As Myles Hesson went down with a toe injury in game one of the semifinals series in Goettingen one may not have seen it on the faces of his teammates, but they surely were feeling a sense of despair and some helplessness as their best player from England was being brought to a hospital for examination. How important had he been in game one and three against Science City Jena sealing crucial free throws and hitting for 29 and 31 points in game three and game four? Without the help of the important Hesson play, teammates like Steven Bennett may already have been home going to a Los Angeles Clippers game or Rob Chubb visiting his cousin Adam Chubb and new born baby in Oldenburg. Hesson was missing for game two and at times, one doesn´t know if his focused and stern expression is of happiness or sadness as his unchanging demeanor resembles that of ex Giessen fan favorite Florian Hartenstein. With Hesson on the sidelines and only real strength as a cheerleader and added assistant coach, Denis Wucherer could of really used the sudden arrivals of ex Giessen scorers David Teague or Chuck Eidson as they had been the type of players that had come up big in their time in Giessen, but instead the ex German national player was without his best player and had to make massive adjustments. After the game one wouldn´t have known if Giessen had won or lost with the expression of Hesson or how both clubs were celebrating their fans, but the absence of the Englishman really was felt as BG Goettingen grinded out a big 74-65 win. Hesson missed game two because of a toe injury and reflected on being on the sidelines. “I wish that I could of helped more on offense and defense and my points were missing. If I would have been healthy, I could of helped, but I can´t get upset about my situation, because it is something I can´t control”, stressed ex ratiopharm Ulm forward Myles Hesson. Teammate Steven Bennett was missing his partner in basketball crime and could of used the Englishman for support under the boards. “It was really tough without Myles Hesson. BG Goettingen is so physical and we were so small. There were quite a few times where we could of used him on rebounds and finishes”, warned Steven Bennett. BG Goettingen had a tremendous start and never looked back as Giessen were trailing the whole game. BG Goettingen played solid team basketball on both ends of the court. “Giessen fought so hard and really made us work for 40 minutes. They made runs and never went away. We played hard as well and just stuck together to get this win”, added ex California(NCAA) forward Harper Kamp. The Giessen 46ers continued to get wrapped up in old habits as they started off slow which has been a dilemma in the playoffs, fought the whole game, but just couldn´t get over the hump in crunch time as BG Goettingen outmuscled them for the win. “It was the first five minutes that hurt us. They had a big lead and it is tough coming back against a team like BG Goettingen. They had great ball movement and execution and did a good job crashing the boards and getting second chance points. We have to play for 40 minutes and limit their runs, but we didn´t”, stressed ex Temple(NCAA) guard TJ DiLeo.
ProA
Ahmad Smith (Rent4 Office) All Of The Teams Left Are Talented And Well Coached And Its Going To Come Down To Who Executes The Best And Makes Big Plays
Ahmad Smith is a 29 year old 194cm guard from Virginia that is playing his second season for the Rent4Office of the German PRO A. He started the season BiG Oettinger Rockets Gotha (Germany-ProA)12 games: 7.0ppg, 5.6rpg, 4.7apg, 2FGP: 48.9%, 3FGP: 14.3%, FT: 72.2%, in Jan.’13 moved to Nuernberger Basketball Club (Germany-ProA, starting five): 19 games: 9.6ppg, Reb-4(8.5rpg), Assists-2(6.4apg), 1.1spg, FGP: 35.5%, 3PT: 31.2%, FT: 77.6% He played at St.Bonaventure(NCAA) from 2002-2006 and in his senior year played 28 games: ScoreA10-8(14.2ppg), RebA10-10(6.2rpg), AssistsA10-9(3.5apg), FGP: 41.0%, 3PT: 31.1%, FT: 59.8%. In 2006-2007, he played for Mardyke UCC Demons Cork (Ireland-SuperLeague): 9 games: 18.9ppg, 5.7rpg, 4.2apg, FGP: 51.6%, 3PT: 37.1%, FT: 60.8%. In 2007-2008, he played for SVD 49 Dortmund (Regionalliga): 6 games: 30.2ppg. In 2008-2009, he played for : BSV Wulfen (Germany-Regionalliga) 23.5ppg, 10.1rpg, 6.0apg, 3PT: 35.2%. In 2009-2010, he played for Hertener Loewen (Germany-ProB)29 games: 18.2ppg, Reb-2(8.7rpg), Assists-1(7.1apg), 1.2spg, FGP: 50.2%, 3PT: 34.9%, FT: 69.5%. In 2010-2011, he played for s Oliver Baskets Wuerzburg (Germany-ProA): left before the season started, then moved to SVD 49 Dortmund (Germany-Regionalliga): 6 games: 12.8ppg, waived in Nov.’10, in Jan.’11 signed at Nuernberger Basketball Club (Germany-ProB, starting five): 15 games: 8.3ppg, 6.8rpg, Assists-1(7.1apg), 1.4spg, FGP: 39.1%, 3PT: 28.2%, FT: 69.1%. Last season for the Kichheim Knights he played 35 games: 9.9ppg, 6.1rpg, Assists-1(6.7apg), 1.4spg, FGP: 52.3%, 3PT: 35.9%, FT: 62.0% He spoke to German Hoops after getting by Erdgas Ehingen in the playoffs.
Ahmad congrats on the 85-78 game 5 win against Erdgas Ehingen. What kind of a feeling was it playing in this game 5 compared to other big games in your professional basketball career?
Losing last year in Duessdolf prepared me for a hostile environment and how to approach a game 5 on the road. So I felt confident going into this game.
Was the defending of the Ehingen shooters one of the main keys for coming out of Ehingen with a win?
Yeah playing good defense has been the key to all of our wins all season. We feel if we play good defense we can beat anyone.
Another Day At The Office For Myles Hesson With An Ally-Op Dunk, Big Free Throws And A 84-75 Victory For Giessen Over Science City Jena In Game 3
When one looks back to game one last weekend and compare it to game three, there were so many parallel´s that one could have thought that coaches Bjoern Harmsen and Denis Wucherer might be writing a new book together as everything on the court seemed to have a certain chapter involved and both were eying towards a game five with a whole new chapter with no known ending. If a game five happens depends on the outcome of game four, but in game one Giessen had a Comfortable lead at half time, Science City Jena came back in the second half, a crushing Myles Hesson aly-op dunk as well as big free throws and a game deciding Garrett Sim play and in game three all these things were repeated again as if the basketball God had wanted it and in both games Giessen survived at the end to win 84-75 for a 2-1 series lead. A major difference in game 3 was that mascot Fabius was back again with his child Fabi as their horsing around on the court as for some reason they hadn´t been around on the court in game one. “It has been a crazy series with all games being close. There has been a special energy in each game and Jena fought back again. We kept our composure at the end and just focused on making shots and plays”, added Ex Temple(NCAA) guard TJ DiLeo. For Science City Jena all the energy and heart that they left on the court wasn´t rewarded with a win as it was obvious that they wanted the win so bad. “We made a comeback in the fourth and really wanted the win so badly. We played great defense and pressed well. My turnover at the end and Sim missed shots were key. You can´t change what the ref calls. We weren´t able to keep our composure at the end with the Sim game misconduct”, added Green Bay native Dennis Tinnon.
Myles Hesson Hits Big Free Throws As The Giessen 46ers Squeak Out A 75-74 Nail Bitter against Science City Jena in Game One.
Fans in Giessen weren´t disappointed as they witnessed an exciting second half and were able to close out their Saturday night with a smile as the 46ers were able to Slip by ex Beko BBL team Science City Jena 75-74. Giessen dominated the first half of play, but Science City Jena fought back in the second half as Giessen didn´t come to terms with their more aggressive defense and trapping and had the chance to win the game on a last possession, but were denied as the off balance jumper by American Garrett Sim didn´t fall as it rattled of the back end of the rim. “Giessen made their shots in the first half as Bennett got hot. We made adjustments on defense and were more aggressive on defense. It was tough to loose this game. We fought so hard to get back into the game. The series still has a lot of games, so I hope we can take the energy of this game into game two”, stated Oregon native Garrett Sim. For Giessen, it was a great start to the series as they remained unbeaten against Jena this season winning for the third time. “It was great winning the game. It was the first time for me in a playoff game and I know from watching NBA how much emotion there is in these games. The game can always be up and down. We really wanted to win this game”, stated California native Steven Bennett.
The Giessen 46ers got off to the better start in the first quarter going out on a 13-4 run as they had no problem scoring against the lax Science City Jena zone. Bennett got hot rapidly and didn´t hesitate to shoot as he scored three buckets in a row. Rob Chubb also gave support with a pretty spin move. Science City Jena countered with a mini 4-0 run as 217cm German big man Daniel Mayr who is rumoured to be headed to FC Bayern Munich next season scored inside and American Dorenzo Hudson made a hard dunk soaring to the basket from the wing as Jena trailed 13-8. Giessen kept up the pressure on offense as now it was time for ex Ulm player Myles Hesson to score three consecutive baskets as Giessen led 20-9. After a another Mayr hoop, American TJ DiLeo ended the first quarter with two consecutive three pointers as Giessen led 27-11. Giessen was playing potent offense and kept Science City Jena off guard as when they did force turnovers, they led to easy buckets for Giessen. Giessen was shooting an astronomical 53% from the field and 46% from outside while Science City Jena was shooting 33% from the field and 0% form outside. Giessen had the 12-9 rebound edge, and had three turnovers while Science City Jena had four turnovers.
Dorenzo Hudson (Science City Jena) I Will Take A Lot From This Experience Playing For Bjoern Harmsen
Dorenzo Hudson is a 26 year old 195cm guard from Charlotte, North Carolina playing his second season as a professional for German Pro A team Science City Jena. He played at Virginia Tech (NCAA) from 2008-2012 and in his senior year played 33 games: 10.9ppg, 2.8rpg, 1.5apg, FGP: 43.7%, 3PT: 33.0%, FT: 81.5%. Last season as a rookie he played for Zalakeramia-ZTE KK (Hungary-A Division): 24 games: 13.9ppg, 5.7rpg, 1.1apg, 1.4spg, FGP: 52.4%, 3PT: 29.4%, FT: 70.4%. He spoke to German Hoops about basketball.
Thanks Dorenzo for talking to Eurobasket.com. Where are you at the moment in Germany and how was your day?
It’s great! How is yours?
You are playing your second professional season in Germany with Science City Jena. How do you like Germany? I am sure it is a lot different than Hungry.
From a personal perspective; Germany has a lot to offer culturally. I really enjoyed Hungary but the language barrier was a little tough on me. In Germany I run into more people that I can converse with which makes things easier. I met some great people in Hungary as well and will forever cherish that experience. I have been pleasantly surprised with how prepared the coaches have been in my European experience in both leagues, Germany and Hungray. Professionally- the pace and style of the game here is different. Ironically I thrive in an up tempo style and Most of the teams here play fast. It really allows me to get out in transition and make things happen.
Ahmad Smith (NBC) We Have To Play Better Defense Each Possession And Not Take Plays Off
Ahmad Smith is a 29 year old 194cm guard from Virginia that is playing his second season for the NBC of the German PRO A. He started the season BiG Oettinger Rockets Gotha (Germany-ProA)12 games: 7.0ppg, 5.6rpg, 4.7apg, 2FGP: 48.9%, 3FGP: 14.3%, FT: 72.2%, in Jan.’13 moved to Nuernberger Basketball Club (Germany-ProA, starting five): 19 games: 9.6ppg, Reb-4(8.5rpg), Assists-2(6.4apg), 1.1spg, FGP: 35.5%, 3PT: 31.2%, FT: 77.6% He played at St.Bonaventure(NCAA) from 2002-2006 and in his senior year played 28 games: ScoreA10-8(14.2ppg), RebA10-10(6.2rpg), AssistsA10-9(3.5apg), FGP: 41.0%, 3PT: 31.1%, FT: 59.8%. In 2006-2007, he played for Mardyke UCC Demons Cork (Ireland-SuperLeague): 9 games: 18.9ppg, 5.7rpg, 4.2apg, FGP: 51.6%, 3PT: 37.1%, FT: 60.8%. In 2007-2008, he played for SVD 49 Dortmund (Regionalliga): 6 games: 30.2ppg. In 2008-2009, he played for : BSV Wulfen (Germany-Regionalliga) 23.5ppg, 10.1rpg, 6.0apg, 3PT: 35.2%. In 2009-2010, he played for Hertener Loewen (Germany-ProB)29 games: 18.2ppg, Reb-2(8.7rpg), Assists-1(7.1apg), 1.2spg, FGP: 50.2%, 3PT: 34.9%, FT: 69.5%. In 2010-2011, he played for s Oliver Baskets Wuerzburg (Germany-ProA): left before the season started, then moved to SVD 49 Dortmund (Germany-Regionalliga): 6 games: 12.8ppg, waived in Nov.’10, in Jan.’11 signed at Nuernberger Basketball Club (Germany-ProB, starting five): 15 games: 8.3ppg, 6.8rpg, Assists-1(7.1apg), 1.4spg, FGP: 39.1%, 3PT: 28.2%, FT: 69.1%. Last season for the Kichheim Knights he played 35 games: 9.9ppg, 6.1rpg, Assists-1(6.7apg), 1.4spg, FGP: 52.3%, 3PT: 35.9%, FT: 62.0% He spoke to German Hoops before the game against 2010 Eurochallenge winner BG Goettingen.
Congrats on the 97-82 win against Chemnitz. How pleased were you with the victory. Was this a typical Nurnberg win where you guys played that usual Nurnberg style of basketball that is successful?
Thanks it was a good win for us we played solid. We had some turnovers that we don’t usually make but overall we played well.
Nurnberg has been playing very good basketball as of late having won five of the last six games. NBC has a record of 6-3 in 2014. What has been the secret of the play of NBC in the new year?
We had lots of injuries the first half of the season and many new players. We’re healthy now and our team chemistry is better now that we have everyone in practice.
The league is so competitive this season and NBC is only in sixth place with a record of 14-10. What can the club still do better as a team in the stretch run to be totally ready for a run in the Pro A playoffs as moving up is a known goal of the organization.
We have to play better defense each possession and not take plays off.
How happy are you with your stats Ahmad? Your scoring and assists are up, but rebounds down? But 8,5rpg for a guard doesn´t always have to be self evident. Is your three point shooting something you can always improve?
My stats are ok I just try to focus on staying aggressive and putting my team in position to win games. I’m always trying to improve my shooting as well as every aspect of my game.
Do you take extra shots in practice and is their one teammate that you like working with most on the court?
Yes I always get extra shots up every practice. Playing with Cornelius Adler the last couple of years has made our chemistry on the court great.
What has been your impression of 2011 NCAA champion Enosch Wolf? How quickly do you see him back in the Beko BBL?
He’s a 7 footer with lots of potential. I think he will back in the BBL soon.
The next game is against top German Pro A team and 2010 Eurochallenge winner BG Goettingen. What are your memories of the 96-79 loss earlier in the season? NBC played with a short rotation and they had a very full rotation.
I didn’t play in that game earlier in the season so I don’t remember much about their team.
NBC wants to keep moving up in the standings and an upset might just be prefect. What kind of game can we await and what will be key in getting the win?
It will be a tough game on the road. We have to play good defense and keep their crowd out of the game.
Lamar Odom is back and playing for a Spanish team. He wants to restart his basketball career. Do you see him making the jump to European basketball?
If he’s in shape and focus he will have no problem adjusting he’s a great player.
What was the last DVD movie that you saw?
Wolf of Wall Street.
Thanks Ahmad fort he chat.
John Bynum (I know I Pulled A Brett Favre Before, But I Am Done Playing For Sure Now)
John Bynum is a 35 year old 191 cm guard from Visalia California that came out of a short retirement recently and played for New Energie Elephants Grevenbroich (Germany-Regionalliga) before leaving in January 2014. Last season he played for BV Chemnitz 99 (Germany-ProA): 21 games: 11.8ppg, 5.2rpg, 3.6apg, 1.5spg, FGP: 50.8%, 3PT: 15.4%, FT: 62.2%. with TBB Trier playing 32 games: 6.3ppg, 3.0rpg, 1.8apg, FGP: 39.9%, 3PT: 28.6%, FT: 63.6%. He played college basketball at College of the Sequoias Junior College:from 1996-1998 and then transferred to Metropolitan St. (NCAA2): and played there from 1998-2000. He started his professional basketball career in 2001 in the Uk for the Solent Stars (United Kingdom-NBLConf): 31 points, 8 rebounds and 7 assist. In 2002-2003, came his first tour of duty in Germany for BSG Grevenbroich (Germany-Regionalliga): 24.7ppg, 9.2rpg, 6.7apg, 3.5spg. In 2003-2004, he played for the Ulriken Eagles (Norway-BNLO): Regular Season: 14 games: 20,1ppg, 8,1rpg, 2,5apg, 2,9spg, 0,4bpg.In 2004-2005, he was back in Germany playing for BSG Grevenbroich (Germany-2. can Bundesliga): 30 games: Score-5(26.0ppg), 7.7rpg, Ast-4(5.4apg), 1.7spg, 2FGP: 55.5%, 3FGP: 33.3%, FT: 63.6%. In 2005-2006, he played for InterCollege Etha Engomis (Cyprus-A1): only pre-season, then joined COOCOON Baskets Weiden (Germany-2.Bundesliga, starting five): 8 games: 15.6ppg, 5.9rpg, 2.0apg, 1.6spg, 2FGP: 51%, left in Jan.’06 and later that month signed at Eisbaeren Bremerhaven (Germany-1.Bundesliga): 21 games: 7.8ppg, 2.6rpg, 1.8apg, 2FGP: 56.5%. In 2006-2007, he played for the Eisbaeren Bremerhaven (Germany-1.Bundesliga): 31 games: 5.7ppg, 2.0rpg, 2.2apg, 2FGP: 43.1%, 3FGP: 25.0%, FT: 55.9%. In 2007-2008, he played for USC Heidelberg (Germany-ProA, starting five): 14 games: 14.4ppg, 4.4rpg, Assists-5(4.6apg), 2.3spg, 2FGP: 54%, 3FGP: 27.3%, FT: 58.5%, left in Jan.’08 due to shoulder injury, in Feb.’08 moved to Digibu Baskets Paderborn (Germany-1.Bundesliga, starting five): 13 games: 6.3ppg, 3.0rpg, 2.4apg, 2FGP: 51.8%, 3PT: 14.3%, FT: 70.0%. In 2009-2010, he played in the PRO A for Proveo Merlins Crailsheim (Germany-ProA, starting five): 27 games: 16.9ppg, 7.1rpg, Assists-3(5.4apg), 1.1spg, FGP: 51.8%, 3PT: 25.0%, FT: 62.8%. He played for TBB Trier from 2010-2012. He spoke to German Hoops about his season in Grevenbrocih.
John thanks for talking to German Hoops. I wish it was under nicer circumstances, but every now and then it is correct to let a player to give his side of a story. You were recently released by Regionaliga team New Energie Elephants Grevenbroich. This a team where you started your career with in Germany in 2002. Was there ever a sign at the start that this season that you might not finish the season with the team?
I’m sure it was tough for both sides, I am mean it wasn’t as I had visioned it to be like. The last time I played there everything was very professional to practices, game preparations, as well of other things so it was very difficult for me. I am sure they had higher expectations as well, but at the same time when two sides can’t meet in the middle then someone has to go.
You were averaging 18 points, six rebounds and three assists, but as a player that has so much experience having played many seasons in the Beko BBl, you were recently released. Can you understand why a player of your stature could be released?
Well to be honest individually I wasn’t having a good season and they wanted more points from me, but in my eyes when a team is filled with two other guys who have first league experience, other guys who played at the pro A level as well then everyone’s numbers should be higher, but as the American I understand the business.
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.
Dennis Tinnon (Sciene City Jena) This Year people Will Get A True Grip What Type Of Player I Really Am
Dennis Tinnon is a 24 year old 203cm forward from Green Bay, Wisconsin. He is starting his professional basketball career for Science City Jena. He played at Kansas City (Kan) (CC) from 2009-2011 and then transfered to Marshall (NCAA) and in his senior year played 32 games: 10.5ppg, 9.1rpg, 1.4apg, FGP: 50.9%, 3PT: 31.0%, FT: 64.5%. he spoke to German Hoops about basketball.
Dennis the summer is winding down and you are about to start your professional career. How was your summer and what was the coolist thing that you experienced this summer?
I had a really great summer got to spend a lot of time with my family and catch up with a lot of friends one of the most amazing experience this summer was watching my son begin to crawl its always great to be there for those moments that are important in your child’s life
You just signed with pro A team Science City Jena. What were the main reasons for you to sign at Jena?
I made the decision to sign with Science city because I feel like they are a great team what the potential to do amazing this year and I feel like starting in Germany is a great opportunity for my career I look forward to meeting the people and immersing myself in their culture.
Ahmad Smith (NBC) Rebounding Is Something That I Focus On Going Into Each Game
Ahmad Smith is a 28 year old 194cm guard from Virginia that is playing his first season for the NBC of the German PRO A. He started the season with Gotha, but left the team and came to NBC in January 2013. He played at St.Bonaventure(NCAA) from 2002-2006 and in his senior year played 28 games: ScoreA10-8(14.2ppg), RebA10-10(6.2rpg), AssistsA10-9(3.5apg), FGP: 41.0%, 3PT: 31.1%, FT: 59.8%. In 2006-2007, he played for Mardyke UCC Demons Cork (Ireland-SuperLeague): 9 games: 18.9ppg, 5.7rpg, 4.2apg, FGP: 51.6%, 3PT: 37.1%, FT: 60.8%. In 2007-2008, he played for SVD 49 Dortmund (Regionalliga): 6 games: 30.2ppg. In 2008-2009, he played for : BSV Wulfen (Germany-Regionalliga) 23.5ppg, 10.1rpg, 6.0apg, 3PT: 35.2%. In 2009-2010, he played for Hertener Loewen (Germany-ProB)29 games: 18.2ppg, Reb-2(8.7rpg), Assists-1(7.1apg), 1.2spg, FGP: 50.2%, 3PT: 34.9%, FT: 69.5%. In 2010-2011, he played for s Oliver Baskets Wuerzburg (Germany-ProA): left before the season started, then moved to SVD 49 Dortmund (Germany-Regionalliga): 6 games: 12.8ppg, waived in Nov.’10, in Jan.’11 signed at Nuernberger Basketball Club (Germany-ProB, starting five): 15 games: 8.3ppg, 6.8rpg, Assists-1(7.1apg), 1.4spg, FGP: 39.1%, 3PT: 28.2%, FT: 69.1%. Last season for the Kichheim Knights he played 35 games: 9.9ppg, 6.1rpg, Assists-1(6.7apg), 1.4spg, FGP: 52.3%, 3PT: 35.9%, FT: 62.0% He spoke to German Hoops after the 91-82 win against his ex team Gotha.
Congrats on the 91-82 win against your ex team Gotha. How motivated were you to play against your old team again?
Thanks, I was motivated its always special playing against your former team.
When you left Gotha, it was stated in the press release that both sides had no comment to the reasons for the termination of your contract. In the game, you had a tangle with Christop Nicol on the court. What exactly happened from your point of view?
I just told him it was a good game and thanks for some of the negative comments he had about me while I was in Gotha.
German Hoops 