In the world city of Hamburg were just counting swans on the Alster can be seen as a hobby as there are so many, there are many sport clubs with rich tradition like soccer team HSV that has been in service for 127 years, St Pauli have been around for 94 years and the Uhlenhorster hockey team have been competiting for 113 years and now the city Hamburg that was host of the 2010 U-17 World Championships in basketball where Giessen guard Besnek Bekteshi tore up the competition had a new professional basketball team going to start a new era in Giessen that has been around since 1846 as they played their first professional game in the infamous and loud Osthalle. It was a long pre season for the team as they played very much basketball with a roster that was put together in July. It was also not a surprise that both the makers of this Hamburg Towers project ex German national player Marvin Willoughby and Frankfurt Skyliners legend Pascal Roller were on hand to witness history. Despite a frantic and almost successful comeback at the end of the game, Pascal Roller who was sporting a stylish dark black shirt bearing the intials of the city Hamburg HH was more relaxed while the more suave looking Willoughby who is a mix between Denzel Washington and Tyson Beckford was a bit more nervous at the end, but with 0,9 seconds to go another missed Hamburg free throw was left rolling on the rim as no Giessen player seemed awake allowing Terrry „Air Canada“ Thomas to secure the rebound and seal the 66-65 win as both chefs smiled and escaped Giessen with a victory. 40 minutes after the narrow win, Marvin Willoughby was able to summarize the 40 minutes that he had just witnessed. „We found out at the end that you have to play for 40 minutes and not 39 minutes. If you give up 9 points in the last minute, you will get punished. We were lucky that we won, but I am very happy that we won. We had a good phase in the up and down moments to stick together as a team. I thought we played a pretty good defensive game, but lost focus at the end. We have very much potential on the defensive end to get even better“, stressed Marvin Willoughby. „We wanted to win that first game at home. We didn´t execute well in the first half, but in the second half we executed better on offense, but still had defensive break downs. I felt that every player gave 100%. We have to get better and shoot for two wins this week“, added Giessen forward Andre Marhold.
ProA
Will Reinke (Gotha) I Am Excited To Finally Get To Learn From A True Big Man Chris Ensminger
Will Reinke is a 23 year old 208cm center from Lawton, Oklahoma that signed with German Pro A team BiG Oettinger Rockets Gotha (Germany-ProA) for the 2014-2015 season. Last season he played for CS Energia Rovinari Targu Jiu (Romania-Liga Nationala): 6 games: 6.7ppg, 5.3rpg, 1.5spg, 1.0bpg, FGP: 48.4%, FT: 83.3%. He started his basketball career in 2009 for Stephen F. Austin (NCAA): 29 games: 4.1ppg, 3.1rpg, 1.0bpg. He then transferred to Oklah.Christian (NCAA2) playing his last three years there and as a senior played 26 games: 19.0ppg, 9.6rpg, 2.5bpg, FGP: 57.3%, 3PT: 41.7%, FT: 74.3%. He spoke to Gewrman Hoops about basketball before he came to Germany recently.
Will thanks for talking to German Hoops. Where are you at the moment and how have you been enjoying your summer?
I’m living just north of Oklahoma City and have been training as well as coaching for a high school team. I enjoy working with the kids and I understand the game even better now that I have done some coaching.
You will be starting your second professional season in Germany with Pro A team Gotha. What do you know about Germany the country and basketball? Did you ask your ex teammate Giordan Watson about Germany?
My heritage is German so I have learned some things about Germany’s history from my grandparents. Giordan Watson told me that Germany is a very professional country that is more like America than most European countries.
Donald Lawson (Rasta Vechta) I Feel That Unselfish Plays Always Leads To Success.
Donald Lawson is a 26 year old 208cm center from Chicago that will play his fifth professional season in Germany and first with SC Rasta Vechta. He played with BV Chemnitz from 2010-2014 playing a total of 118 Pro A games and last season played 30 games: 9.7ppg, Reb-2(9.4rpg), 1.4apg, 1.3spg, Blocks-5(1.3bpg), FGP: 47.0%, FT: 56.5%. He started his basketball career at W.Michigan (NCAA) from 2006-2010 playing a total of 115 NCAA games. He recently spoke to German Hoops about basketball before he came to Germany to start the 2014-2015 season.
BV Chemnitz finished last season in 11th place with a record of 15-15. What were the main reasons for the club not being a playoff team?
Consistency and slow starts. As a team we played well at times, but we also had stretches where we didn’t play well on the offensive or defensive end as a unit. We also struggled to get a rhythm at the start of the second half.
It seems as if the competition level has risen in the German pro A in the last years. Is the talent level of Americans/Germans been increasing?
The talent level had always been good and it continues to get better. The German talents are developing quite well and teams are doing a good job of recruiting players to fit their system/style of play.
Matt Vest (Gotha) I Am Very Lucky To Have The Chance To Play For Chris Ensminger Who Values The Same Things I Do, Which Are Toughness, Togetherness, And Unselfishness.
Matt Vest is a 21 year old 196cm guard from Ohio that will be starting his professional career in Germany for the BiG Oettinger Rockets Gotha (Germany-ProA). He played at Wright State from 2010-2014 playing a total of 114 NCAA games and as a senior played 29 games: 7.4ppg, 3.4rpg, 2.0apg, 1.2spg, FGP: 65.4%, 3PT: 43.1%, FT: 64.9%. He spoke to German Hoops about basketball earlier this summer before coming to Germany.
Matt where are you at the moment and how is your summer going along?
I am currently still living at my apartment at Wright State with a couple of teammates from last season. Summer is going great so far, just trying to improve my body and my game every day and spending as much time with friends and family as I can before I head over to Germany.
You signed very early as a professional. Was Gotha just 100% the best fit for you from your other offers?
Yes, I firmly believe that Gotha was the place for me. Committing to this organization so early was not a tough decision at all considering the vision that Coach Ensminger and Bjorn Snater have for the future. Speaking with them both before signing made it very clear that Gotha was the place for me to begin my career.
Andre Marhold (Gießen 46ers) My Guard Abilities Is my Hidden Strength
Andre Marhold is a 23 year old 198cm forward that will be playing his second professional season and first in Germany for the Giessen 46ers. Last season he played for Chin Min Dragons UBC St. Polten (Austria-A Bundesliga): 7 games: 13.3ppg, 8.6rpg, 1.1bpg, FGP: 53.6%, 3PT: 66.7%, FT: 63.6%. He played at Duquesne (NCAA) and as a senior played 28 games: 6.1ppg, 5.8rpg, 1.6bpg, FGP: 52.9%, FT: 37.5%. He spoke to German Hoops about basketball.
Andre how are you? Where are you at the moment and how have you been enjoying your summer?
I’m great, I am currently in Pittsburgh pa training with the “The Scoring Factory” everyday, preparing myself to have a great season next year is my main focus right now.
Last season as a rookie, you didn´t get a team until February 2014 and now in your second season, you have signed early with Giessen. Will it be easier to enjoy your summer now knowing you have a job?
It was a huge relief to sign early but, that’s just half the job. This opportunity made me want to work even harder this summer.
Vincent Bailey (SC Rasta Vechta)Size Doesn’t Matter To Me, Its Whoever Wants It The Most And I Want Every Rebound I Can Get My Hands On
Vincent Bailey is a 22 year old 201cm forward that will begin his professional basketball career in Germany with Pro A club SC Rasta Vechta. H eplayed at Lincoln Memorial (NCAA2) from 2001-2014 and as a senior averaged 21,6ppg and 9,8rpg. He won the SAC Tournament in 2011 and 2014. He talked to German Hoops about basketball.
Vincent thanks for talking to German Hoops. Where are you at the moment and how have you been enjoying your summer?
Right now I’m in Atlanta,Ga. Getting prepared for the upcoming season with Rasta. My summer has been great just been working out to stay on top of my game.
Any player coming from college especially from Div2 can be more than thrilled getting a professional basketball job so quickly. How blessed are you that you have landed a job with German Pro A team SC Rasta Vechta?
Being Div 2 I’m sure people have there doubt’s about me. But I’ve been doubted all my life and I am very blessed to have this opportunity to show what I am capable of. I am very motivated to be on top of my game and can’t wait to start with Rasta Vachta this upcoming season.
Face To Face With Markus Hallgrimson (Rhein Stars Koeln)
Markus Hallgrimson is a 38 year old 190 cm German-American guard that has a shocking resemblance to American actor Kirk Cameron that became famous for the hit TV show Growing Pains. Since starting his basketball career in 1995, he has been somewhat of a nomad having found 16 different teams in this time. He went to the States in 1995 to have the total high school experience playing for Mercer Island. In 1996, he returned back to Germany playing for USC Heidelberg. He then decided to return back to the States and play NCAA2 ball for Montana State-Billings from 1997-2000. He led the NCAA in 1999-2000 with an all-time NCAA record 6.2 three pointers per game. He also set a new NCAA record with 16 three pointers in one game. He scored 51, 50 and 45 points and averaged 24 points per game, 4th best in the US for Div. II. He was voted to the 1st team NCAA Div. II All-American team. He then returned to Germany and from 2000-2004, he played for Avitos Giessen, BCJ Hamburg NVV Monchengladbach, TSK Wurzburg and BG Chemnitz. In 2004-2005, he left Germany and headed Spain for a short stay playing for Los Barrios Cadix (Spain-LEB1) but was released in October playing 4 games and averaging 3.7ppg 0.2apg. In April 2005, he signed at Geneve Devils (Switzerland-LNA) playing 13 games and averaging 12.0ppg, 1.2rpg, 2.2apg, 2FGP: 60.0%, 3FGP: 35.7%; In the playoffs, he played 12 games averaging 9.0ppg, 1.2rpg, 1.6apg, 2FGP: 83.3%, 3FGP: 35.7%. In 2005, he played briefly at TV Langen, before returning back to the Geneve Devils (Switzerland-LNA) playing 15 games and averaging 10.3ppg, 1.3rpg, 1.5apg, 1.1spg, 2FGP: 34.4%, 3PT: 41.1%, FT: 93.8%. In 2006-2007, he left the Geneve Devils and then went back to Germany to play for ASC Theresianum Mainz and for the Mitteldeutscher BC playing 21 games and averaging 11.4ppg, 1.7rpg, 1.1apg, 2FGP: 54.3%, 3FGP: 40.9%, FT: 63.6%. In 2007-2008, he went to England to play for the Worcester Wolves (United Kingdom-BBL) playing 6 games averaging 7.5ppg, 2.3rpg, 1.2apg, FGP: 25.0%, 3PT: 19.7%, and in Nov.’07 moved to SCH Wuerzburg Baskets (Germany-Regionalliga) playing 20 games and averaging 17.5ppg. In 2008-2009, he continued with SCH Wuerzburg Baskets (Germany-Regionalliga) playing 24 games and averaging 11.1ppg. In 2009-2010, he played for Ithry Nador (Morocco-D2), in Dec.’09 moved to SC Rasta Vechta (Germany-ProB, starting five): 17 games: 12.3ppg, 1.7rpg, 1.9apg, 1.0spg, FGP: 33.3%, 3PT: 41.3%, FT: 87.5%. In 2010-2011, he played for BV Villingen-Schwenningen (Germany-ProB, starting five): 16 games: 18.8ppg, 1.5rpg, 1.4apg, 1.1spg, FGP: 36.5%, 3PT: 32.4%, FT: 86.2%. He then palyed for the Duesseldorf Giants from 2011-2013 playing Regionaliga. Last season he played for the Rhein Stars Koeln (Germany-2.Regionalliga). He spoke to German Hoops at the 069 basketball open in Frankfurt.
Markus thanks for talking to German Hoops. Why did you decide to take part at the street ball tournament 069 basketball open in Frankfurt this weekend?
Some friends of mine from the Cologne/Aachen area asked me that I should come out and play. I wanted to play even more after I found out that the school where it was taking place is where I played two years of high school ball from 1990-1992. The place hasn´t changed. I played Varsity basketball as a freshman. It was great to come back after 22 years and play here again. It was a lot of fun as a 38 year old to play against kids have my age.
What is the difference between street ball and organized basketball?
I don´t really call this streetball, but more open gym-ratball. We were playing indoors and not outdoors which makes a difference. There is no structure in the games and whoever has game wins and who doesn´t doesn´t. The games are being played at a high intensity and defense was played. I played three games and played against many German Pro A players like ex Science City Jena guard Al Elliot.
Dominik Spohr (BG Goettingen) I Would Fight Every Single Second On The Court To Help My Team To Stay And Get Established In The BBL
Dominik Spohr is a 25 year old 198cm forward that is playing his first season with BG Goettingen. He started his basketball career in 2004 for BBV Hagen (Regionalliga). He then helped Phoenix Hagen move up to the Beko BBL in 2009 playing 24 games: 2.0ppg. In three years in Hagen he played 64 Beko BBL games. Last season he played for the Giessen 46ers playing 29 games: 5.6ppg, 2.0rpg, FGP: 42.9%, 3PT: 37.3%, FT: 75.6%. He spoke to German Hoops after helping BG Goettingen win the German Pro A title.
Dominik congrats on winning the 2014 Pro A title with BG Goettingen. After a big title in the States, the famous players say afterwards “Im going To Disneyland. Where would you want to go after this big title win against Crailsheim?
We had 1 or 2 little partys to go to and celebrate the chip.
BG Goettingen had the slim 35-33 lead at halftime. In the second half, BG Goettingen was able to pull away and get the win. What was key for getting the win at home in Goettingen?
The key was our defense and our unselfish style on offense.
Dominik Spohr (BG Goettingen) This Might Be The Biggest Game In My Career So Far And I Think The Chance To Remain Unbeaten At Home Is Pretty Much Unique
Dominik Spohr is a 25 year old 198cm forward that is playing his first season with BG Goettingen. He started his basketball career in 2004 for BBV Hagen (Regionalliga). He then helped Phoenix Hagen move up to the Beko BBL in 2009 playing 24 games: 2.0ppg. In three years in Hagen he played 64 Beko BBL games. Last season he played for te Giessen 46ers playing 29 games: 5.6ppg, 2.0rpg, FGP: 42.9%, 3PT: 37.3%, FT: 75.6%. He spoke to German Hoops before the final game in Goettingen for the Pro A title.
Dominik thanks for talking to German Hoops. Recently you helped BG Goettingen move up to the Beko BBL. How was this time different than with Phoenix Hagen in 2009. Was one more sweeter than the other?
It was equally sweet but my role this year was different. Back in 2009 I was a lot younger and not that experienced. I think I helped my team much more this year than I had been able to do in Hagen.
How do you like the German Pro A policy of the soccer like rules of two final games that are decided on the point total difference in both games?
I don’t like it at all. It should be either another series like in the BBL or a real final. One game one winner!
Alex Ruoff (BG Goettingen) This Is Playoff Basketball Where Each Team Elevates Their Game
Alex Ruoff is a 27 year old 198cm guard from Spring Hill, Florida that is playing his fifth professional season and first with BG Goettingen. He played at West Virgina from 2005-2009 and as freshman was a roommate of ex German national player Johannes Herber. Ruoff started his professional career in 2009 with Belgacom Liege Basket (Belgium-D1): EuroChallenge: 12 games: 10.2ppg, 2.3rpg, 3.1apg, 1.1spg, FGP: 47.5%, 3PT: 41.5%, FT: 75.0%; Belgian League: 37 games: 6.6ppg, 1.6rpg, 1.6apg, 1.0spg, FGP: 45.5%, 3PT: 32.4%, FT: 78.4%. He then played the next two seasons with Generali Okapi Aalstar (Belgium-D1). Last season he played for Canton Charge (D-League): 24 games: 7.3ppg, 3.5rpg, 1.6apg, 1.1spg, FGP: 40.0%, 3PT: 33.0%, FT: 84.0%, in Mar.’13 signed at Iowa Energy (D-League): 11 games: 11.1ppg, 2.1rpg, 1.5apg, 1.0spg, FGP: 67.6%, 3PT: 42.0%, FT: 72.2%, in Apr.’13 moved to Generali Okapi Aalstar (Belgium-Ethias League, starting five): 10 games: 9.1ppg, 3.5rpg, 1.3apg, FGP: 52.6%, 3PT: 30.2%, FT: 85.7%. He spoke to eurobasket after the 74-65 game two win in Giessen.
Alex congrats on the game two win in Giessen. It didn´t seem as easy for BG Goettingen despite Giessen not having the services of Myles Hesson.
It was not an easy win. You have to give credit to Giessen as they hard and with heart. It was not a pretty win.
What was key for the big 14-1 start by BG Goettingen in game two?
We had a slow start in game two in Essen and ever since that game, we have keyed on trying to have fast starts like tonight in our games.
German Hoops 