Interviews

Josh Parker (Mitteldeutscher BC) I Am In A State Where I’m Both Confident In My Team And Myself

Josh Parker is a 23 year old 183cm point guard from Harvey, Illinois that recently was a rookie for the Bayer Giants Leverkusen and helped the team win the Pro B title. With Leverkusen he 33 games: Score-1(28.5ppg), 4.5rpg, Assists-2(7.1apg), 2.2spg, FGP: 43.3%, 3PT: 33.9%, FT: 80.3%He played at Drake from 2007-2009 and then played for Dayton(NCAA) from 2010-1012. He played a total of 130 NCAA games. Currently he is tearing up the German PRO B. He scored in double figures 33 times scoring over 20 points 26 times, 30 points or more 15 times and 40 points or more four times including a 48 point explosion against Dresden. He cleaned out the Eurobasket awards as well getting Eurobasket.com All-German 2.Bundesliga Pro B Player of the Year -13, Eurobasket.com All-German 2.Bundesliga Pro B Guard of the Year -13, Eurobasket.com All-German 2.Bundesliga Pro B Import Player of the Year -13, Eurobasket.com All-German 2.Bundesliga Pro B 1st Team -13, and Eurobasket.com German 2.Bundesliga Pro B All-Imports Team -13. Many teams were aware of his stellar play in the pro B including the Mitteldeutscher BC who signed him for the 2013-2014 Beko BBL season. He spoke to German Hoops before the game against the Eisbaeren Bremerhaven

Hi Josh thanks for talking to German Hoops again. Congrats on the 88-82 win against the EWE Baskets Oldenburg on the road. This was your first two game winning streak as a Beko BBL player. How good does it feel seeing many happy faces after wins the last two weeks?

It really feels great to be able to put a couple of wins together and see the way the team has continued to fight and stay together it’s a great feeling but we know we have more work to do!

This was a real battle at the end, but MBC had the better nerves. What was key for getting the win against Oldenburg in crunch time?

Oldenburg is a great team and well coached. We just played hard and competed! It was a great game just glad we stayed together in the end.

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Larry Gordon (Phoenix Hagen) We Go Into Every Game With The Same Mindset And Tuebingen Is A Must Win

Larry Gordon is a 26 year old 196cm forward that is playing his second season in the German Beko BBL for Phoenix Hagen. Last season for Phoenix Hagen he helped the team reach the playoffs playing 37 games: 12.7ppg, 6.4rpg, 1.5apg, FGP: 52.9%, 3PT: 43.0%, FT: 83.2%He played at Cal Poly Pomona (NCAA2) from 2005 to 2009 playing a total of 116 NcAA2 games. In his senior year, he played 33 games: 15.7ppg, 10.4rpg, 2.0apg, 1.7apg, FGP: 53.8%, 3PT: 38.5%, FT: 75.7%. He was a CCAA Player of the Year and NCAA D2 Finalist in 2009. In 2009-2010, he came to Europe as a rookie and played for Landstede Basketbal Zwolle (Holland-Eredivisie, starting five): 36 games: 14.0ppg, 8.1rpg, 1.8apg, 1.2spg, FGP: 48.3%, 3PT: 33.7%, FT: 75.8%. He played for ECE Bulls Kapfenberg (Austria-A Bundesliga) the last two seasons and in his last season played 38 games: 14.7ppg, Reb-3(8.4rpg), 1.8apg, FGP-3(65.2%), 3PT: 36.2%, FT: 77.1%. He spoke to German Hoops before the game against the Walter Tigers Tuebingen.

Larry thanks for talking to German Hoops again. Congrats on the 98-78 win against the EWE Baskets Oldenburg. How good did it feel to get a win against one of the top teams in the league?

It felt good to get this Win after a disappointing loss last week against Frankfurt, it’s always a good feeling to Win against a Top team

You didn’t have a good shooting night and finished with nine points, but was the top assist man with four. How much pride do you take in having the ability to create for others?

It’s always been in my game but people only notice when it shows up on the stat sheet, I create a lot good looks for my teammates and that’s what makes me an effective combo guard in this league.

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Larry Gordon (Phoenix Hagen) It Will Be A Challenge Against Oldenburg, But We Have Home Court Advantage.

Thanks Larry for talking to German Hoops. A tough 82-79 loss in Frankfurt. What hurt more at the end, having used all that energy and losing or all that heart in the comeback and losing?

A little bit if both, but in basketball you Win some in you lose some in comeback situations

When you look back at the last minute, Phoenix Hagen did much right getting the ball back, causing turnovers and fouls, but just weren´t able to hit the needed shots. Is there anything else that the team could have done differently that might have turned the game into another direction?

The only thing we could of did better is not wait until the last minute to turn it up.

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Larry Gordon (Phoenix Hagen) If We Are Down 10 Or Up 10 During The End Of A Game, We Are Always In A Position To Win

Larry congrats on the 85-80 win at home against the Neckar Riesen Ludwigsburg. Early in the season you beat Bayreuth and Vechta in crunch time and recently lost to Bremerhaven in crunch time, but won the last two games against TBB Trier and Ludwigsburg in crunch time. Are the nerves of Phoenix Hagen now after two months at the end of games in an area that you are content with?

Yea I think we are finally understanding as a team that no matter if we are down 10 or up 10 during the end of a game, if we stay focused and concentrated and play our basketball, we are always in a position to Win.

Can you understand why people are all nervous that without point guard Henry Dugat the offense wont be able to function. Do people forget the ability that a Mark Dorris brings to the court?

I really don’t we have a lot of other capable players on our team, as well as 4 players who have played this style last year. Losing one player doesn’t stop how we play.

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Brian Qvale (medi bayreuth) We Just Need To Keep Working Hard And Things Will Turn Around For Us.

Brian Qvale is a 25 year old 210cm center from Williston, North Dakota that is playing his first season in the Beko BBL with Medi bayreuth. He played at Montana (NCAA) from 2007-2011 playing a total of 116 NCAA games and in his senior year played 32 games: 14.9ppg, 8.8rpg, 3.0bpg, FGP: 62.6%, FT: 64.5%. In 2011-2012, he started his professional basketball career with Aliaga Petkim (Turkey-TBL): 32 games: 8.9ppg, 4.4rpg, FGP: 56.5%, FT: 58.3%. Last season he played for : Belfius Mons-Hainaut (Belgium-Ethias League, starting five): 31 games: 9.8ppg, Reb-4(6.1rpg), Blocks-2(1.1bpg), FGP-2(65.3%), FT: 66.7%; EuroChallenge: 6 games: 13.3ppg, 9.7rpg, 1.0apg, 1.7bpg, FGP: 71.1%, FT: 57.1%. He spoke to German Hoops before the game against SC Rasta Vechta.

Brian thanks for talking to German Hoops again. A tough 81-59 loss against Alba Berlin last weekend. After beating them the last two times in Bayreuth, Alba Berlin gave a spirited performance in a hostile enviroment. What were the main reasons for not being able to get the win?

They were a very physical team and pushed us out of some things we were trying to do on offense. We just got into a hole early and were not able to get out of it.

You have seen the three best German teams this season with FC Bayern Munich, Bamberg and Berlin. Where would you rate the play of Alba Berlin compared to the other two teams? Are they at eye level with Munich and Bamberg?

I think they are all good teams that have deep rosters, play physical, and are talented. I think a game could go either way between those 3 teams.

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David Pruett (Rasta Vechta) I Play With High Emotion And Energy Until The Final Buzzer Sounds

David Pruett is a 24 year old 190 cm guard from Gainsville, Georgia that is on a try out basis with German Beko BBL team SC Rasta Vechta. He started his basketball career in 2008 with Armstrong Atlantic (NCAA2) where he palyed until 2010. He played the last three seasons for Lander (NCAA2) and as a senior played 26 games: 16.5ppg, 4.5rpg, 3.3apg, 1.4spg, FGP: 38.4%, 3PT: 36.9%, FT: 83.5%. Awards/Achievements in his basketball career have been PeachBelt Tournament Semifinals -09, and PeachBelt All-Academic Team -12. He spoke to German Hoops about his new basketball adventure in Germany.

Hi David thanks for talking to German Hoops. It can get cold in South Carolina in the winter, but can you bear the German cold? I guess as long as the gym is warm all is ok? Lol

I didn’t really understand how cold German gets until I woke up this morning shivering. Definitely sleeping with the heat on. Rasta keeps the gym warm which is good.

You landed at Frankfurt airport and then flew to a smaller city Bremern and then it got very small with Vechta. What is your first impression of the town? Do you like that small town feeling?

I come from a small college town, Greenwood South Carolina. So I am used to this type of atmosphere. But I love Vechta, people are wonderful and its a beautiful town. People do a wonderful job supporting their basketball club. Can’t wait to continue meeting people.

How excited are you to be playing in Germany and start your rookie season with SC Rasta Vechta?

I am truly blessed to have this opportunity right out of college to try out for a BBL team. Not many people get this opportunity so thankful for it. What a great club and town to start my pro career!

SC Rasta Vechta is a new team in the league and always battling until the end to win games. How much never die attitude sticks within David Pruett?

I play with high emotion and energy until the final buzzer sounds. I have been on winning and losing teams. I know what it feels like to win and lose. Winning is the most important thing no matter what and I will do whatever I have to do to help Rasta win.

You scored 15 points in your first test game. How did it feel playing with your teammates?

The guys here at Rasta are great. They are hard workers and work every day to get wins. They helped me and hopefully I helped them. Ha! playing right after a red eye flight and only three hours sleep was hard. My shot was off so I attacked the rim and got some easy buckets. Got to credit my teammates for giving me the opportunities though. It was only a scrimmage though.

SC Rasta Vechta is a very scrappy team with many guys there to prove something. What has been your overall impression of the team?

This team is close real close to being real good. We need to keep improving on defense and find a piece or two on offense.

What has it been like playing with athletic jumper Brandon Bowmann? I am sure you will see a dunk every day from him.

Brandon is great experienced player. He has a great attitude and very athletic.

You played at the Team Moscow (Eurobasket Summer League in Las Vegas and now found a new team late into the season. How thankful are you for your agent Lothar Hermeling who really did top notch work getting you this deal?

Euro summer league was a great experience for me as it tested me physically because it was the second straight pro showcase within a week. I know what I needed to continue to work on my game after that week. Lothar Hermeling is simply great at what he does. I never have to question his work ethic or decisions. He knows what best for me and I trust him. He is great.

What is your biggest strength as a player. You are 190cm big and can score?

My biggest strength is my shot. I can stretch defenses with my 3 and pull up from midrange. Coach Elzie brought me here to shoot.

What is a strength in your game that doesn´t get noticed right away?

My athletic ability

What was the most important thing that you learned from head coach Jeff Burkhamer that has prepared you best for a professional basketball career?

He has taught me so much about the game of basketball. It has improved my IQ. He also taught me fundamental defense and helped me improve on it every year. He has prepared me to have professional business like approach to every day.

What will you never forget from your last game 34 point effort against Francis Marion?

Its a memory I will never forget. To play my last game in a Lander uniform like that was just so much fun. What a great night that was for me and the Lander program.

Who won a one on one in college you or Jarel Smith and how did you beat him best?

Jarel Smith is a very talent player who will put up big numbers this year. He is better than me at getting to the basket and finished with contact. We never played one on one but I’m sure it would be hell of a battle!

Who was the best player that you played against in the NCAA2 that might be in the NBA or college now?

So many great players have come through the Peach Belt Confrence. Ben Magen, Dwight Tolbert, Brain Moultrie, Garret Syler, Chris Commons. There are so many I can pick from.

Where will the NBA journey of the Atlanta Hawks end this season?

The Hawks will end their season around the 5th seed in the East. But look out for them in the future. They have a great system in place and great pieces.

What was the last DVD movie that you saw?

Man of Steel. Eh Its a fun movie.

Thanks David for the chat.

Jack Eggleston (Bayer Giants Leverkusen) We Need To Make Sure We’re Taking Advantage Of Every Opportunity To Improve

Jack Eggleston is a 24 year old 203cm power forward from Noblesville, Indiana that is playing his third year as a professional for the Bayer Giants Leverkusen in the German Pro B. He played at Pennsylvania (NCAA) from 2007-2011. He played a total of 125 NCAA games. In his senior year he played 28 games: 13.2ppg, 8.0rpg, 2.1apg, FGP: 50.4%, 3PT: 45.1%, FT: 73.5%. As a rookie for Leverkusen he played 23 games: 14.0ppg, 6.0rpg, 2.1apg, FGP: 49.5%, 3PT: 37.1%, FT: 71.2%. Last season he played 33 games: 15.3ppg, Reb-2(11.1rpg), 3.4apg, 1.6spg, FGP: 51.2%, 3PT: 34.1%, FT: 74.7%He spoke to German Hoops about his come back and current Leverkusen losing streak.

Jack thanks for talking to German Hoops again. A tough 78-75 loss to BG Karlsruhe. The team keeps getting closer and closer but lost again. What was key for not being able to get the win at the end?

I think we just dug ourselves too big of a hole in the first half. We need to be able to come out of the gate with the energy and intensity that we showed in the second half.

The Bayer Giants Leverkusen seemed to have no answer in containing Germans Rouven Roessler who played many years in the BBL and breathed German national team air and Oliver Komarek who was a German A-2 national player in the past. How much fun is it experiencing good German players each weekend?

Both of them are good players, but I can’t use the word “fun” to describe any game that we lost. I look forward to seeing them later in the season so we can have another opportunity to contain them better.

After your long injury, how excited were you to finally be able to play on the court again? How did you feel physically and mentally?

It was great to get back out on the court and help my team. There was definitely a bit of an adjustment period after being out for two months, but I felt like I was able to get comfortable out there fairly quickly.

How tough was it the last months having to sit on the bench and not be able to help the team get out of this losing streak?

That was really the worst part of my injury, just sitting there feeling like I was letting my teammates down. I tried to be positive and support the guys, but no competitive person wants to sit on the bench and watch.

Have you ever suffered a 10 game losing streak in your career or is this the first time? How have you been dealing with it?

I wish the answer to that was no but we actually lost my first ten games in my junior year of college. This season, just like that season, is not the way you want to start. I’m confident though that we’ll continue to improve as a team.

What have been the main reasons for the losing streak. The loss of Josh Parker and your injury surely weren´t beneficial, but the team picked up some solid talent especially with Tony Watson.

Obviously any time you lose a tremendous player like Josh, you have to figure out ways to replace his contribution. I think Tony has done a great job in his place, but we’ve struggled a bit with injuries. All of our big men have missed significant time and some of the other players have nagging issues.

Especially a guy like American Marc Sonnen was a big pick up who shot over 40% his last two seasons in the NCAA. What do you like most about his game?

Although most people notice Marc’s shooting ability first, I really love his defensive intensity. Even if the ball isn’t falling for him, he’s going to give us everything he’s got on the other end of the court.

What parts of your game have been most difficult to get used to again after your long injury?

I’d say my touch around the basket and my decision making are the two things that are the toughest to get back. I’ve made progress with both and will continue to improve in the coming weeks.

The Bayer Giants Leverkusen can´t panic now. What will be most important for the team do now besides sticking together?

We need to make sure we’re taking advantage of every opportunity to improve. Every practice, every game is a chance for us to get better as a team. We can’t waste those chances.

What was the last DVD movie that you saw?

I just watched Primer.

Thanks Jack for the chat.

Larry Gordon (Phoenix Hagen) We Have A Lot of Guys Capable Of Picking Up The Slack

Larry thanks for talking to German Hoops again. A big 88-82 win in Trier where it is never easy to win. How important was it getting this huge road win on the road snapping the four game losing streak?

It was huge, we needed to get this Win and try to get some momentum back for the season

In that four game losing streak, Phoenix Hagen averaged giving up 98 points per game. Is it sometimes that a team just loses focus in a certain area of the game mentally or was mechanics on the court mainly the problem on defense in that four game stretch?

Yea lately we have been struggling getting stops when we need them, but with our fast pace offense things happen throughout the game.

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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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Face To Face With George Filkinis

George Filkinis is a Greek basketball coach with over 30 years of experience. He has won 11 titles as a head coach and 6 as an assistant coach. He has coached teams like Marousi, Asteras BC, AO Arion, Irakleion, AO Sporting, Achilles Cyprus, Panathinaikos Cyprus, and AO Lamias. He has coached 680 official games is and his record is 477 ( 70,15%) wins and 203 (20,85%). He spoke to German Hoops about basketball.

Thanks George Filkinis for talking to German Hoops. You have been coach for more than 30 years and have experienced very much. What are the most important priorities for you as a coach?

I am totally convinced that the mission of a coach is to follow two goals. The success of a team has to do with the picture and path that the club is taking. I believe that all coaches in all sports are able to get positive results depending on the resources that a coach has. A second priority is more difficult and harder to accomplish which few coaches can achieve and that is to form individual characters of the players. It is important during the daily work with different player characters to be able to handle difficult moments and that is what helps influence and form player characters. The priorities that I have stressed in my 32 years as coach is to work hard, have faith in my players and be a role model and teacher for my players.

What is your game philosophy that you believe in?

I want to give you a shorter answer since discussing game philosophies could take hours. I use appropriate game philosophies that can change a team and that are ball orientated. I like to work on game situations. My basis in a game is a pressure type of man and zone defense with lightening quick attacking.

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