Former BBL Players

Ilian Evtimov (ES Chalon-Sur-Saone) It Would Be Awesome To Be Able To Play The Fraport Skyliners In The Fiba Europe Cup Final

Ilian Evtimov is a 33 year old 201 cm forward that is playing his sixth season for ES Chalon-Sur-Saone (France-ProA). He has the French-Bulgarian citizenship 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%). He joined ES Chalon-Sur-Saone (France-ProA) in 2010 and in his six seasons has won the France cup twice being named MVP in 2012 and the won the Pro A title in 2012. He is looking for his first international club title and spoke to German Hoops before the FIBA Europe cup final 4 in France.

Thanks Evti for talking to German Hoops. Since the loss on the road in Strassburg over Easter, Chalon rebounded and had a 5 game winning streak, but got it snapped with a 100-83 loss against Le Mans. That was the most points Chalon gave up this season. How can one explain a breakdown on defense like that at near the post season?

We are a team that is great on offense. We have been developing great chemistry and confidence on offense. Against Le Mans, despite still being able to score over 80 points, we played very bad defense. Anytime you let a team score 100 points, it becomes very hard to win. That is how most teams feel about us.

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Kyle Hines(CSKA Moscow) Bamberg Is Very Dangerous And Have No Fear And Won´t Back Down To Any Team

Kyle Hines is a 29 year old 198cm power forward from Sicklerville, New Jersey that is playing his third season with CSKA Moscow. 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. He played for Olympiacos S.F.P. Pireus (Greece-A1) from 2011-2013 winning two Euroleague titles. Last season for CSKA Moscow he played 39 games: 6.7ppg, 3.9rpg, FGP: 64.8%, FT: 60.6%; Euroleague: 30 games: 6.8ppg, 4.3rpg, FGP: 62.2%, FT: 68.2%. He spoke to German Hoops for the third time this season in Bamberg before the Euroleague game against his ex team Brose Baskets Bamberg.

Kyle welcome back to Germany and Bamberg. With all the horrible terrorist attacks in the past and recently in Brussels, how do you cope with all the travel you do with CSKA Moscow and having that in your mind every time you step on to a plane and walk through airports?

It has been a very tough situation in the last week with the terror attacks in Istanbul and Brussels. I send out my prayers and blessings to all the victims and families involved. We live in a time now where we all have to be more on the look out and have to worry a little more about these things. But you can´t do more than just put life in God´s hands and hope for the best.

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Lou Campbell (Strasbourg IG) Playing For Strasbourg IG Has Been The Resurrection Of My Career

Louis Campbell is a 36 year old 190cm point guard from Rahway, New Jersey that is playing his 14^th professional season and fourth with Strasbourg IG. He played at Buffalo(NCAA) from 1998-2002. IN 2002 he started his professional basketball career with Paderborn where he played until 2004. He then played two seasons with Giessen. He then played for Toyota Alvark (Japan-Superleague) from 2006-2009. IN 2009-2010 he came back to Germany and played for the Eisbaeren Bremerhaven (Germany-1.Bundesliga) playing 43 games: 13.0ppg, 3.6rpg, Assists-2(5.7apg), 1.1spg, FGP: 48.7%, 3PT: 35.2%, FT: 81.6%. In 2010-2011 he played for the EWE Baskets Oldenburg (Germany-1.Bundesliga, starting five): EuroCup: 6 games: 9.0ppg, 2.2rpg, 4.0apg, 1.0spg, FGP: 47.8%, 3PT: 25.9%, FT: 78.6%; German League: 40 games: 9.8ppg, 2.4rpg, 3.4apg, 1.1spg, FGP: 49.6%, 3PT: 27.8%, FT: 82.1%. IN 2011-2012 he played for the Walter Tigers Tuebingen (Germany-1.Bundesliga) playing 34 games: 9.6ppg, 3.6rpg, 4.1apg, 1.2spg, FGP: 49.2%, 3PT: 31.5%, FT: 81.0%. He spoke to German Hoops before the Eurocup game 2 against the EWE Baskets Oldenburg.

Thanks Lou for talking to German Hoops Welcome back to Oldenburg. You played one season in Oldenburg before moving to Tuebingen. When you look back at that one season, would you not have liked to have stayed longer?

I was unhappy with the situation there. That is how it goes sometimes and is part of the job.

What was one thing that you always adored about the city of Oldenburg and something that you can understand kept a guy like Ricky Paulding there since 2007?

To be honest when I played for the EWE Baskets Oldenburg, I didn´t see much of the area. I was totally focused on basketball. It was a rough situation for me that season. Paulding found a good situation for himself and his family. It isn´t always easy to find the perfect place for the player and his family. It was like a perfect storm for him. He is a good player and person. What was most important was that it was a good fit for him, his family and the team.

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Matt Howard (Strasbourg IG) The EWE Baskets Have A Bit Of Everything And We Will Need A Consistent Effort To Advance

Matt Howard is a 27 year old 203cm forward playing his second season for Strasbourg IG (France-ProA) and last season played 41 games averaging 7.9ppg, 5.1rpg, 1.7apg, 1.1spg, FGP: 55.8%, 3PT: 25.0%, FT: 71.6%; Eurocup: 15 games: 10.7ppg, 6.9rpg, 2.3apg, FGP: 49.5%, 3PT: 33.3%, FT: 70.3%; Euroleague: 2 games: 9.0ppg, 7.0rpg, 2.5apg. He started his basketball career in 2007 with Butler (NCAA) where he played until 2011 playing a total of 139 NCAA games and as a senior played 35 games averaging 16.7ppg, 7.7rpg, 1.5apg, 1.1spg, FGP: 48.9%, 3PT: 42.6%, FT: 78.1%. In 2011-2012 he started his professional basketball career with Olympiacos S.F.P. Pireus (Greece-A1): Greek League: 6 games: 4.0ppg, 1.5rpg; Euroleague: 2 games: 1.0ppg, left in Jan.’12, in Feb.’12 moved to EnBW Ludwigsburg (Germany-BBL) playing 13 games: 12.1ppg, 5.8rpg, 2.2apg, FGP: 60.3%, 3PT: 36.4%, FT: 83.3%. IN the 2012-2013 season he played for Chorale de Roanne Basket (France-ProA) playing 32 games: 9.0ppg, 6.1rpg, 1.5apg, FGP: 57.6%, 3PT: 35.5%, FT: 76.8%. IN the 2013-2014 season he moved back to Germany to Ratiopharm Ulm (Germany-BBL): Eurocup: 16 games: 8.8ppg, 5.3rpg, 1.9apg, FGP: 57.9%, 3PT: 30.0%, FT: 68.3%; German League: 35 games: 9.6ppg, 5.1rpg, 1.1apg, FGP: 56.5%, 3PT: 14.3%, FT: 78.7%. He spoke to German Hoops before the Eurocup game against the EWE Baskets Oldenburg for the ticket to the 2016 Euro Cup quarterfinals.

Matt thanks for talking to German Hoops. Welcome back to Germany. You played with two teams in Germany with Ludwigsburg and Ulm. What did you learn to appreciate most about the country of Germany?

Germany is a very nice country that is very modernized and for Americans you can always find things that you would get at home. I had good experiences in Germany and it was an easy adjustment coming from home.

However you don´t have the best memories against the EWE Baskets Oldenburg. You are 0-4 against them in your career. How pumped are you not only to get your first win against them tomorrow, but also to win by more than three points?

I didn´t really think about that I have lost against them 4 times, but you are correct. More important than having lost four times against them is getting the win in Euro Cup. Maybe getting the win my third time here will be a good one.

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Brandon Bowman (AEK Larnaca) I Still Wonder If My Career Would Have Gone Differently If I Had Won The Title With Bonn Over Oldenburg

Brandon Bowman is a 31 year old forward that was born in Beverly Hills, California and is playing his tenth professional season and his first with AEK Larnaca (Cyprus-Division A,) He played at Georgetown(NCAA) from 2002-2006 playing a total of 125 games reaching the NCAA Sweet 16 in 2006 and played with future NBA players like Jeff Green and Roy Hibbert. In 2006 he turned professional and played in the D-League and in countries like Italy, Serbia, Israel, Bulgaria, Korea and New Zealand. He reached the 2009 beko BBL final with the Telekom Baskets Bonn and was New Zealand NBL Champion with the Pacific Jewellers Saints (New Zealand-NBL) in 2014. Last season he played with medi Bayreuth (Germany-BBL) playing 33 games: averaging 13.4ppg, 5.2rpg, 1.7apg, 1.1spg, 2FGP: 55.1%, 3FGP: 31.4%, FT: 72.8% and also played with Atenienses de Manati (Puerto Rico-BSN, starting five): 5 games: 13.6ppg, 5.4rpg, FGP: 62.2%, 3PT: 25.0%, FT: 58.8%. He spoke to German Hoops before the Eurocup game against the Fraport Skyliners

Brandon thanks for talking to German Hoops. Welcome back to Germany. After stops in Bonn, Vechta and Bayreuth, you moved to Cyprus this season. Would you have liked to have returned last season to Germany. Did you have offers?

No problem Miles. To be honest I had some offers, but nothing serious. I had switched my agent and teams weren´t really looking at me. I would have liked to have come back to Germany, but I would have taken a pay cut.

You have moved to AEK Larnaca (Cyprus-Division A) What kind of experience has it been balling for this team this season?

It has been solid. I am living in a small country and it has good basketball. I know most imports that are playing in Cyprus. It is good to be in Germany playing Frankfurt again.

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Andrew Rautins (Royal Hali Gaziantep) Aaron Doornekamp Is One Of The Most Underrated Players That I Have Played With

Andrew Rautins is a 29 year old 193cm guard from Jamestown, New York that is playing his sixth professional season and first with Royal Hali Gaziantep (Turkey-BSL). He started his basketball career at Syracuse in 2005 playing there until 2010 reaching tow NIT Elite 8 tournaments and the NCAA Sweet 16. In 2010-2011 he started his professional career being drafted by New York Knicks (NBA,2rd(38). He played 5 games for the New York Knicks averaging 1.6ppg.In the 2011-2012 season he went to Europe and played for Lucentum Alicante (Spain-ACB): 17 games: 7.3ppg, 1.8rpg, 1.2apg, FGP: 35.3%, 3PT: 34.8%, FT: 80.0%. In the 2012-2013 season he played for the Oklahoma City Thunder (NBA), released in Oct.”12, in Nov.”12 signed at Tulsa 66ers (D-League): 51 games: 13.3ppg, 2.7rpg, 2.4apg, 1.0spg, FGP: 45.2%, 3PT: 43.8%, FT: 76.6%. In the 2013-2014 season he played for the Fraport Skyliners Frankfurt (Germany-BBL): 15 games: Score-3(17.6ppg), 4.3rpg, 3.6apg, FGP: 46.3%, 3PT: 42.4%, FT: 91.2%. Last season he played for Openjobmetis Varese (Italy-Serie A) playing 28 games averaging 12.0ppg, 4.6rpg, 2.3apg, 1.0spg, FGP: 32.9%, 3PT: 39.5%, FT: 81.4%. He spoke to German Hoops before the Europe Cup game against the Fraport Skyliners.

Andrew welcome back to Germany. It has been 2.5 years since you played your last game in a Fraport Skyliners jersey. Since then you played in Italy and now playing in Turkey with Royal Hali Gaziantep (Turkey-BSL). Has time flown by for you?

Time has really flown by since I played for the Fraport Skyliners. One is always starting some new kind of chapter in Europe and it just goes by faster with the short summers.

How much are you looking forward to playing in the Fraport arena where you had some big games. You had your biggest games on the road in Bremerhaven, Trier and Ulm, but is there a game you remember most fondly from the Fraport arena?

I don´t have one specific game that I can say I remember most in the Fraport arena. I remember that I always had a good feeling in the Fraport arena. It was always fun to play in that gym. The fans were amazing and Frankfurt is a great city. Everyone treated me very well there and the Fraport Skyliners is a great organization.

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Trent Lockett (Dolomiti Energia Trento) Tyrone Ellis Had A Big Impact On Me On The Court And Was Even More Of An Inspiration Off The Court

Trent Lockett is a 24 year old 196cm guard from Minnetonka, Minnesota playing his third professional season and first for Dolomiti Energia Trento (Italy-Serie A). He played for Arizona St. (NCAA) from 2009-2012 playing a total of 87 NCAA games. He then moved to Marquette (NCAA) and as a senior played 35 games: 7.0ppg, 5.1rpg, 1.8apg, FGP: 43.6%, 3PT: 33.3%, FT: 75.2%. In the 2013-2014 season he turned professional for Reno Bighorns (D-League, starting five): 48 games: 11.0ppg, 5.5rpg, 1.9apg, 1.0spg, FGP: 51.5%, 3PT: 42.0%, FT: 74.5%. Last season he played his first season in Europe for the Basketball Loewen Braunschweig (Germany-BBL): 30 games: 12.5ppg, 5.0rpg, 2.4apg, 1.3spg, FGP: 51.2%, 3PT: 39.4%, FT: 77.9%. He spoke to German Hoops about basketball recently before a Eurocup game in Oldenburg.

: Miles Schmidt-Scheuber interviewing Trent Lockett in 2018 after a Eurocup game in Frankfurt

Trent thanks for talking to eurobasket. Is the Italian lifestyle all what you expected?

Yes it has been. I really have been enjoying the culture and lifestyle.

Your playing your first season with Dolomiti Energia Trento (Italy-Serie A) and return back to Germany to play Eurocup in Oldenburg. What memories do you have of the 84-70 in Oldenburg?

I didn´t have too many good memories of that game except for my dunk over Adam Chubb. We won the first game in Eurocup and want to win in Oldenburg to separate us from the others in the group.

You have played against many tough players, but was your memory of your one game against Ricky Paulding last season?

He is a very solid player that can do it all shoot, drive and pass and is just very well rounded. You can´t take one strength from his game as he has too many. The best that you can do against him is be on your toes at all times and just always be ready for what he gives you.

This season with Dolomiti Energia Trento (Italy-Serie A) the club is in second place in the Italian Serie A and second in the Eurocup group. What has been the secret to the success of the team in both competitions?

We have come together very well as a team in the early stage of the season. We have many new players that have come from all over, but we are learning and growing together each day.

You are on a team that has three other Americans and Italians. You are averaging double figures in scoring. What exactly is your role on the team and is it any different to what you had in Braunschweig?

The role has been pretty similar to what I have had in Germany creating off the dribble for others and picking my spots on offense. I also try to hold my opponent on defense under his average and contribute on the rebound.

You are shooting an incredible 62,5% from outside in Eurocup play and getting many more looks there than in the Serie A. Has your role been different in the Eurocup action?

Each competition is different. With Eurocup teams have 2-3 days to prepare while in the Serie A teams have a whole week to watch film on you where they just have more time to prepare. It is my first season in the Eurocup and I am enjoying it.

You are a player that can fill up the stat sheet, but what do you feel is a hidden strength in your game that doesn´t get noticed right away on the court?

My athletic ability. Many don´t realize just how athletic I am and that I am able to make the break out play. I don´t look athletic and surprise people when they see my athleticism.

What kind of a positive influence has ex NBA player Julian Wright been for you in the first few months of the season? He is a player that really does so much on the court and impacts the game.

Julian is a great player and person on and off the court. He has played in the NBA and at the highest level in Europe and just has a lot of experience. He is also very important to have on the team moral wise because he is always positive.

Just a few years agoTrento was playing in the third Italian division. Do you feel a basketball atmosphere in town or is it much in the shadow of soccer?

I have been very impressed with the atmosphere and fans in Trento. For the rapid growth that has taken place in a very short time, all have grown and that makes it so special. The fans have rallied with the club as it´s grown and it´s cool to be a part of it.

You have had no problems adjusting to the Serie A in Italy. How would you compare it to the style of the Beko BBL in Germany and does this style fit you more?

The styles are different. The play is faster in Italy and in Germany you see more of a true 5 man while in Italy the big men are more versatile and can spread the floor more. I feel that both leagues fit my style.

Last season was your first in Europe in Germany with Braunschweig. What was your wake up call to being in Europe in your first season?

I think just realizing that you are living alone in a foreign country in a different culture was my wake up call. You have your teammates and coach, but at the end of the day you go home alone and that takes some time getting adjusted to.

What two single things will you always remember about Beko BBL veterans Derrick Allen and Immanuel Mcelroy that you won´t forget so quickly?

Those two guys were awesome. Braunschweig was my favorite team that I have ever been on in my career. I enjoyed all my teammates and we still stay in touch today and have group chat and check up on each other and poke some fun as well. It was a very family atmosphere and there were so many guys in different stages in their lives, but we all gelled and looked out after each other. What I remember most about D.A and Imac is their approach to the game and life and how they are still able to dominate and produce so well at that age at that level shows me just how professional they are. Their professionalism and the way they play the game is how anyone should play the game

As a rookie you were in the Sacramento Kings training camp. What kind of experience was that for you after spending some time seeing how the NBA works?

It was a blessing having this chance even if the timing wasn´t good, but it all happens for a reason. I really appreciate coach Malone and the ownership for giving me the opportunity. It was an overall great experience to be a part of.

What was it like battling a guy like then first round pick Ben Mclemore? After dueling day after day with a guy like that is there really such a big difference in skill level or are there just too many talented guys in the world and too little NBA jobs?

Ben is a great player and person. It was cool playing against veterans like John Salmons and learning and being able to pick their brains. When you play first division in Europe in places like Spain, Italy or Germany, you will compete against great players each night. At the end of the day there are limited jobs and it has to do with timing and the situation that a team has. One realizes this and understands it better as you get older.

You then moved to the Reno Bighorns (D-League) playing 48 games: 11.0ppg, 5.5rpg, 1.9apg, 1.0spg, FGP: 51.5%, 3PT: 42.0%, FT: 74.5%. What did you like and dislike about the D-league in general?

I liked having many games in the D-league and if you had a bad game, you could make it up with a good game soon and if you had a good game, you could pick up on the momentum in the next game. I didn´t like the travel and pay.

What kind of an impact did Reno assistant coach Tyrone Ellis make on you on and off the court? Ellis had a very long and fruitful career in Europe.

Ty had a big impact on me. He was awesome on the court and even more of an inspiration off the court. He brought different quotes to each practice. The way he conducted himself was very impressive and I try to emulate him. He taught me little tricks that I could get away with on the court and I tried to incorporate that into my game on offense and defense.

After three seasons at Arizona State(NCAA), you moved to Marquette(NCAA) for your senior year. How important was it going this route for your development as a player and person?

Going from Ariziona State to Marquette was personally one of the hardest decisions that I ever had to make. I learned very much about myself in this time when I look back on my life. I am glad that I did it and when I am having tough times, I can always look back in this time in my life and know I got through adversity.

Buzz Williams only coached you one season, but how did he prepare and groom you best to go on your way on a professional basketball path?

Buzz was awesome. He pushed me to limits that I had never seen before in my life. Whenever I am tired in a game now or am going through a tough period, I reflect back on my time at Marquette and remember that I had harder times there and that makes me push harder now.

What is the state of Lebron James in 2015? Will he ever be mentioned in the same breath as a Michael Jordan?

I think that he will be mentioned in the same breath as Michael Jordan one day if he isn´t already. Just looking how he has developed over time and the path he is on, he will be mentioned one day when all has been said and done with the best players that ever played the game

What was the last movie that you saw?

Saving Private Ryan.

Thanks Trent for the chat.

Romeo Travis (Strasbourg IG) I Had to Leave Germany And Put Myself In A Situation To Climb The European Ladder To EuroLeague

Romeo Travis is a 31 year old 201cm forward from Akron Ohio that is playing his ninth professional season and first with Strasbourg IG (France-ProA). He played at St Marys high school with Lebron James and had ex Ulm teammate Dru Joyce as teammate. He played at Akron(NCAA) form 2003-2007. His best season was his senior year as he played 32 games averaging 14.9ppg, 5.9rpg, 1.7apg, 1.0spg, 2.0bpg, FGP: 52.3%, 3Pts: 37.5%, FT: 67.3%. In 2007-2008, he ventured to Europe and played in Spain for Alerta Cantabria Lobos (Spain-LEB Gold) playing 8 games and averaging 3.4ppg, 1.8rpg and then moved to Ciudad de Huelva (Spain-LEB Gold) playing 2 games and averaging 3.5ppg, 3.5rpg, 1.0bpg but left after 2 games and was reeled in by Mike Taylor of Ratiopharm Ulm where he played 10 games averaging 10.8ppg, 5.1rpg, 2FGP: 46.3%, 3PT: 20.0%, FT: 73.3%. He had his break out season in Ulm in the 2008-2009 season averaging 12.2ppg, 5.4rpg, 1.3apg, FGP: 51.0%, 3PT: 30.8%, FT: 64.9%. In the 2009-2010 season he moved to the Walter Tigers Tuebingen (Germany-1.Bundesliga) playing 34 games averaging 14.4ppg, 6.5rpg, 1.7apg, 1.1spg, FGP: 51.4%, 3PT: 39.6%, FT: 73.0%. In the 2010-2011 season he played for Elitzur Netanya (Israel-Premier League) playing EuroChallenge: 10 games: 15.9ppg, 7.4rpg, 1.7apg, 1.3spg, FGP: 43.8%, 3PT: 50.0%, FT: 68.1%; Israeli League: 28 games: 14.5ppg, 7.2rpg, 1.4apg, 1.1spg, Blocks-4(1.5bpg), FGP: 50.9%, 3PT: 18.2%, FT: 71.1%. In the 2011-2012 season he played for Altshuler Saham Galil Gilboa (Israel-Premier League) playing Balkan League: 9 games: 13.4ppg, 6.6rpg, 2.2apg, 1.0spg, FGP: 53.8%, 3PT: 40.0%, FT: 63.0%; Israeli League: 28 games: 17.9ppg, 6.6rpg, 2.5apg, 1.1spg, FGP: 57.0%, 3PT: 27.8%, FT: 75.6%. In the 2012-2013 season he played for KK Zadar (Croatia-A1): 19 games: 13.7ppg, 6.7rpg, 2.3apg, 1.2spg, FGP: 50.0%, 3PT: 34.5%, FT: 72.5%; Adriatic League: 25 games: Score-4(14.7ppg), Reb-2(7.8rpg), 2.1apg, 1.4spg, FGP: 49.0%, 3PT: 32.0%, FT: 68.1%. IN the 2013-2014: Khimik-OPZ Yuhzny (Ukraine-Superleague) playing 34 games: 10.2ppg, 5.1rpg, 2.6apg, 1.1spg, FGP: 44.9%, 3PT: 35.3%, FT: 71.4%; Eurocup: 18 games: 12.3ppg, 5.6rpg, 1.9apg, 1.6spg, FGP: 48.1%, 3PT: 41.4%, FT: 75.5%. Last season he played for Krasny Oktyabr Volgograd (Russia-VTB) playing Eurocup: 16 games: 14.4ppg, 7.2rpg, 1.8apg, 1.4spg, 2FGP: 63.0%, 3FGP: 31.8%, FT: 84.8%; VTB United League: 24 games: 11.5ppg, 6.0rpg, 2.2apg, 1.1spg, 2FGP: 53.2%, 3FGP: 33.9%, FT: 78.0%. He spoke to German Hoops recently when he was in Munich, Germany for a Euroleague game against FC Bayern Munich.

Romeo thanks for talking to German Hoops This season you are playing for Strasbourg IG (France-ProA) and as close to Germany as never before. How many times have you ever been in Germany since landing in Strassburg? Have you had any day trips to Germany on a day off?

No I haven’t had the time to make it to Germany yet. On my days off I usually just relax and rest playing twice a week is difficult with the travel and high level competition.

In the last three seasons Strasburg have gone from a middle of the standings kind of team to a top team and have reached the France pro A final three years in a row. How much of an urgency do you feel is there to finally win that second league title after 2005?

This team has all the tools for a championship run. I don’t think there’s pressure more of just high expectations
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Derek Raivio (Playing for Sasa Obradovic Made Me A Better Person And Player)

Derek Raivio is a 31 year old 190cm combo guard who is in his ninth professional season and started the season with Sluc Nancy Basket Pro (France-ProA). He averaged 10,3ppg, 1,5rpg and 5,0apg in the France pro A. He played at Gonzaga from 2003-2007. In his senior year, he played 34 games averaging 18.0ppg, 3.1rpg, 2.6apg, 1.5spg, FGP: 45.3%, 3Pts: 40.9%, FT: 96.1%. He reached the NCAA Sweet 16 in 2006. He started his professional basketball career in 2007 with the Cologne 99ers averaging 8.0ppg, 1.9rpg, 3.2apg, 2FGP: 41.2%, 3PT: 36.6%, FT-3(91.7%). He then played for TBB Trier from 2008-2010. In the 2010-2011 season he played for Erie Bay Hawks (D-League): 25 games: 4.9ppg, 1.0rpg, 2.8apg, in March’11 moved to Fort Wayne Mad Ants (D-League): 13 games: 7.7ppg, 1.8rpg, 4.1apg, 1.2spg, FGP: 40.8%, 3PT: 42.9%, FT: 75.0%. In the 2011-2012 season he played for Shinshu Brave Warriors Nagano (Japan-BJ League, starting five): 46 games: 18.5ppg, 2.5rpg, 3.7apg, 1.5spg, FGP: 46.9%, 3PT: 39.5%, FT-2(87.4%). He then played two seasons for Okapi Aalstar (Belgium-Ethias League). Last season he played for CEZ Basketball Nymburk (Czech Republic-NBL): VTB United League: 28 games: 6.3ppg, 1.0rpg, 1.8apg, FGP: 42.2%, 3PT: 40.7%, FT: 90.0%; Czech Rep. NBL: 25 games: 8.0ppg, 1.9rpg, 2.8apg, FGP: 54.0%, 3PT: 42.5%, FT: 74.4%; Eurocup: 14 games: 6.2ppg, 1.6apg, FGP: 46.7%, 3PT: 44.0%. He spoke to German Hoops about basketball.

Derek thanks for talking to German Hoops. You last played for a German team TBB Trier in the 2009-2010 season and since then in countries near Germany like Belgium, Czeck republic and now France. How often have you visited Germany in your free time and was Cologne one of the destinations?

My wife and I really enjoy visiting Germany. We’ve visited Germany many times in our travels. Two of our favorite cities are Munich and Cologne. We like the food and way of life.

At almost age 31 is it not soon time to remain with one team until you end your playing days or do you still like that basketball nomad life well into your 30s?

I’m only 30 at the moment, and turn 31 in a couple of days. My wife and I enjoy the different cultures and nuances of different countries. However, what I´ve learned over my career is if you find a niche you’ve got to stay there and take advantage of it. It can be difficult to find that, so when you do you must not take it for granted.

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Taylor Rochestie (Maccabi Fox Tel-Aviv) I Have Always Wanted And Worked Hard To Be A Professional Player And Feel Everyday Like I Have Won The Lottery

Taylor Rochestie is a 30 year old 185cm guard from Santa Barbara, California playing his seventh professional season and first with Maccabi Fox Tel-Aviv (Israel-Winner League). He played at Tulane(NCAA) and then finished at Washington St. (NCAA) and as a senior played 33 games averaging 13.2ppg, 3.6rpg, 4.5apg, FGP: 39.2%, 3Pts: 37.9%, FT: 89.1%. He started his professional basketball career in 2009 with MEG Goettingen (Germany-1.Bundesliga) playing EuroChallenge: 16 games: 14.7ppg, 2.9rpg, 2.7apg, 1.5spg, FGP: 47.1%, 3PT: 38.9%, FT: 79.6%; German League: 38 games: Score-3(15.1ppg), 2.8rpg, 3.2apg, 1.2spg, FGP: 50.2%, 3PT: 39.5%, FT: 84.1%. In the 2010-2011 season he played for Galatasaray Cafecrown Istanbul (Turkey-TBL): Turkish League: 16 games: 7.9ppg, 3.5rpg, 3.1apg, FGP: 42.3%, 3PT: 40.5%, FT: 84.2%; EuroCup: 11 games: 6.0ppg, 3.2rpg, 2.5apg, 1.6spg, FGP: 38.3%, 3PT: 38.9%, FT: 81.8%, left in Feb.’11, later that month moved to ALBA Berlin (Germany-1.Bundesliga) playing 27 games: 8.7ppg, 2.7rpg, 3.9apg, FGP: 46.0%, 3PT: 38.1%, FT: 76.6%. In the 2011-2012 season he played for Le Mans Sarthe Basket (France-ProA) playing EuroCup: 8 games: 12.5ppg, 3.6rpg, 4.4apg, FGP: 50.0%, 3PT: 40.0%, FT: 82.4%; French League: 37 games: 16.3ppg, 3.4rpg, Assists-2(6.4apg), FGP: 56.4%, 3PT: 42.8%, FT: 89.3%. In the 2012-2013 season he played for Caja Laboral Vitoria (Spain-ACB): Euroleague: 4 games: 1.5ppg, 1.0spg; Spanish ACB: 7 games: 6.1ppg, 2.6apg, 2FGP: 52.9%, 3FGP: 54.5%, in Jan.’13 moved to Angelico Biella (Italy-SerieA) playing 16 games: 13.4ppg, 2.1rpg, 2.6apg, 1.2spg, FGP: 57.0%, 3PT: 27.9%, FT-3(92.1%).In the 2013-2014 season he played for Montepaschi Siena (Italy-SerieA): Euroleague: 10 games: 6.5ppg, 1.5rpg, 1.7apg, 2FGP: 41.0%, 3FGP: 39.1%, FT: 85.7%; Italian SerieA: 13 games: 7.1ppg, 1.6rpg, 3.0apg, 2FGP: 56.9%, 3FGP: 22.2%, FT: 94.1%, in Jan.’14 moved to BC Nizhny Novgorod (Russia-VTB): 17 games: 14.9ppg, 2.6rpg, 3.9apg, FGP: 40.9%, 3PT: 47.4%, FT: 88.7%; Eurocup: 12 games: 14.3ppg, 1.5rpg, 4.8apg, FGP: 51.3%, 3PT: 37.5%, FT: 89.7%. Last season he played for BC Nizhny Novgorod (Russia-VTB): 31 games: 14.7ppg, 3.2rpg, 5.3apg, FGP: 54.3%, 3PT: 38.8%, FT: 89.9%; Euroleague: 21 games: Score-1(18.9ppg), 1.6rpg, 5.7apg, FGP: 51.9%, 3PT: 50.0%, FT-3(92.5%). He spoke to German Hoops before the Euroleague clash in Bamberg against the Brose Baskets Bamberg.

Taylor thanks for talking to German Hoops. You are back in Bamberg playing Euroleague. What memories do you have of games against this top team when you played with BG Goettingen and Alba Berlin? I guess you wont forget the finals loss to Bamberg in 2011 so easily?

My first year in Germany is when Bamberg started to win titles. I remember how tough it was to play at their gym, and over the years it didn’t get easier. Always well coached with players that play hard, Bamberg is a tough place for any team to come in and get a win, with a large credit due to their amazing fans.

Both Bamberg and Maccabi Tel Aviv are 1-2 and this is a big game for both teams to stay in the group hunt and not slip further back. Do you believe that this game will be won on the defensive end?

Most tough games are won with big stops defensively and also the ability to score big baskets when it counts. Momentum plays a big role as well and being able to control the pace of the game, especially on the road in a great environment.

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