Every season, there are always certain players that arrive in the Beko BBL where fans get as excited as a little boy does entering Harrods in London in the toy department seeing a life size doll of Mickey Mouse, Tom Brady still does after winning big games in the NFL playoffs or 2012 Dream teamer Anthony Davis possibly getting reved up about pepping up his unibrow with the team colors of the New Orleanes Hornets. Especially in the 2013 season, the Beko BBL was spiced up with an extra abundance of ex NBA players in the league like Brose Baskets Bamberg forward Bostjan Nachbar who hit the Fraport Skyliners in Bamberg with three quick three pointers in the first quarter before Ted Scott could was even able to grab into his holster and use his quick release snipper qualities, Lawrence Roberts who played two seasons in the NBA with the Memphis Grizzlies and already as a rookie could battle with guys like Rudy Gay, Hakim Warrick and even look up to Pau Gasol and inquire where Elvis Pressley´s house is for sightseeing purposes. The Beko BBL also got a late treat before Christmas getting another ex NBA player to their roster with Ryan Gomes. If it hadn´t been already enough NBA luxury this season getting talented ex New Jersey Nets forward Dennis Horner, they were able to get the American. Gomes is from Cape Verde and is a 30 year old 201cm forward from Waterbury, Connecticut with biggest thrill is sports earning the Billy Finn Award as the top player in Waterbury. He has added range to his outside shooting and bulked up his frame. The result is a quick, agile player who runs the court extremely well, and can defend and rebound inside, even being a little undersized.He played at Providence from 2001-2005 and tore up the NCAA in his senior year playing  31 games: 21.6ppg, 8.2rpg, 3.2apg, 1.5spg, FGP: 49.6%, 3Pts: 38%. He was drafted by the Boston Celtics in 2005 where he played until 2007. He then played three years for the Minnesota Timberlakes and the last two seasons for the Los Angeles Clippers. Despite playing seven years in the NBA and amassing 481 games his claim to fame is being shipped to Minnesota for Kevin Garnett in 2007 and the rest is history. So far in eight games he is averaging 12,8ppg and hauls down 5,9rpg and dished out 1,8apg. He hasn´t shown his total package yet, but that is understandable. Basketball expert Steven Clauss had his doubts about Gomes and had this to say shortly before it was made official that he had returned back to the States“ Gomez is new to Europe coming straight form the NBA and it is never easy to adjust as it is a new world in Europe. He still needs to adjust, but should he adjust, then that could change the play of the Artland Dragons”, stressed basketball expert Steven Clauss. All eyes in the Fraport arena could have been on Gomes if he had still been on the team, but it is also a joy to watch 2013 Beko BBL allstar three point winner Demond Mallet flash his winner style even if he has never played a minute in the NBA. Without ex NBA player Ryan Gomes as well as without athletic flyer Bryce Taylor and 7 time German champion Guido Gruinheid, they were able to beat the Fraport Skyliners 62-58. The Fraport Skyliners were looking to break their one game losing streak, but played a miserable first half, and got better in the second half and made a comeback in the fourth, but to no avail. “In the first half, we played like chickens with their heads cutoff. In the second half, we played with more heart, energy and determination. In the fourth quarter we were carried by Quantez Robertson and Zach peacock that played very aggressive. However at the end like always, we started to come back to late”, stressed American point guard Dawan Robinson. The Artland Dragons that have been underachieving as if they were related to the Los Angeles Lakers were riding a three game losing streak, but in Frankfurt came together like a team and played solid for 40 minutes. “Even if we are missing guys, we still have a very deep roster that will compensate losses. We had a very good first half where Anthony King and Brad Buckman carried us. It was an overall very good team performance”, stressed Dragon guard Bryce Taylor.

The game marked the return of two ex Skyliners with Brad Buckmann and Anthony King. Buckman who comes from Austin, Texas and can witness bats flying around in the city if bored had played shortly for Frankfurt back in the 2010-2011 season, but was the odd man out when then coach Gordon Herbert chose to pick Joe Dabbert over him for the rest of the season. Buckmann left the team and had two strong seasons in Turkey averaging 19ppg and 9rpg for Antayla and last season 13ppg and 7rpg with Bursa. He was relaxed and carefree after destroying his ex team with 14 points and 13 rebounds and still had nice to say despite the circumstances of how he had left. “It was cool to be back. It had been over two years ago when I had played here and I remembered the great fans and atmosphere here. I was excited to play against my ex team and wanted to play well after how I ahd left the team, but honestly I never held a grudge against the Skyliners. It is a business and they picked Joe Dabbert. I went on to have good seasons in Turkey. It was a blessing in disguise. It was amazing to see how well Buckman and King were able to harmonize in just 72 hours since the arrival of the Texas native. “Buckman is a smart player. He knows how to move without the ball and to get to the rebound. He just doesn´t need much time to get used to a system no matter what it is. He played very well with King”, stated ex Bonn player Bryce Taylor. “The system in Spain didn´t fit me, but the system of Koch does. I am more of a four and not really to post up. I just know where to be on the court. I am 29 years old and just know the rules well”, added Brad Buckmann. “Artland didn´t need a Gomez. Buckmann was great and they found a great replacement with him”, warned Skyliner guard Konstantin Klein.

Anthony King played for the Skyliners in the 2008-2009 season under Murat Didin as a rookie and then played two very strong seasons in the lower league in Cyprus and was able to polish his game being rewarded with a late season pick up by a first division Greek season. For InterCollege Etha Engomis he played  EuroChallenge: 8 games: 17.0ppg, 8.4rpg, 1.1apg, Blocks-1(2.0bpg), FGP: 53.6%, FT: 76.2%; Cyprus League: 16 games: 14.3ppg, Reb-2(10.0rpg), 1.1apg, 1.3spg, Blocks-2(1.8bpg), FGP: 54.1%, 3PT-3(50.0%), FT: 76.8%; German head coach Stefan Koch became aware of that and hauled him to Artland for the 2011-2012 season. Last season he averaged 9,9ppg and 5,9rpg and has continued to develop well. King returned back to Frankfurt and just dominated in the first half picking off rebounds like apples in an orchard and finished with 16 points, 11 rebounds, three blocks and two steals. A few years ago there were rumors that Demond Mallet was trying to get his cousin NBA legend Shaq to play a few games in Belgium, but that never materialized on account of an injury. If Mallet ever had ideas to do that again, he should just look at Anthony King who is playing like a mini Shaq. “King was very tough down low. It is great watching him, because he doesn´t sit in the post waiting to get the ball, but works to get it. He gave Peacock a hard time. He plays with so much energy and we feed off each other. He is like a mini Shaq for us”, stressed Brad Buckmann. King who is a soft spoken American lets his play speak for him, but after the big win, he spent some time reflecting on Frankfurt and his game. “I think I have developed well. I don’t like to look at my rookie season. It was tough and some things really messed me up. It went as far that I almost didn´t come back to Europe. I am thankful for coach Klaus Perwas. He has seen my development and he has seen me improve my inside game. Klaus is a good guy and I value his opinion. I wish I was a mini Shaq. I am no 7.1 300 pound player, but just try my best in each game. Buckman and I really harmonize well. We both go to the glass hard and it is a real motivation to see when he goes as hard to the glass like I do. We really used the mismatches to our advantage today”, stressed Anthony King.

If there was one real noticeable thing in the pre game warm ups then it was the gum chewing of 2008 ULEB cup winner Demond Mallet who can chew gum with the best of them except for maybe Kenny Frease who is in a league of his own on the cow pastures. The Fraport Skyliners had been on a six day team building training camp in Tenerifa and it was hoped that they would find a quick answer on the court, but instead witnessed the Artland Dragons race out to a 10-0 lead. King scored twice inside, Buckmann grabbed an offensive rebound and made a put back while little used German Acha Njei who played for the injured Bryce Taylor dropped a three pointer. The Artland Dragons found their rhythm quick on offense and Anthony King and Brad Buckmann were a two man wrecking crew on the boards and making points. The Fraport Skyliners had a tough time getting into rhythm. Frankfurt also had some real bad luck as a few shots rolled around the toilet bowl as if the basket was clogged up. It took Frankfurt almost six minutes to score their first points as it was Quantez Robertsons coring hard on the penetration. He also would be the first Skyliner to score in each quarter. The crashing the boards continued for the Artland Dragons as King and Buckman hauled down two offensive rebounds and secured putbacks. Danilo Barthel and Robertson hit shots to make the 18-8 disadvantage after one quarter not look so bad. “The Artland Dragons attacked from the start and were playing very good defense forcing the Skyliners to turnovers and limiting them to one shot. King also was playing. When Frankfurt was trapping or double teaming him, he seemed to have problems though”, stressed Fraport Skyliner junior Taylor Brown. The Artland Dragons were shooting 64% from the two point range, and 25% from outside while the Fraport Skyliners were shooting 20% from the two point range and 29% from outside. The rebounding was crucial as Artland dominated the boards 13-3. Both teams had four turnovers a piece.

In the second quarter, the Artland Dragons continued to dominate the game going on a 8-3 run to extend their lead to 28-11. The Artland big men continued to do what they wanted to inside as Serb Petar Popovic scored a tough hook shot over Johannes Voigtman, King hit a pull up jumper and 2011 French cup winner Marquez Haynes made a off balance shot. Frankfurt continued to be disorganized on offense with two air balls from Robinson and Dowell and King pulled out his Shaq face blocking Quantez Robertson twice. German guard Konstantin Klein stopped the Artland run with a big three pointer. Klein finished with six points and two rebounds in 22 minutes and was one of the better Skyliner players of the day after Tez and Peacock. “Klein had a good game. No matter what the score is, he always comes in and gives energy. Even if he misses a shot, he doesn´t drop his head, but continues to shoot. He has the right attitude”, stressed Skyliner captain Marius Nolte. King then hit a brutal turn around shot over Peacock and Dowell and Popovic ended the second quarter with a mid distance jumper from the wing as the Artland Dragons led 35-16 at the break. “Frankfurt played better at the start of the second quarter, but then seemed to unfold again at the end. We simply weren´t making shots and it seemed like some guys were not in their normal rhythm. I know how good this team can be in practice, but I didn´t see that in the first half. Their defense was good. They did a good job on pick and role and trappings and when they doubled in the post, Artland had problems. But you can´t win games when your outrebounded 22-13”, stressed Atlanta native Taylor Brown. The Artland Dragons were shooting 52% from the field and 20% from the three point line while the Fraport Skyliners were shooting 23% from the field and 27% form the three point line. Artland had the 22-13 rebound advantage and 10 turnovers while Frankfurt had 11 turnovers.

The Fraport Skyliners were quickly back on the court after the halftime talk von Muli katzurin and it seemed to do wonders in the first few minutes as they jumped out on a 7-2 run to cut the Artland Dragon lead to 37-23. Robertson started the run with a lay up with a hard penetration to the hole and Peacock followed with a lay in. The run was interrupted with a King lay in fed nicely from Buckman and quiet Ted Scott dropped a bomb from outside. However the Fraport Skyliners were unable to build on this run as the Dragons stormed back on a 7-0 run to extend their lead again to 44-23. Johannes Strasser hit a three pointer, Buckman finished a crushing dunk after King found him open in traffic and King then hit a jumper. Frankfurt then went on a 6-0 run all benefited by free throws as Robertson made five points. Frankfurt was playing more aggressive defense, but weren´t rewarded on offense as they  continued to miss shots and had the tendency to play a bit too much one on one and disregarding being more calm in their sets. Popovic scored on a hook shot over Scott and Mallet hit free throws to close out the third quarter as the Artland Dragons still led comfortably 48-29. The Artland Dragons were shooting 70% from the two point range and only 19% from the parking lot while the Fraport Skyliners were shooting 21% from the field and 22% from the parking lot. Artland still led the rebound duel 32-23, but had 15 turnovers while Frankfurt had 12 turnovers.

In the fourth quarter, the Fraport Skyliners made their run and got out fats going on a 8-1 run to cut the Artland lead to 49-37. The Fraport arena after being quieter than usual in the first three quarters slowly came to life. Robertson started the run with a carbon copy penetration to the hoop like to start the third quarter. Super Tez then got an offensive rebound and put back. Peacock then played pick and roll with Gibson for an easy lay up and Tez scored again. Frankfurt was playing their Katzurian style of aggressive defense where each player was helping and surprising the Dragons on countless occasions and for once the offense was clicking. However Artland was strong enough still on offense to keep their lead up as King made a mid distance jumper and Klein nailed a three pointer as Frankfurt trailed 51-40. Buckman and Peacock exchanged buckets as Artland still led 53-42. Artland then had an extra burst of energy going on a mini 5-0 run to extend their lead to 58-42. Buckman connected on a put back and little used Ben Spoeler scored inside. Devin Gibson and Peacock then scored back to back to cut the Dragon lead to 58-49. Mallet then found Buckman that flew to the hoop like a blond Austin bat making his third dunk of the day. The Fraport Skyliners then made their last run as a hot Peacock scored a jumper and then made a nifty reverse layup making a free throw to cut the Artland lead to 60-55. After a Strasser free throw, Robertson who eclipsed his best scoring game of 20 points against Alba Berlin hit a big three pointer with four second remaining as Frankfurt trailed only 61-58. However Strasser closed out the game with a free throw 62-58. “Frankfurt struggled shooting and we knew that it wouldn´t lastTez and Peacock got hot at the end with big shots. I was getting a little nervous at the end”, expressed Bryce Taylor. “We didn´t have enough juice in the tank. We had used so much energy on offense and defense throughout the game”, added Quantez Robertson.

The Artland Dragons were led by Anthony King with 16 points and 11 rebounds. Brad Buckman added 14 points and 13 rebounds. Johannes Strasser contributed 10 points. The Fraport Skyliners were led by Quantez Robertson with 23 points and 14 rebounds. “I was very aggressive today and just took what the defense gave me”, stressed Quantez Robertson. Zach Peacock added 19 points and two rebounds. The Fraport Skyliners continue to have woes on offense and shot only 34% from the field and 26% from outside. Why the offense is so inconsistent remains a mystery. “Our offense works in practice, but as soon as we play games it doesn´t. We show that we can score with 29 points in the fourth quarter, but we have to be more consistent”, explained Konstantin Klein. The defense continues to be a bright spot while the rebounding continues to be a nasty thorn in their side that probably won´t be removed in Munich either. “Artland have great inside players. Buckman is wide, King shut down Peacock and Popovic makes those hook shots. We have to work harder on rebounding. Our defense was very good especially in the fourth quarter. That is how we have to always play not just in one quarter”, added Konstantin Klein.

Eric Boateng is a 27 year old 208cm center from London England that is playing his third professional season and first in Germany in the Beko BBL with the New Yorker Phantoms Braunschweig. He started his basketball career at Duke in 2005-2006. He then transferred to Arizona State in 2006 and played there until 2010. In his senior year, he played : 33 games: 8.8ppg, 7.2rpg, FGP: 66.5%, FT: 54.2%. In 2010-2011, he turned professional playing for the  Idaho Stampede (D-League): 17 games: 5.2ppg, 4.9rpg, FGP: 46.1%, FT: 52.9%, in Feb.”11 moved to Austin Toros (D-League): 22 games: 4.9ppg, 4.9rpg. Last season, he played for  DASH Peristeri GS Athens (Greece-A1, starting five), left in Jan.”12 because of injury: 7 games: 8.4ppg, 4.1rpg, FGP: 65.7%, FT: 46.4%. He is a member of the british national team and played European Championships in Lithuania -11: 4 games: 1.5ppg, 2.0rpg and at the Olympic Games in London (United Kingdon) -12: 3 games: 4.0ppg, 2.7rpg. He spoke to German Hoops about basketball.

You came very late to the  New Yorker Phantoms Braunschweig. Were you surprised that it took so long for you to find a team?

No not really. I just took what I got. The Phantoms were interested in my services and I just want to give my best.

You come form London. How have you been getting used to the smaller city of Braunschweig?

It is taking some time. I haven´t had much time to see my surroundings since It has been going to the gym and back to the apartment. But it is a nice environment in Brausncwehig.

The New Yorker Phantoms Braunschweig have had a slow start losing some close games. What have been the reasons for the slow start?

We have had problems executing and sustaining the maximum effort for the whole time in a game and in practice.

What is the first thing that comes to mind when you look up to Nick Schneiders?

That he is tall and is a big presence under the basket.

How would you describe your game?

I just try to do what it takes to help the team win games. I just try to defend hard, rebound and making winning plays.

What is the biggest strength in your game?

There are so many ways how to help effect a game. I just give my all in each game.

What do you like most about the game of Dennis Schroeder?

Dennis has so much talent. He works so hard and just competes each day. This is something that I appreciate when I see a young guy like him doing it.

How do you make Immanuel Mcelroy laugh?

I didn´t know that he didn´t laugh. He is a very friendly guy and has made me feel very welcome.

What was your childhood like in England?

I had a great childhood in south west London. I really appreciate having my family around and was lucky to have them.

Who were your NBA idols as a kid?

I like to study the game of basketball. I like watching past and present players like Steve Nash, Kevin Mchale, Akeem Olajuhan,  and Tim Duncan. There are really so many great players to watch.

What were you able to learn from NBA player Josh Mcroberts from the Orlando Magic?

He always worked hard and continues to do so and that is something I appreciated.

After a year at Duke, you went three years to Arizona State. Why didn´t the team ever go far in the NCAA tournament?

We made it to the tournament. And when you look at our record, we won many games my time there.

What will you never forget from the 2012 opening ceremony at the Olympics in London?

Just seeing all the emotions. I am proud of being there and thanks all the coaches and my family for helping get there and experience it.

Who was the greatest athlete that you met there?

I was surrounded by so many incredible athletes. It wasn´t only basketball players, but also from other sports like track and field.

Who would win a one on one you or Luol Deng?

I am not sure, but it would be  a good game.

What were the most free throws that you made in a row with missing?

My goal  after practice is to always make 10-15 in a row.

What has been your most crazy shot in a game that went in?

I always try to finish strong in every game no matter what and try to dunk.

Who was the best opponent that you played against in the NCAA that is in the NBA now?

James Harden was my teammate.

What was the last DVD movie that you watched?

I don´t watch many DVD´s. I like to read and am currently reading the Steven Jobs autobiography.

Thanks Eric for the chat.

Johannes Voigtmann is a 20 year old German from Eisnach that is playing his first season for the Fraport Skyliners. He is a former handball player and started to play basketball at age 15… He has quick feet and is agile and mobile for his size, a big and versatile talent that can play both inside spots with efficacy, tough and strong, has good lateral mobility, can face the basket and put the ball on the floor, has good vision of the court, excellent passer for his size and position, has a soft touch up to 3-point range, has a good attitude and stays always under control, not afraid of contact, has good control of his body when driving to the basket and against pick and rolls he is always ready and has the quickness to step out and double. He started his basketball career in 2009 for TuS Jena II (2.Regionalliga). Last season for  Science City Jena (ProA), he played  28 games: 4.1ppg, 3.1rpg. He spoke to eurobasket about basketball.

What playing quality would you like to have from 2012 Beko BBL MVP John Bryant?

Just to be able to have everything in control. He always knows exactly what he has to do. I think that is one of the reasons why he was MVP.

Were you able to learn anything from physical Jason Boone when you played against him this season?

He lives form his athletic play and strength. I would like to be bale and move as well as him.

You are playing your first season with the Fraport Skyliners. Did the Skyliners have the first contact to you or did you approach them?

In the off season I wanted to find a Beko BBL program. I had some teams that were interested. The Fraport Skyliners contacted me pretty late, but right away I liked the infrastructure and everything about the organization.

You come from the former East Germany. How comfortable are you living in Frankfurt?

I feel very comfortable here. I like the downtown area. I had been here many times before. My dad had run the marathon in Frankfurt.

You are progressing very nicely as a rookie in the Beko BBL. How difficult is it making the transition?

There are always highs and lows. I am very happy to be able to get the confidence of the coach and be able to play so many minutes so far. I just try to give my best and use my chance.

How difficult is the physical stress of playing beko BBL and PRO B?

There is a lot of physical stress, but I knew what to expect coming in. I also had this in Jena so I kind of used to it. I also have played some fewer PRO B games because of the injuries. I do feel the stress at night when I go to bed.

Would you agree when I say that you use the Beko BBl to learn and PRO B to work on your strength and weaknesses?

Yes that was the plan coming in. I can learn a lot from Zack Peacock and Marius Nolte.

What has been the most important thing that you have learned from Muli Katzurin?

Just always being aggressive. He always stresses to be aggressive. We play a very aggressive defense something I wasn´t used to before, but I am getting used to it now.

Your ally-op dunk against ratiopharm Ulm was more soft than banging. Will we see more banging dunks from you in the future?

I hope so. I work every morning on my athletic skills. I am on a good way.

Danilo Barthel seems to be more a quiet guy. How does he bring you to laugh?

Danilo Barthel, Konstantin Klein and me are a good trio. We hang out a lot and always bring each other to laugh. Our characters fit each other well.

What is a strength in your game that gets unnoticed?

I think my general understanding of the game.

We saw a lot of the give and go in the preseason with Konstantin Klein and yourself. Do you practice it a lot in practice?

We don´t so much at the moment since Klein plays the two now. If we get a chance to use it in the game then we use it.

You come from Eisenach. What do you miss most form there?

Not much except my family. I haven´t lived there in while since I was living in Jena the last years. My brother also was living in Jena.

Who were your basketball idols as a kid?

Dirk Nowitzki and non basketball idols were Ali and Michael Schumacher.

How did Georg Eichler coach at Jena get you prepared for the Beko BBL?

He did very much individual training with me and was interested in leading me to reaching the Beko BBL. He gave me a lot of confidence and gave me minutes last season that really helped me.

How does Philipp Neumann make you better when you are together with the German U-20 team?

He is already very far with his game for his age. He found a role quick in Bamberg and has played Euroleague. He is always aggressive and it is a challenge to paly against him. I would like to become more agile like him.

Who wins a one on one in practice you or Philipp Neumann?

We haven´t played so much one on one, but I think he would beat me 6-4 or 7-3 if we played 10 times.

How many free throws have you made in a row without missing?

43.

What was your most crazy shot in your career?

I can´t think of one.

What NBA player would you like to meet?

Metta World Peace.

What was the last DVD movie that you saw?

Edge of darkness with Mel Gibson.

Thanks Joe for the chat.

When you look at the tough guys like John Bryant, Kenny Frease, Zack Peacock or a Brandon Hunter last season from the Beko BBL, you would never think that anything could ruffle their feathers on the court as they battle with anyone that comes in their way and rarily put off their game faces. However it would be interesting to see how they would react when something goes wrong in a plane 12,000 meters in the air? Marian Schick (204-C-86) of PRO B team the Hanau White Wings may not be as well known as those Beko BBL players, but he is a tough 204cm player that can battle inside. Currently he is averaging 9,4ppg and 6,4 rpg and 1,4apg and has added 11 rebounds twice this season against Nordlingen and Leverkusen. Running into a Johannes Voigtmann of the Fraport Sklyiners juniors in the lane could give him a shock, but he really expereinced a schock recently while flying on the The 787 Dreamliner which applies breakthrough technologies to an all-new airplane design. Recently he was enjoying his break from PRO B play in Addis Abeba in Ethiopia and on his return flight experienced something that one wouldnt ever imagine flying in such a technological innovative jet plane. While flying back to Frankfurt, he suddenly noticed dark splits in the window. “I had a very quesy feeling. But luckily we only had an hour left to go until Frankfurt”, stressed Marian Schick. The pilot quickly gave the all clear warning to the pasengers. The window was damaged, but their was no risk. One thing is for sure, in the next practice, Marian Scick will have a story to tell his teammates.

Source: http://www.bild.de

Dominique Johnson is a 25 year old 177cm guard from Kansas City, Missouri that recently played in Germany in the PRO A fort he Duesseldorf Giants. He played at N.Texas (NCAA) and in his senior year played 33 games: 10.2ppg, 2.0rpg, 3.2apg, FGP: 45.1%, 3PT: 41.5%, FT: 85.7%. For the Duesseldorf Giants, he played 12 games averaging 1,9ppg and 1,0rpg while averaging 7,3 minutes per game. He spoke to German Hoops about his experience with the club.

Where are you now? Are you still in Duesseldorf. Are you surprised that you are no longer a member of the Duesseldorf Giants?
I am back home in Kansas City,MO. I am not surprised I am no longer in Dusseldorf because I chose to leave the team on my own.

It was stated today on the Duesseldorf Giants web page that you had left the team on account of personal reasons. Is that accurate?

Yes

What are the main reasons for you not being a Duesseldorf Giant anymore?

I have been playing basketball since I was four years old and I have always been a headline guy at the places I been. I just wasn’t happy with the minutes I was getting because I know what kind of player I am and more than that I proved it in practice. The coach felt like he had to play certain guys and I didn’t agree with it. I did not play one game then 3 minutes then 5 minutes then a dnp. I’m a better player than that and I’m so hungry to show what I can do.

You were MVP at the summer camp of Mike Hart in Las Vegas which got you the job. Were you surprised that you only averaged 7 minutes per game?

Yes the Mike Hart camp was like a seal that it was my time to explode into the overseas realm because it was a lot of great players there and I stole the show. I was told that Dusseldorf needed a point guard right away and I was so eager to come and play right away because I knew it would have been a great opportunity to start my career. I was shocked at the minutes I was getting because week by week I was becoming a better player.

You had a very strong and experienced point guard in front of you with Gary Johnson. You played well in pratcice, but still got little minutes. Did you ever have discussions with Murat Didin about your playing time?

Yes Gary is a good guard and he played the one and the two but we are different types of guards. I am an uptempo type of guard who likes to get it on the break and create for others and who can create for myself. I thought that we should have been on the court together more. I talked to him as the season progressed but I never really had that many conversations about playing because I feel like if I show you in practice then it ain’t nothing to talk about.

How difficult was this experience as a rookie? Is there anything that you learned with this experience with the Duesseldorf Giants?

I picked up on some key things in Germany. Mainly off the court on just how to be a man and stand on your own two feet. I really think it helped me a lot and I don’t consider myself a rookie. When you think about it you are really not a rookie if you played college basketball for 4 years and then you have somebody on your team who is German that is 21 and they have been playing in the German pro league for 3 years and they are considered to have some type of experience. Basketball is basketball!

What teammate helped you the last months with the tough situation of not getting minutes?

Patrick Flomo

Duesseldorf is in third place with a record of 10-5. What are the chances of the team to move to the Beko BBL next season? Do they have the potential to get there with this team?

Its going to be interesting going into the new season. I think they have the best player in the league in Patrick Flomo and players that will get him the ball and know their role and I know Coach is real good on film in correcting mistakes. I think they can do it but its not going to be easy. With or without me it still would be tough.

What were you able to learn from veteran Patrick Flomo on and off the court as a rookie?

Flomo was a basketball player but a family man first which I really respected from him. I have a 6 year old daughter who I love and take care of but to see how Flomo was being a dad just really encouraged me to be a better father to my daughter. On the court he just always stressed to be vocal and keep working hard no matter what.

What is the next step for Dominique Johnson? Will you go back home or look for a job in Europe?

I want to play. As simple that. I don’t want anything given to me because I will put in the work and hard work has got me this far so I’m not worried because I know God is in control.

What do you like the most about Germany and would you like to continue to play here?

It had to be the swag of the people in Dusseldorf. People are real fancy out there and it just blew my mind because I thought America had all the swag. I would love to come back to Germany and play. I got a little taste of it but next time I’m trying to take a big bite.

What is your opinion of the Los Angeles Clippers? Where will there basketball journey end this season in the playoffs?

Chris Paul is my favorite player in the NBA. I think he can lead that team to the conference finals but because they really don’t have their post fully developed to help them overcome the Thunder or Spurs

What was the last DVD movie that you saw?

Dark Knight Rises#classic

Thanks Dominique for the chat.

Three months ago as the Beko BBL season was only two weeks old, 2004 Fiba cup winner Mitteldeutscher BC that was back in the top German league after playing in the PRO A one year after having played in the league from 2009-2011 and arrived in Frankfurt sporting a 0-2 record and in dire need of getting a win. It was an overall very exciting game, but it was MBC that kept the nerves in the fourth quarter winning 71-68 winning a big game on the road mainly due to American Kelly Beidler who had his first double double of the season registering 17 points and hauling down 10 rebounds. The 24 year old 199cm forward from Virginia Beach was a solid scorer at St Marys(NCAA), but never averaged more than 10,9ppg in his NCAA career, but then came to Europe and in his first two professional seasons averaged 21,7ppg in Iceland and 19,2ppg in Finland. Granted the leagues aren´t as tough as the Beko BBL, but the American got self confidence and experience in the scoring department there, but in the win against Frankfurt it wasn´t only his killer instinct around the rim in crunchtime, but also his stellar defense that got MBC the win at the end. Frankfurt had the ball with 13 seconds and the chance to bring the game into OT or win it with a three pointer. Beidler who had been big on the glass proved to also be big as he blocked Peacock on the last shot giving MBC their first win of the year. “The man of Peacocok got beat so I came over to help my teammates. I thought better to try and block and risk the foul and giving up free throws then letting him score. I always have liked to be aggressive. I have been blocking shots all through my career even though it doesn´t get noticed as much. People look at points and rebounds. Blocking shots is a strong point in my game”, warned Kelly Beidler. “Beidler is the central force in our defense. His long arms make a difference on defense and rebounding. That block was huge for us”, said Sharaud Curry. So far this season, Beidler is averaging 9,0ppg, 4,3rpg and is shooting a very respectable 56,1% from the field and 43,8% from downtown. He has scored in double figures in nine of 16 games. His defense keeps being a spark for MBC as was the case in a 76-70 win against the New Yorker Phantoms Braunschweig as he swatted away three balls showing his keenness around the rim. It is no secret about his dominating play on the boards, but just hard work. “Just being active and never quitting on the play. I always want to make something happen on the glass. I always try to act on the bounce off the rim. I use my athletic ability to my advantage from the three position”, warned Kelly Beidler. Zach Peacock is the go to guy for the Fraport Skyliners and might be on the defending menu for Beidler on Saturday as the team likes to get him going early. Beidler enjoys the role of keeping the others team top player in check. “I have to be active and bring energy. I also focus on defense and try to make the big defensive plays get steals that lead to easy baskets. I also am there to defend the best players and make them work for their points. My offense will come from that”, warned Kelly Beidler. Despite the Fraport Skyliners wanting revenge in Weissenfels, Kelly Beidler will also be motivated to repeat his strong game in Frankfurt and he keeps a very important quote in his mind when stepping onto the court before every game never getting intimidated by the name or game of a player. “every player is equal when stepping onto the court but when the lights turn on and it’s time to play ball, the best separate themselves from the pack”. That’s what I try to do every time i step on the court”, warned Kelly Beidler.

This season, Silvano Poropat chose to say farewell to a core of last seasons players with Arizona Reid, Robert Faye-Holcomb, Louis Hinnat and ex North Carolina state forward Jordan Collins. He opted to keep many of the German players with the heart and soul of the team captain Sascha Leutloff, Steve Wachalski, Philipp Heyden, Malte Schwarz and Johannes Lange. He also decided to keep Iceland scorer Hoerdur Vilhjalmsson. This season, he has brought a core of talented less known Americans. Kelly Beidler tore up the league in Iceland and Finland and now is looking to make the next jump in the higher league Beko BBL. Sharaud Curry is a diminutive point guard that tore up the Austrian league last season and also is looking to make an impact in the higher league Beko BBL. Chad Timberlake brings experience to the guard position and is playing in his fifth country in Europe. Devin Uskoski is a sort of Cinderella story as it took him four years to move from the German Regionaliga to the Beko BBL. Poropat also brought in help for the boards with Serb Djordje Pantelic.  With only 1,4 million Euro budget, the club has little chance of picking up high class players. Despite little money and less talented players, the team will not go scared into the season. “We know that we have one of the smallest budgets in the league, but we will take up the challenge and will go with a lot of self confidence into the season.  We don’t want to make the mistake that small teams do and get into debt. For us it isn´t so critical if we play BBL or PRO A”, stressed MBC manager Martin Geisler.  A strength  that the team has is their unpredictability. They had many different top scorers in the pre season and the scoring was always well balanced. The team will have nothing lose and fight in every game as if its their last game. Weaknesses in the team is under the basket where the team is thinly stacked. The team also coughed up the ball much in the preseason. “We are still making too many mistakes on offense and have problems finding our rhythm. We still have to work much on ending the play”, warned MBC head coach Silvano Poropat.

In the short two year tenure that the Mitteldeutscher BC had from 2009-2011, the Frankfurt Skyliners were able to leave the floor each time as the winner and have a positive 4-0 record in that time. In the 2009-2010 season who could forget the exciting 76-74 win in MBC as Frankfurt was down 10 points and made  a big comeback in the last minutes as American guard Aubrey Reese won the game with a shot. Frankfurt won the game at home 77-65 as American Jimmy Mckinney led Frankfurt with 17 points, Derrick Allen added 12 points and Skyliner legend Pascal Roller 11 points. In the 2010-2011 season, the Deutsche Bank Skyliners had an easier time winning as they routed the Wolves 83-52 at home as Dashaun Wood had a type of Derrick Rose performance with 16 points, six rebounds and six assists. Dominik Bahiense De Mello added 13 points and KImmo Muurinen 11 points. Frankfurt won in Weissenfels 70-58 as Dashaun Wood poured in 26 points and Quantez Robertson steered 11 points.

Currently the Mitteldeutscher BC is resting in 13^th place with a record of 7-10. They started the season slow losing six of their first seven games as their only bright spot was the big 71-68 win in Frankfurt where they showed a lot of grit winning in crunch time and keeping their nerves in control. They showed a very spirited game losing a heartbreaker to FC Bayern Munich 73-71 at home as the game could of gone either way at the end. They then won their second game of the season 76-70 in Braunschweig. Then followed two loses to Alba Berlin and against BBC Bayreuth. Since then they have been playing better basketball winning five of their last seven games including busting out a three game winning streak. In this winning streak, they defeated the Eisaberen Bremerhaven on the road and showed their forceful play at home beating Ludwigsburg and the always tough Artland Dragons. They also beat the LTi Giessen 46ers at home, but lost in Oldenburg and Trier. They only have a 4-4 record at home, but have won their last four in a row in the comfortable wolf den in Weissenfels including a big win against the s.Oliver Baskets Wurzburg last weekend. The team still gives us more points then what head coach Silvano Poropat would desire, but the team is always good for a surprise. A very important quality of MBC this season is their attitude when going into games which has been transported from Silvano Poropat to the team. “coach has told us that players from strong teams are just like us. They do the same thing that we do. What he means by this is that we have to go into each game believing that we can win. I think that we can upset good teams, because we can play as a team for 40 minutes”, warned Kelly Beidler. For the Fraport Skyliners, it will be another do or die game to get themselves away from the lower standings. They have won two of their last three games and their defense is back to where it is supposed to be having averaged giving up only 63 points in the last three games. “Defense is always the key. If we can control the boards and tempo then we always have a good chance to win”, warned Ted Scott. MBC recently picked up sharp shooter Osvaldo Jeanty who has had Beko BBL expereicne with Nordlingen, Giessen and Bayreuth and will spark the team on offense.

The Mitteldeutscher BC is led by Steve Wachalski who is leading the team in scoring after two games. It took the German seven years to reach the Beko BBL in 2010 with BBC Bayreuth. He played his first five seasons starting in 2003 in the Regionaliga with Osnabrueck before reaching the PRO B in 2008. In 2010-2011, he got Beko BBL experience with BBC Bayreuth playing 27 games: 3.3ppg, 1.8rpg. Last season for MBC, he played  37 games: 9.9ppg, 5.1rpg, FGP: 63.2%, 3PT: 42.3%, FT: 77.1%. Kelly Beidler is a 24 year old 199cm forward from Virginia Beach, Virginia. He is starting his third professional basketball season and third in Europe. He is a very athletic forward that can do it all with rebounding, posting up, shooting from outside as firstmost is a team playerHe played at Mt St Marys from 2006-2010. In his senior year, he played 31 games: 10.7ppg, 7.1rpg, 1.5apg, 1.7spg, 1.4bpg, FGP: 41.8%, 3PT: 35.6%, FT: 74.1%. In 2001 as a rookie he played for : IR Reykjavik (Iceland-Express League, starting five): 24 games: Score-4(21.7ppg), Reb-2(12.4rpg), 3.8apg, Steals-5(2.5spg), Blocks-3(2.0bpg), FGP: 54.1%, 3PT: 34.4%, FT: 72.9%. Last season he played for : Karhu Kauhajoki (Finland-Korisliiga, starting five): 44 games: Score-4(19.2ppg), Reb-5(9.8rpg), 1.4apg, Steals-1(2.3spg), Blocks-1(1.9bpg), FGP: 57.1%, 3PT: 37.2%, FT: 70.8%. Milan Brown his coach at Mt St Marys has helped shape him to be the player that he is today.

Hoerdur Vilhjalmsson is a 23 year old 190cm guard from Iceland. He started his basketball career in 2003 for Fjolnir (Intersport League) and played most of his career in Iceland except for a stint with CB Dunas Hotels Gran Canaria Las Palmas (Spain-EBA) in 2007. He played for Top Iceland team and ex Skyliner Derrick Allen team  Keflavik (Iceland-Express) from 2008-2011. In his three seasons there, he never averaged less than 16,5ppg. Last season he played for  Mitteldeutscher BC Weissenfels (Germany-ProA): 37 games: 9.6ppg, 2.3rpg, 2.8apg, 1.1spg, FGP: 47.7%, 3PT: 37.2%, FT: 77.6%. Chad Timberlake is a 28 year old 193cm guard that was born in Wiesbaden, Germany and grew up in Brooklyn, New York. He  is a very talented point guard with good physical size (6’4″,208 lbs.) and toughness, he can play the shooting guard position, if that is what is needed for the team. Chad is the floor general with excellent court vision and he is a natural team leader. He can play fast break style or he can run an offense with set plays, whatever is essential to win. He is an extremely athletic guard and gets to the basket, always finishing ha rd. He has the skills to take over games with his scoring and jumping ability. He played at  Fairleigh Dickinson (NCAA) from 2002-2006. In 2006-2007 as a rookie he played for Mlekarna Kunin Novi Jicin (Czech Republic-NBL, starting five): EuroCup Challenge: 8 games: 16.5ppg, 3.6rpg, 4.0apg, 1.8spg, 2FGP: 61.3%, 3FGP: 21.1%, FT: 61.1%; Czechs League: 46 games: 15.3ppg, 4.2rpg, 3.7apg, 2FGP: 57.9%, 3PT: 37.7%, FT: 60.6%. In 2007-2008, he played in the States for the Albany Patroons (CBA, starting Five): 36 games: 15.1ppg, 5.2rpg, 3.7apg, 1.7spg, FGP: 47.6%, 3PT: 33.0%, FT: 73.1.0%. In 2008-2009, he played for Sokol Znicz Jaroslaw (Poland-PLK, starting five): 11 games: 14.1ppg, 2.2rpg, 2.5apg, 2.1spg, FGP: 53.6%, 3PT: 36.1%, FT: 52.0%. In 2009-2010, he played for Zalakeramia-ZTE KK (Hungary-A Division): 18 games: 5.8ppg, 3.2rpg, 1.4apg, 1.3spg, FGP: 47.1%, 3PT: 31.0%, FT: 56.5%. In 2010-2011, he played for Elitzur Yavne (Israel-National League, starting five): 31 games: 20.2ppg, 5.7rpg, 3.3apg, 1.6spg, FGP: 58.7%, 3PT: 21.1%, FT: 73.2%. Last season he played for Falco-Szova KC-Szombathely (Hungary-A Division, starting five): 36 games: Score-3(21.3ppg), 5.0rpg, 3.2apg, 1.5spg, FGP-3(67.4%), 3PT: 36.1%, FT: 71.1%. He won the cup and league title in Hungry in 2010.

Devin Uskoski is a 26 year old 201 cm forward from Brush Praire who can rebound with the best of them and reacts very smart under the boards. He played at Rocky Mountain(NAIA) and turned professional in 2009. In 2009-2010, he was a rookie for  BG Leitershofen/Stadtbergen (Germany-Regionalliga)): 26 games: 25.9ppg, 11.0rpg, FGP: 70.3%, 3Pts: 48.6%, FT: 73.5%. In 2010-2011, he moved up a league with BG Leitershofen/Stadtbergen (Germany): 31 games: Score-4(20.7ppg), Reb-1(10.8rpg), 1.4apg, 1.3spg, FGP: 62.4%, 3PT: 35.0%, FT: 73.4%. Last season, he was one of the top forwards in the PRO A for  VfL Kirchheim Knights (Germany-ProA): 36 games: 16.1ppg, Reb-3(8.1rpg), 1.3apg, FGP: 53.3%, 3PT: 39.4%, FT: 83.4%. This past summer, he played for the Vancouver Volcanoes (IBL, starting five): 12 games: 17.2ppg, 8.6rpg, 1.4apg, FGP: 57.9%, 3PT: 57.6%, FT: 74.6%. Djordje Pantelic is a 28 year old 204cm forward form Serbia that gives MBC added experience as Germany will be his sixth country in Europe. He got early experience playing in Cyprus. In 2009-2010, he played for  BC Steaua Turabo Bucuresti (Romania-Div.A, starting five): Romanian League: 14 games: 6.1ppg, 5.4rpg, 1.5apg, 1.0bpg, FGP: 63.0%, 3PT: 16.7%, FT: 71.4%; Balkan League: 5 games: 7.4ppg, 4.4rpg, 1.0apg, 1.6bpg, FGP: 54.2%, 3PT: 25.0%, FT: 71.4%, released in Dec.’09, in Feb.’10 moved to Stjarnan (Iceland-Express League, starting five): 11 games: 14.1ppg, 10.8rpg, 1.7apg, 2.9bpg, FGP: 58.1%, 3PT: 40.0%, FT: 81.3%. In 2010-2011, he played for   Apollon Patras (Greece-A2): 30 games: 11.0ppg, Reb-2(8.9rpg), 1.4apg, 1.0spg, Blocks-1(1.9bpg), FGP: 64.8%, 3PT: 26.5%, FT: 72.4%. Last season, he played for Falco-Szova KC-Szombathely (Hungary-A Division, starting five): 38 games: 13.0ppg, Reb-4(9.0rpg), 1.9apg, 1.7spg, Blocks-2(1.6bpg), FGP: 61.9%, 3PT: 36.8%, FT: 69.9%. Sascha Leutloff is a 30 year old 202cm forward from Berlin. He continues to have his heart with MBC as the captain is returning for a sixth season. He  started to play organized basketball at age 16 and developed rapidly into a promising player. He has very good speed and athletic potential, is a very good and aggressive defender, can play inside out, is an exceptional offensive rebounder, has a very good character and is a smart person on and off the court. He started his basketball career with TUS Lichterfelde in 2001 and also played with Alba Berlin from 2004-2006. Last season for MBC, he played  37 games: 9.7ppg, 3.7rpg, 1.0apg, FGP: 51.5%, 3PT: 37.8%, FT: 74.1%. He won the Beko BBL cup in 2006 with Alba Berlin. Malte Schwarz is a 23 year old 188cm guard that is palying hiss econd season in Weissenfels. He started his basketball career in 2006 with Bramfelder SV Hamburg (2.Regionalliga). He then played a season with  SC Rist Wedel (Regionalliga) before getting his feet wet in the Beko BBL playing for Phoenix Hagen from 2008-2011. He played a total of 58 Beko BBL games. Last season for MBC, he played  25 games: 6.8ppg, 1.4rpg, FGP: 57.1%, 3PT: 38.9%, FT: 88.0%. Johannes Lange is a 27 year old 208cm center that took nine  years of playing in the German minor leagues before finally getting his chance this season in the Beko BBL with MBC. He started his basketball career with  Rhondorf 1912 Dragons (2.Bundesliga) in 2003 where he played until 2010. In 2010-2011, he played for  GiroLive-Ballers Osnabrueck (ProA): 22 games: 3.9ppg, 2.1rpg. Last season, he played for BG Karlsruhe (ProA): 6 games: 3.2ppg, 1.0rpg; left in Nov.’11, then moved to Mitteldeutscher BC Weissenfels (ProA): 21 games: 4.3ppg, 2.0rpg

 

 

 

Deandre Washington is a 196cm forward from Powder Springs, Georgia. He played at Valdosta State(NCAA2) and then finished his college career at Washburn. He recently played for the Atlanta Blaze(NCAA2) and took some time to talk to German Hoops about basketball.

Thanks for talking to eurobasket.com. You played this year in the ABA, but have aspirations of coming overseas. Has the strong play of your ex teammate Logan Stutz made you hungry to come play in Europe?

Ive been hungry to play in Europe since my last game at Washburn. Logan always tells me “man you would do really good out here”. Im proud to see he is doing very well in Germany and its motivation for me to possibly do as well in Germany in the future.

You finished at Wasburn in 2011 and this is your second professional season. Your first experience was playing at the Court Side Eurochallenge Camp in Las Vegas (Sharks team) in 2011. The market in general seems to always be very competitive. How have you experienced it since turning professional? Is it a bit discouraging that its so tough landing a job?

It is VERY discouraging that its so tough landing a job. The market is so small with each team having thousands of options to choose from. Many players have stopped playing and began working regular jobs due to how tough the market is. I cant quit , this is what I really want to do.

Your ex teammate Logan Stutz has been tearing up the PRO A in Germany for Essen. What do you know about basketball in Germany and how much would you like to play in Germany?

I know Germany is a beautiful country to play in Andre very competitive. The German leagues are no push over. I would love to play in such a competitve and historic place like Germany

You started your college career at Valdosta State(NCAA2). Why did you transfer to Washburn(NCAA2)?

I transfered to Washburn because I would be able to showcase all of my abilities. Coach Chipman allowed me to play basketball without over controlling me and he allowed me to lead our team.

At Washburn you played the positions 3-5, but also played some point guard due to injuries. What is your biggest strength as a player?

My biggest strength as a player is my ability to score and pass the ball. At Washburn I had a few games of 10+ in assists. Driving to the basket then dropping Logan off with a nice pass. I can play the 1-4 positions which makes me unique.

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

A hidden strength in my game is my basketball IQ. Many many players dont think the game out. Having basketball IQ is a must when stepping on the court.

You played together with Logan Stutz. What is your fondest memory of him on and off the court?

My fondest memory of Logan off the court is him owning this small Yorkie dog. Every time I saw Logan walking the dog it would make me laugh because he is 6’8 and the dog was so small. Plus the little dog hated me. My fondest memory on the court with Logan was the run we made to the championship as the last placed team in the MIAA tournament our first year together.

Who was the toughest player that you had to defend in college that might be in the NBA or Europe now?

Bernard James was a tough matchup for me because he was 6’10 and real strong in the post.

What was the most important thing that you could learn from Bob Chipman that has made you better as a player?

One thing I learned from Coach Chipman was how to lead a team.

What kind of experience was it playing in the ABA for the Atlanta Blaze (WBA)? How were you able to develop your game this year playing there?

Playing in the ABA was fun and game like . The talent level as up and down. some games it was compeititve and other it was a easy win. I hurt my ankle so my ABA run ended a little earlier this summer. My team the Atlanta Blaze had a lot of talent from all over Georgia.

If you could describe yourself in a few sentences as to why you could help any team now, how would you describe yourself?

I feel I can help any team right now because I will help make the current players they have better. I will also help in the scoring/rebound/ and assists category. I will help a team win more than anything.

What was the last DVD movie that you saw?

The last DVD I saw was Bourne Identity 2 . Pretty good movie

Thanks for the chat Deandre.

Every weekend, the Fraport Skyliners meet teams with young hungry athletic players ready to make life uncomfortable for the 2004 Beko BBL champion. In the last weeks, the Fraport Skyliners have tangled with tough players like Mark mr fantastic Dorris who is like an elegant ballerina side stepping into the lane and knows how to drop shots, but just in a less hectic way than 2007 Beko BBL top scorer Derrick Allen, Reggie Redding of the Walter Tigers Tuebingen who is as versatile being able to play the positions one to four like New England Patriots receiver Juan Edelman who is like a swiss army knife being able to play so many positions on the field or FC Bayern Munich forward Robin Benzing who might be the best 208cm small forward in the Beko BBL. However it isn´t only these young players that the Fraport Skyliners have to deal with week in and week out, but also a hand full of dinosaurs  who continue to pop out their heads being just as aggressive as the young guns. Guys like Chris Ensminger who seems to have a special Ohio anti basketball aging gene inside him or ex Skyliner Bernd Kruel who at 36 keeps goin with his basketball Einstein mind even if his body isn´t always on the same page continue to give Beko BBl teams problems. This weekend the Fraport Skyliners meet another grizzled hulk with Elvir Ovcina who is 36 and like Kruel just doesn´t disappear , but just keeps coming back each season for more banging, scoring and rebounding. Ovcina is a big movable big man from Bosnia and Herzgevonia that is one of the better passers and is playing his seventh season in Germany. He played threes easons in Oldenburg,  won a cup in 2005 with Cologne and after seasons in Greece with top team Olympiakos Pireus, the Ukraine and Belgium, he returned back to Germany in 2001 and is playing his third season in Giessen. The last years haven´t been easy for the LTi Giessen 46ers as they have always been near the bottom of the standings and had to fight financial problems, but that didn´t deter Ovcina from always giving his best and coming to play on every night no matter what. The question is why would a player of his caliber and age want to play for a less than average club and risk unwanted grey hairs to appear? “I like the management and people. They are all really nice. I like how the organization is trying to build a winner. The fans are also amazing. I remember when I played with Oldenburg and Cologne, it was always most difficult winning in Giessen”, stressed Elvir Ovcina. Even though the LTi Giessen 46ers have had more hard times on the basketball court than anyone wants in Giessen, there always seems to be a breath of positive hope when Ovcina is on the court. Ovcina is that type of player that brings that special self confidence and calmness on to the court that can carry over to his teammates. It is also a plus when a guy of his age still gets much respect. “Ovcina is the best example like with Chris Ensminger why big men can still play at age 36 and guards can´t. Guards lose speed while old men get stronger. Being strong is more important than speed. It presents even more of a problem when a big man like Ovcina can hit the three as well. He is very smart, is a good passer and has a high basketball IQ. Ensminger is more the banger while Ovcina more the finesse player. He is so dangerous in the set play with his pick and pop and his high passing efficiency”, warned basketball expert Steven Clauss.

In the 2010-2011 despite losing eight players including key guys like David Teague, Kevin Johnson, and Lorenzo Williams and only keeping two players with Elvir Ovcina and Jannik Freese, the Giessen 46ers jumped out to a 5-2record and was one of the biggest surprises in the BEKO BBL together with Phoenix Hagen in the first two months. The team might not have beat the most glamorous sounding and strong BEKO BBL teams besides the Telekom Baskets Bonn, but they played The EWE Baskets Oldenburg tough and lost a nail bitter to the Brose Baskets Bamberg 81-80, a game where they made a furious comeback and just came up short. “We started playing defense after 30 minutes against Bamberg”, stressed Elvir Ovcina. Giessen may not have had the most talented team, but they had achieved one important ingredient early that many teams have problems finding which is that early team chemistry. “We had a complete squad and many people players complimented each other. We had very athletic wing players and big guys with great hands and that take up a lot of space. We knew how to work with each other and we know each time that when we stepped on the court, we were capable of surprising any team in the BEKO BBL”, added Elvir Ovcina. In 2009-2010, the team started 0-6 and after six games  in 2010-2011 had 4 wins already. “Management did a good job bringing in new players. Only me and Jannik Freese remained. We might not have good results in preseason, but we always knew that if we continued to work hard, we would have success”, stressed Elvir Ovcina. “I wasnt surprised by the good Giessen start. They had some talent on their team that came together early”, commented Quentin Pryor. “Their strength were their guards who were great and you had a great inside presence with Peacock. As far their weaknesses, I think just consistency”, expressed John Bynum. The question remained how well the Giessen 46ers would play if the team sustained an injury or went into a slump. Misfortune hit the club in Frankfurt as Anthony Smith got hurt in the first half in the 82-64 loss. After this loss, it seemed like some nasty plague was stuck in them as the team went on a 13 game losing streak as the team went from the playoffs places to the back places of the standings as quickly as Marv Albert can yelp yessssssssssssss. The team then made changes and some results started to evolve. The team brought in the fire man Michael Jordan to try to save the season and brought in coach Steven Key. “Giessen had been up and down last season but they became a different team , with a new head coach and the addition of MJ, they can play with anyone on any night just like any other team in the BBL”, warned John Bynum. Since the arrival of Jordan, the team started to win more games and slowly crawled away from the bottom. The team seemed very solid at the start of the season, but with the addition of new coach Steven key and Jordan and Jeffers, the team seemed to be so much stronger at the end. The LTI Giessen season was saved as they finished the season in 15^th place with a record of 9-25. They finished the season losing six of their last seven games, but beat MBC on the second to last game day to save their miserable season.

Every new season, a new saying can be, it can only get better as fans can only hope that something will change and some kind of success will come back to the small university town. The club decided to bring in 29 year old Bjoern Harmsen who was younger than the star players Elvir Ovcina and Maurice Jeffers. Harmsen brought success to MBC, so why couldn´t he do the same in Giessen? Back in the 70s, Giessen had nothing to do with cellar duels as they won many German titles, but any dreaming of that is as distant as Kevin Durnant ever was playing for BBC Bayreuth. “Our goal was to stay in the league. If we can limit injuries then maybe we can achieve a bit more”, added Bjoern Harmsen at the start of the season.  Harmsen came to Giessen and did a house cleaning axing eight players, but kept team captain Elvir Ovcina who is getting better with age, but continues to be one of the top centers in the league, fan favorite and x-factor Maurice Jeffers who can always change a game with his play, young German big man Robert Ohle and young developing German point guard Mathias Perl. He brought in MBC players Wayne Bernard who is a Beko BBL veteran and point guard Radenko Pilcevic. Some players didn´t work out like Angel Garcia and Bozo Djurasovic, but Harmsen had an ace in his back pocket bringing in more quality with second year man Barry Stewart, athletic rebounder and Euroleague veteran Koko Archibong and flashy Achmadschau Zazai. Harmsen also got a lot of credit for bringing in basketball project Misan Nikabatse who is always remembered for his dunk over Yao Ming in 2002 and seemed to be on his way to the NBA in 2002. His career didn´t quite reach the heights that he expected to and he was saved by Harmsen as the German hadn´t played professional basketball in the last two years.

Last season the LTi Giessen 46ers needed to win in Hagen on the last game day, but lost and had a record of 9-25 and luckily were able to remain in the Beko BBL with a wild card. Giessen started the season slow with a three game losing streak, but then won a wild 110-109 scoring festival in the Osthalle against the Artland Dragons. They won back to back games in Trier and was the first team that season to beat the Brose Baskets Bamberg at home 68-65. Giessen has been some what unpredictable as they beat Phoenix Hagen at home, but also lost on back to back weekends on the road in Munich and Tuebingen by a combined score of 59 points, but then again should have beat Braunschweig at home losing 63-62 not being able to win game on a last possession. In the Beko BBL, any team can beat any team and Giessen has the potential to always be capable of making surprises. “Giessen is a great team that plays tough. They play very well at home and play scrappy. They can move the ball well and have good perimeter shooters with Stewart and Bernard. They also know how to defend and press very well”, stressed ex LTi Giessen 46er Michael Umeh last season. One thing that Giessen excels at is their guard play. “You need to take away their guard play. They seem to make about 60% of their points from their guards. You also always have to be aware of Elvir Ovcina. I have played against him a lot and he is such a great passer and has great court vision”, warned ex Wake Forest player Kyle Visser. Defense also seems to have gelled in the early going as they allowed 75 points or fewer in eight of the first 14 games. “Our strength is our defense. If we can keep teams at 75 points, then we always have a good chance to win”, added Achmadschau Zazai. Despite the well rounded guard play, point guard Zazai knows where the team could still improve. “We have to have better ball movement. We have the least assists in the league”, warned Zazai last January. However in the last four months, the team had a record of 4-15 as they couldn´t get around the corner to having more success. They suffered two five game losing streaks and lost their last three games. Their biggest win was a 78-65 win in Frankfurt which in a way always makes their season as they are their biggest rival.

A big problem with the organization LTi Giessen 46ers is simply that they have big problems trying to build a good team identity. It is not secret that players come and go everywhere in the Beko BBL except for maybe Bamberg, but in Giessen a annual house cleaning is about as normal as Kevin Love getting a double double. The team said farewell to 11 players during the season and off season and added eight new players. Before any new players were added, they got a new coach with Mathias Fischer who comes from Germany and won titles in Austria with Gmunden and was coach of the year. He had already got his feet wet in the coaching ranks in the Beko BBL being an assistant with Rhein Energie Cologne. Fischer is a coach that likes to develop young players and has given young Germans the chance to get minutes like with Oskar Fassler.  As is sometimes the case players come a lot quicker than they stay as was the case with Americans Jimmy Baxter and John Fields. Baxter who is a basketball world traveler and had played in more than 10 countries left early as he was unable to get integrated and John Fields left for the Czech Republic as the big man position was crowded, but currently he is producing 17,6ppg and 9,8rpg. The team also has to say good bye ot Austrian Benjamin Ortner that went to Italy early in the season to play for  Montepaschi Siena . The team kept only two players with experienced Elvir Ovcina who still plays like a 28 year old and Achmadschau Zazai who is a quick flashy guard that has been a spark plug in recent weeks. The team added many knows players including a known face in Giessen with Ryan Brooks who had been a rookie in 2010-2011. Last season he was a dominant scorer in Finland. The team took a risk bringing in Dijuan Harris after he had played in lower leagues like Finland and second division Turkey, but he has matured well in the Beko BBL and been solid. The team also brought in some talented Germans with Oskar Fassler who played in Trier, Dominik Spohr who came from Hagen and Andreas Buchert who has Beko BBL experience and played in Ehingen last season in the PRO A. It is never easy filling vacant spots during the season with new players, but Giessen did a good job finding solid players. With three players going the team hauled in inside player Jasmin Perkovic that won the 2009 Beko BBL title with Oldenburg, Laquan Prowell that adds scoring and experience having played in France for the last three years and American Jeffery Bonds like Prowell is another versatile forward that had played in Spain since 2007. The biggest strength of the team is maintaining that fighting mentality that it is known to have. The team is carried by the hardcore fans. The team has talent and can beat any team on any given nigt as was the case with ratiopharm Ulm. They need to find some kind of team chemistry fast if they want to get free from the Beko BBL cellar. Their weakness is simply many no name players, plus the fact that three players left early and three new players came to the team not really helping build the team chemistry faster. So far this season the club has suffered a eight game losing streak. Besides beating Ulm at home, they also were able to beat Bonn at home. A big problem is playing consistent defense as they have allowed 80 plus points eight times. However in a seven game stretch, they allowed only 80 points once. If being near the end of the standings hasn´t been enough of a torture, the fans got a rude Christmas gift as shortly after the big win at home against Ulm, the club announced that it has filled for bankruptcy. The team will be able to finish out the season, but the future of this traditional team seems to be up in the air.

In the last years, The Skyliners have dominated the Hessen derby posting a 11-3 record. Frankfurt has demonstrated a special confidence and calmness that makes the Osthalle in Giessen look more like their own personal lounge area than a hostile Giessen playground with naughty kids throwing sticks and stones. Who could forget the onslaught before Christmas 2005 as Frankfurt routed Giessen 96 to 63 with seven three pointers from Desmond Ferguson. “I had a good rhythm going on in that game and my teammates made a good job getting me the ball. I wasn´t able to find my rhythm much while I played in Frankfurt for various reasons, but that game was probably my highlight playing there”, added ex Skyliner Desmond Ferguson. Three years ago under the guidance of Charles Barton, Frankfurt won a nail bitter 73 to 67 as Frankfurt showed nerves of steal in the dwindling minutes of the fourth quarter. Two years ago, Frankfurt won a tight game, even though it seemed like they were never in any real danger of losing as Derrick Allen led the team with 19 points and an energized Alex King flew into the arena with a specially made superman cape and steered the team off the bench scoring in double figures. Who could forget the buzzer beater by Karlsruhe German Rouven Roessler in 2007? Well that game winning shot that beat Frankfurt was 34 months ago, and Roessler still has the shot dancing in his dreams. “I remember that buzzer beater as if it was yesterday. I got the video clip to the game three weeks ago”, said ex Giessen 46er Rouven Roessler. . In the 2008-2009 season, The Deutsche Bank Skyliners won in Giessen 75-57 getting 19 points form Lorenzo Gordon. In Frankfurt, they pounded Giessen 93-72 as Pascal Roller and  in 2009-2010, Frankfurt won at home 80-69 getting 22 points from Derrick Allen. The last game against Giessen was a nail bitter win by Frankfurt in Giessen which was won 69-68 as Pascal Roller won the game with 13 seconds to play with two free throws. In the first meeting last season Frankfurt won 82-64 as Giessen was outscored 48-21 in the second half. The Deutsche Bank Skyliners were led by Dashaun Wood with 21 points and Roger Powell added 18 points. In the second meeting in Frankfurt, Giessen lost 81-62 as Dashaun Wood scored 26 points. The last time that Frankfurt lost was in December 2002 and they have won the last nine games in a row against Giessen on the road. Last season, the two teams split the season series as the Fraport Skyliners won in Giessen 64-56 as Jermareo Davidson had 16 points and Michael Thompson 13 points. In the return date, the LTi Giessen 46ers got revenge winning in Frankfurt 78-65. This Saturday will showcase a real cellar duel with the 18^th LTi Giessen 46ers playing 16^th ranked Fraport Skyliners. The LTi Giessen 46ers have been playing better as of late having won two of their last three games including  a huge win at home against ratiopharm Ulm. The Fraport Skyliners are coming off a loss against FC Bayern Munich and this is another must win for them. The key to success remains their bread and butter. “This is a must win for us. We cut down the scoring average of Munich 36 points. If we can do the same to Giessen then we should have a good chance of winning”, smiled Fraport Skyliner guard Devin Gibson.

The Lti Giessen 46ers are led by Ryan Brooks. Brooks is back in Giessen after playing his rookie season there in 2010-2011 as he played  34 games: 9.1ppg, 2.9rpg, 1.4apg, FGP: 48.5%, 3PT: 28.0%, FT: 75.5%. Brooks is a 24 year old 193cm guard that played at Temple(NCAA) from 2006-2010. In his senior year, he played 35 games: 14.3ppg, 4.2rpg, 2.3apg, FGP: 41.3%, 3PT: 31.8%, FT: 81.0%. He played a total of 127 NCAA games. Last season he played for Namika Lahti (Finland-Korisliiga, starting five): 40 games: 18.6ppg, 5.5rpg, 1.6apg, 1.3spg, FGP: 52.1%, 3PT: 37.1%, FT: 81.6%. Laquan Prowell is a 28 year old 203cm forward from Montgomery, Alabama that is playing his first season in the Beko BBL. Prowell is a superb athlete and leaper, versatile player who can score off the post up, dribble, and also from 3-point range. He played at Furman from 2003-2005 and continued his NCAA career at Auburn from 2005-2008 where he played with Fraport Skyliner Quantez Robertson. He came to Europe and gained experience in Turkey, Greece and played in France the last three seasons. Last season he played for Saint Vallier Basket Drome (France-ProB, starting five): 27 games: 15.1ppg, 6.5rpg, 1.0apg, 1.2spg, FGP: 60.2%, 3PT: 40.0%, FT: 83.7%; in May’12 moved to ES Chalon-Sur-Saone (France-ProA): 6 games: 4.3ppg, 1.2rpg. He played with ex Skyliner Ilian Evtimov helping Chalon win the French PRO A title. 36 year old 211cm power forward/center Elvir Ovcina who came late to the Giessen 46ers in the 2009-2010 season is playing his fourth season in Giessen. He is a movable center, who passes and scores well. He played at Syracuse (NCAA) from 1995-1999 and played a year together with ex NBA player John Wallace reaching the NCAA final in 1996 losing to Kentucky. He played for the EWE Baskets Oldenburg from 2001-2004 and won the BEKO BBL cup with Rhein Energy Cologne in 2005. He had his most success as a player with one team with Ostende winning the league title in 2006 and 2007 and cup in 2008. In 2009-2010 for Giessen, he played 14 games averaging 14.1ppg, 8.1rpg, 2.8apg, 1.0bpg, FGP: 57.7%, 3PT: 32.3%, FT: 69.4%. In 2010-2011, he played 34 games: 11.4ppg, 6.6rpg, 2.4apg, FGP: 50.0%, 3PT: 17.6%, FT: 76.4%. Last season for Giessen he played 33 games: 11.4ppg, 6.5rpg, 2.2apg, FGP: 49.3%, 3PT: 31.7%, FT: 80.0%.

The team recently acquired Jeffery Bonds who is a 30 year old 199cm forward that is playing his first season in Germany. He is a small forward who can adapt to any style of play. Can shoot the long 3 ball, also can attack inside… all-around player, very good in rebounds. Has the ability to score in a variety of ways. Take pride in defense. He played at Cal-Poly Pomona (NCAA2) from 2001-2005. In his first two seasons as a professional he played in England for the Birmingham Bullets (United Kingdom-BBL) and Sheffield Sharks. He played from 2007-2012 in Spain in the Leb Gold league four years and one season in the Leb silver league. Last season he played for  Knet Rioja Clavijo (Spain-LEB Gold, starting five): 33 games: 10.8ppg, 4.8rpg, 1.0apg, FGP: 42.6%, 3PT: 31.0%, FT: 70.0%. The team also brought in Dijuan Harris who is a 26 year old 175cm gurad from Charlotte, North Carolina that is playing his third professional season and first in Germany. He played for Hillsborough CC (NJCAA) in 2006-2007. He finished his NCAA career for Charlotte from 2007-2010. In his senior year he played  31 games: 8.3ppg, 3.2rpg, 4.6apg, 1.1spg, FGP: 41.4%, 3PT: 32.7%, FT: 73.3%. In 2010-2011, he was a rookie playing for Salon Vilpas Vikings (Finland-Korisliiga, starting five), left in Nov.’10: 11 games: 19.0ppg, 3.0rpg, 4.4apg, 1.6spg, FGP: 55.8%, 3PT: 37.5%, FT: 75.0%. Last season he played for Usak Universitesi Belediye %. spor (Turkey-TB2L, starting five): 36 games: 14.1ppg, 2.5rpg, 3.4apg, 1.3spg, FGP: 50.9%, 3PT: 23.4%, FT: 72.9%. Quick 26 year old 177cm Achmadschah Zazai is playing hiss econd season for the LTi Giessen 46ers who has already played for 11 teams in his still young career. He started his basketball career at TUS Lichterfelde in 2003. From 2005-2011, he played for teams like SG FT/MTV Braunschweig, : BSG Ludwigsburg, Bremen Roosters, Horsens IC (Denmark), Telemotive Muenchen, Artland Dragons, TV Langen, USC Freiburg and  BV Chemnitz 99 (Germany-ProA). Last season for Giessen he played  27 games: 3.1ppg, 1.1rpg, 2.0apg.

Oskar Fassler is a 24 year old 198cm guard is playing his first season with Giessen and also comes from the Alba Berlin fraction. He played for TUS Lichterfelde Berlin (Regionalliga) from 2004-2006. He joined Alba Berlin in 2006 and played there until 2009. He also was a young player that didn’t get a real chance as he was sitting on the bench. He only played 22 BEKO BBL games. In 2009-2010, he started with Alba Berlin and then moved to Science City Jena (ProA, starting five): 12 games: 9.3ppg, 2.8rpg, 2.2apg, FGP: 54.9%, 3PT: 27.5%, FT: 77.8%, also played at Mitteldeutscher BC Weissenfels (1.Bundesliga): 4 games: 4.3ppg, 2.0rpg. In 2010-2011 for TBB Trier he played 25 games: 5.8ppg, 2.3rpg, 1.6apg, FGP: 33.3%, 3PT: 41.9%, FT: 59.1%He was a part of the German U-18 and U-20 teams and played at the European Championships U20 Division B in Targu Mures (Romania) -08:(Champion): 7 games: 3.1ppg, 2.0rpg, 1.4apg.  Lasts eason for TBB Trier he played  31 games: 2.6ppg, 1.8rpg. The team also added Dominik Spohr  who is a 23 year old 198cm forward from Hagen. He started his basketball career in 2004 for BBV Hagen (Regionalliga) where he played until 2007. He then played for Phoenix Hagen from 2007-2012. Last season for Phoenix Hagen he played 30 games: 1.9ppg, 1.4rpg; played also for BG Hagen (Regionalliga): 6 games: 13.3ppg, 4.0rpg, 1.2apg. He played a total of 64 Beko BBL games for Phoenix Hagen. The team also added 25 year old 208cm forward Andy Buchert who comes from Trier. He got experience playing in the States first for : Tallahasse CC from 2005-2007. He then played fro Winthrop from 2007-2010. In 2010-2011 he turned professional and played for Eisbaeren Bremerhaven (1.Bundesliga): 1 game: 0pts, 1reb, 1ast, 1block, in Dec.’10 moved to Phoenix Hagen (1.Bundesliga): 9 games: 3.3ppg, 3.2rpg, 1.6bpg; left in Feb. ’11. Last season he played for Erdgas Ehingen/Urspringschule (ProA): 27 games: 11.3ppg, 7.0rpg, FGP: 53.1%, FT: 55.2%.