Former BBL Players

Kyle Hines (Olympiakos Pireus) It Is Amazing That Two Players Reached The Euroleague Final One Year After Leaving Bamberg

Kyle Hines is a 26 year old 198cm power forward from Sicklerville, New Jersey that is playing his second season with Olympiakos S.F.P. Pireus (Greece) winning the Euroleague final last season. He is a powerful player who loves to attack the basket. Has a good 1-vs-1 game and likes to go inside. He is undersized to play the power forward, but his great wingspan (7-1) allows him to guard taller players and to intimidate. He’s also a great leaper and reads the opponent’s game well He played at NC-Greensboro (NCAA) from 2004-2008. In his senior year, he played 31 games: 19.2ppg, 9.1rpg, 1.4apg, 1.8spg, 3.1bpg, FGP: 55.6%, 3Pts: 12.5%, FT: 62.8%. He was invited to play at the Portsmouth Invitational Tournament (Pre-NBA Draft): 3 games: 17.3ppg, 7.3rpg, 1.3apg, 2.3spg, 3.3bpg, FGP: 78.6%, FT: 72.7%. He then had predraft workouts with Sacramento Kings and the Charlotte Bobcats (NBA). He then went to Europe to Italy and played with Prima Veroli (Italy-Lega2, starting five): 34 games: 16.9ppg, Reb-4(8.6rpg), 3.0spg, Blocks-2(1.8bpg), FGP-2(66.0%), FT: 58.5%. In 2009, he took part in the Orlando Pro Summer League (Oklahoma City Thunder). In 2009-2010, he stayed in Italy with Prima Veroli (Italy-Lega2, starting five): 40 games: 18.5ppg, 8.1rpg, Steals-2(3.5spg), Blocks-4(1.6bpg), FGP-3(64.0%), 3PT: 18.8%, FT: 57.8%. He played NBA Summer League in Las Vegas (New Orleans Hornets) in the summer of 2010.In 2010-2011 he played for the Brose Baskets Bamberg (Germany-1.Bundesliga): Euroleague: 10 games: 12.9ppg, 5.4rpg, 1.1bpg, FGP: 64.3%, FT: 46.7%; German League: 46 games: 10.4ppg, 4.6rpg, Blocks-3(1.2bpg), FGP-3(61.1%), 3PT: 33.3%, FT: 52.4%. He won the double with Bamberg. Lasts eason in Greece he played Euroleague: 22 games: 9.9ppg, 4.5rpg, 1.0apg, 1.1bpg, FGP: 51.9%, FT: 57.6%; Greek League: 34 games: 8.6ppg, 3.7rpg, 1.1apg, 1.0spg, Blocks-4(1.1bpg), FGP: 57.4%, FT: 64.4% He spoke to German Hoops before the 2013 Euroleague final

Congrats on the amazing 69-52 win against CSKA Moscow to reach your second Euroleague final in a row. How blessed are you at the moment?

This was a great win for our team. I feel so blessed not only to have been in two back to back final four´s, but now in my second final. It is amazing that only one team in the history has won it back to back and now we have the chance.

Many had CSKA Moscow to win it all. Did Olympiakos Pireus go into the game with less pressure?

We feel very comfortable as underdogs. Our coaches had us ready with a good game plan and we just executed the way we had to. This was probably our best defensive showing of the season. Holding a team to under 60 points that has so much offensive fire power is amazing.

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Jermareo Davidson (I Will Continue Each Season To Try To Get Back To The NBA)

Jermareo Davidson is a 28 year old 208cm forward from Atlanta, Georgia that is was his first season for Antalya Buyuksehir Belediye (Turkey-TBL), but was recently relased. He started his basketball career for Alabama(NCAA) and played there from 2003-2007 reaching the NCAA Elite 8 in 2004. He got drafted by the Golden State Warriors (NBA,2rd(36) in 2007 and was traded to Charlotte Hornets. In the 2007-2008 season, he played for the Charlotte Bobcats (NBA): 38 games: 3.2ppg, 1.6rpg, FGP: 40.8%, FT: 64.3%, in Jan.’08 was assigned to Sioux Falls Skyforce (D-League): 6 games: 18.0ppg, 9.8rpg, 1.3spg, 1.0bpg, FGP. In 2008-2009, he played for the Charlotte Bobcats (NBA): 38 games: 3.2ppg, 1.6rpg, FGP: 40.8%, FT: 64.3%, in Jan.’08 was assigned to Sioux Falls Skyforce (D-League): 6 games: 18.0ppg, 9.8rpg, 1.3spg, 1.0bpg, FGP. In 2009-2010, he played for the Golden State Warriors (NBA), only pre-season, then moved to Darussafaka C.Tires Istanbul (Turkey-TBL): 27 games: 15.9ppg, Reb-1(10.7rpg), 1.0spg, Blocks-2(1.3bpg), FGP: 49.7%, 3PT: 36.4%, FT: 62.8%. In 2010-2011, he played for Krasnie Krilya Samara (Russia-PBL): Russian League: 7 games: 4.6ppg, 4.0rpg; EuroCup: 4 games: 9.8ppg, 4.3rpg, left in Dec.’10, same month moved to Idaho Stampede (D-League): 30 games: 15.3ppg, Reb-3(10.1rpg), 1.5bpg, FGP: 52.2%, FT: 75.9%.Last season he played for the Fraport Skyliners Frankfurt (Germany-1.Bundesliga, starting five): EuroCup: 6 games: 12.5ppg, 8.2rpg, 1.0apg, 1.0spg, FGP: 48.6%, FT: 50.0%; German League: 26 games: 12.8ppg, 6.3rpg, 1.3apg, Blocks-2(1.7bpg), FGP: 47.7%, 3PT: 16.7%, FT: 77.3% He spoke to German Hoops about basketball.

You recently were back in Frankfurt. What made you come back for a short visit?

My team in Turkey had a week break so I decided to come back to Frankfurt to visit some old friends. Some of the young kids who were fans now have become friends. It was a short 2.5 hour flight from Turkey so I came.

Did you see any ex Skyliner teammates?

I saw Devin Gibson and Quantez Robertson in the mall. I didn´t see a Skyliners practice. I would have liked to have seen Marius Nolte and the other guys.

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John Bynum Retires: An Exclusive Interview

John Bynum is a 35 year old 191 cm guard from Visalia California that recently announced his retirement from professional basketball. He played last season for TBB Trier averaging 6.3ppg, 3.0rpg, 1.8apg, FGP: 39.9%, 3PT: 28.6%, FT: 63.6%. He played this season in the German Pro A for BV Chemnitz 99 (Germany-ProA) playing 21 games avergaing 11,8ppg, 5,2rpg and 3,6apg. He was a good fighter, fast and good in offensive playing. He was a great athlete who could shoot the ball with consistency from 3 and finish with authority on the break. He was a tremendous defender on the ball. He played college basketball at College of the Sequoias Junior College:from 1996-1998 and then transferred to Metropolitan St. (NCAA2): and played there from 1998-2000. He started his professional basketball career in 2001 in the Uk for the Solent Stars (United Kingdom-NBLConf): 31 points, 8 rebounds and 7 assist. In 2002-2003, came his first tour of duty in Germany for BSG Grevenbroich (Germany-Regionalliga): 24.7ppg, 9.2rpg, 6.7apg, 3.5spg. In 2003-2004, he played for the Ulriken Eagles (Norway-BNLO): Regular Season: 14 games: 20,1ppg, 8,1rpg, 2,5apg, 2,9spg, 0,4bpg.In 2004-2005, he was back in Germany playing for BSG Grevenbroich (Germany-2. can Bundesliga): 30 games: Score-5(26.0ppg), 7.7rpg, Ast-4(5.4apg), 1.7spg, 2FGP: 55.5%, 3FGP: 33.3%, FT: 63.6%. In 2005-2006, he played for InterCollege Etha Engomis (Cyprus-A1): only pre-season, then joined COOCOON Baskets Weiden (Germany-2.Bundesliga, starting five): 8 games: 15.6ppg, 5.9rpg, 2.0apg, 1.6spg, 2FGP: 51%, left in Jan.’06 and later that month signed at Eisbaeren Bremerhaven (Germany-1.Bundesliga): 21 games: 7.8ppg, 2.6rpg, 1.8apg, 2FGP: 56.5%. In 2006-2007, he played for the Eisbaeren Bremerhaven (Germany-1.Bundesliga): 31 games: 5.7ppg, 2.0rpg, 2.2apg, 2FGP: 43.1%, 3FGP: 25.0%, FT: 55.9%. In 2007-2008, he played for USC Heidelberg (Germany-ProA, starting five): 14 games: 14.4ppg, 4.4rpg, Assists-5(4.6apg), 2.3spg, 2FGP: 54%, 3FGP: 27.3%, FT: 58.5%, left in Jan.’08 due to shoulder injury, in Feb.’08 moved to Digibu Baskets Paderborn (Germany-1.Bundesliga, starting five): 13 games: 6.3ppg, 3.0rpg, 2.4apg, 2FGP: 51.8%, 3PT: 14.3%, FT: 70.0%. In 2009-2010, he played in the PRO A for Proveo Merlins Crailsheim (Germany-ProA, starting five): 27 games: 16.9ppg, 7.1rpg, Assists-3(5.4apg), 1.1spg, FGP: 51.8%, 3PT: 25.0%, FT: 62.8%. Last season with TBB Trier, he played 35 games: 6.9ppg, 3.7rpg, 1.5apg, FGP: 47.9%, 3PT: 24.0%, FT: 64.3%. He sat down with German Hoops talking about his basketball career.

The season isn´t even over and you and Chemnitz are going separate ways. A very uncharachteristic thing for you since you always finish the season. Why did the 2012-2013 season come to an abrupt end now?

Yea this is the first time that anything like this had happened in my career and it feels weird but when you don’t see eye to eye with certain people about certain things then someone has to go and with 8 weeks left in a season in a playoff race they did what they had to do and someone had to be blamed.

Your 35 now. Is Chemnitz the end of a long basketball career or will you hang on another year?

Yes this year was mentally draining to be honest and I don’t want to experience anything like this so I can honestly say that this was it. I had a great run and a long career and met many great people and developed a lot of friendships as well.

You were averaging 31 minutes for Chemnitz and had solid stats with 11,8ppg, 5,2rpg, 3,6apg and 1,5spg. You were one of the important contributers on the team, but was there no way how one could of soothed over any differences between you and others?

I honestly always felt I could do more and that’s not a jab at anyone but it was a tough situation to come into. I wasnt able to showcase my strengths on a consistent basis throughout the season. I was trying to fit in most the season instead of doing things that I did well throughout my career.

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Ryan DeMichael (I Was Always Honest, Played For My Teammates, And Always had a passion for The Game)

Ryan DeMichael is a 35 year old 205cm power forward/center that recently announced his retirement. He played at Tenn.-Martin(NCAA). He turned professional in 1999 and played for Pussihukat Vantaa (Finland). He then came to Germany for his first stint playing with SG Sechtem until 2002. He then played for AB Contern (Luxembourg-N1) until 2004. He then returned to Germany in 2004 and played the next eights easons here. He played in the Beko BBL from 2005-2008 for Nurnberg and Tuebingen. He laso played for teams like Jena, Kirchheim and Lich. He played the last two seasons for NBC. Last season he played 28 games: 11.5ppg, 6.5rpg, 2.4apg, Blocks-2(1.4bpg), FGP: 51.8%, 3PT: 32.6%, FT: 69.6%. He spoke to German Hoops about basketball and retiring.

Recently you announced your retirement from professional basketball. You did this in the middle of the season with NBC. What were the main reasons for doing this?

It was time for me to get out. I am 35 and I looked in the mirror and knew it was time to get serious with my life. To start working a normal 9 to 5 job, and to be home with my family. Working during the day, practicing at night, spending my weekends on the road and/or practicing are not something that I could afford to do anymore. I have a new daughter, building a new home, and will be getting married in the summer. My life was heading away from sport. Plus, I was heading for a burn out and because of this my health was starting to suffer.

How difficult was it making this decision hanging up the sneakers?

The decision was very easy after my consultation with my doctor. I want to be healthy and enjoy my life after sport!

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Tony Gaffney (FIATC Joventut) It Is Impossible To Replace Jared Jordan

Tony Gaffney is a 28 year old 204cm forward from Berkely, Massachusetts that is playing for FIATC Joventut Badalona this season. He is a forward who brings a high level of energy and athleticism to any teams he joins. He is a tenacious rebounder and great defender. He was the Atlantic 10 Conference defensive player of the year in 2008-09, and one of the nation’s leading shot-blockers. He played at Boston University from 2004-2006 and then went to Massachusetts (NCAA) where he played from 2006-2009. In his senior year, he played 30 games: 11.5ppg, RebA10-2(10.2rpg), 1.7apg, StealsA10-2(2.0spg), BlocksNCAA-3(3.8bpg), FGP: 54.2%, 3PT: 33.3%, FT: 64.6%: Finished career at UMass ranked seventh all-time in blocks (174). In 2009-2010, he played for Altshuler Saham Galil Gilboa (Israel-Premier League): 1 game: 2pts, 2reb, 1steal, 1block, but left next month, in Apr.’10 moved to Boston Celtics (NBA). In 2010-2011, he played for the Boston Celtics (NBA), in Oct.’10 moved to Turk Telekom Ankara (Turkey-TBL): Turkish League: 8 games: 6.0ppg, 2.4rpg, FGP: 63.0%, 3PT: 33.3%, FT: 80.0%; EuroChallenge: 3 games: 8.0ppg, 4.7rpg, 1.0spg; left in Jan.’11, same month acquired by Utah Flash (D-League): 38 games: 10.3ppg, 6.8rpg, 2.3apg, 1.4spg, Blocks-4(2.3bpg), FGP: 55.9%, 3PT: 27.8%, FT: 66.7%. Last season he played for the Telekom Baskets Bonn (Germany-1.Bundesliga, starting five): German League: 37 games: 12.9ppg, 6.1rpg, 1.5apg, 1.3spg, Blocks-1(1.8bpg), FGP: 63.1%, 3PT: 31.3%, FT: 68.8%; EuroChallenge: 12 games: 11.6ppg, 5.4rpg, 1.1apg, 1.3spg, Blocks-1(2.1bpg), FGP: 63.0%, 3PT: 32.1%, FT: 58.8%He spoke to German Hoops about basketball.

How well have you digested the New England Patriots loss against the Baltimore Ravens?

I have not digested it well. I am a diehard Patriots fan, but I have to admit that the Ravens were simply better than the Patriots were on this night. I am happy though that Ray Lewis has another chance to win a Superbowl.

Was this the last chance for the New England Patriots and Tom Brady or will they come back? Tom Brady is turning 36 this year.

I think that Tom Brady has 2-3 more good years left of playoff football. I think that the Patriots will do what they do each year and come back strong and be in the hunt again. I think that Brady is still the smartest quarterback and best arm in the NFL.

If you had to rank the top four Boston sports teams how would you rank them?

Patriots, Red Sox, Celtics and Bruins. I was under contract with the Boston Celtics for 6-7 months and I still have a warm spot for them.

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John Bowler Retires (I Wish Everyone To Remember Me As A Player Who Gave Everything And Left His Heart On The Floor)

John Bowler is a 28 year old 206cm center from Chicago that has announced his retirement. He played at Eastern Michigan from 2002-2006. His best season was his senior year where he played 28 games averaging 20.1ppg, 10.8rpg, 2.5apg, FG: 54.9%, 3PT: 28.6%, FT: 72.3%. He came to The Telekom Baskets Bonn in 2006 where he played until 2010. His best season was 2007-2008 where he played 39 games averaging 12.1ppg, 5.3rpg, 1.1apg, 2FGP: 56.0%, 3PT: 41.9%, FT: 70.5%. He reached two BBL finals and one BBL Cup final. He played for EnBW Ludwigsburg (Germany-1.Bundesliga) from 2010-2012 playing 18 games: 11.1ppg, 4.7rpg, 1.2apg, FGP: 51.1%, 3PT-3(50.0%), FT: 79.2%. He was voted most liekable player in the Beko BBL in 2008. He spoke to German Hoops about his basketball career.

John you have retired from professional basketball. How tough was it making this decision?

It was extremely tough and the hardest decision I have ever had to make in my entire life. I love basketball and I will be involved in basketball for the rest of my life but I had to make the decision that was best for my family and I.

You only played six professional seasons. In mind you must feel too young to be retiring or not?

I prefer to look at the positives and not on things I haven’t had. Yes I would have loved to have played more but I had a great career. I was given a great opportunity to play professional basketball and I played 6 phenomenal seasons at some of the highest levels of basketball with the best teammates, coaches, and fans. Some don’t even get the chance to play. So I feel that I am blessed and had an awesome career.

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Derrick Allen (Belgacom Spirou) Frankfurt Has A Special Place In My Heart

Derrick Allen is a 32 year old 203cm forward that grew up in Gadsen Alabama that is playing his first season in Belgium for Belgacom Spirou. He is a rugged inside player who attacks the glass, will provide help on the boards, is a solid defender in the post, a competitor and hard worker that can score facing the basket and has shooting range to the foul line. He started his career at Southern Union State from 1998-2000. He then transferred to Mississippi and played there from 2000-2003. He then started his professional basketball career in Iceland playing for Keflavikur ripping up the FIBA Europe Cup playing 8 games and averaging 26.6ppg, 9.4rpg, 2.5apg, 1.8spg and playing 22 games in the Iceland league averaging 23,4ppg, 10.5rpg. He won the Icelandic league and cup title in his rookie season. In 2004, he ventured to Germany and has played there ever since with two years in Karlsruhe, one year in Leverkusen and played for the Deutsche Bank Skyliners from 2007-2010. In 2006-2007, he led Leverksuen into the playoffs and led the BBL in scoring playing 38 games and averaging 16.5ppg, 7.3rpg, 1.2apg, 1.0spg, 2FGP: 50.6%, 3FGP: 32.3%, FT: 72.2%. In 2007-2008, he was second best scorer in the BBL for Frankfurt playing 43 games and averaging 18.1ppg, 7.3rpg, 1.9apg, 2FGP: 50.4%, 3PT: 36.1%, FT: 75.6%; and playing 10 ULEB Cup games finishing as the third best scorer averaging 19.9ppg, 7.9rpg, 2.0apg, FGP: 54%, 3PT: 28.6%, FT: 72.9%. In 2010-2011 for Alba Berlin, he played EuroCup: 11 games: 13.0ppg, 3.5rpg, FGP: 57.6%, FT: 80.6%; Euroleague Qualifying Round: 5 games: 15.0ppg, 3.8rpg, FGP: 64.7%, FT: 56.3%; German Bundesliga: 49 games: 13.0ppg, 4.1rpg, 1.1apg, FGP-3(61.0%), FT: 78.7%. Last season for Alba Berlin, he played Euroleague Qualifying Round: 2 games: 15.5ppg, 6.0rpg; EuroCup: 12 games: 10.0ppg, 4.2rpg, FGP: 47.3%, FT: 70.8%; German League: 37 games: 9.1ppg, 4.6rpg, FGP: 54.2%, FT: 73.6% He spoke to German Hoops about basketball.

You are playing your first season in Belgium for Belgacom Spirou. Was it strange leaving the Beko BBL after 8 years?

Yes it was tough leaving the Beko BBL. I thought it was ok to go. I had a good opportunity in Belgium. Spirou has wanted me the last years and now it finally worked out. I will miss Germany.

You had a double double in your first game with 15 points and 10 rebounds. This league seems to be compatible with your game.

Yes I think it is. The league is competitive, but it the level suits my game. Many guys that have played in the Beko BBL like Demond Mallet, Chris Copeland or Caleb Green have played here and been successful.

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Jeff Gibbs (Toyota Alvark) My Toughest Player Opponent Ever In The BBL Was The Team Of John Patrick)

Jeff Gibbs is a 32 year old 18cm forward/center from Columbus, Ohio that is playing his third season in Japan for Toyota Alvark. He played at Otterbein(NCAA3) from 1998 to 2002. He was NCAA3 champion and Final Four MVP in 2002. He holds the record for rebounds in a game (25) at NCAA3 Final Four, record for rebounds (40) in a NCAA3 Final Four and holds Otterbein’s record for career rebounds. He went to Germany in 2003 to start his professional basketball career to play for TSG Ehingen. In 2004-2005, he tore up the second Bundesliga playing 22 games and averaging 21.5ppg, Reb-1(12.8rpg), 1.8apg, 2.3spg, 1.2bpg, 2FGP: 62.6%, 3FGP: 31.6%, FT: 70.7%. In 2005, he went to Ratiopharm Ulm where he would play for until 2009. In 2005-2006, the team won the second Bundesliga south and came to the BBL. He was the BBL top rebounder for three straight years (2007,2008,2009). In 2009-2010, he played for the Eisbaeren Bremerhaven playing 44 games: 13.9ppg, Reb-1(8.6rpg), 1.5apg, 1.0spg, FGP: 54.9%, 3PT: 38.9%, FT: 73.5%. Last season for Toyota Alvark, he played 48 games: 12.9ppg, 8.2rpg, 1.7apg, Steals-4(1.6spg), FGP-2(57.3%), 3PT-1(43.8%), FT: 72.0%. He had 10 double doubles. He returned back to Frankfurt for an exhibition game against the Fraport Skyliners and spoke to German Hoops..

Welcome back to Germany Jeff. You are back in Germany playing an exhibition series against TBB Trier, FC Bayern Munich and the Fraport Skyliners. How happy are you to be back?

I am very happy to be back. I saw some Ulm fans at the game against Munich in Rosenheim. It is cool that Munich is playing in the BBL. I always thought that they should of had a team in the league considering the budget that they have. It was a great experience playing against them despite losing.

What have you missed most about Germany?

I have missed everything especially the homely atmosphere. My wife loved it as much as I did. Germany will always be a second home to me. I couldn´t wait to have Wiener Schnitzel and Pommes when I got to Germany. I had it in Trier at a nice restaurant with Don Beck.

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Ilian Evtimov (Chalon) Jimmy McKinney Has Been A Role Model For 6 Years And I Hope That The Skyliners Make The Right Decision To Keep Him

Ilian Evtimov is a 28 year old 201 cm forward playing his second season in France for Chalon already having won 3 French titles. He has the French-Bulgarian citzenship and played at North Carolina State from 2001-2006. In his senior year, he played 31 games averaging 10.4ppg, 3.7rpg, 2.5apg, 1.2spg, FG: 45.3%, 3PT: 40.8%, FT. After a short stint with Estudiantes Madrid in 2006, he played at VidiVici Bologna in the 2006-2007 season. He played FIBA EuroCup playing 15 games averaging 6.3ppg, 2.4rpg, 2FGP: 65.4%, 3FGP: 47.1%, FT: 72.2%; and playing15 games in the Italian league averaging 3.1ppg, 2.1rpg. In 2007-2008, he moved to The Deutsche Bank Skyliners playing 10 ULEB Cup games averaging 14.5ppg, 3.4rpg, 1.7apg, 1.0spg, FGP: 48.3%, 3PT: 40.7%, FT: 85%; and in the German League playing 44 games averaging 13.1ppg, 5.1rpg, 2.1apg, 1.3spg, 2FGP: 41.4%, 3PT: 33.9%, FT: 86.2%. In 2008-2009, he continued playing in Frankfurt playing 10 EuroChallenge: games averaging 8.3ppg, 3.5rpg, 1.7apg, 1.0spg, FGP: 45.2%, 3PT: 28.6%, FT: 70.0%; and in the German League playing 34 games averaging 8.5ppg, 2.5rpg, 1.5apg, FGP: 43.6%, 3PT: 38.3%, FT: 74.6%. In 2009-2010, he played for BC Levski Sophia (Bulgaria-NBL): 1 game: 6pts, 5reb, 2ast, 3steals; Balkan League: 1 game: 3pts, 1reb, 1ast, 2steals; in Oct.’09 moved to Proteas EKA AEL Limassol (Cyprus-Division EuroChallenge: 13 games: 10.9ppg, 3.3rpg, 1.3apg, FGP: 46.8%, 3PT: 45.6%, FT: 83.3%: FT-2(90.9%). Last season, he played for Chalon playing 33 games: 11.6ppg, 4.2rpg, 1.9apg, 1.4spg, FGP: 50.5%, 3PT: 39.8%, FT: 84.2%. He spoke to German Hoops about the Chalon 2012 cup win.

Congrats on winning the 2012 French cup. You have won three titles with Chalon in your second season. Does this all feel like a sweet dream sometimes?

Yes it does. It feels great that we could keep the cup in Chalon for a second year. Now we are in the playoffs looking for our third title this season.

When you arrived in Chalon in 2010, did you ever think that you would win so many titles in such a short time?

No not at all. I was very ambitious, because I want to win so much. The titles we didn´t win, we went to the final.

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Kyle Hines (Olympiakos S.F.P. Pireus) My Ex Teammates And The City Of Bamberg Showed Me Love After Winning The Euroleague

Kyle Hines is a 25 year old 198cm power forward from Sicklerville, New Jersey that is playing his first season with Olympiakos S.F.P. Pireus (Greece). He is a powerful player who loves to attack the basket. Has a good 1-vs-1 game and likes to go inside. He is undersized to play the power forward, but his great wingspan (7-1) allows him to guard taller players and to intimidate. He’s also a great leaper and reads the opponent’s game well He played at NC-Greensboro (NCAA) from 2004-2008. In his senior year, he played 31 games: 19.2ppg, 9.1rpg, 1.4apg, 1.8spg, 3.1bpg, FGP: 55.6%, 3Pts: 12.5%, FT: 62.8%. He was invited to play at the Portsmouth Invitational Tournament (Pre-NBA Draft): 3 games: 17.3ppg, 7.3rpg, 1.3apg, 2.3spg, 3.3bpg, FGP: 78.6%, FT: 72.7%. He then had predraft workouts with Sacramento Kings and the Charlotte Bobcats (NBA). He then went to Europe to Italy and played with Prima Veroli (Italy-Lega2, starting five): 34 games: 16.9ppg, Reb-4(8.6rpg), 3.0spg, Blocks-2(1.8bpg), FGP-2(66.0%), FT: 58.5%. In 2009, he took part in the Orlando Pro Summer League (Oklahoma City Thunder). In 2009-2010, he stayed in Italy with Prima Veroli (Italy-Lega2, starting five): 40 games: 18.5ppg, 8.1rpg, Steals-2(3.5spg), Blocks-4(1.6bpg), FGP-3(64.0%), 3PT: 18.8%, FT: 57.8%. He played NBA Summer League in Las Vegas (New Orleans Hornets) in the summer of 2010. Last season he played for the Brose Baskets Bamberg (Germany-1.Bundesliga): Euroleague: 10 games: 12.9ppg, 5.4rpg, 1.1bpg, FGP: 64.3%, FT: 46.7%; German League: 46 games: 10.4ppg, 4.6rpg, Blocks-3(1.2bpg), FGP-3(61.1%), 3PT: 33.3%, FT: 52.4%. He won the double with Bamberg last season. He spoke to German Hoops afterthe 2012 Euroleague win against CSKA Moscow.

Congrats on the 2012 Euroleague win against CSKA Moscow. What kind of feeling is it?

It is a great feeling winning with a great group of guys. We worked hard all season long and took the chance. Nothing was handed to us on this weekend. We earned the win.

What were your first thoughts as the siren sounded?

My first feeling was unreal. It was so hard to believe what we had just done coming back from 18 points in the second half.

With 18 points down, how big was the belief that Olympiakos S.F.P. Pireus could come back?

We showed our character in this comeback. So often this season, we have fought against adverse conditions, but we never gave up and always continued to fight.

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