The Frankfurt Skyliners surely learned last season that you don’t go wrong hauling in a Carleton University boy to sustain success. Almost 10 years ago the Skyliners signed an unknown rookie Philipp Scrubb for the stretch run of the season and prompt he helped the club win their first international title with the Fiba Europe Cup. Last season Frankfurt brought in rookie Aiden Warnholtz and he aided the organization in helping them move back to the easyCredit BBL after a season in the second division. This season the Skyliners are trying it again by testing a school with a rookie with Trey Calvin (183-PG-2001, college: Wright St.) to see if he can bring the same kind of magic as a former player did. The school isn’t Carleton, but Wright State. For those Skyliner diehard fans, no one will ever forget the name Dashaun Wood, who helped Frankfurt reach the semi-finals and won the 2011 BBL MVP trophy. He was a walking bucket that loved to feed Skyliner legend Quantez Robertson with back door alley-oop passes. Wood had a stellar career overseas and played at Wright State 20 years ago winning a Horizon League title and player of the year in 2007. ‘He came to our school last season and spoke to us. I learned that he was a really good player and leader. I hadn’t known too much of him, but had heard of him’, said Trey Calvin. Will he feel pressure to uphold the great Wright State tradition in Frankfurt that Wood had begun? ‘I really don’t feel too much pressure. I’m not going into this situation with any expectations. I will just work hard every day and try to contribute in any way I can. I will do what I can control’, stressed Trey Calvin.

Miles Schmidt-Scheuber interviewing Dashaun Wood in

Trey Calvin who lists Jaden Ivey and Bennedict Mathurin as his toughest foes in the NCAA was born on June 29th, 2001 in Chicago, Illinois. He began his basketball career at St.Viator and led his school to a perfect record in his junior season in the East Suburban Catholic Conference while averaging 16/5/3 for the season. He already showed a knack for hitting the three pointer as a kid winning the 4H IHSA three point shootout. He then commenced an illustrious 5 year career at Wright State (NCAA) in 2019 playing a total of 153 games. He went from his freshman year averaging 4,7ppg in 18 minutes to 9,7ppg in 31 minutes per game in his second season. In his third season he averaged 14.6ppg, 3.3rpg, 3.3apg, 1.6spg, FGP: 48.6%, 3PT: 38.5%, FT: 85.1% and helped lead his team to win the Horizon Conference title in a thrilling 72-71 win over NKU where he supplied 21 points. After disposing of Bryant in the NCAA tournament, they lost a difficult 87-70 contest to Arizona where he contributed 16 points. ‘It was a tough loss. We were down 3 points with 10 minutes to play. I still feel like we had them and could of won the game. But they were #1 in the country. We put up a big fight and never hung our heads’, remembered Trey Calvin. He had his best statistical season in 2022-2023 averaging 20.2ppg, 2.9rpg, 3.7apg, 1.3spg, FGP: 53.0%, 3PT: 39.6%, FT: 88.2%. He improved his three point shooting again from 38% to 39%. He had 2 memorable games that season hitting Louisville with a buzzer beater to win 73-72 adding 17 points and then exploding against Youngstown with 44 points, but losing a heartbreaker in triple overtime 91-89. ‘The Louisville game is top 3 in best games in my career. It was my first buzzer beater. The loss against Youngstown was tougher than the loss to Arizona the year before. We were all gassed at the end. We had so many chances to win the game, but blew it missing easy lay ups. I had made game tying shots. I was totally gassed’, stressed Trey Calvin. When one rewatches his buzzer beater, his shot fake and calmness is always present. ‘The shot fake just popped up as the play continued The help came from the left, so I had to fake. I was lucky, because I got it off with 0,2 seconds on the clock’, stated Trey Calvin. He continued his consistency in his fifth season averaging 19.6ppg, 2.4rpg, 4.2apg, 1.5spg, FGP: 52.6%, 3PT: 40.0%, FT: 89.6%. In his last 2 seasons he scored in double figures in 58 of 63 games and scored 30 points or more 6 times. One person who was very instrumental in his basketball development there was head coach Scott Nagy who helped in so many ways not only on the court. ‘With him it was less about basketball, but more grooming me to become a man and helping me prepare me for life after the game’, stressed Trey Calvin who doesn’t remember having so many 1-1 battles in practice with 2 time first team Horizon teammate Tanner Holden, but would pick himself every time. After 5 years he left Wright State with the most games played there, scoring the second most points with 2,139 while he was first in minutes played and field goals attempted and second all-time in field goals made and three point shots made and attempted. He also was named twice to the Horizon league first team and is 8th all-time in Horizon league in scoring and reached the 2000 points plateau.

The sniper who lists Louden Love, Grant Basile, Tanner Holden, Alex Huibregste and Cole Gentry as his 5 best teammates of all-time will begin his professional career in Germany with easyCredit BBL team Frankfurt Skyliners. I reach him on a Wednesday evening in Germany as he is back home in Chicago and had just completed a work out in preparation for his rookie season. ‘I’m really excited about starting my pro career in Frankfurt. I’m also a little nervous, because I will be leaving my family behind, but my excitement definitely outweighs my nervousness’, commented Trey Calvin. Not only Dashaun Wood played in Germany, but also some other guys that strapped on the Wright State uniform like ex Skyliner Seth Doliboa or ex Oldenburg guard Vaughn Duggins or ex Leverkusen player Grant Benzinger. The American got the best advice from new Wright State coach Clint Sargent. ‘I heard only good things from him. He played in Germany and really liked his time there’, said Trey Calvin. Sargent played only 2 years as a professional, but did that in Heidelberg back when they were playing in the Pro A. Coming to Frankfurt really was a no brainer for him simply because he and the Skyliners have one thing in common. ‘Coach Wucherer told me that the Skyliners are a type of underdog team. That is exactly how I feel as well. I also have that underdog mentality. I think because of that I fit in perfectly. I’m very hungry and want to prove that I’m not an underdog and play at a high level’, warned trey Calvin. Not only does he fit in great with the club, but also has the right coach for his rookie season. ‘I heard that coach Wucherer is a good coach. He pushes you hard, but in a good way. I really need that’, stressed Trey Calvin.

So what kind of player will basketball fans in Germany see in the Chicago native who lists Jordan, Lebron, Iverson, Kobe and Steph Curry on his personal NBA Mount Rushmore and has Jordan as his GOAT? When one lays eyes on the 183cm point guard, one sees a Chris Paul type of player that has a great mid range game and just enjoys and knows how to play at his own speed. ‘I just love to shoot the midrange and get my teammates involved’, said Trey Calvin. Even if he is an incredible outside shooter, it is his mid range that is his bread and butter. It is simply the shot he goes to the most. He also has a bit of Chase Griffin in him, a player that played many years in the German Pro A and belonged to the illustrious 90/50/40 club a few times. ‘The 90/50/40 club is definitely a goal of mine. I was a few % points short the last 2 seasons. I’m always in the gym trying to get better. I know I can reach it’, warned trey Calvin. But his offense isn’t the only thing that will sparkle this season, but he is extremely motivated to be a force just as much on the defensive end. ‘I’m a very hungry defender. A lot of pro teams passed on me, because of my size. I proved in college that I could defend bigger players. I’m a pest on defense and want to become one of the best’, stressed Trey Calvin. He wants to make an impact right away as a rookie with his offensive game and is focusing most on 2 aspects this off season. ‘I want to continue to keep my mid range sharp as well as working on my 3. In college, I primarily took the catch and shoot. Now I’m working more on getting off the screen and creating my own shoot. I want to be able to have many different types of shots in my bag’, added trey Calvin. And an interesting aspect is that he wants to add to the great team mentality of the Skyliners and showcase something he didn’t exhibit as much in the NCAA. ‘I have really been empathizing my pass game this off season. In college I was known as a scorer, but now want to be that pass first point guard’, warned trey Calvin. It will be interesting how Trey Calvin‘s rookie season pans out as the Frankfurt Skyliners look to make waves again in the easyCredit BBL. His scoring will always be on display, but if he can also become a big time passer, then that should only strengthen the team. The kid has talent and like with Carleton last season, things can only go well with an ex Wright State player.

Thomas Miles (190-G, college: WPU) is a 190cm guard playing his rookie season overseas with ZuS 59 HammStars. He began his basketball career at Jefferson High School and then played a season at the College of Southern Idaho (JUCO) averaging 6.8ppg, 2.2rpg, FGP: 38.3%, 3PT: 32.1%, FT: 71.7%. He then played a season with Midland College (JUCO) averaging 12.5ppg, 3.1rpg, 2.1apg, 1.5spg, FGP: 42.4%, 3PT: 31.7%, FT: 79.2%. He played a game with Wayland Baptist University (NAIA) before finishing at Warner Pacific University (NAIA) averaging 9.4ppg, 3.0rpg, 1.1apg, 1.2spg, FGP: 42.7%, 3PT: 36.7%, FT: 86.3% and in his last season averaged 19.2ppg, 5.7rpg, 2.0apg, 2.3spg, FGP: 57.9%, 3PT: 37.8%, FT: 88.3%. He got his first pro experience with the Vancouver Volcanoes (TBL) averaging 16.9ppg, 4.6rpg, 2.2apg, 1.8spg, FGP: 57.4%, 3PT: 40.0%, FT: 83.6%. Miles Schmidt-Scheuber and Thomas Miles team up weekly to talk basketball.

Congrats Thomas on the 71-68 win over Wulfen. How did it feel making your rookie debut and then getting a win?

It felt extremely good, the atmosphere in the gym was insanely good and little nervous I was but that comes with the game. Hamm has a great fans and making someone from the states feel like home.

What is your first summary of how Regionalliga play is? How would you compare it to the NAIA?

I believe that competition wise it wasn’t to bad, I do feel like it’s a lot different from NAIA just like the pace in the game and everything moves at a quicker pace, but NAIA is also good competition.

Talk about the 40 minutes and the last minutes leading up to the win. What was key in crunch-time for getting the win?

I don’t think we played a whole 40 minutes, I do believe we did what we had to do to win. What was big for us though was rebounding. Coach was on us about the rebounding the ball and being one in done, that’s what he was emphasizing.

How key was being aggressive as a team and winning the rebound battle? How key was being able to control these areas?

It was big for us, that’s one part in the area where we see we need to get better and we will but the fact that we won the rebounding was impressive even though we can do a lot better I’m glad on how we played.

Holding a Regionalliga team to 68 points is massive as there is a lot of scoring at this level. How content were you with the defensive effort?

I believe defense this year will be a big part of us and I’m ready to work with the team to make the next step on our defensive side. I believe if we all lock in and buy in we can be a dangerous defensive team.

You had a great rookie start with 25/6/3/3/1/0 stats. What grade would you give yourself?

I would say it was a good showing more so because we won, I’m not sure what id grade myself just happy we won.

After a game like this, what do you do next in the lab on your own game?

Everything there’s not one area in my game that doesn’t need to improve I go back watch film and continue to work it will be a long season.

You next play DTV Cologne who are a experienced with 3 ex Pro B Germans. What will be key to getting the win

The same thing that was key this last game which was winning the rebounding war and making sure we show up with a chip on our shoulder.

Thanks Thomas for the chat.

It is only logical that when you win a title that you don´t stop there but stay hungry and focused and win another. It wasn´t any different with the Boston Celtics in the 60´s or the Chicago Bulls in the 90´s. Who could forget all of the joyful faces of the Dragons Rhondorf in Cologne last spring as they heaved the Pro B title into the air. That feeling just won´t leave. Second year man and captain Kelvin Omojola (183-G-1997, college: Northwest) knows that incredible feeling that was inside him and it´s only obvious that he wants to experience that again. “I am super hungry as is the team to defend the Pro B title. We know that it will be a super tough challenge, but we have the team to do it. Winning the Pro B title in Cologne was almost an indescribable feeling. I remember when I watched the Celtics win the title last summer and saw the emotions that Jayson Tatum showed, it hit me all over again. It was the greatest feeling winning our title”, warned Kelvin Omojola. This is the second season for Kelvin Omojola with the Dragons Rhondorf and being able to strap on the jersey of the organization is a very special privilege. However being captain of the team is even more special. “It is such an honor to wear the Dragons Rhondorf jersey. It is great being captain, but what is even greater is hearing the young players and their parents telling me that I´m such a great leader. That makes it even more special. Knowing that I´m a positive influence is nice”, stated Kelvin Omojola. He was a massive impact player last season and should step up his game tremendously especially being able to practice with the easyCredit team Telekom Baskets Bonn on a daily basis. “It is so important being able to have this opportunity and learn from the coaching staff-That team has such high level players. Being able to pick the brains of Mcghee or Fleming is really important. I may be older than most of those guys, but I´m never too good to stop learning. Being able to soak up leadership skills from a guy like Thomas Kennedy is huge as well”, stressed Kelvin Omojola.

The ambitious club couldn´t hold on to the whole roster as guys like Badu Buck, Tyreese Blunt and Avery Sullivan left for higher leagues. The ex Pro A team was able to hold on to 6 players to uphold some of that team chemistry. The most vital player to stay was captain Kelvin Omojola. He was that reliable point guard that just ran the team the way a great floor general should. His speed allowed him to get easy baskets, his three pointer was always on display and his playmaking allowed him numerous 10+ assists in games. But his most important strength was his incredible leadership skills. He is a guy that is always motivating the guys especially the youngsters. The club also held on to sniper Antonio Pilipovic. Without his hot shooting in the Pro B final against the RheinStars where he drilled home 13 three´s, who knows if the Dragons would have pulled it out in the final. His shooting stands out, but he is so much more than a so called 3 and D player as he is a great passer and versatile defender with a high IQ. The club also kept young German shooting star Janne Mueller who came back to the Dragon Dome this pre season with U-18 Euro Gold medal. He made massive strides last season in his game as his non stop aggressive energy pushed the whole team for 40 minutes. He should see his first easyCredit BBL minutes with the Telekom Baskets Bonn this season. Marko Rosic also remained. The 174cm bundle of energy has a heart of a lion as he is always giving 180% at both ends. He did a great job always keeping up the tempo and flow of the game with the second unit. The team also held on Mamadou Diallo who didn´t see many minutes, but whenever he played he gave all he had. He had 17 points in 23 minutes in a win against Ehingen and threw down 34 points in a Regionalliga game against Recklinghausen. 18 year old Youngster Dyami Janeck only averaged 4,5 minutes per game, but had his moments scoring 7 points in 10 minutes in game 2 against Rostock. His energy is infectious and he personally reminds me of Janne Mueller. He continued to sparkle in pre-season and should get more minutes this season.

The club brought in 4 new players with Tim Smith Jr from USA. He has vast college experience as he played at 3 schools with 2 Division 2 schools and one Division 1 school with N Alabama. He is a 3 level scorer with that touch of Jayson Tatum in his game, but his biggest strength is his deadly shooting. He is a player that has that feeling that every ball he shoots will go in. He also sprouts athleticism and can get to the rim when needed. He also knows what it feels like to win as he hoisted a GMAC title. The club also brought in much needed experience with Marco Rahn. Rhondorf fans didn´t forget him as he poured in 25 points in the Dragon Dome 2 seasons ago. He has 102 Pro B games on his resume and played a season of Pro A last season in Bayreuth and even managed 4 easyCredit BBL games with Jena. His game resembles a Pau Gasol as he is versatile and consistent and can defend positions 2-5. A big strength in his game is that he will keep a team together. The club also brought in young German Alexander Lagerman who began his career in the Fraport Skyliners youth system averaging 21,0ppg 2 seasons ago in the NBBL. He took a step forward last season to play with Pro B team Schwenningen, but health issues derailed his season. He still managed to average a potent 15,0ppg in the Pro B. His games resembles that of a Mario Hezonja as he is very versatile and can find many different ways to score. His long arms will spark the defense as his ability to get into passing lanes with help the team get on transition. The team also hauled in young Lithuanian prospect Danas Kazakevicius who played the last 3 seasons in the Bamberg program. He developed his game nicely there as he averaged 21,0ppg in the NBBL and 7/2 with Coburg in the Pro B lasts eason. The Domatas Sabonas type of player is another versatile player that is a superb rebounder, but also likes to pass the ball. He will continue to work on his three pointer and defense as he wants to be able to switch 1-5 one day. The club recently brought in talented 17 year old German Kenan Reinhart who comes from the RheinStars Cologne. He is a youth national player that averaged 25,0ppg in the NBBL last season. He models his game after Andi Obst and is an ambitious defender. I can imagine him following in the foot steps of Janne Mueller´s season last season.

On paper the 2024-2025 team doesn´t look as potent as the 2023-2024 team especially when you lose impact players like Blunt, Buck and Sullivan, but Kelvin Omojola is confident that this years team will still be able to put up many points. “It was obviously difficult losing so much fire power and experience, but we got good new players and have so much talent and potential. Smith is a mis match and Lagerman came from a tough situation is Schwenningen and is hungry. I expect a lot from our role players from last year. It will be important to get players like Diallo to go from 3-8 or 9 points per game. We have the potential to score”, warned Kelvin Omojola. One thing that will be different from last season will be the style of play of the Dragons Rhondorf. Last season you had an abundance of bigs with Sullivan, Gille and Beck, but this season are a bit undersized as small ball will be the name of the game. We have a lot of wings and don´t expect to give Danas Kazakevicius post touches. We will use our quickness and length to create mismatches. We have great shooters all around and will drive and kick as well. Our strength will be our ability to switch 1-4. We have so many good guards and wings that we will be very versatile”, stressed Kelvin Omojola. Their high scoring last season allowed them to win many games despite allowing 82 points per game. This season a big focus will be on defense, but not much will change. “It will be pretty much the same as year with hard hedging and switching a lot. I think that Smith and Rahn will function well at the 4-5 positions. We have enough dogs this season to defend well. Everybody wants to take on the challenge. Defending well is not about skill, but effort and how much energy you give”, warned Kelvin Omojola. Even if many experienced guys have departed from last season, I think that this team will have their special own identity and give the Dragons fans much joy again in the Dragon Dome. They have a potent mix of guys from the winning team and new hungry guys that will take on the challenge of defending the Pro B title.

Igor Perovic (194-G-1974) is a former player that currently is in his fifth season as coach of German Pro A team Bozic Estriche Kirchheim Knights. He has previous coaching experience with the Tigers Tuebingen where he coached from 2009-2015. As a player he played in countries like Serbia, Montenegro, Israel and Germany where he played 5 seasons with Tuebingen and Wurzburg. He spoke to germanhoops.com after the big season opening 92-73 win over Giessen.

Congrats Igor on the huge 92-73 win to open the season. How good did this win feel?

Thank you. I knew we have good players this season, but I had no idea how they would react in the first game. We lost many key players from last season. You always want to win that first game as it is important from a mental stand point. It was a big win beating a contender like Giessen who still had many key players from last season. We shot 60% from outside. It is almost impossible to lose.

The team scored 90 plus points and allowed only 73 points. What grade would you give from 1-6 how your team performed?

I would give the win a 1. Well actually that may be a little too much. I will give it a 2. It was a great win.

The game was pretty even in the first quarter until the last minutes where Kirchheim got away. How important was the early support from the German players like Lucas Mayer?

The Germans did a great job. Antonio Dorn got going right away scoring 6 points in 7 minutes. It was a pity that he got injured at half-time. He helped us set the tone and gain control. Mayer also was great giving too assists. He gave us a lot of energy as well.

In the second quarter Kirchheim extended their lead to double figures as the 3 ball was popping as 4 different guys scored. Is the three ball going to be something that could be a huge staple on offense?

We made a lot of three´s, but didn´t take a lot. Teams taking 28-30 three´s is a lot. We took something like 22. Our three point shooting is an important part, but not our only weapon.

In the third quarter Kirchheim did a good job managing the big lead. Kirchheim had a great scorer in Michael Flowers last season. Will a second type of Flowers emerge this season?

We have 3 great offensive scorers with Henry, Graham and Norris. They all have great talent. Norris is an excellent shooter, but because of his size, it is still difficult to score. Henry and Graham can use their physical tools. If Norris makes many shots, then he can score a lot as well.

In the fourth quarter Giessen cut it down to 6, but then bang Kirchheim went on a 12-0 run. How proud are you that the team finished the game strong?

That wasn´t easy. They came back, but we stuck together well. We scored 6 points in a row and then we were up by 12 points, then everything became easier again. It was tough playing without Dorn, but they had problems defending us 1-1.

I guess the only negative stat was the 14-3 offensive rebounding advantage for Giessen. Is rebounding going to be a thorn for the Knights this season?

It can be. It becomes more difficult under the basket without Dorn, but even with him we have problems. We already had problems in pre-season. Rebounding is definitely an issue with us. We have to do a better job on the glass.

What is it like coaching rookie Braden Norris? The rookie never averaged more than 10,0ppg in the NCAA. Could he be a potent scoring point guard in the Pro A?

Scoring isn´t his highest priority. He is a pass first point guard. He is very skilled and has a great IQ. I obviously want him to shoot as much as possible. He averaged 42% from outside in his NCAA career. He went 8/10 from outside against Ludwigsburg in pre-season. He can really shoot the ball. I´m not sure if he could be that top scorer of the team. He just has never done that before and isn´t used to it. I will be very happy when he scores 7 points and gets 10 assists. He is no Flowers. We got Flowers as a scoring point guard. If he scores great, but if not then it´s important that he runs the team.

Aitor Picket had a very good season last season with the Knights. Do you see him having a bigger role this season?

Aitor is my favorite player. He is a great kid with a great attitude and always gives 100%. He also has a high IQ. He isn´t a scorer, but just does so many other things really well. He reads the game so well.

How important was it keeping Demtrius Ward? Is he more than just a mentor and how much longer will he play?

He is a great guy and captain of the team. He is still a very good player. He is very much liked on and off the court. He is heavily involved in our youth program and also working as a coach.

Cameron Henry was sometimes lost in Frankfurt´s deep offensive rotation. Do you see him being more of a scorer?

Frankfurt didn´t build their team around Henry last season, but around many players. Frankfurt wanted to go back to the BBL and didn´t build the team around a rookie. When I saw him play last season, I saw that I could build a team around him. I see him having the ball more in his hands and being a leader. Before I got him, I asked Denis Wucherer about him. He told me that Cam is very talented and about 1-2 years away from the BBL. I see a lot of similarities between him and my ex player Reggie Redding. Henry is taller, but their style is similar. Both can score a lot, but also impact the game in many other areas. Both are really unselfish players. I´m trying to help him reach level so he can deliver every game. It isn´t Frankfurt anymore.

Henry is a great defender. Is he the anchor of the defense?

To be honest, I feel like he has to play better defense. He reads game very well, but just isn´t aggressive enough. His goal has to be to play better defense and increase ´his intensity and play with a sense of urgency. I feel that if he can do that, then he can play at any level.

Do you see a guy like Antonio Dorn having more of a role this season?

Yes he has a bigger role. I think that is he hadn´t got injured last game then he would of scored 15-20 points. We have enough creators that will put him in good position to score. He is super strong and explosive and a great target in the paint.

Kirchheim changed their roster a bit from last season. They were a strong team already last season. How is this years team different than last season´s?

I think this season we have better defenders and better shooters. We are also very athletic at the positions 3-4. We are talented, but I just don´t know how far we will go, but our goal is the playoffs.

The Pro A is so competitive. Do you see it being a battle between Crailsheim and Tuebingen to move back up? Can any other teams make some noise?

Yes for sure. Trier is ambitious to move back to the BBL. I just think Trier had much misfortune that Frankfurt lost to Artland on the last game day which let them play against Frankfurt in the semi-finals. Trier kept a lot of the team and have experience. They will win many games. The Pro A is very competitive, but there will be many surprises.

Thanks Igor for the chat.

Cameron Henry (198-G-1999, college: Indiana St.) is a 25 year old 198cm guard from Chesterfield, Virginia that is playing his second season overseas with the Bozic Estriche Knights Kirchheim (Germany-ProA). Last season he played with the Fraport Skyliners averaging 8.7ppg, 3.4rpg, 2.2apg, 1.4spg, FGP: 45.0%, 3PT: 35.9%, FT: 75.3%; . He began his basketball career at Lloyd C. Bird high school and then played 3 seasons at Lincoln-Memorial University (NCAA2). He then moved to Indiana State (NCAA) where he played 2 seasons averaging 14.3ppg, 5.2rpg, 2.7apg, 1.1spg, FGP: 52.8%, 3PT: 33.3%, FT: 71.3% and as a senior averaged 11.0ppg, 4.7rpg, 3.7apg, 1.3spg, FGP: 57.8%, 3PT: 35.8%, FT: 76.4%. He spoke to germanhoops.com after the big 92-73 win over the Giessen 46ers.

Congrats Cam on the huge 92-73 win to open the season. How good did this win feel?

The win felt good. We have a number of new guys new to the league and veterans. To be able to get that first one under our belt was important. Giessen is a tough team.

What was it like playing against former teammate Aiden Warnholtz? Do you see him being more of a productive player in Giessen than Frankfurt?

It was fun to play against him. We talked in warm ups and caught up about the summer. I know that he will be successful where ever he will play. I think that they want him to be more of a leader and more aggressive on the court. He is a great shooter, but more importantly a great teammate.

After 1 game from the score could one say a bit similar to what you saw last season in Frankfurt? 2 teams that could score and defended with passion?

We have similarities, but also differences. We have bigger guards that can post up. We also have bigger stretch 4´s. We have many mismatch spots at the 4.

The game was pretty even in the first quarter until the last minutes where Kirchheim got away. How important was the early support from the German players like Lucas Mayer?

Lucas is one of a kind. He has a special work ethic and his speed is so amazing to see. His energy and ability to finish at the rim will help us a lot. He came from a losing program in Paderborn and now is really focused to win.

In the second quarter Kirchheim extended their lead to double figures as the 3 ball was popping as 4 different guys scored. Is the three ball going to be something that could be a huge staple on offense?

I think it can be. We have many possibilities to spread the floor. We like to pick the weakest defenders and create advantages. We get up a lot of shots. Shooting wide open shots come natural to us.

In the third quarter Kirchheim did a good job managing the big lead. You continued to be a offensive force. Do you see yourself being more of an offensive force than in Frankfurt as a rookie?

I think I will get more of an opportunity to make plays for myself and others. Frankfurt had a way deeper team so it was hard for me to showcase my abilities. But I´m really thankful for my rookie season in Frankfurt. It taught me a lot. I feel a lot more comfortable in the Pro A. I have been able to slow down the game more. I´m able to get going better and help others to get going.

In the fourth quarter Giessen cut it down to 7, but then bang Kirchheim went on a 12-0 run. How proud are you that the team finished the game strong?

I was really proud of how we finished the game. In the Pro A to be able to play well for a half isn´t enough. You have to bring it for 2 halves. I think to be able to stop their run and then punch back so well in the season opener was good. That speaks for our metal toughness and just staying focused and keeping our mind on the same track.

I guess the only negative stat was the 14-3 offensive rebounding advantage for Giessen. Is rebounding going to be a thorn for the Knights this season?

I think that we will be able to be successful playing small ball this season. I gave up 4-5 offensive rebounds. I need to box out better. Losing Antonio Dorn at half-time hurt us. Key for us is to be able to rebound better and to be more disciplined and just finish plays. We guard at an elite level so I can deal with a stat like that in a win.

How thrilling is it playing together with Braden Norris? The rookie never averaged more than 10,0ppg in the NCAA Could he be a potent scoring point guard?

The funny thing with Braden is that we go back about 3-4 years. When I came to Indiana State, he was at Loyola and we played against each other 2-3 times. I have to be honest that we hated each other and talked a lot of smack in those games. We had battles, but I began to respect him. He fights hard against bigger players and is an elite shooter. You can´t leave him open for a second. When I saw that he signed in Kirchheim, I right away wanted to be teammates with him. That’s says a lot. He is a dream point guard to be teammates with. He is a guy that only shoots when it´s a good shot. In the game against Giessen, he only took 2 shots in the first half and both were at the end including the buzzer beater. He could of taken 6-7 shots in the first half.

You witnessed Aitor Pickett twice last season as a rookie. What have you learned to appreciate most about his game in the early going?

Aitor is simply relentless. He has better feet than I thought he had. He can guard point guards and protect the rim. What I love about him is that he doesn´t need to score in a game to feel good about how he played at the end. He is our best passing big man. He keeps everything so simple.

Your teammates with ultra veteran Demetrius Ward. Even if your not a rookie anymore, is he like a mentor?

Oh definitely. I call him uncs short for uncle. He is like a big brother. We all have the utmost respect for each other. Whatever he says goes. He keeps us all locked in. He will stay after practice and do extra video with guys who need it. Nobody leaves the gym until he feels all are on tone. Last season Marco Voeller was like that. He is like a second coach for us.

Kirchheim changed their roster a bit from last season. They were a strong team already last season. How is this years team different than last season´s?

Kirchheim scores the ball well like last season, but I think the biggest difference is our defensive intensity. They were already a good defensive team last season. They were definitely a team I didn´t want to see last season in the playoffs. This season we will score well, but what about those days where we don´t? How will we respond? We have the team to get stops this season.

What has it been like playing for head coach Igor Perovic? He is very calm, but how well is he with the x´s and o´s. He really knows how to bring out the best with what he has as players.

I have never played for a coach like Igor. He is so calm and is a guy that does things a certain way. As soon as you learn how to play for him, then it becomes so easy to paly for him. He has so much confidence in me. I didn´t have a long leash in Frankfurt. He trusts me 100% and tells me when I get the rebound to make the call for the next play. He keeps all balanced and focused.

What is your role like with the Knights? Is it very much different than what it was with Frankfurt?

I think that my role is the same. It is a little different compared to last season with more minutes here and more opportunities on offense. I think I have more of an opportunity to make plays here. Most important for me is to bring winning. I think I have more of a opportunity to show what I can bring overall to the table.

How did your defense develop last season and what are your personal goals as a player this season?

My intensity on defense was better last year. I missed a lot of box outs in the last game. That may not have been seen on the stat sheet, but seen on video. I have to work more on finishing plays this season. I will continue to pressure the ball as much as possible and not take off plays.

Who won a 1-1 in practice last season you or David Muenkat?

I´m undefeated against David in the mini drills. I gave him problems and so did he, but I think that I´m still undefeated.

Thanks Cam for the chat.

Trey Calvin (183-PG-2001, college: Wright St.) is a 23 year old 183cm point guard playing his rookie season with easyCredit BBL team Frankfurt Skyliners. He began his basketball career at Saint Viator high school and then played at Wright State from 2019-2024 playing a total of 122 games and in his last 2 seasons averaged 20.2ppg, 2.9rpg, 3.7apg, 1.3spg, FGP: 53.0%, 3PT: 39.6%, FT: 88.2% and 19.6ppg, 2.4rpg, 4.2apg, 1.5spg, FGP: 52.6%, 3PT: 40.0%, FT: 89.6% in his last 2 seasons. He spoke to germanhoops.com after the big 100-72 win against BG Goettingen.

Congrats on the massive 100-72 win on the road in Goettingen. When you put offense and defense together, how perfect was this game?

I mean this was as good as a win that you could imagine. We won by 28 points. It wasn´t what we expected, but it was fun. We were clicking at both ends of the court. They had a little run in the third quarter, but that didn´t affect us much. It was a fun first game and a good test.

In Germany the guy who makes the 100th point has to buy donuts for the team. Why don´t they have something like that in the States?

I´m not sure. I guess it´s a German thing.

Jacob Knauf made the 100th point. Did he get donuts?

Not yet. I´ll let him know. I´ll take some donuts.

How vital was the extra self confidence that the team had coming off the big cup win in Trier?

That was huge. We were very confident coming into the game. Trier is a very good team and that was a very tough place to play. That win definitely gave us a boost.

The team had a huge first quarter scoring 29 points. Do you believe like maybe BG Goetingen underestimated you a bit? A team that just moved up?

No I don´t think they did. They had played us in pre-season and knew what to expect. We have many weapons and know how to use them and play well together. We shared the ball really well and played our game.

Frankfurt presented a lethal offense of pretty inside out basketball. Is it a bit scary to see just how well the offense was working so early in the season?

It is great to see how well we can play so early in the season. We have many new guys and to see how well we know each other and our tendencies at this point of the season is special.

You got really vital play from Einaras Tubutis. How vital is it just having a guy like that on the floor within your offense?

It´s really fun playing with him. He knows when to cut and he is always in the right spot at the right time. His play opens up our offense. We really appreciate his play.

Ed Croswell dished out 2 assists in a row. Just how talented is this big man with his passing skills?

He sees the floor really well. He is never in a hurry and is really unselfish. That is what our team needs having unselfish players. He makes the right plays.

In the second quarter Frankfurt continued to execute very well on offense and got everyone involved. BG Goettingen looked totally overwhelmed. How much credit did the second unit get?

The most credit goes to Malik Parsons. He scored 27 points. He and the second unit came in and helped extend the lead. They gave us a boost and they carried off our energy. They came out and played with a lot of energy.

BG Goettingen came out in the third quarter and slapped Frankfurt back in the face. They returned with a 12-2 run. What adjustments did they make and what break downs did you have as a team on the defensive end?

It was more our offense. We became a little complacent and were just out of whack which led to turnovers and easy baskets for them. We calmed down a bit then and didn´t look at the score anymore. We then found our groove again of the first half.

Wiggins and Godfrey were a tough duo to control. What player gave the team the bigger problems?

I think Wiggins was the most difficult to control. He was very athletic and just played very hard. He was always in the right spots and really showed he could pass the ball well. I thought we still did a pretty good job on him.

You were up only by 12 points. What did coach Wucherer tell the team to do going into the fourth quarter? You must of listed as the team belted a 18-1 run in the faces of the opponent.

The focus was to get stops and take care of the ball. He also wanted us to be aggressive and not become passive.

The team just got everyone involved. David Muenkat began the fourth quarter with 5 points. He has been in the shadow of Parsons and Calvin, but seriously how important is he for the team?

He is our vocal leader. He does all the small things and is a really good rebounder for his size. He never complains about getting less shots. He is a great teammate

Timo Lanmueller said after the game that the Body language of Malik Parsons is contagious. He really seems to be so driven. He has that locked in feeling from him been there since day 1?

You can tell he loves the game and has fun with it so it´s definitely contagious. His attitude and body language lights a spark for our team.

You had a solid 9/3/4 game. Your big weapon the three wasn´t present there. How confident you will present it from your best side at the home opener?

I´m always confident with my shot. In Goettíngen we were up 30 and I was too complacent and not aggressive. That caused me to miss shots. I will play with a lot of adrenaline and hope for a good shooting day against Bamberg

This team played so well together. Are you a bit surprised how well the team is already gelling so early in the season?

I´m not surprised. I saw the talent that we had in pre-season. We are a young team so it´s kind of rare to be playing so well so early, but it´s still early and we haven´t faced top teams. We will take on those challenges when they come and then see where we stand as a team.

After a big blow out win like this how does one prepare for the next game against Bamberg?

I think that preparation won´t be that difficult. We already saw them twice in pre-season. They beat us last game so we owe them one. We will have a long week and be focused in practice and get better each day

Thanks Trey for the chat.

Thomas Miles (190-G, college: WPU) is a 190cm guard playing his rookie season overseas with ZuS 59 HammStars. He began his basketball career at Jefferson High School and then played a season at the College of Southern Idaho (JUCO) averaging 6.8ppg, 2.2rpg, FGP: 38.3%, 3PT: 32.1%, FT: 71.7%. He then played a season with Midland College (JUCO) averaging 12.5ppg, 3.1rpg, 2.1apg, 1.5spg, FGP: 42.4%, 3PT: 31.7%, FT: 79.2%. He played a game with Wayland Baptist University (NAIA) before finishing at Warner Pacific University (NAIA) averaging 9.4ppg, 3.0rpg, 1.1apg, 1.2spg, FGP: 42.7%, 3PT: 36.7%, FT: 86.3% and in his last season averaged 19.2ppg, 5.7rpg, 2.0apg, 2.3spg, FGP: 57.9%, 3PT: 37.8%, FT: 88.3%. He got his first pro experience with the Vancouver Volcanoes (TBL) averaging 16.9ppg, 4.6rpg, 2.2apg, 1.8spg, FGP: 57.4%, 3PT: 40.0%, FT: 83.6%. He spoke to germanhoops.com about basketball.

Thanks Thomas for talking to germanhoops.com. You played at 2 Juco schools and 2 NAIA schools. You have been paying your dues for years and now it will continue in Germany´s 4th division Regionalliga. How big is your heart to just keep grinding for the game you love?

My heart for the game is very deep, but I also think once you fall in love with the grind/game it makes everything else so easy.

How massive is your chip on your shoulder? Have you always been an underdog? Is your mentality at a different level because of what you have experienced in your basketball life?

I’ve always played with a chip on my shoulder coming out of high school I wasn’t highly recruited like these other guys I wasn’t able to be a 1 and done so the grind and the chip it’s always been there and it’s just keeps on growing. I got to prove to everyone that doubted me.

Congrats on signing with German Regionalliga team Hamm Stars. How blessed do you feel to get a job? I mean it isn´t self evident for guys from Juco and NAIA getting opportunities overseas like you have?

It definitely is a blessing whenever you can continue to play and thrive in any sport you love to play so I just can’t thank god enough with what he continues to do for me, a lot of people are slept on and not noticed enough because the route they took. Which sucks but it just makes the grind so much better.

What do you know in general about the country Germany and it´s basketball? Your ex coach Ty Harrelson has made a name here as well as JJ Culver and Collin Malcolm who played at one of your former schools.

I don’t know too much of anything about Germany but I’m really excited to go learn, my old coach Ty Harrelson and I had a few talks about his time in Germany and he loved it over there so I’m just ready to experience it for myself.

What was the deciding moment that allowed you to sign with the Hamm Stars?

After talking to coach Ivan, he made my decision really easy and he’s wants the same thing I want and that’s to win.

How did the talks go with head coach Ivan Rosic? What did you enjoy most about his basketball philosophy?

From what we talked about everything sounds lovely and he trusting me I can’t stop thanking him with the opportunity that he is giving me.

Let´s talk about your game. You’re a 190cm guard. If you had to compare your game to a NBA player who would best fit the description?

I’m not sure who I play like I watch a lot of basketball so I take little things from every player and implement it to my game. But I don’t have a specific player that I can compare to.

You’re a player that is an allrounder. What do you feel like is your biggest strength on the court?

Playing defense I’ve been known for my defensive skill since I was a kid and I’m eager to play defense.

You are a lethal scorer. Would you already describe yourself as a 3 level scorer?

I’d I had to describe myself yes I think I am a 3 level scorer that can also lock up someone´s best player.

You made big strides with your three point shooting since going to Warner Pacific University. You were in the upper 30% and in the TBL eclipsed 40%. Do you see yourself being able to make an impact right away with Hamm with your shooting?

I’m trying to make an impact once I get there, I want my presence known, and want Hamm city to know they got them a baller.

Your very athletic and are an ambitious defender. How would you describe your defensive game at the moment and what kind of defender do you still want to become?

My defensive skills are good but they definitely can get better and I do think they will. I want to become like a Jrue Holiday he’s a lock down defender.

On what areas of your game are you working on most now so you can continue to grow as a player?

This past summer I been working on a lot of different thinks but one key point me and my trainer was working on have been pick and rolls slowing my pace down and picking the defense apart.

You began your college career at the College of Southern Idaho (JUCO) averaging 6.8ppg, 2.2rpg, FGP: 38.3%, 3PT: 32.1%, FT: 71.7%. What memories do you have of this your second season after not playing your first season. What did you learn about yourself there in that 2 year span?

I have nothing but great memories about CSI that had a great skill and coaching staff when I was there, what I learned about myself was I was never going to give up. I’m not a quitter.

You then played at Midland College (JUCO) averaging 12.5ppg, 3.1rpg, 2.1apg, 1.5spg, FGP: 42.4%, 3PT: 31.7%, FT: 79.2%. How important was head coach Patrick Raferty in your development there?

A lot of people I’ve played with at Midland will probably not agree with me, but I believe Coach Rafferty got us in the best of shape regardless, if we liked it or not, he prepared as well to play a full game.

Every player I have interviewed that played Juco have said that Juco was a real grind, but one that they wouldn´t have missed for the world. How was it for you?

It was a real grind but it also was a slow grind not something that was just going to happen overnight. You had to go through a lot of obstacles going through juco but I loved every piece of it, it made me who I am today.

You then moved to Wayland Baptist University (NAIA) but Covid hit and cancelled the season after 1 game where you dropped 22 points. How tough was this season for you personally. What positives could you still get being there and being around Ty Harrelson?

I wish the stuff that happen down there didn’t happen I loved playing for coach Ty Harrelson who is a great coach but also treated us like his own, staying there what could have happened was the team that coach put together we would have made a lot of noise.

You then moved to Warner Pacific University (NAIA) averaging 9.4ppg, 3.0rpg, 1.1apg, 1.2spg, FGP: 42.7%, 3PT: 36.7%, FT: 86.3% and in your second season averaged 19.2ppg, 5.7rpg, 2.0apg, 2.3spg, FGP: 57.9%, 3PT: 37.8%, FT: 88.3%. How did your game grow in your last season?

Between these two seasons I put in a lot of work after my first year at Warner, I was also going through some things so it was hard for me but that summer I worked harder than I ever worked but it’s not done now I’m still working.

You had many great games there like against Bushnell and Oregon Tech. What was your fondest moment on the court there?

There was a lot of games I loved at Warner but if I had to pick I’d say our first round playoff game against Oregon Tech because they had just beat us like 4 days prior to that game and we went to their house and won when it counted.

How did head coach Jamayne Potts groom and prepare you best for a professional career?

He just trusted me and put me in the best situation that I could be in. We always had talks and were watching film and figuring out what is it that I could do better and help the team so he did a lot but more of it was him trusting me and me trusting him.

Who won a 1-1 in practice you or Isaac Etter?

Me and Isaac hardly played 1 on 1 but I’m sure he will tell you who won majority of the games

You got your first pro experience with the Vancouver Volcanoes (TBL) averaging 16.9ppg, 4.6rpg, 2.2apg, 1.8spg, FGP: 57.4%, 3PT: 40.0%, FT: 83.6%. What kind of an experience was that? Was it tough playing with so many guys playing for their stats?

It wasn’t tough at all I knew what I had to do and I did it. Regardless of where and who I’m playing I’m going to play my style of basketball anywhere I don’t shy away from no one.

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

I’ve played Payton Pritchard in the les Schwab invitational (LSI)

Please name your 5 favorite teammates of all-time?

Charles jones

Roberto Gittens

Myles Warren

Isaac Etter

Derrick Ogechi

What is your personal NBA mount rushmore of past or present heads?

Stephen Curry, Kobe Bryant, Michael Jordan, Magic Johnson

Who is your GOAT and why?

Kobe Bryant is my goat and because the way he approached games/practices and how he played was just fun to watch.

Thanks Thomas for the chat.

Timo Lanmueller (193-SG-2001) is a 23 year old Austrian-German 193cm shooting guard that is playing his first season with the Fraport Skyliners. He began his basketball career in the ratiopharm Ulm system playing in their youth program as well as for Pro B farm team Orange Academy. He was able to play 2 easyCredit BBL games. He then moved to the Tigers Tuebingen where he played parts of 4 seasons playing 100 pro A games and last season played 30 BBL games averaging 2.7ppg, 1.4rpg, 1.4apg. He spoke to germanhoops.com after the massive 100-72 road win in Goettingen.

Congrats on the massive 100-72 win on the road in Goettingen. When you put offense and defense together, how perfect was this game tonight?

I think that it really helped that we had a really good shooting night. We shot really well from the 2 and 3 area. We have to work on our rebounding more. That has to get better.

Jacob Knauf made the 100th point. Did her get donuts?

No not yet. I hope they come.

How vital was the extra self confidence that the team had coming off the big cup win in Trier?

Our self-confidence was really high. I think it also helped that there were no real expectations for us and we could play more freely. Mentally we had a great approach to the game.

The Frankfurt Skyliners wanted to start the season with a bang and did it on the road. To how much % of coaches game plan came to reality in the game?

That is hard to say, but I would say 80-90%. I think that overall we had a very good offensive and defensive game.

The team had a huge first quarter scoring 29 points. Do you believe like maybe BG Goetingen underestimated you a bit? A team that just moved up?

I don´t think so. I think that we moved the ball well, shot well, and everyone was really comfortable in their roles. It also helped when you have two incredible ball handlers with Parsons and Calvin. I think that we just had a really good day.

Frankfurt presented a lethal offense of pretty inside out basketball. Is it a bit scary to see just how well the offense was working so early in the season?

It was really important that we played so well against a direct competitor in the standings. The question is can we do it consistently? We won´t shoot this well every game, so then we will have to find other ways to win through our defense or fighting qualities.

You got really vital play from Einaras Tubutis. How vital is it just having a guy like that on the floor within your offense?

He is so important for us in the paint area with Brenneke and Hepa still out. He plays so efficiently and just doesn´t make mistakes. Plus he is solid on defense.

Ed Croswell dished out 2 assists in a row. Just how talented is this big man with his passing skills?

He did a really good job reading the game when they hedged hard. He made really good decisions in the short roll.

In the second quarter Frankfurt continued to execute very well on offense and got everyone involved. BG Goettingen looked totally overwhelmed. How much credit did the second unit get?

The second unit was really important. We knew from the start that we had a deeper bench than they did. We could play harder and give the starters more rest. The second unit did a good job keeping the big lead over long courses of the game. They gave us an extra push.

BG Goettingen came out in the third quarter and slapped Frankfurt back in the face. They returned with a 12-2 run. What adjustments did they make and what break downs did you have as a team on the defensive end?

They began to play more aggressive at both ends of the court. They did all they could to get back in the game whether it was pushing or holding us. We lost our nerves for a short time and made dumb turnovers. We have to do a better job against Bamberg limiting these mistakes.

Wiggins and Godfrey were a tough duo to control. What player gave the team the bigger problems?

I think Wiggins gave us a tougher time as did Boeheim. We had problems on the switch. We still did a good job on them. They didn´t kill us. We found ways to stop them in deciding moments.

You were up only by 12 points. What did coach Wucherer tell the team to do going into the fourth quarter? You must of listed as the team belted a 18-1 run in the faces of the opponent.

He told us that we have to continue to get stops as everything starts with our defense. When we play good defense then we can get on transition. We stepped it up a gear in the fourth to win big.

The team just got everyone involved. David Muenkat began the fourth quarter with 5 points. He has been in the shadow of Parsons and Calvin, but seriously how important is he for the team?

He is so important. He is one of our defensive anchors and a freak athlete. He rebounds so well and when he has a good offensive game then it is perfect for us.

After a big blow out win like this how does one prepare for the next game against Bamberg?

Bamberg is a really strong team that is coached well by Anton Gavel. We have that revenge factor. They beat us badly by 30 points in pre season. We will do all we can this week, so we are best prepared.

You played 5 minutes getting 3 points. How vital is the bench time for you to learn new things. What was the most important thing you picked up in this game?

I watched a lot of Malik Parsons. His body language is really important. He is always aggressive and finds ways to score. Even through adversary, he finds ways to score. His body language is contagious on us. When he is aggressive, we are aggressive.

Thanks Timo for the chat.

After a long summer vacation, it was finally time for basketball again in the CGM arena for Koblenz, but now under the name Guardians. The name is perfect as the Koblenz team want to guard their home court as best as possible with strong basketball. They couldn´t have awaited a tougher opponent that the VFL SparkassenStars who opened up the season. Who could forget the bitter 2 point loss in Bochum or the thrilling 95-92 win at home last season where despite the loss, Koblenz witnessed a massive shooting clinic as Bochum nailed 20 three´s. Both teams were rebuilt and were looking for a very successful start into the new season. On paper it sure looked like the Guardians were the favorite as Bochum was without their top guard Niklas Geske and Killian Dietz but that didn´t deter them from giving all they had and surprising Koblenz by stealing one on the road 81-64. The EPG Baskets Koblenz began well, but Bochum stepped up their defense and from the second quarter until the end, Koblenz could never find a sound rhythm again. The EPG Guardians dug a hole for themselves in the second quarter and could never escape it. “We didn´t play like ourselves. That what you saw for 40 minutes tonight wasn´t Guardians basketball. We have to play our game in order to be successful”, warned American Ty Cockfield. The VFL Sparkassen Bochum were a few men short, but made super adjustments and found to their offense better in the second quarter which they held on to until the end. They fought and simply played like an underdog team. “We all knew how tough last season was. We came into this game seeing it as a second chance. We definitely played like an underdog and have that chip on our shoulder. We communicated well and never got too high or too low. We picked up our defense and when we are locked in, then we are a good defensive team”, warned Keith Braxton (196-G-1997, college: SFU).

TJ Cockfield at the FT line

The EPG Guardians didn´t waste any time jumping on the VFL SparkassenStars leading 13-4 in the first few minutes. What Guardian fans saw then was Guardians basketball. The basketball show was led by ex BBL player Dominique Johnson who drilled home 2 three´s and ex Alabama State (NCAA) great Ty Cockfield added 7 points. Cockfield showed quickly that he could take the league by storm and Johnson was his own usual self. “DJ was as physical as usual and you could see he is moving better than last year. As usual he held the team together”, stressed EPG Guardians sport director Thomas Klein. Koblenz was playing good team ball and playing very physical on ball defense that overwhelmed the guests. Koblenz also did a great job keeping Braxton away from the ball and closing down the three ball line. Instead of getting discouraged Bochum got the ball inside and was led by ex TV Langen big man Tom Alte and also got some easy buckets on transition as Koblenz was napping. It also helped that Bochum went to zone that brought Koblenz out of their rhythm. But luckily for the EPG Guardians Koblenz, they still led 17-12 after 10 minutes. “We had a strong start. Bochum seemed overwhelmed by our physical defense. But Bochum then went to zone and also ran their plays better. We played strong defense keeping them off the three point line”, said Thomas Klein. “We came out flat, but we then communicated better and matched their physicality and brought more energy coming back into the game”, added Keith Braxton.

Keith Braxton jumper

In the second quarter came the turning point of the game where the VFL SparkassenStars went on a lethal 12-1 taking the double digit lead and never ever looked back. American Michael Bradley who last played at Mercyhurst (NCAA2) began the second quarter with a three pointer for the 20-14 advantage. However Bochum once again proved that basketball will always be a game of runs as they went on a 12-1 run to lead 32-21. In the run the guests got back to back three´s from German Lars Kamp who played 3 seasons with the Hamburg Towers and Braxton to get the run going. That stifled Koblenz as Bochum continued to play smart playing inside out ball and drawing 3 fouls and getting easy free throw points. German Emil Loch who last played with Iserlohn also connected on a trey. Bochum played strong defense forcing Koblenz to hold the ball to long and forcing them to more tough shots. Johnson stopped the run with a clutch trey and Cockfield used his quickness for an easy lay up getting Koblenz to 32-25, but Bochum just wouldn´t let up and just continued to execute well with the drive and mid distance shot as Braxton, Alte and ex Hillsdale (NCAA2) forward Peter Kalthoff scored for the 39-31 lead. Koblenz didn´t go into the break holding their heads, but finished strongly with 2 key three´s from American rookie Kasey Draper and Johnson to trail only 41-37 after 20 minutes. “We increased our energy in that run. Once we got more stops and went on transition, that also increased our confidence level”, commented Keith Braxton. “We totally lost our rhythm in that run, but we fought back. They scored a lot on 1-1 play and took our drive and passing lanes away”, expressed Thomas Klein.

Dominque Johnson jumper

One would of thought after only trailing by 4 points at the break, that the EPG Guardians would come out more focused, but instead totally lost track mustering only 5 points the whole quarter while Bochum sealed the win early with 22 points to lead 63-42 after three quarters. The VFL SparkassenStars threw a rapid 10-0 run into the faces of the Guardians and extended their lead to 51-37. In the run, they got buckets from Lars Kamp and ex Hagen point guard Jonas Grof while Braxton continued being dangerous making a lay in. On Kamp´s first basket, his turnaround shot looked something out of Steph Curry´s bag of tricks. “The clock was down and that was a momentum changer. He hits big shots, that was nothing new to me”, stated Keith Braxton. Bochum´s offense was calm and their execution rate was incredible as they just ran their plays with patience and got good results. Koblenz wasn´t able to come to terms with their physicality on defense as they were forced to numerous turnovers. Even after Draper stopped the run with a trey, Bochum didn´t quit, but just kept pushing forward and got 6 unanswered points from Keith Braxton who just strolled into the zone and did what he wanted to giving Bochum the 57-40 advantage. “I began slowly, but coach Banobre told me at the bench to calm myself down and recollect myself. My teammates did a good job finding me and instilling confidence in me. My confidence rose with every new shot I made”, stressed Keith Braxton. Ex PS Karlsruhe center Maurice Pluskota stopped the Braxton run with a lay in on transition, but Bochum just kept executing going on a 6-0 run as Kalthoff and Alte scored and ex Southeastern Louisiana University (NCAA) guard Matthew Strange dropped free throws for the 21 point advantage. “We played a really strong quarter. We continued to score pilling it up and increasing our lead”, said Keith Braxton. “We became frustrated and got on ourselves unable to regain our composure. Our energy was down and they did a great job capitalizing on our mistakes”, stressed Ty Cockfield.

Matthew Strange at the FT line

In the fourth quarter the EPG Guardians executed better on offense, but couldn´t get stops as Bochum continued to execute well on offense as well. Cockfield got back to back baskets in the first few minutes, but Bochum always had an answer with a Kamp lay in and hard Alte dunk as Bochum still led 68-46. Dominque Johnson continued to show that he can take on responsibility scoring 5 points, but Koblenz just couldn´t get stops. Bochum just continued to move the ball well and get to their spots as Grof made a pretty turnaround shot, Braxton a lay in and Alte another dunk for the 77-61 advantage. Bradley added a lay in late, but the guests got more insurance baskets as Kalthof made free throws and Alte a turnaround shot. “Basketball is a game of runs. We played better in the fourth quarter. We fought hard, but dropped this game. We have to watch video. We will be ready next Sunday for Dresden”, warned Ty Cockfield. “I´m proud how well we ended the game despite being up by 21 points. We remained focused on the game plan and executed to the end”, stressed Keith Braxton. The VFL SparkasseStars were led by Keith Braxton with 26 points. Tom Alte added 14 points while Lars Kamp and Jonas Grof added 11 pointsa apiece while the EPG Guardians Koblenz were led by Ty Cockfield with 20 points while Dominque Johnson added 19 points. The VFL SparkassenStars Bochum shot 51% from the field and 26% from outside and had 26 rebounds and 12 turnovers while the EPG Guardians Koblenz shot 40% from the field and 36% from outside and had 33 rebounds and 24 turnovers.

Going into the 2024-205 season, it will be the second season already where the Frankfurt Skyliners will be without their legend Quantez Robertson who retired in 2023. How time flies. This season fans will be able to reminisce during a time out or a break in play about the good old days when Tez was doing his magic. Wheather it was feeding Dashaun Wood for a back door lay up, hitting the game winner against Oldenburg or just flashing that winners smile. That won´t be forgotten for sure. The Skyliners live on and much have happened since Tez left. Last season the organization had to pay their dues in the pro A. They played a very strong season just missing winning the pro A title which PS Karlsruhe won simply playing a better finals and wanting it more. The Skyliners biggest goal is getting back to the BBL, a place they had been at since the 1999-2000 season. Denis Wucherer has remained, but the club has added very interesting new parts for this season´s challenge. The biggest question isn´t if they can stay in the league which is their goal, but moreover can they take a further step and reestablish themselves again in the BBL? The playoffs will be a reach, but where can this team land in May 2025? This season once again will be an exciting one. One thing is for sure, the Frankfurt Skyliners don´t want to see the Pro A again.

One of the more difficult summer time jobs for head coach Denis Wucherer was building a BBL roster that would be competitive, but also be affordable from what the budget has to offer. That is easier said than done. The club held onto 5 players and also brought back another one with Einares Tubutis who had played with the club 2 seasons ago. The team has enough 3 point weapons, so he will be able to concentrate more in the paint and being that added rebound force. The club held on to Booker Coplin (191-G-1997, college: Augsburg, agency: BIG) and David Muenkat who last season were vital performers in the Pro A. Coplin is a player every coach loves simply because of his no prisoner attitude and effort that he gives on the court. The ex Augsburg (NCAA3) player plays with non stop energy and just does all he can to help the team win, if it means scoring, dishing, rebounding or making an impact on the defensive end. Muenkat who likes to play in the CEBL in Canada during summer vacation was another one of the big hero´s from last season that was known for big dunks, but just was so versatile on the offensive end and on defense belonged to the best defenders on the team. He was a mismatch nightmare and is extremely hungry to make the next step in the BBL. The club also held on to ex NBBL champion Lorenz Brenneke who began the pre season injured, but once fit will be a vital big in the paint area. Give him the ball near the rim and you´ll get an automatic bucket. He is a presence at both ends and is simply fearless with all the elbows being thrown around. The team also held on to versatile inside out player Jacob Knauf. He is a forward with extreme elegance on the court and a solid three pointer. He will give added stability at the big positions. Bruno Albrecht was also kept, but played no role in last years team. The talented German who was a walking bucket 2 seasons ago in Hanau will have it very difficult to break the rotation this season.

Many new faces were hauled in during the summer and the 2 most potent were rookie Trey Calvin and veteran Malik Parsons. Both showed in the pre season that they are a lethal scoring duo that have no problems putting points up on the board. Parson´s came to Frankfurt after winning the double with Danish top team Bakken Bears last season. The ex scoring machine from Northwestern Oklahoma State University (NCAA2) is a freak athlete and could bring back memories of a young Tez with his fast break spurts and leaps to the rim. But it isn´t just hiss coring touch, but he has also proved to be a fine playmaker. Calvin is a talented kid from Wright State where a certain Dashaun Wood learned his craft 20 years ago. Calvin knows perfectly when to score and when to dish out the dime. He was mostly a catch and shoot player in the NCAA and wants to become more of a threat from the parking lot this year. Defensively he is a pest and wants to become one of the best defenders where ever he plays. The team also added undersized big man Ed Croswell from Providence College who was a beast in the Turkish second league. He is a great rebounder and even more important teammates just love him. A positive check mark for Wucherer in the character department. The club brought back Garai Zeeb who had previously played 4 seasons in Frankfurt and was part of the 2016 Fiba Europe Cup winning team. He is a calm point guard who has great leadership skills, There won´t be a better German point guard coming from the bench in the BBL. The team also brought in 2 other talented Germans with the experienced Christoph Phillips who has 6 years of BBL experience with teams Ulm, Hamburg and Tuebingen. He is a defensive orientated player that can get hot from outside, but also likes to give out assists. 23 year old Timo Lanmuller is another talented German that still has a lot of potential. His shot is his weapon, but he is extremely hungry to become a better defender once his athleticism improves and he can be more physical. The last new addition Kamaka Hepa perhaps the most interesting signing. He has great length and will really bolster the front court with his rebounding work. After an up and down rookie season in Poland and Latvia, he is hungry to show what he can do after being injured in pre-season.

The staple of the Fraport Skyliners was always defense during the tenure of Gordon Herbert and last season was also the big focus in Wucherer´s system. Last season they were the top defensive teams in the Pro A and want to keep it up their upward trend in the BBL, but will they have the personal to achieve that? The BBL is faster and more athletic and the players will really have to want to defend. Offensively play good team basketball as well as having the transition game on display as much as possible. The team have no BBL veteran that has played many minutes consistently and been a force offensively as guys like Zeeb, Philips, Lanmueller and Brenneke are still looking for that real break through. The team picked up talented players, but guys that have no BBL experience. It will be interesting to see how quickly the new imports get adjusted to the BBL. A lot of responsibility will lie on the shoulders of Calvin and Parsons. So far in the pre-season, both players were great, but how well will they play in the second half of the season when teams know the scouting report better? Guys like Brenneke and Philips have to step up and be consistent on a regular basis. But the deciding factor as to how well the team can compete on a nightly basis is how well do Muenkat and Coplin get adjusted to the BBL. They team will need more consistent input from them as well. The win in Trier was incredibly important for the self-confidence. Getting off to a good start from the start will be vital. I see the Frankfurt Skyliners somewhere between 11-16. It always depends how many injuries occur. The team has talent and character and showed in pre-season that team chemistry was being built. Finally there is BBL basketball in Frankfurt again. Now the team has to keep it in Frankfurt.