pic credit Rasta Vechta

Harm-Ubbo Horst is a German head coach currently coaching the Young Rasta Dragons NBBL (U-19) team. He began his coaching career in Vechta and then coached 2 years in Dresden where he was an assistant coach with the Pro B team Titans and also the NBBL coach. This season he led the tYoung Rasta Dragons team into the NBBL Top 4 in Berlin and spoke to germanhoops.com about the season.

The Young Rasta Dragons are back in the NBBL Top 4 for a third straight season. Alba Berlin is out. Is this the season that the Young Rasta Dragons finally win it all?

That is the goal. We reached the final the last 2 years and finally want to win it in our third try. We had a tough series against Alba Berlin, but that prepared us well. Our goal since the start of the season was the NBBL title.

The Young Rasta Dragons finished 11-4 in the regular season. Alba Berlin was only 7-7 and not as strong as other seasons. This years roster seems a bit stronger than last season despite not having Johan Grunloh. What was your summary of the season? Did it underachieve? Didn´t this team have the talent to go undefeated?

The focus wasn´t on the NBBL this season. Our players concentrated more on the Pro A and Regionalliga. It was tough since the NBBL team never practiced together. That showed in games when the team had no flow. Often guys played different roles in the pro teams and the NBBL. In the first half of the season we won many games through individual class and in the second half of the season the opponents had found their rhythm better and all wanted to beat us. We put guys in cold water which forced them to develop. The team practiced together for the first time before game 3 against Alba Berlin.

The Young Rasta Dragons Vechta kept many guys from last season and added talent with guys like Joshua Bonga and Jack Kayil. What is the team´s biggest strength?

Our strength is our depth and good character and team chemistry. We have many that practiced and played Pro A and Regio games and youth national players.

How did you see the development of Joshua Bonga? In 2019 many said he was more talented than brother Isaac at age 14, but now 5 years later he wasn´t able to make the steps that his brother did. He missed a year in his development with an injury. How much upside does he still have?

We truly feel that Joshua will make big steps. He still needs to get used to the German level after being in Lithuania and being injured for a season. He is getting back to peak before injury. He still has much upside.

One player I have enjoyed watching is Karl Buehner. He may be the best rebounder at his position for his age. What steps has he made?

He has added physicality through his Pro A experience. His role changed a lot. Last season he played behind Brockhoff and Gruenloh and this season he had full responsibility at his position. This season he is a real leader. He had 0 points in game 2, but he was fit. The day before he was in Trier and came home at 3AM and left the next morning at 8AM for Berlin. In game 3 he had a great game after being rested.

2 of the biggest talents in their year are Michel Schillmueller and Moritz Gruess. You coached them last season in the JBBL. What steps have they made this season?

Schillmueller had a brutal injury where he was out 3 months. He is fit again now. He made the biggest gain in his personality. The injury taught him how important his body is. He was in the JBBL last season and has gotten used to the NBBL level this season. He also got responsibility in the Regio. Gruess became more adult in tactics and reading situations. Being able to play in the Regionalliga helped him get used to the physicality at the men´s level.

Another player that adjusted well to the team is ex Frankfurt player Noah Koch. How did you see his development and how much potential does he have?

You saw in the last games just how clever he has become this season on the court. In the JBBL he lived off his athleticism and tempo, but now in the NBBL he understands the game better. He is still explosive and will go coast to coast, but he needs to improve his shot. When he does that sky is the limit.

Did you feel a lot of pressure taking over for Hendrik Gruehn after all his success the last 2 years? How was the step from the JBBL to the NBBL for you?

This season was nice but also tough. In the JBBL we had 3 practices per week and the games and this season the focus was on the Pro A. I was an assistant in the Pro A for Hendrik Gruehn. I coached the NBBL games with no NBBL practices. The NBBL games were used to develop the players. Of course Hendrik and I worked with the Kids that practiced with the Pro A.

How do you view your own development this season? What is the toughest adjustment going from JBBL to NBBL?

The biggest challenge was playing the games with no practices. The tricky part was helping the players find solutions on the court the best way possible.

What kind of a relationship do you have with Hendrik Gruehn. Can he give you pointers this season despite not coaching in the youth anymore?

We have a great relationship. We think a lot about the Pro A, but at the same time, he always supported me with my questions concerning the NBBL. We are very close and talk about everything.

The Young Rasta Dragons will battle FC Bayern Munich. In a way this is like a final. Is it not a bit disappointing that this is the semi-final and not the final?

I think so. We are preparing for them. It will be an intense game. The team that has more energy and will will win. It won´t be the most beautiful game.

This will be a very interesting game. FC Bayern Munich have a very deep roster, but I feel like the Young Rasta Dragons Vechta roster is deeper. What kind of a game can we await?

Munich is very big 1-5. I think that there will be much switching which will make the game more static and more 1-1 will be played. We have to find a solution to combat that. That is what I´m most afraid of. We have to find a way to slow down Ivan and Martin. It will be a fast game where both will get out on transition.

This game will pit the top guards Jack Kayil and Joshua Bonga against Ivan Khartchenkov and Martin Kalu. Do you feel like this game could be decided by the guard play?

I don´t think so. I think that the focus will be more on the positions 3-5. They will make the deciding plays.

As a vechta coach how do you scout a guy like Ivan Kharchenkov? He is fearless and quite unstoppable at the NBBL level.

I think key will be that the team as a whole always know where he is on the court. We have to defend aggressively and try to keep ball out of his hands.

Who will win the other final between BBA Porsche Ludwigsburg and Oldenburg?

Ludwigsburg have the same traits as the BBL team in that they are a good defensive team. Oldenburg has had a great development this season. They play with so much energy and push each other and play for each other. They are well coached. It will be an exciting game. I think Oldenburg will be a bit hotter.

Thanks Habbo for the chat.

Avery Sullivan (203-F/C-1999, college: Lamar) is a 24 year old 203cm center from Texas playing his third professional season and first with the Dragons Rhondorf. Last season he played with KB Teuta Durres (Albania-Superliga) averaging 16.0ppg, Reb-3 (11.0rpg), 1.6apg, 1.5spg, Blocks-4 (1.1bpg), FGP: 59.3%, 3PT: 28.6%, FT: 70.5%. He played his rookie season with at Depiro Rabat Imtarfa (Malta-BOV League D1). He began his basketball career with Pflugerville High School and then played 4 seasons and 102 NCAA games at Lamar averaging 12.3ppg, 8.2rpg, 1.1apg, 1.0spg, 1.0bpg, FGP: 50.2%, FT: 74.0% and in his senior year averaged 9.8ppg, 7.2rpg, FGP: 44.3%, FT: 77.9%. He spoke to germanhoops.com after the 90-82 do or die win over the SBB Baskets Wolmirstedt to clinch a semi-final berth.

Thanks Avery for talking to germanhoops.com. The Dragons Rhondorf are in the semi-finals of the Pro B playoffs. How good does it feel being 2 wins shy of moving up?

It feels real good to have won another do or die game. It was our goal from the start to move up. But we don´t feel satisfied yet. We still have a job to do.

Congrats on the great game 3 win over the SBB Baskets Wolmirstedt. Do you feel that the team was locked in going into game 3 more than ever?

Yes I think so. We knew going in that game 3 wouldn´t be an easy game. We knew that they were a very physical team and good rebounding team. We knew that it would be a game where we would have to go to the limit and that we would have to bring a total team effort.

In the second quarter Wolmirstedt was up by 7 points. It was still early, but how did you personally feel about being down? Did you think much about it or were you just locked in?

We all knew that it would be a game of runs. We knew that we would have to regroup and find something that would help us win the game.

You have come upon many different kinds of players, but how unorthodox was Bill Borekambi for your taste?

Bill is a real good player. He loves taking that fade away jumper. Not many take that kind of shot, but when a player like he can make them at a high level, you need to respect it. I have nothing but praise for his game.

In the third quarter Badu Buck hit 3 three´s which changed the game drastically. This scenario showed that anyone can step up at any time?

We have trust in every player. We try to feed that guy that is hot or who has the best matchup. They switched a lot on him, so he called some sets for himself and he hit them to perfection.

Kelvin Omojola said that when Buck plays great than the Dragons are unstoppable. Do you agree?

Yes I do. Badu sees the floor so well. When he is rolling then he makes it so much easier for us on the court.

In the fourth quarter, the Dragons game lulled a bit in the first minutes, but you then brought the win home with good team play. Did you feel like you wanted it more than they did?

We knew at that point that they weren´t going to give us the game. We knew that it was our time to take it and make plays.

You have scored in double figures in 24 of 31 games and only scored 6 points. How tough is it for you mentally when you only get 3 shot attempts in 29 minutes?

That´s basketball. There just are some games where you aren´t meant to score. There are so many different aspects to the game where you can affect it in many different ways. My teammates still told me after the game that my presence on the court was seen. I just try to impact the game in some way. It isn´t always about scoring the points.

Your averaging 14/9 during the season. On a team that has so much scoring are the scoring stats ok for you?

Yes I think so. We have so many offensive threats that you can´t get caught up in the stats. I don´t care if I score 25 points or 6 points. All that matters is that we win and keep rolling. I just go with it and continue to love the process.

What kind of Avery Sullivan will we see in the semi-final? Will you heighten your game?

I plan on doing whatever the team needs me to do.

You next play against the Berlin Braves who played in the Regionalliga last season. What kind of series can we await?

I don´t know too much yet about them. We will start prepping tomorrow. I think that it will be a hard fought physical game like the other series. We can´t expect this to be an easy series. They upset and swept Leverkusen. They aren´t afraid of the moment and we need to be ready.

They have some very talented guys with Andreas Seifert, Marley jean-Louis, and Jacob Mampuya. But on a whole they don´t have the depth that the Dragons have. The Dragons are the favorite. Are you ok with that?

That’s cool. We have to be ready and just play our game. Action speaks louder than words.

How excited are you for the battle against ex BBL player Andreas Seifert who amassed 338 games. He has the same stats you have? Will you watch videos on him?

I will be watching enough videos this week. This will be another huge opportunity to show my game against a great player. I will embrace the moment. It is fun for me to battle guys like that. If you don´t play against good players than it wouldn´t be fun.

The Berlin Braves give up 73 points and make 78 points. What will be key to reaching the final?

We have to paly hard and push the pace and play at our tempo. We have to play our offensive game and also get stops.

Who will win the NBA east and west and win it all?

I see Boston meeting Minnesota and Boston taking it all.

Thanks Avery for the chat.

One thing is for sure, the Dragons Rhondorf have definitely made this years playoffs very exciting as after the Rostock series, they entered a second do or die game this time with the SBB Baskets Wolmirstedt. After eking out a nail bitter in game 1 in their living room, they were easily defeated on the road as they were crushed on the boards again despite getting a combined 39/21 game from Ferenc Gille and Avery Sullivan, it wasn´t enough to sweep the series as they didn´t get enough support on the boards and shots didn´t fall. The Dragons Rhondorf had a second playoffs do or die game and wanted to successfully move into the next round against Berlin 2000 who had surprisingly upset the Bayer Giants Leverkusen. In Game 3 the Dragons Rhondorf came together and used the home court advantage and won their second do or die game in 2024 upending the SBB Baskets Wolmirstedt 90-82 and reached the semi-finals. It was a game at eye level in the first half, but in the second half the Dragons Rhondorf were sparked by Badu Buck´s three ball from which Wolmirstedt could never recover from. “We upped our physicality and rebounding. In the flow of the game, our physicality and defensive presence was amazing. Even if they scored 82 points, this is the playoffs. We knew that we had to make our shots. We ran our plays and made plays”, stressed Dragons Rhondorf guard Kelvin Omojola (183-G-1997, college: Northwest). The SBB Baskets Wolmirstedt played a solid game, but just couldn´t get over the hump in the second half to make that possible last run. “We didn´t have enough fire. We couldn´t match their intensity and gave up too many key offensive rebounds. We also gave them too many easy baskets and they hit some deep three´s”, stressed SBB Baskets Wolmirstedt guard Maxe Begue.

Martin Bogdanov at the FT line

In the first quarter, it was a back and forth with runs, but Wolmirstedt made the last run to lead by 5 points after 10 minutes. The SBB Baskets Wolmirstedt made the first punch leading 6-0 as Mr walking bucket Bill Borekambi hit 2 pretty step back jumpers from the mid distance that are his bread and butter and ex BBL player Modestas Paulauskas made a tip in. “Borekambi has a great motor. He looks unorthodox but is a great player”, said Kelvin Omojola. Rhondorf seemed a bit shocked as they had problems adjusting to the aggressive defense of Wolmirstedt, but they countered quickly scoring 6 unanswered points as Kelvin Omojola was the spark plus at both ends making 4 points while 2018 NBBL champion Badu Buck made a lay in. But Wolmirstedt recuperated and scored 7 points as Borekambi continued to be a scoring menace scoring twice while ex Schwenningen guard Marcel Hoppe dropped a trey. Rhondorf had problems giving up too many easy baskets and didn´t have Borekambi under control. However the runs kept coming as the Dragons punched back with a 11-4 run to dead lock the game at 17-17. In the run, Rhondorf were carred by ex Nurnberg big man Ferenc Gille who was a massive presence inside scoring 8 points while Tyreese Blunt also added a three pointer. However Wolmirstedt had the last run of 7-2 of the first quarter to lead 24-19. Borekambi scored with ease again inside while Paulauskas hit a trey. “It was a fast paced game, but also sloppy at times. But that is kind of expected in a playoff game. The game was definitely very up and down and very physical”, stressed Telekom Baskets Bonn guard Sam Griesel. The SBB Baskets Wolmirstedt shot 63% from the field and 50% from outside and had 9 rebounds and 5 turnovers while the Dragons Rhondorf shot 33% from the field and 22% from outside and had 9 rebounds and 5 turnovers. “We brought physicality from the start. We had a sense of urgency and didn´t want to get bullied like in game 2”, commented Kelvin Omojola.

Badu Buck

In the second quarter the SBB Baskets Wolmirstedt were able to lead by 8 points, but the Dragons Rhondorf upped their game to lead by 1 point at the break. Wolmirstedt took that momentum from the end of the first quarter into the second quarter executing well as ex Lok Bernau guard Marc Friederici hit a trey while Lennart Winter and Borekambi made lay in´s. Rhondorf also added buckets from ex Tuebingen center Jekabs Beck and a 20 footer from energizer Matej Silic, but Wolmirstedt still led 31-23. This was a dangerous phase for the Dragons Rhondorf as their defense was sputtering a bit as they allowed too many easy baskets and didn´t have somebody to take responsibility on offense. But that changed quickly as Kelvin Omojola took charge adding 5 points to trail only 33-30. However Rhondorf were unable to hold the short lived momentum as Rhondorf allowed a mini 4-0 run as their 1-1 defense was too little against athletic players Begue and Borekambi who scored on drives to up the guests lead to 37-30. However the game continued to have that run atmosphere as Rhondorf closed out the second quarter with a lethal 10-2 run sparked by the energy from 17 year old German gem Janne Muller who added 4 points off the bench. “Janne has amazing potential for his age. His skill level is really high for his age. It is cool to see how well he competes. He has a good head on his shoulder”, stressed Telekom Baskets Bonn guard Sam Griesel. Gille and Blunt also added lay in´s while Antonio Pilipovic closed out the scoring making a heads up play catching a Blunt airball and making the put back at the buzzer as the Dragons led 40-39 at the half-time. “Muller´s energy at the end was very important. He pushed us. I told him on the bench to keep his energy high”, stated Kelvin Omojola. The Dragons Rhondorf shot 44% from the field and 23% from the three point line and had 22 rebounds and 13 turnovers while the SBB Baskets Wolmirstedt shot 47% from the field and 33% from the three point line and had 14 rebounds and 9 turnovers.

Maxi Begue

In the third quarter there was a little lull in the first few minutes, but then the game changed and the turning point came as Badu Buck let it rain three´s as the Dragons Rhondorf led by 12 points after 30 minutes. Maxi Begue got the guests on the score board first with a trey for the 42-40 advantage, but that was quickly erased with a Omojola 20 footer to tie the game at 42-42. Omojola continued to play with unbelievable high intensity and just led his team the way a leader should. He was aggressive and got to the free throw line and also added another trey for the 47-45 lead. Sullivan and Borekambi traded baskets as nobody could make a run in this phase as Rhondorf led 49-47. But then came the turning point of the game as the Dragon Rhondorf went on a big 13-4 run to lead 62-51. In the run, it was Badu Buck who demonstrated his sharp shooting skills nailing back to back three´s and then added a third that looked like it might hit the ceiling. “Badu has a lot of arc on his shot. He had to get that high rainbow off over that big man. That shot was huge and broke open the game”, warned Kelvin Omojola. Rhondorf could of done more damage, but the SBB Baskets Wolmirstedt were carried by Martin Bogdanovic who has 55 BBL games on his resume who added 6 points down the stretch to keep his team with the Dragons. The Dragons also got buckets from Gille and Muller in the paint and a clutch trey by Blunt. The Dragons Rhondorf was in a flow and led 69-57 after 30 minutes. “Buck set the tone. He hit big shots. We have so many great players, but I really love his game. He was the difference maker and when he plays well, I really feel that we are unstoppable”, stated Kelvin Omojola. “Buck´s three´s changed the game. We were unlucky at times. We pressed twice and they overran us. They were simply more physical and had more heart”, stated Maxi Begue. The Dragons Rhondorf shot 51% from the field and 38% from the parking lot and had 26 rebounds and 15 turnovers while the SBB Baskets Wolmirstedt shot 49% from the field and 36% from the parking lot and had 21 rebounds and 15 rebounds.

Kelvin Omojola at the FT line

In the fourth quarter the Dragons Rhondorf struggled in the first minutes to execute as the guests went on a run, but that was stopped and from then on they came together as a team and managed the lead well and stuck together until the end. Tyreese Blunt began the fourth quarter with a bang and a three pointer as the Dragons led 72-57. The SBB Baskets Wolmirstedt then went on a 7-2 run to cut the Dragons lead down to 74-64. In the run Chris Rollins was key at both ends of the court and got to the free throw line while Borekambi scored again. The Dragons Rhondorf found their offensive rhythm again and just shared the ball and executed well. Buck scored twice while Omojola made a trey and Blunt a lay in to lead 83-70. The SBB Baskets Wolmirstedt executed well, but just couldn´t get stops and get over the hump. They got some big buckets from Paulauskas, but Blunt also scored and Rhondorf led 87-78. Begue scored in the last minute, but Antonio Pilipovic scored for the 90-80 advantage. Lennart Winter closed out the game with a lay in, but it was too little to late. “We were a bit to anxious to win the game in the first minutes. We wanted to put them away too early. It took us some time to calm down and find our rhythm. We found our groove in the last 5 minutes and got the win”, added Kelvin Omojola. “They struggled at the start, but then found their groove and we just couldn´t get over the hump”, commented Maxi Begue. The Dragons Rhondorf were led by Kelvin Omojola with 20 points and 10 assists. Tyreese Blunt added 19 points and Badu Buck had 18 points while the SBB Baskets Wolmirstedt were led by Bill Borekambi with 18 points. Martin Bogdanov added 14 points and Modestas Paulauskas with 13 points. The Dragons Rhondorf shot 50% from the field and 34% from outside and had 33 rebounds and 16 turnovers while the SBB baskets Wolmirstedt shot 48% from the field and 35% from outside and had 34 rebounds and 15 turnovers.

               

Going into the playoffs strong is always something a team wants to do, but for the Fraport Skyliners, it was definitely not the case. They ended the season with a brutal OT home loss to the Artland Dragons who were near the bottom of the standings and fell from second to fourth place and now had a very difficult 5 game series against Medipolis SC Jena. Jena had been a club that had swept them and now they had a lot of soul searching the last days and head coach Dennis Wucherer had to find a way to get them in the right frame of mind. They had to find a way to get into playoff mode as Jena had come into the series having won 4 of their last 5 games. The Fraport Skyliners had to get a lot more physical and active on the boards and somehow slow down their scoring guard duo of Amir Hinton and Blake Francis. Medipolis SC Jena came to Frankfurt for game 1 and the Fraport Skyliners erased their poor showing form the Artland game and finially beat Medipolis SC Jena showing a destructive three point fire works 89-74. “We had great energy and showed that we wanted to be here and win. The first 2 loses left a bad taste and we knew we had to lock down. We had outstanding three point shooting, rebounded the ball well and just had great effort”, stressed Fraport Skyliner guard Cameron Henry. Mediplois SC Jena had a solid first quarter, but were washed away in the second and third quarter by the Fraport Skyliners three point rain fall and just never recovered. “They were a lot different team than what we saw in the first 2 games. They had guys hitting three´s that normally didn´t do that. When you shoot close to 55% from outside, then it´s going to be tough not to lose. We didn´t have the needed energy or physicality. We gave up way too many offensive rebounds. We will have to clean that up in game 2”, stressed Medipolis SC Jena forward Rasheed Moore.

    Joshiko Saibou at the FT line           

Medipolis SC Jena jumped all over the Fraport Skyliners in the first minutes taking a quick 13-6 advantage. The guests took advantage of some nice isolation plays as ex Skyliner Moore and ex Richmond(NCAA) guard Blake Francis hit fade away jumpers. Haukohl made an easy lay up while Francis was left open again for a three pointer. Frankfurt didn´t have that aggressive energy and gave up easy baskets. However Frankfurt needed some time finding their energy and got going sparked by Cameron Henry´s 5 points and three pointer as well as Marco Voeller´s three pointer as they grabbed the lead back at 17-16. Frankfurt calmed down after the first few hectic minutes and upped their defensive aggressiveness that led to a Ife Ajayi block on ex G-League player Amir Hinton. “That block was amazing. He is so strong and his presence is known. He plays with so much heart”, stated Cameron Henry. Ex Belmont(NCAA) guard Kevin Mcclain added a lay in as the Fraport Skyliners led 20-18 after one quarter. “Both teams were feeling each other out in the first quarter. It was a matter who would give in first. We remained focused. I feel like we did a good job taking the shots that we wanted to”, added Cameron Henry. The Fraport Skyliners shot 38% from the field and 50% from outside and had 9 rebounds and 4 turnovers while Medipolis SC Jena shot 40% from the field and 33% from outside and had 9 rebounds and 4 turnovers.

 Booker Coplin at the FT line              

In the second quarter the Fraport Skyliners took control of the game and would never look back as they led by 14 points at the break. In the first few minutes though it was Medipolis SC Jena that jumped on Frankfurt going on a 8-3 run to lead 26-23 as it was the Rasheed Moore show. He scored all 8 points and demonstrated his valuable inside out game hitting a trey and scoring in the paint twice showing how well he can insert his body to his advantage. However the Fraport Skyliners didn´t let that run bother them as they exploded nailing 6 three´s enroute to a 21-7 run to close out the second quarter and lead 47-33 at half-time. It seemed like one three pointer was made and the next time the hole looked even bigger as it just kept raining threes. In the three point fireworks, Frankfurt was aided by Minnesota native Booker Coplin who hit 2 as did David Muenkat while Marco Voeller and Justin Onyejiaka also connected. Frankfurt was calm on offense and really had great shot selection while on defense they continued to make shots difficult for Jena as they tended to go to 1-1 play more than team play. Frankfurt also got buckets inside the paint from Canadian Aiden Warnholtz and Booker Coplin. “We fed off each other. They had a good start and when I came in, I knew I had to bring the needed energy. We took great three´s and not ones that they gave us”, said Cameron Henry. The Fraport Skyliners shot 54% from the field and 69% from the three point line and had 17 rebounds and 5 turnovers while Medipolis SC Jena shot 34% from the field and 31% from the three point line and had 16 rebounds and 7 turnovers.

   Vuk Radojicic from outside            

In the third quarter the Fraport Skyliners offense continued to be on fire as they scored 29 points and led by 23 points after 30 minutes. Frankfurt kept up their hot shooting going on a 13-6 run to lead 60-39. In the run, it was the consistent hot shooting of 2022 JBBL MVP Justin Onyejiaka who amassed 9 points and 3 three´s. “Justin took the three´s that he wanted to. He was the youngest guy out there and he played with so much poise”, commented Cameron Henry. Jacob Knauf also added a three pointer in the scoring attack. In the next minutes the guests would score some baskets as Rasheed Moore was their anchor as he hit 2 three´s, but Frankfurt always had an answer and simply had everybody on the same page. Knauf hit another three as the hole must of looked real big for him on this day and Ife Ajayi remained physical and in attack mode making back to back lay in´s as Frankfurt led 67-53. Then came the Cameron Henry show as he put the exclamation mark on the win early as he scored the last 9 Frankfurt points for the 76-53 advantage. He made a trey, but really dominated with his mid range game making 3 baskets. “That span was very fun. It was great seeing my teammates give me the ball and believing in me. I love that and that is what we play for. My teammates gave me the confidence to keep going”, added Cameron Henry. The Fraport Skyliners shot 59% from the field and 63% from the parking lot and had 27 rebounds and 7 turnovers while Medipolis SC Jena shot 39% from the field and 38% from the parking lot and had 22 rebounds and 9 turnovers. “We continued to defend really well. We did a good job sinking in and guarding the paint well. We made them take three´s that they normally wouldn´t take”, commented Cameron Henry. “Frankfurt defended well. We weren´t physical enough on the box out and we gave them too many second chances”, commented Rasheed Moore.

  David Muenkat from downtown             

In the fourth quarter the Fraport Skyliners didn´t execute as well anymore scoring 13 points while the guests executed better, but the damage had been done as Jena was unable to get over the hump. In the first few possessions, it was Aiden Warnholtz who scored 5 points and Vuk Radojicic who nailed back to back three´s, but Frankfurt still led 81-59. Both teams got their 5^th team fouls early as both teams would get to the free throw line often. Knauf and Haukohl made three´s, but Frankfurt still led comfortably 84-64. Medipolis SC Jena made a little run in the last minutes of 9-2, but it was too little too late. In the run the guests got to the free throw line 3 times, but missed a few shots while Robin Lodders buried an old school hook shot. The Fraport Skyliners had pretty much wrapped up the win early and were saving a little energy for game 2 on Sunday which most likely will be an ugly game. Vuc Radojicic closed out the game with a three pointer. “We played well in the first 5 minutes, but at the end took our feet off the gas pedal. That wasn´t good. We need to stay focused for 40 minutes”, warned Cameron Henry. “I don´t think that they took their feet of the gas pedal. They had had a comfortable lead. It was just too little too late for us. We can´t put ourselves in a situation like that in the first place”, warned Rasheed Moore. The Fraport Skyliners were led by Justin Onyejiaka with 17 points. Cameron Henry added 15 points while Booker Coplin scored 12 points while Medipolis SC Jena were led by Rasheed Morore with 20 points and Vuk Radojicic added  12 points. The Fraport Skyliners shot 53% from the field and 53% from outside and had 33 rebounds and 9 turnovers while Medipolis SC Jena shot 39% from the field and 44% from outside and had 33 rebounds and 11 turnovers.

pic credit: Artland Dragons

It was the biggest game of the season for the Artland Dragons as a win in Frankfurt could save their season and remain in the Pro A. Artland came with a lot of talent with guys like exeasyCredit BBL veteran Brandon Thomas or Mr triple double Buzz Anthony or rookie Jake Forrester, but there was also another talented kid coming from the bench with power forward Jordan Ratton (203-F-2001) from Monaco. He was actually playing his second season with Artland and in a way saved his best for last even if he didn´t find that statement as accurate or amusing as he totaled 17 points in 21 minutes off the bench. “I’m not really the type of guy to save anything. I would just say that I’m always ready to grab an opportunity so every time they give me one I’ll do my best. I had one here that I wasn’t going to let slip”, warned Jordan Ratton. The game had highlight after highlight plays and Jordan Ratton wasn´t missing. At the end of 45 minutes he had amassed 3 massive dunks with one prettier than the other. He had a great alley op dunk, but where did his rare thunderous reverse alley op dunk rank for him? “It’s a nice one for sure but I would put it in the top 5 maybe 10, because some of the dunks I had were way harder to do compared to this one”, warned Jordan Ratton. But Jordan Ratton is so much more than just a powerful dunker, but has so much more to offer especially on the defensive end.

Anthony Watkins and Brandon Thomas celebrating after beating Frankfurt and staying in the Pro A

Jordan Ratton who lists NBA player Victor Wembanyama as his most difficult opponent so far in his career was born on December 16th, 2001 in Monaco. He began his basketball career with AS Monaco in 2017. He was a really talented kid that also at the same time received invitations to the U-16 and U-18 Monaco youth national teams. He showed that he was a massive talent playing the European Championships (FIBA EuroBasket) U16 Division C in Andorra averaging 13.7ppg, Reb-3 (15.3rpg), 1.2spg, Blocks-3 (2.8bpg), FGP: 46.9%, FT: 24.0% and at the European Championships (FIBA EuroBasket) U18 Division C in Andorra winning the silver averaging 18.2ppg), Reb-3 (13.8rpg), 1.6apg, 2.0spg, Blocks-1 (2.4bpg), FGP: 52.4%, FT: 71.4%. His 5 seasons with the up and coming AS Monaco were memorable. “I remember when I started, I wasn´t talented and all the people wanted me because I was tall and I worked my butt off to make people want me for who I am and not only my size. I think my best memory will be the European championship u18 that I played for Monaco in 2018 which was one of the first steps that made me realize that I could really achieve my goals”, stressed Jordan Ratton. He had the rare opportunity to play for the legendary Sasa Obradovic and it was no surprise that he remembered one of the coache´s biggest attributes most. “I will remember him as a strict coach that was very intense and passionate. He had patience with the young guys even if he was still strict with us”, said Jordan Ratton. His game was able to grow mainly with the day to day battles with top big men like Mathiais Lessort, Elmeden Kikanovic, Donatas Motiejunas, John Brown and Will Thomas just to name a few. He must of felt in awe a bit as there wasn´t just 1 player that impacted him most. “Too be honest we were not that close between pros and young guys but it was very inspiring to be around big names like this so I don’t have one player in mind but they all were a great motivation to try to catch up and play at the same level one day”, warned Jordan Ratton. Every young player is different while some will know exactly who their teammates are while others may just be so locked in with their game that they can´t even understand with just what kind of names they were teammates with guys like ex NBA champion Norris Cole with the Miami Heat and Lebron James and future alltime Euroleague leading scorer Mike James. “I wasn’t realizing the chance I had at that age to have the chance to play around those guys and be on the court in the same team as those guys. The first times I got on the court with the pros will always be great memories”, added Jordan Ratton who lists Lebron James as his GOAT.

The athletic forward who lists Vincent Vermillac (we went through a lot of things growing up together), Roman Tomatis ( He will always be a brother and was an amazing teammate), Anthony Watkins (I know I will be able to count on him at any time as much as he can count on me too), Nicolas Vanel (a young guy who’s still in Monaco working on his game with his career that is going to start) and Jeremy Ngandu (another young guy that was really funny too and motivated)as his 5 best teammates of all-time is one of those rare players that doesn´t jump right away at naming the NBA players that he compares his game to. “I hate comparing myself to other players because I think depending of which aspect of my game you’re watching, you could see different players I try to take the best of a little bit of everybody to be the best version of myself”, warned Jordan Ratton. He is a very athletic player that can score and rebound, but also has other attributes. “My main strength is my mentality. I think this year has been a great proof of it. In terms of basketball skills I would say my defense and my energy”, commented Jordan Ratton. He is also a very talented young defender that wants to be able to make an impact just as much there as on the offensive end. “I think I’m a defender that my teammates can trust. I’m really looking to help them and try to be solid and active. I try my best to be able to play defense at every position because I want to become a defender you can trust no matter who I’m defending or which type of defense were using so that I can really be helpful for my team”, expressed Jordan Ratton. This summer just as everyone else, he will be locked in the lab improving on the areas where he hopes will help him continue to move up the basketball ladder. “I’m working on my ball handling and my shot but also trying to improve my mobility”, expressed Jordan Ratton. He averaged 6,1ppg and 2,4rpg in his second season with the Artland Dragons.

The ex Monaco youth national player who lists Lebron James, Michael Jordan, Kobe Bryant, and Kareem Abdul-Jabbar on his NBA Mount Rushmore and Vasilis Spanoúlis, Guershon Yabusele, Miloš Teodosic, and Mike James on his Euro Mount Rushmore left AS Monaco in 2022 and played with the Merelbeke Hawks (Belgium-Top Division I) averaging 17.3ppg, 8.3rpg, 1.3spg, and in Jan.’23 moved to the Artland Dragons (Germany-ProA) averaging 6.2ppg, 3.5rpg, FGP: 54.4%, FT: 71.1%. He stayed with the Artland Dragons and suffered a tough second season. The team began with a tough 10 game losing streak and from then on had to play catch up basketball. The club came together in the last 2 months to construct an amazing comeback in order to force a do or die game in Frankfurt on the last game day. “The main key was to believe. We repeated that word a lot these last months, the only way to make it happen was to believe that it was possible and we did it because even at the end of the last game when we were losing by 3, we believed and went in overtime in the last seconds to win it at the end. We definitely believed”, warned Jordan Ratton. It was one of his top 3 biggest games in his career so far. The game could have ended with a Frankfurt win had sniper Bruno Vrcic hit the last open shot, but he missed. “I think at the end the last rebounds and the last opportunities to stay in the game and take the lead all of those opportunities happened because we made the extra effort, the extra sprint, the extra box out etc. We knew that we needed to give whatever it takes to win this game. We wanted it and we did the job until the last second. It was not perfect, but the energy and the hustle was there until the end”, said Jordan Ratton. Two teammates that will forever be in his mind were Jake Forrester and Brandon Thomas who impacted him from day 1 until the win in Frankfurt. “It was fun with Jake. We were both trying to take our game to another level so we were pulling each other up. Being one of BT’s teammates was great, he’s a great leader but also a great person always there to help but also always trying to get better even after the great career he had. He keeps working on his game and since day one his work ethic and he’s mindset were so inspiring. I’m glad to have been able to witness it. I learned a lot around him there and is no doubt that it will help me in my career and my life in general”, stressed Jordan Ratton. Another player he also won´t forget was teammate Anthony Watkins who landed on his best teammate list of all-time. A very special bond developed between them. “If I exclude myself I would say Anthony Watkins without a doubt was the most improved player this season. The time he spent in the gym people can’t see that but he is definitely the one who, like me, worked the most to prove that everyone should trust him and that’s why I trusted him the whole year at 100% and he knows he will always have all my respect”, added Jordan Ratton. When I ask a player who the toughest player was that they faced that season, I get an answer 99% of the time, but sometimes I don´t as Jordan Ratton had a fascinating answer. “I really have no names coming to my mind, I never felt that I should really be scared of anyone. I kept focusing on myself and worked as much as I could to be ready to give my best each game”, warned Jordan Ratton. It will be interesting to see where Jordan Ratton´s journey continues to. He has no fear of anyone or trying to get better, because he will continue to grind to become the best version of himself.

Zach Copeland (193-G-1997, college: Illinois St.) is a 26 year old 193cm guard from Berkeley, California that is playing his fourth professional season and first in Germany with Brose Bamberg currently averaging 17,7ppg, 2,6rpg, 4,1apg and 1,4spg. Last season he played with Giorgio Tesi Group Pistoia (Italy-Serie A2) averaging 15.7ppg, 2.7rpg, 2.3apg, 1.1spg, FGP: 50.3%, 3PT: 35.1%, FT: 83.3%. In 2021-2022 he played for Krivbas Kryvyi Rih (Ukraine-Superleague) averaging 14.0ppg, 2.8rpg, 2.4apg, 1.2spg, 2FGP: 46.4%, 3FGP: 33.6%, FT: 90.9%, in Nov.’21 moved to LoKoKo Bisons Loimaa (Finland-Korisliiga) averaging 17.7ppg, 4.3rpg, 3.0apg, 1.4spg, FGP: 47.0%, 3PT: 35.8%, FT: 78.8%. He played his rookie season with Bristol Academy Flyers (United Kingdom-BBL) averaging 9.0ppg, 2.3rpg, 3.2apg, 1.0spg, FGP: 38.1%, 3PT: 25.8%, FT: 93.3%. He began his basketball career at Berkeley high school and then played 2 years at San Francisco City College (JUCO9 averaging 11.7ppg, 3.3rpg, 1.5apg, FGP: 45.8%, 3PT: 42.7%, FT: 79.5%
and in his second season averaged 18.7ppg, 3.8rpg, 3.2apg, 1.8spg, FGP: 49.1%, 3PT: 47.7%, FT: 86.2%. He then played at Illinois State University (NCAA) averaging 9.3ppg, 2.8rpg, 3.0apg, FGP: 37.9%, 3PT: 31.7%, FT: 85.2% and as a senior averaged 14.5ppg, 3.1rpg, 2.7apg, 1.0spg, FGP: 42.7%, 3PT: 38.2%, FT: 78.6%. He spoke to germanhoops.com about basketball.

Thanks Zach for talking to germanhoops.com. Your playing your fourth professional season and first in Germany with Brose Bamberg. How blessed do you feel about playing pro ball? If someone had told you in 2016 while you were playing Juco ball that in 2023 you would be playing in one of Europe’s top leagues what would you have thought?

I feel very fortunate to be able to be playing pro in one of the best leagues in Europe. Without Jesus Christ my lord and savior none of it would be possible. If someone would have told me I would be doing this back in 2016 I would have told them ‘no, I think I’m going to be in the NBA’

After playing in England, Ukraine, Finland and Italy, your now in Germany. What have you appreciated most about the country Germany?
I appreciate the style of play they play with, first off because most teams play off of their guards which fits right into my playing style. Also I appreciate how much people speak english here, haha that is definitely helpful.

It hasn’t been a great season for Brose Bamberg so far, Especially on the defensive end the team has had problems allowing 91 points per game. What will be key to making a turnaround?

The key to making a turn around for our defense to playing better is getting rebounds to finish possessions. We give up way too many offensive rebounds and second chance points to other opponents. Every time we win our defensive rebounds play a huge factor.

What has it been like being teammates with Trey Woodbury? What have you appreciated most about his game?

I love Trey as basketball player on and off the court. Off the court we are super cool he loves to talk about the games and where he can improve, he is a simple guy and does not need much to make him happy. On the court he is great to play with because he takes pressure off me with scoring and I think we really feed off of each other. His game is blessed with many talents, IQ, Shooting, Driving ability, Defense, Passing, and of course he very athletic. I see a lot of similarities in our game and mindset the way we approach the game so it is always refreshing to have a guy like that on your team.

What have you appreciated most about German legend Karsten Tadda? He won countless titles with Bamberg with guys like Darius Miller, Brad Wanamaker, Daniel Theis and PJ Tucker?

Karsten Tadda definitely has a lot of experience in the league and just tries to help me out with being poised in crucial situations or when to calm down because sometimes I’m too hard on myself. He is always being a vocal leader and letting me know the little things to look out for to have an advantage in timeouts and halftime.

You had to pay your dues in your first 2 years overseas but made your breakthrough last season in Italy. How has your game progressed in the last 1.5 years?
I think my game progression has been based off of experience and getting used to the playing style overseas. It is much more physical than in the states. Once you get familiar about what you can and can’t do you start to be more successful.

Your shooting the best from outside since Juco. Have you done anything different this season in terms of reps or shot selection or shooting mechanics?

I have not really done anything drastically different to help my shooting this year. I really like the feel of the BBL basketballs and how they feel when I release. Also I think winning a championship in Italy has played a big part in my success shooting this year because we went so deep into the season. I didn’t get to go home until June 20th and I arrived in Bamberg in August so my summer was short I never took any time off from basketball.

Your 26 years old and not at your prime yet. On want areas of your game are you working on most so you can continue to improve your game?

To improve my game I want to be better as a point guard when coach puts me in that position and making my teammates better along with my scoring. I want to be physically stronger, and I also need to improve my finishing ability at the rim through contact.

Last season you played with Giorgio Tesi Group Pistoia (Italy-Serie A2) averaging 15.7ppg, 2.7rpg, 2.3apg, 1.1spg, FGP: 50.3%, 3PT: 35.1%, FT: 83.3%. You won the A-2 title. What do you believe was so special about this team?

I think my Pistoia team was so special because we had a great balance of guard scoring, inside play, defensive hunger and a great coach who always put us in great positions to be successful. Also we had guys with experience who knows what it takes to win.

Was the Cantu series one of the most incredible basketball experiences in your life? You were down 0-2 and won 3-2 beating Cantu and top player David Logan.

Yes Cantu was by far the best series I have ever been a part of. After we won that series I knew we were going to win it all. We showed that we wanted it more than anybody else in the league.

In 21-22 you split time with Krivbas Kryvyi Rih (Ukraine-Superleague) averaging 14.0ppg, 2.8rpg, 2.4apg, 1.2spg, 2FGP: 46.4%, 3FGP: 33.6%, FT: 90.9%, in Nov.’21 moved to LoKoKo Bisons Loimaa (Finland-Korisliiga) averaging 17.7ppg, 4.3rpg, 3.0apg, 1.4spg, FGP: 47.0%, 3PT: 35.8%, FT: 78.8%. How crazy was this season. You left before the war broke out in the Ukraine. What kind of effect did the war have on you mentally? Knowing when war broke out there were people still there that you knew?

This season was crazy because in Ukraine my coach and I didn’t really see eye to eye with his system. So we agreed that it would be best for me to find another team. At that time I was leaving nobody was really talking about the war. That just shows you God works in mysterious ways because I happened to leave right before the war and I feel very fortunate for that. Mentally it didn’t affect me I was still talking to my teammates making sure they were ok and safe.

You had an insane 46 points against Kyiv Basket. Was that your best overall individual performance in your career? How quickly did you know that you would have an amazing night?

Yes this definitely my best performance of my career so far. I scored 20 points in the first half. Once I hit my first 3 pointer in the 2nd half I knew I had a good chance of having a breakout game

You closed out that season with a bang in Finland and scored 38 points twice. What was your nicest moment in Finland?

Scoring 38 twice was obviously fun haha but my best moment in Finland was feeling accepted by my teammates and coach because I arrived late and they took me in with open arms and for that I am very appreciative.

You played your rookie season for Bristol Academy Flyers (United Kingdom-BBL). What do you remember being your wake up call to being overseas where you knew that you were far away from home?

Honestly I didn’t feel a wake up call the moment I was a rookie I was used to being away from home because I went away for college. The biggest thing you notice overseas is the time difference, you can’t really talk to any of your friends and family like you want.

You only played a few months before getting injured. What do did you learn about yourself in these tough moments?

The biggest thing I learned from being injured was to never take this game for granted. Before I got injured I didn’t take recovery as seriously and I was more arrogant about my talents towards other people instead of being humble. I switched that mindset completely and started enjoying the game more and I think that has been a huge part in my success.

You played at San Francisco City College from 2015-2017. Every guy that I have interviewed that played JUCO have reported that JUCO was tough but an experience they wouldn’t have traded for anything. How was it for you?

For me JUCO was a moment in my life where I realized my life and I go either left or right if I don’t play well. So my mentality was to kill every opponent that stepped in my way. Off the court it was tough to eat and maintain because of money situations and not having time to work because of school and sport, but the struggle definitely made lock in more and work harder.

How do you feel did your game grow in Juco under Justin Labagh?

My game grew under coach Justin after he gave me some important confidence I needed for that season. I had planned on grey shirting at the beginning of my freshman year with him, because in my opinion the team was so good I didn’t think was going to be good enough to play with them. He told me to keep working and don’t worry I would be fine, and he was absolutely correct.

You played at Illinois State University (NCAA) from 2018-2020 averaging 9.3ppg, 2.8rpg, 3.0apg, FGP: 37.9%, 3PT: 31.7%, FT: 85.2% and 14.5ppg, 3.1rpg, 2.7apg, 1.0spg, FGP: 42.7%, 3PT: 38.2%, FT: 78.6% in your last game. How did your game grow in your senior year?

At Illinois State my game grew because I was more locked in and stayed in the gym more. I know I am a naturally skilled player but when I work extra hard and put the time in it shows. Plus I feel like my junior year we should have been in the NCAA tournament. So I wanted to prove to everyone that I was good, and raise my stock for the NBA draft.

How did head coach Dan Muller help groom and prepare you for a professional career?

Muller was very hard on me but in a good way because he made my game efficient. He helped me minimize my mistakes because he put me on a high pedestal. He also helped me with my jump shot form one summer which help me shoot better as well.

Who won a 1-1 in practice you or Keyshawn Evans?

Me for sure I am the 1 on 1 King.

Who was the toughest player that you faced in the NCAA that reached the NBA?

The toughest player I played in college that reached the NBA was Nicolas Claxton.

Please name your 5 best teammates of all-time?

Milik Yarbrough Jalen Canty Jordon Vanardo Elijah Clarence Madison Williams

Please name your personal NBA Mount Rushmore?

Michael Jordan Shaquille O’Neal Steph Curry Kareem Abdul-Jabbar

Who is your GOAT and why?

My GOAT is Michael Jordan because his game and style influenced so many for the game of basketball. He has two 3 peats which will probably never be done again. He has an undefeated record for team USA. He averaged 30ppg for his career. He never lost a championship and he has the best shoes of all time.

Did you see the sequel to the classic Coming To America? Shouldn’t they have left it alone?

I have only seen the first Coming to America and it was great and funny. When I heard a sequel was coming this late I knew I was not going to be that good, yes they should have just left it alone it’s already a classic.

Thanks Zach for the chat.

Shawn Scott is a 28 year old 185cm guard playing his third professional season and first with BG Hagen. Last season he split time with TVO Biggesee / TV Jahn Lindhorst (Germany-Regionalliga) averaging 31.2ppg, 10.4rpg, 6.1apg, 3.6spg, 2FGP: 56.2%, 3FGP: 30.4%, FT: 77.6%, in Jan.’23 moved to BG 2000 Berlin (Germany-Regionalliga) averaging 14.2ppg, 8.1rpg, 4.6apg, 2.4spg, FGP: 53.5%, 3PT: 14.3%, FT: 64.4%. He began his career at Jenks High School and then played 3 seasons at Southwestern Christian University. He teams up with germanhoops.com every week to talk basketball.

Congrats Shawn on reaching the Regionalliga west final. You swept DTV Basketball Koln. Were you a bit surprised of the sweep or was the team 100% locked in?

 Thank you. I wasn’t surprised at all about the sweep. I think we just weren’t willing to accept anything but two wins in a row and we came together and got it done.

You beat them in game 1 96-69. How proud were you of the team to holding them to 8 assists? This was a masterful defensive performance of BG Hagen.

We honestly played probably the best basketball we ever played all season in game 1. Everyone was so dialed in defensively that it was hard for Köln to get out of the hole.

You had a great game with 32 points and even a block only your 5th of the season. How special is it for you to get a block? Especially in a big game?

 I’m not much of a shot blocker at all but if I have the chance I’ll try for it. Not sure if it changed much of the game but I´m proud of the guys defensively as a whole.

BG Hagen won game 2 86-76. Talk a little about the game. Did you control the game or did the guests have chances to win?

 I think we did control the game for the most part but Koln definitely had many runs that we could’ve avoided but at the end of it we knocked down huge shots and made big defensive stops when we needed it to seal the deal.

 It seemed like the guests were stronger, but BG Hagen buckled down on defense. How much did heart play a role in getting this win?

 Our main message before the game was that we didn’t want to play a game 3. This gave us all the motivation we needed to get the win by any means possible.

Now it´s the big showdown against the ETB Miners. BG Hagen split the season series and you had 26 and 30 points. What will be key to getting the title?

We just have to be ultra focused and disciplined and pay attention to what game plan the coaches have for us. We know that defense is going to win us this series and we’re more than up for the challenge and I´m excited for game 1.

Thanks Shawn for the chat.

Miles Schmidt-Scheuber and Deandre Lansdowne in Bonn in 2023

DeAndre Lansdowne (188-G-1989, college: Fort Lewis) is a 34 year old 188cm guard from New Mexico that is playing his 9th professional season and his fifth in Germany and first with the Niners Chemitz. He played at Fort Lewis College (NCAA2) from 2007-2011 and then began his professional career in Mexico. He played in Germany with teams like Herten (Pro B), Hamburg Towers (BBL and Basketball Lowen Braunschweig (BBL). He also gained experience in Italy with Germani Brescia Leonessa and 3 years with SIG Strasbourg. He spoke to germanhoops.com after winning the Fiba Europe Cup.

Thanks Deandre for taking some time for me. Congrats on winning the 2024 Fiba Europe Cup title. It´s your first chip. How did it feel when the buzzer sounded? Was it the best basketball feeling in your life?

It’s such an amazing feeling. It’s so surreal. For days you visualize how it might go, the game, the win, the celebration, even the loss and the feeling of losing. But then when it happens, you did none of those! I just wanted to celebrate with each of my teammates and staff, as well as thank my mom who’s watching over me.

As a guy that had to pay his dues in the pro B with Herten and has experienced so much in his career, what popped up in your mind first after that about your incredible grind in your basketball career?

In the words of KG: ANYTHING IS POSSIBLE! But really, every season I hope to compete for a championship somehow, and to have the opportunity to play one, it’s a blessing, especially on the international stage.

You were in the Pro B with Herten in 2015-2016 when the Fraport Skyliners last won the Fiba Europe Cup as a German team. Do you remember hearing about that win? Would you have ever thought then that one day you might win an international title?

Sadly I didn’t, I was new to Europe basketball so I didn’t follow much going on except Herten.

How vital was playing in the BCL the last 3 seasons? Did the Niners get the best leadership from you that they could possibly get?

Possibly. Those 3 years advancing to the BCL playoffs each year and even to a Final 4 had helped me. But I also was experiencing my first final so I was a bit overwhelmed myself. I think we all taught and learned from one another all year.

The Niners Chemnitz won it in Istanbul. Did you get any shut eye or did the team party until sun rise?

We got to celebrate it just a little. With the team and people part of the club, which I think was even more special, because the club won it just as much of us.

It was such an exciting game and in the fourth it looked like Chemnitz had the title wrapped up, but Bahcesehir came back. Did the Niners get to comfortable in crunch-time?

That’s a good team, they kept fighting! We had many guys in foul trouble, and we were able to escape the well played game by them!

When Weley Van Beck missed that last three pointer, what was going through your mind? Possibly we can´t lose it in OT?

I believed we were in better shape than them. And without all big men, we could maybe increase gameplay speed and hopefully edge them out.

In OT the Turkish team held the momentum early leading by as much as 15 points. Jerry Boutsiele was really annoying. What was so tough to stop him?

Extremely, he’s a good center. He got to the line and got our bigs all out of the game. They really go inside to him, and even in the end he punished us in transition.

The Niners buckled down and got the last stop against Jerry Boutsiele. Talk about the last few seconds. Were you feeling the adrenaline?

Honestly I didn’t even recognize time anymore. The last few minutes I was just playing basketball. Kind of got lost in the game I guess. But I just remember seeing the shot go up, and I knew we had no bigs so I tried to go snatch the board and thankfully Kaza had such a great box out on him that he struggled to even get the rebound and it was the biggest stop of the season!

An interesting side fact. You and Philip Scrubb were both rookies in 2015-2016. He won the Fiba Europe Cup with Frankfurt as a rookie and was back but lost to you. Did you know this? Did you exchange any words after the game?

I did not know this. Cool fact. I do remember in Braunschwieg playing against him in Frankfurt.

Kaza Kajami-Keane was incredible with 29 points. What special words did you have for him after the win? He carried the team to the win.

I just told him he deserved this moment. From the season he had starting off really great and some injuries kept him out for some time, to getting back to playing at his great level again. He’s a HUGE piece to this team´s success and that shouldn’t be anything surprising he did.

The Niners Chemnitz dominated the Fiba Europe Cup like Frankfurt in 2016. How did the club grow that will help them make the next step in the easyCredit BBL playoffs?

Taking it one game at a time! And learning from being the hunters and underdogs to being the hunted! But still being humble and hungry no matter what.

You have played for many coaches but how special is Rodrigo Pastore? He is a coach that could be coaching for more known clubs in the Eurocup or Euroleague, but instead stays faithful to the Niners. What have you learned from him?

Maybe he believes he can bring the Niners to that higher level himself. The club “ trusts in the process”, which is rare these days, and look how it’s paid off! But I’ve learned a lot, and it’s been extremely special to play for him. Everyday he’s learning to get better and grow as a coach, adapting to today’s game and style and I think that’s a special trait!

Your 34 and had a great Fiba Europe Cup season and as usual playing consistently in the BBL. Are you in your prime or where are you now with your game? You seem to be aging nicely with your game?

I don’t know what I’m in. I just try to take care of my body best I can to be able to help the team every game. I try to watch as much basketball and talk to as many guys and absorb as much information. Transitioning to PG has been really fun, because deep down I always think I was mentally a point guard. But it’s something I take serious trying to always learn game to game, defense to defense. But Rodrigo has given me the keys to the car, I’m just trying to do my best leading it to the right place. I couldn’t be this player today without my teammates and the coaching staff and the Physio/medical staff.

How excited are you for the end of the BBL season. Will you be able to heighten your game a tad more to possibly win the double?

Well not about heightening, just about adapting, teams will take away your strengths, and it’s about how to counter or punish them in different ways, adapting on the fly I would call it. We have to be very disciplined as a team defensively and confident on offense, and all that start with me, my vocalness, my body language and energy from the tip ball.

Who was the toughest player that you battled in the Basketball Champions League (FIBA EUROPE CUP) this season?

I think I would have to say Oliver Hanlen or Tyler Cavanaugh in the finals. Those are some tough skilled players.

Thanks Deandre for the chat.

Kelvin Omojola (183-G-1997, college: Northwest) is a 27 year old 183cm point guard playing his third professional season and third in Germany and first with the Dragons Rhondorf. Last season he played with PS Karlsruhe (Pro A) averaging 3,1ppg and as a rookie played with the Ahorn Camp BIS Baskets Speyer (Germany-ProB) averaging 15.3ppg, 2.7rpg, 3.3apg, 1.7spg, FGP: 43.4%, 3PT: 37.3%, FT: 71.8%. He began his basketball career at Green Valley high school and then played at Red Deer (JUCO), Benedict College (NCAA2) averaging 9.1ppg, 2.1rpg, 1.2apg, 1.0spg, FGP: 38.6%, 3PT: 33.0%, FT: 66.7% and Northwest University (NAIA) averaging 7.4ppg, 1.9rpg, 1.7apg, FGP: 36.4%, 3PT: 36.1%, FT: 62.1% and 13.7ppg, 4.7rpg, 3.2apg, 1.3spg, FGP: 55.4%, 3PT: 54.2%, FT: 87.5%. He spoke to germanhoops after the game 2 loss in Wolmirstedt.

The Dragons Rhondorf suffered a tough 90-73 loss in game 2 in Wolmirstedt. How big was the desire to win this game and close out the series. What is your summary for the 40 minutes?

It was huge. We always want to win each game. The first half was even. In the second half our energy was ok, but theirs was better. They did a good job capitalizing on it and getting the win.

The first quarter had ups and downs, but Ferenc Gille carried the team late for the 20-14 lead. Could the game already gone in a totally different direction had Gille not been that present early?

It could of. He had a great game. His energy and impact was huge for us. We needed him. If we could of matched his intensity the game definitely could of gone a different way.

At half-time the game was deadlocked at 41-41. Bill Borekambi had had a good game in game 1 and as usual showed his walking buckets qualities. What makes him so difficult to contain?

He is a good player. He is really unorthodox and his team tries to find him. He plays hard and always tries to take advantage of every opportunity. We have to do a better job of matching his intensity in order to contain him better

The SBB Baskets Wolmirstedt led 69-59 after 30 minutes. The Dragons were close for the most part, but let up in the last minutes. What was key in the last minutes for Wolmirstedt to be able to lead by double digits?

It was a series of things. I turned over the ball. It was the little things. We couldn´t get stops and they built momentum. Little by little they were able to build the lead up.

In the fourth quarter the Dragons Rhondorf had to play catch up basketball and couldn´t get over the hump. How would you describe the defensive effort of the team in this phase?

It was too little too late. We tried to make a last push. We have to do a better job on 1-1 defense and help defense. We didn´t defend at the level that we normally do.

Gille and Sullivan combined for 39/22. Still the Dragons were pounded on the boards. Did the team feel too confident with the duo on the boards that the rest forgot to help out?

They are elite players at this level. We have to do a better job boxing out and helping out. We know that they are elite, but we can´t rely on them to do all the work on the boards. They got 22 rebounds, but that won´t be enough to win.

The Dragon Rhondorf also didn´t shoot great. What adjustments did Wolmirstedt make on the defensive end?

No not necessarily. I felt we had good looks just like in game 1, but they didn´t fall. We have to make those shots. Coach always tells us to shoot with confidence. We aren´t worried about our shooting and will be ready in game 3.

The free throws and rebounding hurt Rhondorf. What will be key in game 3 to getting to the next round?

Playing with more effort and energy will be foremost. We have to play our game speeding it up and playing good defense and rebounding the ball the way we can. When we do that then our offense will follow. We will be ready to play.

I know the focus is on game 3, but surprising was Berlin 2000´s sweep of Leverkusen?

It was surprising that Leverkusen was swept. In this league anyone can win. You have to give Berlin a lot of credit. They haven´t lost a game yet and are a great team.

Thanks Kelvin for the chat.

For some teams the last game day of the regular season is that last opportunity to go out in style as usually it means nothing in the standings. However on the last game day in Frankfurt, the season stakes were massive for both the Fraport Skyliners and Artland Dragons. They were fighting for the second spot with Giessen while the Artland Dragons thanks to a good ending spurt where they had played above 500 for 2 months had a chance to stay in the league. For both teams the outcome was massive, but obviously greater for the Artland Dragons. A little extra treat on the side was that Skyliner fans could witness one of the last great dinos from the easyCredit BBL Brandon Thomas (198-SF-1984, college: UMass, agency: Interperformances) play again as he was only a few months shy of his 40th birthday. One never knows how long guys like that will play again. On a rather cool late April spring day Brandon Thomas strolled into the Skyliners living room and literally left everything on the floor leading the Artland Dragons to the incredible 95-91 OT win keeping the Artland Dragons in the Pro A. It was a battle for 45 minutes where at the end it came down to a last shot that hot shooter Bruno Vrcic missed. “This game was tiring and it was a hard fought game where both teams wanted to win badly. I´m so proud of how the team played. Nobody gave up. It was very tough coming into here playing the second best team to stay in the league. Nobody expected it. I will never forget this game”, warned Artland Dragon Brandon Thomas. For the Fraport Skyliners, the absolutely worst happened as they fell from second place to fourth place in the standing and have a date with Jena and possibly Trier waiting in the semi finals. This loss could be a sour memory in a few weeks for the team. “We weren´t able to keep up the intensity on the boards. We gave up too many easy baskets and allowed Brandon Thomas to get hot which carried over to the team. We also let their bigs dominate”, stressed Fraport Skyliner center Ife Ajayi.

kevin Mcclain to the rim

3,400 fans arrived in the Skyliners living room with also quite a few Dragons fans from Quackenbruck. The Fraport Skyliners came out with massive intensity at both ends taking the 6-2 lead. Canadian David Muenkat and German Jacob Knauf led the charge with dunks and Canadian Aiden Warnholtz scored on transition. That basketball is a game of runs is no secret as Artland struck back with a 9-2 run as they got good energy from 17 year veteran Brandon Thomas with 5 points while ex Temple (NCAA) center Jake Forrester made a dunk and Tennessee native Anthony Watkins made a 20 footer for the 11-9 lead. Frankfurt came back with great energy from the bench from Bruno Vrcic as he scored 5 points including a trey and Knauf continued to get great position finishing another dunk for the 19-15 lead. Frankfurt had a good rhythm on offense and got another three pointer this time from German Jordan Samare while Ajayi made a lay in for the 24-21 lead. Cam Henry was spectacular in this phase making a monster block and steal and setting up Ajayi on his score with the perfect lob pass. However Frankfurt couldn´t keep the momentum as Artland closed out the first quarter with a 4-0 run. The Dragons bigs Aaron Kayser and Forester made easy baskets as Frankfurt had massive problems keeping the zone closed off as Frankfurt had the tight 24-21 lead. The Fraport Skyliners shotb67% from the field and 67% from outside and had 6 rebounds and 4 turnovers while the Artland Dragons shot 63% from the field and 25% from outside and had 6 rebounds and 3 turnovers.

Janis Hundt at the FT line

In the second quarter the game remained close in the first minutes, but the Artland Dragons calmed down their offense more and were able to stretch their lead to 12 points by the break. The big change in the Dragons offense occurred with point guard Nikolaos Chouchoumis who did a superb job leading the offense. He found his spots early scoring twice and Watkins hit a trey while Frankfurt got buckets from Ajayi and a trey by ex Belmont (NCAA) guard Kevin Mcclain to tie the game at 30-30. The Artland Dragons continued to execute well and in between made big plays for the highlight reel as Jordan Ratton made an incredible reverse alley oop dunk and lay in and Watkins and Forrester also connected as the guests led 38-32. Frankfurt kept fighting and got baskets from Mcclain and Justin Onyejiaka to trail 38-36, but Artland always had answers as Frankfurt couldn´t get stops. The Artland Dragons heightened their offense as their ball movement was good and just got great bench support. Watkins who played in the German Regionalliga a few years ago demonstrated that he is a fine Pro A player adding 5 more points. The kid was always in attack mode and was just solid in finding his spots. It also didn´t help Frankfurt´s cause that ex Randolph-Macon (NCAA3) guard Buzz Anthony hit a buzzer beater three to take the Dragons into half-time with the 52-40 lead. “I had a feeling that shot would go in. He was wide open and in rhythm. Plus He is a great shooter”, smiled Brandon Thomas. The Artland Dragons shot 67% from the field and 33% from the three point line and had 15 rebounds and 5 turnovers while the Fraport Skyliners shot 55% from the field and 43% from the three point line and had 15 rebounds and 5 turnovers. “The bench was huge. Ratton, Hunt and Watkins all stepped up. Every guy did their part. Our success in the second quarter wouldn´t have been possible without one guy”, commented Brandon Thomas.

David Muenkat at the FT line

In the third quarter the Artland Dragons were able to increase their lead to 15 points, but then came the giant Bruno Vrcic show as he went crazy leading the Fraport Skyliners back within 4 points with his hot shooting. Jake Forrester got Artland on the board first with another lay in as his athleticism combined with his physicality got him into good position time in and time out again for easy baskets. Frankfurt punched back with a swift 5-0 run as Warnholtz added a trey and Vrcic a lay in as Frankfurt trailed 54-45. Frankfurt just couldn´t keep a good offensive rhythm as the Dragons poured on their offense again with a Hund lay in and Thomas three pointer to lead 60-45. Frankfurt never gave up, but came back in brutal fashion showing their offensive capabilities with a 13-0 run as Bruno Vrcic added 8 points on 2 three´s while Coplin made a circus shot and off balance shot to trail 60-58. Chouchoumis then nailed a clutch three pointer to quiet the Skyliners living room for the 63-58 advantage. Frankfurt closed out the third quarter with a mini 4-0 run as ex TV Langen center Marco Voeller hit a runner and Ajayi a dunk catching the perfect touch down pass from Voeller to trail 63-62. “Vrcic was huge for them. He just came off an injury and showed how good of a player he is. I remember when he was younger and now he is still a talent and can still get better”, warned Brandon Thomas. “Vrcic stepped up when we needed him most. It was unfortunate that he couldn´t make the shot at the end. I´m proud of how he played. I´m sorry we couldn´t rally with his shooting”, stated Ife Ajayi. The Artland Dragons shot 57% from the field and 36% from the parking lot and had 24 rebounds and 14 turnovers while the Fraport Skyliners shot 49% from the field and 38% from the parking lot and had 23 rebounds and 12 turnovers.

Buzz Anthony from outside

The fourth quarter was a real battle as one could see that both teams wanted it badly. It looked like the Fraport Skyliners might pull it out, but in the last 2 possessions it was the hot shooting of Brandon Thomas that brought the game into overtime. Thomas hit a three pointer early for the 66-63 Dragons lead. Frankfurt kept chipping away getting a Knauf basket and free throws by Onyejiaka to tie the game at 68-68. The teams would trade leads as Frankfurt relied on their hot three point shooting while the Artland Dragons continued feeding their bigs as Ratton scored twice including a dunk. Frankfurt got three´s from Coplin, Henry and Vrcic for the 81-77 lead as Frankfurt had the momentum with 53 seconds to remaining. But then came the Brandon Thomas show as he drilled home a trey to trail 81-80. Cam Henry was aggressive getting inside for a lay in, but once again it was Thomas again taking over leading the Dragons into overtime with another trey to dead lock the contest at 83-83. “I told the guys that I would take the last shots. Coach put me in for a reason. I had to take responsibility. I´m thankful I made the shots”, smiled Brandon Thomas. “Offensive rebounds killed us. We couldn´t stop their pick and roll or penetration”, warned Ife Ajayi. In the overtime period the Artland Dragons got on the board first and would control the 5 minutes as Frankfurt always had to play catch up. Ex Monaco center Jordan Ratton was key as he kept attacking the paint and scored with an old school hook shot and then wooed the fans with a massive alley oop dunk for the 91-87 lead. “I see Jordan make dunks every day. He is so strong, fast and can jump. He reminds me of when I was younger in that he is always working to get better. I have seen so much improvement and that adds to the pride”, said Brandon Thomas. Frankfurt got a vital tip in by Cam Henry with 33 seconds to tie the game at 91-91. Anthony and Ratton free throws gave Artland the 93-91 lead with 25 seconds to paly. Vrcic missed an open three pointer with 5 seconds remaining and Buzz Anthony sealed the win with free throws. “Vrcic could of ended the game. But basketball sometimes is all about luck. We were the luckier team”, stated Brandon Thomas. “We were unable to get easy baskets and their offensive rebounds and crucial shots got them the win”, added Ife Ajayi. The Artland Dragons were led by Brandon Thomas with 19 points while Jake Forrester had 17 points while the Fraport Skyliners were led by Bruno Vrcic with 18 points. The Artland Dragons shot 55% from the field and 42% from outside and had 34 rebounds and 16 turnovers while the Fraport Skyliners shot 43% from the field and 36% from outside and had 35 rebounds and 12 turnovers.