Miles Mallory (196-F, college: RMC) is a196cm forward from Laurel, Maryland playing his rookie season in Germany with the Seeburg College Wizards Karlsruhe (Germany-Regionalliga). He began his basketball career with St. Vincent Pallotti high school and then played at Randolph-Macon College from 2019-2023 averaging 12.3ppg, 7.8rpg, 1.1apg, 1.2spg, 2.7bpg, FGP: 56.4%, 3PT: 35.3%, FT: 61.7% as a freshman, and in his second year averaged 12.3ppg, 6.6rpg, 1.6apg, 2.0bpg, FGP: 53.3%, 3PT: 25.0%, FT: 68.8%, in his junior season he averaged 15.3ppg, 8.4rpg, 1.6apg, 1.1spg, 2.6bpg, FGP: 57.0%, 3PT: 25.0%, FT: 69.6% and as a senior averaged 14.8ppg, 8.8rpg, 2.0apg, 2.8bpg, FGP: 54.8%, 3PT: 32.0%, FT: 68.6%. He spoke to germanmhoops.com after a win over the Bona Baskets Limburg.

Thanks Miles for talking to germanmhoops.com. In school you were known to be rather quiet. Now in front of you is a guy that shares your name Miles. How cool is that? How often have you met other Miles´s in your life time?

It´s cool meeting another Miles. I actually met a lot in high school. I would say in my life, I have met around 10 or 11 Miles´s.

Your playing your rookie season in Germany. How blessed do you feel to be playing the game that you love? Not many division 3 players are overseas.

I feel really blessed as a former div 3 player to get the opportunity to play overseas. I try to be a good role model for other div 3 players. I just play hard and give my best.

How blessed do you feel being represented by Scorers First? They are a a top 3 Germany agent agency. Do you sometimes wonder where you may be today had you not met them?

I feel really blessed to be represented by them. I didn´t really know the process, but Daniel reached out to me. I had no other agency interested in me. It was either Daniel or nothing.

Your playing your rookie season for the Seeburg College Wizards Karlsruhe (Germany-Regionalliga). What kind of an experience has it been playing and living in Germany? What have you appreciated most about the country Germany?

I really have enjoyed living in Germany and playing for this organization. My teammates are all unselfish and really empowering to me. They support me and always tell me to be aggressive. You don´t see that everywhere.

How would you describe the Regionalliga with NCAA 3 ball in skill and player skill?

I don´t feel like there is much difference. The pace is faster in the Regionalliga whereas in division 3 there was more defense played.

What has it been like playing with 2 talented German players Vincent Hennen and Stefan Ilzhoefer. What have you learned to appreciate most about their games?

I appreciate them as teammates a lot. They are both very vocal. If something isn´t right, they always speak up. They really make it easy for me.

Your playing a great season averaging 20,7ppg, 9,7rpg, 1,5apg, 1,2spg and 2,1bsp. What has been your secret to being able to adjust so well to euro ball as a rookie?

I think just continuing to follow my routine. I keep that process of what I´m working on and as stated earlier, my teammates make it easy for me.

Let´s talk about your game. You’re a 196cm guard/forward. If you had to compare your game to an NBA player who would best fit the bill?

I would say Jalen Smith of the Pacers. I played against him in high school. I remember playing ok against him.

You’re an incredible scorer and rebounder. What is your secret to being such a great rebounder?

I think that I always have a good idea where the ball will go. 70% of the time if the ball is shot from one side, then it will drop on the other side. I do a good job with anticipation and carving out my space around the basket. I also stick to going to the ball with 2 strong arms.

Your also a very ambitious and aggressive defender that is a great shot blocker. Guys at 196cm aren´t usually great shot blockers. You already had that consistency in college. How ambitious are you to heightening your shot blocking success down the road?

I´m at a different level now and a slightly different position. I focus a lot more on rebounding. I don´t block as much, but if I get some, I´ll be happy about that.

On what areas of your game are you working on most now so you can continue to improve your game?

I´m working a lot on my three point shooting and ball handling. I´m shooting more three´s this season than I ever did and my percentages are at an all-time best as well.

You played at Randolph-Macon College (NCAA3) from 20192-023 and won 4 ODC titles. Which one was the sweetest?

I would say the last one, because I won it with my senior class.

You played 2 years together with Buzz Anthony. What memories do you have of him and what was your fondest moment with him?

He was a great player at Randolph-Macon. He is probably the best player and best passer that I ever played with. He really inspires me too keep working hard. I loved how he approached the game. It made it easy to learn

You won the 2022 Division 3 title. What memories you do have of that glorious run?

We won that title by like 30 points. It was nice that everyone got in the game and scored. It was a great moment for the school.

Josh Merkel thinks the world of you and calls you a superstar. I don´t think you will often hear words like that openly from a coach about his player. How did head coach Josh Merkel groom and prepare you best for a professional career?

He instilled the right routine and mind set in me to be successful. He held all to a standard. I´m very grateful having had him as a coach.

Who won a 1-1 in practice you or Daniel Mbangue?

I beat him the last time. He was a very dangerous player. He was just as good a rebounder as me. He was hard to guard.

Who was the toughest player that you ever played against on a court that reached the NBA?

Immanuel Quickly. I played him in high school

Please name your 5 best teammates of all-time?

Buzz Anthony, Josh Talbert, Steve Kennedy, Daniel Mbange, Noah Lindsay

Please name your personal NBA Mount Rushmore of past or present heads?

Lebron, Jordan, Duncan, Kareem

Who is your GOAT?

Michael Jordan

Did you see the sequel to the classic Coming to America? Shouldn´t they have left it alone?

They should of left it alone. My mom loves the original. I saw that like a million times.

Thanks Miles for the chat.

Miles Schmidt-Scheuber and Ryan Richmond in Frankfurt, Germany January 2024

Ryan Richmond (183-PG-1996, college: Bentley, agency: SLN) is a 27 year old 183cm guard from Toronto, Canada playing his fourth professional season and recently played with the EPG Baskets Koblenz. He began the season with Melilla Ciudad del Deporte (Spain-LEB Gold) averaging 6.3ppg, 1.8rpg, 2.0apg. He played the last 2 professional seasons in Germany with the WWU Baskets Muenster (Germany-ProB) averaging 17.4ppg, 5.4rpg, 5.2apg, 1.4spg, FGP: 50.4%, 3PT: 35.4%, FT: 72.3% and the ART Giants Duesseldorf (Germany-ProA) averaging 15.6ppg, 2.8rpg, 2.7apg, FGP: 45.1%, 3PT: 42.6%, FT: 77.8%. He played his rookie season with MAFC Budapest 2 (Hungary-B). He began his basketball career at David & Mary Thomson Collegiate and the played at Williston Northampton High School. He then played at Bentley College (NCAA2) from 2015-2019 amassing a total of 104 games. He took off in his stats in his last 3 years averaging 21.6ppg, 5.4rpg, 2.7apg, FGP: 50.6%, 3PT: 39.4%, FT: 84.6%, 23.6ppg, 4.1rpg, 3.5apg, FGP: 48.3%, 3PT: 37.7%, FT: 80.9% and.0ppg, 4.9rpg, 3.6apg, 1.1spg, FGP: 46.8%, 3PT: 40.0%, FT: 89.1%. He spoke to germanhoops.com in London after the big 66-63 win at home against the Romerstrom Gladiators Trier

Thanks Ryan for talking to germanhoops.com. Congrats on the massive 66-63 win over top team Trier. How huge was this win for the current season?

This win was huge. I feel like this win could propel the team forward. To be able to beat the top team and stop their 12 game winning streak is no small feat.

After the tough loss to Giessen, You beat Artland on the row and now top team Trier. This win really speaks for the mora of the team. With what kind of attitude did the team go into the game with?

We have responded really well the last 2 games. We showed that we can beat the top team and be able to do something special. I remember using the word opportunity. We focused all week long and worked really hard in practice to achieve the goal of beating Trier.

The game started low scoring and ended as a low scoring game. What kind of volumes does that speak for the defense?

It speaks volumes for the team defense. Up to this game Trier had always scored a lot of points. To be able to keep them well below their average is a testament to our defense. Our focus and effort that we put forward on defense is something to be proud of.

After allowing 91 points to Giessen and 75 points to Artland, what major adjustments did the team do on the defensive end after 40 minutes against Trier?

We made a few minor adjustments on the pick and roll defense. I think that our mindset has been key for us playing better defense in the last 2 games. We began right from the start having this great desire to want to stop them. We had the opportunity to lock in on defense and took advantage of it.

In the second quarter Trier picked up it´s scoring with 20 points. What adjustments did they make and or what did Koblenz get away from?

I think that Trier just showed how talented a team they are. They have very skilled players and simply know how to adjust well on the fly. They have good bigs and good guards that know how to make plays when they need them.

The game continued to be a tight affair in the third quarter. How valuable was it for Koblenz going into the third quarter with the lead and what did head coach give the team as motivation going into the fourth quarter?

I think it was all about who wanted it more. We felt very comfortable going into the fourth quarter and it was just a matter of taking the game.

Benham Yakhchali was annoying in the fourth quarter. He seems to make the most out of every situation. What made it so tough slowing him down?

He made some really difficult shots and got to the free throw line. He made play after play for them. But we came together in the fourth to slow him down. We have more than enough capable players on the defensive end. I like how he plays. He kept them close in the game.

How vital were the 2 big buckets from Saffer and Poelking at the start of the fourth quarter? Did that kind of give Koblenz major momentum?

Those baskets were huge, but I feel our team MVP was Leon Friedrici. He hasn´t had the easiest time finding his role since the new coach came in. There were moments where he didn´t know if he would play. But he was always ready to play. He had a huge impact on the game.

Robert Hall was the unsung hero of the game. How big was his contribution? He sometimes seems to not to get the credit he deserves?

I agree. Trey was also huge. He is my boy. He is always working hard and does the little things. He always plays great defense and yesterday made timely baskets. He was our energizer. He played super well.

What besides Leon Friedrici´s three in crunch-time was key for the win?

We stuck together and key was also how we started the game. When everyone is one and we play the right way, then we can compete with anyone. This was a pivotal win and could change the entire trajectory of the season.

You told me after the brutal loss in Frankfurt that you guys made new steps as coach got the beast out of you as a team. What new steps did you make after the Trier win?

I have to give coach Marco Van Den Berg a lot of credit for the current success of the team. He has been able to tap into every player and made every player think in a different way. He has been able in a short time to achieve that he could get a collective mind set where everyone believes that we can beat anyone

A side note last week was you were only signed for 5 games. You played your fifth game and now will look for a new club. How tough was this whole time for you?

It was tough for sure. My time in Koblenz has come to an end. I did my best with the EPG Baskets. I took it as a professional and now am looking for the right situation. I will be ready and happy for the next opportunity.

Thanks Ryan for the chat.

Monyea Pratt (196-F-1985, college: Stillman) is a 38 year old 196cm forward that is playing his 16th professional season and third with BC CSU Sibiu (Romania-Liga Nationala) averaging 9,8ppg, 6,3rpg, 4,9apg and 1,4spg. He began his basketball career at Lawson State Community College and then played 2 years at Stillman College (NCAA2). He began his professional career in 2007 and played his first 5 seasons in Germany with Weissenhorn, Leipzig and Cuxhaven working his way up from the Regionalliga all the way to the Pro A being an impact player everywhere he played. After playing 2 years in France and Finland, he then came to Romaina in 2017 and has been there since. He spoke to germanhoops.com about basketball.

Thanks Monyea for talking to germanhoops.com.Your playing your 16th pro season. Not many guys can say they did that. How´s your motor running now? How much longer can you go?

Motor still going man I’m just very blessed and you have to always keep in mind to take care of your body, I will play until it’s nothing left in the tank staying healthy also.

If someone had told you in 2007 when you were a rookie in Weissenhorn that you would still be playing in 2024 what would you have thought?

At that time I didn’t even really know that much about all the ins n outs of European basketball so I would’ve never imagined playing this long but the love for the game keeps me going.

You began your career 20 years ago at Lawson State Community College and then played at NCAA 2 school Stillmann. How vital were these years? I can imagine you developed a chip on your shoulder that helped you to have a 15 year professional career?

College ball was great. I’ve met a lot of good friends still to this day and for as having a Chip on my shoulder that’s always been there. I just worked hard no matter where I was playing When you’re good they will always see you no matter where you’re playing.

Every guy I have interviewed that played JUCO said it was tough but an experience they would never have traded the world for. How was it for you?

For me It wasn’t tough at all mostly fun and exciting but it was challenging also you just have be ready when your time is called.

Talk a little about your NCAA 2 career at Stillman where you averaged 15.7ppg, 8.2rpg, 2.4apg, 2.2spg, FG: 56.0%, 3Pts: 37.5%, FT: 55.0% and 20.0ppg, 9.0rpg, 2.6apg, 2.1bpg, 2.9spg, FG: 45.7%, 3Pts: 31.4%, FT: 62.2%. What were your fondest moments on the court there?

My fondest moments were winning a championship, player of the year, and playing on ESPN.

How did head coach Tim Waller groom and prepare you best for a professional career?

Coach Waller prepared me well and gave me a lot of confidence, understood my game and trusted me as a leader of the team on and off the court.

I remember more than decade ago where Brian Harper said he was your toughest opponent in the NCAA 2. How do you remember those battles?

Brian was tough being a 6’9 small forward I really had to bring it all playing against him Every time It reminded us of how Kobe and Tmac would always battle each other on the court lol. The battles with Brian was always competitive and fun.

You played your rookie season with BC Groer Recycling Weissenhorn (Germany-Regionalliga) averaging 18.0ppg. What do you remember being your wake up call to being a rookie overseas where you knew that you were far away from home?

I think it was not knowing how to speak and understand the German language

You then played 3 fruitful seasons with USC Leipzig. Could you say now a decade later that Leipzig became like a second home?

Absolutely. I love Leipzig and it was really 3 great seasons there. The coaches, staff and friends really helped me adapt to the culture and lifestyle there I really enjoyed Leipzig.

You were the main force on the team that helped lead the team to the Pro B. You had to pay your dues for 3 years before getting rewarded with a Pro a contract. Did you ever doubt the process or was your love for the game so strong that it helped you get through 3 years in lower leagues?

Strong love for the game for sure. I always knew that my talents would take me further because of hard work and dedication plus also an unselfish all around team player playing multiple positions You will always stand out from the rest.

You played 2 seasons together with American Lamar Morinia. Did you guys become like brothers? He is still playing in the PBL after being retired for 4 years.

Lamar is family for life. He was more of a big bro at the time and he really helped me in many ways on and off the court We always keep in contact with each other whether it is about ball, life, or family He is really great guy.

How vital was head coach Dimitris Polychroniadis? Is it fair to say that he gave you the green light all day long?

Dim is my guy and is a great coach. He understands his players and gives them freedom to play their game while still being coachable, also a great friend as well. We had a lot of great memories in Leipzig wand e always keep in touch too.

In your second season you achieved a triple double against Leverkusen. How special was it achieving a triple double for Leipzig?

Achieving a triple double was amazing. I really surprise myself whenever I achieve one but by doing that really puts your name out there in the basketball world that you’re an all around unselfish team player.

You then played the 2012-2013 season for the Cuxhaven BasCats (Germany-ProA) averaging 11.1ppg, 6.3rpg, 3.2apg, 1.7spg, FGP: 53.8%, 3PT: 30.2%, FT: 58.9%. You proved that season that you could play at a high level. I can imagine you won´t forget the playoff series loss to Karlsruhe and battling scorer Rouven Roessler?

Pro A was really competitive. You had to really be locked in and focused. We had a good team that year ups and downs but we did good and yes that loss really hurt I can’t forget that one.

After a strong season in the Pro A, you went to France to play in the third league with Etoile Charleville-Mezieres (France-NM1) averaging 16,.9ppg, Reb-3 (8.8rpg), 3.7apg, Steals-1 (2.8spg), FGP: 57.2%, 3PT: 30.3%, FT: 62.3%. Why did you go from the second division to France division 3? That could have been the stepping stone to remain in Germany?

At the time I got a new agent and I was always open to try other different countries and it turned out to be a great opportunity for me.

Your 2 years in France were great as you helped Etoile Charleville-Mezieres move to the Pro B. What was special about that team? You had a 40 point explosion against Lourdes that season.

Charleville was good from the management, staff, coaches, players we really all came together and achieved something great there! My very first 40 point game as a pro. That was an unforgettable game plus we won which made it even special.

In your second season you had 2 triple doubles against Angers BC. It is rare having 2 in one season against the same team. Was one more special than the other?

Very rare actually. The home game was special because the fans and supporters of Charleville got see it and we won.

You then played 2 seasons in Finland with Salon Vilpas Vikings (Finland-Korisliiga) averaging 11.2ppg, Reb-2 (9.1rpg), 3.6apg, Steals-3 (2.0spg), FGP: 57.1%, 3PT: 27.7%, FT: 61.7% and with KTP Basket Kotka (Finland-Korisliiga) averaging 13.7ppg, Reb-4 (8.7rpg), Assists-2 (6.7apg), Steals-1 (2.2spg), FGP: 60.0%, 3PT: 32.2%, FT: 47.3%. It seemed like this league really fit your game. How do you feel did your game grow here?

Finland was a great experience With both teams, the Finnish league was competitive and good, as far as my game grew I feel like each year you have to be better than the year before whether it’s scoring, defense, passing, rebounding or whatever.

You had 4 triple doubles for KTP Basket Kotka. It seems like your passing game really flourished. What NBA playmaker did you always like to watch or maybe model your game after?

For me it was always Jordan, Kobe and Allen Iverson

In 2017 you went to Romania and have played there for 6 seasons. What has been so special about the country and league that has made it your second home there?

Romania welcomed me with open arms, I adapted quickly there and the basketball level has really grown over the years.

You played your first 2 seasons with BC CSU Sibiu (Romania-Liga Nationala). This was the first time in your career where you had 4-5 other Americans on the team. Despite that you still could fill the stat sheet? How vital was your versatility to be able to be so consistent while having more competition for minutes. You were able to achieve a triple double in each season.

Just by being an experienced unselfish all around player.

You were lucky to play with Daniel Ewing who played his last season in 2018-19. What memories do you have of the ex NBA player and Duke legend? Often ex NBA players are in their own galaxy, but did he represent humbleness?

Dan was great. It was always the talks. I remember watching on him on tv at Duke and for the Los Angeles Clippers. I´m still amazed I got the chance to play with him. Dan was a vet and always gave me advice on and off the court, very humble he helped us a lot with his experience, skillset and mindset.

You won the cup in 2019 with BC CSU Sibiu. How special was this title and what will you always remember most from the cup run?

Greatness! The team we had was great almost in every position, well coached and it was really a great run and we played as a team from the start until end. It was very special and unforgettable moments to hold up that cup trophy and my MVP trophy.

You then went to top Romanian team SCM CSU Craiova (Romania-Liga Nationala) averaging 14.4ppg, 7.0rpg, 4.9apg, Steals-1 (2.6spg), FGP: 50.0%, 3PT: 38.7%, FT: 57.3% and in your second season averaged 11.4ppg, 7.3rpg, Assists-4 (5.4apg), 1.8spg, FGP: 50.0%, 3PT: 27.4%, FT: 63.2%. Despite Covid being around it didn´t affect your game. How do you remember Covid in Romania. What was the most difficult thing for you during this time?

It didn’t affect my game at all. I remember Covid being terrifying in Romania, all the hospitals were over packed, hardly no one was out n about just really like something from a movie. But the most difficult thing for me was not be able to have a social life but at the time I didn’t want to catch Covid either so I just had to mentally tough it out and find something else to with my down time.

In 21-22 you returned back to an old stomping ground with BC CSU Sibiu (Romania-Liga Nationala) averaging 9.1ppg, 5.8rpg, 3.6apg, 1.5spg, FGP: 53.6%, 3PT: 33.7%, FT: 72.0%. Your stats dipped a bit. What do you remember from the tough playoff series against Cluj Napoca which you lost 2-0.

I just remember being the underdogs each time but we didn’t back down from them. It was really a battle both games. We held our own but sometimes it just doesn’t go your way so unfortunately we lost 0-2.

You split this season with CSM Focsani 2007 (Romania-Liga Nationala) and then returned to BC CSU Sibiu (Romania-Liga Nationala) averaging 9/6/4 stats. You closed out the season beating Rapid in the playoffs. Possibly a good way to close the chapter on your illustrious long career?

That playoff run was interesting and exciting. We were like the underdogs yet a couple key players went down with some injuries even me at one point but we managed and still got the job done. It definitely was a great run! But not closing just yet still playing this upcoming season as well haha.

Please name the toughest guard that you faced in your career that reached the NBA?

I didn’t play against anyone that reached the NBA level.

Who are your top 5 best teammates of all-time?

Lamar Morinia, Doug Wiggins, Scott Thomas, Chris Cooper, Kevin Hardy

Please name your personal NBA Mount Rushmore of past or present heads?

Jordan Kobe Shaq Allen Iverson and Lebron

Where do you personally rank Steph Curry in the best point guards of all-time?

Top 3 all time

Who is you Goat and why?

I have 2 Michael Jordan and Kobe Bryant. Just the overall skillset, mental and physical toughness, the will to win and also didn’t fear anything or anyone on the court.

Did you see the sequel to the classic Coming To America? Shouldn´t they have left it alone?

Yes I saw it and most definitely should’ve left it alone maybe a 2/10

Thanks Monyea for the chat

Ivan Crnjac (201-F-2007) is a 16 year old 201cm forward currently averaging 19,3ppg, 7,0rpg and 1,3apg in the NBBL (U-19) and has played 7 Pro B games averaging 3,3ppg and 1,3rpg. He helped the Fraport Skyliners win the B League title at the U-18 International Cup in Tokyo, Japan. He spoke to germanhoops.com about the title experience.

Congrats on winning the U-18 International Cup in Japan. Was this the biggest title in your young career so far?

I wouldn´t say that this was my biggest title. I think reaching the Top 4 in Frankfurt last season and quakifying for the World championships was bigger for me.

How high can one value this title?

I think you can value this higher that some other in season tournaments we have had in the past in Sweden and Austria.

You played only against Japanese teams. What did you value most from their playing style?

They were all smaller and quicker and very skilled. They all liked to shoot three´s. It was pretty easy to guard them because we switched a lot. It was difficult for them to finish over us. They did a good job staying with us in games.

You stayed some days in Tokyo. What impressed you most about the country?

The city was so clean. There were so many buildings and bill boards everywhere. The whole city was illuminated. It looked really cool. We also visited Shibuya crossing where something like 10,000 people cross at the same time. It was very impressive.

The traffic was crazy. I guess Frankfurt is like a town compared to Tokyo?

We mostly were on the bus or subway. I didn´t think the traffic was that bad.

How do you feel did you fit best into the offense? Were you a bit in the shadow of Leif Zentgraf?

I don´t feel like I was in the shadow of Leif. We both had different duties. He drove a lot and it was easy for him to get easy baskets against the smaller guards. I took more three pointers. It was tough to drive against the smaller players. The height advantage was huge and made the ball handling difficult so I shot more three´s.

What do you feel could your game take from this tournament? Leif Zentgraf said on offense your game grew because you had to adjust to the quick Japanese players.

I think that I did a good job adjusting to their quickness. We also had to adjust better on transition defense. I think this experience will help us play well against annoying teams in the future as well as defending smaller teams.

How do you feel did your game grow on the defensive end?

We switched a lot so I didn´t have to defend so much against smaller players, but I had to be quick on my feet on 1-1 defense.

Did this title win give extra motivation for the NBBL season and the series against ratiopharm Ulm?

We will be very motivated against Ulm. That won´t be an easy series. I think that we got better as a team and stayed in the flow. We were able to work on our advantages and weaknesses in the games.

Which player made steps in his play during games?

Joshua did a good job at the 4 sharing the ball and led us well as captain. He gave us good tips and was able to solve problems on the court well.

What was your coolest own play during the 4 games?

In the final I got a ball in corner mad made a fake then I took a step forward and then took a step back with a dribble through my legs and hit the step back three pointer.

During your time in Japan, a tragedy occurred in Germany with the senseless murder of NBBL player of Volodymyr Yermakov of the Art Giants. This was so sad news. How did you take in the news?

I found out from a friend from the youth national team. I was very shocked and scared. It is so sad how something like this can happen to a young player. This shouldn´t happen in our country. I send my prayers out to his family and friends.

Thanks Ivan for the chat.

Marvin Esser (196-SF-2005) is a 18 year old 196cm forward that is currently averaging 8,0ppg, 6,9rpg and 1,7 spg in the German NBBL (U-19). In the Pro B, he has played 6 games averaging 2,5ppg and 1,7rpg. He helped the U-18 Fraport Skyliners win the B League at the U-18 International Cup in Tokyo, Japan. He spoke to germanhoops.com about the title experience.

Congrats Marvin on winning the U-18 International Cup in Japan. Was this the biggest title in your young career so far?

I think that U-14 title was my biggest title. I was younger and it just had a bigger emotional impact on me. But this title is also a big accomplishment.

How high can one value this title?

I think you can value it high. We as a team made a good step for our team building and preparation for the rest of the NBBL season. We can be proud for winning the title.

You played only against Japanese teams. What did you value most from their playing style?

They played so fast. I don´t think that we ever got hit with so many fast break baskets. This experience helped us for the next games. We suffered less fast break baskets from our opponents in the last 3 games. They shot a lot of three´s and switched a lot on defense.

You lived in Tokyo for some days. What impressed you most about the country?

The whole metropolitan area was huge. Everyone was so polite to us. The people were great and the whole area was colorful.

I heard traffic was wild. I guess Frankfurt is like a town compared to Tokyo?

We took the subway a lot and it was always packed with people. We had to squeeze ourselves in every time. The subway was always on time. But traffic was annoying. I remember being stuck in traffic on the bus.

How would you rate your game? I guess it´s difficult to get shots when guys like Crnjac and the Zentgraf brothers are the first 3 scoring options?

I´m not exactly sure what my stats were but I averaged something around 10/7 in the 4 games. I got more shots here than in the NBBL. I took around 7-8 shots in Japan. I still had a problem with my wrist and had problems with free throws. I feel like I could of worked better on the offensive glass which would have given me more baskets. The pick and roll worked well. My teammates found me well.

What steps did Leif Zentgraf´s game take with earning the MVP award?

He was our leader. He took on the role of Dusan Nikolic very well who was absent. He did a good job scoring points when we needed them. He grew as a leader.

You are like a glue guy. Do you feel like your game was noticed in this tournament?

I think it was. I had the length advantage against the Japanese players.

What do you feel could your game take from this tournament?

I have to give more intensity when I go to the rebound. At times I was a bit passive. I feel I did show at times that I was able to use my length and physicality to my advantage.

How do you feel did this tournament help big German talent Ivan Crnjac who is one of the younger players on the NBBL team?

Ivan took a lot of three´s. He played a different style. It was important that he got his freedom. It was good that his play wasn´t restricted.

Did this title win give extra motivation for the NBBL season?

We have huge motivation now. I feel like we grew together as a team. We all want to beat Ulm.

What was your coolest own play during the 4 games?

I had a dunk right in the first game. Leif made the nice pass. I also had a few nice dunks.

During your time in Japan, a tragedy occurred in Germany with the senseless murder of NBBL player of Volodymyr Yermakov of the Art Giants. This was so sad news. How did you take in the news?

We heard about it after one of our games as we were riding the subway. We saw an Instagram story and heard the sad news. It is unbelievable how something like that can happen in Germany. I give my condolences to the family and friends of the victim.

Thanks Marvin for the chat.

Leif Zentgraf (198-SF-2005) is a 18 year old 198cm forward that plays for U-19 team Eintracht Frankfurt/Fraport Skyliners. Currently in the NBBL he is averaging 16,5ppg, 6,5rpg, 2,3apg and 1,9spg. He also has played 10 Pro B games averaging 1,4ppg and 1,2rpg. He helped the Fraport Skyliners win the B League title at the U-18 International Cup in Tokyo, Japan. He was named tournament MVP averaging 23,3ppg, 6,5rpg and 2,5apg. He spoke to germanhoops.com about the title experience.

Congrats on winning the U-18 International Cup in Japan. Was this the biggest title in your young career so far?

I think my biggest title was the U-14 one, but this ranks second.

How high can one value this title?

To be honest, we didn´t really have much competition. We were a lot more physical than the Japanese. We knew going in that we could win it. Overall it is still a big success.

Who were some of the teams?

We only played against Japanese teams, but there was also a Chinese team that competed. We mostly had our NBBL players. Dusan Nikolic and Julian Haskins didn´t play. Japan played fast and did more slips and down screens and shot a lot of three´s. We were able to dominate with our physicality.

What impressed you most about the country?

The people were very nice to us. We always bowed and everyone always smiled back. They really embraced us with open arms.

I guess Frankfurt is like a town compared to Tokyo?

That is for sure. We took the subway and it was so crowded. It was so full. The city was so crowded. It was crazy.

You were tournament MVP averaging 23/6/2 stats. Were you impressed by your own game?

To be honest, I really expected to put up these numbers. I was able to use my body to my advantage because of the physicality advantage. I made a lot of lay ups. I wish I could of shared the ball better

What do you feel could your game take from this tournament?

Obviously I got new experience in Japan. Being able to guard smaller quick guards helped my game a lot. Being able to use my body more helped me on the offensive end. The communication between players and coaching staff was also huge as it will help us continue to move forward this season in NBBL play.

What was it like playing with brother Joscha outside Germany?

Joscha and I simply have a very special connection. We are brothers. Joscha is a very physical player and his play really helped us dominate our opponents. We could almost do what we wanted to on the court. Marvin Esser was also a big help.

How do you feel did this tournament help big German talent Ivan Crnjac who is one of the younger players on the NBBL team?

Ivan played well. He took a lot of three´s which surprised me a bit. He plays a lot like me. He also knows how to use his body well. Overall it was a great experience for him. When he wasn´t shooting three´s, he got experience inside going against the quick guards. In the JBBL, he had no problems getting to the rim easily, but here the Japanese players were able to stay in front of him, so he had to use his fakes more.

Did this title win give extra motivation for the NBBL season?

We are very focused now for the rest of the NBBL season. We talked a lot about communication with the younger players. I think our communication improved and we were able to bring that to a new level which will help us in the NBBL season. We easily won the final which usually should be the toughest. But the final game was our easiest. We stuck together better in the final than in the first 3 games. In the final everything came together.

What was your coolest own play during the 4 games?

It was in the first game, a step back three and then a dunk.

During your time in Japan, a tragedy occurred in Germany with the senseless murder of NBBL player of Volodymyr Yermakov of the Art Giants. This was so sad news. How did you take in the news?

This was unbelievable news. That something so senseless like that can happen is crazy. This can happen to anyone. It really disturbs me that something like this can happen in Germany. This shouldn´t happen. I send my prayers out to his family and friends.

Thanks Leif for the chat.

Since the grueling home loss to Trier, the Fraport Skyliners were riding a potent 4 game winning streak and had kept 3 of the last 4 opponents to 68 points or less. They followed up their incredible double OT win over Koblenz with a new satisfying road win in Nurnberg and came back home to meet the pesky 12-9 PS Karlsruhe team. They have been playing solid ball having won 2 of their last 3 games including back to back nail bitter wins, but they couldn´t add a third in a row as they lost a heart breaking 94-90 contest in Kirchheim. They came to Frankfurt seeking revenge for the tough 70-68 loss to Frankfurt earlier in the season in their living room and got it from a cold as ice Garai Zeeb who powered PS Karlsruhe to the satisfying 80-69 victory. The German who has 107 easyCredit BBL games on his resume scorched Frankfurt with 21 points and it seemed like with every new shot made, his self confidence climbed another notch. You could see in his eyes that he really wanted to show his ex team on their turf just how good of a player he is. “Garai was really motivated and focused to play against his ex team. I like him also feel that we can play both at a high level. Garai told me before the game that he wanted to prove against Frankfurt that he can play at a high level. It was nice that we both did”, smiled PS Karlsruhe guard O´Showen Williams. It wasn´t only Zeeb who sparkled but it was the whole team as that special team chemistry was present and they played with high intensity for 40 minutes. “We had leads a lot this season where we panicked. We didn´t want that to happen again. We played at our own pace and controlled the game. We knew that Frankfurt plays with patience on the court and like to use the whole 24 seconds on the shot clock. Our goal was to play good defense for the whole 24 seconds and just stay connected. We stayed poised and let our defense dictate our offense. We play unselfish on offense and just trust each other”, stated Georgia, native O´Showen Williams. The Fraport Skyliners had too many up and down phases and were missing that general that could take over in difficult phases. “They played tougher than we did. They gave you nothing on defense and we had to work hard for every shot. We couldn´t match their intensity for 40 minutes”, stressed Fraport Skyliner David Muenkat.

     David Muenkat to the hole          

 The first few minutes was an intense battle where both teams tried to set the tone and both teams scored well. PS Karlsruhe got three´s from Zeeb and Williams while the Fraport Skyliners got an early trey from Canadian Aiden Warnholtz and 2 lay in´s by 2018 NBBL champion Lorenz Brenneke as Frankfurt had the tight 7-5 advantage. But then came the turning point of the game as PS Karlsruhe jumped all over Frankfurt with a lethal 14-2 run to get the overwhelming 19-9 lead that had Frankfurt having to play catch up basketball all afternoon long. The guests got 2 three´s by Williams and one three by Zeeb and a put back by Danish forward Bakkary Dibba and a lay in by ex Jena forward Melvin Joostman. The guests had superior ball movement and showed that intact team chemistry with that extra pass and no ego play while on defense, they didn´t allow Frankfurt to get inside, so they had to attempt contested three´s. The PS Karlsruhe bench also gave great energy and they simply had more intensity crashing the boards. Ex Oldenburg guard Kevin Mcclain stopped the run with a clutch trey as Frankfurt trailed 19-12. But there was absolutely no let down by the guests as they cruised on a 8-3 run to have the commanding 27-15 lead after 10 minutes. In the run, PS Karlsruhe continued to get solid support from Dibba with a trey and Zeeb as always in attack mode as he added 5 points. Did Frankfurt underestimate PS Karlsruhe a bit? “We have been playing with a chip on our shoulders since the start of the season where everyone picked us to finish last. We have proved that we can compete with anyone in the league. The team followed my lead. I began the game aggressive at both ends. Zeeb got hot so we gave him the ball and then it was Dibba´s turn. We give the ball to whoever was hot”, stated Oshowen Williams. PS Karlsruhe shot 63% from the field and 67% from outside and had 9 rebounds and 5 turnovers while the Fraport Skyliners shot 46% from the field and 40% from outside and had 5 rebounds and 5 turnovers.

           Bakary Dibba at the FT line     

In the second quarter it looked like PS Karlsruhe would totally decide the game early as they led by 20 points, but the Fraport Skyliners had a big run to get back into the game, but they still trailed by double figures at the break. PS Karlsruhe totally caught Frankfurt off guard as they punched Frankfurt with an annoying 11-2 run to lead 37-17. In the run, it was Zeeb again who continued his mesmorizing and terrorizing game with 7 points as he dropped 2 three´s. Dibba continued to be aggressive on the glass scoring while rookie Vic Bailey who beat NCAA powerhouse Kentucky twice made a lay up. PS Karlsruhe continued to play great aggressive defense not allowing Frankfurt to generate a flow as they had little ball movement that led to terrible shots and just overall sloppy play. When they did get a bucket, it was because of isolation play by a Mcclain who can play that game. Frankfurt somehow rebounded from their morbid situation and slapped the guests back with a 12-2 run to trail 39-29. In the run, Frankfurt upped their defensive intensity and were rewarded with 2 Justin Onyejiaka transition baskets, while Brenneke upped his intensity and aggressiveness in the paint getting a dunk and tip in. Ex Wurzburg guard Julian Albus stopped the run with a three pointer as he is always reliable from down town as he twice averaged 40% in a season in the Pro B. Frankfurt had more confidence and executed well in the last minute closing out the second quarter with a Brenneke left handed lay in and Onyejiaka lay in to trail 45-33. “Basketball is a game of runs. Sometimes we get too emotional and get down when we get hit by a run. We did a good job weathering the storm when they had their run”, commented O´showen Williams. PS Karlsruhe shot 57% from the field and 60% from the three point line and had 15 rebounds and 13 turnovers while the Fraport Skyliners shot 47% from the field and 30% from the three point line and had 14 rebounds and 13 turnovers.

  Lorenz Brenneke at the FT line             

 In the third quarter PS Karlsruhe continued to control the game never allowing the Fraport Skyliners to get over the hump as Frankfurt couldn´t cut the lead down more than to 8 points. Frankfurt actually had a strong first few minutes of the second half as they roared out on a 4-0 run and made 3 stops to trail only 45-37. Warnholtz displayed a lay in and Justin Onyejiaka was aggressive as usual sinking 2 free throws. But Frankfurt just couldn´t hold the consistency as they had to many down phases. Zeeb stopped the mini run with a lay in which was followed by a Williams trey and Dibba free throws and suddenly Frankfurt was trailing 52-37. The intensity level of Frankfurt sunk again and the guests aggressive defense forced turnovers. A Muenkat dunk was followed by a Albus three pointer and Frankfurt trailed 55-39. Then came an up phase by Frankfurt as they somehow mustered a 7-0 run to trail 55-46. In the run, Mcclain dropped another trey and German Nolan Adekunle and Jacob Knauf were set up beautifully by Swiss army knife Cameron Henry. But once again, Frankfurt could make more damage off another run as the guests got another three pointer by Zeeb and received incredible support from the bench from Australian Lachlan Dent with a floater and a Joostman tip in to lead 62-50 after 30 minutes. “We practice harder than the way we play in games. We may not be the biggest or smartest team, but we make that up with intensity and energy”, warned O´showen Williams. “They continued to play tough and just brought that same intensity for 40 minutes which we couldn´t match”, expressed David Muenkat. PS Karlsruhe shot 48% from the field and 43% from the parking lot and had 24 rebounds and 16 turnovers while the Fraport Skyliners shot 45% from the field and 29% from the parking lot and had 25 rebounds and 19 turnovers.

  Garai Zeeb from downtown             

 In the fourth quarter the Fraport Skyliners continued to fight and delivered a little come back in crunch-time, but they never got closer than 6 points. Frankfurt had another lightening start to a quarter as they hit PS Karlsruhe with a mini 4-0 run to cut the guests lead down to 62-54 as bigs Brenneke and Samare were aggressive in the paint area scoring twice. But whenever Frankfurt countered, PS Karlsruhe always had an answer denying a bigger run. Dent made a free throw and Joostman connected on transition as Frankfurt trailed 65-54. Frankfurt had had 2 good looks on their last 2 possessions, but just couldn´t make the shots. Frankfurt simply had to little offensive execution as they got baskets from Samare and Muenklat, but still trailed 70-59. Booker Coplin had been a disappointment as he had had a tough shooting day and didn´t achieve his first field goal until the 3,13 minute mark as Frankfurt trailed 70-62. Henry made a turn around shot as Frankfurt trailed 71-64, but Zeeb had an answer with a tough lay in in traffic for the 75-64 guests lead. “He made tough shots. He got going early and it´s tough to stop a guy when he gets his rhythm going early”, added David Muenkat. Frankfurt had one last gasp of energy as they got consecutive buckets from Knauf and a timely trey by Cameron Henry to trail 75-69 with 1,20 to play. But Frankfurt then suffered a technical foul by head coach Dennis Wucherer and Williams made 3 free throws and Dibba closed out the win with a massive dunk. “We stayed composed. We got better as a team today. We didn´t panic and made our free throws and took care of the ball”, stressed O´showen Williams. “They got stops and took good shots. They did a good job always supplying pressure and never settling. We did a good job chipping away, but didn´t have our feet on the gas pedal long enough”, warned David Muenkat. PS Karlsruhe was led by Garai Zeeb with 21 points. Bakary Dibba and O´showen Williams supplied 17 points a piece while the Fraport Skyliners were led by Kevin Mcclain and Lorenz Brenneke with 13 points a piece. PS Karlsruhe shot 47% from the field and 42% from outside and had 35 rebounds and 19 turnovers while the Fraport Skyliners shot 42% from the field and 30% from outside and had 36 rebounds and 19 turnovers.

The Dragons Rhondorf spirted play continued the last weeks as they[NS1] came back into their smug living room in the Dragon Dome sporting a 4 game winning streak. The next game was a special one in Dragon country as it was the carnival game as there were many many fans dressed up in very interesting costumes. The Dragons Rhondorf next opponent was Orange Academy the ambitious farm team of 2023 easyCredit BBL champion ratiopharm Ulm who came to Rhondorf sporting a 11-7 record and were chasing the Dragons in the standings with their 15-3 record. Both teams had a very potent offense, but also allowed many points. It is always interesting to see what players would play for Orange Academy as Ulm had a game in Bonn the same evening only 20 minutes away. On a rather mild evening, Orange Academy arrived on the court missing a few key players, but that didn´t hinder them from coming together as a team as other guys stepped up like Jervis Scheffs who played very adult like leading his team past the Dragons Rhondorf 84-78. It was a game of ups and downs for both teams, but in crunch-time, it was Orange Academy that had the better nerves and better execution. “We were missing many guys, but our young guys made a step in this game. Every guy gave much energy and all they had for 40 minutes. We were well prepared and played a good zone not allowing them to attack as much as they wanted to and made them shoot more from outside. We moved the ball well and hit well”, stressed Orange Academy German Jervis Scheffs (192-G-2007) The Dragons Rhondorf fought hard, but had too many ups and downs in the game and just didn´t have the same kind of energy as the hungry guests. “We weren´t consistent enough for 40 minutes on defense. We didn´t play with the usual energy that we bring”, stressed Dragons Rhondorf guard Kelvin Omojola.

Alec Anigbata at the FT line

The Dragons were missing young guard Marko Rosic who had injured his left leg, but had new German Ferenc Gille on board as he made his home debut. Orange Academy were missing Joel Cwik, Linus Stoll and Sebastian Pachucki who were all ill. The Dragons Rhondorf came out flat allowing Orange Academy to grab the rapid 7-0 lead. In the run, the guests got massive energy from 16 year old Dutch big man Endurance Aiyamenkhue who scored inside twice while ex FC Bayern Munich 2 forward Alec Anigbata hit a trey. Orange Academy stopped the Dragons first 4 possessions as it seemed like they underestimated the guests. But that basketball is a game of runs has always been present as Rhondorf slapped the guests with 7 unanswered points to dead lock the game at 7-7. In the run the Dragons received got solid input from Las Vegas native Omojola with a lay in, while Texas native Avery Sullivan produced an offensive rebound and put back and ex Bamberg guard Tyreese Blunt connected on a three pointer. Rhondorf calmed down and played faster and got good presence inside from the big man duo of Sullivan and Gille. But Rhondorf was unable to keep their momentum as Orange Academy roared back on a 13-6 run to lead 20-12. Orange Academy continued to play with high intensity and just shared the ball nicely. Ex NCAA guard Sigu Jawara got into the act making a trey and a floater. The ups and downs of Rhondorf continued as they had no defensive intensity and weren´t aggressive enough on the rebound. Down the stretch, Tyresse Blunt got going making 2 buckets, but couldn´t get close to Orange Academy as they continued to execute well getting baskets from Sceffs and Anigbata to lead 29-20 after 10 minutes. “We saw the same scenario in the first game. We like to run and just outran them. We did a pretty good job in the last minutes keeping their big men out of the zone”, stated Jervis Scheffs Orange Academy shot 56% from the field and 50% from outside and had 10 rebounds and 2 turnovers while the Dragons Rhondorf shot 47% from the field and 33% from outside and had 10 rebounds and 6 turnovers.

Janne Muller runner

In the second quarter the Dragons Rhondorf were able to make a come back and at the break the game was deadlocked at 45-45. Rhondorf began with a swift 8-0 run to trail only 29-28. In the run, the Dragons showed once again how valuable their depth is as any guy can step up as this time it was ex Ehingen forward Antonio Pilipovic who contributed 5 points and ex Paderborn guard Badu Buck made a lay in. Rhondorf had upped their intensity and made smart decisions while displaying nice inside out basketball. Rhondorf would take the advantage 33-31 with a pretty finger tip role lay in from Gille. Ex Weber State guard and Barcelona native Jawara tied the game with a step back jumper at 33-33. The Dragons Rhondorf then showed how lethal their offense can be when they want to as they erupted on a 11-0 run to lead 44-33. In the run, the Westbrook like player Tyreese Blunt supplied 8 points as he showed his 3 level scoring abilities. Orange Academy seemed to lose more energy with every new basket that the Dragons made. However a smart time out was called and then came the next run as Orange Academy punched back with a 12-1 run to tie the game at 45-45. Orange Academy simply played smart basketball. They didn´t do anything fancy, but just got to the free throw line and produced 9 free points from Scheffs, Holbach, and Philipp Hecker. Scheffs then put icing on the cake with a buzzer beater trey. “Coach told us during the time out not to hang our heads. We had led once before. He wanted us to play like how we started and we did that”, stated Jervis Scheffs “Orange Academy shot 41% from the field and 30% from the three point line and had 21 rebounds and 8 turnovers while the Dragons Rhondorf shot56% from the field and 45% from the three point line and had 15 rebounds and 9 turnovers.

Jervis Scheffs runner

In the third quarter, it was Orange Academy´s time again to take control of the game and they would never look back again. Sullivan and Aiyamenkhue traded baskets to begin the third quarter, but Orange Academy had the 48-47 lead as the young 16 year old made an and one free throw. Orange Academy then showed how explosive they can be as they strolled out on a 13-1 run to take the commanding 61-49 lead. In the run it was the Sheffs show as he produced 9 points. He was no 16 year old kid, but simply a young man that played very adult like. He made a clutch trey and made 6 free throws showing his patience. Rhondorf had a horrible phase having 3 turnovers in a row and just didn´t play like a team. The Dragons were showing too much hero ball, something very frightening since one is used to usually seeing nice team play. The Dragons Rhondorf tried to stick together and got some important baskets from ex Wulfen guard Matej Silic and young German Janne Muller, but still trailed 63-54. Down the stretch, the Dragons got some big buckets from Tyreese Blunt to still be in the game trailing 68-60. Orange Academy continued to control the boards having the 34-25 rebound advantage and had the 12-6 offensive rebound edge. The shooting percentages were almost even and both teams had 12 turnovers a piece, but Orange Academy had the 8 point lead. “I and my other young teammates may be young, but we still already have a lot of experience. We have enough talent to be able to play well at this level. I showed what I could do. I play and give everything. That is just how I play”, warned Jervis Scheffs “Those young Players play very well for their age. Their energy was amazing. It was infectious on the whole team”, warned Kelvin Omojola.

Ferenc Gille at the FT line

In the fourth quarter the Dragons Rhondorf continued to fight back, but there would be no happy end as they could only cut it down to 2 points before losing in their living room. Sullivan opened up the fourth quarter with a trey, but Anigbata responded with a trey as Orange Academy led 71-63. Janne Muller responded with quick instincts and snuck inside with a reverse lay up as the Dragons were pressing trailing 71-65. Rhondorf continued to battle and score as Omojola hit a 20 footer to trail 73-70, but they couldn´t ring up a string of consecutive stops. Orange Academy always had an answer as Anigbata made a three pointer and Hecker a free throw for the 77-73 advantage. Jamara then nailed a in your face three pointer for the 80-74 Orange Academy lead. Sullivan quickly made a tip with 1,21 to play to trail 80-76. Blunt made a huge lay in as Rhondorf trailed 80-78 with 5.2 seconds to play. But the Dragons Rhondorf couldn´t control their nerves getting a flagrant foul and Jawara and Hecker closed out the game with clutch free throws. “Rhondorf fought back and gave us problems in crunch time with transition, but we never gave up. Jawara made a big shot and we made our free throws”, added Jervis Scheffs “They executed better and just played harder than we did”, stressed Kelvin Omojola. Orange Academy was led by Jervis Scheffs with 21 points. Alec Anigbata had 17 points and Sibu Jawara supplied 13 points while the Dragons Rhondorf were led by Tyreese Blunt with 22 points and Avery Sullivan had 18 points and 13 rebounds. Orange Academy shot 40% from the field and 26% from outside and had 45 rebounds and 16 turnovers while the Dragons Rhondorf shot 41% from the field and 21% from outside and had 38 rebounds and 13 turnovers.

Miles Schmidt-Scheuber and DJ Woodmore in Frankfurt

Times really seems to fly when all you do is cover basketball all day. I can remember seeing DJ Woodmore (190-SG-1992, college: VWU) play for the first time in his rookie season almost 10 years ago in Frankfurt. Back then he had a solid game with 21 points, but little else worked for the Bis Baskets Speyer as they lost by 21 points. He would rebound in the return game in Speyerthat season guiding his team to a great 94-84 victory as he poured in 25 points. Nobody on the Frankfurt team are around in 2024, but some things never change as only 2 people are left from that Speyer team head coach Carl Mbassa and Woodmore in 2024. Another thing also doesn´t change and that is the yearly birthday. The Virginia native Woodmore recently turned 32 years of age and times really has flown by. “It feels amazing. 10 years since I moved to Germany and I feel thankful to still be playing at a pretty high level. I never would have thought 10 years ago, I would have been in this position. Very thankful. Time has moved fast. I definitely learned to embrace and take in the moments. The time with the family and friends is everything. But also the time by myself means just as much. I´m extremely thankful for the people that are still around to make the day special”, stated DJ Woodmore. Having to celebrate that birthday in the prime time of winter overseas isn´t always easy when you can´t have all family and friends around from stateside. But when you have been overseas as long as he has, you get used to it the same way you do with food and other facets of the German culture. “I’ve adjusted and learned to make the most of the day regardless where I am and if I can see someone in person or not”, stressed DJ Woodmore. After being overseas so long, birthdays tend to become more of a routine than something being unique. “Wake up, practice, answer some texts and phone calls, relax, and practice again! Summer birthdays are probably a little better I’d suppose”, said DJ Woodmore.

Only a few weeks ago, the ex Virginia Wesleyan College (NCAA3)guard who wants the 49ers to win the Superbowl, but knows it´s tough to bet against Mahomes hit Ludwigsburg for 40 points which was a career high and that began a 3 game winning streak for the Ahorn Camp BIS Baskets Speyer. They did lose last week against Coburg, but still the team is playing their best basketball of the season having won 3 of their last 4 games. “I think the chemistry and some of the younger guys having a bit more confidence and experience has set it. It feels like everybody is still on the same page and also having Marko back, helps us big time”, warned DJ Woodmore. At the moment they are in 10th place and fighting for the last playoff spot just 1win away. Only 2 wins separate the 4th team from 10th team Speyer. There are still 8 games to play and a lot of basketball left. Can Speyer slip into the playoffs? “I hope so. This stretch between January and February is really important. So far so good. Just can’t relax at the moment”, added DJ Woodmore. He has really picked up his game in the last 4 games averaging 26,0ppg, 6,0rpg and 4,0apg while shooting a colossal 42 for 69 from the field. He seems not to have changed his breakfast from Corn Flakes to Wheaties as there is no secret. “Nothing really, just being a little more aggressive but also other guys starting to step up and make more shots, allows me to get open looks. I just have to knock them down when I get them”, warned DJ Woodmore. So how did the quick guard celebrate his 32nd birthday? It was during the 3 game winning streak. “Just practice and a lot of sugar. I gave up sugar for the month of January, so the last few days and weeks were difficult. But being able to celebrate at the end of the month, makes it all worth it. Cakes, Haribo, huge breakfast, everything”, expressed DJ Woodmore. He definatley doesn´t get up for birthdays the way kids do, but instead looks at the long picture of life. “I’m just looking forward each year to the challenge ahead and the next step in my life. Always optimistic about the future”, said DJ Woodmore. Did his teammates think of him on his birthday? There are some German traditions that Americans will never understand. “I got some birthday wishes, but they made me bring a cake to practice. Weird German tradition I’ll never understand”, stressed DJ Woodmore.

The ex EPG Basket guard who believes Luka Doncic could be the third NBA player to crack 80 points in a game after Wilt Chamberlain and Kobe Bryant isn´t a kid anymore, but he has fond memories of his childhood birthdays. “Usually my birthday fell on or around the Super Bowl so it was always great to have a huge party and watch the game the entire night. All my friends at the house playing ball and video games that day”, remembered DJ Woodmore. I grew up in a totally older generation and can remember liking some kind of Stars Wars toy as being my favorite Birthday present and later as a 11 year old meeting German soccer legend Franz Beckenbauer in New York City. For the newer generation like Woodmore, the trend goes a different direction and one that isn´t too surprising. “The Nintendo 64 easily was my favorite birthday gift!! I haven’t missed a gaming console since my first then. I still have my Nintendo to”, smiled DJ Woodmore. When your birthday was always around the Superbowl as a kid, it´s no surprise what his favorite children´s party was. “ My favorite kids party was the Super Bowl. Even though my team lost to the Broncos that night, I will always remember it as good times”, added DJ Woodmore. As a kid you have so many birthday wishes and dreams, but how is it as an adult? His dream now definitely isn´t material. “Today the dream isn’t so big, just want to enjoy every moment I can while I’m still able to make a career and life while living my dream to play pro ball”, warned DJ Woodmore. I and many basketball folk hope that DJ Woodmore plays for many more years, because it´s simply always a delight to see him give his all despite not being a young buck anymore. Keep grinding DJ.

Shawn Scott (185-G-1996, college: SW Christian) is a 27 year old 185cm guard playing his third professional season and first with BG Hagen. Last season he split time with TVO Biggesee / TV Jahn Lindhorst (Germany-Regionalliga) averaging 31.2ppg, 10.4rpg, 6.1apg, 3.6spg, 2FGP: 56.2%, 3FGP: 30.4%, FT: 77.6%, in Jan.’23 moved to BG 2000 Berlin (Germany-Regionalliga) averaging 14.2ppg, 8.1rpg, 4.6apg, 2.4spg, FGP: 53.5%, 3PT: 14.3%, FT: 64.4%. he began his career at Jenks High School and then played 3 seasons at Southwestern Christian University. He teams up with germanhoops.com every week to talk basketball

Congrats Shawn on another win this time 72-65 against the Lowen. You last lost 2.5 months ago. How crazy is that?

Thank you. I didn’t realize it’s been that long but it’s crazy that we are on a 9 game win streak and playing very good at the perfect time.

How did it feel winning a close game again? The last 3 games had been blow out wins.

It just felt good winning period. We always go into the game wanting to blow teams out but it’s especially nice that we were able to beat the two teams that beat us in the first half of the season. These were very important wins for us.

Talk a little about the 40 minutes. Was BG Hagen ever in danger of losing the game?

I think no. We had our defensive plan that worked pretty much the whole game and we knew it was going to be defense that won this game. They went on a run towards the end but we kept our composure and finished the game.

The stats were pretty even as there were only 12 combined turnovers. Did the shooting percentages decide the game or more the little things?

I think defense essentially won the game but big shots from our guys and big stops on defense was the decider.

What was it like battling Jamal Wright? You combined for 48 points. What was most annoying about his game?

Jamal was a very good player to play against and really challenged me on defense and stole the ball from me a couple times which was most annoying for me. But it was fun going at each other and we’re fortunate to have come out on top.

You had another top game of 24/12. It wasn´t a explosive game for you, but still a top performance. What did you take from your game that was most positive?

I think a positive was I continued to be aggressive even when I felt I didn’t get the foul calls I usually would get but I kept putting pressure on their bigs inside and was able to make plays.

You continue to do a great job limiting turnovers. How much has the extra work paid off for you?

I’m just trying to really fix it now before playoffs so I won’t have these high turnover games when it matters most.

You now have a 3 week break, Good or not so good for the long 9 game winning streak?

Not good for sure. I think the last thing we need is a long break but luckily we have our Pokal game against top team Essen. This will be a big test for us and we want to continue on our right path.

Thanks Shawn for the chat.