BBL

Alex Barcello( Monbus Obradoiro ) Will Never Forget Beating Gonzaga And Seeing The Fans Storm The court

Alex Barcello (188-G-1998, college: BYU) is a 26 year old 188cm guard from Arizona playing his third professional season and first with o Monbus Obradoiro CAB Santiago de Compostela (Spain-Primera FEB). He began the season with easyCredit BBL club MLP Academics Heidelberg averaging 11,2ppg, 3,3rpg and 3,1apg. Last season he played Acunsa Gipuzkoa BC San Sebastian (Spain-LEB Gold) averaging19.6ppg) 4.1rpg, 3.1apg, 1.1spg, FGP: 55.9%, 3PT: 43.3%, FT: 90.0%. He played his rookie season with Kolossos H Hotels Rodou (Greece-GBL) averaging 4.0ppg, 1.8rpg, in Nov.’22 moved to Filou Oostende (Belgium-Pro Basketball League) averaging 7.3ppg, 2.1rpg, 1.5apg, FGP: 52.5%, 3PT: 47.3%, FT-1 (94.7%). He began his basketball career at Corona del Sol high school and then played 2 years at the University of Arizona and then finished at Brigham Young University (NCAA) averaging 16.1ppg, 4.7rpg, 4.3apg, FGP: 55.2%, 3PT: 47.7%, FT: 85.6%, 16.8ppg, 3.7rpg, 3.3apg, FGP: 47.9%, 3PT: 42.1%, FT: 86.5%. He spoke to germanhoops.com about basketball during his time in Germany.

Your playing your third pro season and first with German team MLP Academics Heidelberg. You saw 3 nice countries with Greece, Belgium and Spain, but how does Heidelberg and it´s castle compare?

Heidelberg is a great spot, but every place I have been in has been great. We visit the castle a lot to have a snack. It is a extremely nice city. The people are nice and we are really enjoying it here

What kind of an experience has it been playing with the MLP Academics Heidelberg? What have you appreciated most about the experience?

I think what I have appreciated the most is how genuine the people are. The people are humble, but at the same time want to grow as a club. I like how the club interacts with all. It is all very well organized here and super professional. There is good energy and that makes it a lot more fun when your around good people.

How does the BBL compare to the other leagues that you have played in so far? Is the BBL the strongest league that you have played in? Especially how does the LEB Gold compare to it?

I think that the BBL is comparable to the physicality in Greece. Belgium was a good league and Spain was super tactical. I really have liked every style I have seen. In the BBL, every game matters. You have to battle and compete every night. It doesn´t matter if a team is 4th or 15th, they can beat you on any given night. It is really fun as a competitor to play in the BBL.

You led the Leb Gold in scoring. Do you feel pressure to have to make the next step in the BBL?

I don´t feel pressure. I put a lot of trust in the work I put in and with the coaching staff I have to help me grow. I think that when you have a lot of trust, that helps take away the pressure. Growing is a process that I need to enjoy.

What is your focus and goal this season with your game? What steps do you want to make?

I want to show that I´m a competitor and that I can do what the teams needs me to do. I have proved in my career that sometimes my team needed me to create well, while other times I needed to score. I want to be able to read the game at a high level. I believe in playing the game the right way and want to continue to get to a high level step by step.

Let´s talk about your game. You’re a 188cm guard. If you had to compare your game to an NBA player who would fit the description the best?

I think one could compare my game to a Payton Pritchard. The mid range is a big part of my game.

You are an incredible shooter. What other strengths does your game have? Versatility seems to be a big part of your game as well?

Yes it is. I can create for my teammates, but that is still an area that I´m trying to progress in. I want to be able to get guys in spots where they can be most successful. For example being able to help a Weathers speed up the game or help Mikesell with his pick and pop game. I want to become more of a floor general. My rebounding is underrated. I believe I´m able to sneak in more rebounds.

You continue to shoot over 40% in your career? Where do you see the development of your three pointer? How far away are you from being an elite shooter?

In my mind, I think I´m there. But I feel like I can still expand my game off the dribble and increase my range by dragging out the defense. I have always believed in my shooting.

What kind of a defender are you now and what kind of defender do you still want to become?

I think that I´m a solid defender. I think that I can handle 1-1 defense. I´m stronger than what people may think. I want to increase my pressure so I can guard 30-40 minutes full on pressure. I want to have guys have to play on their heels.

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

I´m working on finishing better around the basket as well as being able to pass the ball better with the opponent throwing different defenses at me.

You played last season for Acunsa Gipuzkoa BC San Sebastian (Spain-LEB Gold) averaging 19.6ppg), 4.1rpg, 3.1apg, 1.1spg, FGP: 55.9%, 3PT: 43.3%, FT: 90.0%. How important was this season for your progression as a player? You had massive scoring games of 39 and 36 points. How did your game grow?

My game grew just from the tactics. I got a better understanding of the European game. It helped my game that I was the lead guy on the team. I saw that I was the main focus and was efficient.

You played an exciting 5 games series against Burgos, What will you always remember from that series and what did you learn from it?

I remember we were blown out in the first game, but then came back and gave them a really hard fought series. We just couldn´t pull it out. I learned just how intense the playoffs can be and that the team needs to come together and learn to push through it

You split your rookie season with Kolossos H Hotels Rodou (Greece-GBL) averaging 4.0ppg, 1.8rpg, in Nov.’22 moved to Filou Oostende (Belgium-Pro Basketball League) averaging 7.3ppg, 2.1rpg, 1.5apg, FGP: 52.5%, 3PT: 47.3%, FT-1 (94.7%). How tough was this season and what did you learn about yourself?

It was difficult to learn different styles and having a small role. I just tried to keep fighting through it and figure out a way to find ways to make it. I understood that it was a work in progress. I was happy how I came out of it and knew that I had to keep working.

You played against Panathinaikos losing but scoring 5 points. What was it like competing against long time NBA guys like Derrick Williams and Nate Wolters?

It was nice competing against high level players. I had to match up against Paris Lee who played in the BBL with Bamberg. I didn´t play much, but scored a few points. I saw close up how high the tempo and skill level was. I would like to be at a level like that. I know I have to take it step by step.

In Belgium you were teammates with legend Dusan Djordjevic. How vital was he for you in your time there? Was he like a mentor for you?

He won so many titles with them. He was a great mentor. Once a week, we would go out and watch Euroleague games and talk about the game.

In the summer of 2022 you played NBA summer league with the Toronto Raptors. What kind of an experience was that for you? Do you feel like you were able to hold your own in the minutes you got?

I think I did. In one game I played 20 minutes. I tried to get the most out of it. I believe that I belonged out there. I always believe that I belong out on the court with whoever is there. I go out and compete and put in the work. The difference is always how much more you want it than your opponent. It was a great experience. The Raptors are a great organization that also loves defense.

You played at the University of Arizona from 2017-2019 never averaging more than 9 minutes or 3,0ppg. Was this a tough learning process for you? What positives could you take from it?

It was a great experience. I played together with really talented guys like Deandre Ayton, Rawle Alkins, Alonzo Trier and Parker Jackson-Cartwright. It was a tough transition coming from high school to playing against men. I knew that I had a lot of work ahead of me. It was hard not playing much. I didn´t like that.

You were teammates with Parker Jackson Cartwright there who had his break out season in Germany with Bonn some years ago. What memories do you have of him? Did he have the heart of a lion?

Yes I would say so. He was even smaller than me. He made the game look so easy. He always competed and was so quick and knew how to get into the paint. He really inspired me what he did with Bonn. I was really thankful having a senior like that coming in.

You then played at Brigham Young from 2019-2022 and really broke out as a scorer in your last 2 seasons. How did your game grow there?

I was a role guy my first season. A sort of glue guy as well. I was a shooter that guarded the other teams best offensive player. Then many main guys left and I got trust from coaching staff and got the next role. The coaching staff saw the work I put in and I took the opportunity and all went well.

You reached the NIT Elite 8 in your senior year and had many great games. What was your fondest moment on the court? You had big games against Pepperdine and San Francsico.

My fondest moment was when I was the role guy and we beat #2 at the time Gonzaga. We beat them on our home floor and the fans stormed the court. That was a great feeling. I went like 7/7 against San Francisco and 9/10 against Pepperdine.

How did head coach Mark Pope groom and prepare you best for a professional career?

He just told me to go out and take it. He tole me that there are so many guys competing for limited roles that you have instincts that will help you beat them out.

Who won a 1-1 in practice you or Te´Jon Lucas?

I don´t think that we ever played. H e was a great talent, but I would beat him.

Who was the toughest player that you ever played against on a court in the NCAA that reached the NBA?

Carson Edwards. I was a freshman and we played against Purdue. Nothing crazy happened. They won. I came in and hadn´t lifted weights before and I could see the difference. He was super strong and super athletic.

Please name your 5 best teammates of all-time?

Zac Seljaas, Aleksandar Marcius, Dusan Ristic, Yoeli Childs, Dalton Nickson

Please name your personal NBA Mount Rushmore of past or present heads?

Jordan, Kobe, Lebron, Shaq

Who is your GOAT?

Michael Jordan

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

I never saw it. Maybe they should of. I need to put it on my watch list.

Thanks Alex for the chat

The Miles Vs Malik Riddle Weekly Basketball Chat Volume 17

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 RheinStars Cologne suffered a tough 94-91 loss at Orange Academy. Was tis another good example of how tough the pro B South is?

Yeah I feel every team is capable of beating anyone. So really have to be disciplined and focus all 4 quarters.

The Rhein Stars had everything going well leading by 17 points at the break after scoring 28 points in the first quarter. Did they already make defensive adjustments in the second quarter to cut your team to only 15 points?

I think we missed a lot of easy baskets. Those really hurt us and we have to finish the easy ones.

Frederik Erichsen then hit a spectacular 3 to bring game into overtime. What made it so tough finding some consistency on the defensive end?

Rotations on defense wasn’t what it needed to be. It’s the second efforts that we have to get better at.

The RheinStars then began well in overtime, but then suddenly Orange Academy punched back going on a run as Jordan Mueller led the charge. What was key in overtime for Orange Academy getting the win?

They executed and made shots. While we missed some and took tough ones.

You played 27 minutes averaging 13/4/2/3. How did you feel coming off your injury?

It felt okay. I wasn’t in rhythm like I’m usually is but it was okay game for me.

The Rhein Stars now have to be careful not to slip to position 4 in the next weeks. The team will get home court advantage for the first round, but want to go on a run now to end regular season strong. The next game is against FC Bayern Munich where a must win is needed. What will be key to getting win?

We have to play strong on both ends of the court. We have to be the aggressor the whole 40 mins because they also are a young team but have talent.

Thanks Malik for the chat.

Basketball Globetrotter Luke Moyer Will Always Have Massive Love For The Country Georgia Winning Titles There And Saving His Dog

Luke Moyer (185-G-1993, college: John Brown, agency: BIG) is a 31 year old 185cm guard from Souderton, Pennsylvania playing his ninth professional season and first with UMF U.M.F. Skallagrimur Borganes (Iceland-Division I). He has been a real basketball globetrotter having played in countries like Canada, Mexico, Georgia, Portugal and Spain. He began his basketball career with Souderton high school and then played a season at Richmond (NCAA). He then played 2 seasons at Campbell (NCAA) and finished at John Brown University (NAIA) averaging 15.0ppg, 3.0rpg, 2.8apg, FGP: 42.0%, 3PT: 39.1%, FT: 83.8%. He spoke to germanhoops.com about his basketball career.

You have played in 6 countries so far and are 31. Is Germany on your bucket list?

Sure, if the right opportunity comes along I’d love to. One of my good friends, Justin Jaworski is playing there now and loves it.

You began the 2024-2025 season with Caja 1987 Baloncesto (Spain-Segunda FEB) playing 2 games averaging 10.5ppg, 1.0apg. What kind of an experience was that for you? Why was that stay so short?

Unfortunately, I sustained an injury early on in the preseason and the team didn’t have the patience to wait for my recovery.

Last season you played with UMFN Njardvik (Iceland-Subway League) playing 9 games averaging 9.9ppg, 1.8rpg, 1.8apg, FGP: 48.3%, 3PT: 37.5%, FT: 87.5%. Why was that stay so short? You had solid stats?

It wasn’t the right fit last season and didn’t work out with the club.

What was it like playing with Chaz Williams who had had an incredible NCAA career at UMass and seen it all overseas? He must have been one of the more talented guys you ever played with overseas?

He’s a tough guy to guard every day at practice. Reminded me of my teammate, Kendall Anthony, trying to guard him at practice every day at Richmond was a workout.

In the 2022-2023 season you split time with BC Titebi (Georgia-Superleague) averaging 22.3ppg, 3.8rpg, 5.8apg, 1.5spg, 2FGP: 52.3%, 3FGP: 30.5%, FT: 66.7%, in Jan.’23 signed at Zamora Enamora (Spain-LEB Silver) averaging 12.3ppg, 2.6rpg, 1.8apg, FGP: 42.9%, 3PT: 44.8%, FT: 71.4%. Stat wise another great season, but you had to change teams again. You had one of your best seasons stat wise in Georgia. Didn´t they appreciate your play there?

Many situations overseas can be challenging and that was another one. I finished in Spain with Zamora and we had one of the best teams I’ve ever played with chemistry-wise, so it was another very fulfilling experience.

In Spain you played an interesting playoff series against Benicarloincluding a 66-66 game. What memories do you have of that playoff series?

One of my favorite games I’ve had in my career came in that series when I hit the decisive dagger 3-pointer in the closing seconds of the game to help secure the win and move onto the semifinals.

You played with Kutaisi 2010 (Georgia-Superleague) from 2020-2022, but played only 15 games, but won a title. In your title season, you were injured for many months. How tough was that season?

Yes, it was another challenge. There’s a lot of lessons I learned when I was injured and went through tough seasons. I’m grateful for all those times because they’ve helped make me resilient and unbreakable.

You lost a tough 3 game playoff series to Dinamo. Was the game 1 94-93 loss one of those games that you will never forget? What memories do you have of that game?

I remember it was very intense. I had a big game and the game was full of trash talking and physicality – you live for those games.

In the 2019-2020 season you played 1 game in Portugal and then moved to BC Titebi (Georgia-Superleague) averaging 13.4ppg, 3.3rpg, 2.5apg, 1.1spg, FGP: 41.0%, 3PT: 31.2%, FT: 69.2%. It was your second season with them. How much is that club in your heart? You won your first professional title with them.

Titebi and those guys in Georgia will forever be in my heart. They gave me my start in Europe and I also rescued my dog from Georgia and she is in the states with me. I love Georgia.

You were teammates with Kaheem Ransom. You would be teammates again on another team in Georgia a few years later. Are you guys like brothers? Maybe you will be teammates again one day?

Kaheem is a heck of a player and competitor. It was special to play with him. We won 3 or 4 cup titles together.

You played in Mexico with Nauticos of Mazatlan (Mexico-CIBACOPA) averaging 14.5ppg, 1.7rpg, 1.9apg, 2FGP: 56.9%, 3FGP: 35.4%, FT: 86.0% and with Rayos de Hermosillo (Mexico-CIBACOPA). What kind of an experience was Mexico? It is one of those leagues where many well known guys play because the money is good.

Great talent and very great culture. The hoops schedule is more like NBA playing 3 or 4 games in a week sometimes. I had a lot of fun playing in Mexico.

In Mexico you would play against the same team back to back. How was the skill level in the league and how would you compare it to other leagues that you have played in?

A lot of talent. Former NBA players and guys who went on to play in the NBA.

You played your rookie season with Durham BC (Canada-CBL). What kind of experience was that coming from school? Did you have a memorable experience there?

A learning curve coming from NCAA to the pros, but I couldn’t have been more blessed to have the opportunity to play under former NBA and euroleague player, Milt Palacio. He taught me what it meant to be a professional and laid the foundation for me to have the mentality as a professional that I carry with me to this day.

You began your career at the University of Richmond (NCAA), but played only 4 games. What memories do you have of this season? Could you get anything positive out of it?

Coach Mooney runs a high-major program and creates winners. I had an incredible experience and played with some amazing players and people.

You then played 2 years at Campbell playing 46 games. You averaged 5,7ppg and 3,4ppg and averaged 12 minutes. Did you get a fair chance there? You had to experience a coaching change.

As a young man, I made a decision to leave Campbell with the information I had at the time, and I believe I deserved more opportunity – especially being a top 3-point shooter in the country and producing solid numbers in limited minutes.

You then took a step back and finished at John Brown University (NAIA) averaging 15.0ppg, 3.0rpg, 2.8apg, FGP: 42.0%, 3PT: 39.1%, FT: 83.8%. how important was making this change? You were a main contributor on the team as a senior.

Sometimes the ugly side of basketball forces one to lose the joy of the game and I experienced that at the Division 1 level, so I decided I needed to go play at a program where I could find the joy of playing again.

You had some great games in losing causes but also some other great games in wins over Oklahoma City and SW Christian. What was your fondest moment at John Brown?

Senior night I hit the game winner with my family in attendance.

How did Jason Beschta groom and prepare you for a professional career?

The work I put in was instilled intrinsically since I was 10 years old. It was always my goal to play professionally.

Who won a 1-1 in practice you or Ricky Roberts?

I believe Ricky got me a few times, he could really shoot the ball!

Who is the best player that you ever faced on a court that reached the NBA?

De’Angelo Russell and TJ Warren are at the top of the list.

Please name your 5 favorite teammates of all-time?

Steve Tyson Terry Allen Jordan Faciane Jacob Round Toni Naspler

What is your personal NBA Mount Rushmore of past or present heads?

Kobe Bryant Michael Jordan Steph Curry Shaquille O’Neal

Who is your GOAT and why?

Michael Jordan. Ultimate winner and competitor.

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

I didn’t – too many remakes nowadays the originals are undefeated!!

Thanks Luke for the chat.

Luke Moyer Recently Hit For 50 Points In Iceland And Credits High School Coach Dennis Stanton For Instilling His Shooting Foundation

Luke Moyer (185-G-1993, college: John Brown, agency: BIG) is a 31 year old 185cm guard from Souderton, Pennsylvania playing his ninth professional season and first with UMF U.M.F. Skallagrimur Borganes (Iceland-Division I). He has been a real basketball globetrotter having played in countries like Canada, Mexico, Georgia, Portugal and Spain. He began his basketball career with Souderton high school and then played a season at Richmond (NCAA). He then played 2 seasons at Campbell (NCAA) and finished at John Brown University (NAIA) averaging 15.0ppg, 3.0rpg, 2.8apg, FGP: 42.0%, 3PT: 39.1%, FT: 83.8%. He spoke to germanhoops.com about his season in Iceland and his magical 50 point game.

Your playing your first season with U.M.F. SkallagrimurBorganes (Iceland-Division I). It is your second tour of duty in Iceland. What kind of an experience has the basketball in Iceland been and playing for this organization?

I’ve enjoyed my time playing in Borganes. The organization has been great to work with and having good teammates and a great coach always makes the experience that much better. I’ve had a great experience playing here.

What does one do on a typical day in Iceland when your not practicing? The days seem shorter. Have you found a new hobby there? I can imagine one can explore a lot and enjoy the beautiful nature.

Yes it’s absolutely beautiful here in Iceland. I work with the younger players here in the organization as a coach and skill developer. So I coach and run training sessions each day outside of my normal training regiment.

You came in the middle of the season to a losing team. How tough has the season been for you? Does added pressure arise when you’re the import? Do you feel like you have to do more than usual to help the team get wins?

It’s always challenging when a team is going through a stretch of losing. Here, it hasn’t been a lack of talent, but unfortunate injuries, sicknesses and missing players almost every other week.

The club had some close loses, but all in all defense seems to be a major problem. Why hasn´t the defense been able to allow less points?

It’s been tough missing players each week and trying to win when we have been short handed. I believe there hasn’t been two consecutive weeks where we have had a healthy roster. That will always be challenging to do our job when we can’t get a rhythm together.

What kind of an experience has it been playing with Jermaine Hamlin? He is a rookie. Are you like a mentor for him?

Jermaine is a force for us. He’s been an awesome teammate and does a great job for us in so many categories on the court.

You recently got your first win and did it all scoring 50 points. How good did that win feel plus scoring 50 points?

Grateful that our team is starting to click and get our chemistry on track. It was a special game to have the opportunity to go out there and play my game.

Was that the most points that you ever scored in your life?

Probably years ago in a summer league back home I’ve scored 50+ and when I was younger in my middle school era I’ve done 50+.

You had a very good shooting day. How quickly did you know that you would have a good scoring day?

After the first few possessions I knew the other team wasn’t going to be able to guard my aggressiveness.

You also had 9 assists and are averaging only 5,0apg for the second time in your pro career. How has your playmaking grown in the last years?

In the offseasons back home over the years I’ve been putting in work and playing in Spain has also contributed to my growth as a PG.

What does this 50 point scoring game mean to you? Very few pro ballers overseas achieve 50 points or more?

The 50 point game as a pro is a special accomplishment. It brings some fulfillment to see all the decades of grinding pay off. I’ve been incredibly blessed to have awesome basketball minds in my life over the years and specifically my High School coach, Dennis Stanton, has been an inspiration to me. He instilled the foundation of my shooting ability in my game and has motivated me to chase his incredible scoring accomplishments as a pro himself.

Last season you averaged only 9,9ppg in Iceland and now 30,0ppg. How do you explain this rapid explosion in your scoring this season? Last season you did play in the higher league Subway league.

I’ve always been a scorer and on that team I had a lesser role and less touches on the ball.

What was your favorite basket of the game?

The alley-oop lob pass I made to Jermaine in the 1st quarter.

Did you get any special messages from people that you maybe didn´t expect it from?

I got a lot of love from family and friends back home. I appreciate it all!!

Did you have to get donuts for your incredible performance or did your teammates buy dinner for you?

I bought beer for all my teammates

Thanks Luke for the talk.

Playing A BBL Game Against The Giessen 46ers In The Gym Where He Fell In Love With The Game Was The Best Feeling For Moritz Schneider(BSW Sixers)

Moritz Schneider (191-PG-1999) is a 25 year old 191cm point guard that us playing his third season with the BSW Sixers Sandersdorf (Pro B). He began his basketball career with VFB Giessen and then played with Science City Jena playing JBBL, NBBL and for the Regionalliga team. He played 2 BBL and 2 Pro A games with Jena. He then played with Iserlohn (Pro B) from 2019-2022. He spoke to germanhoops.com about basketball.

Thanks Moritz for talking to germanhoops.com Your playing your third season with the BSW Sixers Sandersdorf. What kind of an experience has it been playing for this organization?

It is very special especially the special relationship to the fans is very rare. You seldom see that kind of fan support in the Pro B. Our fans go to all away games no matter how far away. Sandersdorf is very small, but the fascination for basketball is unique.

The team is having another great season after missing the playoffs last season. What is the secret to the success?

We have a collection of players that fit together well. We are also difficult to scout with our offense. Our players are all unique and our coach is always best prepared for every opponent.

How is the mind set going towards the playoffs? Can this team win a title?

We are going game by game. Our goal is to get past the first round of the playoffs.

On what areas of the game does the team have to tweak now to get the absolute best results in the post season?

We need to continue to win games. We have done a great job developing step by step the whole season. We are a totally different team now from the first Fiba break. The young players also have developed well. We have to keep moving forward.

What has it been like being teammates with Nike Salenieks. What have you been able to soak up most from his game?

He came from the Regionalliga. At first I didn´t know what to expect when he arrived. I remember playing against him last season and he didn´t stand out. But this season he has made a 180 degrees turn and totally exploded. He is one of the quickest and most athletic in the league. He has all the tools to be a great player in the Pro B. He is so hard to guard and always best prepared. I love playing with him.

Your leading the team in assists as your assists average has grown each season. How has your game especially your playmaking grown with the Sixers?

I have a bigger role this season than the last 2 seasons. I was always a pass first point guard my whole career. Head coach Lukas Vargas has done a great job to put me in the right position to be successful. I know what the strengths of my teammates are.

You have averaged 21-22 minutes a season which is considerably more than what you averaged in Iserlohn. What is your role on the team? Are you the classic back up point guard?

No, I´m captain of the team. I am a leader coming from the bench. I´m the second hand of the coach. He gives me a lot of freedom with play calling.

You were teammates for 2 seasons with Donte Nicholas. He is Mr triple double. What memories will you always have of him as a teammate?

Donte and I are close friends. He is still so difficult to guard even at age 38. He has such a high IQ and has great abilities. He is a complete player. I learned a lot from him and we harmonized well on the court. I learned so much about him about nutrition and stretching. I remember seeing him score 30 points. He is ice cold. He can fit with any team.

You played under Darren Stackhouse who was an assistant coach. Did he tell any Jerry Stackhouse stories?

No unfortunately not. He doesn´t coach us much since he is preoccupied more with the youth teams. I will have to ask him when I see him again.

What will you always remember from the 2023 Pro B playoffs? You beat Oberaching and Frankfurt and then lost to Koblenz?

I will never forget that first playoff game against Oberaching. We won by 40. The atmosphere was incredible. I remember winning in Frankfurt and dominating despite missing some key players. We played nice basketball. We then lost to Koblenz. That was like David vs Goliath. The difference in budgets was like night and day. That was the best season in our club history. Basketball was most fun that season.

After playing some years in Jena, you moved to Iserlohn in 2019 and played 3 seasons. After playing 2 BBL games, did you realize that having a BBL career would be tough?

I had torn my ACL in my last season in Jena. I knew that I would have no role in the Pro A as they were trying to move back up to the BBL. I was done with school and wanted to play Pro B. Iserlohn was the best fit.

You never averaged more than 2,5ppg with Iserlohn. How do you remember those years? Did you get a fair chance there?

I feel like I did get a fair chance. I had injury problems. I had just found my rhythm in my first season and Covid ended the season. Then a new coach came as well as Toni Prostran and I got less minutes.

You played 2 seasons with now Iserlohn head coach Toni Prostran. How do you remember those early years? What could you soak up from his game?

I learned 100% from Toni. I remember when I first saw him play, that he was small and not athletic. I didn´t think that he was better than me. The first few weeks, I dominated him, but he wasn´t in shape yet. But then he began to play and dominated me. I was his back up and learned how to read the game better and the pick and roll. He helped bring me to a new level.

You were teammates with Elias Marei for 3 years. How did you see his game grow?

Elias made big steps in Iserlohn. I remember that in the first season he was only a practice player. In the second season, he began to play games and in his third season got good minutes. I´m proud of his development. He is one of the hardest workers that I ever saw. He gives his all on the court and you can always rely on him. He is the ultimate team player. Even if he misses 2 three´s, he will still give is best. I´m happy how well his season is going with Leitershofen.

You played with Science City Jena from 2014-2018 from the youth to the BBL. What do you remember from this time. Was this some of the best times of your life?

Yes it was. Those years were amazing. I won the Pro A there in my first year. I couldn´t believe my luck when I heard that Immanuel Mcelroy would be my teammate. I also played with other great players like Wayne Bernard, and Guido Grunheid. I was coached by Bjoern Harmsen. He was such a clever coach. Later in my BBL year, I had more great players like Derrick Allen, Julius Jenkins and Dru Joyce.

In the 2015-2016 season you played 2 Pro A games and was teammates with Immanuel Mcelroy. How did you experience him as a 16 year old?

It was crazy to be teammates with him. I remember when I was a kid that my dad was a huge basketball fan. I remember seeing Giessen play Cologne in the playoffs in 2005. I saw Giessen win a game against Cologne. 10 years later I would become his teammate. His daughter was older than me. I also learned so much from him.

The 2017-2018 season must have been like a kid in a candy store. You were teammates with BBL legends Derrick Allen, Julius Jenkins, Dru Joyce, and Kyle Weaver. Which player had the biggest impact on you?

I don´t know where to start. Marcos Knight had a big impact on me as did Derrick Allen. Derrick was always the first to practice and last to leave. To see how hard he worked to age 40 was unbelievable. His will to win and work hard helped me grow as a competitor. He and all the rest of them always wanted to win every practice game.

You played 2 BBL games against Gotha and Giessen playing 4 minutes. What memories do you have of being on the court?

I was really excited to play in Gotha. It was derby game and 4000 fans were there. I remember when I came into the game in the first quarter, the fans chanted my name. We turned a 20 point deficit around and won the game. I remember playing against Daniel Schmidt. The game in Giessen was a big moment for me. It was the best feeling for me to play in the gym where I fell in love with basketball. I played against John Bryant. It is something that I will be able to tell my grand-children.

Who is the best player that you ever faced on a court that reached the NBA?

Deandre Ayton. I remember playing against him in Munich when I was with the Jena youth team. He was with an AAU team. It was crazy to see how athletic he already was for his age. Other tough players were John Bryant, Derrick Allen, Immanuel Mcelroy and Julius Jenkins.

Please name your 5 favorite teammates of all-time?

Donte Nicholas, Marco Rahn, Derrick Allen, Julius Jenkins, Immanuel Mcelroy.

What is your personal NBA, Euro and German mount rushmore of past or present point guards?

Rajon Rondo, Jason Kidd, Chris Paul, Steph Curry

Milos Teodosic, Vassilis Spanoulis, Nick Calathes, Tony Parker

Dennis Schroeder, Heiko Schaffarzik, Per Guenther, Anton Gavel

Who is your GOAT?

Lebron James.

Thanks Moritz for the chat.

Moritz Schneider(BSW Sixers) Will Never Forget Getting A Standing Ovation From The Fans As If They Had Won By 50 points After Playing with Only 5 Players

Moritz Schneider (191-PG-1999) is a 25 year old 191cm point guard that is playing his third season with the BSW Sixers Sandersdorf (Pro B). He began his basketball career with VFB Giessen and then played with Science City Jena playing JBBL, NBBL and for the Regionalliga team. He played 2 BBL and 2 Pro A games with Jena. He then played with Iserlohn (Pro B) from 2019-2022. He spoke to germanhoops.com after the historic loss to Leverkusen with only 5 players.

Thanks Moritz for talking to germanhoops.com. The BSW Sixers suffered a tough 108-57 loss to Leverkusen. This was a historic game as only 5 players played. How did this loss feel different than a regular loss when you have a full team?

It was tough playing with only 5 players against the #1 team in the league. We had never played together before and knew that we had no chance. We just wanted to play and not get injured and everyone get their chance in the game. We were glad at the end that the game was over. Leverkusen were very professional. Players came to me and said “ sorry this wasn´t your fault. Our 600 fans were amazing.

How did you prepare for the game. You knew on Friday that there would only be 5 players available? Did you do something different mentally or physically?

I went into the game knowing that I had to play. If we hadn´t played this game, the club would have gotten a big penalty. It is sad that we had to play with 5 guys. I think that if we would have had a full team, we could of won.

You had never been in a situation like this in your career where you would play so much. How tough was it starting the game knowing you won´t get a break? Did you have to find a routine how to conserve your energy?

Our warm up was shorter than usual to conserve energy. We began 30 minutes before the game. Coach made it clear that he would call a timeout at the 5 minute mark of every quarter as well as focusing on tactical fouls.

What was the defensive game plan from coach? You couldn´t not just not play defense, but on the other hand couldn´t be over aggressive either in the fear of getting fouls.

We wanted to play a lot of zone to conserve energy. They also hadn´t shot so well in the last game. We figured maybe we could frustrate them. They shot well against our zone. Our young guys simply didn´t have the experience of a Donte Nicholas.

Was the feeling going in that you would lose the game anyway? What was it like playing as hard as you could, but knowing the chances to win were as good as 0?

You go into every game to play hard. Our focus was not to concentrate on the score, but on positive things that happened in the game. We wanted to stay positive and not sink our heads.

Leverkusen led quickly 18-2 and 30-5 after one quarter. How quickly did you sense that they were there for business and not to play?

I noticed in the first 5 minutes that they were the number #1 team. They hit shot after shot in the first half. They took their foot a bit off the gas pedal in the second half. They didn´t practice the full court press as much and worked on things on defense.

The BSW Sixers scored 19 points in the second quarter. What adjustments did the team make to generally play better basketball?

We played better as there was less pressure. We hit more shots and our zone worked better.

The game was decided by the end of the third quarter as Leverkusen led 91-37. In the fourth quarter the Sixers actually won the quarter 20-17. How proud were you of yourself and the other 4 teammates?

I´m really proud of my teammates. We showed character and fought until the end. We stuck together and never gave up. I think that is a reason why we have been so unexpectedly successful this season.

How were you feeling in the fourth quarter? How do you explain be able to win the quarter? What was key for getting the quarter win?

They took their feet of the gas pedal. We found a flow and just played better together after gaining experience in the first 30 minutes. We hit more shots and were more successful inside as Dennis Heinzman was on the bench.

You dished out 9 assists which was a career high. How proud were you of yourself that you survived 40 minutes and didn´t foul out and gave all you could?

I´m the captain of the team. I´m not proud of myself, but my team. I´m so proud to be a part of this team. The fans support was so special. Fans hugged me after the loss.

Leverkusen were very professional and everything worked out well for everyone despite the loss. What will you always remember most from this game?

I will remember the moment when the game was over. We got a standing ovation from our fans as if we had won by 50 points. I know that I will never be a part of a game like this again in my career.

How did your body feel after 40 minutes? Was it as bad as you thought it would be or not?

It was tough. I expected it to be bad and it was. But I feel better now 2 days later.

What was your favorite own assist of the day?

My bounce pass at the end to Max Nwokedi for the dunk.

What did you learn about yourself after experiencing a game like this with only 5 guys?

I had never played 40 minutes before. I learned that in order to play 40 minutes, you have to be in great shape. We showed what we are capable of when we fight.

Thanks Moritz for the chat.

Jamie Edoka´s 34 Points And Ivan Crnjac´s Game Winner Powers Eintracht Frankfurt Skyliners Over Ratiopharm Ulm 89-88 IN NBBL Playoff Action

Whenever it starts to get warmer and it´s March, you have March madness in the United States where all the young talented players battle, while in Germany, the youth playoffs also start. Eintracht Frankfurt had a solid season starting 8-0, but lost the season series to FC Bayern Munich and finished the season at 11-3. In the first round of the playoffs, they had a real real tough best of 3 game playoff series with ratiopharm Ulm who had an unbeaten season at 13-0. They are a explosive scoring squad that scored over 100 points 5 times including a 136 points destruction of the Rhein Neckar Metropolitans and never scored less than 82 points in a game. But one had to remember that ratiopharm Ulm played in the B division which had weaker competition. Eintracht Frankfurt had the big 3 of Crnjac, Edoka and Omog and 2 great role players with Maximilian Peters and Julius Messer, but the big question was could they overcome the deeper roster of ratiopharm Ulm who have so much talent that they have 2 starting 5 teams equally as strong. On a mild Sunday afternoon, ratiopharm Ulm came to Frankfurt despite 8 of the 10 NBBL player that played in Frankfurt were coming off an incredible upset win the day before in the Pro B over top team RheinStars, but despite having played 24 hours earlier were ready to compete for 40 minutes, but lost a heartbreaker on a game winner from Ivan Crnjac. This contest truly deserved no loser. One could observe quickly after the game that ratiopharm Ulm head coach Florian Flabb wasn´t overjoyed with losing such a tight game. “Congrats to Frankfurt to the win. We weren´t able to bring the defensive intensity that we wanted. We will try to do better next weekend”, stressed Florian Flabb. Eintracht Frankfurt Skyliners weren´t the favorite on paper, but they played with so much heart and always stuck together during all lows of the game. “We played a good game. This was a classic game of runs. We never hung our heads and always stayed together. The most important thing in this win was that we always gave our best when we needed it most”, stressed Eintracht Frankfurt Skyliners forward Ivan Crnjac. “This was a great youth game. There were many great individual performances and team play. We stuck together until the end”, stressed Eintracht Frankfurt Skyliners head coach Thore Bethke.

Namori Omog at the FT line

The experience factor that ratiopharm Ulm had over Eintracht Frankfurt Skyliners was overwhelming as they had over 140 Pro B games experience just in this season. Eintracht Frankfurt Skyliners came out punching as the guests weren´t able to match their intensity in the first 2 minutes as Frankfurt led 6-3 with attacking the rim and aggressive defense. Jamie Edoka (195-G-2008) made 2 big blocks and made a lay in while Namori Omog supplied 4 points. However it didn´t take ratiopharm Ulm long to find a groove as Croatian player Niko Jerkic and U-18 EM gold medalist Jordan Mueller dropped three´s to dead lock the game at 8-8. Both teams had a sound offensive rhythm as they traded 4 lead changes, but Frankfurt would regain the lead on Ivan Crnjac´s lay in on transition to lead 15-12 and never lose the lead again in the first quarter. Both teams stayed away from the bomb from outside, but rather stuck to the drive and the mid distance game. Frankfurt got a 20 footer by Edoka and a runner from Crnjac while ratiopharm Ulm got a 25 footer from Oliver Kullamae who is the son of Bamberg legend Gerd Kullamae, but Frankfurt led 19-16. German Jervis Scheffs who loves the shifty game made a lay in and Edoka an off balance shot to give Eintracht Frankfurt Skyliners the 21-18 advantage after 10 minutes. “I sensed after one quarter that this would be a game at eye level. They are a deep and strong team. We had some problems with the pick and roll defense, but we took away their three pointer”, stated Ivan Crnjac.

Chris Widmer to the hole

The second quarter saw 3 runs with ratiopharm Ulm gaining 2 of them and the slim 41-38 advantage at half-time. Omog began the second quarter with a off balance shot to give Frankfurt the 23-18 lead, but ratiopharm Ulm then punched back with a lethal 13-0 run stealing the lead back and leading comfortably 31-23. In the run, ratiopharm Ulm was led by Jordan Mueller who supplied 8 points. He hit a trey and added 5 free throws. His ability to read the defense and pick his spots and quickness helped him be successful. Young German Milo Murray also added a lay in while Dutch big man Endurance Aiyamenkhue also made a lay in. This could have been a time where Eintracht Frankfurt Skyliners would continue to cave in, but no they kept their chests held high and rebounded with a 10-2 run to dead lock the game at 33-33. In the run, Eintracht Frankfurt Skyliners was led by Jamie Edoka with 5 points who never looked back and was always in attack mode as he drew a foul and scored while Ivan Crnjac made a lay in and German Julius Messer a tip in. Frankfurt presented a zone that gave ratiopharm Ulm problems with their offensive execution. However the run party of the second quarter wasn´t over as Ulm responded on a 8-2 run shortly before the break to lead 41-35. In the run the guests were led by Kullamae who is a pass first point guard, but in this phase showed that he could also lead a team with his scoring. He added 5 points getting to the free throw line. With a few seconds left Eintracht Frankfurt Skyliners had to inbounds the ball in their own end and somehow got the ball up to Ivan Crnjac a little past center court and he heaved up an acrobatic shot that looked like a Nikola Jokic shot from last season and saw it bank into the net. The BCM gym was rocking and Eintracht Frankfurt Skyliners trailed only 41-38 at the break. “My shot felt good when I released it. I knew it would be short or go in. That shot gave us an added push going into the break. It helped us mentally as well”, commented Ivan Crnjac. Ratiopharm Ulm shot 41% from the field and 27% from outside and had 22 rebounds and 4 turnovers while Eintracht Frankfurt Skyliners shot 43% from the field and 17% from outside and had 16 rebounds and 1 turnover. “We didn´t communicate well on defense in the second quarter. We got away from our defensive principles”, stated Ivan Crnjac.

Ivan Crnjac with the half time buzzer beater

In the third quarter ratiopharm Ulm controlled the lead for a few minutes and led by as much as 9 points, but Eintracht Frankfurt Skyliners never gave up and struck back going on a 20-5 run and get their lead back at 68-66 after 30 minutes. Ratiopharm Ulm came out pumped after the Crnjac buzzer beater and quickly went on a 9-3 run to lead 50-41. In the run the guests got 2 buckets on the drive from Jerkic and a 3 pointer from role player Barna Buglyo and another lay in by Aiyamenkhue. Frankfurt continued to have problems with the pick and roll defense and 1-1 defense. Ulm also slowed down Edoka better in the run. But Eintracht Frankfurt Skyliners always had an answer for Ulm´s runs and this time unleashed a brutal 20-5 run to steal the lead back again at 61-55. Mr lightening speed Namori Omog led the charge with11 points as his quick first step and drive gave him good chances for the easy basket while Jamie Edoka added 9 points as he pretty much was successful with the same formula as Omog with his drive. There was a sequence where Eintracht Frankfurt Skyliners scored 6 points in a span of 5-7 seconds. Edoka had a lay in and then 2 consecutive steals under the Ulm basket led to 2 baskets by Omog. “That was so important getting those quick baskets. It hyped our bench and gave us a lot of self-confidence”, expressed ivan Crnjac. However ratiopharm Ulm stayed strong and stayed with Frankfurt and rebounding from Frankfurt´s big run punching back with a 10-2 run as ratiopharm Ulm got lead back at 65-63. Jonas Zilinskas gave good support with 5 points getting to the free throw line. However Frankfurt stayed tough getting to the free throw line getting free throws from Edoka and Julius Messer for the 2 point lead after 3 quarters.” We began bad, but came back strong to end the quarter. Edoka was vital in helping us comeback”, added Ivan Crnjac. Eintracht Frankfurt Skyliners shot 48% from the field and 19% from the three point line and had 25 rebounds and 4 turnovers while ratiopharm Ulm shot 41% from the field and 29% from the three point line and had 27 rebounds and 7 turnovers.

Niko Jerkic at the FT line

In the fourth quarter Eintracht Frankfurt Skyliners were able to build on their lead and lead by 10 points with 4 minutes to play, but the script in this thriller had one more run to give to ratiopharm ulm, but they couldn´t get the win on the last possession. In the first 4 possessions of the fourth quarter, both teams executed well as Frankfurt got baskets from Edoka and Finley Pruever while Ratiopharm Ulm got baskets from Jerkic and Danish youth national player Frederik Erichsen, but Frankfurt had the slim 72-70 advantage. Eintracht Frankfurt Skyliners then wanted to decide the game and overpowered ratiopharm Ulm with a vicious 14-6 run to extend their lead to 86-76. In the run Eintracht Frankfurt Skyliners were led by Jamie Edoka with 7 points. As usual his drive was unstoppable, but he also sprayed in a three pointer. He finished the game with 34 points and was as humble as usual about his game. “Anyone on our team can score 34 points. Today it was just my turn”, said Jamie Edoka. Messer also added a tip in a thunderous 2 handed dunk. “I always could do a 2 handed dunk”, smiled Julius Messer. However ratiopharm ulm still had one punch in them totally shocking Frankfurt with a 11-1 run to snatch the lead back at 88-87 with 18 seconds remaining. In the run, the guests were led by Jordan Mueller who had 8 points including 2 three´s from each corner. “Mueller played very well. He is so quick and hit big three´s”, stated Jamie Edoka. “We made some defensive mistakes. We didn´t defend well on Mueller. We were already mentally secure with the win”, said Ivan Crnjac. With 18 seconds to play, Eintracht Frankfurt Skyliners had possession and Ivan Crnjac made the finger tip lay in for the 89-88 lead. “I broke out of the play. I felt good making that lay in with the spin. I actually tried that before from the other side during the Top 4”, stated Ivan Crnjac. “Ivan showed what kind of a great individual abilities he has. He was there for the team making that big basket”, said Thore Bethke. Ratiopharm Ulm had possession with 3,7 seconds to play, but Julius Messer made the big defensive game deflecting the ball to his teammate to end the game. “Julius had a great week of practice. He made a big steal. He had a great game and was mentally tough”, stressed Thore Bethke. Eintracht Frankfurt Skyliners was led by Jamie Edoka with 34 points while Namori Omog added 20 points and Ivan Crnjac had 18 points and ratiopharm Ulm was led by Jordan Mueller with 22 points while Niko Jerkic had 14 pointzs and Oliver Kullamae added 11 points. Eintracht Frankfurt Skyliners shot 49% from the field and 20% from the parking lot and had 30 rebounds and 4 turnovers while ratiopharm Ulm shot 45% from the field and 35% from the parking lot and had 37 rebounds and 12 turnovers.

Dragos Diculescu Explodes For 32 Points Leading BG Hessing Leitershofen Past The Dragons Rhondorf In Overtime 84-77

The tail spin of the Pro B season is in full swing as there were 5 teams from position 5-10 all with 10 wins as it couldn´t be more exciting. The Dragons Rhondorf have had an up and down season and were in a dog fight to reach the playoffs currently in position 9- After a massive win against Team Ehingen where their scoring was on spot again with 97, they wanted to extend their winning streak and momentum, but it wouldn´t be a cake walk against BG Leitershofen the number 1 team in the Pro B south. The Dragons Rhondorf were able to stay with them in the first meeting, but lost 115-105 showing they could score a lot. The Dragons would need all they had and more in the return game. On a mild Saturday night, the Dragons Rhondorf welcomed BG Leitershofen and sought revenge and played an incredible game and could of won the game in regulation, but BG Hessing Leitershofen forced overtime and then showed what potential title teams are made of as they dominated the last 5 minutes 9-2 winning 84-77. The Dragons Rhondorf gave BG Hessing Leitershofen a great fight, but a game isn´t always 40 minutes, but at times 45 minutes and the guests executed a way lot better and took a run and momentum from the end of the fourth quarter into the overtime. “We knew coming in that they were a very good team. They have a nice combo of experienced guys and young guys. It was a big fight and I´m very proud how the team played. We stayed together and had that next man mentality. At the end the difference was our effort. The Dragons have amazing fans and they are a lot better than their record shows”, stressed BG Hessing Leitershofen Romanian Dragos Diculescu (196-G/F-1999, agency: One Motive Sports). The Dragons Rhondorf gave an amazing fight, but just couldn´t get the job done in the overtime period as they allowed easy baskets and couldn´t execute on offense. “Once again we didn´t play consistent for 40 minutes. I honestly felt like we played the better basketball. Diculescu hit tough shot after tough shot. This was a tough loss for us. We rebounded very well, fought hard and held them to 84 points”, stressed Dragons Rhondorf guard Alexander Lagerman.

Asa Williams at the FT line

BG Hessing Leitershofen came out with a lot of energy and totally surprised the Dragons Rhondorf getting the rapid 12-3 advantage. Their on ball defense was one of the best the Dragons had seen this season as they coughed up the ball many times. Kelvin Omojola really suffered having 4 turnovers before 4 minutes were even played. The motor of BG Hessing Leitershofen is Dragos Diculescu and he supplied 6 points in the run while ex Iserlohn forward Elias Marei scored 2 buckets as the team was using it´s big strength with scoring inside. BG Hessing Leitershofen had 6 steals in the run and their great defense led to easy baskets. However basketball is a game of runs and the Dragons Rhondorf recovered and closed out the first quarter in fantastic fashion with a lethal 16-6 run to lead 19-18 after 10 minutes. In the run the Dragons Rhondorf played more aggressive especially on the offensive glass where they had the 6-0 offensive rebound edge after 10 minutes. Ex Frankfurt guard Lagerman was really key in the run getting a few offensive rebounds that led to a put back by him and a trey from ex Drake (NCAA) guard Antonio Pilpovic, while Tim Smith also added an offensive rebound and put back. Lagerman also nailed a three pointer and ex RheinStar Kenan Reinhart also made a jumper. “We began well with the right intensity and made the right plays. We caught them off guard at the start with aggressive defense. We have to play more like that if we want to win the title. But basketball is a game of runs and they came back well to regain the lead”, stressed Dragos Diculescu. The Dragons Rhondorf shot 31% from the 2 point area and 50% from outside and had 13 rebounds and 6 turnovers while BG Hessing Leitershofen shot 88% from the 2 point area and 0% from outside and had 6 rebounds and 2 turnovers.

Antonio Pilipovic from outside

In the second quarter both teams continued to battle as there were 7 lead changes, but at half-time, BG Hessing Leitershofen had the upper hand with the 43-37 lead. In the first 3-4 minutes, there was an exchange of punches as it went back and forth with the trading of the lead 7 times. Tim Smith Jr took that go to guy role in the first minutes adding 5 points while Diculescu continued to be the go to guy adding 5 points as well. But the Dragons Rhondorf had the lead out of the punching back and forth being aggressive and attacking the rim as Reinhart and ex BBC Bayreuth center Marco Rahn scored for the 30 -27 lead. But BG Hessing Leitershofen upped their defensive pressure and aggressiveness again which led to a lethal 10-0 run as BG Hessing Leitershofen led 36-30. Diculescu continued to dominate dropping a trey while Elias Marei did a great job finding his spots and agility to get 2 easy baskets while ex IBAM guard Tim Udovicic made a lay in. The Dragons Rhondorf had a bad phase making bad decisions and coughing up the ball. However energy bunny Marco Rosic made a massive trey to cut the BG Hessing Leitershofen lead down to 36-33. However the Dragons Rhondorf couldn´t match BG Hessing Leitershofen´s intensity as they closed out the second quarter strong as American Ása Williams made a lay in and Elias Marei made a lay while ex Rosenheim guard Bastian Marz made a big trey from the corner. Rhondorf continued to rebound very well having the 8-1 offensive rebound edge at the break. The Marei and Udovicic show was instrumental for BG Hessing Leitershofen getting the lead and keeping it at the break. “Tim and Elias are our energy guys that do the dirty work. We all played as a unit and sacrificed for each other”, stated Dragos Diculescu. BG Hessing Leitershofen shot 79% from the 2 point area and 20% from the three point line and had 16 rebounds and 2 turnovers while the Dragons Rhondorf shot 41% from the 2 point area and 33% from the three point line and had 23 rebounds and 8 turnovers.

Elias Marei with the lay in

In the third quarter BG Hessing Leitershofen continued to keep the slight lead as the Dragons Rhondorf remained on their heels, but a last minute burst of energy allowed the Dragons to have the 61-59 lead after 30 minutes. The Dragons Rhondorf began hot going on a 4-0 run as Marco Rahn made a lay in and Kenan Reinhart scored on transition, but BG Hessing Leitershofen still had the 43-41 lead. But BG Hessing Leitershofen didn´t allow the Dragons run to grow more, but played nice inside out basketball getting a trey from Bastian Marz and lay in´s by American Christian Hinckson and Diculescu for the 50-43 advantage. BG Hessing Leitershofen continued to get easy baskets and get consecutive stops, but the Dragons continued to do a good job staying close. Role player Mamadou Diallo made a big trey and Tim Smith Jr hit a turn around shot as the Dragons Rhondorf trailed only 50-48. Both teams continued to go back and forth and Tim Smith executed 3 free trhows to tie the game at 53-53. However the Dragons Rhondorf couldn´t get the lead yet as BG Hessing Leitershofen continued to keep the pressure on especially on offense as Hinckson scored in the paint and role player Noel Duarte made free throws for the 59-55 lead with a minute to go. However the Dragons Rhodnorf saved their best for last nailing back to back three´s from Smith Jr and Kelvin Omojola who made his first field goal of the game. “We lost some aggressiveness on defense and didn´t make the best decisions on offense and rushed our shots”, added Dragos Diculescu. “We hit tough shots and got stops. We did a good job rebounding and getting extra possessions off offensive rebounds”, commented Alelxander Lagerman. The Dragons Rhondorf shot 45% from the 2 point area and 35% from the parking lot and had 35 rebounds and 12 turnovers while BG Hessing Leitershofen shot 65% from the 2 point area and 17% from the parking lot and had 25 rebounds and 3 turnovers.

Tim Smith Jr at the Ft line

In the fourth quarter it looked like the Dragons Rhondorf might run away with the game, but basketball wouldn´t be basketball without runs. The Dragons Rhondorf began well like in the third quarter, but here went on a 7-2 run to lead 68-61. In the run, the Dragons Rhondorf got another big shot from Omojola, while Lagerman tested his 53% form outside making a trey and Danas Kazakevicius made a lay in. The Dragons Rhondorf defended with high intensity and didn´t allow BG Hessing Leitershofen anything easy on offense in the run. However they couldn´t hold the momentum as BG Hessing Leitershofen punched back with a devastating 12-4 run to recapture the lead back at 73-72. In the run, BG Hessing Leitershofen got great effort from Marei with a lay in while Marz and Hinckson hit three´s and as usual Diculescu was unstoppable with 2 lay in´s. Diculescu finished with an explosive game with 32 points and 11 boards. “I knew that I had to bring a lot of energy. I had to get the 50/50 balls and rebounds. I´m known as being a good outside shooter, but tonight I did it the hard way, but went to the basics getting most of my points in side”, stated Dragos Diculescu. Rosic then hit a huge three pointer for the 75-73 advantage. But BG Hessing Leitershofen continued to execute getting a lay in by Diculescu late to tie the game at 75-75. The Dragons Rhondorf had one more attempt, but Antonmio Pilipovic´s shot didn´t want to fall. “We never gave up. We scrambled a lot getting offensive and defensive rebounds. We never stopped believing. They had us on the ropes, but nobody landed the final punch in regulation”, expressed Dragos Diculescu. “They made a run at the end. We didn´t play with confidence, but played more with fear and played safe”, said Alexander Lagerman. BG Hessing Leitershofen dominated the overtime period going on a rapid 6-0 run to lead 81-75. In the run, BG Hessing Leitershofen got 2 buckets from Diculescu and a lay in by Marei. BG Hessing Leitershofen continued to go to their bread butter of going inside and executed well. “They took the momentum of their run in the fourth into OT and did what they did best which was going inside. Our confidence went down more with every new basket that they made. We played handball and couldn´t adjust to their zone”, warned Alexander Lagerman. Kazakevicius finally got Rhondorf on the board, but it was too little too late. Diculescu scored one last basket to seal the win. “I told my teammates before OT that these are the moments that we practice for. We showed that we were best prepared. We won the hard way getting 2 point baskets instead of going for three´s where we could have had a bigger lead”, stated Dragos Diculescu. BG Hessing Leitershofen was led by Dragos Dicullescu with 32 points while Elias Marei added 14 points while the Dragons Rhondorf were led by Tim Smith Jr with 20 points while Alexander Lagerman added 16 points. BG Hessing Leitershofen shot 43% from the field and 18% from outside and ahd 42 rebounds and 6 turnovers while the Dragons Rhondorf shot 36% from the field and 28% from outside and had 50 rebounds and 16 turnovers.

Justin Anderson (FC Barcelona) Will Never Forget The Talks With Dirk Nowitzki On Plane Rides Or His Teammates Shouting Stay Down And Don’t Jump Against Kobe Bryant

Pic credit: FC Barcelona

Justin Anderson (198-G/F-1993, college: Virginia, agency: Octagon Europe) is a 31 year old 198cm forward from Maryland playing his 10th professional season and first with FC Barcelona Lassa (ACB) currently averaging 8,5ppg and 2,8rpg in the ACB and 6,8ppg and 2,8rpg in the Euroleague. He played parts of 6 seasons in the NBA with teams playing a total of 257 games for teams like Dallas, Philadelphia, Atlanta, Brooklyn, Cleveland and Indiana. Last season was his first overseas playing with Leche Rio Breogan Lugo (Spain-ACB) averaging 11.6ppg, 3.0rpg, 2.0apg, 1.5spg, 1.0bpg, FGP: 44.2%, 3PT: 27.8%, FT: 89.3%; and in the Euroleague averaged 6.1ppg, 3.5rpg, 3.8apg, 2.3spg, 1.0bpg, in Dec.’23 moved to Valencia Basket (Spain-Liga ACB) averaging 8.5ppg, 2.3rpg, 1.2apg, FGP: 50.9%, 3PT: 39.3%, FT-1 (91.9%), 2.2rpg, FGP: 57.1%, 3PT: 33.3%, FT: 69.2%. He began his basketball career at Montrose Christian school and then played with the University of Virginia from 2012-2015.He spoke to germanhoops.com before a Euroleague game against Alba Berlin.

Thanks Justin for talking to germanhoops.com. Your playing your first season with FC Barcelona. What kind of an experience has it been? What has been the coolest experience you have had off the court?

I have to be honest that I don’t do much off the court. I’m very generic. I live close to the beach at home so I would have to say going to the beach.

In the NBA you saw all the cities and now in your second Euroleague season many historic cities. Currently your in Berlin. Has there been a city in Europe that has impacted you most?

This question makes me realize just how much of a basketball head I am. I’m used to the bus to the hotel to the gym routine. I enjoyed being in Greece, but also our trip to Bologna . I got some authentic food for my wife. It was enjoyable

It hasn’t been a great season for FC Barcelona. In the ACB and Euroleague fighting for the playoffs. What does the team have to do better in next weeks to get more wins?

We just have to continue to take the next step.

How talented is Italian player Dame Sarr? Are you like a mentor to him?

He is very talented, but already been a pro for 1-2 years. We all just try to be a good teammate for him. He has a very bright future. He has a great work ethic. He has to wait his turn.

You are playing at the highest level overseas in the ACB and Euroleague. Is the NBA still an option for you in the future?

You will have to ask some of the scouts. I’m really enjoying my opportunity overseas with FC Barcelona. My talent and experience got me here. I’m continuing my journey overseas and continue to be presented with good opportunities I’m a kind of focus on now guy.

Last season you played with 2 ACB teams. What do you remember being your wake up call to being overseas where you knew that you were far away from home?

I didn’t have a wake up call. I was already 30 years old. I think that I did a good job coming in and preparing for overseas basketball. I asked a lot of questions to legends who had played overseas. When I go overseas, I hit the ground running and was ready.

You played 3 years at the University of Virginia winning the ACC title and reaching the big dance. How did head coach Tony Bennet groom and prepare you best for a professional career?

Coach Bennett made me have to earn everything as a freshman. I came to Virginia as a very high recruited player. He told me already in high school that I would have to work hard for everything. I always had to prove myself. He also helped me go into the direction of coaching one day. He motivated so much to go that direction one. My dad was a coach. So in a way, I have 2 dads with my dad and Tony Bennett as a father figure.

Who won a 1-1 in practice you or Malcolm Brogdon?

Malcolm used to destroy me in school. He was more the fundamental player and I was very athletic. I liked showing the highlight plays. He got the best of then, but in the pro’s it was a different story. I’m really happy how he has grown as a player over the years especially with his leadership going form team to team and being a great leader.

You played your first 2 seasons in the NBA with the Dallas Mavericks playing 106 games. What do you remember from your first NBA game against the Phoenix Suns scoring a basket in 3 minutes of action?

I remember sitting at the end of the bench and just waiting for the most part of the game. I remember making a lay up in transition. It was then that I realized wow this just happened.

You were teammates with German Dirk Nowitzki. Everyone who played with him have their special story. What is yours?

There isn’t just 1 story. He is a legend and the whole globe knows it. I just call him 6 as the sixth all-time leading scorer. He had a strong appeal on me especially with his work ethic. He had so much humility and was always available to me. I remember sitting next to him on the plane and I would try to soak up so much from him. I learned so much from him and also his trainer Holger especially about the art of shooting.

In your 8th pro game, you lost to the Lakers 90-82 and witnessed Kobe Bryant score 19 points. It was the only time you would play against him. Is that one of those games that will always stick with you?

He gave a lot of points to Wes Matthews. I was only responsible for 2 points. I just tried to prepare as much as I could seeing how he moved and worked on the floor before I came in. That way I would be prepared. I remember my teammates telling me stay down and don’t jump. He was so calm. In the first possession he didn’t do much except pass the ball. I was like Ok that wasn’t hard. In the second possession, it was something different that wasn’t major, but then on the third possession he showed his game by picking and choosing his spots so well. He drew the foul on me and went to the free throw line so focused never looking at me. I remember the whole bench yelling at me, ‘Rook don’t jump. His aura is so great. I’m a Lebron guy, but you have to respect everything that Kobe did especially at the end of his career. He retired, then won an Oscar and did so much in the finance world. It was so sad to lose him.

You played against so many great NBA players, but who was the toughest player that you battled at your position?

Jamal Crawford would dance with the ball. He was so unorthodox with his game. JJ Reddick was also tough.

Where do you rate the over the car dunk from Mac McClung at the 2025 NBA slam dunk contest?

Mac Is from Virginia like me. I have known him since his high school days. I think that dunk a few weeks ago cemented him as a top 3 dunker of all-time. He is undeniable in the top 3 if you were to put all his dunks together.

Thanks Justin for the chat.

Maximilian Peters Goal Is To Become A Professional Player But Also Interested To Get Into The Sports Science Sector

Not only was I witness of the massive battle between Mathieu Grujicic and Ivan Crnjac at the 2023 JBBL (U-16) final in Frankfurt as I had the pleasure of calling the game, but I was only high in the arena while Maximillian Peters was witnessing the back and forth scoring punching on the court. Grujicic finished his scoring masterpiece netting 53 points while Crnjac followed with a 41 points night. It was a game that will surely be remembered in a decade and even in 2-3 decades when people recall the greatest head to head battles between 2 players in a JBBL final. Peters was 16 at the time and was a very important role player/scorer who could launch long three´s with the best of them at his age then. This final is a game that he will never forget. “The atmosphere was great in Frankfurrt. I was really impressed by Mathieu Grujicic. They had that next play mentality. I remember looking at the score board from time to time to see how both were doing. I will never forget Ivan´s back to back three´s that got us to overtime”, remembered Maximilian Peters (206-F-2007). That was one of his coolest experiences as a player, but he also has another one in his young life so far. “Last summer being invited to a U-17 training camp was another great experience. I was training with the guys for 1,5 months. I was cut near the end and Germany finished 12th. It was the highest level that I had ever seen”, stressed Maximilian Peters.

Pic credit Skyliners EV

The young German who lists Nathan Soliman as the toughest player that he has ever faced up until now was born on January 26th, 2007. He grew up in Mainz, Germany. He like so many young German boys began to play soccer at a young age and played for 5-6 years. He began at ASC Mainz at age 12 and played one JBBL season before coming to Frankfurt for his second JBBL year. His big role model was Jayson Tatum and his 2 favorite Skyliner players were Joshua Obiesie and Quantez Robertson. But he also likes to observe another former Skyliner. “I also like Joe Voigtman. I enjoy his smartness on the court and how he moves”, said Maximilian Peters. He came to Frankfurt when he was 15. “My mentor Kevin Beiko had contact to head coach Olaf Kanngiesser and he organized a try out for me”, said Maximilian Peters. He didn´t have to wait long for tasting success as i his first season in Frankfurt, he helped Eintracht Frankfurt Skyliners reach the JBBL top 4 and final in 2023. “I have great memories of that season. Our team chemistry was great. Losing the final against Alba Berlin was frustrating though. I had some unlucky three point shot chances in the final, but unfortunately didn´t have a big impact. I had had a good game in the semi-final against Vechta. That is where Dirk Bauermann noticed me”, recalled Maximilian Peters. It is only logical that a competitor like him not forget a brutal loss like that. “I think that final had to do with who had the better form that day. I think that if we had played a second time, we would have won”, warned Maximilian Peters.

The forward who lists Ivan Crnjac, Namori Omog, Kostantinos Kapetanakis, Yves Ochs and Niklas Mutter as his 5 best teammates of all-time is fortunate to be on a team this season that is really talented. The NBBL (U-19) team could be on the way to the Top 4 in Berlin this season. “The Top 4 is our goal. We definitely want to get there. I don´t know what will happen then. Our mentality is to go there and win the title. We have guys with experience. If we keep growing as a team, then we have good chances”, warned Maximilian Peters. The team is undefeated at the moment and are simply a special group of guys´. “The 2007 guys have big roles and we simply have great chemistry. It reminds me of our JBBL team 2 years ago. We have very good individual class. Our only weakness is at the center spot”, warned Maximilian Peters. The club have great role players like him and Julius Messer who at the same time can score 20 points on any night, a great bench who all give energy and the trio of Crnjac, Omog and Edoka who lead the team forward. “That Trio is very important. All produce very well on offense. You need a guy like Crnjac as a leader. Omog is very mature. They all compliment each other well and keep the team together. We have 4-5 guys that can score 20 points any night and step up. That is a great strength of ours. stressed Maximilian Peters.

Pic credit Skyliners EV

The Mainz native who lists his NBA Mount Rushmore as Lebron, Jordan, Kobe and Shaq and his Euro Mount Rushmore as Spanoulis, Doncic, Giannis and Jokic and has Jordan as his GOAT is a 206cm forward. He is a modern day big that compares his game to Kevin Durant. “I have long arms and legs and am not so wide, but mobile. My shot also looks like Durant´s”, smiled Maximilian Peters who currently is averaging 8,6ppg and 5,6rpg in the NBBL and 2,5ppg and 2,1rpg in the Pro B. His biggest weapon is his three pointer and his favorite position is the 4, but is learning to play the 5. He also has a nice pick and pop game. An area of his game that he is working a lot on is his defense. “My defense is developing. It is my biggest weakness, but I´m working on it. We switch with me. In the future, I want to be versatile and be able to defend 1-5. I also need to improve my 1-1 defense, added Maximilian Peters. But he is also working on a few other areas. “I´m working on my lateral quickness and counter moves on the close out. Plus your shot can never be perfect”, commented Maximilian Peters. It is no surprise that his long term goal is to become a professional player, but he also wants to have a plan B ready to unwrap if needed. “I´m in 12th grade now and could see myself studying sport science at university as a correspondence course”, expressed Maximilian Peters. It will be interesting to see where his journey will continue in the next years. For now he is concentrating on school and the NBBL season that could become a magical one. He probably will keep the JBBL final in the back of his mind as well. Who knows, perhaps 1 or even 2 of the great trio could have an off day. Then it will be up to guys like him and Julius Messer to help carry the team with scoring. Peters just may get that revenge in a final again.