Former BBL Players

Derrick Byars (Baloncesto Sevilla) Rickey Paulding Has The Shooting And Athleticism Of An NBA Wing

Derrick Byars is a 30 year old 201cm swingman that is playing his 8th professional season and first in Spain with Baloncesto Sevilla (Spain-Liga Endesa). He started his basketball career with Virginia in 2002 where he played until 2004. He then moved to Vanderbilt (NCAA) in 2005 where he played until 2007. In 2007 he was drafted by the Portland Trail Blazers (NBA,2rd(42). IN 2007-2008, he started his professional basketball career with the Philadelphia 76ers (NBA), left in Oct.’07, in Nov.’07 moved to Koeln 99ers (Germany-1.Bundesliga): 4 games: 3.5ppg, 2.0rpg; ULEB Cup: 4 games: 6.3ppg, 1.3rpg, 1.0apg; released in Dec.’07, in Jan.’08 signed at Chorale de Roanne Basket (France-ProA, starting five): French League: 10 games: 8.8ppg, 3.6rpg, 2.1apg, 2FGP: 43.8%, 3PT: 35.3%, FT: 63.2%. In 2008-2009 he played for the Bakersfield Jam (D-League) playing 49 games: 17.7ppg, 4.9rpg, 2.7apg, FGP: 46.6%, 3PT: 38.3%, FT: 75.6%. In 2009-2010 he played for the Chicago Bulls (NBA): only pre-season, in Nov.’09 moved to ALBA Berlin (Germany-1.Bundesliga, starting five): German League: 31 games: 8.5ppg, 2.5rpg, 1.0apg, FGP: 51.6%, 3PT: 36.3%, FT: 75.4%; EuroCup: 15 games: 7.7ppg, 2.2rpg, FGP: 58.1%, 3PT: 38.6%, FT: 70.0%. In 2010-2011 he played for Panellinios Athens (Greece-A1, starting five): Greek League: 5 games: 15.2ppg, 6.2rpg, 1.6apg, 1.6spg, FGP: 47.1%, 3PT: 41.7%, FT: 70.0%; EuroCup: 1 game: 6pts, 8reb, 1steal, in Jan.’11 moved to Bakersfield Jam (D-League, starting five): 33 games: 17.5ppg, 5.3rpg, 2.0apg, 1.0spg, FGP: 48.2%, 3PT: 39.1%, FT: 70.5%. In 2011 he played for Cholet Basket (France-ProA): Euroleague Qualifying Round: 1 game: 2pts, 1reb, 1steal; French League: 1 game: 9pts, 3reb, 1ast, 1steal, in Dec.’11 signed for $457,588 at Miami Heat (NBA), only pre-season, in Feb.’12 moved to Bakersfield Jam (D-League, starting five): 29 games: 15.0ppg, 5.0rpg, 1.9apg, 1.1spg, FGP: 51.2%, 3PT: 35.6%, FT: 81.6%; then agreed terms with San Antonio Spurs (NBA, starting five): 2 games: 5.0ppg, 5.5rpg, 1.0spg. In 2012-2013 he played for the San Antonio Spurs (NBA), only pre-season, in Nov.’12 signed at ALBA Berlin (Germany-BBL, starting five): 13 games: 9.2ppg, 2.7rpg, 1.0apg, FGP: 65.4%, 3PT: 35.1%, FT: 60.0%; Euroleague: 18 games: 6.7ppg, 2.9rpg, FGP: 45.6%, 3PT: 46.5%, FT: 61.5%. Last season he played for Memphis Grizzlies (NBA), only pre-season, in Jan.’14 signed at Krasny Oktyabr Volgograd (Russia-VTB), left shortly, in Mar.’14 signed at Bakersfield Jam (D-League, starting five): 14 games: 12.4ppg, 4.8rpg, 1.9apg, 2FGP: 53.8%, 3FGP: 41.7%, FT: 50.0%, in Apr.’14 moved to Belfius Mons-Hainaut (Belgium-Ethias League, starting five): 10 games: 10.0ppg, 3.2rpg, FGP: 60.0%, 3PT: 37.8%, FT: 76.5%. He spoke to German Hoops on the eve of the eurocup game in Oldenburg against the EWE Baskets.

 

 

 

Derrick thanks for talking to German Hoops.  Your back in Oldenburg. What memories do you have of playing here with your two years with Alba Berlin?

 

It is always a great environment in Oldenburg. The fans are terrific there and there was always a lot of energy. It is too bad that I won´t be playing in the new arena. Julius Jenkins who I still talk to today told me they play their Eurocup games in old arena for whatever reasons.

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Michael Jenkins (This Summer I Want To Continue To Keep My Agility, Explosiveness, And Athleticism At A High Level As I Continue To Get Older)

Michael Jenkins is a 27 year old 192 cm guard from Kinston, North Carolina that currently finished his first season for Pallacanestro Cantu (Italy-SerieA) where he played  33 games: 10.0ppg, 2.4rpg, 2.1apg, 1.1spg, FGP: 50.4%, 3PT: 37.8%, FT: 87.5%; Eurocup: 16 games: 11.4ppg, 3.3rpg, 2.1apg, FGP: 39.2%, 3PT: 45.1%, FT: 63.6%. He played at Winthrop(NCAA) from 2004-2008. He didn´t play as much his first two seasons, but got increased playing time in his junior and senior years. As a junior, he averaged 14.8ppg, 3.8rpg, 3.2apg, 1.3spg, FGP: 45.9%, 3PTConf-1(41.5%), FT: 70.2% in 34 games. In his senior year, he played 34 games and averaged 13.9ppg, 4.1rpg, 2.5apg, 1.1spg, FGP: 41.6%, 3PTConf-6(36.8%), FT: 71.3%: and finished his career as the 10th leading scorer in Winthrop history with 1,253 points. With Winthrop, he was the Big South Conf. Regular Season Champion in 2005, 2006 and 2007 and won the Big South Conf Tournament from 2005-2008. He was named to the Big South Conf. All-Tournament Team in 2007 and 2008. In his first professional season 2008-2009, he was drafted by the Albany Patrons of the CBA and in November 2008 signed with the Albany Patroons playing 3 games and averaging 6.7ppg, 2.0rpg, FGP: 47.4%,  but left during the season and moved to BC Buducnost Podgorica (Bosnia-1A) . In the 2009-2010 season he came to Germany and played for the Walter Tigers Tuebingen.  In the 2010-2011 season he played for Belgacom Liege Basket (Belgium-D1) playing EuroCup Qualifying Round: 2 games: 11.0ppg, 2.0rpg, 3.0apg, 1.0spg; EuroChallenge: 6 games: 12.5ppg, 3.5rpg, 1.0spg, FGP: 40.7%, 3PT: 36.8%, FT: 84.6%; Belgian League: 13 games: 12.6ppg, 4.3rpg, 2.5apg, Steals-1(2.8spg), FGP: 43.8%, 3PT: 29.6%, FT: 78.3%. In the 2011-2012 he played for Optima Gent (Belgium-D1) playing  29 games: 13.0ppg, 3.4rpg, 1.5apg, 1.2spg, FGP: 42.2%, 3PT: 33.1%, FT: 75.6%. In the 2012-2013 season he played for Centrale del Latte Brescia (Italy-Lega2): 38 games: 17.0ppg, 4.5rpg, 2.4apg, 1.5spg, FGP: 46.1%, 3PT: 41.1%, FT: 79.6%. He will play NBA Summer League and spoke to German Hoops about basketball.

Michael thanks for talking to German Hoops.  You just finished your second season in Italy and first with  Pallacanestro Cantu (Italy-SerieA). The club was swept 3-0 by Virtus Rome, but the series was so close. You lost only by a combined total of 10 points. How long did it take you to digest these series loss?

It took a little time, but I couldn’t dwell on it too long because I had to shift my focus to what was next for me.

What was the difference in this series? Rome outrebounded Cantu in all three games and perhaps had a better sharing of the ball which resulted in many guys scoring in double figures.

Rome just played tougher and better overall as a team than we did.

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Abe Lodwick (Ingo Freyer Taught Me That If You Make A Mistake, Make It Trying Your Hardest To Make A Play

Abe Lodwick is a 25 year old 201cm forward that is playing his second professional season with Redwell Gunners Oberwart (Austria-A Bundesliga) and is averaging 13,2ppg and 8,2rpg through five games.  Last season as a rookie he played for Phoenix Hagen having the typical role come from the bench and give energy and helped the team reach the playoffs for the first time in their history. He played 36 games: 6.3ppg, 3.1rpg, FGP: 49.4%, 3PT: 36.1%, FT: 68.9%. He scored in double figures five times and had 20 points against Bremerhaven.  He played at Washington State from 2007-2012 playing a total of 105 NCAA games. In his senior year, he played 21 games: 5.2ppg, 3.8rpg, FGP: 23.5%, 3PT: 45.1%, FT: 66.7%. He spoke to German Hoops about basketball.

After looking back at your rookie season with Phoenix Hagen could you have asked for a more enjoyable first season as a professional?

It was a great first year in Hagen playing for the Phoenix. We did better as a team than anybody expected of us and it was fun playing with that group of guys. I learned a lot in that first year, and will take the whole experience with me in the future. It was fun.

When you look back at the season where Phoenix Hagen reached the playoffs for the first time, what was the most important ingredient that this team had that helped them reach the 8 best teams in the league?

I think the most important ingredient was our offensive unpredictability. Teams wouldn’t know what we were going to do because we played at such a high pace. It was hard for teams to prepare for us.

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Ronald Ross (Basketball is Number One And Music Never Distracts Me)

Ronald Ross is a 30 year old 188cm guard that will be starting his third season in Croatia for Jolly. He is originally from Hobbs New Mexico and played at Texas Tech from 2001-2005. In his senior year, he averaged 17.5ppg, 5.5rpg, 3.0apg, 2.6spg, FGP: 51.9%, 3Pts: 43% and reached the NCAA Sweet 16. He started his professional career with Univer Castelletto Ticino (Italy-Lega2) and then moved on to the CBA in 2006-2007 for Butte Daredevils playing 48 games averaging 15.2ppg, 4.2rpg, 3.8apg, Steals-2(2.4spg), FGP: 49%, 3PT: 29.4%, FT: 74.2% and in 2007 for the Albany Patroons (USBL, starting five) playing 21 games: Score-3(17.4ppg), 3.0rpg, Assists-4(4.0apg), Steals-1(2.5spg), FGP: 47.6%, 3FGP: 41.4%, FT: 84.2%. In 2007-2008, he played for ENBW Ludwigsburg playing 34 games and averaging 14.4ppg, 4.2rpg, 2.3apg, Steals-2(1.7spg), 2FGP: 52.5%, 3PT: 29.1%, FT: 77.9% reaching the cup final in 2008. In 2008-2009 he started in Israel before moving on to the Artland Dragons playing 12 games and averaging 15.8ppg, 3.3rpg, 4.0apg, 2.0spg, FGP: 59.0%, 3PT: 57.1%, FT: 70.0%. in 2009-2010 for the Artland Dragons, he played 12 games: 10.8ppg, 3.2rpg, 2.1apg, FGP: 56.9%, 3PT: 18.8%, FT: 83.0%; German League: 32 games: 11.3ppg, 2.7rpg, 3.2apg, 1.2spg, FGP: 52.4%, 3PT: 27.1%, FT: 75.7%. In 2010-2011 he playedfor  Mitteldeutscher BC Weissenfels (Germany-1.Bundesliga, starting five): 24 games: Score-5(15.9ppg), 4.2rpg, 2.0apg, Steals-4(1.5spg), FGP: 51.3%, 3PT: 35.7%, FT: 80.2%. He played the last two seasons for  Jolly Jadranska Banka Sibenik (Croatia-A1) and last season played 32 games: Score-1(20.6ppg), 5.1rpg, 3.6apg, Steals-1(2.8spg), FGP: 53.5%, 3PT: 38.9%, FT: 76.6%. He spoke to German Hoops about basketball life in Croatia.

You played four years in Germany and now you have played the last two seasons in Croatia. Has Croatia become your second home now?

Yeah, I definitely love Croatia! I’ve been very fortunate to meet a lot of special people there and really find a comfort level suitable to my liking.

You play for the team Jolly in the Croatian league where you have to battle teams like Cibona, KK Split or Cedvitta. How has your experience been playing for Jolly as a whole? The team reached the semi finals the last season.

Overall, my experience with Jolly has been humbling. It’s been really nice playing with players that have high ambitions and a desire to win. We didn’t have any of the big names, budget, or whatever excuses people use for not winning, but we had the right ingredients as an organization and we accomplished more than what was expected with a focused attitude. I was really proud to be a part of Jolly last season.

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Chris Oliver (medi bayreuth Must Have Felt That Kyle Weems Would be A Better Fit Than Me)

Chris Oliver is a 28 year old 198cm forward that completed his second season in France and first with Nanterre helping them win the France Pro A title. Last season with Nanterre he played 31 games: 10.0ppg, 4.5rpg, 1.3apg, FGP: 54.2%, 3PT: 30.8%, FT: 85.2%, He is a athletic forward that has great hands, the versatility to play inside and outside, with three-point range on his jump shot, and has tremendous poise and maturity. He played at Radford from 2003-2007 and in his senior year, he played 30 games averaging 18.8ppg, 8.3rpg, 2.1apg, 1.9spg, 1.3bpg, FGP: 48.7%, 3Pts: 25.8%, FT: 74.8%. He came to Germany in 2007-2008 and played for the Kaiserslautern Braves of the PRO A playing 30 games: Score-2(20.5ppg), Reb-5(9.0rpg), 1.2apg, 1.3spg, 1.7bpg, FGP: 56%, 3PT: 25.0%, FT: 79.6%.In 2008-2009 in Goettingen, he averaged 10.6ppg, 5.2rpg, 1.4spg, FGP: 46.4%, 3PT: 37.0%, FT: 75.5% in 34 games. In 2009-2010, he won the Eurochallenge with BG Goettingen and played EuroChallenge: 13 games: 11.5ppg, 5.8rpg, 1.0spg, FGP: 41.7%, 3PT: 37.9%, FT: 77.1%; German League: 35 games: 14.1ppg, 6.3rpg, 1.1apg, FGP: 50.9%, 3PT: 27.3%, FT: 80.9%. In 2010-2011 he played with the The Walter Tigers Tuebingen, and he averaged 13,5ppg and 6,4rpg. In 2011-2012 he played with Strassburg and played  30 games: 11.4ppg, 5.5rpg, 1.6apg, FGP: 55.2%, 3PT: 30.8%, FT: 84.7%. He now has moved to Hungary and is playing for  Szolnoki Olajbanyasz. The American reflects about why he didn´t return back to Germany and his new life in Hungray.

Thanks again for talking to German Hoops. A week ago it seemed like you may be back to Germany to Medi Bayreuth, but instead they chose Kyle Weems. Were you a bit sad that it didn´t work out?

 No I wasnt sad it didn’t work out. God just had a different team He wanted me to go to. So I knew the right situation would present itself when the time was right.

Kyle Weems had a big season in the Beko BBL and was eurobasket.com newcomer of the year. Do you think that was one of the main reasons they chose him? ON the other hand you had helped Naterre win the French title.

 I dont know what was the reason in their choice but they probably felt he was a better fit for the team than I was.

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Ilian Evtimov (Malcolm Delaney Will Be One Of The Best, If Not The Best Player For FC Bayern Munich)

Ilian Evtimov is a 30 year old 201 cm forward that recently completed his third season in France for Chalon playing  30 games averaging  9.6ppg, 3.2rpg, 2.0apg, 1.2spg, FGP: 48.3%, 3PT: 41.3%, FT: 86.5%; Euroleague: 9 games: 8.8ppg, 2.1rpg, 1.3apg, FGP: 47.1%, 3PT: 34.0%, FT: 78.9%. He has the French-Bulgarian citzenships 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%). In 2010-2011, he played for Chalon playing  33 games: 11.6ppg, 4.2rpg, 1.9apg, 1.4spg, FGP: 50.5%, 3PT: 39.8%, FT: 84.2%. In 2011-2012 he played French League: 35 games: 9.9ppg, 4.1rpg, 1.7apg, 1.3spg, FGP: 42.4%, 3PT: 42.0%, FT-1(94.7%); EuroCup Qualifications: 2 games: 9.0ppg, 1.5rpg; EuroChallenge: 16 games: 10.0ppg, 4.6rpg, 1.3apg, 1.1spg, FGP: 35.7%, 3PT: 46.0%, FT-1(95.2% He spoke to German Hoops about Chalon and his ex teammate Malcolm Delaney who will play for FC Bayern Munich.

Evti where are you at the moment and how have you been spending your summer?
Im in Bulgaria right now, we are about to have our second baby. My wife is due very soon. I went to the States for two weeks, and then have spent the rest of the summer in Bulgaria.

How was your time in North Carolina at North Carolina State working out? Did you have any good duels with Deon Thompson this summer?
I was in North Carolina for only two weeks, and it was right after the season so I didn’t run into Deon as I took the time off from basketball right after the season.

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Frank Robinson (Dennis Schroeder Was A Great Pick Up For The Atlanta Hawks)

Frank Robinson is 29 year old 193cm guard that was born in Compton, California and grew up in Los Angeles. He played at Cal Fullerton (NCAA) from 2005-2008. In his senior year, he played games: 15.8ppg, 6.9rpg, 2.5apg, 1.2spg, FGP: 45.1%, 3Pts: 34.2%, FT: 73.8%. In 2008-2009, he started with NBA club Atlanta Hawks (NBA), left in Oct.’08, then moved to Union Olimpija Ljubljana (Slovenia-Liga UPC, starting five): Adriatic League: 17 games: 4.5ppg, 1.5rpg, 1.1spg; Euroleague: 8 games: 6.8ppg, 3.3rpg, in Feb.’09 signed at EnBW Ludwigsburg (Germany-1.Bundesliga, starting five): 11 games: 11.0ppg, 4.9rpg, 1.4apg, 1.3spg, FGP: 53.2%, 3PT: 27.0%, FT: 73.5%. In 2009-2010, he started with the Atlanta Hawks (NBA) again, only pre-season, in Dec.’09 moved to Los Angeles D-Fenders (D-League, starting five): 38 games: 12.4  Maccabi Haifa (Israel-Premier League, starting five): EuroChallenge: 14 games: 9.3ppg, 4.1rpg, 1.3apg, 1.9spg, FGP: 48.6%, 3PT: 30.0%, FT: 59.5%; Israeli League: 28 games: 12.9ppg, 4.3rpg, 2.7apg, Steals-2(2.4spg), FGP: 54.4%, 3PT: 30.4%, FT: 61.1% ppg, 4.1rpg, 3.7apg, 1.9spg, FGP: 49.8%, 3PT: 24.3%, FT: 69.2%. In 2010-2011, he played for  Sokhumi Tbilisi (Georgia-Superleague, starting five): Eurochallenge Qualifying Round: 2 games: 16.5ppg, 4.0rpg, 2.0apg, 1.0bpg, in Oct.’11 moved to Artland Dragons Quakenbrueck (Germany-1.Bundesliga, starting five), in Nov.’11 signed at B.C. Habikaa (Israel-Premier League, starting five): 21 games: 12.6ppg, 5.5rpg, 2.3apg, Steals-5(1.8spg), FGP: 53.9%, 3PT: 25.7%, FT: 54.1%. This past season, he played with  Asseco Prokom Gdynia (Poland-TBL), left in Nov.’12: Euroleague: 7 games: 7.4ppg, 3.7rpg, 2FGP: 40.7%, 3FGP: 26.9%, FT: 50.0%; Polish TBL: 8 games: 5.3ppg, 3.3rpg, 1.3apg, 2FGP: 23.8%, 3FGP: 33.3%, FT: 68.8%, in Dec.’12 moved to Budivelnyk Kyiv (Ukraine-Superleague): Eurocup: 6 games: 3.8ppg, 2.8rpg, 1.0apg; Ukrainian Superleague: 9 games: 5.3ppg, 3.8rpg, 2FGP: 44.2%, 3FGP: 5.9%, FT: 46.7%, left in Feb.’13, later that month signed at s.Oliver Baskets Wuerzburg. With Wurzburg he played 11 games: 11.3ppg, 5.0rpg, 2.0apg, 1.5spg, FGP: 48.8%, 3PT: 20.7%, FT: 57.1%. He talked to German Hoops about basketball.

Frank thanks for taking time to talk to Geman Hoops. You are currently in beautiful California, but told me you wouldn´t mind be in Germany now. Was that more of kind words for me a man that has to endure the cold German weather in summer?

Hey man thanks for contacting me, it’s always a pleasure. Yes I am home and I’m loving every minute of it. At the same time I wouldn’t mind being in Germany either. I’ve grown to love Europe and have accepted it as a second home.

How is your summer going? You are very busy with your summer camp, but you do find time to work out. When your running in the California hills, do you think about certain plays on the court during the last season that could have happened differently?

This summer has had a different rhythm for me. It has been very busy with several events and projects my partners and I have put together. The first was the SWSX Inaugural Showcase. This showcase featured twenty of southern California’s finest young athletes who never have had the opportunity to prove themselves as professional players. This event was put together to help those guys get the exposure we feel every player should have at least once in their careers as they strive to become professional players. There were three teams scouts that represented three very elite leagues and about four to five agents. The event was a success and five players were able to partner up with an agent after the games were finished. The second event was the International Hoop Expo (IHX). IHX was an event held in Detroit, Michigan and was put together by Jordan and Joe Crawford. Their family put together an amazing event including the Jordan Crawford Elite Camp, their very own showcase for aspiring pros and also a powerball conference that featured five great speakers. The goal of the event was to bring awareness to the city of Detroit and also to open eyes to many about what it takes to become an athlete or someone in the athletic word. The third and final event was the Frank Robinson Skills Academy, which has two sessions. One just ended and the second which starts July 9th. The skills academy features young athletes who are hungry for knowledge from ages 6-16. These athletes have come from all over the San Fernando Valley. So yes it has been very busy.

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Brandon Gay (TBB Trier Helped Me Become A Professional)

Brandon Gay is a 30 year old 203cm forward that recently finished his his second season for  Szolnoki Olajbanyasz (Hungary-A Division). In hiss econd season he played 18 games: 7.3ppg, 3.9rpg, 2.3apg, FGP: 59.0%, 3PT: 34.4%, FT: 78.6%; EuroChallenge: 6 games: 11.5ppg, 3.7rpg, 1.7apg, 1.0spg, FGP: 52.4%, 3PT: 46.2%, FT: 91.7%; Adriatic League: 21 games: 8.0ppg, 2.8rpg, 1.4apg, 1.0spg, FGP: 65.7%, 3PT: 37.0%, FT-1(91.3%)He started his basketball career with San Diego (NCAA). In 2005-2006 he turned professional and played his first two seasons for TBB Trier. He then played three seasons for the Antwerp Giants (Belgium-D1). His best season was his first season where he played ULEB Cup: 10 games: 13.8ppg, 3.7rpg, 1.9apg, 2.6spg, 2FGP: 53.4%, 3FGP: 41.2%; Belgian League: 35 games: 14.9ppg, 5.4rpg, 1.9apg, 2.1spg, 2FGP: 52.0%, 3PT: 35.0%, FT: 84.0%. In 2010-2011, he played for VOO Verviers-Pepinster (Belgium-D1, starting five): 31 games: 10.9ppg, 6.4rpg, 1.1apg, 1.2spg, FGP: 46.0%, 3PT-2(44.3%), FT: 80.4%. Last season he played for Sokhumi Tbilisi (Georgia-Superleague, starting five): Georgian League: 2 games: 18.5ppg, 10.5rpg, 4.5apg, 2.5spg; Eurochallenge Qualifying Round: 2 games: 14.0ppg, 4.5rpg, in Oct.’11 moved to Szolnoki Olajbanyasz (Hungary-A Division): Hungarian League: 30 games: 9.5ppg, 4.8rpg, 1.3apg, 1.2spg, FGP: 54.8%, 3PT: 41.3%, FT: 87.9%; EuroChallenge: 14 games: 8.9ppg, 3.1rpg, FGP: 51.4%, 3PT: 41.0%, FT: 91.7%. He caught up with German Hoops some months ago and talked about his season in Hungary and basketball career.

Brandon where are you currently and how is your winter going?

What’s up Miles, I’m in Szolnok, Hungary playing for the second season in a row. The winter hasn’t been how I expected it to be but we are working hard to get our season turned back around.

You are playing your second season for Szolnoki Olajbanyasz in Hungry. How do you like  this country and league?

The country is good, I’m in a smaller city than other teams I played for and that I live in but that just means there is a larger focus on the basketball team. This season we are in the Adriatic League and Euro Challenge, we will join the Hungarian league after the Adriatic season is over. Every game its really good competition and as a player you cant ask for more than that.

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Monta McGhee (I Was Surprised How Good The Israel Players Were In The League)

Monta Mcghee is a 33 year old 198cm forward from Chicago that completed  his first season for Elitzur Yavne (Israel-National League) where he played  27 games: 15.2ppg, 9.7rpg, 3.1apg, 1.7spg, FGP: 45.1%, 3PT: 37.4%, FT: 71.7%. He started his basketball career in 2000 for Kishwaukee College (NJCAA). He then played for Lewis (NCAA2) until 2004. He started his professional basketball career in 2005 for e p Horsens IC (Denmark-Basketliga) where he played until 2007. In 2007-2008, he came to Germany to play for la Cuxhaven BasCats (Germany-2.Bundesliga, starting five): 30 games: Score-4(18.8ppg), Reb-4(9.2rpg), 2.3apg, 1.8spg, 0.6 bpg, FGP: 45.8%, FT: 73.7%, 3PT: 28.3%. In 2008-2009, he played for the Giants Noerdlingen (Germany-1.Bundesliga, starting five): 34 games: 14.1ppg, Reb-3(8.3rpg), 2.1apg, Steals-2(1.7spg), FGP: 42.2%, 3PT: 28.1%, FT: 69.7%. He then played for n : Zorg and Zekerheid Leiden (Holland-DBL) from 2009-2011 winning the  cup in 2010 and league title in 2011. In 2011-2012 he played for Stella Artois Leuven Bears (Belgium-D1, starting five): 36 games: 8.2ppg, 4.3rpg, 1.4apg, 1.2spg, FGP: 39.6%, 3PT: 32.5%, FT: 62.2%. He gave German Hoops an interview during the last season.

You played your first season in Israel. How did you like the country and basketball?

The basketball was great and I love it here. I didn´t really know what to expect as I came, but the people have been nice and I am having fun here.

How did you experienced the political problems in Israel?

I didn´t see too much. The city that I was in was in a safe part of the country, but I have been concerned about the happenings here.

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Kyle Hines (Olympiakos Pireus) Bamberg Will Always Have A Place In My Heart

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 after winning his second Euroleague title.

Congrats Kyle for your second Euroleague win. Nothing against athletes Dennis Davis and Shonn Greene, but are you now the most famous person in your hometown Sicklerville, New Jersey?

I don’t really know. You would have to ask the town. There have been some well known people from my town. A kid won an Olympic gold medal at the last Olympics. I am happy though to be listed with them.

Are comebacks in your blood?

I think that our team has had experience in making comebacks the entire Euroleague season. It just shows the character of the team to be able to comeback and not be afraid or panic in uneasy situations. We never plan comebacks. We would rather be in games where we had a comfortable lead, but it seems that things always work out for us.

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