Dashaun Wood is a 27 year old 185cm point guard from Detroit, Michigan that is playing his third season in Germany and second for Alba Berlin. He is a young point guard with natural leadership abilities, who directs teammates on the floor and takes the ball in clutch moments. Loves to go inside to score, challenging the big guys, but has also shooting range from behind the 3pts arch. Despite lack of size, he can be effective even at the defensive side. He played at Wright state from 2003-2007. In his senior year, he played 33 games averaging 19.6ppg, 5.1rpg, 4.0apg, 1.9spg, FGP: 43.5%, 3Pts: 37.3%, FT: 88.3%. In 2007-2008, he played his rookie season for Tisettanta Cantu (Italy-SerieA, starting five): 38 games: Score-5(16.9ppg), 3.0rpg, Assists-4(3.3apg), 2.7spg, 2FGP:52.1%, 3PT-2(42.8%), FT:77.4%. In 2008-2009, he played for : Benetton Treviso (Italy-SerieA), injured in Oct.’08 and was off for 2 months: Eurocup: 12 games: 5.3ppg, 2.0rpg, 3.3apg, 1.0spg, FGP: 40.0%, 3PT: 25.0%, FT: 87.5%; Italian League: 17 games: 7.2ppg, 2.9rpg, 3.2apg, 1.4spg, FGP: 43.1%, 3PT: 35.6%, FT: 70.4%. In 2010-2011, he was the Beko BBL MVP with The Deutsche Bank Skyliners playing EuroCup Qualifying Round: 2 games: 13.5ppg, 2.5rpg, 5.0apg; EuroChallenge: 6 games: 16.3ppg, 3.8rpg, 5.2apg, 1.7spg, FGP: 46.9%, 3PT: 33.3%, FT: 73.7%; German League: 42 games: Score-1(19.0ppg), 4.6rpg, Assists-2(5.9apg), 1.2spg, FGP: 50.0%, 3PT: 33.2%, FT: 80.3%. Last season for Alba Berlin, he played  German League: 37 games: Score-5(15.0ppg), 3.7rpg, Assists-4(4.8apg), 1.1spg, FGP: 47.7%, 3PT: 36.8%, FT: 79.2%; Euroleague Qualifying Round: 2 games: 9.5ppg, 1.5rpg, 4.0apg, 2.0spg; EuroCup: 12 games: 14.2ppg, 3.2rpg, Assists-1(5.4apg), 1.1spg, FGP: 55.1%, 3PT: 38.8%, FT: 82.2%. He spoke to German Hoops after the 88-80 OT win in Trier

Congrats on the 88-80 win in Trier. Was this the biggest win this season in the Beko BBL?

Yes I think it was considering the circumstances. We only had one day to prepare after the Malaga game. It was a big win for us. Trier was 4-1 at the time and they have been playing great basketball. It was important that we were able to stay mentally focused after the Euroleague game and go to Trier and come back and get the win.

TBB Trier had the 36-35 lead at halftime. Why was the game so tight at halftime?

We have to give  a lot of credit to TBB Trier. They played hard and were ready for us. We couldn´t get our defensive intensity and ball pressure the way that we wanted to in the first half. It stayed like that until the last six minutes of the fourth quarter where we finally got it going the way that we wanted it too.

TBB Trier had a 10 point advantage in the fourth quarter. What was key for making the comeback?

We finally found our rhythm on defense. We started to pressure the ball better, got defensive stops and rebounded better. On offense we stopped trying to shoot three pointers and got the ball inside more. We got easy baskets inside. As once as we got the momentum, our confidence rose and we were able to carry it on into overtime and win the game.

Deon Thompson got Alba Berlin into overtime. What happened on that play?

It was an inbounds play. A back screen was set up on his man and I gave him the ball. He missed the shot, but got his own rebound and scored.

What was key in overtime for dominating and getting the win?

We kept up our intensity on offense and defense.We wanted to make sure not to lose the momentum, because once it swings it is difficult to get it back. TBB Trier  was unable to find an answer. We were able to play our classical Alba basketball in the last 10 minutes and when we play like that then it is hard to beat us.

What happened on the unsportsmanlike conduct foul to Jarrett Howell on Heiko Schaffartzik? A punch was involved and Mithat Demirel and head coach Sasa Obradovic had to leave the arena.

Howell drove the ball in the lane and Heiko fouled him. Howell kept going to hoop after whistle had blown and Heiko was hit in the nose. We thought he did it on purpose, but the ref didn´t. Anytime I see blood or a hard hit, I think it is intentional, but the ref saw it differently.

Brian Harper has been one of the early surprises in the Beko BBL: Have you ever seen a player with as skinny legs as him?

Yes I have actually with Kevin Durant. I remember playing in an NBA camp and he was there and he couldn´t lift 185 pounds. Harper is so long and athletic that he has many options in his game. This makes his game so unique, because he has so many options to score.

What is the secret behind the TBB Trier defense?

They bring a lot of intensity on defense. They play many traps and simply have many defensive minded players which helps. It doesn´t matter what defensive systems they bring, it will be successful when you have many good defensive players. They have quickness, athleticism and hustle on defense combined with good defensive players then it will be hard to score against them. They have the total package on defense.

Who was the unsung hero of Alba Berlin in the TBB Trier game?

I think the whole team. Each player brought something special in all parts of the game helping team win.

Your ex teammate Quantez Robertson once said that the play missing in his collection is catching a pass at the rim and dunking over two people. What play is still missing in your collection?

We are on the fast break and my teammate misses the lay up and I follow it up dunking the ball home is the play I still want to do.

How surprised are you about the start of the Los Angeles Lakers?

I am very surprised. I know that it is early, but the yhave too much talent to be playing the way that they are. I am shocked as much as all of the United States.

What was the last DVD movie that you saw?

Scarface.

I hope that wont you get in a violent mood on the court?

Of course not.

Thanks Dashaun for the chat.

Reggie Redding is a 24 year old 196cm guard from Philadelphia, Pennsylvania. He is starting his third professional season and second with the Walter Tigers Tuebingen. He played at  Villanova (NCAA) from 2006-2010 playing  atotal of 124 NCAA games. In his senior year, he played  23 games: 7.3ppg, 4.7rpg, 2.4apg, 1.4spg, FGP: 40.8%, 3PT: 39.5%, FT: 63.8%. In 2010-2011, he played his rookie season for InterCollege Etha Engomis (Cyprus-Division A): Cyprus League: 16 games: 9.5ppg, 4.3rpg, 2.1apg, 1.0spg, FGP: 46.1%, 3PT: 44.4%, FT: 73.9%; EuroChallenge: 8 games: 7.0ppg, 3.4rpg, 2.3apg, FGP: 40.0%, 3PT: 31.3%, FT: 62.5%. Last season for the Walter Tigers Tuebingen he played 34 games: 13.2ppg, 5.8rpg, 3.3apg, Steals-3(1.4spg), FGP: 50.6%, 3PT: 41.4%, FT: 69.0%. He spoke to German Hoops about basketball.

The Walter Tigers Tuebingen finished last season in 12^th place. Does the team feel a lot of pressure to defend that position or even end up higher?

No I don´t think that we feel that much pressure. Our goal is to be better than last season. The expectations are very high for us this season. We will play the best that we can and if it is enough at the end for the playoffs we will see.

A strength in the team is the chemistry and keeping the team intact. A weakness is a thin rotation. How will the team be successful this season?

I think we will have  a nice 7-8 man rotation. I think most of the production will come from the guys form last season. We picked up Johannes Lischka and I believe that he wil help us very much. We will play different lineups. Sometimes we can play small or big which will give us match up problems with other teams.

Douglas Davis comes from the NCAA. He had a tough pre season. How do you help him on the court?

I think that he will be ok. I have told him that last season we struggled as a team at the start and guys like Vaughn Duggins and myself struggled, but after a while we picked it up. He has to get used to the Beko BBL. I think with experience that he will get better.

Kenny Frease comes from Xavier and is also a Beko BBL rookie. What player does he remind you of and can he make the break through in the Beko BBL?

With his size, he reminds me a lot of John Bryant from ratiopharm Ulm. Bryant has more experience and is more known, but I think that Kenny can make it. He has a nice touch around the rim and a nice jump shot.

Sometimes in warm ups Johannes Lischka hits three pointer after three pointer. The only thing missing is  a blindfold. What has been the most amazing thing that you have seen him do on the court so far?

His big body and size will help us at that position. He is  a lot more athletic that I thought and I never thought that he could dunk. He can post up against smaller players. I think that he will take us to another level with his play.

How important was head coach Igor Perovic for the success of the Walter Tigers Tuebingen last season?

He was very important for our success. He kept believing in us even after we started 0-6. He kept the confidence and never panicked even when other coaches would have. He kept the good attitude and we just wanted to play for him and be successful and always strived to get better.

You are one of the top 5 players in the Beko BBL, but no one seems to know it. Are you sad that you don´t get more recognition except maybe in Tuebingen?

I have been dealing with that all my life kind of being under the radar. Many people don´t know how good I can be. But that doesn´t matter. I just try to do whatever I can to help my team win. People not knowing this isn´t going to change the way I play.

What is a strength inyour game that isn´t always noticed?

I think that I am a lot better shooter than for what I get credit for. Last season opponents often let me shoot. I worked  a lot on my shot last summer. I think that I do man ythings well and no one thing great. This has helped me become the complete player that I am today.

What things do you still need to work on your game?

I can work on a lot of things, but mainly the small fundamental things. I can improve my foot work and the walk and call. I also can get better at finishing at the basket and keeping my opponent scoreless on defense.

You are from Philadelphia. Who were your NBA idols? I am sure Allen Iverson was one of them?

Yes everyone loved Allen Iverson in Philadelphia. I also liked Lebron James, Kevin Durant and Carmelo Anthony.

What is your memory of the NCAA Sweet 16 run in 2008?

I remember losing to Kansas that later became NCAA champion. I also remember our NCAA Final 4 loss to North Carolina that later won it all.

You played two years with 2010 Eurochallenge winner with BG Goettingen Dwayne Anderson. What is your nicest memory of him?

It was fun playing with Dwayne. He was so athletic and I remember how agreesive he was attacking the rim and getting rebounds. I talk to him a lot now. He is a good player and guy. I am looking forward to playing against him and my buddy Allan Ray of Ulm.

You played your rookie season in Cyprus with Anthony King. How did he make you laugh?

It was funny when I first came to Cyprus, I knew nothing about the city or how to get around. Anthony King then became my roommate. He helped me with everything and acted like  abig brother. I probably would not had made it there as a rookie without his help. I really appreciate what he did for me. He is a good friend.

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

Around 40.

What was your most crazy shot that you made in a game?

I made  a half court shot to win a game in Cyprus.

What was the last DVD movie that you saw?

El Cantante with Will Ferril.

Thanks Reggie for the chat.

 

Johnathan Jones is a 24 year old 183cm guard from Lansing, Michigan that is playing his first season in the Beko BBL and Fraport Skyliners. He played at Oakland from 2006-2010 playing a total of 125 NCAA games. In hiss enior year, he played 35 games: 12.2ppg, 2.2rpg, 6.4apg, 1.9spg, FGP: 43.1%, 3PT: 32.5%, FT: 84.8%. He broke numerous school records like  Set school record in minutes played (4,846) and tied school record as the all-time winningest player over four-year career, 85 wins . Ranks third all-time in school history in steals (196) and 11th in league history . Stands 10th all-time in OU history in points (1,674) and 18th on the league all-time scoring list . His career .816 free throw percentage ranks 10th in league history and T4 in school history . First OU player to surpass 1,300 points and 800 assists. In 2010-2011, he started his professional basketball career with  MBK Rieker Komarno (Slovakia-Extraliga) and played there for two seasons. Last season he played 42 games: 16.3ppg, 3.7rpg, Assists-4(5.3apg), 1.8spg, FGP: 52.6%, 3PT: 41.4%, FT: 80.2%. He was Slovakian League Finalist -12, Slovakian League Regular Season Champion -12, and Slovakian Cup Finalist -12. He spoke to German Hoops about basketball recently after the win at Artland.

Congrats on the 89-80 win against the Artland Dragons on the road. Is it true that you only watched video of the Ludwigsburg loss and nothing of the Artland Dragons?

We knew that we played bad in Ludwigsburg on the defensive end. We did watch some video briefly of Artland, but it was most about us and getting back to the defensive principles.

After three quarters the Fraport Skyliners led 62-61. What did Muli Katzurin tell the team to do better in the fourth quarter?

He told us to pick up our intensity on defense. In the first quarter, we played great defense which opened up our offense and got out on transition. We needed to get stops which we did and helped spark our offense.

Even though you gave up 80 points as a team, you defended better than in Ludwigsburg. What did the Fraport Skyliners do better on defense in Artland?

Our defensive pressure. In the first game, we worried too much about our man. We played better team defense, helped out and rotated well.

How tough was the preseason for you with players coming and going?

It was difficult, because you couldn´t really get used to the teammates. However with more time on the court with my teammates I have figured who each one is and playing together has gotten easier.

Do you have a lot of pressure to carry the team being that you are the point guard?

I don´t think that I really do. We have many guys helping like Dowell and Wright who are good shooters. Tez attacks the rim and Peacock is an inside presence. I try to pick my spots and be aggressive and help the team. I just want to get my teammates involved.

How difficult is it getting used to the Beko BBL. How is it different than the league in Slovakia?

There are more Americans here and the Germans are better than the Slovakian players. This league is very balanced. I am still getting used to the physical play. I take it game by game and keep learning.

How does Fraport Skyliner head coach Muli Katzurin help you best on the court?

He keeps me focused and helps me be more aggressive on the pick and roll and gives me much trust to run the show as point guard.

What is a strength in your game that doesn´t always get noticed?

My unselfishness. I just want to get everyone involved. I am also good and knowing what play to call and making sure players get the ball at the right time.

What is the greatest thing that you have seen Quantez Robertson do on the court?

Tez does it all. He has a lot of experience and in tough situations I look to him. He always knows what to do. He does something different in each game which is amazing.

You are form Lansing, Michigan. When did you realize that Magic Johnson was from there?

I knew since a small boy that he was from there. I met him an dit was cool. I played against his high school.

What advice did Magic Johnson give you?

He told me to lead the team as a point guard, but always be aggressive.

Who were your NBA idols as a kid?

Michael Jordan and Tim Hardaway.

You set many school records at Oakland. Which record means the most to you? Possibly the 1300 points and 800 assists?

Yes that is up there as well as having most wins.

What is your most fondest memory at Oakland?

Going to the NCAA tournament and losing only one game in our conference

What is your fondest memory with Larry Wright on the court?

I gave him an ally-op that he dunked home.

How have you helped Larry Wright the last weeks on the court?

Larry is a shooter. He had good shots in Ludwigsburg, but didn´t hit so well. I tell him to keep shooting even if he misses he should shoot again.

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

Russell Westbrook.

You had workouts with  the Pacers and Pistons. What kind of experience was that for you?

It was a fun experience. I met the coaches and it was intense at the same time. It started in the morning drills, practice and meetings. It was a long process.

What was your wakeup call in Slovakia?

It was my first time in Europe and I really didn´t know what to expect. However I didn´t have one. The whole experience was great.

How did Oakland head coach Greg Kampe get you prepared best for a professional basketball career

It was very important that he let me play point guard for four years. I got much experience and he gave me a lot of trust and I was about to grow as a player.

What were the most number of free throws that you made in a row in a practice or game without missing?

I made 50 in a practice and 47 straight in a game in a 4-5 game span.

What was your most crazy shot that you made?

A half court shot.

Who wins a one on one game you or Konstantin Klein?

I would win, but he is a very tough player.

What was the last DVD movie that you saw?

Brooklyn´s Finest with Wesley Snipes.

Thanks Johnathan for the chat

In the Beko BBL in the past there have been teams that have had the luxury of having a trio of players, three amigos or three musketeers however one wants to describe it that have helped their respective teams in special ways, be it in scoring, winning titles or just bringing a team to new heights. In the heyday of the Frankfurt Skyliners glory  days, the team had the Bermuda triangle of Americans mr everything Chris Williams, in the corner parked Tyrone Ellis and Skyliner legend Pascal Roller who helped carry the team to the 2004 title and 2005 Beko BBL final. In Paderborn, you had the three musketeers of slick scoring Tim Black who led the Beko BBL in scoring in 2008. The heart and soul of the team Marius Nolte and Mr versatile Steven Esterkamp who helped carry the small town to the Beko BBL in 2006 winning 50 games in a row in the second Bundesliga. This season the Telekom Baskets Bonn have  a trio of Americans with three ex NBA Draft picks of Jared Jordan who is the best point guard in the Beko BBL that led the Greece league in assists in 2011 and Beko BBL in 2012 and should be in the NBA now, Patrick Ewing jr who has a name that makes basketball cracks heads turn and could have a private competition with FC Bayern Munich as too which name is more famous in the world in their respective sports or Robert Vaden who can shoot out the lights on any given night and could probably make a swish shot from the top of the Chase tower in Indianapolis if a basket was on the ground. When seeing these three names, one can ask the question if they are the most talented trio of Americans ever to have set foot in Bonn? “Bonn had a good combination of Americans in the last years when you look at guys like ex NBA player Edward Basden, Winsome Frazier or EJ Rowland. Mike Koch always does a good job finding good Americans. Last season he brought in Tony Gaffney. I saw Patrick Ewing play at Georgetown at the NCAA Final 4. He had the skills, but not so much that fluid explosiveness, but that can be at age 22. Big guys often develop later. I was surprised he didn´t land in the NBA. I saw video of him this season and I like how he plays. He plays no real role in the Bonn offense. He lives off his rebounding. He goes there where it hurts. It is hard to say if this is the best group of Americans ever, but they will be a force. Vaden is your typical touch and shoot player. One also can´t forget what Koch has done with German players. He did a good job developing Alex King further. One thought that King would sink after he left the Skyliners, but he developed well in Bonn”, stressed basketball expert Steven Clauss. One Skyliner isn´t about to let a famous name ruffle his feathers. “Ewing is just another opponent. A name is a name”, smiled Zach Peacock.

Since head coach Michael Koch has had free reigns of gobbling up players each new season, his trust in American players and their abilities has been as strong as the Boston Bruins belief that their 2011 Stanley Cup win was no fluke and waiting another 39 years for the next one is out of the question, American singer Rihanna confident that her new album Talk Talk talk with hit single Take A Bow is a track that many people will rap about for years to come or Lindsay Lohan somehow not abruptly disappearing, but continuing to hang around in the news showing her support for legend Marilyn Monroe in her own essay for a new coffee book. In the last six years with 71 players on the roster, Koch has picked 38 Americans.  It has been no secret that Michael Koch Has had faith in the Americans the last years as much as Skyliner fans have seeing Quantez Robertson take new athletic and breathtaking lift offs to the basket this season, Bastian Schweinsetiger doing some more trick shots with the basketball, or Dashaun Wood feeding Derrick Allen an ally-op pass, but being rejected from behind at the second from Super Tez Robertson. However after not reaching the playoffs in 2010-2011 for only the second time in their basketball existence, the German coach decided to go in another direction supplementing the roster with only three Americans in 2011-2012 which could give the few Mcdonalds in the Rhine city less business now with less of an influx of Americans playing there. For some Americans going to Mcdonalds is about as regular as Germans going to the beer garden, going to Mallorca for vacation for driving a Volkswagen and sometimes when your in a new country and are shy and see the big yellow arches, one just can´t resist. “I actually only visit Mcdonalds about once a month in Europe, but I think the Americans rather have a greasy Big Mac and French fries then good tasty Wiener Schnitzel”, smiled  ex Beko BBL player Steven Wright. With less Americans and players from other countries, there might be an influx to taste the real German classic food. “The Mcdonalds might be down, but the Wiener Schnitzel will be up”, laughed EnBW Ludwigsburg Mark Dorris. Koch had the right feeling last season reaching the Beko BBL playoffs again even if it was on the last game day.

The Telekom Baskets Bonn have been in the playoffs since 1997 almost as often as Allen Iverson said “Practice” in his infamous press conference as the club of coach Michael Koch missed just two times in 2005 and in 2011, but have the cruel distinction of not being able to win the big title losing five finals and two cup finals that brings back memories to the NFL Buffalo Bills of the 90s as they perished in four Superbowl finals. The Telekom Baskets Bonn were BBL finalists in 1997,1999, 2001, 2008 and 2009 and Cup finalists in 2005 and 2009. If you lose one final, try try again and if you lose a second consecutive final try try again, but if you reach a third final then the team has to finally win or forever be classified as the German basketball version of the Buffalo Bills football team that had the distinction of being second way too many times. A Michael Phelps has never worried about being second since he has won 11 gold medals at the Olympics, two bronze medals, but no silver medals before the 2012 Olympics. Being second hurts about as much as catching someone cheating, but in the BBL with guys coming and going, the trademark of always finishing second shouldn´t really effect a team mentally as much as one might think. “I don’t think that it takes a toll on the team. Teams are usually building new teams each year. But with Bonn that has kept a good core of guys from the last years, that should help the team more than hurt it when it comes to winning a title”, added ex Gloria Giants Duesseldorf guard Steven Wright.

However in  2010-2011 was a season to forget for the Telekom Baskets Bonn as they finished in 13^th place with a record of 14-20. It is always difficult enough to be known as a team not being able to win a title, but not reaching the playoffs is about as unexpected as Bayern Munich soccer team losing games at the moment with their unbeaten record, Paris Hilton refraining from wearing big sunglasses anywhere as that fetish seems to have returned to her, or Boris Becker ever forgetting what happened in a London hotel closet. Bonn had a very talented team in 2010-2011 with seven Americans and at times were carried in many games by the trio of Nic Wise, Folarian Campbell and Jeremy Hunt that averaged 38 points out of the team total 71 points per game, however the team play just wasn´t consistent enough. “They had some great individual players, but they just didn´t seem to gell”, added ex Phoenix Hagen guard Mark Dorris. Their biggest wins were  against BG Goettingen, The EWE Baskets Oldenburg and The Artland Dragons. A big five game winning streak in December helped the team in the first half, but in the second half of the season the team seemed to falter as they finished the season from February to May with a 2-12 record and raised many questions. “I think that they had too many players that wanted to much for themselves than for the team”, remembered ex Tuebingen guard Steven Wright. In those 12 games, the team lost only three games by less than five points and lost the rest pretty easily.

With the misfortune of last year, the club decided to revamp and made a total facelift  saying farewell to 10 players. They kept the support and back bone of the team with Beko BBL dinosaur Chris Ensminger and young Germans Fabian Thulig and Jonas Wohlfarth-Bottermann. The team also kept long time coach Michael Koch who keeps the patience and trust of management and has a contract until 2013. The team brought in versatile power forward Tony Gaffney who has been with the Boston Celtics and Assist magnet Jared Jordan who returns back to the club after a year in Greece to round out the American trio. To help fill the void of new extra Americans, the team got two players from Lithuvania with Simonas Serapinas and Benas Veikalis and Zvonko Buljan. Koch also has trust in Germans Daniel Hain and Andrej Mangold. Koch works now with a 10 man roster and sees his switch from American ball to European ball as positive. “It is easier to integrate Europeans into a team than it is Americans who tend to think I before we”, stressed Michael Koch. This season, the Telekom Baskets started off hot winning their first five games including home games against FC Bayern Munich and the EWE Baskets Oldenburg. Soon after followed a five game losing streak where they lost three homes games in a row. Since then they have been a very up and down team never having more than a three game winning streak. Their biggest wins of the season since Christmas have been home games against Alba Berlin and the Artland Dragons. They were able to sweep the season series with Oldenburg. Their biggest problem has simply been depth. They have a very thin roster and the recent removal of Zvonko Buljan didn´t help their run in the playoffs if they make it. In a do or die game on the last game day, the team kept their composure and nerves giving the Fraport Skyliners a rude kick into early summer vacation. The team finished the season with a 18-16 record sneaking into the Beko BBL playoffs and having a date with the mighty Brose Baskets Bamberg. After a surprise 75-74 win Bamberg in game one something no Beko BBL team ahd done in 2 years dating back to the Deutsche Bank Skyliners, they lost the next three games as Bamberg went on to win the Beko BBL title

This season Michael Koch was back at the drawing board and was able to construct another very interesting team that will be fighting for the playoffs. As it is every season, there is always the difficulty of keeping talented players that had good seasons and get tempted by the big money. One of these players was Tony Gaffney who went to the ACB in Spain. The combination of Jared Jordan to Tony Gaffney ally-ops were about as usual at least each game as a Konstantin Klein to Johannes Voigtmann give and go play is with the Fraport Skyliners. The team also said farewell to mini microwave Taylor Battle and Simonas Serapinas and little used German Daniel Hain.  The team was able to keep dinosaur Chris Ensminger that is turning 39, but always seems to stay at the age of 28 in body on the court and top playmaker Jared Jordan who will be the key to the success of the team. Benas Veikalas was also kept as well as Germans Andrej Mangold,  Fabian Thulig and Jonas Wohlfarth-Bottermann. The team picked up four new players with three Americans and one German. The most famous name is Patrick Ewing jr who has NBA experience and is playing his first season in Europe and the club hopes that he will be even a bigger presence under the boards than Tony Gaffney was. Robert Vaden also has NBA experience as well as European experience. He is about as deadly a shooter as they come and will give the team a lot of depth from outside as well as from the mid distance where he hits a majority of his shots. Koch also brought in a rookie with Kyle Weems who is a power forward and played at Missouri State. He lost seven pounds during the summer and is agile enough to play the position three if needed. Finally Koch brought in David Mccray who had played in Ludwigsburg since 2007, but never was able to make the big breakthrough. He now has a new chance and is known as a rugged defender that can score when needed and runs around the court like the brother of Derrick Allen with his hectic play. He also is like an extra assistant coach on the court which can always be beneficial. The strength of the Telekom Baskets Bonn this season will be their quickness. With Jordan you have a passer that can find any teammate at any time. He will be the main force on keeping the offense going. The team also is looking forward to playing defense and have two pit bull dogs with Germans David Mccray and Andrej Mangold. A weakness could be the boards if the project isn´t done properly. Ensminger is turning 39 and one can never know if an injury will occur. The back up center is little used German Wolfarth-Bottermann. He will have to give stability and the team will have to pride team rebounding as a whole. Bonn will have to stay healthy if they want to have a chance of reaching the Beko BBL playoffs this season. “I like how Bonn play this season. They will play well. They have good gaurds and inside players. All in all a good mix of Indians and chiefs. They play disciplined basketball like bringing the ball to Ensminger and like to change the rhythm on defense. I think that Koch has done a good job this year with finding the right quality of players that will mesh together”, said basketball expert Steven Clauss.

In the last Six seasons, The Deutsche Bank Skyliners only have a 5-12 record. It doesn´t matter if Frankfurt played at the old gym or in the new arena, Frankfurt is 0-9 in this time. The last time, The Deutsche Bank Skyliners won in Bonn, New England patriot Tom Brady had not sipped champagne yet as a third Super Bowl winner, Jurgen Klinsmann was still coach of the German national soccer team, Paul Potts was still selling cell phones and singing in front of the mirror and the terrifying Tsunami was only a few days old as Frankfurt won in Bonn on January 1^st 2005 with a 79-67 win as Chris Williams exploded with 27 points and 16 rebounds.In the 2010-2011 season the Skyliners lost a tight 92-89 game shortly before the new year as Nic wise took control in crunch time.The 20 point, eight rebound and seven assist performance didn´t help in the losing cause from Dashaun Wood. Frankfurt got revenge in the return date in the Ballsporthalle as they took apart Bonn 78-60 as Dashaun Wood led all scorers with 20 points and no Bonn player scored in double figures. In their first meeting last season, the Telekom Baskets Bonn won 79-64 as Bonn was leading 41-34 at halftime and had a strong 22-12 third quarter that iced the cake for the win. Simonas Serapinas Led Bonn with 20 points, while the two ex Skyliners Justin Gray contributed 21 points and Jon Leuer 16 points. Frankfurt shot under 40% and were out rebounded badly. In the return game in Bonn, Frankfurt lost 81-62 not reaching the Beko BBL playoffs. The Skyliners had no method of stoping Chris Ensminger that had 24 points. Jermareo Davidosn added 18 points and Jimmy Mckinney had 13 points in his last game as a Skyliner.

The Fraport Skyliners come into the Bonn game resting in last place with a 1-5 record and are looking to snap their three game losing streak and reeling off another bitter loss in which they let Bremerhaven end the game with an 8-0 run losing 74-68. . Rebounding and limiting turnovers continues to be a problem for the Fraport Skyliners. The Telekom Baskets Bonn are resting in ninth place with a 2-2 record and are coming off a loss at home to the Artland Dragons. Bonn is a very strong rebounding team as they average almost 10 rebounds more than Frankfurt per game. Muli Katzurin will have to have his team ready on the boards. “Bonn is very strong inside and have big edge over Skyliners. Sklyiners need to pressure the Bonn guards much and the game will be determined under the boards. Frankfurt has to show enough power under the basket”, warned Steven Clauss. Frankfurt also has to focus on themselves. “We have to come out an dplay our game and not worry so much about the opponent”, stressed Quantez Robertson.

The club did a fantastic job complementing the team with 38 year old 209cm center veteran Chris Ensminger in 2009-2010 and has returned for a fourth season and just keeps going  is as known in the BEKO BBL as jiffy popcorn in the states. He is a BBL statesman that has won two BBL titles with Bamberg in 2005 and 2007, had season double double averages in the BBL with ppg and rpg from 2001-2005. He always gives 100% with relentless hard work under the hoop and one has to look closely for him to sneak a smile during a game. He is a strong center with fantastic rebound-skills, can score from the low-post. He is right handed, but shoots FTs with the left hand. His biggest success was with Bamberg, but he also played in Paderborn and MBC. Before he came to Germany, he played in the NCAA with Valparaiso from 1992-1996. Then he got his first experience as a professional basketball player in Portugal, France and New Zealand. In 2010-2011 for Bonn, he played EuroCup: 5 games: 16.0ppg, 10.0rpg, 1.0apg, FGP: 50.0%, FT: 75.0%; German League: 35 games: 12.8ppg, Reb-2(8.5rpg), 1.1apg, FGP: 54.9%, FT: 74.0%. Ensminger may be 37, but his intelligence may out weigh his talent. “Ensminger plays so hard and is always in the right position on the boards. He won´t out jump anyone, but he is pretty smart”, stressed Quentin Pryor. Former teammate Steve Wright has fond memories of the native from Ohio as they were played together in Paderborn. “Chris is smarter than his opponents and always puts himself in the right position. He is extremely disciplined and is a leader. I don´t think there is really a way to stop him as he is very consistent. He was like a big brother for me and when he gave me advice I listened”, added ex New Yorker Phantoms Braunschweig guard Steven Wright. The game of Ensminger also seems to have a special taste as he is always a joy to watch. “His hook shot at the 2010 BEKO BBL Allstar game was very nice. He has an old school game so I wasn´t shocked when I saw it. He seems to have a bag of shots like that”, commented Quentin Pryor. Alex King played two seasons with the veteran that plays like a 28 year old. “He is one of the best centers in the league and can do it all under the hoop, pass, and use both hands. He is just a complete player. Of the court he is a quiet player, but one that you can talk to. I have a lot of respect for him”, expressed Alex King. Last season, he played EuroChallenge: 11 games: 12.0ppg, 6.2rpg, 1.3apg, FGP: 60.6%, FT: 70.6%; German League: 37 games: 14.8ppg, Reb-4(7.3rpg), 1.4apg, FGP: 57.3%, FT: 75.4%

The team also brought back Jared Jordan who is a 28 year old 188cm point guard from Hartford that understands how to run a team. Has great court vision and leadership. He played at Marist from 2003-2007 and finished his last two seasons as the top assist man in the NCAA with 8,5a nd 8,7apg. He was drafted by the Los Angeles Clippers in the second round in 2007. He never played in the NBA, but was always very close as he visited training camps with The New York Knicks in 2007 and New Orleans Hornets in 2008. Before coming to Bonn in 2009, he played for top team Lietuvos Rytas Vilnius (Lithuania-LKL) and had a stint in the D-league for Rio Grande Valley Vipers (D-League): 36 games: 10.9ppg, 3.8rpg, Assists-2(9.0apg), 2.0spg, FGP: 45.9%, 3PT: 28.0%, FT: 70.3%. In his first season with Bonn, he played EuroCup: 5 games: 6.4ppg, 3.4rpg, 4.4apg, FGP: 37.9%, 3PT: 10.5%, FT: 80.0%; German League: 37 games: 9.0ppg, 4.2rpg, Assists-4(5.3apg), FGP: 43.4%, 3PT: 32.1%, FT: 76.8%. In 2010-2011, he played for VAP Kolossos Rodou (Greece-A1, starting five): 27 games: 6.3ppg, 2.6rpg, Assists-1(5.5apg), FGP: 52.3%, 3PT: 23.2%, FT: 56.0%. Last season for Bonn, he played German League: 36 games: 10.7ppg, 3.8rpg, Assists-1(8.2apg), 1.0spg, FGP: 49.7%, 3PT: 38.4%, FT: 81.4%; EuroChallenge: 12 games: 10.6ppg, 4.6rpg, Assists-1(8.8apg), FGP: 56.5%, 3PT: 36.1%, FT: 55.6%. The team also returns Benas Veikalas for a second season as he is a 29 year old 192cm guard from Lituvania. He got experience playing for Metropolitan St. (NCAA2). He then came back to Europe and played for  Nevezis Kedainiai (LKL) and two seasons for BK Prostejov (Czech Rep) before coming to Bonn last season. Last season for Bonn, he played German League: 35 games: 13.5ppg, 3.4rpg, 1.8apg, FGP: 61.4%, 3PT: 41.0%, FT-3(88.5%); EuroChallenge: 9 games: 11.3ppg, 3.1rpg, 2.9apg, FGP: 55.3%, 3PT: 34.3%, FT-3(93.3%).

The team also returns three Germans. The team also brought back 25 year old 190cm Andrej Magold, who might get his first real chance in Bonn. He has bounced around German yin the last years playing  regionalliga basketball with Hannover and TB Oldenburg and then playing second division ball with FC Bayern Munich from 2007-2009. In 2009-2010, he played for UBC Hannover Tigers (ProA, starting five): 25 games: 8.5ppg, 3.1rpg, 3.0apg, 1.0spg, FGP: 45.7%, 3PT: 35.7%, FT: 69.1%. last season, he played for the Artland Dragons Quakenbrueck (1.Bundesliga): 26 games: 0.5ppg; also a license to play for SC Rasta Vechta (ProB): 2 games: 1.5ppg, 4.0rpg, 2.5apg, 1.0spg. Last season, he played  EuroChallenge: 12 games: 1.8ppg; German League: 37 games: 3.1ppg, 1.3rpg. The team also return Fabian Thulig who is a 23 year old 196cm forward who has been with the club since 2006. He made his debut in the Beko BBL in 2008 at age 18. He has been brought along slowly, but has been developing well. In 2010-2011, he played 26 games Beko BBL games averaging 2.8ppg, 1.5rpg; EuroChallenge: 6 games: 4.5ppg; also played at Dragons Rhoendorf (ProA)15 games: 9.7ppg, 4.1rpg, 2.2apg, 1.2spg, FGP: 46.7%, 3PT: 25.0%, FT: 78.0%. Last season, he played EuroChallenge: 12 games: 4.4ppg, 1.5rpg; German League: 30 games: 1.2ppg Jonas Wolfarth-Botterman is a 21 year old 207cm center that has been with the club since 2007. In 2010-2011played 4 Beko BBL games averaging 1.5ppg, 1.8rpg; also have a license to play at Dragons Rhoendorf (ProA) playing 29 games: 12.8ppg, 7.9rpg, Blocks-1(2.1bpg), FGP: 54.9%, 3PT-1(50.0%), FT: 44.9%. Last season, he played EuroChallenge: 5 games: 2.0ppg, 1.0rpg; German League: 20 games: 2.4ppg, 1.5rpg.

Patrick Ewing jr is a 28 year old 203cm power forward from Marietta Georgia that also has the Jamacian citzenship,  and  has the distinction of being the son of NBA legend Patrick Ewing. He started his basketball career at Indiana and tthen played at Georgetown from 2006-2008. In 2008, he was drafted by the  drafted by Sacramento Kings (NBA,2rd(43). In 2008-2009, he started with the  Sacramento Kings (NBA), traded to Houston Rockets (NBA), in Sep.’08 traded to New York Knicks (NBA), left in Oct.’08, in Dec.’08 moved to Reno Bighorns (D-League): 29 games: 16.3ppg, 8.9rpg, 3.0apg, 1.4spg, 1.3bpg, FGP: 45.7%, 3PT: 23.4%, FT: 77.0%, In 2010-2011, he played for the New York Knicks (NBA), left in Oct.’10, then moved to Reno Bighorns (D-League): 25 games: 15.7ppg, 8.4rpg, 3.2apg, 1.6spg, 1.2bpg, FGP: 44.0%, 3PT: 34.4%, FT: 79.4%; in Jan.’11 traded to Sioux Falls Skyforce (D-League): 23 games: 19.9ppg, Reb-2(10.6rpg), 3.3apg, 1.3spg, FGP: 49.1%, 3PT: 33.8%, FT: 82.1%, in Mar.’11 signed at New Orleans Hornets (NBA): 9 games: 0.7ppg. Last season, he played for the Sioux Falls Skyforce (D-League): 11 games: 10.1ppg, 4.3rpg, 2.8apg, 1.1spg, FGP: 48.5%, 3PT: 22.9%, FT: 82.1%; in Feb.’12 signed at Iowa Energy (D-League, starting five): 19 games: 8.3ppg, 4.4rpg, 1.3apg, 1.1spg, FGP: 45.5%, 3PT: 34.6%, FT: 81.6%. The team also brought in Robert Vaden is a 27 year old 196cm swingman from Indianapolis that is an great offensive player, who can read screens, find an open shot for himself and serve the open teammate. Shoots well from outside and can become deadly from behind the European 3pts arch. Also, even being not so athletic, he’s really strong and knows how to defend, even on taller opponents. He played together with Ewing at Indiana from 2004-2006 before transferring to the Univeristy of Alabama at Birmingham where he played until 2009. In 2009, he was drafted by the Charlotte Bobcats (NBA,2rd(54). In 2009-2010, he started his professional basketball career for Aget Imola (Lega2, starting five): 29 games: 16.9ppg, 3.6rpg, 1.9apg, 1.8spg, FGP: 43.7%, 3PT: 40.0%, FT: 75.4%. In 2001-2011, he played for the Tulsa 66ers (D-League, starting five): 48 games: 11.0ppg, 2.5rpg, 2.2apg, FGP: 43.8%, 3PT: 40.5%, FT: 75.0%, in Apr.’11 moved to Oklahoma City Thunder (NBA), the same day assigned to Tulsa 66ers (D-League, starting five). Last season, he played for BK SPU Bemaco Nitra (Slovakia-Extraliga): EuroChallenge: 6 games: 16.8ppg, 4.2rpg, 1.7apg, 1.0spg, FGP: 43.2%, 3PT: 40.9%, FT: 75.0%; 18 games: 17.4ppg, 4.7rpg, 2.4apg, 1.8spg, FGP: 51.0%, 3PT: 40.0%, FT: 84.2% , in Dec.’11 moved to Minnesota Timberwolves (NBA), in Jan.’12 joined Tulsa 66ers (D-League, starting five): 36 games: 12.8ppg, 2.8rpg, 2.4apg, FGP: 42.1%, 3PT: 44.6%, FT: 78.6%. Kyle Weems is a 23 year old 198cm power forward from Topeka, Kansas that is a Beko BBL rookie. He played at Missouri State from 2007-2012 and in his senior year played 31 games: 15.4ppg, 7.1rpg, 1.4apg, FGP: 41.4%, 3PT: 40.3%, FT: 78.0%. He played a total of 134 NCAA games. This past summer, he played nBA Summer league for the Warriors and Raptors. 26 year old 188cm guard German guard David Mccray is playing his firsts eason in Bonn. He already made his debut in the BBL as an 18 year old in 2004 with BG Karlsruhe where he played until 2007. He is very athletic that can put the ball in the hoop. He is tough to stop on one on one defense and he is secretly the teams energizer and coach on the court. He can be very efficient on the court as he showed in 2009-2010 as he  scored 13 points in 15 minutes against Bamberg and 11 points in 12 minutes against Ratiopharm Ulm. In 2009-2010, he played 33 games: 5.0ppg, 1.9rpg, 1.1apg, FGP: 42.3%, 3PT: 37.2%, FT: 65.0%. In 2010-2011, he played 34 games: 5.7ppg, 1.4rpg, 1.8apg, FGP: 57.4%, 3PT: 31.8%, FT: 64.2%. Last season, he played 32 games: 2.4ppg, 1.2rpg.