyliners getting their offense going and never giving up the lead and getting the comfortable 88-71 victory even if it didn´t always seem so easy. “Barthel and Voigtmann both played very well and were aggressive on both ends of the court. I know how good they are since I see them play each day in practice”, smiled St Petersburg Florida native Mike Morrison. “We did a good job leading the team today. I had some easy baskets early which helped me get into the game better. Joe had 12 rebounds and did a good job down low. We worked well together and when we are both present then we make space for the others”, stated Heidelberg native Danilo Barthel. “The German big men led their team today. They are athletic, physical and skillful and played great”, added ex Giessen 46er Jannik Freese. “I am looking forward to my second allstar game. I hope that I will get some minutes on the court with Joe. We will see what happens”, stressed Danilo Barthel.

Danilo Barthel and Johannes Voigtmann have been teammates now for two and a half years and they have continued to develop each season and have improved in their stats each season. Only this season Barthel has been down a bit with his scoring average to last season as he is still looking to find his consistency which he had last season. Barthel has scored in double figures eight times this season including a 22 point effort against Braunschweig while Voigtmann has scored in double figures nine times including two 18 point efforts against Bayreuth and Bamberg. Both guys also have been major contributors and forces in the Eurochallenge play as they have been in the shadow of Americans Justin Cobb and Sean Armand slightly, but been very consistent as combined they have scored in double figures in nine of 12 games. Especially Voigtmann has been a giant force as he is averaging 13,5ppg, 7,5rpg and 2,2apg. Voigtmann did a great job holding his own against more experienced big men like John Tofi and Christoph Maraker in Eurochallenger play. With the versatile play of Voigtmann, he seems to be all over the court, but still has the finesse to get to the board whenever possible and is showing immense physicality something that has definitely grown with time. His biggest strength seems to be his passing as he belongs to the top passing big men in the league no matter who you ask the German gets a thumbs up if its from Adam Waleskowski, Pro B player Jermale Jones or his own teammate Danilo Barthel. The game IQ of him is amazing and it is scary to wonder where his passing qualities could be in 3-4 years. The mid distance is his bread butter, but his put back work has also improved. Barthel on the other had come into the season with a lot of expectations and had some problems reaching them. After a good start where he scored in double figures in three of his first four games, he then had a lull in the next four games where he was forcing a lot and was 0/6 from downtown. He then scored in double figures against Bamberg and The Walter Tigers Tuebingen, but still had problems with his three pointer going 1/5 in those two games. However since the arrival of Justin Cobbs and the game against the Mitteldeutscher BC in Leipzig he has been like reborn from outside shooting 10/13. He is shooting overall 46% from downtown now in the Beko BBL and 41% in Eurochallenge play. His brute physical play inside also is paying dividends in his game even if he seems to be getting a few more elbows thrown his way. He isn´t unstoppable down low, but he is a very annoying player to stop and if he doesn´t score he more than often will draw the foul. Both guys also have picked up their defense in the last month as the twin towers torment opponents inside with their body wall. Barthel sparkled in a hard fought loss in Berlin with three blocks while Voigtmann was a monster on defense against BG Goettingen swatting away four balls. The duo twin towers continue to understand each other blindly on the court and it will be exciting how they will continue to develop this season as well as in the next years. “I think that we both have developed individually in the first months this season. We help each other on and off the court”, stressed Danilo Barthel. “We have been together now two and half years, practice each day together, haven´t been injured and just know what each other guy does on the court. We have a good flow on the court, compliment each other well with my passing and his athletic ability. We also can get on each other and scream, but after two minutes all is good again”, added Johannes Voigtmann. The blind understanding that the twin towers have is something that everyone can see. “They are very good players that obviously spend much time together off the court and talk about where the other likes to catch the ball or where to shoot it. The good communication that they have results in their good play on the court”, added Jermel Jones. If Jones will continue to ball in Germany the next years is unknown, but his interest in the Fraport Skyliners is evident as he is almost at every home game when Lich isn´t playing and he will continue to follow the twin towers as he sees a big future in them. “I think that they will continue to get better. They bring the same intensity in every game. They are so big and their hands are so active. I see them having a good career in the national team. They are young and just have to battle for their places in the team”, warned Jermel Jones. Even if Konstantin Klein has the Avery Johnson type of part with the Skyliners German version of the twin towers, he has seen them operate from a different perspective the last weeks as he has been injured and been watching from the bench. “They find each other well on the court and have a great understanding of the game. It is a lot of fun watching them get better each game”, said Berlin native Konstantin Klein. It will be an interesting second half of the season for the Twin Towers starting in Ulm this weekend at the Allstar game. Continuing to help the Fraport Skyliners reach their goal playoffs, possible new horizons coming in Eurochallenge action and just getting better each day adding more self confidence to both Germans with each new success will help them when they most likely will take part at the German national team training camp this summer battling for spots in preparation for Euro 2015. This weekend the Frankfurt German Twin Towers Danilo Barthel and Johannes Voigtmann will be looking to spread some flair to skyscraper less Ulm at the 2015 BEKO BBL allstar game

 

 

Elijah Allen is a 25 year old 195cm swing man from Columbus, Ohio that is playing his third professional season in Germany and first with Lich. He started his basketball career at NW Missouri St. (NCAA2) in 2007 where he played until 2011 playing a total of 103 NCAA games and as a senior played 26 games: 14.9ppg, 6.5rpg, 1.1apg, FG: 44.8%, 3Pts: 23.1%, FT: 74.8%. He came to Germany in 2012 and played his first two seasons for the VfB 1900 Giessen Pointers (Germany-Regionalliga) and last season played 26 games averaging 20.0ppg, 6.4rpg, 1.3apg, 1.4spg, FGP: 58.7%, 3PT: 30.7%, FT: 68.4%. He spoke to German Hoops about basketball

 

 

You recently played your first time in the BCM in Frankfurt. Does a place like this make you jealous when you see what kind of practice facility players have?

 

Yes it makes me jealous. This is a beautiful gym. I was pleased to play my first time here.

 

The Licher Basket Baehren have been up and down this season. What has been missing for success?

 

I think that we haven’t gelled as a team yet. We are still learning to play as a team. We are starting to focus more on defense and not beings elfish. It seems like there is always a player injured each game. We have to all find our role and fit those missing pieces together.

 

You are playing your first season in Lich after two seasons in the German Regionaliga with 1900 Giessen Pointers. How do you like Lich?

 

Lich is a great organization. I have family and recently got married and wanted to stay close to Lich. I practiced last season with Giessen and the Lich coach was often there so it all fit together that I could play with Lich.

 

Your scoring from last season in the Regionaliga has been cut in half now in the German Pro B. What is the biggest difference from the Regionaliga to the Pro B?

 

The size of the players as they are bigger in the Pro B. I knew coming to Lich that my scoring would be cut down. I am the third American playing 18-20 minutes. I just do whatever it takes to help the team win. In some games it may be scoring while in other games my defense.

 

How much fun has it been playing with Jermale Jones?

 

 

I love to play with him. He can score in a variety of ways. I like how he always has the ball and I don’t always have to have the ball. He finds me on the penetration. I knew him form the last years because Lich often scrimmaged against us during the week.

 

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

 

 

I would say defense. I play out of position with Lich. I can play the position 2-4 and just adjust to whatever the team needs each game.

 

You are a very good rebounder at 195cm. What is your secret to getting rebounds often?

 

Boxing out and crashing the boards is my secret. Important for me before I get the rebound is just stopping my opponent from getting the rebound which means good boxing out.

 

Often players move up each year, but you played two straight seasons in the Regionaliga. How difficult was it for you not moving up after one season?

 

 

I had some offers after my first season, but I felt it was best for my situation to stay and it gave me something to play for each game.

 

Is the German Pro A your next goal?

 

Yes the Pro A is my next goal. I am working on getting a German passport. We will see what happens this summer and I also need to play a good season.

 

AS a rookie you played with Dominic Lockhart that is getting minutes for Beko BBL team EWE Baskets Oldenburg. Did you know he would go this route?

 

I always expected that he would make it. He may have been skinny then, but his size came. He really has become a good player. I really liked how he always wanted to get better and always asked me questions and how he could improve his game. He always stayed after practice to put up extra shots.

 

What was it like playing for Dejan Kostic in Giessen? It was your first Non American coach in Europe.

 

My first year was difficult since I had to make the adjustment to the country and style and the dialect. I didn´t know German and his English wasn´t great either, but it got better. But basketball is the same everywhere and it just depends on the different tactics of each coach.

 

You played at North West Missouri State with Deshaun Cooper. How much do you miss those duels with him?

 

I really miss playing with him. He isnt a shot first guard at all. It was always so hard to keep him in front of you as he was so fast. We played two years together and It is no surprise to me that he is playing so well for Herten.

 

How did Bob Mccallum prepare you best for s professional basketball career?

 

He taught me to always be tough on the court. He was big on sticking to the basics and was very old school. He didn’t like the flashy. It was A&B and nothing extra with him. When you watch Deshaun Cooper play you see exactly that on the court.

 

Why are so many amazing players bred in Ohio?

 

 

I think it has to do with the AAU circuit. It is so big and there are so many teams. You start at such a young age and keep playing against good players each weekend. I remember traveling to a different state each weekend with guys like Jon Diebler, Dallas Lauderdale and Nate Miles.

 

Where will the journey of the Cleveland Cavaliers end this season?

 

It will take time with them as it did with the Heat. I think once the playoffs roll around they will come together. Chicago will win the east as they are more focused and have a deeper bench.

 

 

Was the 3.5 year ban of playing in Germany too harsh against Filmore Beck?

 

You have to always control your emotions. If you hit a guy then you will have to pay the penalty.

 

What was the last DVD movie that you saw?

 

Planet of the Apes 2.

 

Thanks Elijah for the chat.

 

Chase Griffin is a 31 year old 188 cm guard from Sammamish, Washington that is playing his eighth professional season and first with SC Rasta Vechta. He played college ball at Pepperdine in California from 2002 to 2007. In his senior year, he played 31 games averaging 15.7ppg, 4.4rpg, 2.0apg, 1.7spg, FGP: 43.3%, 3Pts: 37.3%, FT: 80.7%. He joined Phoenix Hagen in January 2008 and finished the season playing 14 games averaging 15.7ppg, 4.6rpg, 3.3apg, 1.4spg, 2FGP: 44.4%, 3FGP: 41.5%, FT: 76.1%. In the 2008-2009 season, he helped lead Phoenix Hagen into the BBL playing 28 games and averaging 16.9ppg, 3.9rpg, 4.3apg, FGP: 56.0%, 3PT: 40.5%, FT: 78.. He played a third season for Phoenix Hagen in 2009-2010 playing 33 games averaging 13.5ppg, 3.2rpg, 2.3apg, FGP: 47.1%, 3PT: 33.6%, FT: 83.5%. In the 2010-2011 season he played for the LTi Giessen 46ers (Germany-1.Bundesliga) playing 22 games averaging 8.5ppg, 1.2rpg, 1.8apg, FGP: 46.2%, 3PT: 42.5%, FT: 86.7%. In the 2011-2012 season he played for Torpan Pojat Helsinki (Finland-Korisliiga, starting five): 47 games: 16.4ppg, 3.5rpg, 2.7apg, 1.1spg, FGP: 50.3%, 3PT: 40.5%, FT: 86.5%; VTB League: 2 games: 7.5ppg, 3.5rpg, 2.5apg, 2FGP: 37.5%, 3PT: 22.2%, FT: 100.0%. He palyed the last two seasons for the BiG Oettinger Rockets Gotha (Germany-ProA) and last season played 33 games: Score-5(18.0ppg), 3.7rpg, 2.8apg, FGP: 54.7%, 3PT: 45.8%, FT-2(91.6%).During the first half of this current season, he spoke to German Hoopsabout basketball.

 

 

 

 

 

After two seasons in Gotha why did you decide to join SC Rasta Vechta?

 

 

 

Vechta is a great organization and have big aspirations to move back to the BBL. I saw this as possibly my last shot to help lead a team back to the BBL. Plus Vechta is a basketball town. They are so excited here in Vechta and that got me excited. I had two great years in Vechta.

 

 

What was it like going from one rookie coach with Chris Ensminger to another PRO A rookie coach and Stephen Arigbabu?

 

 

It has been very different, but both have showed that they can go their way. Both are good coaches in different ways.

 

 

You played against Chris Ensminger as a player and then you had him as a head coach. What really amazed you about him as coach?

 

 

He is as hardnosed as a coach as he was a player and his tenacity is amazing. He is always fired up. I remember going hard to the hole and he would foul the heck out of you. He is no different as coach as he busts your but. I have really learned a lot from him especially tactical things as we had some 40 plays last season in Gotha. He taught me always to keep my head in the game even in the tough times.

 

 

SC Rasta Vechta let Ahmad Smith go and hauled in Derek Wright. What has been your impression of him so far?

 

 

Wright has been great. He is so quick, can score, kick out the ball to the shooters and is a great defender. With time he will really help us.

 

 

You played in Giessen in the 2010-2011 season and last season won with Gotha in OT. What memories do you have of your playing time in Giessen?

 

 

 

There were high and low points. We had more low points though. That year we almost went down. It was a learning experience for me.

 

 

You are 31 now. What do you do better now than when you were 26 and playing in Hagen?

 

 

I am an overall better player now. My mind is very well conditioned. I may have lost a step, but I know where to be on the court. I am not as athletic anymore now, but I know how to play the game better. In Hagen I was a crazy player and now I play the game right.

 

 

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

 

My passing is unnoticed. I have worked very hard the last years to get my teammates more involved and my assist rate has gone up.

 

 

How much does your experience help a younger guard like Kevin Smit?

 

He already has a lot of experience. I hope that he can take something from my game. He can really play, is smart and quick and the great thing is that you tell him something one, he listens and learns it then.

 

 

You played three seasons for Ingo Freyer in Hagen. Do you ever see him being able to coach another team and style?

 

 

Ingo is a good coach. He plays gimmick basketball, but it works. He might get blown out at times, but then again is able to beat top teams like Alba Berlin numerous years in a row. He made a nice playoff run a few years ago. It took a while, but he is respected now.

 

 

I really loved the basketball documentary Phoenix in der Asche. How many times did you see it and should Michael Jordan have received a basketball Oscar?

 

 

I watched it once and will never watch it again. It didn´t portray the real Phoenix Hagen season. There’s so much that goes on during an entire BBL season, it’s hard to capture the whole story in a 90 minute documentary or however long it was.

 

 

 

The next season you and Michael Jordan played together in Giessen. How did that work? Was that the clash of the ego´s?

 

 

I mean it’s all water under the bridge, what was it 4 years ago? I can honestly laugh about it now so I won’t get in to depth about it but I’ll first say there’s definitely a false perception out there of what happened the previous year in Hagen. Only the guys on that team and in the management know what exactly went down. Again, movies and even documentaries don’t portray reality. I’m confident that I handled Mikes Jekyll and Hyde personalities the best way possible. I am naturally a very quiet, easy going guy–ask anyone I’ve ever played with. Maybe he didn’t like that or the way I played which made him act out. I can agree with him there, back in my Hagen days, I played with less discipline than I do today, But still no reason for some of the things we saw out of him that year. I can honestly say I have never seen anything like it in my 20+ years in basketball. He got released 2 weeks before the end of the season and I thought I’d never see him let alone play with him again. 8 months later, he came to Giessen with our new coach Steve Key. I was a little shocked Giessen would bring him in knowing that he had it out for me from the start.

 

 

 

In the 2011-2012 season you played for Torpan Pojat Helsinki (Finland-Korisliiga) playing 47 games: 16.4ppg, 3.5rpg, 2.7apg, 1.1spg, FGP: 50.3%, 3PT: 40.5%, FT: 86.5%; VTB League: 2 games: 7.5ppg, 3.5rpg, 2.5apg, 2FGP: 37.5%, 3PT: 22.2%, FT: 100.0%. How did your game develop further in Finland?

 

 

I liked the style there as it was up and down gun and gun. The league kept me athletic. It was a great year living in Helsinki.

 

 

Could you imagine staying in Germany until the end of your playing career?

 

 

I am thinking about keeping my family here. I could also imagine living here after my playing career.

 

 

Who won a one on one in practice in Gotha you or Gary Johnson?

 

 

Me always.

 

 

 

When you came to Hagen in 2008 your teammate was Per Guenther. Did you know then that he would become such a great player?

 

Yes I knew that he would develop the way he did. He was a raw talent that was smart and worked hard. He has a lot of experience and am happy that he has developed the way he has.

 

 

Where will the journey of the Seattle Sea Hawks end this season?

 

Super Bowl.

 

What was the last DVD movie that you saw?

 

Pulp Fiction.

 

 

Thanks Chase for the chat.