BBL

Tristan Blackwood (Phoenix Hagen): I Bring Energy To The Floor

Tristan Blackwood is a 26 year old 183cm guard from Toronto, Ontario that will be starting his fourth professional basketball season and first in the beko BBL for Phoenix Hagen. He played at Cent.Conn.St. (NCAA) from 2004-2008.In his senior year, he played  : 30 games: 16.4ppg, 2.7rpg, 5.2apg, 1.2spg, FGP: 40.5%, 3PT: 37.0%, FT: 86.4%: Finished career at CCSU ranked sixth all-time in scoring (1,605), second in assists (506), and first in three-pointers made (328). In 2008-2009, he started his professional basketball career in Holland for Aris Friesland Leeuwarden (Holland-Eredivisie) where he played from 2008-2010. Last season, he played for JL Bourg Basket (France-ProB), in Dec.’10 moved to s Oliver Baskets Wuerzburg (Germany-ProA): 12 games: 3.3ppg, 1.5apg, in March’11 signed at GiroLive-Ballers Osnabrueck (Germany-ProA, starting five): 5 games: 11.6ppg, 1.2rpg, 5.8apg, 2.0spg, FGP: 52.6%, 3PT: 33.3%, FT: 80.0%. He spoke to German Hoops about basketball.

How happy are you about signing with Phoenix Hagen and getting a good jump on your summer getting signed early instead of waiting around like many other players for that job?

It feels good to know a team is interested in you. When there is an opportunity to get on a good team in a good league, personally wouldn’t wait. I can’t speak for other players, but when something like this comes across I will take it.

(more…)

Adnan Hodzic (Walter Tigers Tuebingen): I Think That Tyrone Nash And I Can Do A Lot Of High Low Stuff Together

Adnan Hodzic is a 23 year old 203cm fprward from Sarajevo, Bosnia that will make his professional basketball debut in the Beko BBL for The Walter Tigers Tuebingen this season. He just finished a four year college basketball career at Lipscomb (NCAA). In his senior year, he played 30 games: 17.7ppg, 7.5rpg, 1.0apg, FGP: 56.3%, 3PT: 12.5%, FT: 72.6%. His strongest statistical season was his junior year where he played 30 games: 22.7ppg, 9.1rpg, FGP: 60.4%, FT: 67.6%. Awards/Achievements in his career so far have been A-Sun All-Freshman Team -08, A-Sun Tournament Semifinals -09, All-A-Sun 1st Team -09, 10, 11, A-Sun Regular Season Champion -10, All-A-Sun Player of the Year -10, NABC Division I All-District 3 1st Team -10, 11, AP NCAA All-America Honorable Mention -10, and Bosnia and Herzegovina National Team -11. Hodzic spoke to German Hoops about basketball

Congrats on getting contract with The Walter Tigers Tuebingen. How did your first go with finding a team go? Did you have many more offers? The market has been tough in last years so getting a job so early must be very satisfying?

The Walter Tigers offer was very unexpected. My agent was more so looking to place me in Spain or Italy. However, the Walter Tigers gave me a great offer that was hard to turn down. Also, the coach I liked a lot, it was easy to communicate with him because we speak the same language.

(more…)

Kevin Hamilton: Frankfurt Would Be A Great Place To Play. Quantez Robertson is One Of The Most Athletic Human Beings I Have Ever Seen.

Kevin Hamilton is a 27 year old 193cm guard from Queens Village, New York that just completed his second season for The New Yorker Phantoms Braunschweig. He played at Holy Cross from 2002-2006 and played together with ex Skyliner Keith Simmons. In his senior year, he played 31 games averaging 17.6ppg, 6.3rpg, 3.5apg, 3.3spg, FG: 38.1%, 3PT: 33.2%, FT: 77.7%. In his rookie season 2006-2007, he came to Europe and played in Poland for Polpak Swiecie playing 19 games and averaging 13.0ppg, 4.5rpg, 3.8apg, Steals-2(2.3spg), 2FGP: 44.8%, 3PT: 38.2%, FT: 64.2%. In 2007-2008, he played in France for Besancon Basket Comte Doubs (France-ProB) playing 2 games and averaging 6.0ppg, 2.5rpg, 2.5apg. He also had a short tenure in Mexico with Pioneros de Quintana Roo-Cancun. In 2008-2009, he returned back to Poland to play for SKK Kotwica Kolobrzeg playing 32 games averaging 11.0ppg, 5.1rpg, Assists-1(6.4apg), Steals-1(2.8spg), FGP: 43.6%, 3PT: 32.6%, FT: 66.5%. He was not lazy in the last three summers staying in game shape and playing in Puerto Rico playing 90 games. In the summer of 2009, he played for Indios de Mayaguez playing  35 games and averaging 10.5ppg, 4.7rpg, Assists-3(6.3apg), Steals-2(1.7spg), FGP: 45.4%, 3PT: 28.1%, FT: 70.6%. His father was a draft pick of The Boston Celtics in 1980. In 2009-2010, he played his first season in Braunschweig playing 39 games: 10.1ppg, 3.8rpg, Assists-3(5.4apg), Steals-2(1.9spg), FGP: 63.7%, 3PT: 33.9%, FT: 77.6%. Last season for Braunschweig, he played 39 games: 9.0ppg, 4.1rpg, 4.3apg, Steals-1(1.9spg), FGP: 53.9%, 3PT: 33.3%, FT: 67.0%. Currently he is with the Puerto Rican national team and looking for a team for next season. There is always a possibility that he will return to the Beko BBL. He spoke to German Hoops about basketball.

The New Yorker Phantoms Braunschweig lost in 5 games to the Artland Dragons in May. What was key in this series for Artland advancing?

I think they were just too tough at home last game. It was a great series , both teams played real hard but at the end they just executed better than us.

(more…)

Nate Linhart (TBB Trier): With Dru Joyce I Always Knew What I Was Going To Get Each Game.

Nate Linhart is a 24 year old 201cm forward from Gahanna, Ohio that will play his third professional basketball season and first in the German Beko BBL with TBB Trier. The American played for Akron (NCAA) from 2005-2009. In his senior year, he played 36 games: 10.3ppg, 6.2rpg, 1.5apg, 1.7spg, FGP: 44.3%, 3Pts: 32.8%, FTBSC Raiffeisen Furstenfeld Panthers (Austria-A Bundesliga, starting five): 44 games: 11.1ppg, 4.0rpg, 1.6apg, 1.2spg, FGP: 59.4%, 3PT: 34.0%, FT: 76.1%.last season, he played for Erie Bay Hawks (D-League): 50 games: 10.3ppg, 5.8rpg, 2.9apg, 1.7spg, FGP: 50.4%, 3PT: 35.8%, FT: 73.8%. Awards/Achievements in his career have been MAC East Division Regular Season Runner-Up -06, 08, MAC Tournament Semifinals -06, MAC East Division Regular Season Champion -07, 09, MAC Tournament Finalist -07, 08, All-MAC Honorable Mention -09, MAC Defensive Player of the Year -09, MAC Tournament Winner -09, MAC All-Tournament MVP -09, MAC All-Tournament Team -09, Eurobasket Summer League in Las Vegas Finalist -09, Austrian Supercup Winner -09, Eurobasket.com All-Austrian Bundesliga Honorable Mention -10, Eurobasket.com Austrian Bundesliga All-Defensive Team -10, Austrian Bundesliga A Finalist -10, Austrian Bundesliga A Regular Season Champion -10, and D-League East Conference Runner-Up -11. He spoke to German Hoops about basketball.

You will be starting your third professional basketball season in October for TBB Trier in the Beko BBL. What were the main reasons that you chose the club on the Mosel river?

I had a chance to meet Coach Roedl last year in Vegas and he made an impression on me as someone I would enjoy playing for. When the opportunity presented itself to play for him this year, after reviewing my other options, I felt it would be the best fit for me in Trier.

(more…)

Teamcheck 2011/2012: Telekom Baskets Bonn

Last season the Telekom Baskets Bonn missed the Play-Offs for the first time in seven years. It has been just for the second time since 1996 that the post season started without the magenta colored jerseys.

It was clear that everything had to be questioned this summer and almost every player seemed to be replaceable.

The one big exception was Bundesliga veteran Chris Ensminger. The 37-year old center, who has spend almost his entire pro career in Germany was signed for two more years – and with good reason. Ensminger has always been one of these players you love to have on your team and you easily start to hate on the opponent’s team. Of course his style sometimes seems questionable and he did his best to be called Mr. Elbow or the league’s elbow among fans. But even in his late 30s Ensminger is simply one of the best big men in the BBL. He still knows all those old school center moves (that slowly disappear from the game), works hard under the baskets and is always a team-first player. What else could you wish for? And I think there could not be a better teacher for german youngster Jonas Wohlfahrt-Bottermann, who should finally get some more minutes in Germany’s elite league. The 21-year old prospect averaged 12.8 points and 7.9 rebounds per game for ProA club Rhöndorf Dragons last season and has to get more quality minutes to take the next step in his career.

(more…)

Vaughn Duggins (Walter Tigers Tuebingen): Dashaun Wood Beat Me 9 Out Of 10 Times On One On One

Vaughn Duggins is a 23 year old 190cm guard from Pendelton, Indiana that will be starting his professional basketball career in the Beko BBL with the Walter Tigers Tuebingen. He played at Wright State from 2006-2011 including his freshman year with 2011 Beko BBLMVP Dashaun Wood. In his senior season, the American played 33 games: 18.0ppg, 3.8rpg, 2.2apg, 1.5spg, FGP: 44.7%, 3PT: 31.1%, FT: 82.2%. Awards/Achievements in his basketball career have beenHorizon League Regular Season Runner-Up -07, 10, Horizon League Tournament Winner -07, Horizon League All-Newcomer Team -07, All-Horizon League 1st Team -08, 11, Horizon League Tournament Semifinals -09, Horizon League Tournament Finalist -10, All-Horizon League 2nd Team -10, Horizon League All-Defensive Team -10,and NABC Division I All-District 12 2nd Team -10, 11. He spoke to German Hoops about basketball.

Congrats on getting your first professional contract with the Walter Tigers Tuebingen. How was your first process of getting a job coming out of college?

My first process of getting a job coming out of college has been great. I really just sat back and took it all in. My agents at Pro One Sports Management really worked hard for me and made the process as easy on me as possible.

(more…)

Dane Watts (Ratiopharm Ulm): I Think That John Bryant And I Will Compliment Each Other Well On The Court

Dane Watts is a 25 year old 203cm forward from Warrensburg that just completed his second season for the Walter Tigers Tuebingen averaging 13,7ppg, 7,6rpg and 1,1 apg. He played shortly in France recently for Hyeres-Toulon averaging 7,3ppg, 6,0rpg and 1,7apg.  Recently he signedwith Ratiopharm Ulm for the 2011-2012 Beko BBL season. He played at Creighton (NCAA) from 2004-2008. In his senior year, he played 33 games: 11.3ppg, 6.4rpg, 1.0apg, FGP: 53.4%, 3Pts: 42.5%, FT: 71.8%. In 2008, he came to Germany and started his professional basketball career with EnBW Ludwigsburg (Germany-1.Bundesliga, starting five): 32 games: 8.9ppg, 3.8rpg, FGP-1(68.4%), 3PT: 30.8%, FT: 68.7%. Last season, he played for The Walter Tigers Tuebingen playing 34 games: 10.2ppg, 5.4rpg, 1.5apg, FGP: 57.1%, 3PT: 37.6%, FT: 71.0%. Watts sat down with German Hoops and talked about basketball and RatiopharmUlm.

The Walter Tigers Tuebingen missed the Beko BBL playoffs and you have had an extended summer. How has your summer been? What has been your most enjoyable non basketball experience so far?

I feel like my summer has been shorter than usual. After our last game in Berlin I went to Toulon France for 3 weeks and ended up playing as long as most BBL teams. We just had the 4th of July here and it was a great time. I got to see some family that I had not seen in a while, always great to be around loved ones.

(more…)

Mark Dorris: I Had Some Good And Bad Games And Kind Of Fizzled Out At The End

Mark Dorris is a 25 year old 188 cm guard playing in Germany in the BEKO BBL for Phoenix Hagen. He was born and raised in Cincinnati, Ohio and visited Princeton high school. He then attended St. Catharine College for a year before transfering to Marshall where he played from 2005-2008. In his senior year, he played 30 games averaging 13.6ppg, 4.0rpg, 2.4apg, 1.8spg, FGP: 39.1%, 3Pts: 34.3%, FT: 75.9%.For Cuxhaven, he played 29 games: 18.3ppg, 4.8rpg, 3.7apg, Steals-3(2.3spg), FGP: 55.4%, 3PT: 26.7%, FT: 77.3%. He signed with BEKO BBL team Phoenix Hagen last season and played 34 games averaging 15.3ppg, 3.0rpg, 3.6apg, 1.4spg, FGP: 49.0%, 3PT: 24.4%, FT: 72.8%. Matk took some time to talk to German Hoops about basketball.

Where are you at the moment?

I am back home in Cincinnati seeing my family and friends.

(more…)

Achmadschah Zazai(s. Oliver Baskets Wurzburg) The Japan Basketball Trip Was A Huge Experience For Me

Achmadschah Zazai is a 24 year old German/Afghani 177 cm guard that  recently completed the2010-2011 season with BV Chemnitz. He signed to play in the beko BBL for s. Oliver Baskets Wurzburg for the 2011-2012 season. He started his basketball career for TUS Lichterfelde Berlin (2.Bundesliga) in 2003 and played there until 2005. In the 2005-2006 season, he played for SG FT/MTV Braunschweig (2.Bundesliga) playing 28 games and averaging 6.3ppg, 1.3rpg, 2.2apg, 1.6spg, 2FGP: 48.3%, 3FGP: 26.9%, FT: 75.0%. In 2006-2007, he played for BSG Ludwigsburg (Germany-Regionalliga) playing 15 games averaging 19.3ppg, and also had a license for EnBW Ludwigsburg (1. Bundesliga) playing 12 games and averaging 1.1ppg. In 2007-2008, he played for the Bremen Roosters (Germany-ProA) playing 14 games averaging 3.4ppg, 1.1apg, and then went to Denmark to play for  Horsens IC playing 8 games and averaging 9.8ppg, 3.0rpg, Assists-3(4.5apg), 2.4spg, 2FGP: 44.4%, 3PT: 29.0%, FT: 92.0%. In 2008-2009, he played for Telemotive Muenchen (Germany-ProB) playing 25 games averaging 13.6ppg, 2.4rpg, Assists-4(5.5apg), Steals-5(2.2spg), FGP: 53.9%, 3PT: 37.7%, FT: 82.4%. In 2009-2010,  he played for Freiburg (Germany-ProA, starting five): 14 games: 10.4ppg, 2.5rpg, Assists-5(4.9apg), Steals-1(2.4spg), FGP: 54.5%, 3PT: 21.8%, FT: 76.0%. Last season he played for Chemnitz 99 (Germany-ProA, starting five): 30 games: 11.6ppg, 2.8rpg, Assists-2(5.9apg), Steals-4(2.1spg), FGP: 51.6%, 3PT: 34.8%, FT: 64.7%. He spoke to German Hoops from Japan where he recently took part in a tournament with beko BBL players Chris Oliver, Jason Boone, Ben Jacobson and John Little.

Congrats on signing with the s. Oliver Baskets. How happy are you about being back in the beko BBL?

I am very happy!! I really never got the chance to show what I can play in the beko BBL and know I can hardly wait till the season starts!!!

(more…)

Dashaun Wood(Alba Berlin): When I Committed To Alba Berlin, A Part Of My Heart Stayed In Frankfurt.

DaShaun Wood is a 25 year old 185cm point guard from Detroit, Michigan that recently completed his first season in Germany for The Deutsche Bank Skyliners. He played 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%. He won All-German Bundesliga Player of the Year -11, Eurobasket.com All-German Bundesliga Guard of the Year -11, Eurobasket.com All-German Bundesliga Import Player of the Year -11, Eurobasket.com All-German Bundesliga 1st Team -11, and Eurobasket.com German Bundesliga All-Imports Team -11. 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 avergaing 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: 7. German Hoops caught Dashaun while in Detroit over the phone.

The Skyliner world has been turned a bit upside down in the last 72 hours as Gordon Herbert signed with alba Berlin and you followed him signing  a two year deal. Could this move have been prevented?

Yes I think it could have been prevented, but I had certain clauses in the contract and one was being that I would only stay if coach Herbert stayed. I am very thankful to the Frankfurt organization for having been able to come back after not playing for a year and play there. The Skyliner fans showed great support. I told you last season that the most important thing for me is to win titles and Alba Berlin gives me and coach the best opportunity of reaching that goal.

(more…)