The season of the Frankfurt Skyliners just keeps trudging along slowly as they are sort of in noman´s land. They won´t make the playoffs again in the easyCredit BBL this season and they won´t move down either as BG Goettingen will need a game winning streak miracle which is about as likely as Alba Berlin winning the BBL title this season. Last weekend, Frankfurt stunk up the Ulm arena allowing 115 points and 19 three´s and coughed up the ball 24 times. It didn´t get any easier as the 2024 Fiba Europe cup winner Niners Chemnitz came to town hanging on strongly to position 4 in the standings. They had been playing solid ball as of late having won 3 of their last 4 games. The Frankfurt Skyliners were seeking revenge after their 85-66 loss on the road. On a mild Sunday evening, fans saw a game that showcased numerous runs, but the Niners Chemnitz had the last run securing the 70-65 win on the road. It wasn´t the best performance by the 2024 Fiba Europe Cup winner, but in the end a win is a win. “I honestly think that we played terrible. Both teams had a bad start. For us it was our defense that set the tone. We showed what kind of a team that we really are after Kevin Yebo was thrown out. We stuck together as a team and played for one another”, stressed Jeff Garrett (201-F-1994, college: LSUS, agency: Players Group). The Frankfurt Skyliners did a good job punching back after Chemnitz punched and had their chances, but just unlucky for them that they couldn´t pull out the win against a Chemnitz team that wasn´t at their best. “They turned up their defense in the second half. They made big plays at the end and hit big shots. I thought we did a good job matching their physicality, we rebounded well and got out on transition well. We were just unlucky with out shooting percentages”, stressed Frankfurt Skyliner Garai Zeeb.
Lorenz Brennecke at the FT line
4,760 fans showed up for the basketball clash and saw the Niners Chemnitz race out to a quick 8-2 lead. In the run, the Niners caught Frankfurt off guard as they were not quite awake attacking them as 2024 Pro A champion Victor Bailey Jr produced the first 5 points. German Nicholas Tischler also added 3 points with a tap in and free throw. Frankfurt punched back with a 8-2 run as they banged the ball inside whenever possible which resulted in baskets from ex Schweinningen big man Jacob Knauf and ex Boston College forward Patrick Heckmann. Heckman then displayed an incredible pass as he drove from the right flew under the basket and whipped a bullet pass to ex Bremerhaven guard Garai Zeeb who sunk the trey. German Kevin Yebo then countered with 6 points as he displayed his excellent inside out game with a trey and made free throws after attacking the rim for the 17-10 advantage. Frankfurt was up and down as their rhythm wasn´t fluid yet. American Malik Parsons dropped a trey late and a free throw as the Niners Chemnitz led 17-14 after 10 minutes. “We didn´t have a good first quarter. Our defense dictates our offense so when were aren´t aggressive of defense and aren´t flying around, It carries over to our offense. We didn´t move the ball well”, commented Jeff Garrett. The Niners Chemnitz shot 27% from the field and 13% from outside and had 15 rebounds and 5 turnovers while the Frankfurt Skyliners shot 26% from the field and 20% from outside and had 12 rebounds and 2 turnovers.
Victor Bailey Jr from the baseline
The Frankfurt Skyliners upped their game in the second quarter finally finding their offensive rhythm, but so did the Niners Chemnitz as the contest was deadlocked at 35-35 at the break. Tischler got the Niners their first points of the second quarter with a trey and German Jonas Richter made a lay in for the 21-14 Niners lead. However that didn´t faze Frankfurt as they rattled off back to back three´s from Parsons at the shot clock buzzer and from Zeeb to trail only 21-20. That shooting energy brought the arena back to life. Both teams were executing at ease on offense, but Frankfurt was unable to get over the hump as they got a step back jumper from Parsons and an offensive rebound from Knauf and put back, but Chemnitz always had an answer. Kevin Yebo was a one man wrecking crew as he scored twice always getting inside with his athleticism for the 30-24 advantage. “Kevin is so important for us. He is solid on defense always bring energy, but he is at his best on offense. He is a mismatch nightmare and can do it all for a big man. He is one of the best bigs in the league”, said Jeff Garrett. But the Niners couldn´t get away and add to their lead as Frankfurt always bounced back as ex Euroleague player Jordan Theodore made a lay in as did Parsons to trail 30-28. The Niners then got a lay in from Garrett to lead 32-28. Frankfurt really had a lot of guys ready to produce as now it was time for ex G-League player Marcus Domask as he showed again that he can score in bunches making a lay in and turn around shot for the 33-32 lead. Ex NBA player Jacob Gilyard then added a trey and Knauf free throws as no team could break away from the other. “Frankfurt did a great job executing seeing that we were slow and looked for the direct pass. They got easy baskets and were having fun”, stated Jeff Garrett. The Niners Chemnitz shot 31% from the field and 20% from the three point line and had 23 rebounds and 6 turnovers while the Frankfurt Skyliners shot 36% from the field and 25% from the three point line and had 24 rebounds and 4 turnovers.
Jonas Richter at the FT line
In the third quarter, the Frankfurt Skyliners went on the game´s biggest run and produced their biggest lead of the game, but couldn´t build on it as the Niners Chemnitz rallied and trailed 49-45 after 30 minutes. Frankfurt got out slow from the gates allowing the guests to cruise out on a 6-0 run to lead 41-35. On the run, the Niners were being aggressive attacking the rim and glass as Yebo made a tip in and Bailey made free throws and a turn around shot. Even if Chemnitz had individual plays, it worked for them while Frankfurt was forcing too much on the offensive end. Then came a turning point in the game as Kevin Yebo got a flagrant foul and a technical followed which caused his ejection. That must of given Frankfurt extra energy as they cruised out on a lethal 13-0 run to lead 48-41. In the run, Frankfurt shared the basketball nicely getting baskets from Domask, Parsons and an incredible off balance shot by Heckman while also remaining aggressive and getting to the free throw line getting 7 points. The Frankfurt zone presented Chemnitz with problems as they could generate no offensive rhythm. The Niners did close out the third quarter with a little momentum as Gilyard hit a three pointer. “I think that Yebo´s ejection sparked them. One of our best players got kicked out and that motivated them. We just went bit by bit and stayed with them”, expressed Jeff Garrett. “The ejection of Yebo helped us, but perhaps them as well. They wanted to play better and win for him”, stated Garai Zeeb.
Malik Parsons down low
In the fourth quarter the Niners Chemnitz came out and simply overpowered the Frankfurt Skyliners with a 13-3 run to get the 6 point lead and be in good control. Ex Louisiana State University at Shreveport (NAIA) player Jeff Garrett was instrumental in the run as he scored 4 baskets as he demonstrated his ability to get to the hole including a massive 2 handed dunk. Tischler also added a trey as the Niners led 58-52. But Frankfurt never gave up as their own walking bucket Malik Parsons took matters into his own hands scoring 2 lay in´s and also dropped a three pointer as Frankfurt trailed only 62-61. Jeff Garrett often had the annoying task of guarding him at the top of the key. “He is really tough to guard. He is so shifty and like a slinky. It was a great challenge guarding him”, added Jeff Garrett. Parsons was on fire and scored again on transition giving Frankfurt the 63-62 advantage in crunch-time. However the Niners Chemnitz were ice cold as they then slapped a 5-0 run in Frankfurt´s faces as Mr money ball Jeff Garrett connected from down town and Gilyard hit an off balance shot from the corner for the 67-63 lead with 36 seconds to play. “We moved the ball well and my teammates helped me get good looks. That 3 ball was a big shot and sealed the win for us”, stressed Jeff Garrett. Heckmann did make free throws, but ex Michigan (NCAA) forward Olivier Nkamhoua closed out the win with a dunk and free throws. “Our good defense got us the lead which led to easy baskets. We took good care of the ball, flew around on defense and were just sharper”, stated Jeff Garrett. “In crunch-time, we had 2 mental slip ups which led to them making 2 big shots”, said Garai Zeeb. The Niners Chemnitz were led by Jeff Garrett, Victor Bailey and Kevin Yebo with 13 points a piece while the Frankfurt Skyliners were led by Malik Parsons with 23 points. The Niners Chemnitz shot 39% from the field and 19% from outside and had 45 rebounds and 15 turnovers while the Frankfurt Skyliners shot 33% from the field and 21% from outside and had 440 rebounds and 14 turnovers.
The playoff hopes of the Skyliners Juniors have been dwindling more and more the last weeks and now are in danger of not reaching them. On Feb 13, Frankfurt had a record of 10-8 and life looked good, but a current 5 game losing streak put them at 10-13 and in 11th place. The good news was that they were only a win away from the last playoff spot, but there were also only 3 games left in the regular season. Basketball life didn’t get any easier for them as they had to battle top Pro B South team BG Leitershofen who had a great record of 18-5. They also had been playing very good hard nosed basketball as they had a 5 game winning streak coming into the game. This was an absolute must win situation for the Skyliners Juniors. On a cool spring afternoon, it was experience against youth as the Skyliners were without 3 key players with Bruno Albrecht, Malik Kordel and Chuku Chukwuma all out with injuries against top Pro B South team BG Hessing Leitershofen who overpowered Frankfurt in the second half enroute to a easy 86-70 victory on the road. The guests took control of the game in the second quarter and in the third quarter dominated leading by as much as 24 points and never looked back. ‘We came out strong and knew that they would have a young roster for the game. We never underestimated them and kept our focus for 40 minutes. We always stayed composed and played through each other. Our zone was amazing and on offense we shared the ball well, ran transition and hit open shots when we needed to’, stressed BG Hessing Leitershofen guard Asa Williams (198-SF-1999, college: Montana Tech). Frankfurt only had 3 guys 20 or older with Felix Hecker, Fabian Baumgarten and Leo Cosic while the others were all teenagers. Frankfurt fought for 40 minutes, but their lack of experience showed in the second half as the guests executed at ease on offense. ‘Despite the loss, I’m still proud of the young guys. We fought the whole game, but you noticed our lack of experience. They were prepared really well and knew our sets. It is tough for young players to make adjustments on the fly. The best thing that we did today was our transition’, warned Skyliner Junior Felix Hecker.
Felix Hecker at the FT line
BG Leitertshofen didn’t waste any time jumping all over Frankfurt in the first minutes going on a big run, but the Skyliners Juniors did a great job not wilting like a flower and punched back to remain in the game. The guests led rapidly 9-2 as they shared the ball and love as 4 different players scored. Leitershofen got 3 lay in’s from ex Rhondorf Dragon Ference Gille, Romanian guard Dragos Diculescu, German Jannik Westermeier and a trey from New York native Christian Hinckson. Frankfurt had problems moving the ball and were slow in their sets as they were still trying to find their rhythm. Young German Leo Cosic gave Frankfurt supreme energy with a thunderous 2 handed dunk and young German Joscha Zentgraf also gave energy with a lay in from the bench, but they couldn’t gain any ground on Leitershofen as ex Iserlohn forward Elias Marei made an old school hook shot and Ohio native Asa Williams hit a trey to lead 14-8. Unorthodox, but highly talented Dragos Diculescu added an off balance jumper for the 16-8 lead. Dikulesku is one of those players that can’t only hit from any inch of the court, but also do it with hands in your face or in extreme traffic. Frankfurt remained tough going on a mini 5-0 run as ex Kronberg guard Felix Hecker connected on a trey and young German Dusan Nikolic used his strength the drive to get a easy lay in as Frankfurt trailed 16-13. Frankfurt forced Leitershofen to tough shots and relied more on their individual qualities then playing team ball. BG Hessing Leitershofen had too many weapons and closed out the first quarter with a 7-2 run to lead 23-15. In the run the guests continued to get top production from Diculescu who added another difficult off balance shot and Williams added a trey and free throw while Frankfurt’s glue guy Marvin Esser made a lay in as BG Hessing Leitershofen led 23-15 after 10 minutes. ‘I think that we showed a lot of courage and class coming back so well after being down in the first minutes. We fought well and countered with a run. We wanted to play well despite having the injuries and losing that tough game against Orange Academy last weekend’, stressed Florian Dietrich. BG Hessing Leitershofen shot 53% from the field and 50% from outside and had 10 rebounds and 4 turnovers while the Skyliners Juniors shot 38% from the field and 25% from outside and had 9 rebounds and 5 turnovers.
Dragos Diculesku to the hole
In the second quarter BG Hessing Leitershofen continued to play well and keep the lead, but the Skyliners Juniors did a good job staying with them. Both teams began executing on their first possession as 17 year old German Jamie Edoka hit a 15 footer and ex Trier big man Ole Theis scored on transition as Frankfurt trailed 25-17. Both teams had good offensive rhythm and when one team scored, the other punched back and scored. After Williams scored on transition after getting the perfect touch down pass from Tim Udovicic, Frankfurt struck back with a burst of energy as the universal genius Ivan Crnjac connected on a trey and Hecker made a lay in to trail 28-24. But BG Hessing Leitershofen always had an answer as ex IBAM guard Bastian Maerz dropped a trey to lead 31-24. Frankfurt was doing a super job on the offensive glass and got added energy from Leo Cosic and Joscha Zentgraf who made back to back tip in’s as Frankfurt trailed 31-28. Cosic came into the game having only played 2 Pro B games this season, but last weekend left a lasting impression in Ulm as he netted 13 points. His self-confidence was high against Leitershofen and he had another great game as he finished with 12/4/2/3 stats in 25 minutes. ‘He waited so long for his chance and he really deserved it. He always works hard in practice and also plays in the Regionalliga 2. He showed again that he belongs in the Pro B. He handled himself very well under the basket using his physicality and athleticism’, stressed Floran Dietrich. After a Diculescu lay in, Frankfurt countered with a Nikolic lay in and massive 2 handed dunk by Crnjac on transition as Frankfurt trailed only 33-32. However BG Leitershofen was always threatening on offense with their weapons as there was no holding them now as they went into half-time with a 14-4 run to have the commanding 47-36 advantage. In the run, it was Dragons Diculescu who was a one man wrecking crew scoring 7 points. It doesn’t look pretty what he does, but he is extremely efficient. ‘He is very tough to stop. He has a lot of experience. He plays a lot older than his 25 years. He isn’t athletic, but his game is all smartness and skill’, warned Florian Dietrich. The guests also got a trey from Williams, a lay in by Gille on transition and a beautiful fade a way jumper from Marei. ‘We went on some runs and got easy points to stay in the game. But they always had an answer and hit us back with easy points. We weren’t able to close the zone better’, stated Florian Dietrich. BG Hessing Leitershofen shot 56% from the field and 45% from the three point line and had 16 rebounds and 9 turnovers while the Skyliners Juniors shot 41% from the field and 18% from the three point line and had 21 rebounds and 9 turnovers.
Felix Hecker from downtown
In the third quarter came the turning point as BG Hessing Leitershofen scored 25 points and turned an 11 point lead at the break into a 20 point advantage after 30 minutes. The guests began well again going on a 8-3 run to extend their lead to 55-38. Leitershofen had rapid ball movement that led to a lay in by Marei and back to back three’s by Westermeier and Hinckson. Frankfurt got some baskets from Cosic and Hecker in the paint as 1-1 play is what Frankfurt was displaying. The guests countered with 4 points by Marei and an offensive rebound and put back by Theis as Leitershofen had the giant 60-42 advantage. It didn’t matter who had the ball, every Leitershofen player wanted part of the action. After a few minutes rest, Diculescu was back and added 5 unanswered points as the guests had their biggest lead of the game at 65-42. Frankfurt was looking at a steep trek back and only had young kids who had to turn it around. Frankfurt got some baskets from Nikolic and versatile Marvin Esser with a reverse lay up, but they just couldn’t get over the hump as Leitershofen always had an answer. Williams was aggressive whenever he had the ball and connected on a fade away jumper and lay in as Frankfurt trailed 72-52 after 3 quarters. ‘We kept our focus and made adjustments. We came out more aggressive and physical. We pounded the ball in the paint and forced them out of their game. Our zone worked really well where they had no idea how to go against it’, said Asa Williams. ‘We weren’t prepared for their zone which took us out of rhythm. When your back so much, it is difficult to come back’, warned Felix Hecker. BG Hessing Leitershofen shot 56% from the field and 41% from the parking lot and had 25 rebounds and 12 turnovers while the Skyliners Juniors shot 42% from the field and 15% from the parking lot and had 29 rebounds and 15 turnovers.
Elias Marei at the FT line
In the fourth quarter the Skyliners Juniors had their best quarter outscoring BG Hessing Leitershofen 18 to 14. The Skyliners Juniors wanted to end the game as best as possible as began great going on a 8-2 run to trail only 74-59. In the run Frankfurt was aggressive on defense getting some steals and getting into passing lanes while also heightening their intensity on the boards and were rewarded with 2 three’s by Hecker and Edoka and Nikolic scored on transition. But Frankfurt was unable to keep that momentum as BG Hessing Leitershofen punched back with a 6-0 run to lead by 21 points as Frankfurt was right back to where they were before their run as fatigue was setting in. Bastian ‘don’t leave me open or you will pay’ Maerz heaved up another trey that only saw net and Hinkson added 3 points. Felix Hecker then showed that he is so much more than just a 3 and D player as he showed his passing magic on consecutive plays. He found Leo Cosic with the perfect bounce pass while sprawling to the ground for 2 points and on the next play spun to the hoop and then dished nicely to Joscha Zentgraf for 2 easy points as Frankfurt trailed 80-63. ‘I have to be honest but I was surprised I made those passes. They definitely were not planned. I saw my teammates in the corner of my eye. There was some luck involved’, smiled Felix Hecker. Frankfurt finished strong in the last minutes getting 5 points from Edoka and a lay in by Cosic while the guests received another Williams trey and Udovicic made a lay in as the game ended. ‘We maintained our focus to the end while getting some other guys involved. We finished strong’, said Asa Williams. ‘We fought to the end, but they were simply too strong today. We still have a chance for the playoffs, but need to ‘win in Munich’, stressed Felix Hecker. BG Hessing Leitershofen was led by Dragos Diculescu with 21 points while Asa Williams added 17 points and the Skyliners Juniors were led by Felix Hecker with 16 points while Jamie Edoka and Dusan Nikolic added 10 points a piece. BG Hessing Leitershofen shot 52% from the field and 35% from outside and had 31 rebounds and 16 turnovers while the Skyliners Juniors shot 42% from the field and 17% from outside and had 40 rebounds and 19 turnovers.
The EPG Guardians continue to hang on a very thin thread in the Pro A standings as only 1 victory separates them from maintaining one of the last spots to move down for next seasons as only Artland is worse. After a tough loss to Phoenix Hagen where the Guardians zone caved in on them in the third quarter, they were back at it in their own living room only 48 hours later. It didn´t get any easier with the 18-11 Eisbaeren Bremerhaven who were resting in 5th place and fighting for home court advantage in the first round of the playoffs. They are a team that is striving to get back to the easyCredit BBL and always have competitive teams. They arrived in Koblenz having won 3 of their last 4 games, but had suffered a brutal 63-62 loss to KIrchheim at home last weekend. It was another do or die game for Koblenz as they were hoping to finally win again as their 1-13 record in 2025 was nothing to be proud of. The EPG Guardians Koblenz Hung with Bremerhaven all the way to crunch-time, but there allowed a lethal 8-0 run as the guests sealed the deal 92-83. “It wasn´t a great game by us, but we got the job done. We knew that they would eventually get tired. We picked up our game in the second half. We stuck together as a team well. They had their runs, but it was just a matter of time before we had the better run”, warned Eisbaeren Bremerhaven forward Carlos Carter (197-G/F-1999, college: Shippensburg). The EPG Guardians defended well in the first half, but in the second half allowed way to many three´s and in crunch-time just couldn´t get consecutive stops. “We overall played a good game, but we gave up way to many offensive rebounds. We fought until the end, but second chances hurt us the most”, stressed EPG Guardians guard Jakob Hanazlek.
Anzac Rissetto at the FT line
The Eisaberen Bremerhaven didn´t waste any time getting going as they led quickly 9-2. The guests pushed the ball inside as ex The University of North Carolina at Charlotte (NCAA) (NCAA) big man Anzac Rissetto scored 3 times and ex BBL player Adrian Breitlauch hit a trey. The Guardians were totally unconcentrated and just way to hectic in their offensive sets. They finally settled down and began to claw themselves back into the game going on a 10-4 run to trail only 13-12. In the run the EPG Guardians lived off individual plays as David Bohm scored inside and American Michael Bradley connected on a pull up jumper and young French talent Alexandre Bouzidi dropped a trey. It was a game of runs as Bremerhaven struck back with a 9-2 run to extend their lead to 22-14. The guests received some instant energy from ex Montana State University Billings (NCAA2) forward Zharon Richmond who added 5 points and Breitlach hit another trey. Koblenz had problems with the great Bremerhaven team play, but punched back one more time as they ended the first quarter with a strong 5-0 run as Bouzidi connected for his second three pointer and Georgia native Ty Cockfield conquered the paint area as usual with his drive with a lay in. The EPG Guardians Koblenz were in striking distance trailing only 22-19. “We weren´t consistent enough on the defensive end. They got a few runs which gave them a little momentum at the end”, said Carlos Carter.
David Bohm at the FT line
The second quarter was the strongest defensive quarter as only a total of 28 points was given up, but the Eisbaeren Bremerhaven still had the slim 37-34 advantage at the break. The Eisbaeren Bremerhaven always punched first with the Guardians finding an answer. The Eisbaeren got some three´s from Swiss army knife Carlos Carter and ex Shippensburg University (NCAA2) sniper Jake Biss for the 30-24 advantage, but the Guardians remained strong on offense finding ways to execute as Cockfield and Canadian Ben Stevens scored inside as the guests led 32-30. The EPG Guardians Koblenz were defending a lot better sticking to their game plan of taking away Bremerhaven´s team play and forcing them to individual plays. They didn´t only do that, but they forced them to really tough shots. In the last few minutes, the Eisbaeren Bremerhaven got some fortune getting 2 easy buckets as Biss hit another three pointer and talented young German Peter Hemschmeier who played 1 Fiba Europe Cup game for BG Goettingen and once averaged 30,7ppg in a season in the NBBL made a 20 footer for the 37-30 lead. The EPG Guardians Koblenz didn´t let down their guard as they punched back one more time closing out the second quarter with a 4-0 run as ex University of Alabama at Birmingham (NCAA) forward William Lee made a lay in and David Bohm made an old school hook shot. “We didn´t take them lightly. They fought hard. We had some mis reads and didn´t play our game of playing together. That helped them stay with us”, added Carlos Carter. The Eisbaeren Bremerhaven shot 47% from the field and 38% from outside and had 22 rebounds and 9 turnovers while the EPG Guardians Koblenz shot 36% from the field and 30% from outside and had 17 rebounds and 3 turnovers.
William Lee with the runner
The third quarter was the highest scoring quarter of the game as both teams combined for 56 points as both teams found their offensive rhythm, but after 30 minutes the EPG Guardians Koblenz still couldn´t get over the hump and trailed 67-60. Walking bucket Ty Cockfield really got going as his slick dribbling and pretty cross over moves was giving Bremerhaven fits as he scored 3 times, but Koblenz still trailed 44-42. Both teams then traded three´s twice as Bremerhaven got baskets from Hemschmeier and Carter while the Guardians got buckets from ex BBL player Leon Friderici and William Lee as Koblenz trailed 50-48. The Eisbaeren Bremerhaven had finally found their game and it continued as this crazy unselfishness was in full swing as great ball movement and the extra pass led to a trey by ex PS Karlsruhe guard Daniel Norl while Richmond made 2 more three´s as the guests led 61-53. In this phase, the Guardians received incredible support from their bench as Hanzalek hit treys and played excellent defense to help his team trail only 61-57. “I´m getting a lot of trust from coach and my self confidence is high. I try to help by letting Johnson and Friderici get some rest so when they come back in can perform at a high level. I don´t hesitate anymore. I feel like a real shooter this season”, warned Jacob Hanzalek. Bremerhaven continued to execute well getting the first bucket in the game from their season leading scorer Elijah Miller and another trey from Mr reliable Adrian Breitenlauch to lead 67-57. Dominique Johnson then closed out the third quarter with a massive offensive rebound and acrobatic three pointer to produce some bedlam in the EPG arena. “Coach Esterkamp told us to pick up our game. We got back to playing our game which is team ball. We knew that if we played out style, we would hit shots again”, commented Carlos Carter. “Little things hurt us like bad calls and offensive rebounds that we allowed. I felt like our defensive pressure was good, but they still hit three´s “, expressed Jakob Hanzalek.
Hendrik Warner at the FT line
The fourth quarter was a real dogfight as the Eisbaeren Bremerhaven always had their heads slightly ahead, but in crunch-time, the EPG Guardians allowed that last run that broke their necks. The EPG Guardians began quickly getting key three´s from Johnson and Carter, but couldn´t gain any ground as ex Paderborn American Carlos Carter remained aggressive making a lay in and dunk as Bremerhaven led 71-66. Bremerhaven kept punching getting free throws from Hemschmeier and a trey from Richmond, but the Guardians countered with back to back baskets from Bouzidi as the Eisbaeren just couldn´t shake the Guardians leading only 76-73. Both teams then went on mini 5-0 runs as Bremerhaven began with a three pointer by Hemschmeier which was benefited from an offensive rebound and a thunderous Carter dunk, while the Guardians got a huge trey from Johnson and a lay in by Cockfield to trail only 81-78. But then came the turning point of the game as the Eisbaeren Bremerhaven was as cold as ice going on a ruthless 8-0 run to extend their lead 90-78 and decide the game in their favor. Bremerhaven stepped up their defensive intensity one more level as the Guardians were tired and were aggressive on the glass. Ex Alba Berlin youth player Hendrik Warner who had been relatively quiet in the game saved his best for last with 6 points while Breitenlauch made an offensive rebound and put back. Friderici added a trey and Johnson a lay in in the last minute, but it was too little too late. Bremerhaven showed that any guy can step up this season at anytime with Warner. “We knew that they would get tired. We knew that if we continued to stay focused on our game that we could be successful. We punched last. We made good stops and made our shots”, said Carlos Carter. “It was the little things that cost us the game at the end. We weren´t as focused mentally and gave up offensive rebounds which hurt us the most”, added Jakob Hanzalek. The Eisbaeren Bremerhaven had 5 guys score in double figures led by Anzac Risseto and Peter Hemschmeier who scored 15 points a piece while Carlos Carter added 14 points while the EPG Guardians Koblenz were led by Ty Cockfield and Dominque Johnson who combined for 18 points a piece. The Eisbaeren Bremerhaven shot 55% from the field and 45% from the three point line and had 42 rebounds and 19 turnovers while the EPG Guardians Koblenz who 42% from the field and 40% from the three point line and had 29 rebounds and 7 turnovers.
The first thought that a young, ambitious and hungry player might have when landing on the campus of a JUCO school could be “what the hell am I doing here”? I´m way better than having to be here”. Guys land in JUCO for many reasons. Some don´t have the money, others don´t have the grades and others don´t have the necessary skills at that point of their basketball careers. But as time goes by, a lot of these guys start to believe that going the JUCO route wasn´t so bad after all. I believe the percent number of guys who went to JUCO and felt it was one that was tough, but one they wouldn´t have traded the world for is 100%. Ok I ´ll stay on the safe side and say somewhere around 99,5%. Ok so many of the players are playing for their stats and trying to move up to higher divisions, but there are also guys who learn the team game and actually win their first chips there. Nothing is impossible in JUCO. The way to the NCAA and going pro overseas is a reach, but it has been done. Guys even reached the NBA with guys like Chris Boucher or Richaun Homes just to mention a few. These NBA players and others are the best motivation for JUCO guys to give all they have to reach their goals. The guys that play JUCO definitely pay their dues, but there are some guys that have to go the whole 9 yards and have to play at 3. I thought that had to be the hardest hurdle, but it wasn´t. Asa Williams (198-SF-1999, college: Montana Tech) who is living out the dream in Germany with Pro B team BG Leitershofen actually stuck it out at 3 JUCO school something about as rare as seeing Luka Doncic not hit a trick shot in some capacity before a game. And he is more than blessed to have done it. “Juco was a great experience. I appreciate all my coaches and teammates that helped me get through my Juco route. I’m grateful for the opportunity and I think that plan in Juco build character for a lot of players. I think that if you play Juco, you will have the opportunity to make it through a lot of things in life. It shaped me into a player that can face any obstacle that comes in front of him. Juco Shaped me into the player I am today”, warned Asa Williams.
Asa Williams who lists Kyree Walker and Marvin Bagley as the toughest players that he has ever faced so far in his career on the court was born on September 15th, 1999 in Solon, Ohio. He attended Fort Loramie high school and then began his long trek of playing at 3 JUCO schools. He began his journey with Waubonsee Community College (JUCO) playing 32 games and averaging 13.9ppg, 6.3rpg, 2.2apg, 1.3spg, FGP: 42.8%, 3PT: 36.4%, FT: 81.0%. He then played at %, Holmes Community College (JUCO) averaging 3.9ppg, 2.2rpg and was NJCAA D1 Gulf District Champion -and NJCAA D1 Region XXIII Champion -2021. He then finished at Chandler-Gilbert Community College (JUCO) averaging 10.7ppg, 3.3rpg, FGP: 35.3%, 3PT: 26.6%, FT: 62.5%.” Each school I played at. I learned a lot about myself learning how to be a better player or teammate. Waubonsee taught me how to be a better scorer. Holmes taught me how to face adversity and be a better teammate while coming off the bench. CGCC taught me how to be a better player while also fighting against small problems and adversity throughout the year”, stressed Asa Williams. After having paid his dues in JUCO, he made the next step and palyed 2 seasons at Montana Technological University (NAIA) averaging 14.2ppg, 3.8rpg, 1.7apg, FGP: 47.3%, 3PT: 41.3%, FT: 70.5% and 16.3ppg, 3.3rpg, 1.8apg, 1.3spg, FGP: 58.9%, 3PT: 37.0%, FT: 71.3%. He made huge strides in his game there. “I was more aggressive. I had a bigger goal my senior year and that was to lead my team in scoring and be the best player on the floor each night”, remembered Asa Williams. In his first season tehre he helped reach the NAIA Elite 8 losing to OUAZ. “It was a great experience made it the farthest in Montana tech history. For all sports to play in the elite 8 was a one of kind experience. I’m glad I got to experience that. Playing the national tournament is always a goal of mine. I’m glad we made it to Kansas City”, said Asa Williams. He had a reunion this season in Germany already with American Caleb Bellach who was his teammate in the NAIA and opponent with Team Ehingen. “ It was great he was one of the my favorite teammates. He was a great player winning player of the year. He had great leadership qualities and always made his teammates better. Caleb is a great player and a winning player. It was great to compete against him on the pro level”, stated Asa Williams who remembers beating him in 1-1 games in practice. He scored in double figures in 51 of 60 NAIA games including exploding for 31 points against Carroll MT, and 30 points against E Oregon. He couldn´t of made such massive strides without the guidance of head coach Adam Hiatt. “He pushed me each day in practice and coaching me as if I was a professional. Making me be a professional each day toward my teammates and coaches. Holding me to professional standards”, commented Asa Williams.
Miles Schmidt-Scheuber and Asa Williamas in Bad Honef after a game against the Dragons Rhondorf
The 198cm forward who lists LeBron James, Kobe, Steph, and Michael Jordan on his personal NBA Mount Rushmore is playing his rookie season overseas with BG Leitershofen. “I’m super blessed God has blessed me in more ways than one I’m thankful that I got this opportunity and that Coach Richie gave me a chance and my family supports me. Just having the opportunity to play in another country and playing for my family. I’m thankful for my club and my teammates they are amazing and it’s a great opportunity”, expressed Asa Williams. The club is in it´s third Pro B season and finished 9 and 11th the last 2 seasons. This season the team is battling the RheinStars for the top spot. Leitershofen split with the RheinStars this season and the 2 games were decided by not more than 7 points. What has been the secret of the success? “Just following coaches game plan and playing together as a team. I think the goal to success is loving each other and being disciplined. We are very hungry we think we have a legitimate chance to win. We will have the opportunity to play in the playoffs so it’ll be great to be there and do something for the club that has never been done”, warned Asa Williams. The team is a scoring machine and averages more than 90 points per game and gives up less than 80 points. The team has proven that they defend with passion. “Communication is our biggest strength. We communicate with each other. I think just playing super hard and trusting one another we make the game easy for each other”, added Asa Williams. Team has an incredible big man duo of Ellias Marei and Ferenc Gillie. “They are great I think they are best big man duo in the league they both can stretch the floor and rebound well”, stated Asa Williams. The team also has another American with Christian Hinckson and Romanian Dragos Dickulescu who are both also instrumental for the success of the team. “I like that Christian spreads the court. He can also push the ball in transition. Christan is probably one of our best defenders and one of our best rebounders. He plays out of position most of the time because he is a true small forward in my opinion, but he stretches the floor at our four spot so it’s good for our team. Dragos is very valuable helps the teams in all aspects. He can play make score and read the game very well”, stressed Asa Williams.
The Ohio native who lists Chrishon Dixon- Montana Tech Sindou Diallo – Montana Tech Elias Marei- kangaroos Simeon Strauss-Waubonsee Meech Valdez- Cgcc as his 5 best teammates of all-time and Lebron James as his GOAT is a 198cm player that likes to shoot the trey and is shifty like a Jordan Poole. His biggest strength is shooting and pushing the ball in transition. But he also gives his all on the defensive end and isn´t one dimensional. “I think since coming to Europe I’m a better defender. I think that Coach Ritchie and my teammates push me each day and practice to become a better defender and I think that I’m defending the ball a lot better than what I was when I played in college at Montana Tech. I’m learning different things on defense, especially ways to help when not guarding on the ball”, stressed Asa Williams. He is shooting the three ball extremely well, but knows there is still work to do inorder to reach the next level. “To make the next step as a shooter, I just have to be more consistent each game and more consistent in practice continuing to work on my shot and listening to the things that Coach Andy helps me work on. Staying on top of this will help me become the next best shooter in Europe”, warned Asa Williams. He has needed no adjustment time as currently he is averaging 16/3/1/1. What ahs been his secret to coming over and performing so well? “Just trusting in what my coaches and teammates tell me. It’s a different game so just focusing and being coachable”, said Asa Williams. He had his best scoring game against top team RheinStars Cologne exploding for 31 points. He mustr of been extra motivated after missing the first game? “ I’m motivated for every game. It just so happened to be my day. Thankful that my teammates put me in position to win”, smiled Asa Williams. In 2 games against Coburg and Cologne he hit 17 three´s. That was the best display of shooing back to back in his career. He also hit 8 three´s last season against Carroll Mt. It will be interesting where the journey of Asa Williams will go to in the next years. This season all has been good, but you never know when adversary might challenge you? But one thing is for sure, he knows that his vast JUCO experience will always guide him through life on and off the court.
Elijah Miller (183-PG-1997, college: UPEI)s a 27 year old 183cm point guard from Ontario, Canada playing his second professional season and first in Germany with Pro A team Eisbaeren. Last season as a rookie he played for KK Kozuv AD Gevgelija (North Macedonia-Prva Liga) averaging 10.3ppg, 3.0rpg, 3.5apg, 1.3spg, FGP: 56.7%, 3PT: 26.3%, FT: 81.3%. He also played 2 seasons with the Edmonton Stingers (CEBL) averaging 8.6ppg, 2.6rpg, 3.0apg, FGP: 56.0%, 3PT: 25.8%, FT: 75.0% and 8.3ppg, 2.9rpg, 4.5apg, FGP: 44.9%, 3PT: 41.0%, FT: 80.0%. He began his basketball career with the University of Prince Edward Island (U Sports) averaging 15.4ppg, 4.0rpg, 5.4apg, 1.6spg, FGP: 47.4%, 3PT: 32.0%, FT: 82.1%, 20.7ppg, 5.4rpg, Assists-2 (5.9apg), Steals-4 (2.7spg), FGP: 52.1%, 3PT: 38.9%, FT: 86.6% and in his last year averaged 19.7ppg, 5.3rpg, 5.2apg, 1.6spg, FGP: 47.8%, 3PT: 33.6%, FT: 89.0%. He spoke to germanhoops.com before a game against the EPG Guardians Koblenz.
Thanks Elijah for talking to germanhoops.com. Your playing your second pro season and first in Germany with the Eisbaeren Bremerhaven (Germany-ProA). What kind of an experience has it been? What have you enjoyed most about it?
This year in Germany has gone pretty well so far. I’ve learned so much on and off the court. It helps that the team is having a good season and I’m playing well also. What I enjoyed most about the season is learning about the German culture and bonding with my teammates and coaches.
Does that water look give you memories of Prince Edward Island where you went to school?
The water has some similarities to the water in Prince Edward Island. One thing that Germany has an advantage of over my school is that there is hardly any snow in the winter.
The Eisbaeren Bremerhaven are having a good season. What has been the secret to the success?
The reason we’re having a good season is because each individual on the team is bought in into the team philosophy. There are no selfish players on the team and our team chemistry is what helps us win games. We rely on our defense and our speed in our games and I feel we’ve done a great job at that so far.
The team has no real stars, but 10 guys that average 7,0ppg or more. Have you ever seen this before in your career? Does everyone play for each other?
I haven’t seen a team where multiple players avg 7ppg but it shows how unselfish we are and we don’t rely on one player to win the game. Any given night, someone different steps up and makes big plays to help win the game. We all trust each other as a team that anyone can score at any given moment in the game
The team allows the second least points in the Pro A with 75 per game. What is the biggest strength on the defensive end that has allowed the team to have this special identity?
Our biggest strength on the defensive end is our trust. Coach Steven has emphasized trusting our defensive philosophy and trusting that we have each others back on the defensive end of the floor.
What has it been like being teammates with young German Peter Hemschmeier? Are you like a mentor for him?
Peter has a bright future ahead of him. For as young as he is, he’s shown he can play at a very high level and we sometimes look to him to lead our team in scoring. I try to give him advice when it’s important but I think allowing him to learn from his mistakes is what he will help him in the future. He’s going to have a great career and I’m excited to see it in the future.
The team has so many great players. Who would you call the team´s Swiss army knife? Possibly Carlos Carter?
Carlos is definitely our Swiss Army knife. He can guard positions 1-4. With his long arms, athleticism he’s able to get a lot of steals are guard some of the toughest players in the Pro A. Not to mention how offensively skilled he is. He is another player on this team whose ceiling is very high for their career.
Your having a solid Pro A season averaging 13/4/6/1 stats. How content have you been with your game? There is a lot of areas I need to improve on my game but so far I’m not satisfied with how I’ve been playing. I’m always looking to improve.
Tomorrow you play the EPG Guardians Koblenz. You won the first game. What will be key to getting the win?
To win our game against Koblenz, we have to stick to the game plan which starts on the defensive end. These last 5 games are being treated as playoff games and we have to play with a lot of energy on both sides of the ball. We need to continue to play with speed and move the ball and create open shots. We need to get back in transition and have ball pressure. If we can do it together as a team, we’ll be in a good position to win the game.
Let´s talk about your game. You’re a 183cm point guard. If you had to compare your game to an NBA player who would best fit the description?
I compare my game to Rajon Rondo, or Chris Paul. I am a high IQ pass first point guard.
You were a lethal scorer in school but averaged 5,0apg. This season your averaging the most assists in your career. Are you more a pass first or scoring point guard? Head coach Steve Esterkamp says you’re a selfless playmaker. Even though I was a lethal scorer in college, I was still a pass first point guard. I still broke the single season assist record and had the most assists in a single game in school history. I really enjoy seeing my teammates score off of my assists.
You have always shot the ball well from outside but this season currently only at 28%. Are you creating more shots for yourself then getting easy attempts off the catch and shoot? My three point shot is something I need to improve on. My teammates have done a good job creating open threes for me. I just need to continue to get the reps in the gym at practice and shoot it with more confidence
You’re a very ambitious defender. Where would you rate your development as a defender now and what kind of defender do you still want to become? I’m starting to buy in more on the defensive end. It is still something I need to improve on. I need to get stronger as teams are looking to put me in post defense situations. I want to become an all around defender where I am not a mismatch on the floor.
On what areas of your game are you working on most so you can continue to improve your game?
Improving my three point shot and getting stronger will be my main focus during the off season. Other than that continue to improve finishing around the rim and decision making.
Last season you played with KK Kozuv AD Gevgelija (North Macedonia-Prva Liga) averaging 10.3ppg, 3.0rpg, 3.5apg, 1.3spg, FGP: 56.7%, 3PT: 26.3%, FT: 81.3%. What do you remember being your wake up call to being a rookie overseas where you knew that you were far away from home? My time playing for KK Kozuv was very humbling. It was a very high stressful environment as the team was looking to stay in the league. That being said, I am thankful for the opportunity to start my overseas career there.
How important was Brandon Penn for you as a rookie? Was he like a mentor for you?
Brandon Penn was someone I relied on to give me advice on what the overseas lifestyle would look like. He helped me a lot my first year.
You played 2 seasons with the Edmonton Stingers (Canada-CEBL). What kind of an experience was that for you? How valuable was it getting this early pro experience?
Playing for the Edmonton Stingers was amazing. I was able to play with and against a lot of great players and gained a lot of confidence from those seasons. The coaches and players for really helped with my development as a player. The CEBL is a great league.
What memories will you always have of Nick Hornsby? He played many great seasons in Germany including with the Eisbaeren. What could you soak up from him? Nick Hornsby is like a big brother to me. Being his teammate was amazing but also spending time with him and his family was special as well. I’ve always admired how well he saw the floor and passed the ball. I definitely took some of his attributes and added it to my game.
You had a massive battle against Justin Wright-Foreman winning as he scored 34 points with Winnipeg and youhad 20 points. Where do you rank that battle in your all-time guard battles in your career?
My battle against Justin Wright Foreman was fun. He’s a great player one of the toughest players I’ve ever played against. Luckily I was able to come out with the win. It is definitely high on the list as one of the toughest guard battles I’ve been in.
You played 3 years at the University of Prince Edward Island (U Sports). How special were these years for you? What did you enjoy most about the opportunity? My three years at the university Prince Edward Island were amazing. Not many players get recognized from that school but I was able to make a name for myself over there. I am forever grateful to that school. What I enjoyed most about my time there was being able to put the basketball program back on the map as one of the best schools in the Canada.
In your last 2 seasons you averaged 20/5/5. How did your game grow in those last 2 seasons? In my last two years at Prince Edward Island. The one thing I improved on was picking my spots. When to get my teammates involved and when to take over games in certain moments. Learning that led to a successful season individually and as a team.
You had many great games for the University of Prince Edward Island (U Sports) including numerous 30 plus point games and near triple doubles. What was your fondest moment there?
My favourite game from my time in college was my first playoff game where I had 37 points. I made a name for myself after that game and got a lot of respect. It was more meaningful because we weren’t expected to make the playoffs that season and ended up making it to the championship game that season.
How did head coach Darrell Glenn groom and prepare you for a professional career? Coach Glenn was amazing for my development as a player and a person. I remember being in his office and making a plan on what I need to do to be a pro. Those countless hours we’ve spent watching film and talking about my development as a player were essential for me. Without him I don’t think I am in the position I am today.
Who won a 1-1 in practice you or Kamari Scott? Kam and I had a lot of 1 on 1 battles. He’s a great player and will start his professional career next year. That being said I have a lot more wins than losses against him and I’m sure he’ll say differently.
Who is the best player that you faced in your career that reached the NBA?
There are many players I’ve played against that made the NBA. I’d say the best player is Cat Barber. He played for the Atlanta Hawks. He currently plays in Portugal now.
Please name your 5 best teammates of all-time?
Kamari Scott
Brody Clarke
Adika Peter Mcneilly
Nick Hornsby
John Alex Vos
Please name your personal NBA Mount Rushmore?
LeBron James
Michael Jordan
Shaquille O´Neil
Steph Curry
Who is your GOAT?
My goat is LeBron James because he’s been consistently great for 22 years and has never cheated the game.
Did you see the sequel to the classic Coming to America? Shouldn´t they have left it alone?
I did not see the sequel of coming to America. I don’t believe in making sequels to classic movies. They are never greater than the original movie.
The struggle of the EPG Guardians Koblenz continues as even under new head coach Venelin Berov, the club is 0-3 and still only had 1 victory in 2025. Last weekend, they allowed 112 points against the always tough Munster team as they couldn´t stop their three attack and get the rebounding edge. The team now came home and would have to do the best of it as they had 2 games within 48 hours and it didn´t get any easier against #7 team Phoenix Hagen who arrived into the game with a 3 game winning streak. They are one of those team that are always in the playoffs and play smart basketball and take very good care of the ball. After a small set back in Munster, Koblenz wanted to find back to their solid game that they showed against Jena recently, But once again stuck with their opponent well for a half, but in the second half their zone fell apart and they played catch up basketball and couldn´t get over the hump losing 84-71. Birthday boy Ty Cockfield couldn´t explode in the second half and finished with 13 points. “I thought we played well. We could have been more aggressive. If we would of started faster the way we ended the game then we would of won. We lacked the needed energy for 40 minutes. We waited to get hit before hitting back”, warned EPG Guardians Koblenz guard Ty Cockfield. Phoenix Hagen as usual played a solid team game for 40 minutes and even when Koblenz punched back, they never lost their composure. “We played solid. Even when they went on a run and hurt us on the ball screen, we always stuck together and played hard until the end”, stressed Phoenix Hagen American Tyler Stephenson-Moore (190-G, college: Stony Brook, agency: Players Group).
Ben Stevens at the FT line
The EPG Guardians Koblenz were without German Moses Poelking who was out for the season while Phoenix Hagen was without American Devontae McCall. The first quarter was a tale of 2 runs as the EPG Guardians began well, but Phoenix Hagen struck back going on a big run to lead 25-17 after 10 minutes. The EPG Guardians Koblenz began focused and overpowered Phoenix Hagen in the first minutes taking the rapid 12-5 lead. Koblenz was aggressive and threw the ball inside giving their bigs good looks as Canadian Ben Stevens was a work horse scoring 3 times while Czech Republic big man David Boehms scored as did ex BBL player Leon Friderici with a nice finger tip roll lay in. The Koblenz offense had a great rhythm and the body language looked great while young French guard Alexandre Bouzidi ran the offense the way a pass first point guard should letting his high basketball IQ sparkle. But as soon as Bouzidi was out, the offense fizzled and Phoenix Hagen took advantage of it and went on a 20-5 run to lead by 8 points after 10 minutes. In the run, the guests moved the ball well and stifled the Guardians zone getting superb production from ex Giessen big man Tim Uhlemann who added 9 points while ex Rostock guard German Dennis Nawrocki added 5 points. Phoenix Hagen got a lot of second chances as the Guardians couldn´t protect the rim and many loose balls. The Guardians offense was erratic and too many 1-1 play as their team play from their first minutes vanished. “The Guardians played uncontrollable basketball at both ends of the court. Hagen took one step in the penetration and right away had the kick out opportunity. We had too many turnovers as well”, stressed EPG Guardians sport director Thomas Klein.
Bjarne Kraushaar at the FT line
In the second quarter there continued to be ups and downs by both teams as no team could break away as Phoenix Hagen had the slim 42-40 advantage at half-time. The EPG Guardians Koblenz exploded in the first 2 minutes breaking out with a lethal 8-0 run to dead lock the game at 25-25. Bouzidi was back in the contest and the offense flow was there again as well as open shots. Georgia native Cockfield nailed a trey which was followed by a trey by ex University of Alabama at Birmingham (NCAA) forward William Lee. Lee then followed with a lay in on transition. However the Guardians were unable to hold the defensive intensity as Phoenix Hagen broke back finding their offensive rhythm again as modern day big man Tim Uhlemann nailed a trey and lay in while ex Clemson (NCAA) forward Naz Bohanon made a lay in. The Guardians also executed getting lay in´s by guards Bouzidi and Jacob Hanzalek, but the guests led 34-29. Phoenix Hagen continued to execute well attacking the zone and getting lay in´s by German Marvin Omovwie and Bohanon as Koblenz trailed 40-31. Once again Bouzidi was on the bench and the Guardians offense sputtered. However Phoenix Hagen stepped up their defense which led to transition baskets. Phoenix Hagen had control of the game and should of slammed the door in the faces of the Guardians, but they couldn´t extend their lead. The EPG Guardians kept together and fought back going on a 9-2 to trail only by 2 points at the break. In the run, the EPG Guardians Koblenz got a big trey by ex BBL player Dominique Johnson and stayed aggressive as Stevens and Friderici made free throws. Cockfield did what he does best by making a lay in. “Hagen allowed easy baskets in the last minutes. We were able to get back into the game with 1-1 play”, stated Thomas Klein. Phoenix Hagen shot 43% from the field and 30% from outside and had 18 rebounds and 4 turnovers while the EPG Guardians Koblenz shot 48% from the field and 30% from outside and had 21 rebounds and 8 turnovers.
Leon Friderici to the hole
In the third quarter Phoenix Hagen took control of the game and would never look back again. Phoenix Hagen didn´t waste anytime punching going on a massive 18-2 run to lead 60-42. Phoenix Hagen was at 30% from outside and hadn´t found their touch yet, but in the third quarter, they began to let it rain three´s. The guests got 2 three´s from ex Stony Brook (NCAA) guard Tyler Stephenson-Moore and one from Uhlemann and one from ex Rhondorf Dragon Ralph Honnou. The Guardians zone had had too many cracks and didn´t have that intensity of the first half. By the time Koblenz woke up, it was too late, but they didn´t give up. They rebounded and punched back going on a 12-5 run to trail only 66-54 after 30 minutes. In the run, the EPG Guardians Koblenz got a big trey from American Michael Bradley who has got a bit lost in the guard shuffle ever since Bouzidi arrived. Hanzalek also hit a trey while Cockfield made a lay in and Johnson connected on a pretty turnaround shot. “We lost total control of the game as Hagen began to hit their three´s. We hit some baskets to cut the lead down a bit”, stated Thomas Klein. “We stuck and trusted to our system. We did a good job forcing Cockfield to tough shots and had good ball movement getting open shots”, added Tyler Stephenson-Moore. “They made adjsutments. We have to be quicker on our rotations. The next guy has to be ready. They got us in scramble situations”, commented Ty Cockfield.
Naz Bohanon at the FT line
Phoenix Hagen continued to have control of the game in the fourth quarter and never trailed by less than 8 points and did a great job managing their lead and executing well on offense to secure the victory. The EPG Guardians began well getting lay in´s from Bouzidi and Johnson while solid role player Nawrocki hit a trey as Koblenz trailed 69-58. The EPG Guardians then played great defense getting 5 stops, but couldn´t execute on offense ruining a golden opportunity to come back. Phoenix Hagen then punished The EPG Guardians Koblenz with two three pointers from ex Kent State (NCAA) guard Sincere Carey and Stephenson-Moore to extend their lead to 75-61. Koblenz then attempted one last run scoring 6 unanswered points as Bradley dropped another trey and Friderici made a lay in as Phoenix Hagen led 75-67 with 2,24 to remain. The EPG Guardians Koblenz now had some momentum, but Phoenix Hagen was ice cold slapping Koblenz with a 9-2 run to lead 84-69 to win without problems. In the run, Phoenix Hagen attacked the paint area getting 6 points from Bohanon including a dunk as well as a lay in by ex Giessen guard Bjarne Kraushaar. “We showed our composure in the last minutes. We locked in and continued to play hard. We didn´t force anything and hit open shots”, expressed Tyler Stephenson-Moore. “We fought hard, but they carried the momentum until the end and we ran out of time. We will continue to stay together”, warned Ty Cockfield. Phoenix Hagen was led by Tyler Stephenson-Moore with 16 points while Tim Uhlemann added 15 points and Naz Bohanon had 11 points while the EPG Guardians Koblenz were led by Ty Cockfield with 13 points while 4 other players all added 8 points a piece. Phoennix Hagen shot 45% from the field and 41% from the three point line while they had 41 rebounds and 14 turnovers while the EPG Guardians Koblenz shot 40% from the field and 32% from the three point line and had 34 rebounds and 14 turnovers.
Predrag Lukic is a German/Serbian coach who has been in Asia the last 10 years coaching various teams. He came to Asia in 2016 and coached BC Rise Sport Foshan (China, Guangdong province). He also coached clubs like Chongson KungFu (China-ASEAN League), Thang Long Warriors (Vietnam-VBA), NSH Mountain Gold Timika (Indonesia-IBL), Nhatrang Dolphins (Vietnam-VBA), DNA Bima Perkasa Jogja (IBL). He began his coaching career in Germany coaching teams like Baskets Luedenscheid (Germany-2. Regionalliga), BG Hagen (Germany-Regionalliga), GiroLive-Ballers Osnabrueck (ProA), TSV Quakenbrueck Dragons (Germany-2.Bundesliga) women team, ChemCats Chemnitz (Germany-DBBL) women team, Basket Oberhausen (Germany-DBBL) women team, Wolfenbuettel (Pro B) and Buergerfelder TB (Germany-Regionalliga). He spoke to eurobasket about basketball.
Thanks Predrag for talking to eurobasket.com. You’ve spent a decade coaching basketball in the top leagues of Asia. What have been some of your standout experiences during this time? Thank you! It’s truly been an incredible journey. One of the biggest highlights has definitely been the chance to experience diverse cultures. From the passionate fans in the arenas to the subtle nuances in coaching styles—each country brings something unique to the table. Plus, I’ve made some amazing friends from different parts of Asia as well from US. Those relationships are priceless.
That sounds fantastic! How would you say coaching in Asia differs from other regions, perhaps Europe? Basketball is basketball, no matter where you are, but the approaches can vary quite a bit. In Asia, there’s often a strong emphasis on teamwork and discipline, while in Europe, there tends to be a greater focus on individual skills. This means that the coaching style has to adapt to these different environments. But at the end of the day, it’s always about bringing out the best in the players.
Do you have plans to return to Europe? Is there something you’re particularly looking forward to?
Absolutely! The idea of returning to Europe excites me a lot. I’m on the lookout for a rewarding opportunity that fits well with my experience. Europe has so much to offer, both in terms of basketball and culture. I’m eager to see how I can apply what I’ve learned here and continue to grow.
That sounds like exciting possibilities ahead! What lessons will you carry with you into your future challenges?
I’ll take away a wealth of valuable lessons. The diversity of playing styles, the different approaches to team leadership, and an understanding of various cultures have enriched me not just as a coach, but as a person. It’s all about staying open-minded and ready to learn—no matter where the game takes you.
Thank you Predrag for sharing your insights! We wish you lots of success and can’t wait to see where your journey takes you next. Thank you! I’m looking forward to what the future holds!
Sasu Salin (190-SG-1991) is a 33 year old 191cm guard from Finland playing his 18th professional season and first with U-Banca Transilvania Cluj Napoca (Romania-Liga Nationala). He began his career in his homeland with Tapiolan Honka. He then played 5 seasons with Union Olimpija Ljubljana (Slovenia-Telemach League). He then played in the ACB in Spain from 2015-2024 playing 5 seasons with Lenovo Tenerife, 2 seasons with Unicaja Malaga and 2 seasons with Iberostar Tenerife CB Canarias He has played 58 Euroleague games. He spoke to germanhoops.com before a Eurocup game against Lietkabelis.
Your playing for U-Banca Transilvania Cluj Napoca (Romania-Liga Nationala) this season. After 9 years in the ACB, you have a new challenge in Romania. What kind of an experience has it been playing for this historic club? Till now, It has been a very pleasant. I’ve felt very comfortable and my family as well spending our time in Cluj so we are very happy.
The club has won the last 4 league titles in a row and last 2 cups. You have won titles in various countries. How confident are you that you will win some more titles? Of course this club has the reputance to be always fighting for the titles so that is the mindset that players have as well. We want to win.
After being a role player in the ACB, it seems like that is continuing this season again. What exactly is your role this season?
My profile thru out my career has been defense, shooter and that´s what I´m also doing here. Just doing my best to help the team to succeed.
This team has a lot of experience especially with guys like Richard, Seeley and Stephens. Can a guy of your age still learn new things from guys like these?
Of course. Its great to see experienced players and just to see the passion what they have for the game. Trying to take little things from each one of them.
You played the last 5 seasons with Lenovo Tenerife and averaged 40% from outside in your last 3 years. Was this some of the best basketball that you played in the ACB?
Probably, I had a very clear role and the system was well put together. Of course playing with marcelinho was one key to my success as well.
You were teammates in those years with guys like Aaron Doornekamp and Marcelino Huertas. Did guys like that become like brothers for you? After spending so many years together yes, kind of. Families were having great time on and off the court.
You were teammates the whole time also with Giorgi Shermadini there and in Malaga. What is your coolest story with him over the years?
Yeah me and Gio go ways back. Actually already in Ljubljana we played 1season together. Me and many guys know him as a Khachapuri man. We had a rule in Tenerife that if you are a mvp of the round or competiotion, u have to bring food for everyone. So pretty often he brought that delicious Georgian food.
You played 2 seasons with Unicaja Malaga. You were teammates with Brian Roberts after he returned from the NBA back to Europe. How special of a point guard was he? Does one still see this type of point guards overseas?
He was really good obviously. Spending time in Nba and euroleague tell about his talent. Maybe Yago has some same kind of style in his game.
You played your first 2 seasons in the ACB with Herbalife Gran Canaria. You were teammates with Royce O´Neal who averaged 7/5 in that season. 2 years later he reached the NBA and is still there. What was so special about his game? Royce was a great athlete and good defender. He also was a threat on offense. But I think for reaching the NBA level he understood that he wont be the main offensive guy and now we see, he is doing a great job.
In your first season you were coached by the legend Aito. How vital was it having a guy like that as coach in the ACB in your first year? How did he help your game most then? Aito, great coach. Easy to approach and easy to talk about everything. He made you feel good of yourself and your role so your confidence was always high. He trusts his players a lot.
In 3 years in the ACB you played 6 times against Luka Doncic and lost each time. What memories do you have of him. Would you have thought from his game then, that he would become a top 3 player in the world? Yeah, no surprise there Luka was awesome. Just watching him always first, you might get the idea that he is not the fastest, most athletic etc but when he started to play basketball, he was phenomenal.
Did you ever have to guard him? Do you remember him making a wow play in one of the games? I guarded him yes, he had a size advantage so he took me to post couple of times. No, not one thing but he just made the game look easy.
After starting your pro career in your homeland, you were 5 years with Union Olimpija Ljubljana (Slovenia-Telemach League) from 2010-2015. How vital were these years for your basketball development. What kind of a player did you become there? I feel like Ljubljana was the perfect place to start. A lot of work, practices etc but as a young guy that was exactly what I needed. There I realized that with defense I can make a difference. Shooting will always be there but I started to think more on my defense.
In your second season you had the luck to be teammates with the great NBA player Danny Green who was overseas because of the NBA lockout. What memories do you have of him? Danny came because of the lockout in the NBA Great guy, I think everyone liked him a lot. He was a very talented basketball player. Wish he could have stayed the whole season.
How do you remember your time with fellow young shooting guard Klemin Prepelic and the battles you had? You guys must of really pushed each other to the limit? Yeah since times in Slovenia already we played against each other. Amazing shooter, smart too. Happy for the career he has made.
In those first years in the Euroleague you played against so many legends like Holden and Langdon of CSKA or Rubio and Alan Anderson of Barca or Fotsis and Diamantidis of Panathinaikos and many more. Was there a player that you were most in awe then as a kid and then suddenly seeing him on the court?
Navarro was probably one of those, but of course all the ones you named too but Navarro was more special for me
You began your career with Honka Espoo Playboys (Korisliiga). What memories do you have of those early years? Was there a coach or mentor that was really vital for your very early basketball development? In Honka I was lucky to have great coaches yes. Mihailo Pavicevic, helped me to understand already the Balkan basketball that helped me for sure in Ljubljana as well. Gordon Herbert, great coach and Jussi Syrjänen, who was with us in juniors and 2nd division in men.
You were teammates with a great player with Jukka Matinen who I covered early in my career in Frankfurt. What memories do you have of him? Was he like a mentor for you? Jukka, great shooter and a hard working big guy. Helped me in my early years in Honka and national team. Good dude.
You played at the 2014 World Cup losing to USA 114-55. You played 18 minutes scoring 0 points. What memories do you have of that game. You played against Kyrie Irving, Steph Curry, James Harden, Anthony Davis just to name a few. What could you take from that experience? Haha yeah, usa was tough but great experience. I remember I made a layup and hit the 24sec clock
You lost to Germany at the 2023 World Cup scoring 6 points. Do you see Germany being the favorite at the 2025 European Championships despite having a new coach? Germany has a very good team. So for sure they will be high on the standings. But I wouldn´t say they are the favorite to win it all.
Who were some of the best players that you battled in the ACB that reached the NBA? Doncic, easy answer.
Please name your 5 best teammates of all-time? Marcelinho Huertas, Luka Rupnik, Gio Shermadini, Anzejs Pasecniks, Teemu Rannikko and Emir Sulejmanovic
Please name your NBA Mount Rushmore? Lebron, Kobe, MJ, KD, Shaq
Pano Pavlidis (203-PF-2000, college: Stonehill) is a 24 year old 203 cm forward from Bayside, New York that has Greek roots and Cyprus roots is playing his rookie season and first with Keravnos Strovolou (Cyprus-OPAP Basket League) averaging 6,7ppg and 2,9rpg. He began his basketball career at Cardozo high school and then played at Molloy College (NCAA2) from 2018-2021. He then played a season with the University of Hartford (NCAA) averaging 8.0ppg, 5.8rpg, 1.2apg, 1.3bpg, FGP: 64.9%, 3PT: 24.2%, FT: 57.4% and played a season with Stonehill College (NCAA) avergaing 6.6ppg, 4.3rpg, 1.2apg, FGP: 52.6%, 3PT: 23.8%, FT: 56.3%. He spoke to germanhoops.com before a Fiba Europe Cup game against the Basketball Lowen Braunschweig.
Thanks Pano for talking to germanhoops.com. Your playing your first season with Keravnos Strovolou (Cyprus-OPAP Basket League) and second in Cyprus. What kind of experience has it been playing for this organization?
Playing for Keravnos has been a great experience for me. It has always been a huge dream of mine to play basketball professionally and being able to play in my home country with a great organization filled with amazing people makes it a dream come true. I give a lot of thanks to my agent, Nick Vangelis of GBN agency, because he was able to connect me with such a great organization. From the presidents, to coaches, my teammates and the fans, everyone has been so encouraging and accepting of me that I look forward to anything we do as a team.
You grew up in New York and have Greek and Cyprus roots. What has it been like living overseas and playing basketball in Cyprus? Has it been a tough adjustment?
I was born and raised in Queens, New York with only my parents and brother. Despite being so far from our countries and families, my parents made sure to raise me as a proud Greek-Cypriot. I often visited my family in Northern Epirus, Athens and Paphos every summer. Because of this, the adjustment overseas has been effortless for me especially with the help of Keravnos and the way they have helped me settle into my new home. I am also very fortunate to have my aunt, uncle and cousins in Nicosia that I visit daily which is a luxury I did not have growing up.
Keravnos Strovolou (Cyprus-OPAP Basket League) has won 6 titles in the last 2 seasons. How big is the ambition and desire to win titles within the whole organization?
The ambition and desire to win within the club is a big motivator for everyone associated with the organization. Everyone has such high goals for themselves and for the organization that we all come into work everyday and push each other to continue to get better to reach our common goal for cups and championships. This was a major factor why I wanted to play for Keravnos because of their history of success and the people that work hard everyday to continue the winning tradition.
You’re playing for Greek legend Michalis Kakiouzis. How much of his winning genes trickles down on the team? What have you appreciated the most about his coaching philosophy?
Coach Kakiouzis was another factor why I wanted to play for Keravnos. He has an elite resume as a player and since we play the same position I wanted to be coached by him to learn as much as I can. His experiences as a player make him a great coach because of the numerous obstacles he was able to overcome throughout his playing career and I personally try to soak up as much knowledge as I can. What I appreciate the most of his coaching philosophy is he is a players coach and he connects to us as athletes because he was once in our shoes and understands our perspective firsthand.
The club has real experience in the front court with Crockett and Taylor. What really stands out most with their games? Crockett and Taylor are both phenomenal players that I speak to often to learn from their experience throughout their professional careers. The biggest thing that stands out the most to me besides their obvious talent on the court is their professionalism with the way they handle adversity throughout the season and treat every workout, practice, off-day, etc. They are both very disciplined on the court and it’s because of their work ethic in their craft which explains why they are both 10+ year professionals and still getting better.
What have been the most important things that you have been able to soak up from their games?
The most important things I have been able to take from both Crockett’s and Taylor’s game as forwards who do not control the ball is how effective and efficient they are off of the ball on the offensive end. Both players are great individual defenders and huge pieces for our defense but on the offensive side of the ball, they are very productive throughout our system. They both have made huge plays for our team by playing the right way and letting the game come to them naturally. Not only are they unselfish players but they are high IQ players that make good reads on both ends.
You’re averaging 9 minutes in the OPAP and Fiba Europe Cup. What exactly is your role on the team? I think my role is still being defined by my coaching staff and myself. The past two months have been a huge adjustment for me to adapt to European basketball while learning a new system from multiple positions. I feel like I have made a lot of progress in this time and I am prepared to expand my role that will best help the team reach our goal. As long as I keep working hard and staying disciplined, I think the sky’s the limit with the confidence I have in myself and the faith my organization has in me as a person and player.
Let’s talk about your game. You’re a 203cm forward. If you had to compare your game to a NBA player who would best fit the bill? This is an interesting question because I love watching and learning from so many different players. I personally try to play as a smaller version of Kevin Garnett, he is one player I idolize because of his high motor and intensity during each possession on both ends. I think I can be a solid stretch four that can run the court, shoot, dribble and bring energy on defense especially by being vocal.
You never averaged 10 ppg or more in college, but you always rebounded the ball well. Describe what your biggest strengths are on the court?
I think in the beginning of my career my biggest strength was my motor because I started playing basketball later than most players who have made it professionally. Before I was able to develop my skills and expand my game, I always focused on bringing energy, going after rebounds on both ends, and anchoring the defenses on any team I played on by studying the scouting report and being vocal. Now that I have had years of hard work and continue to develop my craft, I have maintained my high motor but I think my biggest strength now is my versatility as a jack of all trades. I workout daily and focus on being effective from multiple spots on the court on both ends so I can always help my team despite the situation.
You take the three pointer, but aren’t a high volume shooter. Is the three ball a part of your game that you feel like you could use more as a weapon overseas? The three ball is something I have worked very hard these past couple of years to develop with my trainer, Kevin Moriarty of KM-BBall, specifically for overseas. We have put countless hours in the gym together to improve my shooting in multiple situations to allow me to take a huge jump going into my rookie year. On a professional team with such talented and high IQ players, being a forward that can stretch the floor helps make the game a lot easier and I have taken extensive time focusing on being a consistent three point shooter to open up the court. I have always been a good shooter that other teams had to respect but it is a goal of mine to become a three point threat to allow me to open up other aspects of my game.
You showed at Molloy and Hartford that you could be a solid shot blocker. What kind of a defender are you now and what kind of a defender do you still want to become? I view myself as a solid defender that can guard multiple positions and I enjoy accepting the challenge of being assigned high level players. I think I have a lot more room to grow as a defender because I have mainly guarded 3s,4s and 5s but want to be able to switch onto guards on the perimeter consistently. Being a player that can switch onto anyone on the court has been an asset for any team I have played on and want to continue that on the professional level.
On what areas of your game are you working on most now so you can continue to improve your game?
The main thing I am focusing on to continue to improve in my game is transitioning into a consistent small forward. My career thus far has been mainly playing the 4 or the 5 and I still view myself as a good power forward but I have always wanted to showcase my game on the perimeter. Fortunately enough, with Keravnos I will finally have that opportunity and my coaches help me everyday get better at being a small forward. I am mainly working on becoming a consistent three point shooter, developing my dribbling and understanding angles with proper spacing from a small forward’s perspective.
How vital was it for your game playing at 3 colleges in the States? What kind of a player were you in 2018 and what kind of a player in 2024 when you came overseas? I personally believe everything happens for a reason and it is all a part of God’s timing which is why me playing for three different schools was very beneficial for me as a player. Starting off at Molloy in 2018, my coaching staff took a chance on a young skinny kid and I learned so much from them and my teammates. They taught me how to become a better player and man for the four years I spent there. After graduating from Molloy, I took a risk by putting my name into the transfer portal and that’s when I was contacted by Hartford. Going to Hartford was honestly a pivotal point in my career because playing for a division one program with great resources allowed me to take my hard working mentality and optimize it to the best of my ability. I quickly gained weight with the help of their excellent strength coaches, learned so much from the amazing coaching staff and was given a great opportunity to prove myself on the division one level. Unfortunately, because of institutional changes I was not able to finish my career at Hartford and needed to transfer again which is when Coach Kraus and Stonehill became another pivotal point in my career. At Stonehill I was able to graduate with my masters and continue my development as a player. My coaching staff at Stonehill was filled with hardworking and encouraging coaches that helped me mature as a player throughout the season. I look back a lot on all of my experiences between my three schools that I am proud to have attended. Those experiences and the people I met along the way still help me to this day as a professional basketball player.
You played at Molloy College (NCAA2) from 2018-2022. You made a big jump in your game in your second season. What was it like playing for Charles Marquardt? How did you help your game most in your second season? – Throughout my college career, I spent the most time with Coach Marquardt and I learned so much from him on and off the court. In my first year, I was a raw prospect and we had a phenomenal team that won a championship which is why I did not play much but Coach Marquardt always saw my potential and work ethic. From this championship team, I learned what it took to win and the proper habits a player and team needs to have and build throughout a season. For my entire second year, I was given the opportunity and helped throughout the year by the entire coaching staff to continue to develop my game which allowed me to make this big jump.
You scored 17 points against District of Col winning 102-101. How thrilling do you have that game in your memories?
– If I remember correctly, I think I started the first half with all of my 17 points and was perfect from the field. This was one of my first games where I felt that I started to break out of my shell but if my memory serves right, the most thrilling part about this game was my teammate Nick Corbett going coast to coast and making a game winning lay up.
You then played at the University of Hartford (NCAA) averaging 8.0ppg, 5.8rpg, 1.2apg, 1.3bpg, FGP: 64.9%, 3PT: 24.2%, FT: 57.4%. You needed no adjustment time coming from division 2 ball. How did your game mature overall in this season?
– My personal success at Hartford was largely because of the amazing coaching staff and strength coaches that spent hours with me to help me prepare and develop as a player on the court and in the weight room. I still speak with my coaches from Hartford regularly because of the connection we built but they still help me to this day by offering advice to continue my development. They taught me how to play the game at a high level by making proper reads on the court and showed me how to properly lift while dieting throughout a long season and in the summer.
You then played 1 more season at Stonehill College (NCAA) averaging 6.6ppg, 4.3rpg, 1.2apg, FGP: 52.6%, 3PT: 23.8%, FT: 56.3%. How valuable was this year for you?
– Stonehill was a great place for me to finish my college career. Coach Kraus was an amazing coach and even better mentor that taught me how to carry myself as a professional that is helping me right now as a rookie. He also allowed me the opportunity to graduate with a masters that I will use when my basketball career ends which I cannot thank him enough for because he has helped me set up my life on a great path.
You played against NCAA powerhouse Kentucky losing 101-67, but you held your own in 14 minutes with 6/4/2/1/1 stats. Did that game make you feel like you belonged?
I personally always felt that I belonged on a basketball court no matter who I am facing. As long as I prepare by working out as hard as I can and studying film I think anything is possible and each big game is an opportunity to seize. Playing against Kentucky during Coach Calipari’s last season there was a moment I will never forget. My only regret is I wish I did not get hurt to the point I needed stitches and only had a chance to play 14 minutes during that game.
The team had no answer for Reed Shepherd who scored 25 points off the bench. Did you have that feeling then that he had NBA material? Reed Shepherd is a great player and you could tell he was NBA material during his one year at Kentucky. The biggest thing I saw in his game is how poised and efficient he was at such a young age which is why I am not surprised about him being a first round pick.
How did head coach Chris Kraus help you give that last little push towards becoming a professional player?
Coach Kraus taught me how to carry myself a professional by the way I train on the court and coordinate myself off of the court. He also allowed for my last season in college to be filled with high level games that helped me build my confidence against elite players to give me a push going into my rookie year.
Who won a 1-1 in practice, you or Thatcher Stone?
Thatcher is a great player and we have a lot of similarities in our games as big wings but with all due respect, I take myself in one on one against anybody. Especially in my college career, I would often play king of the court against teammates after practice and be the last one standing.
Who is the best player that you ever battled on the court that reached the NBA? I have been fortunate enough to play against and workout with many professional players that have made the NBA and seen how incredible they are with their games. The only time I was honestly surprised by a player’s ability was this past year when I played against UConn. I had to match up against Donovan Clingan and it was the first time I played against anyone that tall that had a great touch and could run the court well. It was an eye opening experience because it showed me what an NBA center is built like.
Please name your 5 best teammates of all-time?
Now this is a tough question because I have had many great teammates throughout my career who were great players and people. I think being a great teammate has a lot to do with the obvious which is personal accomplishment but also team success and character. Going off of these metrics, I would have to say the best teammates I have had the pleasure of sharing the court with are Marcus Hammond in high school who played at Niagara University, then Notre Dame and is currently a professional in Europe. Early in my Molloy career I was able to play with Nick Corbett who was a 2000 point scorer in college and was MVP of our championship game. Late in my Molloy career I was able to play with Steve Torre who was a 1000 point scorer. Another teammate that I have had briefly at Molloy and still workout together in summer is James Montgomery who is a 1000 point scorer in college and is currently professional in South America. Last but not least, my best and favorite teammate of all time is my best friend Lewis who taught me the game of basketball and instilled a hard working attitude that I still use to this day. Any and every accomplishment I achieve I credit to Lewis and can’t thank him enough for being the best teammate ever. All five of these teammates I still speak to regularly and have become my brothers for life.
Please name your NBA Mount Rushmore?
My NBA Mount Rushmore is different from who I consider the best players of all time. I think the best players are Michael Jordan, Lebron James, Kobe Bryant and Shaquille O’Neal in that order. But my personal Mount Rushmore is Kevin Garnett, Kobe Bryant, Kevin Durant and Michael Beasley. These are four players that I personally love watching play the game of basketball and have watched hours of film to learn specific moves from. I think each of these players are complete players on both sides of the ball and are versatile enough to do anything on the court.
Who is your GOAT? My GOAT is Michael Jordan. I know I grew up after his playing career but Michael Jordan as a player and when looking at his career compared to others is untouchable to me. From the way he dominated the 90s and the influence he had on the basketball culture throughout the world, he is the greatest to pick up a basketball in my opinion.
Did you see the sequel to the classic Coming To America? Shouldn’t they have left it alone? I love Eddie Murphy as an actor and comedian and I think Coming to America is an amazing film. If I am being honest, I have not seen the sequel and cannot offer my opinion. Throughout the last few years I have noticed that a lot of sequels of all time classics have started to be released and a lot of them have great nostalgia. As someone who loves movies, I want to see some new ideas hit the cinema and become classics instead of repeating the past.
Miles Schmidt-Scheuber and Alex Lagerman in the Dragon Dome in 2025
Alexander Lagerman (202-SG-2004) is a 20 year old 202cm shooting guard playing his first season with Pro B team Dragons Rhondorf averaging 8,4ppg, 2,7rpg and 1,0apg. Last season he played with the wiha Panthers Schwenningen (ProB) playing16 games averaging 15.1ppg, 4.9rpg, 1.2apg, FGP: 61.6%, 3PT: 27.1%, FT: 72.7%. He began his basketball career with the Fraport Skyliners in the JBBL (U-16) and also played 4 Pro B games and in 2022-2023 season in the NBBL averaged :21.2ppg, 6.2rpg, 1.8apg, FGP: 54.2%, 3PT: 31.3%, FT: 78.3%. He spoke to germanhoops.com after the big 104-97 win over Coburg.
Congrats on the massive 104-97 win over Coburg. How good did it feel sweeping the season series against Coburg? It feels great. I believe we are making steps and progressing as a team. It was a good collective performance.
After only allowing 72 points last week in Frankfurt, what was the goal defensively going into the game? No specific goals besides our fundamental defensive principles. We executed our defensive structures well.
The first quarter was a scoring explosion with 58 points, but the Dragons had the 31-27 advantage. How vital is it for the Dragons to try to get away from these shoot out type of quarters? Vital, it’s hard to gain control over shoot outs because you can’t factor luck in.
BBC Coburg had a rapid start, but how important was the alley-oop dunk from Danas Kazakevicius? Did that give the Dragons the needed energy at that time? Yea plays such as that one, definitely spike the energy and can only benefit the team.
The Dragons then had a big run to lead 29-19, but BBC Coburg punched back with a 8-2 run to trail only 31-27. What was so difficult for the Dragons being able slow down BBC Coburg better? Basketball is a momentum shifting game. I guess Coburg found their momentum in that specific sequence.
In the second quarter the Dragons Rhondorf got a healthy lead and led by as much as 17 points and led 59-43 at the break. What adjustment did the Dragons make on the defensive end? We controlled our matchups better in one on one.
In the third quarter BBC Coburg fought back scoring 26 points and trailed only 79-69. Down the stretch Tobias Rotegaard hit 2 three´s. What made it so difficult to contain him?
He was chucking up moving threes around screens which is always hard to contest. They were tough shots but you have to give him credit for making them.
BBC Coburg continued to fight in the fourth quarter and the Dragons couldn´t shake them. How vital was it for the Dragons showing that special offensive consistency early on to keep the comfortable lead? Very important because we didn’t want to lose our momentum and give them the confidence that they can stop us defensively.
BBC Coburg kept fighting and got another three pointer down the stretch, but it wasn´t enough. What was key in crunch-time for getting the win? Just staying solid, letting the clock run out and not making any mistakes that could give them the opportunity.
There were many great baskets in the game. What was your favorite basket of the game?
Hard one to pick. I liked Kelvin’s three, bcause he made it when they counted the most and that knocked them back.
The Dragons Rhondorf won the rebound duel, had better shooting percentages and had 29 assists. What was the team´s biggest strength on the night? All of the above. Rebounding, shot making and also moving the ball well.
The Dragons Rhondorf have won 3 of their last 4 games. Is it slowly getting it´s playoff form? That is definitely the goal. To keep improving, so that we have the best possible version of the team to show up for the playoffs
Next week a must win situation in Ludwigsburg. How big will be the revenge factor after the 91-86 loss at home? It would be sweet to grab that win on the road, especially after losing to them in the first matchup. We shouldn’t underestimate them, they are talented but we carry the confidence and are the better team.
What will the Dragons Rhondorf will be working on most this week in practice concerning the defensive end?
That’s a question coach Marko can answer better than me, but my guess is sticking to our principles and analyzing how we can best defend the opposing team.
How great is it seeing the awakening of Tim Smith Jr? He is finding his form of the early season. Could he be the difference of making the playoffs or not?
For sure. Tim is our main guy. We need him to be in the best possible form because his versatility and shot making ability can make the difference.
You had a solid game of 10/3/1 in only 14 minutes. How content were you with your game?
For the amount of minutes I played I thought I did really well. Also defensively I felt like I did a solid job. I try to control what I can control, so I’m very content with how I played.
You averaged 26 minutes in the last 2 games before the Coburg game, but about 10 minutes less in the 10 previous games. And against Coburg it was only 14 minutes. How tough is these fluctuations in your minutes? It isn’t easy. In order to perform consistently it obviously helps to get consistent playing time. But we have a deep squad and as long as we are performing well it doesn’t matter who is playing how much.
Do you have any explanations why there have been so many games 15/21 where you averaged less than 20 minutes?
That’s an interesting statistic I wasn’t aware of that. I’m not quite sure I have an exact explanation besides the fact that we have a deep rotation. But I feel like, considering the way I played last game, I could’ve definitely played more. I guess my main takeaway for this is that minutes should be directly connected to my in-game performance.
How thrilled were you last weekend winning against your ex team Frankfurt? What gave you the most satisfaction after the buzzer sounded? It definitely felt great also playing in front of my family and friends is always a blessing. Just the taste of victory was enough in terms of satisfaction.
Antonio Pilipovic scored the 100th point. Does he have to get donuts? Most certainly yes. He is known for enforcing the donut rule, so I’m pretty sure he’ll live by it as well lol.
German Hoops 