BBL

Booker Coplin Gives The Frankfurt Skyliners Xmas Gift With Buzzer Beater Win Over ratiopharm Ulm 87-85

Just seeing the schedule of the Frankfurt Skyliners and their upcoming games over the Xmas time could give some players a rude taste in their mouths and lead to no appetite, but not a good idea shortly before Christmas. The Frankfurt Skyliners had Ulm, Ludwigsburg and Munich left in 2024 and needed to win as much as possible, but that was easier said then done. After a brutal loss in Wurzburg, an even nastier followed against Braunschweig. Frankfurt had 10 days to prepare for ratiopharm Ulm as all they could hope for was a merry merry game against the top BBL team. Ulm had their 5 game winning streak halted with a tough 69-67 loss in their own living room to rising team MLP Academics Heidelberg. The Frankfurt Skyliners faced a must win and I´m sure some of the most faithful Skyliner fans had produced some sort of praying going into the game. On a mild Monday night, a day before Xmas, the Frankfurt Skyliners played 40 minutes of punching back and forth basketball and saved their best for last as Booker Coplin (191-G-1997, college: Augsburg, agency: BIG) made an incredible buzzer beater winning shot that shocked ratiopharm Ulm and ruined their Xmas. “We came and played a great game. We came out strong fighting on defense. We knew that they had some talented bigs that liked to crash the boards, but we knew that if we could get back on transition and play our game that we would have a chance. I think that the basketball God was on our side tonight”, smiled Jordan Theodore. Ratiopharm didn´t have their A game, but were always ready to punch back when Frankfurt punched. Ulm had control late, but let the game fall out of their hands. “I´m very disappointed how we played. But a lot of credit to Frankfurt. They played a great game. It was a great atmosphere. We weren´t ready to play and didn´t start to play until the second quarter. We need to improve finishing games”, stated ratiopharm Ulm head coach Ty Harrelson.

Isaiah Roby at the Ft line

The first quarter was a tight affair as there were 7 lead changes, but Frankfurt was able to make some ground in the latter part and led by 4 points after 10 minutes. In the first minutes talented Israeli guard Ben Saraf who is a huge 2025 NBA draft prospect scored twice showing his IQ and being able to make quick decisions. Frankfurt got a big spark from Einaras Tubutis who added 8 points including 2 three´s while ex Seton Hall guard Jordan Theodore also added a three pointer for the 14-10 Frankfurt lead. The guests had opted mostly for the drive, but they then finally nailed a trey as ex Boise State (NCAA) guard Justinian Jessup scored to pull Ulm to 14-13. Walking bucket Malik Parsons who won the double in Denmark last season scored 6 unanswered points as his aggressiveness took over as Frankfurt led 19-13. Ratiopharm Ulm didn´t look that fresh on the court like they usually do which gave Frankfurt the opportunity to heighten their intensity and dictate the game. Frankfurt would keep the lead, but Ulm kept punching back as French junior national player Noa Essengue made a tough shot in the paint and 2017 NBBL champion Nelson Weidemann dropped a trey, but Frankfurt led 25-21 after one quarter. “Tubutis shot great for us. Parsons also did his thing. He is a walking bucket. It really felt like everyone was scoring and contributing”, stressed Jordan Theodore. Frankfurt was shooting very well with over 60% from the 2 point range and from outside and had 5 rebounds and 4 turnovers while ratiopharm Ulm shot 44% from the 2 point range and 20% from outside and had 10 rebounds and 4 turnovers.

Jordan Theodore from outside

In the second quarter The Frankfurt Skyliners struggled a bit to start, but came back and then had a back and forth punching match until the break. Ratiopharm Ulm began with a 7-0 run and stopped Frankfurt 5 times. In the Ulm run, they attacked the paint area and were successful as they got a lay in from ex NBA player Isaiah Roby and a lay in and free throws by ex Munich forward Karim Jallow. The Ulm press annoyed Frankfurt and Frankfurt opted for more 1-1 play. Jallow was a real spark plug doing it at both ends. Ex Boston College German Patrick Heckman stopped the run with a sweet trey as Frankfurt tied the game at 28-28. Frankfurt´s offense executed better again with a fade away jumper from ex Wright State guard Trey Calvin and a trey by Booker Coplin as the game was tied at 33-33. Essengue and Parsons traded baskets and Ulm then went on a mini 4-0 run to lead 40-35 as Essengue scored on transition and Karim Jallow made a thunderous dunk. The dime was made by Ben Saraf who made a beautiful cross over and then made the shovel pass for the basket. Frankfurt always stayed calm and ready and punched back with a mini 4-0 run as Theodore and Parsons split the defense with lay in´s. Jallow closed out the second quarter with a lay in as ratiopharm Ulm had the slim 42-40 lead. “They tried to speed us up with their press. We turned the ball over. However Parsons still made big shots. He kept us in the game”, added Jordan Theodore.

Noa Essengue with the lay in

In the third quarter ratiopharm Ulm gave up the lead briefly in the first minutes, but then stole it back, but never led by more than 6 points as the Frankfurt Skyliners continued to execute very well on the offensive end. Frankfurt came out of half-time with a bang as Minnesota native Booker Coplin hit a trey and Tubutis made a lay in with Theodore tip toeing through the defense and giving him the shovel pass for the 46-45 lead. “I created for him and he made the bucket. I still have speed. I´m not that old yet”, expressed Jordan Theodore. But ratiopharm Ulm fought back and went on a 7-0 run as they kept hurting Frankfurt inside with their bigs as Essengue made 5 points and Roby a lay in for the 51-46 advantage. But then came the Jordan Theodore show as he supplied 13 points. It was like the good old days. He was showcasing his inside out game as he hit 3 three´s, made a 20 footer and lay in. ratiopharm Ulm also got some vital support from ex Illinois (NCAA) guard Alfonso Plummer who nailed 2 crazy off balance three´s. Parson´s also added a tough off balance shot and dunk down the stretch. Theodore´s third trey of the quarter was a buzzer beater, but ratiopharm Ulm still led 65-64 after 3 quarters. “I made a good play and got the ball to Muenkat who then got it back to me. I knew it was going in”, smiled Jordan Theodore. “Theodore gives Frankfurt a lot of experience. He made some big plays and some tough step backs and drives”, stated Ty Harrelson. “I started to catch fire. The first 2 games, I had no legs, but with the 10 days of practice, that really helped me. I was really feeling it with my shot. I finally got my number 25 again”, stressed Jordan Theodore. The Frankfurt Skyliners shot 50% from the field and 57% from the three point line and had 18 rebounds and 11 turnovers while ratiopharm Ulm shot 50% from the field and 29% from three point line and had 29 rebounds and 12 turnovers.

Malik Parsons at the FT line

The fourth quarter was a solid offensive display as both teams executed well and no team could get away from the other and decide the game early. Frankfurt began with a key 7-3 run to lead 72-68 as Calvin added 5 points and Parsons as usual showed his crazy athleticism with a hard dunk. Jessup and Jallow gave Ulm some support with baskets, but they still trailed 74-73. After Saraf and Coplin traded baskets, the game was deadlocked at 78-78. Isaiah Roby who played for the Oklahoma Thunder during Covid made a clutch three pointer for the 81-78 Ulm advantage. Then was a golden opportunity for the guests to decide the game as they stopped Frankfurt 3 times, but they made no ground as they were also stopped 3 times. Roby then added a lay in late as ratiopharm Ulm led 83-78 and had the chance to decide the game again. However Frankfurt kept fighting and got a huge trey from Coplin to trail 83-81. Saraf made free throws with the 85-81 lead with 1,20 to go. Ulm was in the drivers seat, but wouldn´t score again. Frankfurt got Tubutis free throws to trail 85-83. On the next possession, David Mjuenkat made a steal which led to free throws from him and the game was 85-85. Ratiopharm Ulm didn´t have that killer instinct as Jessup took a jumper which was a good look, but it didn´t fall. “The game went back and forth with both teams making big shots. So many shots at the end of the shot clock”, stated Jordan Theodore. Then came Booker Coplin time. He attempted a trey with a few seconds from the corner that missed, but Tubutis got the offensive rebound and got the ball to Coplin. Coplin must have had an idea that there was about nothing left on the clock as he just tipped the ball towards the basket that fell through which left the arena in total bedlam and the Xmas win. “That was a hell of a rebound by Tubutis. That was big balls. He had the awareness to kick it back to Coplin. I never saw a shot like that before. I knew it was going in”, smiled Jordan Theodore. “We had a 4 point lead and then shot it with 7 seconds and ott the foul. We have to be more aware on defense. We could of reduced one possession. That one more possession gave them the win”, added Ty Harrelson. The Frankfurt Skyliners were led by Jordan Theodore and Malik Parsons with 18 points a piece. Booker Coplin added 14 points and Einaras Tubutis 13 points while ratiopharm Ulm was led by Isaiah Roby with 19 points and Karim Jallow and Ben Saraf added 13 points a piece. The Frankfurt Skyliners shot 46% from the field and 50% from outside and had 30 rebounds and 13 turnovers while ratiopharm Ulm shot 51% from the field and 35% from outside and had 37 rebounds and 17 turnovers.

Mr Perfect Ivan Crnjac Goes 12/12 With 33 Points Powering Eintracht Frankfurt Skyliners Past The Niners Chemnitz Academy 114-90

Eintracht Frankfurt Skyliners continue to be on a mission as their winning ways continue as they were sprouting an excellent 6-0 record. They have been successful with good team basketball led by their trio of Crnjac, Omog and Edoka. But they knew that if they wanted to take their unbeaten streak into Christmas, they would have to get by the Niners Chemnitz again. Last weekend, the 2 clubs had met in Chemnitz where Frankfurt escaped with a thrilling 95-93 victory where Ivan Crnjac (203-F-2007) led the charge with 21 points. Despite the Niners Chemnitz having a 3-4 record, Frankfurt couldn´t underestimate them and had to be on their A game to continue their winning streak. Frankfurt was without Namori Omog while Chemnitz was without 3 key players. On a mild Sunday afternoon in Frankfurt, history was made as German shooting star Ivan Crnjac had a perfect game going 12/12 from the field and 3/3 from the free throw powering Eintracht Frankfurt Skyliners past the Niners Chemnitz Academy 114-90. “Ivan was in a little shooting slump, but it was only a phase. He is an outstanding shooter. He has that quick high release and just knows how to shoot”, stressed Skyliners Juniors head coach Sepher Tarrah. But it wasn´t only Crnjac who sparkled, but the whole team came together and had an amazing offensive game shooting out the lights. Frankfurt let up on the defensive end in the second half, but a win is all that matters in the end. “In the first half, we hit everything. It was crazy. It is only normal that a team won´t have as much focus and energy after a first half like that. I still think that we played well. I´m really proud of the team”, stressed Frankfurt forward Ivan Crnjac. Then Niners Chemnitz Academy stepped up their game in the second half outscoring Frankfurt 49-43 and showed real heart never giving up and playing hard until the end. “We let Frankfurt catch their rhythm to quickly at the start. Their quick start decided the game early. That hurt us mentally. We have to come out with more pride and play together more. We played with more pride in the second half. We gave up too many open three´s. We have to do a better job closing out and helping on rotations”, added Niners Chemnitz Academy Academy player Daniel Duhajsky.

Maximillian Peters with the lay in

In the first quarter Eintracht Frankfurt Skyliners exploded for an incredible 41 points while Niners Chemnitz Academy Academy mustered only 22 points which would have looked normal in almost any other kind of circumstance. Frankfurt got off to a rapid start leading 7-2 as Ivan Crnjac added 5 points. The Niners Chemnitz Academy stayed tough and tied the game at 7-7 with a bucket from Duhajsky and a trey from Chris Wahren. But Frankfurt were just getting started as they exploded on a 21-6 run to lead very comfortably 28-13. In the run Frankfurt continued to play great team basketball as the duo of Crnjac and Julius Messer added 8 points apiece and 2 three´s a piece. Frankfurt was defending aggressively getting stops which heighted their self confidence for their offensive sets. Frankfurt didn´t let up and continued to execute excellent at both ends of the court. Frankfurt continued to share the ball nicely as Maximillian Peters scored as did Julius Messer and Crnjac added 4 more points. The Frankfurt bench also stepped up as German Finley Pruever made a steal and transition basket. It would have looked a lot worse for Chemnitz, but talented Luca Kellig added 6 points late to give them a bit of energy. “Frankfurt gave a real offensive firework. After a while you had the feeling of not knowing who scored as so many scored. We had great ball movement and the bench stepped up. Many guys on the bench would start for other teams”, stated Fraport Skyliners Juniors head coach Sepehr Tarrah. Eintracht Frankfurt Skyliners shot an overwhelming 85% from the field and 75% from outside and had 5 rebounds and 2 turnovers while The Niners Chemnitz Academy shot 62% from the field and 40% from outside and had 3 rebounds and 5 turnovers.

Luca Kellig at the FT line

In the second quarter Eintracht Frankfurt Skyliners didn´t score as dominantly as in the first quarter, but tightened up their defense allowing only 17 points and led 71-41 at half-time. Ivan Crnjac was 7/7 in the first quarter and in the second quarter began quickly hitting his shots making 3 more shots to be 10/10 at the break. He made a left handed hook and 2 reverse layups where the team displayed incredible unselfishness as the extra pass was the sixth man. Lennard Glowka added 2 baskets, but Frankfurt still had the immense 51-29. It seemed like almost anything Frankfurt attempted to do on offense worked. Everybody got minutes and gave their 2 cents in the win. Role player Chris Widmer who usually doesn´t get many minutes made a runner and finished with 6 points, 2 rebounds and 2 assists in 14 minutes. “I respect Chris´s game a lot. He brings great energy from the bench and has good basketball qualities. He is a very good teammate”, stressed Ivan Crnjac. Greek player Konstantinos Kapetanakis gave Frankfurt additional energy from the bench with a trey to give Frankfurt the 56-30 advantage. He finished with 7 points and 2 dimes in 11 minutes. “He is a real hustler. He defends the way how Greek players do in Greece. He is a very aggressive defender. He needs to find more calmness though as a point guard. But he just came back from an injury”, stated Ivan Crnjac. Frankfurt continued to execute well, but so did The Niners Chemnitz Academy Academy, but they couldn´t get over the hump. Frankfurt got 2 more baskets from Julius Messer, but also additional support from the bench as Pruever nailed a trey, Widmer a lay in and Fabrice Heberer made free throws. “We got many easy baskets. I would estimate somewhere around 40 of the 71 were easy baskets. I feel like the 41 points were ok in a game that had a high tempo and many possessions”, stated Sephehr Tarrah. Eintracht Frankfurt Skyliners shot 77% from the field and 69% from the three point line and had 18 rebounds and 4 turnovers while The Niners Chemnitz Academy shot 45% from the field and 36% from the three point line and had 11 rebounds and 8 turnovers.

Fabrice Heberer from downtown

In the third quarter The Niners Chemnitz Academy had their strongest quarter outscoring Eintracht Frankfurt Skyliners 26-20, but still trailed 91-67 after 3 quarters. Frankfurt got real hot going on a massive 14-2 run to have the overwhelming 85-43 lead. In the run, Jamie Edoka hit a trey while Messer made a lay in on transition while Ivan Crnjac added 9 points with 2 three´s and three free throws. It would be the last points and shots that Ivan Crnjac would take on this night. His incredible stat line was 33 points in 19 minutes at that point. “I feel great with this perfect game. It was my first in my career. It gives me added self-confidence that I really need now. I had been in a shooting slump during the last few Pro B games. I´m really relived to shoot so well. A perfect game is best for the self-confidence. I actually had a bad feeling going in as my index finger was tapped as some skin had rubbed off before the game. I was taking all my shots using my last 3 fingers and not my index finger pushing off. But it worked in my favor”, smiled Ivan Crnjac. That was about all the offense that Frankfurt would display in the third quarter as The Niners Chemnitz Academy took a page from Frankfurt´s excellent execution closing out the third quarter with a lethal 24-6 run to trail only by 24 points after 3 quarters. In the run, the guests got solid production from many sides as their team basketball sparkled. Chris Wahren added 6 points with 2 three´s while Glowka added 5 points while the Alfons brother chipped in with 7 points. “Our intensity went down. We began well with a big run, but then just lost our intensity. The whole team let up on defense. We were unconcentrated. We had the win wrapped up in our minds. I wish we could of finished the game better, but that is part of the game”, warned Ivan Crnjac. “We did a good job sticking together and trusting each other. We just stuck to the game plan and hit more shots. With more points, our confidence rose”, added Daniel Duhajsky. Eintracht Frankfurt Skyliners shot 71% from the field and 63% from the parking lot and had 24 rebounds and 9 turnovers while The Niners Chemnitz Academy Shot 50% from the field and 36% from the parking lot and had 18 rebounds and 10 turnovers.

Alfons Milatz with the drive

In the fourth quarter both teams executed well on offense, but The Niners Chemnitz Academy couldn´t make any ground as both teams swapped 23 points apiece. The guests began quickly getting 2 baskets from Duhajsky and 1 from Glowka, but Julius Messer slowed down some of that energy nailing back to back three´s giving Frankfurt some extra leverage leading 97-73. Messer has been back a few weeks after a long injury, but he has needed no adjustment time as he finished with 26 points in 25 minutes. “He is a very interesting player. He is a real athlete. He has a good combination between strength and quickness. He is a 3 level scorer”, stated Sepher Tarrah. After German Noah Spindler hit a trey, it was Jamie Edoka who hit the 101 points and has donuts duty for the team. He continued to be aggressive adding a three pointer and dunk for the 106-84 lead. Down the stretch, Spindler added another trey as did Fabrice Heberer. It was a game where offense ruled as a total of 204 points were produced. Ivan Crnjac played 4 plus minutes in the fourth quarter but attempted no shots to remain perfect. “I didn´t want to force anything at the end. I let other guys take over”, stated Ivan Crnjac. “We wanted to finish with pride. We defended a lot better and just finished strong”, stated Daniel Duhajsky. “We weren´t in the game anymore. We made many turnovers not from their defense, but our offense. We played for ourselves”, added Ivan Crnjac. Eintracht Frankfurt Skyliners were led by Ivan Crnjac with 33 points. Julius Messer added 26 points while Jamie Edoka had 23 points, 12 boards and 5 assists while The Niners Chemnitz Academy were led by Lennard Glowka with 21 points. Daniel Duhajsky added 20 points and Luca Kellig 16 points. Eintracht Frankfurt Skyliners shot 69% from the field and 62% from outside and had 33 rebounds and 14 turnovers while The Niners Chemnitz Academy shot 52% from the field and 37% from outside and had 22 rebounds and 13 turnovers.

The Dragons Rhondorf Get Back On Track With Massive 91-74 Victory Against The Ahorn Camp Baskets

The last weeks had been hard times for the Dragons Rhondorf as they had lost 4 out of their last 5 games and needed a big win to end 2024. But it didn´t get any easier with the 7-4 Ahorn Camp Baskets from Speyer who had won 7 of their last 8 games and were riding a massive high. The Dragons Rhondorf were allowing a pathetic 93 points per game and it seemed like they weren´t making any steps with improvement on defense. But the defense finally stepped up as despite being without Janne Muller and Marko Rosic, the Dragons Rhondorf came together as a team defensively and had a great shooting day which resulted in a giant 91-74 victory over the Ahorn Camp Baskets from Speyer. It also helped that the guests top playmaker Carlos Hidalgo was out with an injury. Speyer moved to 7-4 and Rhondorf to 6-6. “It feels amazing to finally win again. We were so used to winning last season. But I don´t take anything for granted. It is hard to win games this season. Our energy was huge tonight as it carried us for 40 minutes. We punched them in the mouth at the start with that run and it set the tone of the game”, stressed Dragons Rhondorf guard Kelvin Omojola. You should never make excuses, but it was obvious that losing Hidalgo hurt Speyer´s game tremendously, but they just caught a very potent Dragons team that had a great night. “We were a bit short maned. Hidalgo keeps good organization. That was missed tonight. It can get chaotic without him. They had a good shooting effort. We gave our best”, stressed Ahorn Camp Baskets guard DJ Woodmore. It was the best defensive effort of the season for the Dragons Rhondorf. “We trusted one another and play for one another. We were rotating well and just flying around”, added Kelvin Omojola.

DJ Woodmore at the FT line

The Dragons Rhondorf came out strong out of the gates going on a 7-0 run. In the run, they got a trey from ex Drake (NCAA) guard Antonio Pilipovic and 2 lay in´s by Ohio native rookie Tim Smith Jr. (201-F-2000, college: N.Alabama, agency: 011 Sports) who was looking to break out again after not scoring 20 points or more in a game in his last 4 games. Rhondorf had great energy and seemed to catch Speyer off guard. Aggressive defense led to transition baskets for the Dragons. DJ Woodmore finally got Speyer on the board with a three pointer, but Rhondorf struck back with 5 points as Smith Jr dropped a trey and ex Bamberg center Danas Kazakevicius made a tip in for the 12-4 advantage. That basketball is a game of runs was proved once again as Speyer punched back with a 8-3 run to trail 15-12. A three pointer by ex Pro A player Christoph Rupp and Woodmore lay in led the charge for the guests. Speyer upped their intensity and pressure and got great buckets from their individual class. However the Dragons didn´t wilt but continued to put on the pressure and closed out the first quarter with a lethal 15-6 run to lead 30-18 after one quarter. In the run the 2024 Pro B champion were led by Kazakevicius who was a menace around the rim scoring 3 consecutive buckets while Smith and ex easyCredit BBL player Marco Rahn made lay in´s while Pilipovic kept his hot shooting going with a trey. “We were all clicking. But we also had a great week of practice. That carried over into the game. We played as a team and were hitting our shots better than in the last weeks”, added Kelvin Omojola. Both teams were shooting in the high 50% ´from the 2 point range while the Dragons shot 50% from outside and the guests 25%. Rhondorf had the 13-7 rebound edge and had no turnovers while Speyer had 3 turnovers.

Antomnio Plilpovic from outside

In the second quarter the Dragons Rhondorf didn´t score as much as in the first quarter, but were able to continue to defend consistently and have the comfortable 17 point lead at the break. The Dragons Rhondorf began well scoring 2 baskets with a lay in from Omojola and free throws from Smith Jr to lead 34-19. But the Ahorn Camp Baskets never gave up, but just kept chipping away at the big Dragons lead and were rewarded with a 8-0 run to trail 34-27. In the run, the guests got a massive three pointer from ex Virginia Wesleyan (NCAA3) guard Woodmore and a lay in and dunk by defensive stopper Dennis Diala who has made big steps in his scoring average in the last 3 seasons from 4-7- to 12 points this season. Speyer upped their intensity again at both ends and got great support from Diala who used his athleticism to his advantage. But the Dragons Rhondorf then showed again that they could punch back again after getting punched and exploded on a 18-2 run to extend their lead to 52-29. In the run, Tim Smith Jr. showed his sniper qualities hitting 3 three´s in a row while energy spark and ultimate role player Mamadou Diallo who had a rare start hit a trey while Kazakevicius continued to control the boards making an offensive rebound and put back while Marco Rahn also scored. Young German Dyami Janeck made a beautiful pass in the air to Diallo for the bucket. One sees Omojola often making those spectactulat passes in the air. “I can´t say that he learned that pass from me, but it was a beautiful play with 2 extra passes. You can see that Dyami is extremely athletic”, said Kelvin Omojola. Speyer punched back one more time closing out the second quarter strong with a 6-0 run as Dialla made a runner, ex Hanau forward Marko Dordevic a lay in while DJ Woodmore went coast to coast and scored at the buzzer, but the Dragons Rhondorf still led 52-35. “Smith Jr carried us in that big run. He really set the tone with those 3 back to back three´s”, commented Kelvin Omojola. Both clubs were shooting 55% from the 2 point range, but the Dragons were at 53% from the three point line and Speyer at 21%. The Dragons continued to have the overwhelming 26-12 rebound edge and had 5 turnovers while the guests had 6 turnovers.

Dennis Diala from mid range

In the third quarter the Ahorn Camp Baskets had their strongest quarter, but couldn´t get over the hump as the closest that they got to was trailing by 8 points. Both teams got their offenses going to begin the second half as the Dragons received buckets from Omojola and a trey by Diallo while Speyer received baskets from big man David Aichele and Dj Woodmore, but Rhondorf still led 57-39. Speyer then got some momentum in their comeback attempt going on a 8-2 run to trail only 54-47. Speyer attacked the rim and were rewarded with buckets from Dordevic, Rupp and Woodmore. Speyer was more focused and just more concentrated and were aggressive getting easy baskets inside. The guests were also more active on the glass while the Dragons had lost a bit of their calmness and reacted a bit hectic in their sets. Rhondorf got some fortune getting 3 free throws from Smith Jr. Speyer continued to execute as ex Orange Academy forward Latrell Groskopf made a trey and Dordevic a lay in, but couldn´t make real ground as the Dragons got 4 free throws from Janeck to lead 66-54. But the guests also made crucial mistakes getting a flagrant foul which led to Pilipovic and Alex Lagerman free throws and the 70-56 Dragons advantage. Speyer got Benjamin Hoehman free throws and a lay in by Woodmore in the last minute, but still trailed 71-60 after 30 minutes. “Our execution at both ends wasn´t as sharp. We just couldn´t find that flow from the first half again”, expressed Kelvin Omojola. “We realized that in order to have a chance, we had to be more aggressive. We had to create for ourselves. We got more comfortable and hit more shots”, stated DJ Woodmore. The Dragons Rhondorf shot 54% from the 2 point range and 43% from the parking lot and had 32 rebounds and 12 turnovers while the Ahorn Camp Baskets shot 61% from the 2 point range and 22% from the parking lot and had 22 rebounds and 10 turnovers.

Dyami Janeck at the FT line

In the fourth quarter the Ahorn Camp Baskets began well, but couldn´t withstand the pressure by the Dragons Rhondorf as their offense got back into the flow which decided the game with a big 9-0 run. The guests began with a 6-3 run as Rupp nailed a trey and Aichele made a lay in as they trailed only 74-66. However the Dragons Rhondorf didn´t want an exciting end as they slammed the door shut on Speyer with a 9-0 run to extend their lead to 83-66 as they held the guests scoreless for more than 4 minutes. In the run the Dragons received lay in´s by Kazakevicius and Rahn and free throws by Pilipovic and a three pointer from Smith Jr. Rhondorf´s focus and energy were high while one could sense that fatigue was slowly setting in with Speyer. It also didn´t help that Dialla missed a dunk. In the last minutes Kelvin Omojola remained aggressive scoring twice, while Speyer got 3 buckets from Aichele including 2 dunks while Kazakevicius made 2 dunks. One really stood out and sparkled as Kelvin Omojola lofted up the perfect lob while he threw it down getting the Dragon Dome rocking with joy. “We knew they would run the press break. I saw Aichele step up so I just threw it up to Danas for the nice alley-oop dunk. That play was definitely not drawn up”, smiled Kelvin Omojola. “We ran out of gas in the fourth quarter. It was a tough week of practice and not having Hidalgo. They took advantage of it”, stressed DJ Woodmore. “Even if we were up only by 10 points, we never ever thought that we could lose this game. We were missing shots, but also getting stops and rebounds”, stressed Kelvin Omojola. The Dragons Rhondorf were led by Tim Smith Jr. with 26 points. Danas Kazakevicius scored 18 points while Kelvin Omojola had 11 points and Antonio Pilipovic added 10 points while the Ahorn Camp Baskets were led by Marko Dordevic with 15 points. DJ Woodmore added 14 points while Dennis Diala had 13 points. The Dragons Rhondorf shot 47% from the field and 39% from outside and had 44 rebounds and 12 turnovers while the Ahorn Camp Baskets shot 47% from the field and 25% from outside and had 27 rebounds and 11 turnovers.

Erol Ersek(MLP Academics) Will Probably Never Get Over The Feeling Of Always Having To Prove Himself In The easyCredit BBL

pic credit: Niko.Neithardt

Erol Ersek (194-SF-1999) is a 25 year old 194cm guard from Austria nplaying his first season with the MLP Academics Heidelberg (BBL). He played the last 3 seasons for the Tigers Tuebingen. He began his basketball career in Austria with the Vienna DC Timberwolves and also spent a year in USA at Pacific Grove High School, Pacific Grove, California. He played in the FC Bayern Munich organization from 2016-2021. He spoke to germanhoops.com about basketball.

Thanks Erol for talking to germanhoops.com. Your playing your first season for the MLP Academics Heidelberg. It is December 15th and the club is in first place. How good is basketball life at the moment?

Basketball life is really good now. When you win everyone is calmer. After the tough season in Tuebingen, it feels good to win again. We understand each other well and are having fun.

You played the last 3 seasons in Tuebingen. How much of a no brainer was it for you to follow Danny Jansson to Heidelberg?

It wasn´t that clear at the start. Danny called me before his move was official to Heidelberg and told me that he wanted to take me. I had other offers, but in the end I chose Heidelberg. I know his system and we know each other well. It wasn´t a tough decision.

Your from Austria and lived in nice places like Munich, and Tuebingen. You are used to pretty places. Is Heidelberg with the castle and river maybe the most beautiful place you have witnessed in your life?

The most beautiful city for me will always be Vienna where I´m from. I have a personal connection to the city. But on the other hand, everyone knows how beautiful Heidelberg is. It is extremely pretty now in the Xmas time with the Xmas markets. I´m very happy living here.

The MLP Academics are in in first place. What is the secret of the success?

The secret is our team. We play together, are versatile and play with a lot of energy.

I truly believe one of the most important guys if not the most important guy is Ryan Mikesell. Where would the team be without his leadership and versatility?

That is tough to say. He shows each game just how important he is. He can be nowhere for 35 minutes and then out of nowhere score 8 points in a row. That is an incredible quality. He is our leader and has a lot of experience. He is very appreciated.

What is it like being teammates with ex NBA player Paul Zipser. He doesn´t play a huge role on the court, but I´m sure his presence is priceless. Is he a guy where you go for advice?

He has seen the most out of anyone on the team. He has played at a high level for years in the NBA and Euroleague. He is a very funny guy and always willing to give advice. He is definitely an enrichment for us.

2 important pieces are Americans Michael Weathers and DJ Horne. The team relies on them to bring their A game daily. How valuable are both to the success?

They are both extremely important for us. I´m really happy for Horne and his success especially since this is his first season overseas. He is a great 1-1 player and can always create something when we have nothing. Weathers is so athletic and always brings great energy. He is a great defender and driver.

This is your fourth season together with Mateo Seric. Are you guys like brothers now?

Yes we are very close. In Tuebingen and now in Heidelberg, these are 2 small cities so we are never far away. We do a lot together. The other day we visited a hand ball game. It is just normal that he is in Heidelberg for me.

You have paid your dues for years. You didn´t get a real BBL chance in Munich and then made your break through in Tuebingen. Is your biggest goal this season as a player to become a consistent BBL player?

Yes exactly. I always want to prove that I belong in the easyCredit BBL. I want to be an impact player.

How difficult is it being efficient in the minutes you get? What is always your biggest focus on the court? There are enough guys that can score.

I want to be a scorer, but at the same time, I really know the system of Danny well. I feel like I can help the team in other ways than just scoring. I feel like I can call plays and have an idea of who gets the ball. I feel like I can help the team like that.

You really developed well as a player in Tuebingen under Danny Jansson. Into what kind of a player did he make you in Tuebingen?

Danny really was very important for my development in Tuebingen. He is a defensive coach. You see that with our game. He really helped me make a step forward with my defensive game as well as understanding the game better.

Last season was tough as Tuebingen went down to the Pro A. What did you learn about that season?

It was definitely a very tough season. It was a real shame that we moved down. I was very frustrated. I feel like I learned that you just have to keep pushing and make the best out of the situation. You just have to keep working hard and make sure that it doesn´t happen again.

You had so many great teammates in Tuebingen in that one season. Is there a player that had a big influence on you? Possibly a Till Joscha-Joenke?

He is the first person that came to mind. He has a great character and always plays with energy on the court. I remember when I made a shot, he right away would yell at me “pressure”, meaning to keep going strong on the next play. He has a great mentality and is very ambitious.

You played with FC Bayern Munich from 2016-2021. Was this the best basketball decision in your life?

Yes it probably was. To be able to go from Vienna to Munich at such a young age was good for me.

You helped win the 2017 NBBL title for FC Bayern Munich. What do you remember from beating IBAM and Oscar da Silva?

I remember having very tough games against IBAM and Oscar that season. Oscar had a very dominant NBBL season. He carried IBAM to the final. However we played really well in the final and were able to win.

What was it like being among so many talented youth players. Did you recognize early that some players get better treatment than others?

Of course there were some guys that practiced more with the BBL team than others did, but I believe that everyone had a fair chance. It was always an intense battle against so many talented young players.

You were teammates with great guys like Vrcic, Weidemann,Jallow, and Grant just to name a few. Which player do you remember having the biggest influence on you?

I think that Weidemann had the biggest influence on me. We were roommates for 3 years. We spent a lot of time together. We were always together.

Do you have a special moment with a Munich BBL players during those years that you won´t forget?

Yes I did. I have one situation that I never will forgot. I remember going over a screen and giving a nice pocket pass to Jalen Reynolds. He got the basket, but then came over to me and told me I have to make a high pass in a situation like that. That was that moment where I was like “Ok got it. I had never played with such high level players before and was learning on the fly.

In 2020-2021 you witnessed the emergence of Ivan Kharchenkov as a 16 year old tearing up the Pro B. Why isn´t he on any NBA Mock drafts yet?

I really don´t know. Ivan is a big talent. He has shown he can play in the BBL and with the youth national teams. He has no fear and just does his thing. I´m very excited how well he is playing this season. It is nice to observe his development.

In 20-21 was your last season with FC Bayern Munich, but had to mostly play Pro B. How tough was that season for you? You did play 3 BBL games though?

It was tough with Covid. I had a strong season in the Pro B. It was nice though to play in the BBL at the end of the season.

Was scoring 17 points in a huge 102-90 win over team BG Goettingen one of your top 3 greatest basketball moments? That was a crazy game as many of the young guys played because the veterans were being rested.

Munich had a Euroleague game against Milan 2 days later, so I was called up to play BBL. I hit all my shots. It was a great feeling.

You had so many great teammates like Lucic, Gist, Baldwin or Seeley. Was there a player that had a big influence on you?

I spoke mostly with Nick Weiler-Babb. He was a great guy. He was very calm and well spoken.

You also are a part of the Austrian national team. How is the state of Austrian basketball at the moment?

I feel like we have a good future. At the moment we have many young players playing in other countries like Spain and Italy and developing well. It is a new generation and the young guys have to take over. I´m one of the older guys on the team.

Your teammates with talented Sylven Landesberg. Is he still athletic like back in the day? I always thought he should have been in the NBA

He is a great player. He is older now, but he can still dunk from nothing. He was more athletic and explosive some years ago, but can still get you on a poster now. His dad is Austrian and he grew up in new York.

Who was the toughest player that you ever faced in your career that reached the NBA?

Jacob Poelti

Please name your 5 best teammates of all-time?

Wade Baldwin, Thomas Klepeisz, Ryan Mikesell, Vladimir Lucic, Jakob Poelti

What is your NBA and Euro Mount Rushmore?

Jordan, Lebron, Steph Curry and Kobe and Dimitris Diamantidis, Juan Carlos Navarro, Kyle Hines and Paul Zipser

Who is your GOAT?

Lebron James. I grew up with his game. I didn´t grow up with Jordan.

Thanks Erol for the chat.

It Isn´t Every Day That A Player Can Be Mentioned in The Same Breath As A Reggie Miller And Tracy McGrady But Terrence Hargrove(Bakken Bears) Can

So What do Reggie Miller, Tracy McGrady and Terrence Hargrove (197-F-2001, college: St.Louis) have in common? Well all 3 finished off games for their teams in legendary manners. When any kind of professional player is seeking some kind of inspiration, it never fails to watch the you tube videos of 2 fantastic finishes from 2 legendary players Reggie Miller and Tracy McGrady. Who could forget Miller´s incredible 8 points in 9 seconds to propel the Indiana Pacers over the New York Knicks on May 9th, 1995 or Tracy McGrady´s mind boggling explosion of 13 points in 33 seconds to help lead his team over the San Antonio Spurs on December 9th, 2004. These kind of miraculous finishes happen every now and then and there was another talented player with Terrence Hargrove who had his own experience with fame as on December 16th, 2023 he poured in 11 points in the last 28 seconds to help his team Saint Louis (NCAA) secure the unforgettable 75-74 victory over Louisiana Tech. It is one of those endings that he still watches today. “What’s funny about that buzzer beater I was watching that clip this morning because that was my first ever game winner playing college basketball and it felt so good and it was a moment I will always cherish throughout my career and hope to have more through my career and my friends always talk about it with me even my parents do to”, said Terrence Hargrove. With the game on the line and his team down by many, he was about as unlikely to pull something like that off as he had had only 2 points leading up to the last minute. “My memory from that game was I was actually having a bad game I only scored 2 points in the first half of the game and I wasn’t being the effective player that I usually am and it was just amazing how toward the end of the game that all happened because when I watched the clip after the game of the shots I made I was in disbelief because like you said that Kobe or Tracy Mcgrady material but it all goes back to the work I put in and God making that happen”, stressed Terrence Hargrove. He definitely will have that special moment forever being able to be mentioned in the same breath as a Miller or McGrady. “It makes me feel good that I have something like that under my belt because not many people have done that in their career so I am grateful that I was able to do that in mines early on”, added Terrence Hargrove. His biggest fans is family and it´s mutual. “Without my mom, my dad and my little brother I wouldn’t be no where near where I am today They are my prized possessions, they are the people I love the most, we preach family in the household back at home and family is very important in our house, they helped me get to where I am today! My mom and I study bible scriptures before every game and we don’t miss not one game at all and that’s always been our thing since I was in high school. I love that lady so much she has gotten me through so many tough battles in my life and it’s so much I want to do for my family because they got me this far but my momma is my heart I love her so so so much. My goat is my Dad Terrence Hargrove Sr, the muscle around the house the person who taught me to never back down from any challenge, to always be confident in what I do and to never make excuses and just make it happen, I appreciate my pops so much and he has taught me so much I look up to my father and wish to one day be a great man and father like he is to me and my little brother, that’s the real definition of a stand up guy”, warned Terrence Hargrove.

Terrence Hargrove who lists Jabari Smith Jr and Emoni Bates as his toughest foes that he battled in the NCAA was born on May 21st, 2001 in East Saint Louis, Illinois. He began his basketball career at East Saint Louis high school and also played AAU with Brad Beal elite. He then had an illustrious 5 year career at St Louis University from 2019-2024 playing a total of 144 NCAA games. In his first 4 years, he never averaged more than 6,7ppg, but really broke out in his 5th season averaging 13.1ppg, 5.5rpg, FGP: 59.5%, 3PT: 40.9%, FT: 79.3%. “The role I had before my 5th year of college was just that role player role because we had stars before me but it wasn’t until after they all left that I could really show what I could do and my game grew by me just putting the work in and getting the extra in when nobody was around or in the stands and it all paid off for me, God always rewards hardwork”, stressed Terrence Hargrove. He was fortunate to have incredible teammates like Jordan Goodwin who was instrumental in his first years there as their bond is strong until this day. “Me and Jordan Goodwin have a great relationship, We grew up in the same city and our family knows each other so that’s pretty much self explanatory but he is a great player and person, I always knew he would be in the NBA someday because I saw the work he put in first hand getting up every morning at 6am to get the extra work in even after days we had game or hard practices so he deserves everything that comes his way”, said Terrence Hargrove. In his last season he played 33 games and scored in double figures in 22 games including netting 27 points in a 75-63 win over S Indiana, and 21 points against Wichita State. In other seasons he hit Maryville, MO for 27 points and 20 points against Memphis. His hard work was key in him developing his game as well as the guidance of head coach Travis Ford who was always honest with him. “Travis Ford helped prepare me for my professional career by just telling me early on that’s it’s not going to be easy once you leave this school because that’s when life starts and your going to miss college in which I do I miss all my friends I’ve built relationships with and that it’s going to be hard but if you work hard and do the right things it’s amazing how things will work out for you”, commented Terrence Hargrove.

The Illinois native who lists Kevin Durant, Jayson Tatum, Stephen Curry, Shaquille O’Neal, and Kyrie Irving on his personal NBA Mount Rushmore is playing his rookie season with the Bakken Bears Aarhus (Denmark-BasketLigaen). Some guys have problems adjusting to everything that they face overseas, but for him, he has just taken everything in and enjoyed it. “It has been a great experience and I am learning so many new things playing on the professional level and with the club Bakken Bears, I’m building great relationships with my teammates and learning so much about the Danish culture. What I’ve enjoyed most about my time here is just being able to play with a great club and be around a great group of guys everyday!. I’m from East St. Louis, Illinois and what I’ve learned to appreciate the most is that just being grateful that I’m able to continue my basketball career on the professional level in a different country and just experience new things, cultures & scenery because where I’m from there aren’t a lot of people who don’t get to see what I’ve saw through my career of playing ball”, expressed Terrence Hargrove. He is playing for an organization that is used to winning. The club has won 20 league titles, 12cups and a ENBL title. “It’s always great being a part of a winning culture because everyone wants to win and with me coming off a bad college basketball season for my last year, it’s great to be a part of a winning team because the feeling of it is immaculate”, added Terrence Hargrove. As a rookie, it is always vital to soak up as much as possible form the vets and one of those is Urald King. “Urald King has been a great teammate and mentor for me just giving me pointers on and off the court great guy, great player and he has taught me so much about the professional level just teaching me so many things that I will need to know going forward after I leave Bakken”, warned Terrence Hargrove.

The 197cm forward who doesn´t remember ever losing 1-1 battles in practice to Gibson Jimerson at Saint Louis is a player that models his game after Kevin Durnat. His role on the team is to bring energy, score, defend at a high level and just creates havoc at all times for his opponent. He has continued to bring that scoring touch that he had in his fifth year in the NCAA. But did he always have it in his younger years? “I’ve always had the scoring ability in me but through college it calmed down because of my role through college but I’ve always been able to score the ball that’s one of things God blessed me with in my game”, said Terrence Hargrove. But he can also bring other key attributes to the table that will help his team be successful. “I’m very athletic, I have a motor, I can handle the ball and I just play with confidence all the time because I trust the work that I put in”, stressed Terrence Hargrove. His three pointer continues to be a work in progress despite having 2 plus 40% seasons in the NCAA. “My three pointer has been up & down I will say and I just continued to work on my shooting ability through the years but the direction I do want to go in is a knock down shooter that’s very consistent and that all start with the work I will continue to put in everyday”, warned Terrence Hargrove. But he doesn´t only want to sparkle on the offensive end. He has the potential to become a 2-way player. “I want to become a great defender and I will continue to work on my defensive game because I’ve always been a solid defender and I will keep working on my defensive game everyday until it gets to perfection”, warned Terrence Hargrove. He also wants to continue to climb the basketball ladder overseas and knows exactly where he needs to improve his game most. “The areas of my game I’m working on most right now is my ball handling, my reads and just shooting just continuing to sharpen those up everyday but mainly I’m working on my ball handling”, stated Terrence Hargrove. This week he will present his skills against German team Bamberg. He is looking forward to battling them and witness an old opponent from the NCAA. “I don’t know much about the country or the basketball side of it at all because obviously this is my first year of playing professional overseas but I do know that Bamberg is great basketball club and that they will be ready to play but so will we. I do have one former opponent that I used to play against in college that plays for Bamberg team, his name is Kyle Lofton, I played for Saint Louis University and he played for St. Bonaventure University and it was always fun playing against him in college so I know it’ll be fun playing against him on the professional level”, stressed Terrence Hargrove. It will be interesting to see where his game will go in the next years. He already had that incredible crunch-time moment in the NCAA last season. This season it´s time to win chips. He definitely has the best chance to do that with the Bakken Bears.

The Miles Vs Malik Riddle Weekly Basketball Chat Volume 7

Malik Riddle (193-G-1999, college: HSU) is a 24 year old 193cm guard from Tennessee playing his second professional season and first in Germany with Pro B team RheinStars Cologne. Last season he played with Gzira Athleta Birkirkara (Malta-BOV League D1) averaging 28.8ppg, 9.4rpg, 3.9apg, Steals-3 (2.6spg), FGP: 57.8%, 3PT: 33.1%, FT: 75.5%. He began his basketball career at Rossville Christian Academy. He then played 2 seasons at Morehead State University (NCAA) and then played 3 seasons at Henderson State University (NCAA2). He teams up with germanhoops.com every week to talk basketball.

The winning streak has come to an end as Wurzburg won 91-81. Despite the loss could the loss be like a little blessing in disguise?

This loss could help us get back to playing like was did during first few games. It showed us that we have to play harder and better on defense.

They began 0-6 and now have a 5 game winning streak. This team is for real. Did you underestimate them a bit as a team?

No I don’t think we underestimated them. I ust feel we’ve been playing without our energy in the past couple games and this was just the end of it.

I saw how lethal the Wishart/Steinbach duo was last weekend in Frankfurt, but I think they were a little better this week combining for 37 points, 16 rebounds, 18 assists, 5 steals and 5 blocks. Is that team more than just those 2?

Those two are for sure the back bones of the team, but they had a couple guys make some shots. I feel the whole team played hard.

Talk about the first half. They dominated in the first quarter and the RheinStars in the second quarter, but the game was deadlocked at 49-49 at the break. What adjustments did you make as a team in the second quarter?

I feel we were just patient and executing like we usually do. We got out of our game and the hurt us.

The RheinStars went on a little run late, but it just wasn´t enough. Was their 22 offensive rebounds the biggest thorn in the side of the RheinStars?

Yeah the offensive rebounds hurt us a lot. If we would’ve rebounded better I believe the outcome would have been better than it was.

You had a 8/3/2 game and shot 4/12 from the field. What will be your biggest focus this week in practice?

Just practice harder and try to find a rhythm more for myself. I know I can perform better and I will.

You next play against the pesky Oberaching team. What will be key for the win?

Getting back to us as a team. Hopefully this loss makes us get back to how we were playing the first couple games of the season. Rebound, be more aggressive on the defense end.

Thanks Malik for the chat

Jordan Theodore´s Nephew Brought Him Back Love For The Game Again And Wants To Coach When His Playing Days Are Over

Miles Schmidt-Scheuber and Jordan Theodore in Frankfurt, Germany Dec, 2024

If I had to choose a few former Skyliners from the last decade that of course were still playing now and available that I would have liked to have returned back to Frankfurt to help the team as best as possible, I could pick from one hand about 3 players and they would have been a Philip Scrubb, Joe Voigtman or a Jordan Theodore (183-PG-1989, college: Seton Hall). I mean you can never go wrong with these 3 winners who went on to have great careers after helping Frankfurt win the 2016 Fiba Europe Cup. When I saw the Skyliners press release recently that Jordan Theodore would return for a third tour of duty, I was really overjoyed. He might not have had been able to help keep the team in the easyCredit BBL in 2023, but after I saw how good he was moving and playing in the tough loss against Braunschweig minus the 5 turnovers, I´m optimistic that he can turn the season around for the Skyliners. But was his coming back into a precarious situation a no brainer or more of a difficult decision? “I think that it was more difficult. I have a good relationship with Gunnar Wobke and we had been in contact during the season, I wasn´t sure if I wanted to come back. I always love to play. My thinking had nothing to do with the team record, but with me. I had other offers and said no. Coming back to the Skyliners felt good”, stressed Jordan Theodore. His first 2 tour of duties, he was fortunate to be teammates with Skyliner legend Quantez Robertson, but now he is gone and forever will be remembered. It must be very strange for him being without him. “ It is weird. With him gone, now I´m the oldest. Tez was the heart and soul of the team the last years. Now I don´t want to be here with people thinking, I want to replace him. Nobody could ever replace him. I want to show the young guys how the Skyliners way is. Even if I´m back for a third time, I feel new. Just about everyone is gone from the players to the people in the office. It is kind of like a new organization for me. Klaus Perwas is still here and Gunnar as well. The keys to the heart are still here. I have been getting used to the new guys. It has been fun”, said Jordan Theodore. The Skyliner organization has to mean so much to him, but it definitely isn´t the same like almost a decade ago. “Playing for the Skyliners organization has a very special place in my heart. This is the first place where I feel like home. It really reminds me of home. I have that New York feeling here. Everybody speaks English. It just reminds me of home. I have a few places that are close to my home. Frankfurt is top 2. The feeling isn´t the same. 10 years ago, I was a young kid that had to prove himself. Now it is expected of me to be very good. Back then I didn´t know what to expect, but now I have history. The biggest change is Tez not being here. Back in the 22-23 season, I came back because of Tez. I wanted to play one last time with him”, remembered Jordan Theodore.

Jordan Theodore is a 35 year old 184cm point guard from New Jersey playing his 13th professional season and third with the Frankfurt Skylinmers. Last season he began the season with with Boulogne-Levallois Metropolitans 92 (France-Betclic ELITE ProA) averaging 13.3ppg, 3.0rpg, 3.9apg, 1.0spg, 2FGP: 54.5%, 3FGP: 28.3%, FT: 73.2%. and finished with Cazoo Baskonia Vitoria-Gasteiz (Spain-Liga ACB) averaging 3.0ppg, 2.1apg; and in the Euroleague: averaged 3.5ppg, 1.1apg. He also has gotten experience playing in countries like Turkey, Puerto Rico, Italy, Greece and Russia. He played 4 years at Seton Hall (NCAA) from 2008-2012. He is back in Frankfurt now and in a way has to save the team. Despite the record and 3 massive opponents in the next 11 days with Ulm, Ludwigsburg and Munich, he is very optimistic that the team will be successful. “To be honest, I really think that we can win all 3 of them. It´s all about us. We have to play a great game for 40 minutes. We have to have a great offensive and defensive game. Anything can happen. It is never about who has the biggest name or best record, but who comes to compete. The young guys are working hard in practice. It´s all on me. Can I get the most out of them and lead them well? We will be ready”, warned Jordan Theodore. He has only been here a short while, and can´t give a real impression of the team yet, but knows what the team has to do in the next games to win. “That is hard to say. I didn´t watch too much of the team before I got here. I know that we have won all the cup games so far. Not having a veteran has been tough, but now I´m here. We are getting better every day. We are competing better. The young players have to learn from their mistakes. We need to grow, but it won´t happen overnight. We will become better. We need to be focused for 40 minutes and play at a high level. We also need good communication and stick together. Basketball should be fun. It isn´t always easy to add a player like me, but I´m not selfish. We have had flashes with my leadership. We have to grow with that”, stressed Jordan Theodore.

He has only been with the club a short while, but he has gotten to know the games of some of his teammates especially the 2 explosive Americans Trey Calvin and Malik Parsons. Does he see a little of him in their play as young players? “I don´t know. They are tremendous players and very athletic. We come from different places. They work hard and are eager to learn. They are gym rats. They are always seeking knowledge. I´m really happy to be with them. I can be ball dominated and I want to contribute at a high level, but at the same time not take anything away from their games”, warned Jordan Theodore. One guy he is really impressed with is Danish champion Malik Parsons who has had huge games and is on the radar of Euroleague teams. “He is very talented. He can score and is very athletic. He can go as far as he wants to. Sky is the limit for him. Calvin and him are better shooters than I was at their ages”, said Jordan Theodore. “Other teammates that he is also dazzled by is the play of 2 hero´s from last season´s Pro A team David Muenkat and Booker Cooplin who are vital parts of the team. “I call Dave the next Tez. He is the heart and soul and can do it all. He is always playing with energy. You can ask him to do anything. He can play 1-5 like Tez did. Booker is a very hard worker and can also do a lot of things. He has been under the radar and now can shine. Both are the kind of guys that you want on a team. They are fighters which is a unique trait to have in today´s game. I´m proud to have them on the team”, added Jordan Theodore. A lot has changed in the game of 2018 NBBL champion Lorenz Brenneke as well as he is continuing to make big steps in his game. “Lorenz was actually hurt when I was here the last time. He is also a unique talent. He is a lefty with a nice touch around the rim. He works hard and is a fighter. He is always the first guy in the gym. He will become great in the next years”, commented Jordan Theodore.

Jordan Theodore is 35 years old and isn´t the youngest anymore, but he still has game. He has been competing and being consistent at a high level for years. Despite the 5 turnovers in the loss to Braunschweig, he looked very good in many other areas of his offensive game. He is confident that he still has much more to offer in the next games. “I work out 1-2 times a day even when I´m not playing basketball. Basketball has brought me therapy my whole life. Whenever I did something bad as a kid or had hardships in my career, I always used basketball as a fuel. I honestly think that you haven´t seen my best yet. I haven´t really played since last May when I was in Spain. I´m just coming back to my game again now. I think that in the next games, I will be even quicker, make better reads and be better defensively”, expressed Jordan Theodore. He has seen a lot in the last 9 years and played in many different leagues. With more experience, he also has grown as a player and added new things. “I can shoot off the dribble better. I knew I would be all over the place in the first games back. I had too many turnovers, but that was because I hadn´t practiced enough with the team yet. I will fix the turnovers”, warned Jordan Theodore. He is also a different kind of leader now than in 2016. It is definitely much more of a challenge now than then. “Now it is harder to lead. When I was younger, I was always a gym rat. I was firey and had responses to Gordy Herbert. But now as an older guy you can´t talk back to the coach. It is not good to do that in front of the young players. I´m always asking questions and am eager to learn. I have been around the game for a long time and have seen so much. If I question a coach now, it isn´t to belittle him, but to ask questions that might make it easier for the younger guys to understand”, stated Jordan Theodore. Some may think that this might be his last destination as a player, but he is hopeful the ride will continue. “I just love the game. 5 years ago, people would ask me if I might coach one day, but I said no. I didn´t want to manage players on a daily level and have to deal with ego´s. But then I began to train my nephew and it brought me so much joy. I never forced the game on him. I always told him, call me when your ready. Then I got that call one day and he told me that he wanted to play. I fell in love with the game again and want to coach when my playing days are over. I feel like I still have to prove myself. I still see myself having 2-3 good more years ahead of me”, warned Jordan Theodore. His zeal for the game is still so strong. “ I enjoy being together with the guys every day and just enjoy everything that comes with it. When your young, you never think about the ride coming to an end. Now I´m at an age where I have to be prepared of teams saying they might not want me because of my age. I really enjoy being like a teacher now. I want to help the young point guards, I want to show them the most that this is how we do it”, laughed Jordan Theodore.

Even if the win of the Fiba Europe Cup is more than 8,5 years ago, the bond to his teammates is still there. He is a very outgoing guy and was one of the leaders on that championship team. It would be strange if he had only contact to a few. “To be honest I talk to all. I have with relationships with all from Mike Mo, Aaron Doornekamp, Sean Armand (even if he was from the 2014-2015 season), Phil Scrubb, Danilo Barthel, Gordie Herbert (He is my guy. He is a mentor for me, we speak all the time), Konsti, Klein, John Little, Max Merz, Johannes Richter, Tomas Dimsa and Garai Zeeb (he is my little bro). I have spoken to Joe Voigtmann in a while, but played against him since then”, said Jordan Theodore. He and Quantez Robertson have birthdays only 5 days apart and are like family. A few days ago Tez turned 40 years old. It is only obvious that he has the most special relationship to him. “He is my dog. I love that guy. He is texting me now as were talking. I have so much to say to him, but then again not enough to say. He is a great leader and captain. You always pick a leader after you won a title. He showed that by remaining in Frankfurt after the Fiba title. I told him after to go to Turkey to get some money, but I´m so happy he stayed. He said no. He said that Frankfurt was in his heart. I´m so honored to stand in the arena and look up at his jersey”, stated Jordan Theodore. With Christmas around the corner, he only has one wish for Christmas and that is peace everywhere. Jordan Theodore wasn´t able to save the Skyliners in 2022-2023, but now he can get revenge on that season and hopefully bring back some of that magic from the 2015-2016 season. I´m confident he can, because this guy still has much game left in his tank. It is only logical that he also wants to make his good friend Tez proud.

Playing With Massive Confidence Has Allowed EJ Dambreville(Bakken Bears Aarhus) To Be An Elite Rebounder For His Size

EJ Dambreville (191-G, college: FSC) is a 191cm guard that was born in Dorcehester, Mass and is playing his second professional season and second in Denmark and first with the Bakken Bears Aarhus (Denmark-BasketLigaen). He palyed his rookie season with Team FOG Naestved (Denmark-BasketLigaen) averaging 9.8ppg, 7.3rpg, 2.5apg, 1.3spg, FGP: 57.7%, 3PT: 39.3%, FT: 75.3% and with Marineros de Puerto Plata (Dominican Republic-LNB) averaging 5.5ppg, 6.5rpg, 2.3apg, 1.0spg. He began his basketball career at Woodstock Academy and then played at Florida Southern College (NCAA2) from 2018-2023 playing a total of 126 games and averaged 18.1ppg, 9.9rpg, 2.9apg, 1.1spg, FGP: 49.8%, 3PT: 38.7%, FT: 85.2% as a senior. He spoke to germanhoops.com before a ENBL game against Bamberg.

Thanks EJ for talking to germanhops.com. Your playing second pro season in Denmark with historic Danish team Bakken Bears. What kind of an experience has it been so far? What have you enjoyed most about the time?

It has been a great experience so far. I think what I’ve enjoyed the most is being able to learn from the older guys that we have on the team. They have a lot of pro experience all over the world and at very high levels so being able to pick their brains and learn from them is something I’m grateful for and enjoy the most.

The club is used to winning titles. How present is that winning culture on a daily basis? You won 2 SSC titles so you know what winning is like.

Winning is the standard. We are expected to win every time we step on the court. So our approach everyday is just that. Which feels very similar to my teams in college that were able to win conference championships.

You hail from the east coast and live in Denmark. What have you learned to appreciate the most about the tranquility of Denmark?

I’ve appreciated everything about Denmark. The culture, the weather and the people. Adapting to living here the last couple years was easy in some ways but the things that aren’t easy to adapt as quickly, I actually appreciate the most. That’s what makes this experience as an overseas pro special.

Your playing in the ENBL and will face off against German team Bamberg. What do you know in general about the country and it´s basketball? Do you know that Germany is current world champion?

I actually went to Germany in high school with a team to play against some of their clubs, so I know basketball is big out there and they have high level players. I also have some close people to me that are from Germany so I ha’ve been informed on a lot of things about Germany.

Do you have any former teammates or opponents that have balled in Germany?

Yes, I do. I have a couple people that I know that have played in Germany.

What has it been like being teammates with Skyler Bowlin. Has his leadership qualities rubbed off on you?

It’s been great being teammates with sky. I’ve tried to be a sponge around him as much as possible. He has had a great career and that is something I want for myself as well so I always try to watch and learn from him.

How valuable is a guy like Urald King for the young players? Has he been like a mentor for you?

Urald is super valuable. Leader on the court. Has a strong voice in the locker room. Leads by example. He has a great story as well, working his way up the ranks of the overseas basketball world. So there is so much to learn from him and I’m appreciative to have him as a teammate.

Let´s talk about your game. You’re a 191cm guard. If you had to compare your game to an NBA player who would best fit the description?

I never really thought about who I would compare to as an NBA player. A lot of people say I play like Lou Williams, Jr Smith, Malik Beasley. I would say I play with passion and energy like Russell Westbrook.

You’re a very versatile offensive player that fills the stat sheet well. How big is versatility a staple in your game?

It’s huge for me. I just try to impact the game in as many ways as possible to win the game. I feel like the more versatile you are the more helpful to the team you will be.

You are an unbelievable rebounder and averaged close to 12 per game in your last 3 seasons in the NCAA2. Did you do anything different in those last years to make such a big jump on the boards?

No, I just played with confidence. My first couple years in high school I played the 4 and my job was to get rebounds and be athletic. If I wanted to score I had to get offensive rebounds and tip ins. So that helped develop my nose for the ball. my freshman year in college I had a rough year overall and didn’t play that much. But once I figured out my confidence everything started to fall into place.

Your three pointer continues to be a work in progress. Talk a little about the development of your three pointer. What are your biggest goals as a shooter?

I know I’m a great shooter. it’s all mental and staying confident in my shots. I will always put the work in and trust the work to show on the court.

Your also a very good defender. What kind of a defender are you now and what kind of a defender do you still want to become?

I’m a very aggressive and physical defender. I like to be active and just make things harder for the offensive man. I want to continue to work on my defensive skills so that I can be a lockdown defender for multiple positions.

On what areas of your game are you working on most so you can continue to improve your game?

During the season I’m really focusing on growing in my role. Just be a defensive dog on the court, bringing energy, rebounding and knocking down shots when they are there. That is my focus now. Just being the best I can be in those spots.

You played your rookie season with Team FOG Naestved (Denmark-BasketLigaen) averaging 9.8ppg, 7.3rpg, 2.5apg, 1.3spg, FGP: 57.7%, 3PT: 39.3%, FT: 75.3%. What do you remember being your wake up call to being overseas where you knew that you were far away from home?

Getting on the 9 hour plane ride. I knew I was nowhere close to home but I was going to figure things out no matter what.

You also played with Marineros de Puerto Plata (Dominican Republic-LNB) avergagng 5.5ppg, 6.5rpg, 2.3apg, 1.0spg. What kind of an experience was that for you? What main positives could you attain from that?

It was a good experience. I learned a lot about myself. Both on and off the court. Very different from the Danish league but I pride myself on being able to adapt to any situation. So overall it was a positive period of growth.

You played 5 years at Florida Southern College (NCAA2). You made a huge jump in your game in your last 3 years. How did your game grow in that time?

By staying in the gym, continuously working on different parts of my game, getting mentally stronger and believing in myself. And a great support group around me.

You won 2 SSC titles. Which one was sweeter?

The 2nd title was sweeter because I felt like I actually had a part in it. My freshman year I barely played but my sophomore year I was a starter so that felt great.

You had so many great games at Florida Southern. What was your fondest moment on the court?

I had so many great memories, individually and as a team but I would have to say winning that 2nd championship in 2020. We won at home. We were 29-2 on the season and about to host the NCAA tournament being the 1st seed in our region before covid happened. That was a great moment.

How did head coach Mike Donnelly groom and prepare you best for a pro career?

He allowed me to be myself. On and off the court. He allowed me to make mistakes and play through them. I was able to develop year by year knowing that he trusted me.

Who won a 1-1 in practice you or Xavier Rhodes?

lol! I don’t know if we ever played 1-1 in practice but when we competed it was always a dog fight. X is a great player and a great person.

Who is the toughest player you ever face din the NCAA that reached the NBA?

I can’t think of anyone that I played in college that plays in the NBA. but the toughest player I played against was my teammate Brett Hanson. He was d2 player of the year. I guarded him in practice everyday and he was just so tough to handle.

Please name your 5 best teammates of all-time?

I have so many great teammates. But if this is based on the best players iIplayed with I would say Cole Swider, Brett Hanson, Jon Lawton, Selim Fofana, Skylar Bowlin. (based on careers)

Your NBA Mount Rushmore?

LEBRON, KOBE, KYRIE, STEPH, JORDAN

Your Who is your GOAT?

LEBRON JAMES

Did you see the sequel to the classic Coming to America? Shouldn´t they have left it alone?

I’ve heard of it but I’ve never seen that movie.

Thanks EJ for the chat.

Going From An Enforcer On The Court To Being A Tycoon Could Be In The Cards For Jacob Polakovich(Bakken Bears) One Day

How often does one hear about rich athletes going from the top of the mountain down to the gutter with losing their whole fortune that they made playing the game that they love. In the NBA, there have been those amazing players like an Antoine Walker, Vin Baker and Glen Rice who made millions, but then lost it all. Fortunately for them all have recovered and have found a way to get back into society and turn their lives around for them. A very good majority of professional players overseas will never make millions before their playing careers are over, but they also have to know how to handle their money while playing and have some sort of plan b ready when the day comes when they hang up their sneakers. One of those guys is Jacob Polakovich (208-C-2000, college: S.Indiana). He hails from Grand Rapids, Michigan and has parents that have separate business´s that are flourishing. His late dad Jimmy owned a restaurant called South Side Jimmy´s while his mom started up a flower market. Having such ambitious parents like that can steer a son in that direction one day. Their direction helped him decide to pursue a management degree at the Romain college of Business at the University of Southern Indiana. There is a good chance he will go into the family business, but if he had a choice to start his own business, he would know exactly which kind it would be. “If I started another business, I would want to open an animal shelter or some business where I can help give animals and dogs specifically better homes”, stressed Jacob Polakovich. He is only in his second professional season and still has a long playing career ahead of him, but he understands now that he has to be prepared one day to be a business man. “I think that the most important thing is to work on maintaining and creating connections with people. In most situations you will learn more and have more opportunities from knowing the right people and through having a positive reputation. I also try to learn where I can from reading different books and talking to people who have jobs that interest me”, warned Jacob Polakovich.

Jacob Polakovich who lists ex Auburn (NCAA) player Jabari Smith as his toughest opponent in school was born on May 1st, 2000 in Grand Rapids, Michigan. He began his basketball career at Catholic Central high school and then played at the University of Indianapolis (NCAA) from 2018-2020 amassing a total of 55 games. In his freshman season he averaged 2,3ppg and 3,4 boards in 8 minutes, but then made a drastic jump to 18 minutes and averaged 8,4ppg and 6,5rpg in his second season. There was a distinct reason for his why his game was propelled to new heights. “The biggest thing for me between those two seasons was getting into better physical condition. I lost. 15 pounds and came back a better, faster, and stronger version of myself”, remembered Jacob Polakovich. He hit Mckendree for 16 points and UMSL for 15 points while having a massive 14/14 performance against Maryville, MO. Despite making a jump in his second season, he transferred to the University of Southern Indiana following his coaches John Spruance and Stan Gouard. He proved there that he could adjust from division 2 to division 1. In his 2 seasons there he averaged 11.5ppg, 11.3rpg, FGP: 61.7% and as a senior 12.2ppg, 12.8rpg, 1.2apg, FGP: 55.9%, FT: 51.4%. “I think that my game grew after moving up a division because I was playing with a chip on my shoulder. I had no Division 1 offers coming out of high-school even though I knew I was good enough to play at that level, and took every game as an opportunity to prove that to myself”, stressed Jacob Polakovich. He had many stellar games like having a 27/10 game in the exciting 82-81 win over UALR or 27 points/26 rebounds in the tight win over Semo or a 28/12 game in a win over UIS. “The best memory I have from NCAA 2 was being named the 1 seed in the NCAA tournament my sophomore year. I really do believe that we would have won the national championship that season if covid never happened”, added Jacob Polakovich. He had 5 games with 20 or more rebounds in his senior year and understood what it took to be able to achieve such wild stats. “I think that’s a testament to my work ethic and extremely high motor. Ever since I remember, I was never the fastest or most athletic player on the court so I learned at a young age that if I was able to use a combination of strength and an extremely high motor, I would be able to affect the game in ways that other players don’t necessarily want to. I truly believe that the best way to make a large impact on the game is to do all of the little things the right way. And one of those little things is chasing after every single missed shot and loose ball with 100% intensity”, warned Jacob polakovich. Who knows how his game might have developed further under a different coaching staff, but being able to play for the same coaches for 4 years had a massive impact on him on and off the court. “I could not put a price on the impact Coach Gouard, Spruance, and Aldridge had on not only my career, but also my development as a young man. They invested so much time and energy into me and dreams, and I can honestly say that I would not be anywhere near the player I am today without them. They taught me that if I had the right commitment and work ethic, I can play at any level and be effective”, warned Jacob Polakovich who remembers beating teammate Nick Hittle in 1-1 battles in practice..

The Michigan native who lists Jimmy king, Jordache Mavunga, Jelani Simmons, Marcus Bingham, and Austin Braun as his 5 best teammates of all-time began his professional career overseas with Moncada Energy Agrigento (Italy-Serie A2) averaging 10.1ppg, Reb-1 (10.8rpg), 1.1apg, FGP: 56.4%, FT: 46.2%. It is never easy making the transition from your comfort zone in school to being on your own overseas and every guy has their own wake up call to being a rookie. “I remember when we went through a stretch early where we lost a handful of games in a row, and I did not play near the level that I know I am capable of. I found myself constantly beating myself up and stressing about how my play would affect my future, instead of being thankful for the position I had put myself in to play professional basketball in the first place. Once I reminded myself that I was living out the dream that I had worked so hard to achieve, I found myself playing better and enjoying myself much more too”, commented Jacob Polakovich. He scored in double figures 20 times and registered 16 double doubles. He had a monster game against Milano Riana of 16/24, but wasn´t totally content with his own effort. “Directly after, I was disappointed in myself after that game for the way I played defensively, and it really felt like a game that we had won until some mistakes at the end. Looking back though I think that that game was a great testament to the style of basketball I play, and the way that I am able to affect the game through my strength and energy”, expressed Jacob Polakovich. Making bonds right away with teammates is always beneficial in helping with the adjustment as he witnessed with fellow big man Mait Peterson. “Mait and I both had a lot of similarities in our playstyles and became good friends off the court as well. The main way we made each other better in practice every day was by playing as physical as possible every single day”, added Jacob Polakovich.

The rebound monster who lists Lebron James, Kobe Bryant, Micheal Jordan, Shaquille O´Neal, and Tim Duncan on his personal NBA Mount Rushmore is playing his second professional season with the Bakken Bears Aarhus (Denmark-BasketLigaen). He hasn´t regretted making this decision to move to Denmark. “So far, it has been an amazing experience to play at such a historical club. You can tell that the culture here runs deep from talking to everybody involved with the club at every level; from those that work in the offices, to the coaches and players. The most enjoyable part of playing for Bakken has been competing in European competition through the ENBL, and seeing how we match up with top teams from other countries. I have learned to love how much Denmark, and Aarhus specifically, has felt so similar to home. There are obviously days where I am homesick and missing family, but the people here have been so welcoming that I really do enjoy my time here”, said Jacob Polakovich. The organization has won an incredible 33 titles and they are simply used to winning. “Being a part of such a historical task comes with a lot of pressures to win and perform, however I think what makes Bakken so successful is the ways they are able to truly make it feel like one big family. No player or staff member is treated above another, and we are all a unit working towards the same final goal; two championships. I feel that I have been able to learn a lot about my game since arriving here, and will only learn more from all of the great basketball minds around me before the season comes to an end”, stated Jacob Polakovich. He has amazing teammates especially with veterans Urald King and Skyler Bowlin who could tell him some tales from the German culture and it´s basketball. “Urald has already had a huge impact on me and the way I see the game. He is another person similar to Skyler in the way that they are both great players, but even better people. I try my best to constantly ask both of them questions and try to take the opportunity to learn where I can, because I hope to have similar careers to both of them. Playing with Skyler has been a great opportunity to learn how to be a better leader on and off the court. He has helped me realize just how much your reputation off the court matters to help boost your career, and when you look at the success he has had; it proves that”, stressed Jacob Polakovich. He may only be in his second professional season, but he has enough experience to help young Danish player Andreas Holst with his game. “Andreas is a special young talent. Even in the few months I have been here, I have seen him improve at very fast rate. I think that he has the chance to be an amazing player, especially after a couple more years of development. The main way I try to help him develop is by trying to be physical with him, and teaching him to be more physical with others”, added Jacob Polakovich.

The ex Indianapolis (NCAA) center who lists Lebron James as his GOAT and believes that the classic Coming To America flick with Eddie Murphy should have been left alone is a center that would compare his game to a Domantas Sabonas mainly because of how physical he is and because he plays with a high motor. He has shown no difficulty coming from Italy and being consistent in the Danish league having 11/6 stats in 20 minutes and 11/7 stats in the ENBL. “My role on this team is to be an enforcer on the inside, and to bring a different level of physicality and energy every minute I am on the floor. I think that when I am attacking the glass hard and exploiting mismatches, I am helping the team in the best way I can”, warned Jacob Polakovich. He is so much more than just a scorer and rebounder, but also has that playmaking skills in his game. “I think that I am a much better passer than my Assist numbers show. I am a very confident passer playing out of short rolls and post ups, and feel that I am underrated in that aspect”, stressed Jacob Polakovich. On the defensive end, he is a player that can affect the game in other ways than just registering many steals and blocks. “Defensively I do think that I affect the game positively in different ways. Mainly as a rebounder, but also through my physical presence inside the paint. I think that although I don’t block a lot of shots or make a lot of steals, I play with an energy and intensity that most players do not match”, stated Jacob Polakovich. He is continuing to develop, but at the same time also improving his game at both ends. “ The main thing I am working on this season is my perimeter defense for sure. I want to become a player who can defend all positions, and think that I am slowly improving at that aspect. The other thing that I have been trying to incorporate in my game this season is an outside shot. It is something that I have been working at on my own, and think that I have the ability to be great at”, warned Jacob Polakovich. In the ENBL, he is battling against Bamberg, a team that once belonged to the best clubs in the easyCredit BBL. He is aware of how much respected the BBL is. “The main thing I know about the Bundesliga is that it is one of the most competitive basketball leagues in the world. From the top of the league to the bottom, every team has an extremely high level of talent. I think that it will be a great test not only for the team, but I am excited to also test myself against such a high level team”, said Jacob Polakovich. It will be interesting to see how his game continues to develop. Who knows, he may pull a Skyler Bowlin. Back In the 2015-2016 season, Skyler Bowlin suited up with the Sodertalje Kings (Sweden-Basketligan) and hit Frankfurt with 18 points in a Fiba Europe Cup game. Head coach Denis Wucherer witnessed him and signed him for the next season with Pro A team Giessen. Bowlin was an instrumental part in the team moving up to the BBL a season later. Who knows, maybe one day we will see Jacob Polakovich battling bigs in the easyCredit BBL.

Urald King(Bakken Bears) Has Proven That A Former German 2 Regionalliga Player Can Have A Long Fruitful Career With Numerous Titles

Urald King (198-F-1990, college: SE Oklahoma) is a 34 year old 198cm forward from West Monroe, Louisiana playing his 9th professional season and first with the Bakken Bears ( (Denmark-BasketLigaen). He has gathered experience in Iceland where he played parts of 4 seasons as well as in countries like Germany, France, Finland, Austria and Israel. He began his basketball career at West Monroe high school and then played at Southeastern Oklahoma State University (NCAA) from 2010-2014 and as a senior averaged 16.9ppg, 9.1rpg, 1.3apg, 1.0spg, 1.1bpg, FGP: 58.8%, FT: 67.1%. He spoke to germanhoops.com before a ENBL game against Bamberg.

Thanks Urald for talking to germanhoops.com. Your playing your 9th pro season and for your 11th team. How much do you feel like a basketball globe trotter?

I absolutely feel like a globe trotter. I look at it as a blessing to have clubs from different countries that want me to be a part of their organization and the opportunity to travel around the world.

9 years you were a rookie with TuS Bad Aibling Fireballs (Germany-2.Regionalliga). If someone had told you then that you would have won 6 titles and played in all these countries what would you have thought?

I probably would have laughed. People see me now and think my plan was to play in Europe and be a veteran. I never had any aspirations to play professionally (overseas). My start was from a very small league in Germany so to make it from there and to have as an accomplished career as I have is amazing.

I know you have always had a chip on your shoulder. How does it feel playing for a great organization like Bakken Bears? Do you feel blessed every day to be playing the game you love?

Making it to this point and having the opportunity to play for a club like Bakken, I definitely don´t take it for granted. I played against them 2 years ago in Champions League Qualifiers and I didn’t have my best performance but they were impressed by what they saw and followed me up until the point where they can present me with an opportunity to join their club. Every practice and every game I feel blessed because I know it’s guys who don’t get the opportunity or don’t last long (over here) for numerous of reasons. And for me to receive opportunities year after year means a lot to me and the people I represent!

You have won 6 titles already and have a good chance to add on this season. How much do you feel that winning vibe with the Bears?

Bakken had a rich history of winning championships so from the very first day we knew what the expectations are and would be. We can feel the winning vibes every day in practice by the way we’re coached and the ways we compete and push each other.

You have always been a lethal scorer, but also a guy that does everything at both ends of the court. What is your role this season?

I just love basketball and I taught myself at a young age to play hard and give it 100%. Honestly speaking I never look at myself as a scorer. I know I’ve had games where I’ve scored 40, 36, 34, and even had 20 pts & 20 rbs. I look at myself like someone who’s adaptable. So my role with Bakken is to score, be an inside presence, but also be a key leader on defense.

What has it been like sharing the court with Skyler Bowlin? Do you guys share the leadership duties?

Between us, I don’t like the guy, I’m just kidding. Seriously, it’s been great sharing the court with him. He’s a veteran guy and he’s poised. He does a great job of leading the team by words and actions. He’s our true leader on the team but I have the knowledge to lead us along side of him or take the lead when he’s off the court.

You have always been a great rebounder. What has been your secret to being such a consistent rebounder for years despite your height?

I can’t give away all my tricks but I would contribute my rebounding abilities to 3 things: 1. My relentlessness 2. Positioning and understanding timing 3. My athleticism.

You have always been a defender that made an impact on the defensive end. How have you grown as a defender over the years?

Learning the scouting report is extremely important so you can learn your opponent’s tendencies faster. Also I’ve always been good at controlling where I want the offense players to go; whether that’s in the post by placing my hands on their hip to guide them to the direction I want them to go or on the perimeter by giving them a side and being able to cut off the ball handler.

Last season you spent time in Peja and Austria. How tough is it in general to bounce around during a season? How do you handle it now at this point of your career?

Last year was extremely tough for me moving from club to club. Under most situations, that truly only happens when a player gets fired but my circumstances were different. I was also in Israel (Ma’ale Adumim) and I woke up to the news of a war being broken out. I was only in Peja on a loan deal even though the contract was offered to be extended I chose to leave because of the conditions living there. Austria was interesting, it was a familiar league but ultimately it was a team with a lot of talent but no chemistry. At this stage in my career I’m looking for more stability, I’ve been a globe trotter but I’m looking for somewhere to call home until I choose to retire.

In 22-23 you won 2 titles with the Basket Swans Gmunden (Austria-BSL) averaging 16.9ppg, Reb-5 (9.7rpg), 1.8apg, 1.2spg, FGP: 61.6%, 3PT: 43.4%, FT: 71.6%; and in the FIBA Europe Cup averaged 16.5ppg, 7.5rpg, 1.5apg, 1.0bpg, FGP: 55.9%, 3PT: 50.0%, FT: 68.0%. What was so special about this winning team?

It was so special to me because we understood each other and had a true bond. Coach Anton offered us great leadership but we players encouraged each other. Also we had a lot of time to become familiar with each other because of the travels with Champions League Qualifiers & FIBA Eurocup. Also when it comes to legacy I think about 10-20 years from now when I’m done playing, knowing I’ll forever be a part of Gmuden Swans history with 3 championships (not 2).

You lost a tough 3 game series to Klosterneuburg where you lost 2 tough games and had great games. What will you always remember form that series?

Mainly how disappointing that team was. We had a team built to win a championship but we never developed the right chemistry and it was too much selfishness and individual play within the team.

In 2021-2022 you played with KTP Basket Kotka (Finland-Korisliiga) averaging 14.6ppg, Reb-5 (8.3rpg), 1.9apg, 1.2spg, FGP: 59.4%, 3PT: 27.3%, FT: 71.1%. There you were teammates with veteran Richie Williams who played many years in Germany. How often did the word Germany come up?

Rich (as I call him) is a great guy, one of the things you want to do as a Big is develop a relationship with your point guards. So, we would talk all the time about our careers and we spoke on Germany a lot. He actually came to watch my series in Gmuden vs Wels & Vienna in the semifinals and finals in 2023.

In 2019-2020 you played with SO Maritime Boulogne (France-NM1) averaging 11.4ppg, 8.1rpg, 2.1apg, 1.1spg, 2FGP: 57.1%, 3FGP: 33.3%, FT: 50.0%, in Jan.’20 moved to Stjarnan (Iceland-Dominos League) averaging 17.2ppg, Reb-3 (10.7rpg), 1.1bpg, FGP: 55.1%, FT: 80.0%. What memories do you have of the NM1. That league has grown in recent years.Is that one of the better third divisions in Europe?

I have fond memories of playing in NM1, with it being a 3rd league it’s very good competition. I was impressed how good the locals were. Being an American so much is put on our backs to perform but that was the first league I played in where a French player was as good if not better than the Americans and could easily lead the team in major statical categories. I also had some great off the court experiences with those guys!

You played in Iceland from 2016-2019 first with Valur Reykjavik (Iceland-Division I) avergaing 22.6ppg, Reb-3 (12.4rpg), 2.9apg, Steals-5 (1.8spg), Blocks-1 (2.5bpg), FGP: 57.4%, 3PT: 20.0%, FT: 68.0% and later with U.M.F. Tindastoll Sauoarkrokur in your last season. How special was helping Valur move up in your second pro season?

Those Value years were pivotal for me. Being a part of a club with a rich history and helping them achieve their goals of moving to The Dominos League (now Subway League) was a major milestone not only for them but for to show people that I’m a winner. I still tell people that Valur holds a special place in my heart and watching their recent success I feel like I’m a part of it.

You were teammates with Austin Bracey for 2 seasons. Did you guys become like brothers?

I have nothing but respect for Austin in the time we spend together being a part of Valur in the First League and Domino. However, unfortunately we didn’t form a brother like bond, just teammates.

How great was it living in Iceland for those 3 years? What was the coolest moment you had off the court?

It was an indescribable experience. The country is beautiful and welcoming. I can go on and on about all the memories I made but I’ll say my top two are. 1. My cousin from Los Angeles came to visit for me a week, he watched serval (playoff) games & we went to the Golden Circle together. 2. I formed a closed bond with a lot of the American players (men and women) from the 2017-2018 year. We would hang out together, play card games, go out bowling, and even party together. One in particular is Jeremy Smith. He’s a fellow Louisiana native being from New Orleans and I’m from West Monroe we formed a bond. We still talk at least once a month.

At the same time you paid your dues for 3 years. You were playing great and proved in the first division that you were a top player. How big was the grind? How did you grow as a player and man in these years that helped you make the next step to higher leagues?

One key thing for me is I learned who I was off the court. I learned to embrace the down time, whether it was being alone in my apartment or understanding the gym is available in the morning for a hour window so let’s make sure I’m there for some individual work. Those hours that went unseen directly lead to my success on the court.

You played your rookie season in Germany with TuS Bad Aibling Fireballs (Germany-2.Regionalliga). 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 wake up call was literally my first day haha. I arrived in Bad Aibling and had my first European breakfast. After we were done eating, I went to my room for a nap and when I woke I sat on the edge of my bed and said to myself “I’m really in Germany”. At that point the realization and culture shock set in.

You played at Southeastern Oklahoma State University (NCAA2) from 2010-2014 and made a massive jump as a senior averaging 16.9ppg, 9.1rpg, 1.3apg, 1.0spg, 1.1bpg, FGP: 58.8%, FT: 67.1%. How did your game grow in your last season?

I understood it was my team and a lot of the offense load would fall on my shoulders. I remember my Coach Kelly Green called me into his office and asked me directly “do you think you can play 40 minutes”, I said “yes”, next thing he said was “good, you’re playing 40 minutes”. That let me know he had all the faith and confidence in me!

You had many great games, but what was your greatest game in the NCAA2?

This question is an awkward one for me haha. The reason being is I remember my first break out game, I had an unofficial triple-double. I finished the game with 31 pts, 11 rbs, and 11 turnover, yes I said turnovers vs University of Central Oklahoma. The reason this one stands out so much is because of the 11 turnovers of course but this was my first break out game in my basketball career. They were pressing us and every time we got across half court it seemed as if I scored but in the times we didn’t it seemed like I turned the ball over. Probably not the one you were expecting huh?

How did head coach Kelly Green groom and prepare you best for a professional career?

Coach Green instilled confidence in me from day 1 and helped me bring out my leadership qualities. He taught me to trust my instincts and play hard. Even though I’m 9 years in, a lot the advice he gave me then still applies now.

Who won a 1-1 in practice you or Lonzie Tyler?

Me and Tyler never played 1 v 1 but he definitely gave me some good battles 5 v 5.

Who is the toughest player you ever face din the NCAA that reached the NBA?

Coming from a smaller background I didn’t get the opportunity to play against too many high level guys until my professional career. Honestly the closest I’ve ever gotten to it was Mike James (who plays for Monaco), we were Junior College teammates at Eastern Arizona College.

Please name your 5 best teammates of all-time?

In no order, Daniel Friedrich, Flenard Whitfield, David Bergfeld, Kyle Johnson, and Ingimar Baldursson

Your NBA Mount Rushmore?

Brandon Roy, Lebron James, Kobe Bryant, Tydrick King (my big brother)

Your Who is your GOAT?

My goat is Lebron but my favorite player of all time is Brandon Roy

Did you see the sequel to the classic Coming to America? Shouldn´t they have left it alone?

Haha great final question. I did see it, I enjoyed the movie. Was it as good as the orginal, no but I liked it. Eddie Murphy can do no wrong!

Thanks Urald for the chat.

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