ProA

Greg Logins Doesn´t Feel Like He Is In His Prime Yet But Feels As Good As 2-3 Years Ago

Logins Greg Logins is a 30 year old 203cm forward from Sodus, New York that recently completed his seventh professional season and second in Germany with the Hamburg Towers averaging 7,9ppg and 3,9rpg. He started his basketball career with Canisius (NCAA) in 2007 where he played until 2011 and as a senior played 30 games: 11.8ppg, 6.0rpg, FGP: 47.0%, 3PT: 45.4%, FT: 78.3%. In 2011 he turned professional and played for Barreteros de Zacatecas (Mexico-LNBP): 10 games: 7.5ppg, 4.9rpg, FGP: 52.8%, 3PT: 9.1%, FT: 68.4%, left in Dec.’11, then joined RST Tanger (Morocco-D1) playing 15 games: 25.3ppg, 11.6rpg, 3.5apg, 1.2spg, 0.9bpg, 2FGP: 54.3%, 3PT: 39.3%, FT: 69.5%. He then played for Lappeenranta NMKY (Korisliiga) in Finland from 2012-2014. In the 2014-2015 season he played for Fukuoka Rizing (Japan-BJ League) playing 30 games averaging 9.8ppg, 6.4rpg, 1.4apg, 2FGP: 47.5%, 3FGP: 35.3%, FT: 70.6%, in Feb.’15 moved to Tapiolan Honka (Finland-Korisliiga) playing 10 games averaging 12.0ppg, 6.7rpg, 1.4apg, FGP: 58.3%, 3PT: 31.8%. Two seasons ago he played for Chemnitz playing 28 games averaging 12.2ppg, Reb-5(8.5rpg), 2.0apg, FGP: 46.4%, 3PT: 41.7%, FT: 84.9%. In the 2016-2017 season he played for Ramat Hasharon (Israel-National League) playing 9 games averaging 11.3ppg, 8.2rpg, 2.4apg, 2FGP: 55.8%, 3FGP: 23.9%, FT: 64.7%, in Jan.’17 moved to Ciclista Olimpico de La Banda (Argentina-LigaA) playing 5 game averaging 4.8ppg, 3.0rpg. He spoke to German Hoops at the end of the 2017-2018 season where he played with the Hamburg Towers.

Greg, thanks for talking to German Hoops. It has been almost two years since our season ending interview when you were a member the Niners Chemnitz. Has time flown by since then?

You are welcome Miles. Thanks for reaching out to me for the interview. Yes the time has flown by since we last spoke. As in this business, time does go by fast as your in the seasons.

Before we get back to this season, lets go back briefly to last season where you played in Israel and Argentina. You played only 15 games in total. Was it on the court a season to forget, but memorable off the court as you witnessed two new cultures as you added countries 6 and 7 to your resume in your professional career?

Yes, The Israel second league is a good league. I was there from August to Februry, and then parted ways to sign with a previous powerhouse team in Argentina. Although, both situations at the time was not the best situations for me, that´s why so less games, but I still managed to finish the season off back in Finland, a familiar place for me. It was a blessing to be able to be in Israel to experience all of the biblical historical things that are there. It was definitely a great experience and time there. In Argentina, it was nice there also. The weather was similar to Israel, because I was located in one of the hottest spots in the country. So it made it nicer because of the good weather and being similar to my prior location. Outside of basketball for both countries were great situations. On the court, it was really great competition and leagues, but as an individual, it was not the best fit for me on the teams.

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Orlando Parker (PS Karlsruhe) Being On A Team That No One Believes In And Surrounded By Players That Are Considered Underdogs Is The Perfect Combination For Success

Orlando Parker is a 25 year old 203cm forward from Orlando, Florida that is playing his fourth professional season and third in Germany and second with PS Karlsruhe helping them move up to the Pro A averaging 13,2ppg and 5,7rpg last season. He started his basketball career with Wagner (NCAA) in 2010 playing a total of 118 NCAA games. As a senior he played 26 games averaging 6.7ppg, 6.7rpg, FGP: 44.7%, FT: 62.0%. In 2014 he turned professional with UL Eagles Limerick (Ireland-Premier League) playing 17 games averaging 19.9ppg, 8.6rpg, 1.1spg, 1.2bpg, FGP: 45.5%, 3PT: 42.4%, FT: 78.5%. In 2015-2016 he played with Baskets Vilsbiburg (Germany-Regionalliga) playing 26 games averaging 22.6ppg, 9.4rpg, 1.5apg, 1.3spg, 1.4bpg, FGP: 55.6%, 3PT: 33.8%, FT: 79.3%. He recently helped PS Karlsruhe get by the RheinStars in the playoffs and is averaging 10,8ppg and 4,2rpg and is shooting 41,6% form outside. He spoke to German Hoops about basketball before the playoff series against Vechta.

Miles Schmidt-Scheuber interviewing Orlando Parker after he steered 13 points in the 77-72 PS Karlsruhe win against the Fraport Skyliners Juniors

Orlando, thanks for talking to German Hoops. Congrats on sweeping the RheinStars in the playoffs. If someone had said you would sweep them before the start what would you have thought?

I hate to say this but this was expected from our team.

In our last interview a year ago, I asked you this. “PS Karlsruhe has amazing team chemistry. Do you feel that this club could play together and successfully in the Pro A”? You stressed “With faith and hard work anything is possible”. Your words have come true. How proud are you of this club?

I’m really excited to be a part of Karlsruhes success these past seasons. Being on a team that no one believes in and surrounded by players that are considered underdogs is the perfect combination for success.

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Robin Christen (Rasta Vechta) I Want To Develop Every Year To Hopefully One Day Show I Can Play In The BBL

Robin Christen is a 26 year old 203cm German forward currently playing with German 2. Basketball Bundesliga, Hauptrunde, Hinrunde, 1. Spieltag, 22.09.2017, RASTA Vechta - Römerstrom Gladiators Trier, Saison 2017/18 Pro A team Vechta. He started his basketball career with BBLZ Mittelhessen and then played with Lich from 2008-2012 while also having a double license with BBL team Giessen where he played 17 games and played his first BBL game at age 18. Since 2012, the German has been playing in the Pro A and played three seasons with the RTB Wohnbau Baskets playing a total of 78 games. Two seasons ago he made his Pro A breakthrough with the Hebeisen White Wings Hanau (ProA) playing 29 games averaging 12.1ppg, 4.2rpg, 1.6apg, FGP: 43.8%, 3PT: 34.3%, FT: 80.4%. Last season he played with the Rhein Stars Koeln (ProA) playing 33 games averaging 9.6ppg, 3.9rpg, 1.8apg, FGP: 44.3%, 3PT: 35.7%, FT: 80.5%. He spoke to German Hoops about basketball.

Robin, thanks for talking to German Hoops. Congrats on the big 104-76 win against Phoenix Hagen in game one of the playoffs. It was the third win of the season and the second blow out in a row. Is Vechta just so good or Phoenix Hagen so bad? How do you explain these amazing dominance in the last two games where you outscored them 208-141?

Hey Miles, thanks for the interview. I think we did a great job as a team in the last 2 games against Hagen. We played our high intensity defense and on the offense side we moved the ball very well and made our shots. But we know Hagen has a lot of firepower, so we have to be ready for every game.

This is the first time in your career you have played with a very good team. Last season you made the playoffs with the RheinStars, but Vechta is another step up for you in terms of winning. What have you learned about winning mentality this season that you never saw before in your career?

We have obviously a lot of talent in our team. But that doesn´t automatically win games. I think our will to play as a team on both sides on the floor is the key and we always believe that we will win at the end. Besides, it also helps that we have a really good chemistry in our team.

Vechta are with Crailsheim one of the favorites to win the Pro A and move back to the easyCredit BBL. Vechta has displayed little pressure and just played like a champion. On what things does the team need to focus on most on the court besides winning now in the playoffs?

Our key focus is to play great defense and then the offense will take care of itself.

Let´s talk a little about the team Vechta in this season. What have you appreciated most this season with the club? The team obviously has a lot of talent and depth, but how key has the chemistry been that played a big role early on?

I appreciated most this season that the support of our fans is phenomenal. This give us a real homecourt advantage and will also be important for every single game of the playoffs. Like I mentioned earlier our chemistry helped us from the start of our preseason to build a real team who love to play for each other.

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Chase Adams (Hebeisen White Wings) My Leadership Badge Didn´t Get Removed In Hanau But I Kept It On

Chase Adams is a 29 year old 188cm point guard from Baltimore, Maryland that is playing his first season with the Hebeisen White Wings. He played twos easons with the Uni Baskets Paderborn and last year averaged 11,9ppg, 4,1rpg and 5,6apg. He started his basketball career at Centenary (NCAA) in 2006 where he played three seasons and a total of 89 NCAA games. As a senior he moved to Pittsburgh (NCAA). He turned professional in 2011 and played briefly in the ABA and in the UBL before making Germany his home as he played for teams like Dortmund, Bochum, and Science City Jena. He spoke to German Hoops before the start of the 2017-2018 Pro A playoffs.

Chase thanks for talking to German Hoops. This is now our seventh interview since our first in October 2015 where you were embarking on your first season in Paderborn. Now your trying to end your third season since our last interview in fine fashion. Has time flown by since that first interview.

I would first like to thank Eurobasket.com for interviewing me once again, it’s always been a pleasure. Time is surely flying and I’m glad to be here still working toward big things.

Your playing your first season with the Hebeisen White Wings. Was it just the logical choice to make the move from Paderborn to Hanau despite the club not being a proven playoff team last summer?

Even though last season we beat Hanau twice, I felt that team had a lot of potential and was missing one key piece. I had thought about the possibility of playing alongside Til Jönke and when I found out the interest was mutual, I couldn’t pass the opportunity. As long as I’m not fearful of failure, I am willing to take a risk if I feel it’s best for me in the long run. I have a vision for myself and Hanau fit that perfectly.

Congrats on reaching the Pro A playoffs at position 7. How thrilled are you to have made the playoffs once again in your fourth attempt in the Pro A?

It’s a good feeling reaching your goals, especially when you buy in as players. This team is comprised with so many new players, our faith in one another is a true testament to our togetherness. I’m beyond ecstatic with our placement in the league.

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Robert Nortmann (Romerstrom Gladiators) I Am A Late Bloomer And Been Playing Catch Up My Entire Career

Robert Nortmann is a 30 year old 204cm forward from Nassau, Bahamas playing his first professional season in Germany with the ROMERSTROM Gladiators Trier (Germany-ProA). He has been a solid force from the bench averaging 6,0ppg and 3,0rpg in 15 minutes of action. He has played most of his professional career in Canada with teams Halifax Rainmen (Canada-NBL Canada), Island Storm (Canada-NBL Canada), and Windsor Express (Canada-NBL Canada). He also gained experience with teams Maitland Mustangs (Australia-WARATAH) and Francavilla Fontana (Italy-Serie C Silver). He played four years at Dalhousie University (Canada-CIS) and as a senior played 21 games averaging 14.6ppg, 6.4rpg, FGP: 49.4%, FT: 61.7%. He spoke to German Hoops at the start of 2018 about his basketball career.

Robert, thanks for talking to German Hoops. Welcome to Germany. 2018 is here. Are you the kind of guy that sets new years resolutions each year or rather are you a guy that doesn´t believe in that?

I do believe in setting goals every year. However, I do not believe in resolutions. I believe that you should build habits for success, every single day. Why wait for the new year to start your success.

You have the German citizenship as you have a German grandmother. What do you know about the country Germany in general and it´s basketball?

My father is German but he was born and raised in Canada. His parents moved to Toronto from Germany before he was born. My grandfather was from Hamburg. I know quite a bit about the country and I have visited in the past. I am excited to learn more about my father’s side of the family and my German heritage. I also have many friends who have experience with professional basketball in Germany, so they told me what to expect.

Congrats on signing with the Romerstrom Gladiators Trier. One could say you helped blow a positive wind to the team as it is undefeated since you arrived. Do you feel like a sort of good luck charm based on the current success?

It definitely looks like it! The Gladiators are a very talented team. They were just missing a piece to bring them over the hump. The team needed a physical presence in the paint and some more experience. Fortunately, I was able to bring both of those things to the team.

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Ethan O´Day (Uni Baskets) My Arms Aren’t Overly Long But I Have Developed Good Timing To Block Shots Throughout My Career

Ethan O `Day is a 206cm forward from Mansfield, Connecticut playing his rookie season in Germany with the Uni Baskets in Paderborn. Currently he is averaging 10,0ppg, 5,6rpg and 1,4apg. He was drafted by the drafted by Raptors 905 (D-League,4rd(71))
and already got professional experience this season with the Sandringham Sabres (Australia-SEABL-South) playing 24 games averaging 15.3ppg, 8.4rpg, 1.0apg, 1.0spg, Blocks-1(2.7bpg), FGP: 60.4%, FT: 42.4%. He started his basketball career at Northfield Mount Hermon and played at Vermont (NCAA) from 2012-2016 playing a total of 123 NCAA games. As a senior he played 34 games averaging 11.4ppg, 6.3rpg, 1.3apg, 2.0bpg, FGP: 54.4%, FT: 61.0%. He recently spoke to German Hoops about basketball.

Ethan thanks for talking to German Hoops. Welcome to Germany. How excited are you to be playing your first season in Europe? What expectations do you have?

I am very excited and grateful for this opportunity to play in such a talented and well-respected league as the Pro A here in Germany. I want to adjust to our teams system and start creating chemistry with teammates as quickly as possible so I can help us win games right away. I expect to do whatever I can to help this team win games and ultimately make playoffs.

What do you know in general about the country Germany and it´s basketball. Do you know any guys playing here besides Armani Cotton?

I’ve only head good things about the basketball in Germany through friends that have played here at some point in their careers. Pro basketball in Germany has been described to me as very competitive and having a lot of talent. I have noticed some familiar names of players who played in my conference in college in this league.

You have come in as a player replacement with the Uni Baskets Paderborn. What was most key in joining this organization how did head coach Uli Naechster convince you best about coming here?

After speaking with Uli I knew I would be a good fit for their system as I am very familiar with the pick and roll offense, which we mainly run in Paderborn. Also they were looking for a big man who was mobile and could run the floor and bring some athleticism which are all attributes I use to describe my game.

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James Reid (Phoenix Hagen) Playing Like A Coach On The Floor Has Always Been In My Game

James Reid is a 23 year old 190cm guard from Bend, Oregon playing his rookie season in Germany with Phoenix Hagen currently averaging 12,2ppg, 3,1rpg and 4,5apg while shooting 37% from outside. He got college experience in the states with S.Idaho JC (JUCO), UALR (NCAA) and Boise St. (NCAA). At his season with UALR (NCAA,) he played 31 games averaging 7.9ppg, 2.5rpg, 1.4apg, FGP: 54.5%, 3PT: 34.7%, FT: 76.9%. Last season as a senior at Boise St. (NCAA) he played 31 games averaging 10.0ppg, 2.4rpg, 1.6apg, FGP: 55.6%, 3PT: 38.8%, FT: 82.9%. He spoke to German Hopos about basketball earlier in the season.

James, thanks for talking to German Hoops. Thanksgiving just passed and you were in Germany spending this holiday. How did you experience it in Hagen and what did you miss most from this traditional holiday in terms of spending it with your family?

We actually had a nice Thanksgiving style dinner here with the guys on the team Wednesday night, and then Phoenix put together a dinner for us on the actual holiday. It was really special for the organization to go out of their way to celebrate one of our holidays and meant a lot.

You played at three schools and experienced a lot in young years, but you also have seen a lot as a rookie. How has your rookie season changed for you since the passing of head coach Matthias Grothe?

It has been tough. To be in such a tight community and on such a tight team (with 4 guys from Hagen) and have to go through something like that is not easy. There were some extremely emotional days, but I think it really brought us closer as a team and a community. No one prepares for things like that, but his impact on this team and city will live on for a long time to come.

Did the things that you heard before you came to Phoenix Hagen about the club remain true or did the short history and fans totally exceed the expectations that you had before you came to the club?

Phoenix has been great to me since the very beginning. Everything that has been promised to me has been true and the people running things now have done a great job managing the difficulties in coming out of insolvency. The fans are the best that I have seen and it is a lot of fun to play for a crowd like that.

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Van Girard (Nuernberg Falcons) I looked Internally And Spent Time Developing My Game Trying To Take It To The Next Level Rather Than Blaming The World

Van Girard is a 28 year old 193cm guard from Los Angeles, California playing his first season in Europe with the Nuernberg Falcons BC (Germany-ProA). He has bounced around North America in the last 4-5 years getting exposure in the Drew League as well as with the S.California Summer Pro League (And1 Select team)and Newport Beach Sunblockers (WCBL). He also got further experience with the Elite Talent Exchange Glo Japan playing 10 games averaging 12ppg, 8rpg, 2apg, 3spg and with Vaqueros de Saucillo (Mexico-Chihuahua Vive): Score-1 (27.5ppg), Reb-2 (12.9rpg). He spoke to German Hoops recently about basketball.

Hi Van thanks for talking to German Hoops. Before we start I have to ask you about your name Van. It is one of those uncommon names and I actually only have heard it once before with ex NBA player Van Wafer. How much do you like having this rare unique name and with what kind of experiences did you have growing up with the name as well as today?

I’ve liked it a lot. I’d get the occasional joke about “driving a van” or wearing “Vans” brand tennis shoes, but for the most part it was all about my dad. I’m named after him (Van Girard Sr.) He’s actually a well known and respected basketball coach especially around LA and in the NCAA world so everywhere I go people ask if that’s my dad, or if I’m related to him! It’s actually kind of cool because we look a lot alike too.

Thanksgiving is around the corner and the Christmas holiday season is also around the corner. How have you experienced living in Germany as a kid coming from Los Angeles. What have you learned to appreciate the most about Germany and it´s culture?

Germany is definitely different than LA, in a good way though. I really appreciate the history, the culture, and the hospitality. People are welcoming, and Nürnberg specifically is absolutely beautiful. Definitely lucky to be living here.

What did you know in general about the country Germany and it´s basketball before you came? Your ex teammate in high school Caspar Ware had played here. Did you have any other friends playing in Germany over the years?

I’ve actually always had my sights set on playing in Europe, so I had definitely done a little bit of research. I always compare the type of basketball to how the Spurs play. Very balanced, very strategic, and team oriented. I like that a lot. And yes my buddy Kaiymen Pruitt has been playing in Germany for a while so I’ve heard nothing but good things from him.

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Mardracus Wade (Nurnberg Falcons) Playing With Four NBA Players Who Were The Core Of The Team I Knew Who To Get The Ball Too

Mardracus Wade is a 26 year old 188cm guard from Chatham, Virginia that is playing his fourth professional season and first in Germany with the Nuernberg Falcons BC (Germany-ProA). He played his rookie season with the Central Texas Swarm (ABA) and played in the D-league the last two seasons with the Iowa Energy (D-League) playing 35 games averaging 5.9ppg, 1.4rpg, 1.7apg, 1.1spg, FGP: 44.7%, 3PT-1(50.0%), FT: 68.1% and last season split time with the Iowa Energy (D-League) playing 8 games averaging 4.9ppg, 1.0rpg, 1.8apg and the Greensboro Swarm (D-League) playing 6 games averaging 5.3ppg, 1.3rpg, 1.0apg, 1.0spg, FGP: 38.5%, 3PT: 36.4%, FT: 62.5%. He started his basketball career at Arkansas (NCAA) in 2010 and played 125 NCAA games in a four year career with his best season being his sophomore one where he played 31 games averaging 4.0ppg, 1.2rpg. Currently in the Pro A with Nurnberg he is averaging 10,0ppg, 2,5rpg and 3,4apg. He spoke to German Hoops about basketball.

Mardracus thanks for talking to German Hoops. Congrats on signing with German team Nurnberg Falcons. Did the fact that you were a try-out player motivate you even more to play at a high level?

Yes sir, I knew what I brought to the table and I felt really confident in my skill and abilities coming into it. I just had to play hard and do my part.

After playing in the States for your first three professional seasons you now have made the jump to Europe. How blessed are you to be in a place where everybody knows German and not in the back woods of Bosnia where you might not see a Mcdonalds for months?

I’m very blessed to be in the position I’m in today. I feel like this a great start to my career overseas and that the sky’s limit for me if I continue to put in the time and effort. Nuremberg is a really cool place and have great people and food here. So I’m happy about that.

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Kavin Gilder-Tilbury (RheinStars) A Personal Goal This Season Will Be Breaking The 40 Percent Mark From Outside

Kavin Gilder-Tilbury is a 201cm forward from Houston, Texas that is starting his professional basketball career in Germany with the RheinStars Cologne. He played at Texas St. (NCAA) from 2013-2017 playing a total of 128 games and as a senior played 36 games averaging 15.9ppg, 5.6rpg, 1.8apg, 1.2spg, FGP: 58.8%, 3PT: 38.0%, FT: 65.7%. He spoke to German Hoops earlier in the summer about Basketball.

Where are you at the moment and how has your summer been? Did you do anything out of the ordinary this summer?

I am currently in my home town Houston Texas. My summer has been good. I just been training all summer getting ready for the next level.

When you look back at your life, have there been more benefits to having the name Kavin than not? At least you have a unique name and it isn´t written Kevin which is a household name.

I haven’t had any benefits for having the name. But I definitely been told it was unique and different.

Congrats on signing with Pro A team RheinStars Cologne. How did you experience your first summer testing the transfer market. Did you notice just how competitive it is when there are so many players trying to land a job somewhere in the world?

It has been a new experience for me. I’ve been learning the process on how things go and what It takes to play at the next level. It’s all about working hard and waiting for an opportunity to present itself and also have the right people in your corner. That’s what I did to get to this point. It’s definitely been a competitive summer. Every work out or training session I’ve been to all the guys were competing making each other better which is the biggest goal.

What do you know in general about the country Germany and it´s basketball? Do you have any friends balling overseas?

I don’t really know much about German basketball. I’ve been told there is some competition there and if I work hard I would have a chance to show my talents.

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