Interviews

Courtney Belger (Itzehoe) I Came Here To Win So It’s Only Right That I Believe We Will Definitely Make The Playoffs

Courtney Belger is a 26 year old 187cm guard from St Louis that is playing his first season with with the Itzehoe Eagles (Germany-ProB). Last season he played his second professional season with TV Ibbenbuehren (Germany-Regionalliga) playing 21 games and averaging 23.7ppg, 7.5rpg, Assists-4(6.7apg), Steals-2(3.5spg), FGP: 45.9%, 3PT: 35.3%, FT: 75.2%. He started his basketball career at Quincy (NCAA2) in 2008 where he played until 2012 playing a total of 113 NCAA 2 games. As a senior he played 27 games averaging 11.3ppg, 5.2rpg, 3.9apg, 1.8spg, FGP: 47.8%, 3PT: 10.5%, FT: 72.0%. He improved his scoring and rebounding average each season. He will play in the German Pro B next season for Itzehoe. He spoke to German Hoops after the 80-74 victory against the EN Baskets Schwelm.

Courtney thanks for talking to German Hoops Congrats on the 80-74 win against the EN Baskets Schwelm. In the fourth quarter Schwelm cut the Itzhoe lead down to three points, but you kept your composure and won. What was key for getting the victory in crunch time?

The key was continuing to focus on us and not the back and forth stress of the game. If we control what we can control and keep up our intensity, we are normally where we want to be at the end of the game.

Izehoe didn´t shoot great, but better than Schwelm were outrebounded and had six turnovers less than the opponent. What do you believe was the biggest team strength on the night?

I think it was our defense and the way that everyone was all about the team yesterday. Everyone was fighting for one another and sacrificing whatever they had. The entire team was engaged. The starters, the bench players, the injured guys, even our fans. It was great to see that on the road.

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Tommy Lee Smith (Phoenix Hagen) 90% Of Life Happens And The Other 10% Is How You Handle It

Tommy Lee Smith is a 34 year old 207cm forward from Phoenix, Arizona that has been a professional basketball player since 2003 and currently playing with Phoenix Hagen. He played at Arizona State from 1999-2003 playing a total of 122 NCAA games and as a senior played : 32 games: 11.2ppg, 6.2rpg, 2.7apg, BlockPac-10-1(2.2bpg), FGP: 49.3%, 3PT: 27.8%, FT: 57.4%: Finished his career with 1,123 points, 20th on the Sun Devil career scoring list and second leading shot blocker with 167. In 2003 he was drafted by the Chicago Bulls (NBA,2rd(53). He started his professional basketball career in 2003 with KK Split (Croatia-A1): ULEB Cup: 10 games: 12,4ppg, 6.2rpg, 1.2apg, 1.9spg, 1.7bpg; Adriatic League: 24 games: 9.9ppg, 6.1rpg, 1.1apg, 1.5spg. In the 2004-2005 season he played for the Yakima Sun Kings (CBA) playing 14 games: 13.4ppg, 6.0rpg, 2.4apg, 1.4spg, 2.1bpg, FGP: 55.5%, 3Pts: 25%. IN 2005 he came to Germany and played for the Artland Dragons until 2007. He then played for Al Jalaa Aleppo (Syria-D1) and Liaoning Panpan Hunters (China-CBA). After a two year break from basketball he returned in 2011 and played for the Dakota Wizards (D-League): 40 games: 7.6ppg, 5.0rpg, 1.1spg, 1.2bpg, FGP: 55.0%, FT: 53.2%. In the 2012-2013 season he played for the Santa Cruz Warriors (D-League), in Jan.’13 signed at Fort Wayne Mad Ants (D-League) playing 31 games: 6.7ppg, 5.5rpg, 1.5apg, 1.5bpg, FGP: 56.5%, FT: 47.2%. Two seasons ago he played for Al Shamal (Qatar-D1): 16 games 10.7ppg, 6.3rpg, 2.3apg, 1.1spg, FGP: 52.8%, FT: 28.8%. He spoke to German Hoops about basketball.

Tommy thanks for talking to German Hoops. Before we talk about basketball I have to get something off my chest. I always think of Motley Crew drummer Tommy Lee when I read your name. Does that thought ever cross your mind when you read your name somewhere?

It does cross my mind at times and people do bring it up on occasion. But to be honest I don´t think of Tommy Lee, but more of his ex wife Pamela Lee. I wasn´t big on Motley Crue.

Your back in Germany playing for Phoenix Hagen. It has been 8 years since you left the Artland Dragons. How has the country and its basketball changed the most in this time?

So much has changed since I played for the Artland Dragons. Back in 2006 all teams were stacked with good players, but like everywhere else basketball has become better. In Germany it is more athletic and physical. I also think that the pace is faster like in the States. As a country it reminds me a lot of home. In Artland it was a small village and all Germans, but in Hagen I hear many different languages like in Phoenix.

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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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David Sturner (Dresden Titans) I Had Always Been A Small Forward But Brian Mcdermott Helped Me Transition Into A Power Forward And Center

David Sturner is a 206cm power forward/center playing his first season in Germany for pro B team Dresden Titans and currently is averaging 10,8ppg and 6,8rpg. He started his basketball career with Orgeon State playing 13 NCAA games and then moved to S.Oregon (NAIA) and as a senior played 31 games: 14.6ppg, 9.2rpg, 1.2apg, 1.5bpg, FGP: 56.2%, 3PT: 36.4%, FT: 56.2%. He started his professional basketball career recently with the West Adelaide Bearcats (Australia-Central ABL) before coming to Germany. He spoke to German Hoops before the game against the Fraport Skyliners Juniors.

David thanks for talking to eurobasket.com. You are playing your first season with German pro B team Dresden Titans. How exciting have the first few months been not only playing basketball but living in such an old and historic city like Dresden?

My pleasure, Miles. It has been a very exciting time for me being here in Dresden. Honestly before my agent spoke with me about the opportunity I had never heard of Dresden. But I quickly found out how historic and beautiful of a city it is. It is a blessing to be able to play basketball, and experience such a different and great culture.

When you return back to Philomath, Oregon for the first time, what Story about the historic city Dresden will be on your mind first about sharing?

I’m sure I will have a lot of stories to tell when I finish the season here. I think that my parents will want to know all about the food and the different historic buildings. I’ll have to tell them about the beautiful buildings on the Elbe river and show them pictures. Also my roommate introduced me to the Doner. I’ll have to try and recreate it for them to try!

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Andrew Jones (Dresden Titans) I Remember My First Dresden Game In 2008 And I Didn’t Score In The First Quarter And Thought They Would Send Me Home By Halftime

Andrew Jones is a 32 year old 191cm shooting guard that has been a professional basketball player since 2007 and has returned back to the Dresden Titans this season. He played at Miles(NCAA2) and has played in Germany for most of his professional career with four seasons with the Dresden Titans and three seasons with the BG Aschersleben Tigers (Germany-Regionalliga). He also gained experience playing with teams like Marietta Storm (SEBL), BC Celtics (SEBL), C.B. Aridane (Spain-EBA) and Universidad Tecnologica Equinoc. Quito (Ecuador-National League). Last season he played for BG Aschersleben Tigers (Germany-Regionalliga) averaging 19,9ppg, 6,5rpg and 3,9apg. He spoke to german hoops before the game against the Fraport Skyliners on November 1st.

Andrew thanks for talking to german hoops. You are back in Dresden for a fourth tour of duty. How blessed are to still be playing the game you love at age 32?

I’m really blessed to be able to play the game I love. I thank God every day!

What is still your biggest thrill about competiting at the age of 32? Does anything change with age? Do you appreciate the fact that you can still play the game you love at this age?

I wanted to play basketball since I was young. Sometimes I look back to see how far I have come. Yes, my mentality has changed the most. I try to stay more in the moment rather than what is happening next year. I am only 32 and my abilities are still with me. I just appreciate game period.

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Chris Hill (The Amerileague Situation Is A Drawing Board Type Of Situation Mentally For Me And I Just Learn To Persevere And Grow)

Chris Hill is a 25 year old 203cm forward that recently played in South America with La Salle-UPB Cochabamba (Bolivia-Libobasquet). He started his basketball career with De Paul (NCAA) playing 12 games and averaging 15ppg, 6rpg, 2spg, 3bpg, FGP: 52%, 3PT: 42%. He then played at SW Missis.CC (JUCO): 29 games: 29ppg, 10rpg, 3apg, 1spg, 4bpg, FGP: 55%, 3PT: 41%, FT: 74%. As a professional he also has played in the minor leagues in the States with teams like South Carolina Warriors (ABA): 29 games: 24ppg, 9rpg, 5apg, FGP: 65%, 3PT: 43%, FT: 78%, Johnston County Nighthawks (TRBL): 7 games: 29.1ppg, 5.4rpg, 2.7apg, 1.1spg, 2FGP: 64.2%, 3PT: 40.9%, FT: 80.4%, and Cary Invasion (TRBL): 18 games: 20ppg, 6rpg, 3apg, 3bpg, FGP: 72%, 3PT: 100%. The American spoke to German Hoops recently about the Amerileague scandal and his basketball career.

Chris thanks for talking to German Hoops. Where are you at the moment and how was your workout session today?

I’m in North Carolina right now just got back from training with one of the best in business out in LA Keion Kindred from Clc basketball but here now working with few trainers I worked out with in high school and also spending time with my kids!!!

You were telling me a few days ago how excited you were about your chances of playing in a new league called the Amerileague. Today it came out that the whole league is a fraud. How crushed are you?

Yes I was very excited and was ready for the competition that was in the newly found league with ex NBA players. It would’ve been a boost for my game to test against players that most of us seen playing at the top level even though I play a lot of my friends during the summer that’s at that level already! Crushed wouldn’t be the word for the information I found out I would say more of a back to the drawing board type of situation mentally for me. I’ve been promised a lot before with this game I love and sometimes things don’t go the way you expect them to. I just learned to persevere and grow!!

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Ken Horton (medi Bayreuth) We Will Leave Our Heart Out On The Court Against FC Bayern Munich

Ken Horton is a 25 year old 199cm forward from Ossining, New York that is playing his fourth professional season and first in Germany with medi Bayreuth which will be his sixth team. Last season he tore up the league in Finland playing for Joensuun Kataja Basket (Finland-Korisliiga) winning the league title and playing 55 games: 16.2ppg, 8.6rpg, 1.5apg, 1.6spg, FGP: 58.8%, 3PT: 37.1%, FT: 86.8%; EuroChallenge: 6 games: 17.3ppg, 5.3rpg, 2.0apg, 1.5spg, FGP: 76.3%, 3PT: 43.3%, FT: 87.5%. He started his basketball career with Cent.Conn.St. (NCAA) in 2007 and as a senior played 28 games averaging 19.0ppg, 8.9rpg, 1.7apg, 2.1spg, 1.4bpg, FGP: 59.8%, 3PT: 31.3%, FT: 80.2%. He started his professional basketball career in 2012 with SO Maritime Boulogne (France-ProB): 16 games: 12.5ppg, 5.4rpg, 1.3spg, 2FGP: 62.5%, 3FGP: 25.8%, FT: 75.9%, in Mar.’13 moved to Forex Time Apollon (Cyprus-Division A): 2 games: 12.0ppg, 9.5rpg, 1.0apg, 1.5spg. IN the 2013-2014 season he played for teams Huracanes de Tampico (Mexico-LNBP)playing 16 games: and averaging 17.1ppg, 7.6rpg, 2.1apg, 1.4spg, 2FGP: 59.1%, 3FGP: 24.1%, FT: 87.0% and Ballarat Miners (Australia-SEABL) playingb 18 games averaging 19.6ppg, 11.3rpg, 1.7apg, 1.8spg, Blocks-2(9.7bpg), FGP: 47.2%, 3PT: 27.3%, FT: 39.9%. He spoke to German Hoops before the big game with FC Bayern Munich.

Ken thanks for talking to German Hoops One last splash of nice autumn weather in Germany this weekend. Has the Bayreuth weather the last two months been similar to what you have in New York this time of year or has it already been colder for your taste?

Yea the weather here has been very similar to what I’ve had back in New York. I can deal with any kind of weather after going through a winter in Finland. So it’s not to bad for me now.

At the start of the week medi Bayreuth basketball team made the national sports news filling almost every online and print outlet with two players facing disciplinary action after an altercation in a club. How hast the state of the team been this week?

The state of the team has been great. We are professionals and whatever happens outside the gym happens outside the gym and we don’t bring that stuff on the court. Whatever happened has been dealt with and now we’re getting ready for this next game.

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Brandon Johnson (Crailsheim Merlins) We Want To Cut Down Our Points But Sometimes It’s The Gift And Curse Playing Fast Like We Do

Brandon Johnson is a 29 year old 183cm guard from Houston, Texas that is playing his first season with the team Crailsheim Merlins and is averaging 4,8ppg and 3,8apg . He started his basketball career at San Diego(NCAA) in 2005 and played there until 2010 playing a total of 134 NCAA games and as a senior played 29 games averaging 14.0ppg, 2.7rpg, 3.4apg, 1.9spg, FGP: 35.4%, 3PT: 32.2%, FT: 77.9%. He turned professional in 2010 and played for the Dakota Wizards (D-League) playing 24 games: 6.3ppg, 2.1rpg, 2.2apg, FGP: 41.0%, 3PT: 20.8%, FT: 82.2%. Two seasons ago he played for Hoops Club (Lebanon-Division A) playing 5 games: 17.2ppg, 5.4rpg, 6.6apg, 2.4spg, FGP: 32.6%, 3PT: 25.5%, FT: 64.5%. Last season he finally made his big breakthrough in Europe with the t Cuxhaven BasCats (Germany-ProA) coming in the second half of the season and saving their year and played 12 games averaging 21.9ppg, 4.8rpg, 5.6apg, 2.8spg, FGP: 50.0%, 3PT: 44.6%, FT: 70.3%. He spoke to German Hoops after the 99-90 victory against ratiopharm Ulm.

Congrats Brandon on the big 99-90 win against ratiopharm Ulm. The second win of the season against a playoff team. What was key at the end for getting the win?

I think our guys do a great job of sticking together at the end, believing in the system and stepping up making free throws at the end of the game.

The starting five played very well in this game. Does the consistency of the starting five have to continue to be there for this team to be successful?

I think on any team you need the starting five to be consistent but to win games the bench has to also. Early in the game the starting 5 did a really good job of getting a lead and the substitutions came in and didn’t bring the same energy so overall for our team to be successful we need everyone to be consistent on what they bring to the Team.

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Ken Horton (medi Bayreuth) I’m Definitely Not Satisfied And I Want To Win More

Ken Horton is a 25 year old 199cm forward from Ossining, New York that is playing his fourth professional season and first in Germany with medi Bayreuth which will be his sixth team. Last season he tore up the league in Finland playing for Joensuun Kataja Basket (Finland-Korisliiga) winning the league title and playing 55 games: 16.2ppg, 8.6rpg, 1.5apg, 1.6spg, FGP: 58.8%, 3PT: 37.1%, FT: 86.8%; EuroChallenge: 6 games: 17.3ppg, 5.3rpg, 2.0apg, 1.5spg, FGP: 76.3%, 3PT: 43.3%, FT: 87.5%. He started his basketball career with Cent.Conn.St. (NCAA) in 2007 and as a senior played 28 games averaging 19.0ppg, 8.9rpg, 1.7apg, 2.1spg, 1.4bpg, FGP: 59.8%, 3PT: 31.3%, FT: 80.2%. He started his professional basketball career in 2012 with SO Maritime Boulogne (France-ProB): 16 games: 12.5ppg, 5.4rpg, 1.3spg, 2FGP: 62.5%, 3FGP: 25.8%, FT: 75.9%, in Mar.’13 moved to Forex Time Apollon (Cyprus-Division A): 2 games: 12.0ppg, 9.5rpg, 1.0apg, 1.5spg. IN the 2013-2014 season he played for teams Huracanes de Tampico (Mexico-LNBP)playing 16 games: and averaging 17.1ppg, 7.6rpg, 2.1apg, 1.4spg, 2FGP: 59.1%, 3FGP: 24.1%, FT: 87.0% and Ballarat Miners (Australia-SEABL) playingb 18 games averaging 19.6ppg, 11.3rpg, 1.7apg, 1.8spg, Blocks-2(9.7bpg), FGP: 47.2%, 3PT: 27.3%, FT: 39.9%. He spoke to German Hoops after the teams first season win against the Mitteldeutscher BC

Ken congrats on the 82-77 victory against MBC. This was a game of the two door mats of the league. Did you know before the game started that it would be such an ugly game?

Thank you. I wouldn’t say “Door Mats” of the league. We both got off to rough starts yes, but its still early in the season. Yesterday I think we did exactly what we wanted to do in the game and that is win. Ugly or not as long as we won I’m happy.

You said in the pre-game interview that medi Bayreuth would be ready and you were. How relieved are you that the team finally got their first win of the season?

I’m very happy that we got our first win but I’m definitely not satisfied. I want to win more.

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Ken Horton (medi Bayreuth) We All Lead In Some Way Or Another That’s Why I Know This Team Is Special

Ken Horton is a 25 year old 199cm forward from Ossining, New York that is playing his fourth professional season and first in Germany with medi Bayreuth which will be his sixth team. Last season he tore up the league in Finland playing for Joensuun Kataja Basket (Finland-Korisliiga) winning the league title and playing 55 games: 16.2ppg, 8.6rpg, 1.5apg, 1.6spg, FGP: 58.8%, 3PT: 37.1%, FT: 86.8%; EuroChallenge: 6 games: 17.3ppg, 5.3rpg, 2.0apg, 1.5spg, FGP: 76.3%, 3PT: 43.3%, FT: 87.5%. He started his basketball career with Cent.Conn.St. (NCAA) in 2007 and as a senior played 28 games averaging 19.0ppg, 8.9rpg, 1.7apg, 2.1spg, 1.4bpg, FGP: 59.8%, 3PT: 31.3%, FT: 80.2%. He started his professional basketball career in 2012 with SO Maritime Boulogne (France-ProB): 16 games: 12.5ppg, 5.4rpg, 1.3spg, 2FGP: 62.5%, 3FGP: 25.8%, FT: 75.9%, in Mar.’13 moved to Forex Time Apollon (Cyprus-Division A): 2 games: 12.0ppg, 9.5rpg, 1.0apg, 1.5spg. IN the 2013-2014 season he played for teams Huracanes de Tampico (Mexico-LNBP)playing 16 games: and averaging 17.1ppg, 7.6rpg, 2.1apg, 1.4spg, 2FGP: 59.1%, 3FGP: 24.1%, FT: 87.0% and Ballarat Miners (Australia-SEABL) playingb 18 games averaging 19.6ppg, 11.3rpg, 1.7apg, 1.8spg, Blocks-2(9.7bpg), FGP: 47.2%, 3PT: 27.3%, FT: 39.9%. He spoke to German Hoops about basketball.

Ken thanks for talking to German Hoops. You have been in Germany now two months after having played in countries like France, Cyprus, Mexico, Australia and Finland. How have you liked living and playing basketball in Germany?

I’m liking Germany a lot. Its getting a bit cold but after being in Finland last season I’m no stranger to the cold. Basketball wise its good and its coming along slowly but surely.

After having a long pre season the season started and medi Bayreuth is surprisingly 0-3. With the talent that the team has and good coach Michael Koch, would you ever have thought before the season started that the team could start like this?

It was a long preseason but, I don’t think anybody on any team would think about starting the season off 0-3. The goal is to win every game you play, unfortunately it doesn’t happen like that. As you said earlier we have a lot of talent and a great Coach who believes in every one of us, so we will work hard to get back on the right track.

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