Richard Chaney is a 29 year old 196cm guard/forward from Los Angeles that also hast he Puerto Rican citzenship. He is currently playing for Malvin Montevideo (Uruguay-LUB).  He played college basketball at Utah and Troy before starting his professional basketball career in 2007 for Oyak Renault Bursa (Turkey-TBL). He then played three years in Germany for Tuebingen, Ludwigsburg and Bremerhaven. In the last two seasons he played in Belgium and Austria as well as playing in Puerto Rico over the summer.This summer he played for Atleticos de San German (Puerto Rico-BSN) playing 8 games: 15.0ppg, 6.0rpg, 1.9apg, 2.4spg, 1.0bpg, FGP: 51.8%, 3PT: 23.1%, FT: 76.7% He recently was named to the Puerto Rican national team playing with guys like Carlos Arroyo and Jose Barea. He won a gold medal at the Marchand Cup. He talked to German Hoops about basketball.

Richard thanks for talking to German Hoops. The summer was very exciting for you as you made the Puerto Rico national team. You once were with the team in 2010, but now you took part at the Marchand Cup and will played at qualifying tournament at the world games in Venezuela. How blessed were you to be able to have this chance to play together with NBA players and against the best players in the Americas?

It was truly a blessing to be part of this team. Playing alongside with Carlos Arroyo and Jose Barea is great. Probably the best dynamic duo combo guards I ever played with. Also being on the floor with Renaldo Balkman has been great as well.

Puerto Rico had a very strong roster and the competition was fierce. When you look at the last years and your development what do you think was the main reasons why you made the 2013 roster?

I think I made this team based off my defensive skills and athleticism. Also rebounding and giving the team extra energy.

Often in your basketball career, you have played for teams where you did many different things on the court, but still scored and rebounded consistently. The last two seasons in Austria and Puerto Rico, you had a scoring role, but with the Puerto Rico national team you concentrated on defense. Explain your special role to this seasons team?

My special role on this team was to come off the bench and spark the team. To wear the other teams best shooter or scorer down.

It would be very difficult to name a better point guard duo on one team than Carlos Arroyo and Jose Barea. Seeing them in practice everyday, which guy in fact would be more difficult to guard if you had to?

Both are tough to guard in practice. Carlos off the dribble moves and pick and roll game is tough to defend. Jose Barea is so fast with the ball and changes directions so quick its tough to keep up with him.

How challenging was it been playing against John Holland who has become a very respected player in Europe and recently played NBA Summer league. Is sky the limit for him and could he break into the NBA in the next few years?

John Holland is an unbelievable player. The thing with about John is that he plays on both sides of the court and has an unbelievable motor. I think John has a great chance to get in the NBA this year.

In the win against the Domincan Republic, it was as usual Carlos Arroyo, Jose Barea and John Holland that did most of the damage in securing the win, but you were the unsung hero of the game coming from the bench scoring nine points, getting seven rebounds(5 offensive rebounds) in 16 minutes. Do you get a pat on the back after a game like that from the NBA players?

Yeah. Carlos and Jose do a great job of giving credit when credit is due. Players like that keeps my energy level high.

In the final against Argentina. Puerto Rico won 89-81 winning their fourth game in a row. What was key to winning, possibly that you never lost aggressiveness on the court that Argentina couldn´t match? You played four minutes in the final netting two points. Is it a big adjustment having to play so little when you are used to playing so much more in club basketball?

That win against Argentina was a good win for us. We had the fans behind us that kept us energized. But playing four minutes is difficult for me when I am used to playing so many minutes. But I did understand my role. I just know when I do get in the game I try to give it my all for the team.

Did you go to sleep wearing your gold medal? What feeling did you have waking up the next morning as champion?

That is my first gold medal. I can’t even describe the feelings that I have. I do keep it in my bag everywhere I go until I get home to hang it up in my basement along with my other trophies and accomplishments.

In your first three seasons as a professional you played in Turkey and Germany. Since 2010, you have played in the Puerto Rican league during the summer. You are from Los Angeles, but it seems like you have a special heart for Puerto Rico. What do you feel when you hear the Puerto Rican national anthem?

When I hear the Puerto Rican national anthem I think about my grandmother and wish she was alive to see me play. It’s an honor to represent Puerto Rico.

You played for German teams Tuebingen, Ludwigsburg and Bremerhaven. After playing in Belgium and Austria and now your playing in Uruguay. Do you think that you will ever return to the Beko BBL?

I would love to play in BBL but it’s just the matter if any teams in Germany require my services.

You played three times with Michael Haynes in Germany and Belgium who ´s nickname could easily have been mr athletic. People might remember his dunks and flights to the hoop, but what will you remember from his game that wasn´t so typical?

I will remember his ball handling and how much of a mismatch he created for the 4 man he played against.

If you look at the three German teams that you played for what was the most enjoyable place where you played that helped you develop? I predict it was Tuebingen, because it is one of the better places for young inexperienced players to play to get minutes and play with less pressure before making the next step.

Yes it was Tuebingen just for the simple fact we did a lot of activities as a team.

What was your fondest memory of AJ Moye in Tuebingen? You both are from Los Angeles. Have you seen him recently and how is he doing?

AJ. Moye was a funny guy. A great guy and cool teammate. I haven’t spoken with AJ for a while now.

Will the Los Angeles Lakers ever be able to win a NBA title in the near future and will Kobe Bryant find to his old ways again?

I am the ultimate Lakers fan so my answer is yes.

What was the last DVD movie that you saw?

My last DVD movie was s movie called “Note to Self”

Thanks Richard for the chat.

In the last years, the closest one could come to an NBA connection concerning the MLP Riesen Ludwigsburg were ex players like Toby Bailey who played 73 NBA games for the Phoenix Suns or Terrell Harris who practiced set plays with Lebron James as a Miami Heat.  This season the club has a player whos last name is linked with possibly the greatest team of alltime the 1992 Dream team. New player Michael Stockton is the son of legendary guard John Stockton and playing his first season in Ludwigsburg. After two solid, but not spectacular seasons with Pro A club BG Karlsruhe, he made the jump to the Beko BBL. A lot of credit goes to coach John Patrick for giving him self confidence and trust and he played 38 minutes netting 20 points and 8 assists in his Beko BBL debut against Bremerhaven. He also had fine games against Vechta with 17 points and FC Bayern Munich with 12 points. He is shooting at a very high rate at the moment at 45% from the field and 46% from downtown coming into the game in Frankfurt.  He played at Westminster(NAIA) before coming to Germany and played two summers in a row NBA Summer league with the Utah Jazz and also was recommended to him by Charles Barkley that he should be his role model before his own dad.  It will be interesting to see how Stockton progresses who sees his defense as underestimated,  favorite pass to give is the kick out pass and sees his dad as an unbelievable passer and him just a good passer. One thing is for sure, if player evenings going to the scala or Luna cinemas get old, the Utah native can still entertain his teammates with stories like when friends and he were playing basketball outside, and Karl Malone came over took the ball and dunked over 7 kids as some were hanging on to him. Making big plays or shooting out the lights may not compare to Karl Malone or Charles Barkley stories, but the only thing Stockton is concerned with now is helping his team win and he entered the Fraport arena on Saturday in the starting five and despite not having his finer games scoring only two points and dishing out two assists, he was a part of the 90-78 Ludwigsburg win past the Fraport Skyliners. Coming into the game , the Utah native was averaging 12,6ppg, 3,4rpg and 4,2apg and had scored in double figures in the first three games and knows that his whole Beko BBBL is a process in the making. “I think that I have made a good adjustment even if I didn´t play well tonight. At the end of the day it has to do with fitting in with very good players in this league. This league is very physical and it is important to know how to be able to guard the different guards. It are simple adjustments that need to be made”, stressed Michael Stockton. Stockton teammate CJ Harris who played point guard at Chris Paul school Wake Forest had nice words for his teammate. “He has been great and I can learn so much from him. He is a great teacher. It has been a great learning tour in that he shows me the little things about being a point guard”, added North Carolina native CJ Harris. The Fraport Skyliner players were thinking more about their loss than Stockton, but had some words for him. “He has a lot of heritage to live up to, but he ia a very crafty player”, commented Oklahoma native Jacob Burtschi. Ex NBA player Andy Rautins who fouled out at the end of the fourth quarter and wasn´t  as accurate shooting as he usually is only had one short sentence for the point guard.” It was playing like any other point guard”, said Andy Rautins. Skyliner Dawan Robinson was making more thoughts about his performance than about the name Stockton. “I had no idea that they were related. Michael is a quick penetrating guard, but two different type of players”, explained Dawan Robinson.

In the first half, it looked like the Fraport Skyliners were on  a good route to beating MLP Riesen Ludwigsburg and that catchy Kevin Bright title was already in the making. Bright had his break out game as he lit up the score board for 23 points connecting on six three pointers. His shot was finally falling even if it was more consistent in the first half, this performance was very important for his self confidence. However in the second half two Americans Keaton Grant and CJ Harris stole the show from him almost dismantling the 2004 Beko BBL champion on their own. At halftime, Grant and Harris had 10 points combined and after 45 minutes had 48 points combined. They simply turned off the bright shooting light of Kevin Bright by shooting out the lights in the second half Grant started to get hot and Harris followed hitting 10 points in the fourth quarter and connecting for 12 of the Ludwigsburg 15 overtime points. “Grant and Harris were big in our win. We needed someone to take responsibility and they wanted the ball and attacked the rim”, stated Ohio native Patrick Flomo. Harris who is only a rookie showed immense self confidence in his game and just controlled the overtime as the Fraport Skyliners ran around the court like helpless dogs looking for their master. Ludwigsburg head coach John Patrick as he usually does had a good notion of who to give the ball to. “Coach wanted us to be aggressive. We felt that we could attack the ball screens and swings and did  a great job attacking them”, stressed CJ Harris. Frankfurt could of done a better job trying to close out these two guards, but instead kept letting them take them apart and Dawan Robinson surely knows who they are after this loss. “Grant is one of those players that is everywhere that is penetrating, is physical and plays with high energy. Harris did a good job playing his own pace. He really did what he wanted to do, even if he did hit many open shots. The problem is that when a guy like him finds his rhythm then it is hard to stop him”, warned Dawan Robinson. “Harris hit tough shots and we couldn´t stop Grant from getting to the rim. They just wanted it more than we did”, warned ex Phoenix Hagen forward Jacob Burtschi. “They are both very good players. They took over the game and we are very happy they did. They gave us that needed spark when we were down”, commented Michael Stockton.

The Fraport Skyliners were entering the game after a very tough loss in Munich and wanted to get back on track winning in their living room. After their last big win at home against the s.Oliver Baskets Wurzburg, the team wanted to follow that up with the next big win and seemed to be on their way after playing a solid first half and keeping Ludwigsburg at bay in the third quarter and keeping the lead. In the fourth quarter, they were leading 66-52 and seemed in total control until Grant and Harris started to get heated up forcing overtime and outscoring the Fraport Skyliners 15-3. This was a very bitter loss for Frankfurt and one observer who has been going to games for years in Frankfurt called it one of the worst games he has ever seen at home and not only he was disappointed, but the club as well. “We played well for three quarters, but we have to learn to finish games. We had this game as good as won, but let it go. This is a part of being a young inexperienced team and is a part of growing pains”, stated Syracuse alumnist Andrew Rautins. Fraport Skyliner Konstantin Klein is as quick in his reply about the loss as he is getting to the basket. “We gave up the lead, because we lost concentration on defense. Ludwigsburg took the momentum into overtime and closed out the game easily”, stressed Konstantin Klein.  MLP Riesen Ludwigsburg  were coming off a huge 79-77 win against the New Yorker Phantoms Braunschweig and in Frankfurt gave their special version of never never never losing faith in being able to win this game. “This was a crazy game. Frankfurt took it too us in the first half hitting three pointers, but in the second half we attacked the basket more and guys like Tanner Smith and Shawn Huff did a great job taking charges and we just got stops that gave us the win”, stressed CJ Harris. Ludwigsburg head coach John Patrick looked pooped after the win as his team got every inch of coaching expertise and Patrick Flomo was the deciding factor that got his team back on track. “Frankfurt played with very much self confidence and had a huge first half. The Flomo tip dunk changed the momentum of the game. We got more aggressive and CJ Harris had a big game. I have to tip my hat to Frankfurt as they have a typically well coached team from Gordon Herbert. I am very impressed with the development of the young Germans”, added John Patrick.

4,170 fans visited the Fraport arena to witness another exciting basketball battle between Frankfurt and Ludwigsburg and that is exactly what they got. Fraport Skyliners forward Danilo Barthel got the home team on the board first with a slick move past Gregory Echenique and the easy left handed lay in. Venezuelean Echenique responded with a tip in as he showed his early dominance on the boards a problem Frankfurt would have all night long. Then followed a few minutes as the game was very wild as there were turnover after turnover and Dawan Robinson airballs. The two big men Johannes Voigtmann and Robert Tomazek traded baskets as the gaem was dead locked 4-4. Voigtmann than found Mannheim native Kevin Bright who scored inside and American Tanner Smith who was the second leading scorer in Holland last season for  Landstede Basketbal Zwolle showed his downtown shooting hitting a three pointer while being fouled as Ludwigsburg led 8-6. Bright then nailed his first three pointer as Frankfurt led 9-8. Jacob Burtschi then got an unsportsmanlike conduct call, but Keaton Grant missed both free throws. However this didn´t hinder Ludwigsburg from going on a 8-2 run to close out the first quarter with the 16-11 lead. Harris started the run with a floater which was followed by a Mario Stojic off balance shot. Harris then hit free throws and Grant made a spectacular dunk over Danilo Barthel. “We lost focus in the first quarter letting Ludwigsburg on that run. We played only well in some phases”, stressed Konstantin Klein. “We didn´t start so well just trying to get used to each other and the opponent. This all snowballed in our game we calmed down went on a run and ended the first quarter with the lead”, said Patrick Flomo. Ludwigsburg was shooting 40% from the field and 20% from outside while Frankfurt was shooting 36% from the field and 25% from outside. Ludwigsburg had the 9-6 rebound edge, and they had six trunovers while Frankfurt had eight turnovers.

The Fraport Skyliners started off the second quarter very focused moving the ball well as Andrew Rautins made a reverse lay up getting set up nicely from Barthel. Bright who was the leading rebounder last season at Vanderbilt kept his hot shooting stroke flowing hit from the parking lot again over Tanner Smith, but the American from Norcross, Georgia made an incredible bank shot as the 24 second shot clock elapsed keeping the Ludwigsburg lead at 20-16. However Frankfurt who at this point had no inside game continued to drill home three pointers as precise as drilling for oil in Texas as Bright and Barthel nailed three pointers to tie the game at 22-22. Frankfurt then went on a 10-2 run to extend their lead to 32-24 as Klein scored inside and hit a three pointer while Rautins also nailed a jumper and Bright again from outside. However a big problem for Frankfurt on this day was that after great spurts of play, they would lose concentration for a short period allowing Ludwigsburg back into the game as they went on a mini 4-0 run as Stockton scored inside and Smith showed his good versatile play giving Tomazek a no look pass for an easy bucket to cut the Frankfurt lead to 32-28. After Klein free throws, it was Smith who couldn´t get the good shot from outside, but made a quick decision penetrating and scoring inside. Bright hit another three pointer and Grant ended the second quarter with a runner as Frankfurt still led 37-32. “This was a good quarter for us in that we played well and had a run. We defended well not giving Ludwigsburg easy shots and we continued to hit from outside”, stressed Konstantin Klein. “We weren´t focused as much in the second quarter. Frankfurt hit too many open shots and our rotations were bad”, added Patrick Flomo. Frankfurt was shooting 52% from the field and 58% from the three point line while Ludwigsburg was shooting 43% from the field and 29% from the three point line. Ludwigsburg had the 16-13 rebound edge and both teams had nine turnovers a piece.

In the third quarter, The Fraport Skyliners would keep the lead, but just were unable to sweep Ludwigsburg away as they kept on their heels like an annoying mosquito that is still alive after being hit. Shawn Huff started off the third quarter with a three pointer and Kevin Bright scored inside as Frankfurt led 39-35. Barthel then used his quickness plowing by Echenique for two easy points, but Huff showed his penetration ability sweeping by Barthel and Voigtman as Frankfurt led 41-38. Klein who found his shooting touch shooting 50% from outside hit a three pointer as Frankfurt led 45-38. However Frankfurt was unable to close the door on Ludwigsburg as there were always phases again where they played with less focus and were unable to capitalize on Ludwigsburg mistakes. Two missed Barthel free throws and a missed Rautins dunk were punished with a Huff pull up jumper and Flomo tip in dunk as Ludwigsburg trailed only45-42. Flomo really came alive in the second half and finished with four points, three rebounds, three blocks and one steal and was a big spark plug on defense for Ludwigsburg. “I think that tip dunk gave the team energy. That deflated Frankfurt a bit. On defense, I just try to play solid and just try to use my athletic ability and try to block the penetrating guards. We had a bad first half, but I think we played more aggressive on defense as a group”, stressed Patrick Flomo. Rautins nailed a huge three pointer, but Grant quickly silenced the home crowd with a three pointer as Frankfurt led only 48-45. However Jacob Burtschi found his outside touch again making a bomb from outside and Grant closed out the third quarter with a jumper as Frankfurt led 53-47. “We did a good job moving the ball and just kept Ludwigsburg behind us”, stated Konstantin Klein. “The third quarter was tough, because we were in a good groove, but everytime we hit a big shot or made big play, they were still able keep their distance”, stressed Patrick Flomo. Frankfurt was shooting 47% from the field and 53% from the parking lot while Ludwigsburg was shooting 43% from the field and 40% from the parking lot. Ludwigsburg had the big 29-19 rebound edge, but 13 turnovers while Frankfurt had 10 turnovers.

The Fraport Skyliners started off the fourth quarter as if they wanted to close out the game early and get to the sports bars early as Burtschi and Bright hit back to back three pointers extending the Frankfurt lead to 59-49. Harris stopped the Frankfurt run with a three pointer, but Frankfurt continued their offensive attack as Robinson who had had misfortune on finishing in the lane all night long scored with pretty stutter steps and Burtschi scored another three pointer and inside which had carried Frankfurt to the 66-52 lead with a 13-5 run. However Ludwigsburg started a comeback and with each new basket got more self confidence and took their team into overtime with a unbelievable 23-9 run. Overtime belonged to Harris, but the foruth quarter to Grant. Ex Real Madrid player Stojic started the run with a three pointer. Grant then showed his basketball ability scoring twice in the lane in traffic, hit free throws and a three pointer as the Fraport arena  was getting quieter with every new Ludwigsburg basket. Grant and Stojic made free throws and all of a sudden Frankfurt led only 67-66. Barthel then made an amazing hard dunk over Grant for the 69-66 Frankfurt lead. Rautins then fouled out and Smith made free throws as Frankfurt led 69-68. Grant then played tough defense on Barthel and Harris made a steal and got Smith the ball on the fast break and he finished giving Ludwigsburg after a long dry spell the lead back 70-69. Robinson then took the game into his own hands making free throws and hit a wonderful bank shot  for the 73-70 Frankfurt lead with 1.04 to play. Harris and Robinson then traded free throws as Frankfurt led 75-72. Ludwigsburg had 13,2 second left to bring the game into overtime and Harris nailed a three pointer as Frankfurt didn´t foul. “There is no question that we should of fouled. We had a miscommunication, but something like that just can´t happen in that situation”, stressed Konsatntin Klein.

MLP Riesen Ludwigsburg entered the overtime period with the momentum and self confidence and the Fraport Skyliners just couldn´t give them any resistance as Ludwigsburg won the overtime period 15-3 and game. Harris got Ludwigsburg on the board first with an off balance jumper, Grant hit free throws and Harris connected again as Ludwigsburg led 80-75. Harris and Robinson then traded free throws, but Harris kept hitting as he nailed a very unorthodox jumper from the corner and then scored inside as Frankfurt trailed 86-76. Frankfurt was getting unnecessary turnovers like Kevin Bright getting caught on the line, a big Patrick Flomo block on Barthel and their shots just weren´t falling anymore. Max Merz scored the last points for Frankfurt as it wasn´t enough. Flomo blocked Barthel again and Harris closed out the game with free throws. “Maybe Frankfurt was tired, but so were we. I think that it could have been a mental thing. Frankfurt had the big lead, but we came back had the momentum going into overtime and they couldn´t react”, added Michael Stockton. “A lack of defensive concentration lost us this game. We defended well in the second and third quarters, but lost it in the fourth quarter and couldn´t get it back. We didn´t think that we could lose this game and were shocked when they came back”, added Dawan Robinson.

MLP Riesen Ludwigsburg was led by CJ Harris with 26 points. Keaton Grant contributed 22 points. Tanner Smith chipped in with 13 points. The Fraport Skyliners were led by Kevin Bright with 23 points. Konstantin Klein and Jacob Burtschi added 12 points a piece. Frankfurt ended the day shooting only 40% from the field and 37% from the field while Ludwigsburg shot 48% from the field and 50% from outside. Ludwigsburg dominated the boards 45-29 and had 38 points in the paint. Ludwigsburg had 19 turnovers while Frankfurt had only 16 turnovers. In the press conference, it was obvious to see that Fraport Skyliners head coach Gordon Herbert wasn´t happy with the play of his point guard Dawan Robinosn. The Philadelphia native played 30 minutes had nine points, three rebounds, four assists, but 5 turnovers and a disastrous shooting night at 2 for 15. Robinson had already been suspended recently for disciplinary reasons and now it is slowly becoming apparent that the point guard and coach dont see eye to eye. Robinson wasn´t happy about his game, but that his demeanor on the court had nothing to do with Gordon Herbert. “I was frustrated with my game. A lot was going through my head and my inability to hit shots. I just wasn´t happy that I couldn´t help my team better”, stressed Dawan Robinson. If one didn´t know how warm the room temperature was in the arena after the game, one might have thought that Andrew Rautins had just come out of an ice tank as his expression was motionless, but didn´t see a lack of effort on the part of the game of Robinson. “Dawan Robinson does a good job keeping the team together until the fourth quarter, but then took a step back. I think that we moved the ball well and that is job of a point guard. Basketball is a team game and a loss doesn´t have to do with one individual player”, commented Andrew Rautins.

Keith Waleskowski is a 32 year old 204cm forward that recently announced his retirement. He played in Germany in his last season for the Eisbaeren Bremerhaven playing 34 games averaging 6,7ppg and 3,9rpg while averaging 15,6 minutes per game. He played at Dayton from 2000-2004. In hiss enior year, he played 32 games: 13.2ppg, 9.7rpg, 1.9apg. He turned professional in 2004 playing for Farho Gijon (Spain-LEB1): 34 games: 14.7ppg, Reb-3(9.8rpg), 1.0spg, 2FGP: 56.1%, 3FGP: 35.8%. He would play four more years in Spain for teams like Polaris World Murcia ,  Etosa Alicante  and  Caja Rural Melilla. He then played in Italy from 2009-2012 for  Fileni Bpa Jesi  and for Tezenis Verona (Italy-Lega2) his last two years. He spoke to German Hoops about his ex teammate Jacob Burtschi.

Marius Nolte is the captain of Fraport Skyliners, but how important will the captain experience of Burtschi be which he had with Bremerhaven helping the Fraport Skyliners?

Jake’s experience as a leader will be very beneficial for the Fraport Skyliners. He won’t officially be wearing the captain’s “C” but will be a leader on the court and in the locker room. It is always good for a team to have multiple leaders and players that know when to lead by example, and when to be more vocal. Jake has that ability to differentiate and get the most out of his teammates that are also willing to put forth the team effort.

Last season Burtschi was captain of the Eisbaeren. How did you see the effort of Burtschi leading a team that obviously had internal problems?

Obviously there were many things that went on within our team that lead to our up and down results, but if the whole team was able to get on the same page, and work for the same team goals, I think the results would have been better. Jake did his best to motivate when it was needed, nurture, teach, work, relax, and making it a worthwhile experience for everyone that was open to it. He never put himself or his own personal accolades above the team, in fact he did quite the opposite. He would rather get a win than better stats than everyone else in a loss. I’m n ot saying Jake was the perfect leader, but I thought he did a pretty good job and just wish that everyone else followed along.

What is your fondest memory of him on the court with Bremerhaven and what will you never forget about his personality?

My fondest memory is just how hard he played and how much he hustled. Most players like that lose a little bit of that edge after college because the coaches aren’t pushing them as hard. Jake constantly did the little things that don’t always show up on the stat sheet. I remember almost every time he came to the bench during a time out, he was sucking wind pretty bad because of how hard he worked.

Where would you rate his smile and laugh with the all time greats in that category?

He could light up a room that is for sure. His smile and laugh were infectious and made the daily grind a little bit easier.

With the Fraport Skyliners he will share a position with young German Danilo Barthel. Last season BBL saw his crashing dunks and he proved that white men can jump. What role with Jake play in movie white men can jump?

Jake actually missed numerous dunks this year, so if the director wants to keep his job he should not cast Jake in that movie. Or he could cast him as the sideshow friend that just talks trash and acts like a fool the whole movie and gets laughs out of everyone. He is more like Jackie Moon(played by Will Ferrell) in Semi-pro.

What is a hidden strength in game of Jacob Burtschi?

I don’t think he is hiding anything. What you see is what you get. Kid can shoot the lights out, and everything else he is going to work harder than his opponent to get. He earns every last bit of what he gets on the court.

If you played a sports competition against him with title Oklahoma vs Ohio who would win and how would you beat him at various sports disciplines?

Ohio would win, hands down. I would beat him at everything because I am crafty and have all the vet moves and I reek of so much awesomeness. Jake is the king of suckitude when it comes to various sports disciplines while I am multi-talented.

Why is he the perfect top gun type of basketball player for any team. He was in air force and would be perfect air force top gun pilot

It’s funny you say that because if you slap a pair of aviators on him he looks exactly like Iceman. I think he even tried to call himself that for awhile, but we didn’t give him that much credit because he is afraid of flying.

It seems like the Fraport Skyliners might have difficulty having players to be able to decide a game individually. Please explain why Burtschi is a consistent scorer and could be the go to guy for Frankfurt?

Jake is the type of player that lets the game come to him. He doesn’t force anything when it isn’t there. When he is open, he shoots and at a high percentage. But he can also drive and plays well in transition. And he is the type of player and person to try and get everyone involved, raising the level of the team performance. Like I have said before, for Jake it isnt all about personal stats, it is more about team results and he realizes that he can’t do it all himself and having everyone do their part is better.

What was the last DVD movie that you saw?

Rookie of the year.

Thanks Keith for the chat.

What do you get in basketball terms with the numbers 57, 55, 56, two trenches without dirt, guns, smoke, blood, tears, but 10 players exhausted from constant battle? Well you get a description of the last three games between the Fraport Skyliners and s.Oliver baskets Wurzburg that had resembled battles in the trenches so fierce that at times it was too difficult to even imagine what players were going through with the intense competitiveness, brute, fatigue and never die attitude in those three games. In the last three meetings between Frankfurt and Wurzburg a total of only 338 points were scored, Frankfurt averaged only 57 points in the three games, Wurzburg averaged only 55 points and between the two clubs both teams averaged only 56 points. In these three basketball battles, the Fraport Skyliners came out on top with a 2-1 record. Guys who were on the court in all three games were Jason Boone, John Little, Quantez Roberstson and Danilo Barthel. After each game, one could almost experience the pain of the players as it looked like they had been to war, but in the most ferocious basketball terms as body and mind had been blown away by intense basketball battle. Two players who had been on the court in the 2011-2012 season in Wurzburg where Frankfurt won round one of the battle of Wurzburg 56-51 were Jacob Burtschi and Ricky Harris who had been playing in Bremerhaven and Italy last season. It is slowly becoming tradition when you get these two teams on the court, there will be little offense and full throttle defense and in the fourth game since the start of the trench battles, The Fraport Skyliners and s.Oliver Baskets Wurzburg put the trench battles on the back burner getting a bit distanced from defense and giving the fans some full throttle offense as the Fraport Skyliners came back to defeat the s.Oliver Baskets Wurzburg 89-78. Tony Gaffney friend Ricky Harris played in the first battle of Wurzburg in the 2011-2012 season and had an explanation for the more firepower tonight. “I remember that Justin Gray buzzer beater in Frankfurt and watched the game in Wurzburg last season. I think that both teams still defend, but are better offensively. Both teams have more offensive weapons and it is just a matter of different teams and different players”, stated Ricky Harris. Jacob Burtschi also took part in the first battle of Wurzburg and agrees with Harris. “There are different teams and different players, but also the defense is still good, but today many guys hit tough shots against good defense that weren´t falling in previous games”, added Jacob Burtschi.

The total 50 points of Andy Rautins and Dawan Robinson might have stole the show of Tweety Carter after 40 minutes, but in the first half it was Carter that was giving the Fraport Skyliners fits as he hit the home team with 20 points. He was one of the main reasons why the s.Oliver Baskets Wurzburg were having a 47-40 lead at the break. It really doesn´t matter where the 26 year old diminutive 180cm guard from Louisiana has played, he has always known how to put the ball in the net. “Tweety has been great and can score very well. He can play numerous positions, has a great character and is a good guy. He also can find his teammates. I think that if he keeps working he could be the best point guard in the league”, stressed teammate Ricky Harris. Two seasons ago in Israel for Bnei Eshet Tours Hasharon (Israel-Premier League) he was third in scoring with 20,7ppg and led the league with 7,1apg. Despite these stats, he is often seen more as a scoring point guard, but that doesn´t hurt him. “I have had that title my whole career. Coach Schroeder tells me to be aggressive and I am a scorer. I have been doing it in high school and college, but I understand that it has to be different with Wurzburg in that I need to find my teammates and I want to”, stressed Carter. In the first half one could see his amazing scoring qualities, confidence and desire to take responsibility as he was hitting three pointers at a similar rate like Andi Rautins does. “He did a great job knocking down big shots and he has the tools to be one of the best in the BBL. You have to give credit to Dawan Robinson who closed him down in the second half”, added Jacob Burtschi. Fraport Skyliner Andi Rautins exchanged numbers after the game and already knew what he was capable since his battles with Syracuse against Baylor. “He can really light it up. I think this is a good league for him”, commented ex NBA player Andi Rautins. The real name of Carter is Demond, but he was given the nickname tweety  by his grandmother due to the sound of his crying as a baby. He used to the name. “When I started to cry, my grandmother put on the cartoon Tweety, and I would stop to cry. When I was crying it sounded like a bird. The only time I was called by my real name Demond was when I was in trouble”, smilied Tweety Carter His teammate Jamal Boykin has known him since childhood and has the utmost respect for the American. “I know him since seventh grade when we played in a camp. He scored 74 points in  a high school game and really knows how to score. He gets his team in flow and is an unselfish player. He can get you many points quick. I didn´t even know his name was Demond, I only knew him as tweety”, joked Jamal Boykin.

The Fraport Skyliners were coming off a huge win in Bremerhaven, but also had to digest the absence of Quantez Robertson who will miss up to three months on account of a knee injury. The Fraport Skyliners closed out the week with a huge 89-78 win against the s.Oliver Baskets and are on  a two game winning streak heading into the tough game against FC Bayern Munich. The win was the R&R show of Andi Rautins and Dawan Robinson who combined for 50 of the 89 Frankfurt points and looked like a basketball version of the dynamic duo with Robinson being the leader as Bat Man and his side kick the boy wonder as Rautins who traded in the usual slick comments with big shots from all over the court. “It was great to have Dawan Robinson back. He just gives us so much experience on the court. I think we all played well as a team”, stressed Andy Rautins. For Dawan Robinson, he had a lot to prove after his suspension, but he was happy with the team win, play of Rautins and relationship with head coach Gordon Herbert. “We made important defensive stops. Carter killed us in the first half and we just wanted to focus on their two offensive weapons Carter and Mckinney. Rautins is one of the best shooters that I have played with along with Jimmy Baron. He takes so much pressure off me and the offense. A great thing is that he can also pass the ball. It is just a great joy to play with him. It felt good to play again. I have cleared up the differences that I had with coach. He did the right thing suspending me for the Bremerhaven game. Our focus now is too keep looking forward to getting more wins and just progressing”, warned Philadelphia native Dawan Robinson. For the s.Oliver Baskets Wurzburg, it was their fourth loss in a row and they are at the bottom of the Beko BBL standings. The pressure keeps mounting for the team that has  a talented team, but just can´t seem to finish out games to their advantage. “We won each quarter except the fourth quarter where we gave up 31 points. We can´t let that happen. We continue to lose games at the end. Coach always gets us ready for games, but he can´t play for us. We have to find a way to win games and not let the opponent capitalize on our mistakes”, warned ex Baylor player Tweety Carter. Wurzburg guard Ricky Harris who wasn´t 100% didn´t have much left after the win except giving credit to the Fraport Skyliners. “It was a hard fought game, but Frankfurt just wanted it more”, stressed Ricky Harris.

4,080 fans turned out for the Frankfurt-Wurzburg derby.The Fraport Skyliners started without Dawan Robinson going with Konstantin Klein, Andy Rautins, Jacob Burtschi, Danilo Barthel and Johannes Voigtmann. It was no secret that any game without defensive specialist Quantez Robertson won´t be easy, but Gordon Herbert made good adjustments as the team were able to make positive use of them getting out to a 9-3 lead. Danilo Barthel got Frankfurt on the board first with a hard lay in over Frankfurt native Ruben Spoden, but before Frankfurt could recover it was Tweety Carter who made his presence felt dropping  a three pointer for the Wurzburg 3-2 lead. Frankfurt then made two beautiful offensive plays as Rautins showed his good eye seeing Johannes Vogtmann as open as a prairie in Iowa in the lane as the big man stuffed home the ball. Then it was time for Danilo Barthel to show his dunk ability as it was Vogtmann that found the Heidelberg native. Rautins then closed out the run with his first three pointer. Frankfurt was showing a lot of offensive zeal dazzling the home crowd with the extra pass and stimulating dunks. The acrobatic play and ball movement seemed to shock the Wurzburg defense. However Wurzburg slowly found a rhythm on offense closing out the first quarter with a pounding 16 -4 run as all of a sudden the perfect Frankfurt offense had disingerated. 2010 Eurochallenge winner John Little started off the run with a lay in which was followed by a Jimmy Mckinney three pointer. Robinson then was inserted into the game, but didn´t do any damage yet. Rautins hit a floater, but American Jamal Boykin hit consecutive baskets with a tip in and mid distance jumper. Carter hit another three pointer as Wurzburg led after one quarter 19-13. “We had some defensive breakdowns in the first few minutes where they moved the ball well and did a good job with the extra pass. We then got our offense going and made adjustments on defense”, stressed Tweety Carter. “We did a good job moving the ball at the start. They came back knocking down tough shots”, added Jacob Burtschi. The s.Oliver Baskets Wurzburg were shooting 44% from the field and 33% from outside while the Fraport Skyliners were shooting 40% from the field and 17% from outside. Wurzburg had the 10-8 rebound edge and two turnovers while Wurzburg had three turnovers.

The second quarter was very exciting as it was the quarter of runs and lead changes. The Fraport Skyliners quickly started off the second quarter with a bang going on a 6-0 run to knot the game at 19-19. Vogtmann and Rautins did a fine job drawing fouls and hitting free throws. Robinson then did what he does best  penetrating to the hole and getting as easy bucket. Robinson does it as good as any player in the Beko BBL. St Louis native Mckinney then nailed a three pointer, which was countered by a pretty Barthel hook shot, but ex Bucknell center Chris Mcnaughton who had been quiet scored inside as Wurzburg led 24-21. Mcnaughton then got a technical foul with a small scuffle with Jacob Burtschi which changed the momentum a bit then and led to a big 8-0 run for Frankfurt and 29-24 lead. The Burtschi free throws were led by Barthel and Rautins three pointers. Wurzburg must of thought what Frankfurt can do so can we as they went on a 6-0 run to regain the lead 30-29. Bonne and Mckinney hit free throws and Carter scored. Then it was time for a Frankfurt run of 5-0 as they regained the lead 34-30 as Rautins nailed another three pointer and Robinson free throws. Then it was a Wurzburg run of 8-0 to regain the lead 38-34 as Carter and Mckinney dropped three pointers. In the last minutes, Wurzburg was able to keep the lead as Carter remained hot hitting a mid distance jumper and ridiculous bomb over Burtschi. Boykin scored inside as well Robinson closed out the second quarter netting home a reverse layup in traffic at the buzzer as Wurzburg led 47-40. “We did a good job getting stops when we needed to and hitting shots when we needed too. We did a better job rebounding the ball than in the first quarter”, added Tweety Carter. Wurzburg knocked down tough shots which killed us. Mckinney also hit big shots. We missed some rotations where they capitalized on”, stressed Jacob Burtschi, The s.Oliver Baskets Wurzburg were shooting 47% from the field and 44% from the three point line while the Fraport Skyliners were shooting 48% from the field and 33% from the three point line. Wurzburg had the rebound edge 19-12 and only four turnovers while Frankfurt had seven turnovers.

The Fraport Skyliners got off to a good start in the third quarter as Andi Rautins knocked down another three pointer as he was left open in the corner, but the quarter belonged to Wurzburg. Frankfurt then was hit with a 6-0 Wurzburg run as they extended their lead to 53-43. John Little connected on a floater and Mcnaughton scored consecutive baskets in the paint. On the first bucket, it was Carter who showed his game intelligence as he penetrated, but saw that he couldn´t get to the hole and made a quick decision finding Mcnaughton for the easy score. Rautins then showed his passing qualities once again finding Senegal center Aziz N’Diaye twice for easy scores, but ex ratiopharm Ulm forward Sebastian Betz kept the Skyliners at bay with a big three pointer as Wurzburg led 56-47. Carter who was kept quiet in the second quarter nailed a shot from the parking lot as Wurzburg led 59-47. It seemed like Wurzburg was in control and could make a run, but it was Robinson who made some big plays to keep the Wurzburg lead never at more than 10 points. Robinson made a steal and went coast to coast and then he set up Danilo Barthel with a ferocious ally-op dunk as Frankfurt trailed 61-54. Both teams then scored twice a piece as Boykin connected from down town and N’Diaye snatched an offensive board and made a put back. Mckinney then showed some of his penetration skills with a lay in and as was the case at the end of the second quarter, it was Robinson again that made a last second bucket with a lay in as Frankfurt trailed 66-58. “We were more aggressive, rebounded  well and got stops”, said Tweety Carter. “We had ups and downs in the third quarter, but we never let Wurzburg run away with the game. They did a good job getting offensive boards”, added Jacob Burtschi. The s.Oliver Baskets Wurzburg were shooting 52% from the field and 48% from the parking lot while the Fraport Skyliners were shooting 45% from the field and 28% from the parking lot. Wurzburg had the 29-18 rebound advantage, but 10 turnovers while Frankfurt had eight turnovers.

The Fraport Skyliners started off the fourth quarter with a strong 7-0 run to cut the Wurzburg lead to 66-65. Robinson started the surge with one of his usual unstoppable penetration drives. Barthel then made a pair of free throws. Rautins then hit a tough three pointer from the corner and was fouled. He was unable to make the and one, but Oklahoma native Jacob Burtschi made a typical heads up play by him saving the ball and throwing the ball off a Wurzburg player which changed the momentum of the game. “I think was the deciding point of the game which gave Frankfurt the momentum in coming back and winning the game”, added Ricky Harris. Wurzburg golden role player Sebastain Betz then hit a huge three pointer keeping the 68-65 lead for Wurzburg. On the next offensive set, it was Jacob Burtschi that found his range tying the game at 68-68 with a three pointer. Both teams were playing their heart out as neither team was going to let the other escape on a run. German Maurice Stuckey then hit a sensational three pointer, but the 71-68 Wurzburg lead didn´t hold long as Andi “give me the ball in need” Rautins hit a in your face three pointer as Betz was too late as the game was dead locked at 71-71. Robinson then scored inside as he was doing what he wanted in his play ground as Frankfurt led 73-71 and would never trail again. Rautins then made free throws for the 75-71 Frankfurt lead. Little put a little scare in the Frankfurt lead with a shot from down town as Wurzburg trailed only 75-74. The game remained exciting as Wurzburg weren´t going to lay down and surrender. Frankfurt then scored on a weird play as Rautins made a shot that hit perfectly off the back board that Barthel caught for the dunk. Mcnaughton answered with a turn around shot as Frankfurt led  77-76. With a few minutes to go, both teams had five turnovers and it was interesting to see two would have the better nerves at the free throw line down the stretch. After Little hit one free throw and cut the Frankfurt lead to 80-78, Skyliner head coach Herbert called a time out. It wasn´t hard to figure out that either Rautins or Robinson would get the call. It was Robinson finding daylight and getting the easy lay in and free throw as Frankfurt led 83-78 sealing the win. “Robinson is so quick and uses his body well for separation. He felt bad that he couldn´t play in Bremerhaven and he helped us win. He is a special player”, commented Jacob Burtschi. Burtschi then closed out the game with four free throws. “I honestly didn´t think their defense was better in the fourth quarter. It was the same scrappy style. The only difference was that they got stops and capitalized on our mistakes”, stressed Tweety Carter.

The Fraport Skyliners were led by Andy Rautins with 28 points, five rebounds and five assists. Dawan Robinson added 22 points. Danilo Barthel contributed 16 points and Jacob Burtschi Mustered 10 points and nine rebounds. The s.Oliver Baskets Wurzburg were led by Tweety Carter with 24 points, four rebounds and four assists. Jimmy Mckinney added 13 points while Jamal Boykin chipped in with 13 points and six rebounds. Frankfurt shot 49% from the field and 36% from outside while Wurzburg shot 44% from the field and 41% from outside. Wurzburg won the rebound duel 35-32. Frankfurt did  a great job dominating the zone with 38-22 points in the paint. Wurzburg is 0-4 and the last thing that they can do is panic. “  We always feel pressure as a team to win during a losing streak, but we can´t hnag our heads now. We need to concentrate on the next game. We know that the fans stand behind us and give us the energy”, warned Tweety Carter. Despite the two game winning streak, the Fraport Skyliners are still not at the top level they can be and still need time. “We still have to get Andy Rautins and Aziz N’Diaye integrated, but we are coming together. The extra pass is there, but we are only at 80% and can get better on offense and defense”, warned Jacob Burtschi.

Japhet Mcneil is a 28 year old 183 cm guard from Brooklyn, New York. He played at East Carolina from 2003 -2006. He then transferred to Bridgeport(NCAA2) for his senior year in 2006-2007. At Bridgeport, he played 31 games averaging 16.6ppg, 4.0rpg, 4.9apg, 4.0spg, FT: 67.3%, FGP: 38.3%, 3PT: 34.6%. In 2008-2009, he played his rookie season in Germany in the PRO A for USC Heidelberg playing 30 games and averaging 14.8ppg, 3.1rpg, Assists-1(7.9apg), Steals-1(3.5spg), FGP: 45.4%, 3PT: 24.1%, FT: 63.3%. In 2009-2010, he played in Finland for Kori-Konkarit Loimaa (Finland-1st Division, starting five): 5 games: 9.8ppg, 2.6rpg, 2.8apg, 3.4spg, FGP: 35.0%, 3PT: 19.0%, FT: 50.0%. In 2010-2011 he played for  BG Karlsruhe (Germany-ProA): 3 games: 4.0ppg, 1.3rpg, 1.7apg. In 2011-2012 he got experience playing for the  Connecticut TopBallerz (ABA). Last season he played for the BSW Sixers (Germany-ProB): 14 games: 4.5ppg, 1.6rpg, 4.1apg, 1.5spg. He spoke to German Hoops about basketball.

Q: Japhet thanks for talking to German Hoops again. Where are you at the moment and what are you doing?

A: At the moment I’m in Germany. I m fortunate enough to be able to make myself more available for the market. I take the pro active approach and put together a training regiment that way when my number is called I’m ready.

Q: How tough has it been just sitting around waiting for a team to show interest? How have you been keeping positive?

A: Well technically I’m not just sitting around, there were deals that for me at this age and stage of my game that wouldn’t be beneficial for me or my family. Its almost equivalent to playing for bubble gum! but on the contrary I’m not expensive by no means this is my career in which I take very serious. I look at it as more time to get stronger, faster, less time for injury, etc. thats the kind of approach you must have. The glass is never half empty always half full.

Q:You haven´t played a full season since your rookie season in Heidelberg. How frustrating is it always getting signed in the middle of a season where you arrive to a team where you have to learn everything quickly?

A: Im glad you made that point Miles. Its actually very frustrating because I feel that guys that teams are giving opportunities to haven’t remotely had a season like I had with leading pro (a) in assist and steals while avg 15 pts. Guys that do that are getting big looks and I get over looked for whatever reason. Its not the easiest thing to do when you sign late in the season but somehow I manage through the highs and lows. Teams should understand the situation rather than writing players off immediately.

Q: You are still young and in your prime as a basketball player. Why do you think it has been so tough getting signed the last years?

A: I dont think its my game or anything I think its about timing and also your representation, thats key. Within the past years of professionalism I’ve had all types of guys saying what they can do or what they did, when its all said and done I have to do it on my own which is fine but no one man is a island. Players should worry about playing and thats that.

Q:Which basketball people have been keeping you positive now where your looking for a team?

A: I have a great support system, thats something players must build to stay relevant. My parents, my lady plays a huge role and off course friends and family. I frequently talk to other players that goes through the same grind daily but honestly i don’t need the yes men, I’m tunneled visioned and I know my ultimate goals and abilities.

Q: Last season you played in the German Pro B for the BSW Sixersand came late to the team. It wasn´t the best situations for you despite making the playoffs? Why was your stay there a tough one

A: It was difficult in a sense because I knew and the team knew I could help the team with more playing time. The situation was splitting time with 3 Americans and I was the third that signed late to give depth in the back court so you can imagine. I remained positive and professional as always and tried to do my job the best way I know how to. I felt I did my job, we went to the semi finals stayed in the league upset some good teams to be where we were at. When I arrived the team was facing difficult times. I tip my hat off to my teammates and the fans of the Sixers.

Q:How tough was it playing behind Jeremie Simmons. He seemed to get all the playing time and you couldn´t really show what your made of except off the bench.

A: I really don’t want to publicly throw anyone under the bus so I won’t but it wasn’t playing behind Jeremie that I found difficult, because really j Simms is a guard natural born scorer so he was ecstatic when I arrived, productivity, pace, intensity was at its peak when we were on the floor. On the flip side that will take away from our other American well respected Nate Gertwig, he was our bruiser our front court was in need of a player like him in a lot of situations. That scenario was difficult to deal with. I must add with all that I led the team in assist and steals and amongst the league leaders.

Q:Was Josh Parker the best player that you played against in Germany since you have been a player?

A: (deep sigh) I’m by far not a hater. Its not hard to be good when your already a good guard and your playing 40 mins per game, your able to take any shot and your organization is looking for you to make all the plays. When your not looking over your shoulder to see if your going to get subbed out you feel like superman on the court. So no Josh is not the best player I’ve matched up with in Germany. Id go with Robin Benzing, Chase Griffin, Brandon Jenkins, Johannes Lischka, Dennis Shroeder I’m sure there is more but off the top those the ones I can remember.

Q: What did you learn out of your situation with the BSW Sixers? Is there anything that you could of done differently or would have changed if you could have done it differently?

A: Honestly there wasn’t much to learn. It was a stepping stone in my career, I m thankful for the opportunity that was given to me. I met some amazing fans and got 2 more people that I can call friends in Jeremie Simmons and Nate Gertwig. We tried to challenge each other daily off and on the court.

Q:What has always baffled me was after your great rookie season at Heidelberg where you led the league in assists, you weren´t able to heighten your career. Was it just many bad situations and wrong decisions that you made?

A: Assist and steals miles. We cant forget that category!! Its not about decisions because I feel I never got a fair shot ever since Heidelberg. Again, I think its timing. Hopefully I get another opportunity to show my ability at a high level. I am a firm believer in GOD and he places people through obstacles for reasons, I am one of his toughest soldiers so he will test my patience and what I’m willing to do to get there. I know once I do get there I wont look back. Especially on the ones that ignored me and doubted me. I have something is storage for them

Q: You and Jibril Hodges were amazing with USC Heidelberg. How much do you miss those days? It is a shame that you guys never played on the same team again.

A: Yea it hasn’t been the same in Heidelberg since we left with that kind of back court, I use to miss those days now they are just memories, good ones. When we get together (jb and I) we talk about our future and try to look at our next positive move. We know what that duo can do. We have a slogan for that. We will say ” she want that old thing back” but thats with all my back court mates, they love me I put the basketball right in their shooting pocket, just rise up and make shots.

Q: You are still an assist man, but how has your game matured with age? If you could describe your game and why you could help any team now how would you describe it?

A: Yes indeed I am still an assist man. Ive learned how to channel my emotions, i ve learned the mental aspect of the game. I ve learned to make the simple pass instead of the home run. I really spent time working on my shooting, I get so eager to show what I worked on in the off season that I over think trying to show that particular ability and I end up not playing the game the way I know how to play it. With me its just mental and confidence. In the past you might see that in my game but not anymore!! My good friend Erving Walker ( italy/poland) told me they going to either love you or hate you.

B. My game helps a team in many ways. I can make plays, i m able to defend the opposing teams best guard. I m fearless in big situations. Smart heady point guard. If you want me to score i’m able, get my guys touches i’m able. Also, I’m very professional I take that very serious. Off the court I carry myself in a well manor you never hear about any incidents with Japhet Mcneil. Both on and off the court I represent my team, my family, myself and the fans.

Q:How does a work out day look like for you now in Mainz? What things do you do to keep in shape and what basketball drills do you do?

A: Due to lack of resources I train like rocky! literally. I do hill runs, there is a huge futbol open field that I do full throttle wind sprints and slides on. I have 2 basketballs so some days I may just run a few miles while doing dribble moves. There is a volley ball court with sand, its for the kids in the neighborhood but I get a great workout there as well, doing sprints, slides and agility work in the sand. I try to utilize my resources to the best of my ability. When it rains outside I get on the elliptical machine that I’m fortunate to have in the house for 45 mins – 1 hour

Q:What is wrong with the New York Giants? Will they be able to turn their sorry season around?

A: LOL I m going to stand up for the G-men for NYC sakes. They dug themselves a hole and they will manage. They were once champs so sometimes you shoot yourself in the foot #noplaxico #Idontevenlikethegiants

Q:What was the last DVD movie that you saw?

A: honestly I dont even watch dvd’s anymore I don’t mean to dry snitch but the gov is shut down anyway, but i go to movie4k.to and watch all the new movies.

Miles thanks for your time buddy its always a pleasure, hopefully we get to chop it up again this year under different circumstances. tchuess!! My supporters and fans follow me on Instagram @phetty10