Hilmar Henningsson (195-G-2000) is a 24 year old 195cm guard form Iceland that is playing his first season in Germany for Pro A team Eisbaren Bremerhaven currently averaging 12,8ppg, 2,6rpg and 2,1apg. He began his basketball career with Haukar Hafnarfjordur where he palyed 4 seasons. He also played 2 seasons for Valencia Baskets Second Team (EBA: He also played a season with Stjarnan in Iceland. The ex youth Icelandic national player spoke to germanhoops.com about basketball.

Thanks Hilmar for talking to germanhoops.com. Congrats on signing with the Eisbaeren Bremerhaven. Your 24 and have much experience in Iceland, national team and Spain. How excited are you for a new challenge?

I’m very excited for sure. I had some good talks with coach Key over the summer and everything he said matched the things I was looking for as a next step in my career.

What do you know in general about the country Germany and it´s basketball? Some Icelandic players have played in Germany over the years like Jon Axel Gudmundsson.

I don’t know a lot about the country as of how it is to live there but everyone I have talked to has really liked living there so I’m not stressed at all and I’m sure I will fit in to their culture pretty easily.

The German Pro A is a very challenging league. How confident are you that you can be an impact player?

Very confident. I know I have what it takes to make an impact for our team this season, I think I am in a good spot on the team so that I will be able to play my game naturally.

You played many years in Iceland´s first division. Is it fair to say that this league is on the rise? Has the quality of Americans grown?

For sure. I think the Icelandic league is pretty underrated with both the quality of Icelandic players that have come out of that league and also the quality of foreign players that come to Iceland.

Let´s talk a little about your game. You’re a 195cm guard/forward. If you had to compare your game to a NBA player who would best fit the description?

I would probably say Devin Booker. The way he can both shoot the ball and attack the rim is something I pride my game on.

You can fill the stat sheet with ease. How important is versatility in your game?

Versatility is very important for me. You never know what each game will have in store for you, sometimes the points come to you naturally and other games the pass to the next player is a better decision, I’m not one to look to fill up the stat sheet I just try to be aggressive and see where that leads me every game.

Your three pointer continues to be a work in progress. How focused have you been in making this ability in your game more present?

Shooting is very important especially in today´s game, I’m confident in my shot but I think the combo of having a good shot and also the ability to get to the rim can be very hard to guard.

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

I’m a good defender now but I want to become a great defender.

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

I work on a lot of different stuff. I never just focus on one thing at a time, that makes training fun and different everyday.

You began your career with Haukar Hafnarfjordur (Subway League) and after 3 years away returned last season averaging 19.3ppg, 5.0rpg, 4.6apg, 1.3spg, FGP: 51.2%, 3PT: 33.8%, FT: 79.1%. How did your game grow in the last years?

For sure my game grew a lot, my body got more ready and mature of course, I became more explosive, quicker and more versatile.

How tough was losing the playoffs series against Thorl Thorl? You were up 2-1 and lost 3-2 including game 5 95-93 where you produced 23 points. What will you always remember from this dramatic series?

It was very tough for sure, we believed we were the better team and to lose it the way we did was heartbreaking, this is just something you learn from and take as a lesson. Playing in front of a packed gym with people standing the whole game because there were no more seats was a great feeling.

Last season you played with Stjarnan (Subway League) averaging 12.4ppg, 4.7rpg, 3.6apg, 1.1spg, FGP: 45.7%, 3PT: 31.8%, FT: 71.6%. You won the Icelandic Cup. What memories will you always have from the cup title and what was special about that team?

It´s always a good feeling to accomplish something like winning the cup and I was really happy to be a part of the group that year, the whole group just got on well with each other so when we were able to translate that onto the court as well it was very hard to stop us.

Your teammates Robert Turner was one of those exceptional Americans. Did you have many wow memories with his game?

Rob is a phenomenal player and can create a shot out of absolutely nothing. His confidence and aura on the court was always pretty special to me.

After beginning your career with Haukar Hafnarfjordur (Dominos League) you spent 2 seasons with Valencia Basket Second team playing in their fourth division called EBA. How valuable were these 2 years having to deal with Covid and playing in Spain?

Very valuable, I was pretty young at this point and I got to train 2 or 3 times a day for two years straight in one of the best clubs in Europe so it is something that I will always treasure.

Were you able to practice with ACB team Valencia? At that time Martin Hermannsson was on the team. Is he one of those guys that has helped you over the years when possible like a mentor?

Yes every of season and when they had injuries I would practice with them. Martin funnily enough is my cousin so yes he has helped me a lot over the years with some bigger decisions and just overall getting pointers and opinion from him is very special to me.

You exploded for 43 points against against Puerto Sagunto. Was that one of your best games as a professional? You shot 16/19 from the field.

No I don’t think so, the level in EBA was not the best so I don’t consider that to be one of my best performances even though it is a memory I will never forget.

You began your career with Haukar Hafnarfjordur (Dominos League) and broke out in 2018-2019. How key was head coach Ivan Asgrimsson in your early basketball development?

Ivan had a big part, even before that he used to coach me in the youth teams of the club so I spent a lot of time under his coaching and he gave me the space and opportunity to have a big role at a young age and let me make mistakes and learn from them and I will always be grateful to him for that.

You were a very consistent youth national player. How important was this time for your overall basketball development. What part of your game grew most?

Very important. At a young age in Iceland not a lot of coaches from other countries will look at your games but the national team was an opportunity for me and my teammates to be seen on a bigger scale.

Who is the toughest player that you have ever faced that reached the NBA?

Deni Avdija

Please name your personal NBA Mount Rushmore?

Stephen Curry Kobe Bryant Michael Jordan Steve Nash Lebron James

Who is your GOAT and why?

MJ right now but I think I can’t even deny it will be Lebron James when he retires. Undeniable!!

Thanks Hillmar for the chat.

Sometimes something happens in a player´s career that isn´t necessarily a positive thing at the start, but over time it can become a serious blessing in disguise. That is exactly what happened to talented forward Delante Jones (195-SG-1995, college: Seattle). I get the opportunity to interview the new EPG Baskets Koblenz pro A player and a question I love to ask is what was the first eatery that you visited after a season overseas. What many overseas don´t understand is despite their being great food in every country, there is nothing like momma´s home cooking or visiting one of the many fast food restaurants. I mean American ballers can only get so much of Mcdonalds and Burger King that are as rampant overseas as Nordsee is in Germany. I was shocked when he told me he still hadn´t been to the well liked Chick-fil-a a place that ballers like Kyle Hines, Tyler Cheese, Justin Alston and Shaun Willett like to visit when they return home, because he was still in Germany weeks after his last game to end the season. I mean what American still hangs around in Europe after the season is over. Of course many will go on vacation and visit exotic places like Rome or Barcelona, but he was still in the small Tuebingen not necessarily a household name in Europe. Sometimes you begin to really like a place when you had success and had good experiences there. He went from a losing culture in Schwenningen to a winning culture with the Tigers. It was like night and day. “It was a new world. The practices with the Tigers were much more intense and precise. We had a clear goal with the Tigers and we worked very hard to execute that goal. Every practice was a challenge, but my teammates were amazing and helped me whenever I needed it along the way”, remembered Delante Jones. Even if he didn´t get the massive minutes he was used to in Tuebingen as they were shaved down from 30-16, the whole experience in his 4 months are one that could pay huge dividends for his further career. “One of the advantages to playing 30 minutes is the confidence it gives you. Finding a rhythm in that much time is easy. I was able to really focus on helping the team with the little things. Extra energy on the court. I loved the challenge of defending and winning my match-up and executing our scheme. I had one of my career best rebounding games in Tübingen. I was very happy about moments like that and I will keep building on them. I just fell in love with doing whatever it took to get wins for our club. Offensively, I was efficient but it came naturally. The offense created a lot advantages for me that I was able to take advantage of. My teammates and I always made the extra pass and the ball tends to find the open guy. So I just played naturally, didn’t force anything, and I was able to play well”, stressed Delante Jones. He also profited big time from influential teacher and up and coming coach Danny Jansson. “Danny is brimming with basketball knowledge. I tried to be a sponge. I picked up a ton of different concepts offensively and defensively. Danny introduced me to Bilbao action, for example. Danny also recommended I watch “Game Changer”. I switched to a plant based diet after that and saw immediate gains in my performance. I’ll keep with it the rest of my career and expect the change to take me to another level”, warned Delante Jones. Tuebingen could have unraveled to have been a career changing moment as he joined the EPG Baskets Koblenz, but injury halted his season after only 2 games.

Delante Jones who lists Ben Simmons as his toughest opponent ever and remembers him playing center and being dominant in the first half, but in the second half played point guard and blew the game wide open was born on August 25th, 1995 in Fairfax, Virginia. He grew up in Lynchburg, Virginia and attended Virginia Episcopal School. He then began his NCAA career at the American University and played a total of 60 games in 2 seasons between 2015-2017. In his freshman season he averaged 12.0ppg, 3.6rpg, 1.8apg, FGP: 46.4%, 3PT: 36.8%, FT: 69.8% and in his second season averaged 11.5ppg, 3.4rpg, 1.8apg, FGP: 44.8%, 3PT: 33.9%, FT: 68.5%. He demonstrated his consistency and scored in double figures in 41 games. Some of his best scoring games included netting back to back 23 point games in wins over Navy and Lafayette. “ My fondest moment was probably beating Bucknell at home that year. They were the best team in our league and they had a respected SG I matched up against. Bucknell also recruited me pretty hard out of high school, so it had that extra meaning for me. I think I finished with 18 points that night and it felt great to beat a quality opponent and some familiar faces on our home court”, said Delante Jones. He picked up some awards including All-Patriot League Rookie of the Year -2016 and Patriot League All-Rookie Team -2016. He then decided for a change and transferred to Seattle University having to sit out his first season due to transfer rules and then finishing in 2020. He had a marvelous junior season averaging 11.9ppg, 3.0rpg, 1.2apg, FGP: 43.2%, 3PT: 34.2%, FT: 77.9%, but had a less than spectacular senior season where Covid ended his season and he averaged only 7.2ppg, 2.0rpg, FGP: 40.9%, 3PT: 36.8%, FT: 76.9%. It wasn´t an easy senior year with Covid and his minutes being shaved down to 9 less. “It was tough for sure. We had a good team and felt we could win our league. None of the 6 seniors got to walk the stage or anything like that. It carried over to the next season for me. I wasn’t able to find a job and spent the whole year at home. That was my toughest year of my career. I felt capable but my coach lost confidence in some parts of my game. He felt as though I could help the team most as a corner 3 point specialist. I had tough time adjusting my game to that role and it showed. It caused me to grow a lot as a person and as a player”, stated Delante Jones. He played a total of 55 games for Seattle and scored in double figures in 28 games including exploding for 26 points in a win over Omaha and 19 points against GCU. He was able to grow as a player mainly through the guidance from head coach Jim Hayford. “He really valued shooting. He made all of us be accountable for making 300-500 shots per day. He also was very analytical and didn’t hesitate to point out where you were statistically great and statistically poor. I think this helped me evaluate my game through a different lens and find more ways to improve”, remembered Delante Jones who remembers beating Mattia Da Campo more in 1-1, but lost their last match decisively which accelerated his development and he really honed in on his game even harder after that monumental experience.

The explosive scorer who names Bryant Crawford, Jon Davis, Terrell Brown Jr, Myles Carter, and Ibrahim Sylla as his 5 best teammates of all-time began his rookie season in Lithuania with BC Silute (Lithuania-NKL) and needed little adjustment time on the court as he averaged 17.6ppg, 3.5rpg, 1.7apg, 1.3spg, FGP: 55.8%, 3PT-3 (44.5%), FT: 80.5%. For Americans coming overseas, it isn´t always easy to adjust to everything and he found out that the training methods do vary from place to place. “Lithuania and America are vastly different. Early in the preseason I got a wake up call.. We spent a few hours running through the woods. That was a new one”, commented Delante Jones. He also got his first introduction to how fierce playoff series can be overseas losing a tough 5 game series against LSU-Atletas where he averaged 15/4/2 stats. “That series showed me how intense and competitive professional playoff games are. How important fighting for every inch is at that time of the season. One loss can cost you your season. You have to be ready to seize the moment”, expressed Delante Jones. He scored in double figures in 30 of 37 games and scored 20 points or more 12 times including 2 explosions of 42 points against Gargzdu and 38 points against Vilkaviskis. He couldn´t have picked a better place to begin his professional career. “I loved the energy and spirit Lithuania as a whole has for basketball. Outside courts are everywhere and they’re never empty. New have trouble finding a pick up game. I made it to Zalgiris and Neptunas games often, they were electric. My teammates were great, and we were close knit”, added Delante Jones who feels the classic Coming To America flick with Eddie Murphy should have been left alone..

The Virginia native who names Lebron James, Kobe Bryant, Michael Jordan, Shaquille O Neal, and Steph Curry on his personal NBA Mount Rushmore went to Austria in his second season, but had a short stay with BK IMMOunited Dukes Klosterneuburg staying only a few months and playing 3 games, but he did take positives from the experience. “Chris O’Shea helped me get better at reading screens going left and making left hand passes to shooters. Great shooting drills as well. I also made some lasting relationships during my time there”, said Delante Jones. It didn´t take him long to get a new gig as he came to Germany and joined the wiha Panthers Schwenningen (Germany-ProA) playing 10 games averaging 16.8ppg, 3.5rpg, 2.1apg, 2FGP: 48.6%, 3FGP: 48.9%, FT: 76.2%. The team had problems winning and went 4-6 in his time. He had a great win against Duesseldorf netting 27 points and a tough 3 point loss to Bochum scoring 24 points. “ During my time there, we really came together as a team and we’re able to turn things around. I just came in and tried to help bring intensity to practice and work hard. In the game I just played freely and with confidence and we were able to scrape out a couple wins. I learned to never be too high and never be too low, seasons are long and things can turn in your favor quickly. The assistant coach there, Saša Nadjfeji, showed me how to use body fakes and head fakes in the paint to create advantages and other footwork”, stressed Delante Jones. Now he is ready for the next massive challenge with new Pro A team EPG Baskets Koblenz. It is no surprise that he would sign with an ambitious team like that. I mean how can you not feel comfortable listening to Pat Elzie talk? “! Our conversations went well, and I definitely felt there was an immediate connection. I was impressed by his coaching experience. Coach Elzie has been promoted on 8 different occasions throughout Germany! Incredible. I am very excited to learn from and play for him. They want to move to the BBL and have the recourses to do it. They had a historic season last year setting several league records. They have a winning mindset and I wanted to be a part of that kind of organization”, commented Delante Jones.

So what kind of player could the EPG Baskets have seen from Delante Jones? The ex NCAA player who sees Jordan as having had the greatest career, and Lebron as being the greatest player ever is a 196cm guard who has pieces in his game from players like Tyler Herro, Tyrese Halliburton, Dejounte Murray and Austin Reaves. “ I think I am a solid defender. I enjoy playing defense and can be a tough match up for opposing players with my blend of length, strength and foot speed. I think my ability and mindset to make the right play and not just the play for myself really helps me to be able to be a dynamic offensive force. I take pride in studying the game and my opponent and I think this preparedness helps me to make plays that ultimately win games”, warned Delante Jones. He was a solid three point shooter in the NCAA, but has really upped his shooting percentages as a pro eclipsing the 40% mark a few times. “I really worked on improving my ability to shoot off the dribble. In college I shot a lot of catch and shoot 3s, but not off the dribble. Being able to have the confidence to shoot off of ball screens, step backs, and other separation moves really opened up the floor for me and has allowed me to find more comfortable shots”, stated Delante Jones. But the versatile player is so much more than just an offensive force, but is a two way player. “Now I am a guy who enjoys defending and competes on defense every possession. I also want to continue to improve and be able to get through every single screen. Last but certainly not least, rebounding. In Tubingen I was able to find myself as a rebounder. Now that I know what that tastes like, my goal is to average 6 rebounds per game over a season”, warned Delante Jones. He came to Koblenz in tip top shape. “I focused on my body. Adding muscle. I’m focused on my nutrition as I mentioned earlier. I think I will come back in the best shape of my career. Skill-wise, I am focused on finishing moves. Finishing with my left hand and passing with my left hand. I am also working on my low post game to take advantage of matchups with smaller guards. And, working on some dribble moves to help me efficiently get downhill”, warned Delante Jones. This player is the real deal and could have been a key player for Pat Elzie. I remember sitting next to EPG Baskets Koblenz CEO Thomas Klein at the final game in Koblenz against Rasta Vechta and he was telling me to be excited about what American they would soon sign. Now I know he was talking about Delante Jones. He definitely wasn´t kidding. It´s just too bad that EPG Baskets fans could only see 2 games of his talent. But I´m sure when he returns to 100%, then he will make up for lost time and dazzle everyone with his impressive game.

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DJ Woodmore (190-SG-1992, college: VWU) is a 31 year old 190cm point guard that is playing his ninth professional season and 7th with the Ahorn Camp Bis Baskets Speyer. Last season with Speyer he averaged 16.3ppg, 5.3rpg, 3.1apg, 1.8spg, FGP: 52.0%, 3PT: 36.5%, FT: 86.6% and the season before 15.5ppg, 6.3rpg, 3.0apg, 1.3spg, FGP: 55.8%, 3PT: 43.3%, FT: 81.0%. In the 2020-2021 season with the EPG Baskets Koblenz he averaged 13,3ppg, 6,0rpg, 4,3apf and 1,3spg. In 2019-2020 with the Morgenstern BIS Basket Speyer (Germany-ProB) he played 21 games averaging 15.1ppg, 4.4rpg, 2.3apg, 1.0spg, FGP: 60.0%, 3PT-2 (50.0%), FT: 87.3%. In 2018-2019 13.8ppg, 4.5rpg, 2.8apg, 1.3spg, FGP: 60.2%, 3PT: 36.5%, FT: 71.6%. In his first two seasons with Speyer he averaged 14.5ppg, 5.2rpg, 2.3apg, FGP: 44.6%, 3PT: 40.1%, FT: 72.1% and 17.5ppg, 7.0rpg, 3.4apg, 1.3spg, FGP: 47.5%, 3PT: 33.0%, FT: 76.4%. he played at Virginia Wesleyan College (NCAA3): from 2010-2014 and as a senior played 31 games averaging 20.1ppg, 5.9rpg, 2.4apg, 1.5spg, FGP: 50.3% (219/435), 3Pts: 46.0% (91/198), FT: 76.9% (93/121). He spoke to germanhoops.com after achieving a career high 40 points against Ludwigsburg.

Congrats DJ on the big 90-74 win in Ludwigsburg. When you entered the Nordhalle, did it feel like anormal day or did you feel something special could happen?

Thank you, we really needed that win!! But no I didn’t think it would be anything special. Just extremely focused on playing better than I did last week.

After 2 tough and close loses to Frankfurt were you extra motivated to play in Ludwigsburg? Did you have something extra special in your pre game meal?

Absolutely. Felt like we let two games against Frankfurt get away from us. Could of made some better plays down the stretch. But nothing different in the pregame meal, just better rested and it’s always easier to prepare at home.

Especially the last game in Frankfurt wasn´t only a tough loss, but you shot only 3/10. Did you put up extra shots last week to be best prepared for Ludwigsburg?

Yes! I was pissed off for days after the last performance. Just felt like I could have done more to prepare myself. And if I didn’t struggle shooting so much, we could have came out last week with the win. It was definitely a different approach this weekend.

You hit 2 three´s early in the first quarter. Did you sense that maybe it could be a special shooting day for you?

It wasn’t until the 3rd three that I felt like it was a good shooting day. And a couple midrange pull-ups. Felt like I was making all the right decisions even when I didn’t shoot the ball. Plus my teammates running stuff and looking for me early made it easy.

Speyer led 21-6 after 10 minutes. Was that the best quarter this season for the team?

I think so, pretty sure we had a couple good ones earlier this season. But that one felt like we were shooting the ball well plus the defense was working perfectly. Only had one breakdown the entire quarter if I remember correctly.

Speyer had the commanding 50-26 lead after 20 minutes. Your play and shooting was high and did you feel in the zone by the break?

Yes. I was locked in the entire 40 minutes. I found myself making sure I stayed aggressive the whole game because I typically stop being so aggressive when we have a bigger lead. Didn’t want that to be the case this time.

The team led by more than 20 points after 3 quarters. How does it feel to playmake when seemingly everything you touch goes in? You have always been an unselfish player, but when shots are falling does one have more of an urge to just keep shooting?

Crazy feeling knowing that everything and every decision was working. Like I said, usually after a big lead like that, I would look to get others more touches but they kept looking for me. But it felt different, because even though we were up big, it never felt like Ludwigsburg was out of the game. Felt competitive for the first 35 minutes.

Was this one of the more complete Speyer games of the season? What did you appreciate most by the team play?

Yess probably our best complete game all year besides Breitengussbach on the road. 40 Minutess of focus is what it takes to win in this league. When we have it, we’re hard to beat. But I really appreciate the love and unselfishness from everybody on the team, on the bench, or on the court. Feels like they’ve been pushing for me to have a game like this all season and wanted to see me get to 40.

You finished with 40 points. What does this achievement mean for you personally?

Definitely one of the best feelings I’ve ever had on a basketball court. Never reached 40 in my life. And To do it at home, with family and friends watching was amazing.

You shot at a high clip. How will you go through this week in preparation for the next game. Obviously the self confidence is very high, but does one have that feeling that anything you touch goes in?

Same approach this week in practice. Make sure I get some extra shots up and stay locked in. I’m sure I won’t get those same open shots anymore all season, so I got to find other ways to score a bit. Fellbach will be difficult but if we can start strong again and stay consistent, we’ll be fine.

Do you have to take the team out to dinner for your great game or will they treat you in some way?

Haven’t discussed it yet. But I’m down for whatever. I would love to celebrate in some way with the guys. They deserve it just as much as I do!!

Is it fair to say that this was your best game in your pro career or was there a better one in your opinion?

Yes, it’s definitely the best game in my basketball career. Nothing comes close at this point

Thanks DJ for the chat.

Jarell Eddie (201-F-1993, college: Virginia Tech, agency: Octagon Europe) is a 32 year old 201cm forward playing his 10th professional season and first with U-Banca Transilvania Cluj Napoca (Romania-Liga Nationala). He began his basketball career at Cannon high school and then played 4 years at Virginia Tech (NCAA) playing a total of 122 NCAA games. He played his first 4 pro years in the NBA and G-League. In the NBA he played a total of 34 games for teams like Washington, Phoenix, Boston and Chicago. He came overseas in 2018 and has played in countries like France, Spain, and Turkey. He spoke to germanhoops.com before a Eurocup game against ratiopharm Ulm.

Thanks Jarell for talking to germanhoops.com. Your playing your 10th professional season and first in Romania. What kind of an experience has that been after seeing France, Spain and Turkey?

It´s been great. I like my club. The club is run well and it´s always nice to be a part of winning.

Your playing for your sixth organization in Europe. Do you feel like the classic basketball globetrotter? What have been the positives and negatives of this lifestyle personally for you?

It´s tough on my family. I think the goal is to find some kind of stability and find a home for more than a year. I have moved around a lot in my career and I would prefer that it wouldn´t be like that, but I accept that it´s a business. You just go where they want you to go.

You have always been consistent in your stats where ever you played in. How much credit do you give your days in the NCAA where you already showed it? You learned at a young age?

I found out in school that I wasn´t super athletic. So I decided to work on my shot and I embraced scoring the ball. I figured that if I could shoot from outside that I could be successful. I discovered shooting was my trademark in school and that has carried on through my pro career.

You played 4 years in the NBA and the 6 in Europe. What kind of player were you in 2018 coming to Europe and what kind of player are you in 2024?

I believe that I´m the same player that I was in school. When I was in the NBA, I wasn´t a stretch 4. When I came to Europe I became that stretch 4 player and had to adjust. That has been my role since coming overseas. I feel blessed to be able to have that role.

U-Banca Transilvania Cluj Napoca have won 7 titles in Romania since 2020 and really making strides. Have you noticed this special atmosphere in the organization and tradition? What does it mean to you personally to play for an organization like this?

I feel like the organization has that standard of excellence. They are used to winning and I feel like I have a great opportunity to help the club add new titles. I´m still looking for my first overseas title.

The club is playing great ball. It is undefeated in Romania and near the top in Eurocup. It kept some, but also added 8 new guys and everything is clicking. What is the secret to the success?

We have a lot of great guys and we all like each other. The team was put together well and is well coached. We have our own style that meshes together well. That is a nice recipe for success.

What has it been like being teammates with ultra veteran Patrick Richard who has been on board since 2019. What kind of a bond have you been able to form with him?

We are roommates on the road. He is a great leader and player. He is always ready and so helpful. He was also was helpful for me in adjusting to the coach. We have gotten to know each other really well.

Last season you had your second tour of duty in Turkey and played with Buyuksehir Hastanesi Konyaspor Basketbol (Turkey-BSL) averaging 13.9ppg, 6.6rpg, 1.4apg, FGP: 43.6%, 3PT: 42.9%, FT: 85.0%. You were teammates with German Gavin Schilling. He is one of few Germans playing abroad in high leagues. Can he make the next jump outside Germany?

Gavin is a high energy player that brings a lot of athleticism. I think that if he continues to work hard then he can make the next jump.

In 2020-2021 you played with top Euroleague team Fenerbahce Dogus Istanbul (Turkey-BSL) averaging 13.2ppg, 3.4rpg, FGP: 67.9%, 3PT-2 (54.3%), FT: 80.0%; and in the Euroleague averaged 5.9ppg, 2.1rpg, FGP: 50.0%, 3PT: 44.9%, FT: 90.5%. Did it feel strange being mostly inserted for Euroleague than for the BSL? Was it a tough adjustment?

I played some Turkish league games but the problem was our roster had 11 imports and only 5 can play. In the Euroleague there is no limit. It was an adjustment. I wasn´t used to playing during the week and not on the weekends. It´s a unique part of the business. That´s what happens when you play for a great club. I learned that season that you need to make sacrifices for the good of the team and always stay ready.

You had 2 great games against top team CSKA. After losing the first contest by a point, you won the second. Was that win one of the more memorable for you that season?

Yes for sure those games stuck out the most.

In the 2019-2020 season you played with Universidad Catolica de Murcia CB (Spain-Liga ACB) averaging 14.4ppg, 3.1rpg, FGP: 47.3%, 3PT: 44.0%, FT: 89.2%. You had a 34 point explosion on 10 three´s against Joventut, but lost the game. Was that one of your best individual performances that you had overseas?

Yes it is. I like to go back and watch games and evaluate. That was my best game in Europe.

You played your first season overseas with SIG Strasbourg (France-Jeep ELITE ProA) averaging 11.2ppg, 4.5rpg, 1.2apg, FGP: 46.1%, 3PT: 46.4%, FT: 88.2%; BCL: 9 games: 10.3ppg, 4.9rpg, FGP: 39.1%, 3PT: 38.0%, FT: 85.7%. What do you remember being your wake up call to being overseas where you knew that you were far away from home?

There wasn´t a specific moment where I had a wake up call. I came in November and I remember that In December I finally had gotten used to the place. I had a feel for the rhythm of the game. At that point I understood what it meant to be a pro overseas.

You played your rookie season with the Austin Spurs (D-League) averaging 13.0ppg, 3.6rpg, FGP: 41.5%, 3PT: 43.3%, FT: 86.7%. You got a 10 day contract from the Atlanta Hawks. How do you remember your rookie season? What was your wake up call to being with the Hawks?

It was a grind. You go to work each day and just try to perfect your craft. The Hawks was a unique situation. I didn´t play in any games and just had my first intro to the NBA. I understood that the NBA is a business. It isn´t always about being the best player, but about timing and what the team needs.

How do you remember great veteran Elton Brand? Were you able to get in any meaningful conversations as a rookie?

He was a great veteran. To be honest, on a 10 day contract there is so little time to get the full effect of your teammates. He tried to give me confidence and told me I was there for a reason.

After a strong NBA Summer League with the Spurs in 2015 you finally reached the NBA with the Washington Wizards (NBA) averaging 2.5ppg, played also at Austin Spurs (D-League) averaging 14.1ppg, 4.0rpg, 1.0apg, FGP: 55.3%, 3PT: 52.5%, FT: 94.4%. You scored 12 points in 14 minutes in your debut against Brooklyn. What memories do you have of that game and do you still remember how you scored your first NBA basket?

My favorite game ever is my first NBA game. I never forgot my first NBA basket. I remember going into the game near the end of the third quarter and throwing a last shot at the other teams free throw line as time expired and it was point on and I believe I hit the rim. I started in the fourth quarter and I got my first NBA basket off a screen, a shot I take a lot and it felt good and it went in. I felt good and felt hey I can do this. My second basket was a scramble shot where Otto Porter set a screen and I made it from the corner. My confidence continued to rise and the next play pick and roll with John Wall and I made my third shot in a row. Now I felt really good and was felt like I was tip toeing. Wall called the next play for me again and this time Marcin Gortat got me the ball and I made my fourth shot in a row. I knew guys were shouting who is this guy. I had just hit 4 three´s in a row in 3 minutes. That was when I knew that I was an NBA player.

You played twice against Lebron James that season losing. What memories do you have of him and how amazing is his ability to still be playing today at a high level?

What Lebron is doing at 39 at the NBA level is amazing. He is the first guy where you can say he is winning the fight against father time. We have never seen that before what Lebron is doing. To be able to play so consistent is incredible. I remember playing against Lebron the third game after my Brooklyn debut. I check in and as I reach the floor, I hear Lebron say to JR Smith you got Eddie. I was like Lebron knows who I am. I was impressed that he called my name. That just shows you how well he prepares for each game.

In the 2016-2017 season you split time with the Austin Spurs (D-League) averaging 11.1ppg, 3.5rpg, 1.2apg, FGP: 53.3%, 3PT: 33.6%, FT: 87.5%, in Jan.’17 signed at Windy City Bulls (D-League) averaging 17.8ppg, 4.5rpg, 2.0apg, FGP: 50.9%, 3PT: 49.3%, FT: 84.6%, in Mar.’17 signed at Phoenix Suns (NBA) playing 5 games averaging 4.8ppg, 1.4rpg. How tough was this season having to bounce around in the G-League after having played 25 games the season before? What did you learn about yourself?

That was my third year with Austin. The Spurs are big on getting young guys developed in G-League. They passed on me and just moved on. I had a different role so I went to Windy City. My coach Nate helped me a lot there. That’s when everything changed. I remember my wife was pregnant and we were talking about spending the summer in Phoenix where my wife´s family was from. I remember my agent calling me at 12.30Am telling me the Suns may want to do something with me. A little bit later the Suns did call. Earl Watson was the assistant coach with the Suns and he had been my coach some years earlier in Austin. I went to Detroit where the Suns were playing and Earl came to me with a straight face and said we need you to shoot 15 three´s. Devin Booker was out with a ankle injury. I was on a team with guys like Tyler Ulis, Jared Dudley, TJ Warren and Ronnie Price. My first shot was an airball. Then I made a three and then 3 free throws after being fouled attempting a three. I finished with 13 points, but didn´t shoot well going 2/7. I got signed for a second 10 day contract, but I didn´t play. Booker had returned. I was at the game where Booker scored 70 points.

In the 2017-2018 season you played primarily for the Windy City Bulls (NBA G League) averaging 17.5ppg, 5.5rpg, 1.9apg, 1.0spg, FGP: 44.9%, 3PT: 44.0%, FT: 91.9%. You also played a game with Chicago and 2 with Boston. How did you think of the NBA after this season. Did it let you down or did you always have that it´s a business first in the back of your mind?

I was the victim of the business of the NBA too many times. I had a daughter and had to think of my family. I knew I was done with the NBA. I decided to come overseas. I wanted more stability. It was just tough having to go back to the G-League. I wanted to have a career overseas.

You were only a short time with the Boston Celtics. What did it mean to you playing in this organization being teammates with Kyrie Irving and a young Jayson Tatum. Can one even enjoy and realize what is happening when one is so brief with a organization?

There are so many talented guys in the G-League that work so hard nonstop just for that NBA call up. It´s so exciting when you get called up. It´s just hard to realize what has happened because your time is so short with a 10 day deal. It was difficult picking a number with the Celtics because so many legends are retired.You try to find a way to stay. Your situation is a lot different to a guy like Taytum lor Irving. The first 4 days is so exciting as you try to do everything possible to get into a game. Day 4-7 you try to get a wow moment in hopes of getting into a game if you haven´t already and 8-10 is stressful, because your thinking have I done enough to have impressed them.

You played at Virginia Tech from 2011-2014. The school didn´t make noise winning titles, but you did score 1000 points there. What does that achievement mean to you today?

It really doesn´t mean anything to me today. I feel I would still have gotten to where I got to even if I hadn´t scored 1,000 points. It really doesn´t matter where you come from, because at the end of the day, were all on the court. I would rather have won a conference title or reached the big dance.

You played a season with Dorian Finney-Smith who went on to Florida. What memories do you have of his freshman season. Would you have expected him to go on and be a NBA veteran?

We were told that when he got to Virginia that he would be an NBA player one day. He had those long arms and was a really good defender. I´m really amazed what he has done in the NBA and that he stayed so long with Dallas. I´m really happy for him.

Was beating Winthrop with your 34 points and ACC champion Miami 61-60 in OT your most fondest games at Virginia Tech?

I don´t really have so much fond memories of the Winthrop game, but I like the win over Miami. I made the winning shot. Another fond memory was also beating Duke my freshman year as they were ranked one. I didn´t play so much, but it was such a great win.

How did head coach Seth Greenberg groom you best for a professional career?

He taught me the value of getting to the next play. The game is so fast that you have no time to sulk.

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

Harrison Barnes. He didn´t have a good first half, but in the second half he showed that he was different. He went crazy on us.

Please name your 5 best teammates of all-time?

Jan Vesley, Bradly Beal, John Wall, Kyrie Irving, Steph Curry and Klay Thompson

Please list your personal NBA Mount Rushmore?

Kobe, Jordan, Lebron, Shaq

Who is your GOAT?

Kobe Bryant

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

I think so.

Thanks Jarell for the chat.

Shawn Scott (185-G-1996, college: SW Christian) is a 27 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 on the huge 102-63 clubbing of Munster. I guess they didn’t learn anything from the first meeting?

Thank you. I mean we just didn’t want to underestimate a young team with two pro A veterans and we made sure we left no doubt at the end of the game. It was a great win for us.

BG Hagen continues to roll in the new year. Do you feel like your teammates are more focused now than in 2023?

Not more focused than in 2023, but we’re starting to figure everything out as a whole and everyone is on the same page and it makes us dangerous.

Talk a bit about the 40 minutes. Did BG Hagen have control of the game from the get go?

Only the first quarter the game was close but after that we switched our defense and tightened up and we took control and didn’t look back. Everyone was having fun.

It was another great defensive performance by BG Hagen. Is there a new identity on the defensive end now?

Yes but we still have more work to do beforethe playoffs. We know that we can stop any team from having high scoring games when we play defense like this but we also know our weaknesses and this is what we aim to improve until the playoffs.

What was your impression of new guy Malik Bullock? He scored 6 points in 10 minutes? Do you see his minutes count to rise in next games?

Malik hit 2 three pointers and played great defense when he got in the game and I think that was a great debut for the minutes he had. He literally just got here and two days later we played so I give him props for learning quick and being able to go in there and make an impact immediately. His minutes are 100% going to rise come the next games.

He is supposed to take some of the scoring pressure off you. Do you see that occurring?

Definitely. He has experience and has shown he can score the ball so once he finds his rhythm and gets comfortable, it’ll be just what we need as a team. Teams won’t be so keyed on me and could make it easier for me as well.

How much easier is playing a Regionalliga team when they have no American? Munster sure could have used a scoring guard.

Well Munster has a Pro A team so I noticed the pattern that these 2nd teams that have a higher league team usually don’t have Americans so that they can develop the younger players which I totally understand. It builds confidence in them early and maybe doesn’t make sense to bring in an import.

You had another superb performance double double with 33 points and 13 boards. You shot 78% ,had 3 steals and had 1 turnover. There surely wasn’t much to cry about from your end?

Not much at all I can’t complain. Turnovers were down and we won deservingly.

You next play Grevenbroich who you defeated 99-98 in first game. What memories do you have of that game and what will be key to winning this time?

I’m looking forward to this game because I remember how competitive it was and there was a lot of talking going on so we’re definitely going into this game with extra energy and want to make a statement. The key I think is being able to finish the game and not have it come down to the end when it didn’t need to with dumb turnovers and decisions.

Thanks Shawn for the chat.

pic credit Lisa Lowe

Clay Guillozet (193-F-1997, college: Valdosta St.) is a 26 year old 193cm guard from Greenville, Ohio playing his fourth professional season and first with the Romerstrom Gladiators Trier. Last season he played with AB Contern (Luxembourg-LBBL) averaging 23.7ppg, 5.5rpg, 3.6apg, 1.6spg, FGP: 55.8%, 3PT: 41.6%, FT: 78.3%. In 2022 he also gained experience playing with the Thang Long Warriors (Vietnam-VBA) averaging 24.4ppg), 9.9rpg, Assists-5 (4.6apg), 1.9spg, FGP: 50.9%, 3PT: 31.3%, FT: 74.7%. In the 2021-2022 season he palyed with Oulun Basketball (Finland-1st Division) averaging 27.7ppg), 8.7rpg, 4.7apg, 2.1spg, FGP: 59.0%, 3PT: 36.0%, FT: 74.0%. He played his rookie season with Avanti Mondorf (Luxembourg-Nationale 2). He began his basketball career at Greenville high school and then played a season at West Liberty State College (NCAA2) averaging 11.3ppg, 4.4rpg, 1.3apg, FGP: 64.8%, 3PT: 40.0%, FT: 69.6%. He finished at Valdosta State playing 92 games and improving hiss coring and rebounding average each season and as a senior averaged 16.0ppg, 8.2rpg, 3.8apg, 1.4spg, FGP: 52.8%, 3PT: 39.8%, FT: 64.7%. He spoke to germanhoops.com before a game against the Fraport Skyliners.

Miles Schmidt-Scheuber and Clay Gulliozet in Frankfurt in 2024

Thanks Clay for talking to germanhoops.com. Your playing your first season in Germany for the Romerstrom Gladiators. What kind of an experience has it been playing for this organization?

My time with the Gladiators has been amazing thus far. We have a group of high character guys who truly play for one another, all with the same goal and drive to win. The coaches and management believe in us, support us, and put us in great situations to be successful.

You played second division in Finland and Luxemburg and in Vietnam. You have been grinding your whole life. How big is your drive to reach the highest level?

I fell in love with the game of basketball at a very young age and have dedicated my life to becoming the best player I can be. Having the opportunity to travel the world, experience new cultures, and do what I love everyday is second to none. I am extremely motivated to continue my journey, grow as a man and as a basketball player, and continue to push to play at the highest level.

The team is playing great basketball. The roster is deep and talented. What has been the secret to the success?

We have a group of guys who all play for one another. We are committed to each other, trust in each other, and battle every game for each other with the same goal of winning.

The team has a real mastermind in Don Beck. He is a legend in Trier having won a cup title in 2001. What have you appreciated most about his coaching style and how has your game profited most from it?

As you mentioned, coach Beck has coached at an extremely high level with high success to go with it. I appreciate his drive and commitment to the team regardless of prior successes. His passion for the game is unmatched. I’m thankful to be able to play for him, learn from him, and grow as a player.

What kind of an experience has it been being teammates with beast Maik Zirbes. The guy won many titles in Serbia and has Euroleague experience. What have you appreciated most from his game?

Maik is a great friend of mine and someone who has played at the highest level. His experience for the game is something that everybody on the team can benefit from and learn from. I appreciate Maik´s competitiveness, along with his willingness to share his knowledge in order to help the team grow.

What has it been like being teammates with Marcus Graves. It´s his first season in Europe as he played his first 4 seasons in the G-League. Have you bonded and what do you appreciate most from his game?

Marcus is a true fan of the game and you can see it in his commitment to the game. Being a combo guard myself, Marcus has helped me grow as a point guard with the ball in my hands. He gives me tips on what makes things easier as a guard controlling the offense and the team.

Let´s talk about your game. You’re a 193cm guard. If you had to compare your game to an NBA player who would best fit the description?

Personally, I try to expand my game to be as versatile and efficient as possible. Defensively I work to be as solid as possible. Defense wins championships and I know the highest level of basketball requires elite defense. Something I’m committed to doing myself. Offensively I strive to be versatile in scoring the ball. I think the best part of my game is my ability to score at all 3 levels (3pt, mid range, and at the hoop). Being able to put pressure on the defense so they have to guard me at all 3 levels gives me chances to exploit any minor mistakes they make. I think someone in the NBA who is a great scorer at all 3 levels is Devin Booker. He’s someone I would love to be able to work with and learn from.

You have always filled the stat sheet. How vital is versatility in your game?

I think versatility is huge in being a key asset to a team. Some nights the team may need a defensive stopper, maybe the next night they need a scorer, facilitator, rebounder, I pride myself in being the asset a team needs to WIN. Regardless of what that entails. I am a competitor and a winner, and I’m willing to sacrifice anywhere to help the team achieve this.

You have always been a solid three point shooter, but last season and this season eclipsed 40% What has changed in your game?

As a shooter it is extremely important to get into flow and have a confident mindset. Getting into flow allows me to elevate my consistency, and confidence allows me to always feel as if the next shot will go in. I work very hard improving my consistency, confidence in my shot, and maintaining a level head which has helped me continue to grow as a shooter

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

The highest level of basketball requires you to be an elite defender. I enjoy watching the euro league and how difficult the defense makes it for the offense to score the ball. Every shot is contested. I see extreme value in this and will continue to work on my defense to make it as hard as possible on the offense I’m playing against.

Last season you played with AB Contern (Luxembourg-LBBL) averaging 23.7ppg, 5.5rpg, 3.6apg, 1.6spg, FGP: 55.8%, 3PT: 41.6%, FT: 78.3%. You had 45 points in a game. Can one as a competitor remember a game like that any more despite having lost the game?

I remember nearly every game I play in, whether it’s a win or a loss and regardless of how I play. I try to use each game I play as a learning tool on what I can do better, and what works for me. I believe there is great value and lessons to be learned in both wins and losses.

You were teammates with Aziz Ndiaje. A little known fact is he played with Frankfurt a decade ago. What memories do you have of his game. He returned to game after 6 years being inactive?

Aziz is a great guy. What I remember most from him is his openness to growing and getting better. Along with his willingness to give back and teach the game to the younger generation. I’m glad to of been able to play with Aziz.

You played with the Thang Long Warriors (Vietnam-VBA) in 2022 averaging 24.4ppg, 9.9rpg, Assists-5 (4.6apg), 1.9spg, FGP: 50.9%, 3PT: 31.3%, FT: 74.7%. What kind of an experience was that and how good was the competition and players compared to other leagues you played in?

Being able to play in Vietnam was an unforgettable experience for me. Whether it was culturally, or within basketball, I loved being able to meet new people and continue my journey playing the game I love. Basketball in Vietnam was different than in Europe. From my experience, it was a consistent faster paced game over a longer period of time. Compared to my experiences in Europe where there has been more balance between an up-tempo pace and a slower pace of play.

In 2021-2022 you played with Oulun Basketball (Finland-1st Division) averaging 27.7ppg), 8.7rpg, 4.7apg, 2.1spg, FGP: 59.0%, 3PT: 36.0%, FT: 74.0% You scored 48 points against Tapiolan Honka in the regular season in a loss and then lost a tough 5 game series against them. What memories do you have of that series?

Anytime you lose a series, especially a game 5 series in the semi-finals it stings. The team fought hard and gave everything we had. I’m proud of what we were able to accomplish as a team in Finland and wouldn’t trade the experience for anything.

You played your rookie season with Avanti Mondorf (Luxembourg-Nationale 2). What do you remember being your wake up call to being overseas where you knew that you were far away from home?

I think the hardest thing playing overseas for a rookie is the time change, along with missing holidays and special moments with family. I’m extremely blessed with a family that supports me 100% and believes in me. I always try to learn the culture, and experience or live the culture in which I’m playing. I think this helps me grow with comfortability and makes the transition easier in my personal experiences.

How much motivation does a guy like Alfonso Mckinnie give you who played his rookie season in Luxemburg in the second division and a few years later was in the NBA?

It goes to show you that no matter where you’re at, being ready and taking advantage of any opportunity given can lead to success.

You played your freshman season at West Liberty State College (NCAA2) averaging 11.3ppg, 4.4rpg, 1.3apg, FGP: 64.8%, 3PT: 40.0%, FT: 69.6%. You won the MEC title. What memories do you have of the exciting 67-65 win over Fairmont State?

The West Liberty – Fairmont State rivalry is probably one of the biggest in D2 basketball. Being able to win a championship in such a special game is incredible, something I still remember to this day and something I learned greatly from.

You were teammates with Dan Monteroso who played some years in Trier. What was your fondest moment with him in school?

Dan is one of the most competitive guys I’ve ever met. I truly benefited from competing with Dan. We are both huge fans of American football and both played the game as well. Something I truly believe has benefited me in basketball as well.

You then played 3 seasons and 92 games for Valdosta State University (NCAA2) and made a big jump in your senior year averaging 16.0ppg, 8.2rpg, 3.8apg, 1.4spg, FGP: 52.8%, 3PT: 39.8%, FT: 64.7%. How did your game grow in those 3 years?

I committed to growing my game in every aspect, but focusing on the finer details of what also had made me successful up to that point in time.

You had many memorable games there like hitting W Alabama for 26 points in a win. What was your fondest moment on the court?

Being down 18 points at halftime to west Alabama, and grinding back to win the game in front of our home crowd was one of my greatest moments in college.

What did it mean playing with Beau Justice and learning from Blake Justice who was assistant coach? How did that family atmosphere effect the team on a daily basis?

Both Beau and Blake were great players themselves. Beau is still one of my best friends to this day. I think that goes to show how close of a family we were and the benefits of sticking together when times get tough.

How did head coach Mike Helfer groom and prepare you best for a professional career?

The system we ran at Valdosta allowed my game to grow from what it was before. This helped tremendously in expanding my game to a more professional level which has helped me on my journey.

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

Anthony Edwards is the best player I ever competed against. It was also one of the best games I’ve played. I love competing and face every challenge head on with confidence to win regardless of the matchup. It was a great experience for me playing against a player of his caliber.

Please name your 5 best teammates of all-time

Maik Zirbes, Zavier Simpson, Behnam Yakhchali, Beau Justice, David Dennis.

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

Michael Jordan, Lebron James, Kobe Bryant

Who is your GOAT and why?

LeBron James. His ability to affect the game in so many different ways is beautiful. He scores, facilitates, defends, and is a leader at the highest level. His knowledge of the game and ability to manipulate the game is fascinating.

Thanks Clay for the chat.

If Fraport Skyliner fans thought times were difficult now, it could have been a lot worse going into the Trier game. After winning their first 9 games of the season, they have since had lost 4 of their last seven games. They could easily be 10-6, because they were very fortunate to escape Bremerhaven and Koblenz with wins. Their biggest problem is that when their three isn´t falling, it gets very difficult to win and they are playing too little inside. After an ugly loss in Vechta, it didn´t get any easier against Trier even if they were back in their living room. The Romerstrom Gladiators have been playing great basketball as of late riding a 6 game winning streak and have won 3 of the 6 in crunch-time showing they have nerves of steel when it counts most. Trier came to Frankfurt with Maik Zirbes who had played in Frankfurt more than a decade ago when he was playing in Bamberg and Frankfurt desperately needed a victory for their self esteem and not to drift away from the top spots. However they just couldn´t control the boards and match the high intensity of the guests at both ends as the guests came out with a big 84-77 win on the road. J.J. Mann (198-SF-1991, college: Belmont, agency: GoEmpire Group) was a menace as he set the tone on offense not just hitting shots, but spectacular shot after shot, but he also had his teammates who all came together and fought for each other. “We executed what we wanted to. Frankfurt has a great team, but we did a better job making our shots and they went more our way. Coach is big on defense which is one of our identities and our good rebounding was a plus. When you rebound well, you usually have a good chance to win”, stressed Virginia native J.J. Mann. The Fraport Skyliners had good stretches in the game at both ends, but overall couldn´t match the Trier physicality and string up a few key runs that could of changed the game in the second half. “We didn´t play a full 40 minutes. You need to do that against a strong veteran team like Trier. They hit many tough shots against good defense. We have to be able to play more complete”, warned ex Indiana State guard Cameron Henry.

Marco Voeller at the FT line

The Suwag Energie arena was sold out and the fans were offered basketball at a high intensity from the get go as the Romerstrom Gladiators Trier ran out on a rapid 4-0 lead as 5 time Iranian champion Behnam Yakhchali made a step back 20 footer and ex Euroleague player Maik Zirbes who won 14 titles in his career made an offensive rebound and put back. Frankfurt didn´t waste time and punched back with 4 unanswered points as ex Carleton guard Aiden Warnholtz made free throws and Minnesota native Booker Cooplin hit a shot from the mid range. Trier continued to get unending production from Yaktchali who snuck inside for an offensive rebound and put back and lay in. Unlike other games, Frankfurt wasn´t as predictable with their three pointer as they banged the ball inside more and were rewarded with 2 Lorenz Brenneke buckets and trailed only 13-10. But Frankfurt didn´t totally refrain from the long ball getting consecutive three´s from ex Oldenburg guard Kevin Mcclain and ex Schwenningen forward Jacob Knauf while Trier got solid energy from the bench from ex Valdosta State (NCAA) guard Clayton Guillozet with a three as the game was deadlocked 16-16. But the guests closed out the first quarter on a rush scoring 7 points to Frankfurt´s 2 points getting great help from their bench as ex Artland Dragon Marko Bacak made a lay in and ex Paderborn big Marten Linsen made a 15 footer while J.J. Mann made his first crazy shot of the game with a buzzer beater jumper from the corner for the 23-18 Trier lead. “I missed 2 easy pull up jumpers that I usually make and then I respond with a tough one. That’s just how it happens sometimes”, stressed J.J. Mann. The Romerstrom Gladiators Trier shot 50% from the field and 43% from outside and had 11 rebounds and 5 turnovers while the Fraport Skyliners shot 54% from the field and 30% from outside and had 4 rebounds and 4 turnovers.

Behnam Yakhchali off balance shot

In the second quarter the Romerstrom Gladiators Trier continued to keep the lead, but could never totally shake the Fraport Skyliners as they hung around. Trier got early production from their 2 best players on this day with Yaktchali who hit an off balance shot and Mann made a catch and pop jumper, while Frankfurt returned back to their sharp shooting ways executing getting baskets from Cameron Henry and ex TV Langen big Marco Voeller as Frankfurt trailed only 27-24. But Trier were simply cold as ice continuing to hit contested shots from all over as ex Sacramento State (NCAA) guard Marcus Graves connected on a trey from the top of the key and Guilozet scored off the glass. Here and there Frankfurt would get out on transition as Canadian David Muenkat scored, but all in all, Trier hustled all game displaying excellent transition defense as they led 32-27. Trier had the slim lead, because they were doing a little better job on the offensive glass getting more possessions. Frankfurt continued to stay with the long ball and didn´t execute allowing the guests to go on a 7-2 run to achieve their biggest lead of the game at 39-29 as Zirbes contributed 4 points and Guillozet supplied another trey. Aiden Warnholtz added a clutch trey, but as usual J.J. Mann had an answer and dropped another crazy shot with a line drive three from the corner for the 42-32 advantage. “That was a laser shot. I had to get that off quickly. Usually those will go in 2/10 times”, commented J.J. Mann. Ex Alba Berlin center Lorenz Brenneke closed out the first half with a pretty left handed hook shot, but Trier led 42-34. “We executed very well and played good defense. We rebounded better and were just more active than Frankfurt”, said J.J. Mann. The Romerstrom Gladiators Trier shot 33% from the field and 38% from the three point line and had 19 boards and 8 turnovers while the Fraport Skyliners shot41% from the field and 33% from the three point line and had 14 rebounds and 8 turnovers.

David Muencat to the hole

In the third quarter, it rained three´s from both teams as combined they hit for 8 and Frankfurt trailed by only 4 points, but in the second half of the quarter, Frankfurt shut down offensively a bit and had to play catch up basketball again. Yakhchali and Voeller traded baskets to begin the third quarter and then came the rainfall of three´s as 5 were thrown back to back as Frankfurt got 2 from Warnholtz and one from Cooplin while Trier got three´s from Graves and Mann. Henry then added a runner and Frankfurt suddenly was down only 50-47. Frankfurt had a nice flow and were playing with a higher intensity and were more physical and seemed to be good for a run or not? Frankfurt continued to trade three point punches and remain on Trier´s heels as Cooplin dropped 2 three´s and Mann also scored as Frankfurt trailed only 57-53. Trier closed out the third quarter continuing to play their beautiful high energy game getting defensive stops while getting a lay in from Linson, pull up jumper from Mann and 2 baskets from Yakhchali to lead 65-54. Henry ended the third quarter with a timely trey, but Frankfurt trailed 65-57. “At the end of the day it is shot making that will win the game. We mixed up our defense with zone and man and got them off track. We never let down continued to play hard and rebound the ball well”, stated J.J. Mann. “They went to a half zone and we didn´t take enough time in our sets. We weren´t able to take care of the ball better”, stated Cameron Henry. The Romerstrom Gladiators Trier Shot 51% from the field and 62% from the parking lot and had 30 rebounds and 11 turnovers while the Fraport Skyliners shot 44% from the field and 42% from the parking lot and had 18 rebounds and 8 turnovers.

Maik Zirbes at the FT line

The Fraport Skyliners like at the start of the third quarter had a lightening start in the fourth quarter, but that was quickly washed away with a Trier run that would decide the game early. Frankfurt got an incredible burst of energy right of the bat from Marco Voeller who made a lay in and 2 steals which was followed by a Brenneke dunk cutting Trier´s lead to 65-61. The arena was loud and in Skyliner comeback mode, but then Trier just shifted a few gears up and just mowed down Frankfurt with a lethal 11-2 run to heighten their lead to 76-63. In the run the guests got 2 lay in´s from Zirbes, a lay in by Yakhchali, free throws by Graves and another crazy Mann off balance shot that had many thinking does this guy ever miss these type of shots? “I actually practice that shot. I shoot that because I have the confidence that it will go in”, warned J.J. Mann. The intensity level of Trier just remained high while Frankfurt´s shrunk more and more with every missed shot. Warnholtz stopped the run with a trey to trail 76-66, but Frankfurt couldn´t get defensive stops. Trier responded again with a massive Zirbes alley-oop dunk with the perfect Graves pass and Graves lay in for the 80-66 advantage. Frankfurt did amass a 5-0 run late with Cooplin and Brenneke baskets to trail 80-71, but Trier had done the most damage and time was running out. A Zirbes lay in and Mann free throws sealed the win in Frankfurt. “We never stopped in the fourth quarter, but just kept going. We just kept playing our game. That can get boring, but we stuck with it. We were like a clock work”, warned J.J. Mann. “They made the shots when they mattered. We got good looks. I tip my hat for them making tough shots. They had many offensive rebounds. When you get outrebounded, it gets hard to win”, stressed Cameron Henry. The Romerstrom Gladiators Trier were led by J.J. Mann with 21 points. Behnam Yakhchali and Maik Zirbes added 16 points a piece while Marcus Graves had a quiet but strong 12/9/8 game while the Fraport Skyliners were led by Aiden Warnholtz with 19 points and Booker Coplin added 14 points. The Romerstrom Gladiators shot 52% from the field and 36% from outside and had 39 rebounds and 16 turnovers while the Fraport Skyliners shot 45% from the field and 38% from outside and had 24 rebounds and 10 turnovers.

The Dragons Rhondorf have been struggling as of late as they had lost 2 of their last 3 games. They arrived in 2024 playing their first game on the road in Fellbach and were greeted with a loss as they got revenge on the Dragons after losing a tough battle in the Dragon Dome a day before Christmas. The Dragons Rhondorf came back home to the Dragon Dome for their first home game of 2024 and right away were greeted with a top game as they met the Basketball Lowen Erfurt who had an identical 11-3 record. The Lowen have been on an upward trend in the last years and last season gave top team EPG Baskets Koblenz a good run in the playoffs before losing and this season haven´t changed much with their roster getting only Paul Albrecht, but losing top player Guy Edy. Paul Albrecht was extra motivated to be back in his old stomping ground where he had played 3 seasons. Paul Albrecht had been a real fan favorite the last years and always had a smile on his face for the starry -eyed children after games. Paul Albrecht had had many incredible games in the Dragon Dome including a rare triple double against Lok Bernau 2 seasons ago and this time the ex el Capitano didn´t disappoint exploding for a 32/18 game, but his team couldn´t follow his lead as the Dragons Rhondorf tore apart the CATL Basketball Lowen 99-80. The Dragons played a consistent offensive game for 40 minutes and there was nothing that the Lowen could do, but watch the beautiful ball movement and 11 three´s and countless easy baskets inside. “Erfurt is a great team, but we had everyone on board something that doesn´t happen often. When everyone is on board, you can see our potential. Tyrese Blunt set the tone on defense and offense and we all followed his lead. We are continuing to improve on defense. Our offense isn´t an issue, because we know we can score, but we want to be able to lock down on defense”, stressed Dragosn Rhondorf guard Kelvin Omojola (183-G-1997, college: Northwest) who had his mother in attendance who made the trip to Germany from Las Vegas to watch him. It was one of those days where Erfurt just couldn´t execute the way they wanted to at both ends. They were already without 4 players, but it didn´t help their cause when starter Lorenz Schiller went down after 25 seconds. “Rhondorf executed very well on the offensive end. We couldn´t get control of the game because we had too many turnovers. We also didn´t get to the free throw line enough”, stressed CATL Basketball Lowen guard Tyseem Lyles.

Paul Albrecht at the FT line

Both teams found to their offensive game in the first quarter, but after 10 minutes the Dragons Rhondorf had the comfortable 8 point advantage. Young Lowen forward Tim Herzog who averaged 14,0ppg in the NBBL (U-19) last season got aggressive scoring twice as both teams enjoyed having the lead in the first few minutes. But the Dragons Rhondorf kept a better offensive rhythm as the quarter went on as Kelvin Omojola hit a trey and Texas native Avery Sullivan hit a 20 footer for the Dragons 14-6 lead. The Dragons set the tone on defense as their on ball pressure by the 3 guards of Blunt, Omojola and Buck was top class. But Erfurt kept fighting and got clutch buckets from Albrecht and Lyles to trail only 14-12. But whenever one team punched, the other retaliated as Rhondorf received a trey from ex RheinStar Antonio Pilipovic and trey by Tyrese Blunt for the 20-14 lead. Lyles kept getting looks from downtown and nailed another as Erfurt was only down 20-17. But the Dragons Rhondorf continued their offensive onslaught and closed out the first quarter with a 8-3 run to lead 28-20 after one quarter. In the run, the Dragons shared the ball well and got good support from many as 17 year old German Janne Muller nailed 3 free throws, ex Duesseldorf guard Matej Silic made a lay in and Avery Sullivan made a timely shot at the buzzer. “We began well at the start. The first quarter was sort of a shoot out. We found our rhythm well on offense and buckled down on defense”, stated Kelvin Omojola. The Dragons Rhondorf shot 60% from the field and 57% from outside and had 7 rebounds and 3 turnovers while CATL Baskets Lowen Erfurt shot 53% form the field and 67% from outside and had 9 rebounds and 7 turnovers.

Badu Buck with the drive

In the second quarter the Dragons Rhondorf shifted their game up a few gears and were able to lead in double figures and at the break led by 21 points holding the guests to only 12 points. Rhondorf raced out on a swift 9-0 run to lead 35-20. In the run the Dragons got 5 points from Pilipovic, a lay in by Omojola and from Blunt. Blunt was a defensive terror that set the tone with his aggressive on ball defense that gave the Lowen players nightmares. The Lowen finally got on the board at the 6,33 minute mark as Tim Herzog made a lay in. But Rhondorf´s offense just kept executing as Blunt hit another trey and ex Bamberg big Leon Bulic made a lay in for the 42-29 Dragons lead. Both teams showed their mini runs as ex Jena guard Jan Heber made a 20 footer and Paul Albrecht an old school hook shot which was matched with a trey by Bulic and lay in by Blunt as Rhondorf still had the big 47-28 advantage. Rhondorf was playing with higher intensity at both ends and it seemed like Erfurt was always a step too slow. Rhondorf had the big lead and needed self confidence to manage the lead the way they wanted to. Albrecht continued to terrorize Rhondorf with back to back hook shots as Rhondorf led only 47-32, but Rhondorf was simply too strong and too consistent as they closed out the second quarter with a 6-0 run. Rhondorf got to the free throw line twice and connected 4 times from Sullivan and Blunt and Sullivan made a tip in at the end. “Tyrese Blunt set the tone at both ends. His play was no surprise for me. I expect him to play like that. On offense we moved the ball really well and were really aggressive, but in no way in a selfish way”, expressed Kelvin Omojola. The Dragons Rhondorf shot 58% from the field and 57% from the three point line and had 18 rebounds and 7 turnovers while the CATL Basketball Lowen Erfurt shot 43% from the field and 25% from the three point line and had 18 rebounds and 13 turnovers.

Tyseem Lyles from outside

It might not be easy to comprehend, but the CATL Basketball Lowen actually won the second half 48-43, but the first big half allowed the Dragons Rhondorf to be able to compensate this. The guests caught the Dragons Rhondorf napping in the first few minutes of the third quarter as they cruised out on a lethal 8-0 run to trail only 56-40. In the run the guests got good support from Tyseem Lyles who added 6 points with 2 lay in´s and free throws while ex Itzehoe German Alieu Ceesay also made a lay in. Where was the high aggressiveness and pressure by the Dragons guards? It was absent as all three lay in´s were without defensive resistance. But a big strength of the Dragons Rhondorf is their ability to fight back from adversary and not just punch back, but offer extra punches. Rhondorf struck back with an annoying 12-2 run to lead 68-42 and have total control of the game again. In the run the Dragons got great support from Sullivan with 4 points, 2 three´s from Blunt and Buck and an incredible acrobatic circus shot from Omojola. Rhondorf did a fine job displaying their inside out game and found back to their aggressive pesky defense by the guards. The circus shot by Omojola was one to remember. “I thought I was fouled. Because I thought it was a foul, I just threw it up. It was a tough angle, but it just fell in. I don´t practice that shot”, smiled Kelvin Omojola. Paul Albrecht continued to do all he could as he hit a trey, but Rhondorf still led very comfortably 71-47. Both teams had 5 team fouls, so the last few minutes saw many free throws. Albrecht was on fire as he continued to be a one man wrecking crew connecting on 2 more three´s and added 5 free throws. “He is a big piece of our success. His stats speak for themselves”, said Tyseem Lyles. Muller scored inside and also made free throws to keep Rhondorf ahead 81-59 after 30 minutes. “We came out flat out of half-time. We have had this issue all season long. We have to clean it up before the playoffs. We came back with a run. We don´t need to be motivated by coach to do this. We have a lot of experience and top players. We hold ourselves accountable”, stressed Kelvin Omojola. “I saw hope at the start with our run. But our defense just couldn´t stay consistent. But that happened the whole game”, commented Tyseem Lyles.

Avery Sullivan at the FT line

The CATL Basketball Lowen Erfurt won the fourth quarter, but they couldn´t get over the hump on account of the big lead by the Dragons Rhondorf. Jan Heber had been kept quiet by Rhondorf through 3 quarters, but found his shooting touch from outside connecting twice from the parking lot early as Erfurt trailed only 83-66. Avery Sullivan bounced back with consecutive buckets and Badu Buck made a lay in as Rhondorf led 89-68. After another basket by Paul Albrecht, the Rhondorf offense continued to sizzle as Pilipovic added another trey and Blunt lay in for the 94-70 advantage. Heber continued to shine with a trey and left handed lay in as one could see that the feistiness and intensity of the Dragons had gone down. Lyles added a trey at the end and Leo Doering also scored for the last Erfurt points. The Dragons Rhondorf also missed reaching the 100 points as Leon Bulic had the last chance, but his euro step was seen as a travel ending the game. Kelvin Omojola had another double double as he continues to show his smooth playmaking skills. “I have great teammates. It´s easy to get assists. I have been more aggressive and when I see guys open, I will swing the ball to them “, stressed Kelvin Omojola. “The deficit was big, but we continued to fight. The problem was when we responded, they responded back. When that happens, then it´s hard to win”, commented Tyseem Lyles. “We had no real let down. We remained consistent. We knew that we had to keep pushing the lead”, stressed Kelvin Omojola. The Dragons Rhondorf had 6 guys in double figures and were led by Tyrese Blunt with 23 points. Avery Sullivan produced 18 points and 10 rebounds while Kelvin Omojola added 12 points and 10 assists while the CATL Basketball Lowen were led by Paul Albrecht with 32 points and 18 boards while Tyseem Lyles added 17 points. The Dragons Rhondorf shot 50% from the field and 42% from outside and had 37 rebounds and 19 turnovers while the CATL Basketball Lowen Erfurt shot 45% from the field and 47% from outside and had 40 rebounds and 25 turnovers.

Pic credit Itzehoe Eagles

Mason Vires (182-PG-1996, college: CSC, agency: One Motive Sports) is a 27 year old 182cm guard from Michigan playing his fourth professional season and first in Germany with Pro B team Itzehoe Eagles. Last season he played with KB Teuta Durres (Albania-Superliga) averaging 17.1ppg, 5.1rpg, 4.3apg, 2.1spg, FGP: 56.1%, 3PT: 40.0%, FT: 62.0%. The season before he played with Hibernians (Malta-BOV League D1) averaging 26.0ppg, 7.9rpg, 3.8apg, 2.0spg, FGP: 45.8%, 3PT: 32.3%, FT: 74.0%. He played his rookie season with Hibs Sen (Malta-BOV League D!) averaging 28.0ppg, 6.3rpg, 2.3apg, FGP: 48.7%, 3PT: 35.0%, FT: 79.3%. He began his basketball career at Oxford high school. He then played at 2 Juco schools with Oakland Community College (JUCO) averaging 15.2ppg, 4.3rpg, 3.1apg, 1.1spg, FGP: 43.3%, 3PT: 31.3%, FT: 70.1% and with Morton Community College (JUCO) averaging 17.8ppg, 4.7rpg, 3.9apg, 1.5spg, FGP: 45.9%, 3PT: 28.3%, FT: 67.6%. He finished at Culver Stockton College (NAIA) averaging 13.6ppg, 3.9rpg, 2.7apg, 1.5spg, FGP: 43.2%, 3PT: 30.9%, FT: 75.7% and as a senior averaged 19.4ppg, 4.5rpg, 3.8apg, 2.1spg, FGP: 41.7%, 3PT: 25.0%, FT: 77.1%. He spoke to germanhoops.com about basketball.

Thanks Mason for talking to germanhoops.com. Welcome to Itzehoe. After playing in Malta and Albania, you now are playing in Germany for Itzehoe. How excited are you?

I’m very excited for the opportunity to play in Germany, I’m looking forward to building chemistry with the team and making a push during the second half of the season to make some noise in our division. God willing we are able to stay healthy and follow Coach Timo’s game plan then we will be able to make a push for the playoffs as well.

Did you get any tips from your ex teammate Avery Sullivan who is also playing in Germany in the Pro B?

That’s my guy, I spoke to him every week if not every other week throughout the course of the season. We played against each other in Malta and together in Albania so we’ve developed a good relationship. He mentioned the marketing behind the Barmer league and I’m very excited to get things started. We call ourselves the International Good Guys.

You won titles in Malta and Albania and have that winning gene, Did you always have this? You also won titles in school years ago?

I’m a very competitive person, I think it comes from my mom. Winning in Malta taught me about the importance of cup games overseas and how serious the community takes them. Any time I step onto the court my objective is to win. I was able to be a part of a couple teams that won certain titles as well growing up ranging from high school to college.

Itzehoe is a club fighting to remain in the Pro B. Do you feel any pressure and having to be a type of savior?

I want to come in and lead by example, I know that if I can help mold the mentality of priding ourselves on hard work anything is possible.

Let´s talk about your game. You’re a 182cm point guard. If you had to compare your game to a NBA player who would best fit the description?

I don’t believe I have a fair description of one player that I model my game after, basketball is all I’ve ever watched since I was in 3rd grade. I’m the type of player that really looks at every type of player whether it’s NBA, Overseas, or even WNBA. I like to take certain moves, mannerisms, or approach and add them within my game.

You are a scoring point guard. Is that a fair assessment. How big is versatility in your game? You know how to fill the stat sheet really well.

At the end of the day, I just want to win. I pride myself on my work ethic and professionalism. I know how to be a part of a winning culture but I also have been around losing cultures as well for example my last year at a university. Every situation brings lessons and experiences, I am a team player. I will do whatever it takes to win. Whether the coach wants me to facilitate or if he needs me to be aggressive leading the team in scoring. I’m more than just a scorer, I take the challenge of guarding opponents best players as well.

Last season in Albania you averaged your highest assists at 4,3 in your career. How developed is your playmaking. Do you feel able to produce somewhere in the range of 5-7 assists in the next years if a team wants more playmaking?

Playing with Teuta gave me a new experience of team basketball and structure within a system. Coach held players to a high standard and we had to follow the game plan. It’s been a goal of mine to average within the range of 5-7 assists throughout a season.

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

I enjoy the challenge of having to guard the best players, I’m a 2 way player. I want to be the hardest worker on the court every time I tie my shoes up. I have a lot to learn in my young career but I am a sponge when it comes to the game of basketball. Personally, I believe I need to get better when it comes to taking charges throughout games. Continue learning how to read passing lanes to help my steal average as well.

On what area´s of your game are you working on most now so you can continue to move up the basketball ladder?

I’m a student of the game. During the off-season I have a rigorous schedule when it comes to workouts and conditioning. I train twice a day for 6 days out of the week. Sunday is my active recovery day where I really focus and tune into what my body needs. I think the biggest thing is staying consistent in all areas. Master the fundamentals and continue adding more and more each year. Judging from previous seasons and looking statistically how can I do better. For instance, my free throw percentage in Albania was the lowest in my career. That’s a mental lapse on my end and has to improve. 3PT Percentage is something that as the game of basketball evolves will be huge when it comes to teams looking for a point guard that can come in and facilitate while also knock down the open shots.

Last season you played with KB Teuta Durres (Albania-Superliga) averaging 17.1ppg, 5.1rpg, 4.3apg, 2.1spg, FGP: 56.1%, 3PT: 40.0%, FT: 62.0%. You helped win the Super Cup. What will you always remember from this chip?

This was another opportunity to represent the best club in the country. Teuta had a great fan base and I’ve never forget the experience of what it felt like to play in the game. The camaraderie of the team was great and it showed as we were able to pull out in a narrow win.

Two seasons ago you played with Hibernians (Malta-BOV League D1) averaging 26.0ppg, 7.9rpg, 3.8apg, 2.0spg, FGP: 45.8%, 3PT: 32.3%, FT: 74.0%. You won the cup and MVP and MBA Shield and MVP. Talk a little about this season. Will it be hard to top a season like this?

I loved representing the Hibernians, I always appreciate Coach Mario for trusting me when it came down to big time game decisions. We developed a good relationship and trust on the court and it showed. Statistically, it showed clubs a taste of what I’m capable of. However, at the end of the day the game is a team sport. I want to win and that’s all that matters. Clubs will get a winner with a pedigree of hard work behind it whenever I represent them. Anything is possible, if I’ve done it once I know I can do it again if not better. The biggest thing is the longevity of the season and being tuned within your body physically, mentally, and spiritually. Work hard and trust God’s plans that he has for you.

Did you have extra energy and spirit coming into the season after Covid cancelled your rookie season with them?

I was very amped to get back on the court after Covid but it allowed me to learn a little bit before hand which I took as an advantage. In fact, my first game was actually cancelled due to Covid so I had to wait an additional two weeks just to play my first professional game.

How key was head coach Mario Tabone in your first steps as a pro player? He must of believed in you from day 1?

Coach Mario was one of my favorite coaches because he was a players coach. He takes care of his players and allows players to flourish within his system. He had a good relationship with my agents and me after day one.

After Oxford high school you played at Oakland Community College (JUCO) averaging 15.2ppg, 4.3rpg, 3.1apg, 1.1spg, FGP: 43.3%, 3PT: 31.3%, FT: 70.1%, It is rare for guys to play at 2 Juco schools but you did that. How vital was this first step in your JUCO career?

After my freshman year, I made a decision that suited me best for the future. Attending Morton College offered me an opportunity to learn from Brandon Watkins who had a very big resume from playing in college, overseas, and coaching with big time programs.

You then went to Morton Community College (JUCO) averaging 17.8ppg, 4.7rpg, 3.9apg, 1.5spg, FGP: 45.9%, 3PT: 28.3%, FT: 67.6% and winning the ISCC title. What do you remember being the most difficult hurdle in attaining this chip?

Coach Watkins took a position soon after I arrived to school so we had to run team practices and conditioning while the school searched for a new coach early before the season. The biggest thing was getting our team to buy into the coaches philosophy at first and trusting his game plan. Morton taught me so many things and it was by far one of my favorite college seasons if not favorite.

Every player that I have interviewed that played JUCO have stated that it was a tough experience, but one they wouldn´t have traded anything for. How was it for you after seeing 2 different schools?

Juco is a grind. I live by the mantra embrace the grind so it was the best route for me. Junior college teaches you the importance of being a student athlete because everything matters. You could have the opportunity to leave after one year but everything has to be in check. Grades, character, and film. It’s easy for players to lose focus and lose opportunities because they don’t have the right approach for the whole school year.

You then finished at Culver Stockton College (NAIA) averaging 13.6ppg, 3.9rpg, 2.7apg, 1.5spg, FGP: 43.2%, 3PT: 30.9%, FT: 75.7% and as a senior averaged 19.4ppg, 4.5rpg, 3.8apg, 2.1spg, FGP: 41.7%, 3PT: 25.0%, FT: 77.1%. You made a massive jump in your senior year. How did your game grow in those 2 years?

I showcased what I was capable of during my sophomore year as an All-American but I tore my meniscus and had surgery 2 weeks into my junior year. However, I returned to the court 3 weeks post surgery due to my discipline and consistency within rehab 3-4 hours per day. I started every game at Culver-Stockton during that and was the only player to do so. I shared the court with a senior guard at that time and we struggled to find the best chemistry at times. However, after he graduated my role expanded more and I was ready for the opportunity. I learned from my junior year and my work ethic allowed me to flourish statistically proving I was one of the best during that year.

You had massive games in the NAIA like 36 points against Evangel or 31 points against Peru State. What was your fondest moment on the court?

I’ll never forget my buzzer beater 3 point shot that gave us the win over Mount Mercy and all of the students rushing the floor with joy and emotion.

How did head coach Aaron Hill groom and prepare you best for a professional career?

Coach Hill had experience in Australia and was a very polished D2 player, he shared insights on what it took to get to that level.

Who won a 1-1 in practice you or Thaddeus Newby?

I would win during the one on one battles.

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

I’ve played a numerous amount of NBA players being from Michigan from Miles Bridges, Josh Jackson, Isiah Jackson, Jamal Cain, Kalin Lucas, Cassius Winston. Just a few names that have had an opportunity to play in the NBA.

Please name your 5 best teammates of all-time?

Dominic Mitchell Orlando Fikes Thaddeus Newby Avery Sullivan Keith Dimech

Please list your personal NBA Mount Rushmore?

Michael Jordan Kobe Bryant Lebron James Stephan Curry

Who is your GOAT and why?

Kobe Bryant. Since day one, he was who I grew up watching and his mentality taught me the importance of approaching the game with a serious demeanor.

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

I haven’t seen it yet, but it’s hard to top a classic.

Thanks Mason for the chat.

Guys play so many games that sometimes its hard to believe that 2 guys haven´t stood face to face on the court in 2 seasons. But it does happen at all kinds of levels. In the last 2 seasons German basketball has seen the steady rise of German Ivan Khartchenkov who scored 16 points at only 15 years of age and 5 days in his Pro B debut against Koblenz in Sept 2021 and 2 years later in pre season 2023 was scoring in double figures against Euroleague teams with FC Bayern Munich. But he isn´t the only young player making strides, but Dusan Nikolic (191-PG-2005) is doing the same thing with the organization Fraport Skyliners. It is difficult to believe that they didn´t meet in the last 2 seasons despite playing Pro B and in NBBL competitions. Ok so Khartchenkov had longer injuries in both seasons while Nikolic was out twice last season, so it isn´t so surprising that they didn´t meet until the first time this season on October 14th in Frankfurt. Frankfurt had the misfortune that Munich´s top 3 players Dino Radoncic who played 8 seasons in the ACB and was teammates at Real Madrid with Luka Doncic, Khartcehnkov and Martin Kalu combined for 51 points of their 80 points. Frankfurt gave it a tough fight, but couldn´t slow down that trio. Khartcehnkov had a normal Pro B day at the office with 17 points, hitting 3 three´s and showing his worth at the opposite end with 3 seals. Nikolic on the other hand had 3 points and 5 boards in 9 minutes. He is a player that is known as being a fighter and being very ambitious. Nikolic may be a year older than Khartchenkov, but you could notice in that game that he was watching his opponents every move. There was that look in his eyes. He is aware of his big time prospect rating and was very eager to hold his own against him and his teammates. Now a few months later, he looks back at that meeting and one can sense that he would love to play him again better yesterday than tomorrow. Being able to play against one of the best if not the best German player from the birth year 2006 motivates him to a new level. “Ivan is a very good player and I have a lot of respect for him. Obviously I really get up to play well against a guy who is playing Euroleague. I will never hide from him on the court, but always take on the challenge. I´m not scared of him. He has to show me that he is better than me on the court”, warned Dusan Nikolic. Dusan Nikolic has that I´m not afraid of anyone mindset and also isn´t shy of expressing Euroleague aspirations.

Dusan Nikolic who remembers Nemanja Nedovic, Russell Westbrook and Miro Teodosic as being his childhood idols was born of Feb 25, 2005 in Bad Nauheim, Germany and possesses Serbian roots. He began to play soccer at a young age as basketball wasn´t present yet. But that changed when he heeded the words of his dad who said that basketball was played more in Serbia. “My dad told me that basketball fit to me better than soccer, so I took his advice and began to play basketball”, remembered Dusan Nikolic. He was 8 years old when he picked up the basketball for the first time. He began his career in Giessen and enjoyed his stay there despite not seeing eye to eye with his coach who wanted him to play more the 4 position because he had reached 180cm at a very young age. But he knew that playing the guard position was his natural calling. He then moved to Lich which he also remembers dearly as a place where everyone accepted him with open arms and where he actually was allowed to play with and against men in the Regionalliga. There he got early basketball grooming from American Scottie Stone who balled at St Cloud State (NCAA) who would always train with him. He then made the jump to the Fraport Skyliners in 2021 as he played Pro B and NBBL. In the U-19 league NBBL he played 16 games averaging 8.9ppg, 3.1rpg, 1.6apg, FGP: 47.3%, 3PT: 26.8%, FT: 68.8%, and with Pro B team Juniors was thrown right into the shark tank playing 9 games averaging 1.4ppg, 1.2rpg. “It was a good first season for me. They believed in me right away in the NBBL as Miran Cumurija let me play and playing Pro B was a surprise for me. It wasn´t normal to play Pro B so quickly like I did. The competition helped me with the physicality that I saw. I got more responsibility right away which helped me game grow. I was able to learn from my mistakes by being able to play”, stressed Dusan Nikolic. He scored in double figures in 7 games in the NBBL including 18 points against Bamberg and 17 points against FC Bayern Munich. He was fortunate to be around Matthew Meredith (German Devin Booker) and tried to soak in as much as possible from his fine qualities. “Matthew was like a mentor to me as was Philipp Hadenfeldt. Matthew took me under his wing. He was a very good teammate and always gave me tips. The most im portant thing he told me was too always shoot the ball when I´m open and don´t hesitate”, warned Dusan Nikolic.

Last season the guard who never makes a mistake a second time and lists Nikola Topic as his toughest opponent so far in his career made another jump in his game despite being injured twice. He broke his hand twice, but still was able to make a massive jump in the NBBL playing 6 games averaging 16.3ppg, 4.2rpg, 3.8apg, 1.2spg, FGP: 53.1%, 3PT: 23.8%, FT: 88.2%. “My role got bigger in the NBBL. I feel like my decision making got better and I got even better adjusted to the physicality in the Pro B as I knew what to expect”, remembered Dusan Nikolic. In the NBBL he hit Ludwigsburg for 23 points and Urspring and Jena for 22 points apiece. In the pro B he played 8 games averaging 3,4ppg. He had his best games against the EPG Baskets Koblenz scoring 10 and 9 points. “Those 2 games were my break out games in the Pro B. They had an incredible team with guys like Marvin Heckel and Leon Friderici. They had an unusual season. Playing so well against a top team meant so much more than playing well against a last placed team”, said Dusan Nikolic.. In the last years he benefited greatly from coaches Miran Cumurija and Sepher Tarrah. “Miran helped me most with the mental side while Sepher gave me a vital tactical understanding. He also helped me with scouting and how to read the game better out of the pin down”, warned Dusan Nikolic. Being able to play alongside so many talented and more experienced players in the Pro B also has been instrumental in his basketball development. Last season he often witnessed the athleticism of Nolan Adekunle and how he drove to the hole. Nikolic´s drive seems to have become more and more lethal. “Nolan is a great shooter, but also has an excellent drive. I´m always trying to pick up things from other players. What I have taken most from Nolan´s game is how well he understands how to put himself in position to be successful”, stated Dusan Nikolic.

Miles Schmidt-Scheuber and Dusan Nikolic in the BCM in Frankfurt

The driven guard who lists Michael Jordan, Lebron James, Luka Doncic and Damian Lillard on his NBA mount Rushmore and Dirk Nowitzki, Franz Wagner, Detlef Schrempf and Dennis Schroder on his all German Mount Rushmore is a player that would compare his game most to Luka Doncic. His 2 biggest strengths on the court are his drive and IQ. He is also a player that enjoys taking the three pointer, but that is still a work in progress as he has never shot higher than 26% with the Frankfurt. He understands exactly what he needs to do to get a stable shot. “I need more repetitions and better shot selection. When I´m wide open I shoot it and if I get some room, I shoot it. I think key will be just to keep shooting and consistency will evolve”, warned Dusan Nikolic. He is a very skilled offensive player, but also wants to be known as a consistent defender. Being teammates with classic 3 and D player Bennet Schubert has done wonders for his game. “Bennet has such a high IQ on defense. He is always standing in the right position. I´m an ok defender now, but want to be more aggressive and use my body and long arms better”, commented Dusan Nikolic. In the NBBL he has improved his stats once again currently at 21/4/2/2 stats despite having to help out at the 3 more since the team is small, but knows on what area´s he has to focus on most now. “My shot still has to become better and I have to make decisions even quicker”, warned Dusan Nikolic. He is playing 3 minutes less in the Pro B in comparison to last season, but knows he can´t control the minutes he gets, but one thing he can control is his ambition and that will never be low. “My pre season preparation with the Pro A team was important. I want to continue to get better and not end in the Pro B. The Euroleague is my goal. The Pro B is just a stepping stone. I want to be a professional player”, warned Dusan Nikolic. Maybe one day he can battle an Ivan Kharchenkov in the Euroleague. Two players that will be able to measure themselves against each other at the highest level overseas. The motivation for that to become reality will definitely never be lacking in the eyes of Dusan Nikolic.