The dog days of summer are running down and with August around the corner, it will soon be training camp for teams in Europe. The Fraport Skyliners will begin a new chapter in the second division Pro A and will have many new faces in Basketball City Mainhatten as well as many old faces not around. The best known with Quantez Robertson (188-SG-1984, college: Auburn, agency: Interperformances) won’t be there. It will be tough seeing Skyliner practices and games soon without Quantez Robertson or simply Tez as everyone called him. The fact of not seeing Tez after games and having the usual chit chat is something that just hasn’t sunk in yet. I mean it was a normal occurrence and something in a way that I just always wished wouldn’t stop. But some things just don’t go on forever. That is something that I will get used to. Besides there are enough other new imports around with whom I can start a new 1-1 season interview session with. But one thing is for sure, it may take a very long time to find a player that will stay in Frankfurt for more than just a few seasons. Just for the record here are the life time easyCredit BBL stats of Quantez Robertson once more. 479 games, 4,425 points, 2217 rebounds, 742 steals in 15, 034 minutes of work. It was an incredible carer and now life goes forward for the Fraport Skyliners and Quantez Robertson in very different ways.
It’s 3.00 pm Alabama time and 9:00pm time in Germany when I reach Quantez Robertson at home. As usual the atmosphere is bustling with loud kid’s voices in the back- round. One could even think that Tez is the head camp counselor having control with all his kids. The ex Auburn guard seems very relaxed despite the hoopla in the back-round and just extremely happy. It has been more than 3 months since he played his last easyCredit BBL game. His daily routine now has been very much different than when he was living in Germany and preparing daily to play the game he loves. If one want’s to believe it or not, he hasn’t really picked up a ball since Frankfurt. ‘I am very occupied now bringing my kids to sports practices. I haven’t really picked up a basketball since leaving Germany. It has been more like getting a rebound or making a pass at one of my kid’s practices. At the same time, I’m still letting my body recover from all the bumps and bruises I had. The only real activity that I have done in the last months has been racing my son from mail box to mail box or playing pickle ball with my wife. Picking up this game pickle ball and playing it has been the coolest thing I have done this summer’, laughed Quantez Robertson. Now that he is retired, he also has more time to keep in better contact with his ex Auburn teammates like Lucas Hargrove even if he isn’t right around the corner living in South Carolina. ‘Lucas sends me a lot of messages and video’s about his cooking on the grill’, said Quantez Robertson.
Miles Schmidt-Scheuber and Quantez Robertson in the BCM during Covid in 2021
August is right around the corner and it will definitely be a strange feeling not getting ready to come back overseas for a new season. Instead now he will stay at home. At the moment, he is still contemplating about how life will really look like as an ex pro player. ‘At the moment I’m still relaxing, but also thinking about what I will really do after basketball. I think that being a trainer or coach is looking very realistic now’, warned Quantez Robertson. Of course every now and then he thinks about his illustrious career and knows what he will miss most soon when he isn’t back in Germany undertaking the grind in the lab and being a professional player. ‘I will miss the preparation of getting in shape for the season and just going to the gym every day and spending time with my teammates’, stressed Quantez Robertson. Tez may be far away from what is happening basketball wise in Frankfurt, but of course he isn’t going to shy away from giving his 2 cents about the first import signings. ‘It’s a new start for the Skyliners in a different era. The new coach wants fresh blood, but I think it will still be good to have a few veterans’, warned Quantez Robertson. The most interesting signing for me has been Aiden Warnholtz who played at Canada’s greatest basketball institution Carleton. You just can’t go wrong with Carleton boys. ‘That’s a good place to get players from. Aaron Doornekamp and Phil Scrubb went there. This could be the start of something good’, warned Quantez Robertson. The club also brought in 2 very exciting young Germans with Bruno Albrecht and Jacob Knauf as well as bringing back an ex NBBL champion with Bruno Vrcic and Lorenz Brenneke who is looking to rebound after his injury prone season in 22-23. ‘Bruno will be a big spark. He will be a big threat as a starter or off the bench, because he is a proven scorer and defender. I expect a very strong season from Lorenz. He was injured most of last season and will have a huge chip on his shoulder. I am confident that he will produce and be effective’, warned Quantez Robertson. But before the Pro A season starts, fans will see Quantez Robertson one more time in his farewell game. ‘We are trying to contact my ex teammates to see who can play’, stated Quantez Robertson.
Mikal Bridges autograph
One thing I have always loved talking about with Tez is other basketball topics besides the Fraport Skyliners. In the last years, we discussed topics like Lebron James, Charles Barkley, The Euro 2022, Autograph collecting, Derrick Allen, Rickey Paulding, summer vacation, making it into an Argentine newspaper with me, Easter and Reese’s Peanut Butter Cups, PJ Tucker and of course Tom Brady. In summer 2023, I had to ask him about Team USA and the 2023 World Cup. I mean I was almost at a loss of words when I saw this 12 man roster of Paolo Banchero, Mikal Bridges, Jalen Brunson, Anthony Edwards, Tyrese Haliburton, Josh Hart, Brandon Ingram Jaren Jackson Jr., Cam Johnson, Walker Kessler, Bobby Portis and Austin Reaves. My first thought was where are the superstars like Kevin Durant, Jayson Tatum, Kyrie Irving or Anthony Davis? ‘I’m not going to stay I was scared when I first read the names. I mean they are all good players. They all can score and play defense’, commented Quantez Robertson. Why aren’t stars playing? Are the priorities different in 2023 than years ago?. ‘I think that a lot of the super stars have played in the Olympics and World cup before. I think that the basketball federation is trying to give young and up coming players the chance to represent their country’, expressed Quantez Robertson. I personally don’t follow the NBA much, but of course have heard of all of them and even had dealings with some. I never lost interest for autograph collecting as my first real NBA autograph was Moses Malone during the 1981 NBA finals in Boston. Just a few months ago when I was in my home town Boston for 10 days, I was able to get Mikal Bridges, Josh Hart and Cam Johnson’s autographs while guys like Jalen Brunson and Brandon Ingram couldn’t be bothered to stop and sign. Tez sees guys like Anthony Edwards, Jalen Brunson and Brandon Ingram as being the go to guys and leaders as they score at a high clip and sees every player as being a surprise as each player brings something different to the table, but can USA win the Gold medal? ‘I think that the advantage that Team USA has is that the Euro teams don’t know much about this team. They have allstars, but no superstars. I honestly think that Team USA can win the Gold medal’, warned Quantez Robertson. How will Germany fair? ‘I think that Germany have a shot if they play well. You know that Gordie always has a game plan’, said Quantez Robertson. You know that the next Tez article will come after the 2023 World Cup results are in. I end our 20 minute talk with the question to which Team USA player is most like him. ‘Mikal Bridges is most like me. He doesn’t need any plays run for him to be effective’, warned Quantez Robertson. But I’ll take a Quantez Robertson over Mikal Bridges any day. There are simply too many sweet memories still dancing in my head with Tez and the Fraport Skyliners.
Sometimes you see a player and some time later you realize that was the last time you ever saw him play competitively in a professional game overseas. That happened to me in the second half of last season as I did play by play of a Pro B game between the Dragons Rhondorf and the EN Baskets Schwelm. The guy that I saw for the last time play without knowing it was Robert Nortmann (204-F/C-1987, college: Dalhousie). He was a guy that I would discover for the first time in the 2017-2018 season when he had his first tour of duty in Germany. His playing resume stood out to me instantly because he had had an interesting career. A career like so many guys overseas that consisted of nonstop grinding in the lab and having to play in lower leagues, but feeling grateful for playing the game he loves for a living.. He would play 4 of his last 5 years in Germany and one could say that Germany became like a second home for him. Interviewing guys like this that have a story to tell is always fascinating for me. But surprisingly even if he decided to hang up his jersey after 8 professional seasons, his out of the ordinary life will continue after banging on the court in Germany. Over the years the Canadian native has had a special bond to Toronto and recently had the unbelievable rare opportunity to film a commercial with Toronto Raptors star Pascal Siakam. ‘There was a casting call for high level, tall basketball players and luckily I was able to get the role. It was a really cool experience, and it’s actually my 4th national commercial that I’ve done in my life. I’ve done two commercials for the Toronto Raptors and one for NBA League Pass. I recently got an agent for acting and I’m looking to take this more seriously’, stressed Robert Nortmann. He has had a special connection to the Toronto Raptors organization since 2017 when he was able to practice with them and has cherished every moment with them. ‘I was able to train with the Raptors farm team in both the fall of 2017 and 2019. I made a few contacts in university that actually ended up working for the Toronto Raptors. I played against Harry Ezenibe in university and he became an assistant coach with the Raptors. I also knew Shelby Weaver, who is on the Raptors basketball operations staff, and she encouraged me to try out and work out with their farm team. The Raptors organization does a good job of identifying the top players in Toronto and giving them an opportunity to display their ability. It was amazing being coached by Jerry Stackhouse in 2017. He instilled a lot of confidence in me and it was just cool to be around a former NBA All-star. I had many battles with NBA Champion Joel Anthony that helped to sharpen my abilities. I also was training with some players who would eventually play in the BBL like Kaza Kajami-Keane and Aaron Best. That Raptors opportunity definitely helped me to easily transition to the Pro A level in Germany’, said Robert Nortmann. A new life has started for Robert Nortmann as he went from Schwelm to making a Mcdonalds commercial with Toronto Raptor Pascal Siakam.
Miles Schmidt-Scheuber and Robert Nortman in Rhondorf, Germany in 2022
The 35 year old forward who played like NBA allstar Draymond Greene as a player played 4 years at Dalhousie University (CIS) and finally broke out in his senior year averaging : 14.6ppg, 6.4rpg, FGP: 49.4%, FT: 61.7%, but that didn’t guarantee him a free pass to higher leagues. He won 2 AUS titles and hit St Francis X for 30 points. He played his rookie season down under with the Maitland Mustangs (Australia-WARATAH) averaging 18.0ppg, FGP: 54.6%, FT: 56.1%, but that didn’t secure him any offers from Europe. Instead he played the next 3 seasons in Canada for teams like the Halifax Rainmen (Canada NBL) and Island Storm. He never averaged more than 2,0ppg in Canada, but his determination to play the game he loves never waned. In 2017 he finally made it to Europe and played 4 years in Germany and one in Iceland. His best season was in Iceland with UMF Sindri Hofn (Iceland-D1) averaging 16.2ppg, 8.3rpg, 1.6apg, 1.2spg, FGP: 51.9%, 3PT: 33.3%, FT: 64.8%, but one has to remember that the league in Iceland was not the same kind of level as the Pro A in Germany where he balled for three years. In total he played 58 Pro A games for Trier and Tuebingen with his most memorable games being a 16/11 explosion against Ehingen and hit Baunach for 14 points. He never averaged more than 4,0ppg in the Pro A. He played his last season with the EN Baskets Schwelm in the third division called Pro B averaging 5.8ppg, 4.2rpg, FGP: 47.9%, FT: 46.3%. For me it was always a riddle why he didn’t get more of an opportunity as an offensive player. Ok so in the Pro A, it was more difficult, but why not last season in the Pro B? ‘I would have definitely liked to have been featured more on offense. It’s always more fun to play when you know that you are trusted to make plays with the ball. I know that I definitely could have done more offensively if I was given more touches and minutes. As a big man, you depend on your guards to get you the ball. If they would rather shoot than throw it inside it’s hard to have a consistent impact offensively. I made the most of this situation and just tried my best to impact winning.’, remembered Robert Nortmann. Many leagues around the world are filled with guys looking to make a name for themselves and better themselves and continue to climb the basketball ladder. The best example is the G-League where many guys are playing for their stats. It isn’t any different in the Pro B. ‘I’ve noticed that at the Pro B level there are many young guys looking to make a name for themselves. So guys can end up playing for their next contract instead of playing team basketball. Those players all had the green light to shoot freely and I can’t fault young, hungry players who are trying to make a name for themselves. This is the business of basketball and this typical behavior at these levels. I know that I play basketball the right way and I don’t play for my statistics, which has also hurt my career at times. I always play for the W’s and I try to make the right team basketball plays. So personally, I measure my success with team wins and losses. I am happy that we were able to turn our season around and that we got a lot of W’s last season.
The big forward who’s dad is German and from Hamburg didn’t have a great last season to go out in the sunset totally content as his shooting was up and down, but there were other area’s in how he performed where he was content with. ‘I just felt that my ability was undervalued and this resulted in inconsistent minutes. I showed my ability and I proved my value on the court last season. I was happy with the way that I performed in this difficult situation. I believed that I should have had more touches and overall minutes. There was no emphasis on getting the ball inside and I believe that the bigs were underutilized last season. Schwelm had two of the most talented bigs in Pro B. Both Daniel Mayr and I brought a lot of complimentary abilities to the team that could have really worked well together. But we were often competing for minutes when I feel that we should have both been on the court together. There were many times where I felt that I was running, defending and setting screens without being rewarded offensively for my effort. The ball movement was our team’s achilles heel and it frequently led to isolation basketball from the perimeter’, remembered Robert Nortmann. Last season he had some solid games against Duesseldorf and Bernau and he will never forget his one season in Schwelm. ‘My fondest moment would have to be bringing my daughter on the court after our win at home in the playoffs. That was a very special moment for me and I’ll always cherish that experience. The Schwelm fans were fantastic and they really showed me and my family so much love. They nicknamed my daughter Zaia “die kleine Maus” (little mouse) and I loved bringing her to all of the home games’, expressed Robert Nortmann. In the Pro A his toughest opponent is current easyCredit BBL player Owen Klassen and last season remembers playing against a real thorn, a guy that is a walking bucket and has given multiple teams head aches over the last years with his ability to shine on the 1-1 play. ‘The best big man that I played against was Bill Borekambi. He gave our team a lot of problems last season. His mobility and unorthodox midrange game was really hard for us to guard defensively. He was especially effective out of the pick and roll and off ball cutting situations. I like his game a lot’, warned Robert Nortmann.
So now let’s fast forward to 2023. The ex national player of the Bahamas that has Jordan, Lebron, Kobe and Kareem on his personal NBA Mount probably would have enjoyed continuing his professional career, because his love for the game is so massive, but there were outside factors that effected his decision to hang it up. ‘There was interest and offers but I had decided to focus on creating stability for my family. I had told myself that I would only take a job if it was really financially beneficial to my family. And with the pandemic and the war in the Ukraine, the market just isn’t the same. So unfortunately I couldn’t accept any of the offers as they couldn’t provide mt family what we needed. I love playing basketball but it was time to focus on something more important than the game’, stressed Robert Nortmann. Many don’t recognize that so many ballers overseas have the stress of moving around with family. Toronto is home for him now as his wife Maddie is from there. It was only logical with both his and her families being in Toronto to move there. Their one and a half year old daughter Zaia needs the family support and stability He has transitioned into teaching and is working on his Masters of Science in adolescent education. He also teaches physical education at a Montessori school here in Toronto. The guy is just oozing with lots of energy for many projects and even if he isn’t playing professionally overseas, he is still on the court a lot besides when he is making commercials. ‘I started my own basketball team in Toronto, named “Team Triple Threats”. My goal is to get my team into the TBT “The Basketball Tournament” and to get into the FIBA 3X3 circuit with my team. I have recruited some talented former pro players to my team. Former Canadian National Team member Brady Heslip currently plays on my team and I have other players who have played at various other levels professionally. I am definitely looking forward to moving forward with this project. I am also very interested in the opportunities that are afforded by the CEBL and FIBA 3X3. I would love to either continue my playing career or transition into the coaching field with the CEBL. I have been playing in four different leagues in Toronto. All four of my teams have won the championship in their respective leagues, so I know that I still have some game left in the tank. There are a lot of options and opportunities right now. I’m just happy that I’m finally putting down roots and creating a home for my family’, expressed Robert Nortmann.
He has so many projects in his new life now that you wonder if 24 hours a day is even enough for the ambitious 206cm big man to be able to tackle every challenge and task? Even if he didn’t play at the highest level, he has battled against some guys that 1000’s of guys world wide couldn’t say they ever did and might be a bit envious. ‘I’ve been lucky enough to play against many players with NBA experience over my career. I’ve shared the court with Klay Thompson, Anthony Bennett, Deandre Ayton, Stanley Johnson, Dwight Powell, Pascal Siakam, Quincy Miller, Buddy Hield, Corey Joseph, Joel Anthony, Brandon Jennings, and many other NBA players. You can definitely see abilities that makes these players NBA level. I’ve also always gotten respect from these high level players for my abilities as well. I feel like I can go to any court at any level and contribute to winning basketball’, warned Robert Nortmann. How about writing a book about your experiences playing against them? I would buy it. Over the years my last question in interviews has been who is the GOAT Jordan or Lebron? The older gents say Jordan and the younger generation usually go with Lebron. Recently I have asked who currently the best player is? Most say Steph Curry while Giannis and Luka are a second and third. But you would never guess who Robert Nortmann said. ‘Is it too early to say now that Luca Doncic is the best player in the NBA or is a guy like Steph and Giannis ahead of him? I would have to say that Nikola Joki is the best player in the NBA right now. He is like nothing that we have ever seen before and he is an unbelievable teammate. I have to show love to the big men that keep everyone involved’, stressed Robert Nortmann. Or becoming a story teller would be another thing he could do if he had 48 hours per day. It is definitely never boring with Robert Nortmann. You definitely never know what you will get from him.
Sean Stoqua (5’11”-PG) is a 180cm point guard that recently completed his second professional season and first in Germany with the Bona Baskets Limburg averaging 20.4ppg, 4.4rpg, 2.6apg, 2.2spg, FGP: 55.0%, 3PT: 40.0%, FT: 76.1%. Following his season in Germany, Sean was hired as the strength coach for Balkan Botevgrad, the back to back champions of the Bulgarian Basketball League. This summer Sean was signed to practice roster for the Ottawa Blackjacks in the CEBL (Canadian Elite Basketball League), making him the 4th generation in his family to sign with a pro sports team in Ottawa. Sean played his rookie season overseas with Ararat Yerevan (Armenia-League A) averaging 32.3ppg, 7.1rpg, 4.3apg, 1.7spg, FGP: 59.4%, 3PT-2 (43.9%), FT: 76.8%. He began his basketball career at Sacred Heart high school and then played 4 years at Acadia University (CIS) as a dual sport athlete, competing as a guard for the basketball team and defensive back for the football team. He then moved to the University of Ottawa (CIS) where he completed his physiotherapy degree and played 2 seasons for the Gee Gees basketball team. He spoke to germanhoops.com about basketball during the 2022-2023 season in Limburg.
Thanks Sean for talking to germanhoops.com. Where are you at the moment and how is basketball life treating you?
Life is good! I’m currently out in Germany playing for the Bona Baskets Limburg in the Regionalliga. I’ve been to Germany a couple times before so I’m a little familiar with the country. Basketball wise I’m feeling good. My body feels healthy and skill wise I feel like I’m at the top of my game.
You’re playing your first season for the Bona Baskets Limburg. You came late to the season. Despite your great rookie season in Armenia, did the job market prove to be more challenging than you expected or wasn’t the right situation there until Limburg came along?
As an import player without a secondary passport it can be difficult to find good opportunities overseas. Sometimes I think the challenge for players from North America is finding a good agent who can connect you with the right team when an opportunity arises. I’m grateful for BLC Consultation helping me find a good opportunity here in Germany and looking forward to helping Limburg finish the season strong.
You played your first game against Soeflingen, but actually was already in Limburg for the Langen game but couldn’t play. You then experienced some harsh cold weather. Did that make the adjustment period easier because you come from cold Canada?
Yeah Germany and Canada’s idea of harsh cold weather are 2 different things haha. There were times in Canada when we had to cancel games and practices due to blizzards. From what I’ve seen so far this year, Germany’s winter is almost like Canada’s spring.
You put up solid stats in Canada in the CIS league with 2 different schools. You definitely can play, but how much of a role do you think has your height and size played for you not landing in higher leagues yet?
It seems to me like agents and coaches often dismiss smaller guards due to their size and are more likely to take a chance on a taller player. That said, once you can get your foot in the door and get in front of people and play they can see what you’re capable of. There are plenty of players my size who have made it to the highest levels, evidence that height isn’t necessarily the bottleneck. Limitations in athleticism, skill and basketball IQ are potentially limiting factors and things that I am actively trying to improve.
You battled against many future NBA players in Canada and have proved that you can play. How big is your chip on your shoulder and how do you deal with it? Yeah I was lucky to play with and against many NBA players when I was growing up in Canada including Andrew Wiggins, Marial Shayok, Olivier Hanlan, Kevin Pangos, Nik Stauskas, Nazareth Mitrou- Long, Anthony Bennett, Tyler Ennis and Khem Birch. I wouldn’t say that gives me a chip on my shoulder in any way. I just feel lucky that I grew up in a generation when Canada basketball was on the rise and I got to be on the court and compete with a lot of these guys.
You recently started your first game with the Bona Baskets Limburg in a loss putting up 26/4/2 stats. How did it feel and how would you compare the German regionalliga with the league in Armenia where you played last season? It felt great to be on the court again after a long off-season. I’m still working on finding some chemistry with my teammates but that will come with more time and reps. The German Regionalliga is a solid league. Most teams are well coached with good size, skill and depth. Its certainly a step up from my league in Armenia last season.
You played against German Ole Wendt who played in Germany’s first division BBL and held your own. When you see his game, does that give you hope that you can reach higher leagues down the road? Yeah anytime you compete and hold your own with players who have played at a high level it gives you confidence. I know that I’m capable of playing at those levels, for me its more a matter of the limited import spots for North Americans. While I may be as good or better than some of the Germans who play at higher levels, I need to outperform other North Americans in order to make it to those higher leagues.
How have you gotten to enjoy your teammates so far? I can imagine that Justin Stallbohm and Brandon Cataldo have gotten a laugh out of you. Talk a little about the guys and what you have appreciated most from them on and off the court?
My teammates have been awesome! They have really made me feel welcome and part of the team, inviting me to different social events off the court. Justin has been playing on the team for many years so he has been very helpful showing me the ropes. Its cool having guys with different backgrounds from different countries. Its also nice how everyone speaks English, just makes communication that much easier. Its great having another guy from North America on the team in Brandon Cataldo to make me feel more at home. I think him and I will make an excellent ball screen combo as the year continues.
Let’s talk about your game. You’re a 180CM guard. If you had to compare your game to an NBA player who fits the description best?
Being from Canada, Steve Nash was always my favourite player growing up. I also like Nate Robinson a lot of because he played defensive back at the University of Washington. That said, I think JJ Barea might be my best NBA comparison. We have similar size, athleticism and style of play.
When looking at your stats one could say you’re a 3 and D player, but you seem to be more versatile than that. Talk a little about your game and strengths?
I feel like I’m a pretty versatile player in the sense that I can adapt to whatever my team needs. I can change what I do on the court based on what my teammates do well. I feel like when I have capable shooters and scorers around me I can play more of a pass first point guard role. I’m also capable of playing off the ball in more of a scoring role when my team needs that, like I did last season in Armenia. 3 point shooting and defense have always been two of my biggest strengths.
You also played football in University. A guy like Ishmail Wainwright of the Phoenix Suns also played football at Baylor (NCAA). How do you feel has your football skills helped your basketball game over the years?
I think playing football has helped me on the basketball court in several ways. I played defensive back for 4 years in University. It helped me become a better defender on the basketball court. You won’t meet many defensive backs who can’t play defense on a basketball court. The reverse isn’t necessarily true. Playing defensive in football & basketball both require great footwork, hip mobility and dissociation of the pelvis and ribcage. Football also made me a better rebounder, learning how to high point the ball and handle contact in the air. It helped me understand collisions better and how to keep my centre of mass low to the ground. Football also helped me learn how to watch film and study my opponents. It helped teach me how to be a better leader, communicator and handle inter-personal dynamics more effectively. It made me a tougher person physically and mentally.
What kind of a defender are you now and what kind of defender do you still want to become?
At the moment I think defense is one of my strengths. I am fast enough to stay in front of quick guards and strong enough to guard taller, bigger players. Creating turnovers and drawing offensive fouls have always been two of my biggest strengths. I’m working on becoming a better on ball defender in the full court.
On what area’s of your game are you working on most now you can continue to climb the basketball ladder?
My mid-range game
In 2022 you played for Ararat Yerevan (Armenia-League A) averaging 32.3ppg, 7.1rpg, 4.3apg, 1.7spg, FGP: 59.4%, 3PT FG (43.9%), FT: 76.8%. You led the league in 3PT FG made and 3PT %. What do you remember being your wake up call where you knew that you were very far from home?
When the war broke out between Russia and Ukraine I realized I wasn’t in Kansas anymore.
You didn’t have just massive games but unbelievable games scoring 55 points and 51 points twice. I mean that’s not easy to do at any level. Talk a little about scoring 50 plus points at the professional level. How can one classify that feat doing it 3 times in the Armenian pro league?
During those games I was able to catch a rhythm with my shooting, felt like I couldn’t miss. I was also in a great mental space last season. When you know you are going to play 40 minutes you feel very free on the court and you don’t second guess your shot selection. My teammates were also great when it came to setting me screens and finding me when I was open.
You hit 11 three’s in the 55 point explosion? Not many pro players overseas can boast having made 10 or more three’s. Was that just one of those games where everything fit. Do you feel like making 11 again is possible? Yeah it was one of those days. I don’t see why its not possible to do that again. I think its mostly about getting the minutes and the attempts up. Once I see the ball go in once or twice the rim gets a lot bigger.
You have had a very interesting journey before even turning professional. First of all you come from a very athletic family where relatives played on Stanley Cup winning teams and others played sports. How did the family culture shape you to become the player you are?
Yeah I feel pretty lucky to have a history of professional athletes on both sides of my family, all having played for pro sports teams in Ottawa. My father played professional football for the Ottawa Roughriders in the 1980s. My Mum’s father also played for the Roughriders in the 1940s and his dad played for the Ottawa Senators (then called the Silver Seven) winning the Stanley Cup in 1904. One of my current goals is to play for the Ottawa Blackjacks (Ottawa’s new professional basketball team) so that I can make it 4 generations straight in my family playing professional sports in Ottawa. I think more than anything, my family history gave me the belief in myself that I had what it took to become a professional athlete one day. Having done it himself, my dad taught me so much growing up about how hard I would need to work and how tough the process would be. My Mum has provided me so much support every step of the way, I definitely wouldn’t be here without her. Having a younger brother and older sister who also played basketball added a fun and competitive aspect to our family culture.
You were a dual sport athlete at Acadia playing basketball and football and had many injuries. What did you learn most in this time about how to handle your body?
Yeah playing 2 sports definitely took a toll on my body. During this time I think I realized its not so much the workload, but more so how you carry it. During my first 2 years I wasn’t very disciplined with my training, nutrition and lifestyle and consequently in my 3rd year I suffered an ankle injury that required 3 surgeries to fix. After establishing some new habits, I was able to return to both sports my senior year posting career highs in both sports and not missing a single game for either season. Being more focused on nutrition, sleep, breathing patterns, thought patterns, weight training and mobility made all the difference.
Do you sometimes wonder how your basketball career might have gone had you began earlier and not played football and had all those injuries.
Yeah I feel like I probably would have avoiding some injuries and started my professional basketball career at a younger age straight out of University if I had never played football. Sometimes I also think about where my football career would have ended up if I didn’t play basketball in university. I’m pretty confident I could have had a decent career in the CFL. That said, I’m grateful for my experiences and injury history. Its made me a more well rounded person and a better physiotherapist.
After finishing at the University of Ottawa you worked at a sports medicine clinic and also started a physiotherapy business called ‘TheFixedPhysio’. You also work with athletes overseas helping manage their injuries. What is the greatest satisfaction for you being able to give back after what pains you experienced with injuries?
After finishing physiotherapy school I’ve been working as physiotherapist and strength coach both in person and online. Having had ankle and knee surgeries myself, I especially enjoy helping athletes return from those injuries. I get a lot of satisfaction from working with my old teammates who are still competing at a high level playing professional basketball in the NBA or overseas. Sharing what I’ve learned and helping them stay healthy and have long careers doing what they love brings me a lot of joy.
You played at Acadia from 2011-2015. What basketball memories do you have of this time. What experiences do you take from there as being your most important? Winning a conference championship in my 1st year is my favourite memory. My first couple years at Acadia we had such a close team and I’m still good friends with a lot of those guys to this day.
You played twice against Mr Canada Philipp Scrubb. What memories do you have playing against him? You lost both games and in one scored 20 points?
Yeah I got to compete against Phil during our Final 8 National Tournament in Canada on 2 occasions. I also got to play with his older brother Tommy Scrubb on a club basketball team a year before that. Both of them are great players and it was always challenging competing against them. Scoring 20 points in the national semi-final in my hometown was a cool experience.
You played 3 seasons with Owen Klassen who has played many years in Germany. What was your fondest moment with him and do you follow his career now? Yeah Owen is still one of my best friends today. I spent last Christmas with him and his wife Paige in Germany. My fondest moment with Owen is probably eating an entire ice cream cake together from Dairy Queen after one of our University games.
How vital was head coach Stephen Baur in your early basketball development at Acadia? How did he help you most?
Steph was an awesome coach at Acadia and I’m super grateful he recruited me and allowed me to play football at the same time. He helped me gain a better understanding of the analytics side of basketball and how important discipline is to team success. I’m happy to see him have continued success as a coach with our Canadian Women’s National Team.
You then finished graduate school at the University of Ottawa and played 2 more years. How vital were these last 2 years? How do you feel did your game grow there under James Derouin?
Playing at the University of Ottawa was a great experience. Coach Jimmy had recruited me out of high school and continued to support me at Acadia which I always appreciated. Jimmy also helped me gain a better understanding of the analytics side of the game and how to become a better leader on and off the floor. He has a history of helping develop high level pro players including Johnny Berhanemeskel, Caleb Agada & Warren Ward. I enjoy going back and scrimmaging with the team during the summer and helping their current players manage their injuries.
Who was the toughest player that you ever faced on the court that reached the NBA? I played against Andrew Wiggins in high school. I actually missed a game winning shot against his team, which will probably haunt me for the rest of my life.
Tyler Brevard (189-G-1998, college: Lander)s a 25 year old 189cm guard from West Columbia, South Carolina that played his second professional season and first with TuS 59 HammStars (Germany-Regionalliga). Last season as a rookie he played with BG Dorsten averaging 24.5ppg, 8.1rpg, 4.3apg, 1.8spg, FGP: 51.5%, 3PT: 36.8%, FT: 72.7%. He began his basketball career at Gray Collegiate Academy. He then played two years at Spartanburg Methodist College (JUCO) averaging 4.3ppg, 1.2rpg, 1.1apg and in his second year averaged 5.7ppg, 2.0rpg, 1.6apg, FGP: 48.2%, 3PT: 41.2%, FT: 75.0%. He played his junior year at Erskine College (NCAA2) averaging 13.4ppg, 4.0rpg, 3.9apg, 1.1spg, FGP: 49.4%, 3PT: 42.1%, FT: 80.3% an dplayed his senior year at Lander University (NCAA2) averaging 12.0ppg, 3.6rpg, 2.5apg, 1.1spg, FGP: 53.1%, 3PT: 43.2%, FT: 70.5%. He spoke to eurobasket about Lebron James becoming the NBA all-time leading scorer.
Lebron James has beaten Kareem Abdul Jabbar’s NBA all-time scoring record. Did you stay up to watch history? No, I wasn’t able to stay up and watch. Hate I missed that.
How does one put this record into perspective best? It stood almost 40 years?
That was years of consistency on LeBron’s end! There have many great scorers, but to do what he’s done year-after-year is amazing.
He scored 38 points in 26 minutes. Was it another normal day at the office?
Basically, but there was definitely some added motivation involved haha.
How much is that ball going to be worth?
It’ll be worth millions easily.
Russell Westbrook made the pass. Do you think that in 20 years the pass could be remembered more than his triple doubles?
No way!!
His record breaking basket was a step back over Kenrich Williams. Is that the kind of shot you expected knowing the kind of player he is? Or would you have expected a dunk for the spectacular finish? Yea I figured it would be a fadeaway or his signature side step three pointer.
There obviously is a lot of respect for Kareem, by the basketball world, but what would have happened on social media if Lebron had gotten the record with a sky hook shot?
I think it would have been a frenzy all over social media if that happened. That would have made it more surreal.
Kareem is such a gentleman. You didn’t grow up with him, but what does his legacy mean to younger guys? Can they even understand what that guy did?
Kareem changed the game and did it his way. He showed it was possible to be well educated and calm while facing conflicts, but also dominating on the court through the face of it all. Of course I wasn’t alive while he played, but his impact is still felt for sure.
Lebron will have more than 40,000 points when it’s all over. Back in 1984 people said it would never be broken? Will this record be broken?
I think it’s possible, especially with how effortless players are scoring now. It would take someone to be as healthy as LeBron and that’s the only thing I have doubts about haha.
If Luka Doncic continues to play to 40 stays fit and becomes a physical specimen like Lebron, could he dethrone him? 100%, but Luka looks more forward to offseason and enjoying the farm life in the future rather than breaking that record.
Does this record finally give Lebron the GOAT status over Michael Jordan?
I feel that he passed Jordan, this just gives another reason why now.
What is your favorite Lebron moment that you witnessed live or on TV?
Watching ‘The Decision’. When he chose Miami, I went and grabbed powder to do his pregame ritual. I was beyond happy he was joining forces with my favorite player, Dwyane Wade.
The last 2 seasons have been nothing to brag about for the Fraport Skyliners as they begin a new chapter in their history in the second division Pro A. They began the transfer period this summer wanting to rely on college rookies as Aiden Warnholtz, Cameron Henry and David Muenkat (6’7”-F-2000, college: St.Francis X.) were all reeled in. 2 in the lot are guards and the third a power forward that averaged big man stats as a senior. This young man is David Muenkat. When you look back the last years, the Fraport Skyliners last had a dominant big man with Johannes Voigtmann who turned down an NBA gig with Washington and has been an Euroleague player since he left Frankfurt in 2016. But at 201cm, can you classify Muenkat as a big man? He is actually a power forward that put up double double stats in college, but lot more than that and could be another special gem that head coach Denis Wucherer some how found through his detailed world wide network. Like Warnholtz, he has had the opportunity to get pro experience the last 2 summers in the Canadian CEBL. He is a player doing all he can do be as versatile as possible, the same as Warnholtz. If there is anyone who can give his best 2 cents about his play, then it is current St. Francis Xavier University head coach Tyrell Vernon. Even if I only heard his voice, but when I asked him what the first thing that he thinks of when he hears the name David Muenkat, I could imagine a massive smile pop on his face. ‘He is an overall mismatch nightmare. He may not have the experience or total skill set yet, but if you put him on the floor, he will be a mismatch problem and he is still developing’, said Tyrell Vernon proudly. A mismatch problem and leadership qualities are something that David Muenkat should enrich the Fraport Skyliners with.
Miles Schmidt-Scheuber interviewing Johannes Voigtmann at Artland in 2014
David Muenkat was born on July 2,2000 in Brampton Ontario. He received his first basketball instruction at CIA Bounce playing AAU basketball. He also got early basketball experience playing at the Rise Center averaging 10,0ppg and 9,0rpg. He then played 2 seasons at Trinidad State Junior College where he played 58 games and made 46 starts. In his 2 seasons there he averaged 10,4ppg and 7,7rpg and shot a solid 55,3% from the field. He then was rewarded getting a NCAA gig with St. Francis College (NY) (NCAA). But like for so many people in this time, the season was affected by Covid. He only played 19 games averaging 5.9ppg, 4.2rpg, FGP: 48.9%, 3PT: 33.3%, FT: 60.0%. He scored in double figures in 4 games including a potent 21/11 game against LIU Brooklyn. He made one more change of scenery going back to Canada and playing 2 seasons with St. Francis Xavier University (U Sports). It was here where his career took off and where the successful working relationship began with head coach Tyrell Vernon. He was a double double monster in his 2 years and there is one major asset that could turn the German Pro A upside down. ‘He is extremely unique and is a high IQ guy. He is a finisher but continues to work on his three. He can cover many positions and has great foot speed. I see him being in the top 2%-3% in terms of athleticism and what his body can do’, warned Tyrell Vernon. The big question is can he continue to bring his game to a new level by incorporating a stable three point shot? In his last 3 seasons in school he only attempted 32 three’s making 10. ‘I feel like he always had a good form, but he simply never was in a situation to gain confidence. He is getting better, but there is a lot of progress still to be made, but he is making strides’, warned Tyrell Vernon. With the Fraport Skyliners he will be able to keep making progress under the guidance of assistant coach Klaus Perwas. Sometimes young players are still raw and have certain abilities off the radar, but with Muenkat, it’s all about grinding in the gym. ‘He doesn’t really have a hidden strength. He plays with extreme force, but when his game gets more polished, he will be very hard to stop on offense’, stressed Tyrell Vernon.
In his 2 years at St Francis Xavier University he played a total of 40 games. In his junior season he averaged 13.1ppg, Reb-3 (10.2rpg), 1.2apg, 1.2spg, FGP: 49.2%, 3PT: 40.0%, FT: 60.0% and in his senior year, he stepped up his scoring further averaging 16.3ppg, 10.4rpg, 1.4apg, 1.3spg, FGP: 50.8%, 3PT: 26.3%, FT: 63.7%. He had 17 double doubles and some real explosive monster games against Arcadia posting 25/18 stats, had 27 points against Queen’s and a 13/21 outing against Dalhousie. In his last college game, he led all scorers with 31 points and 11 boards, but new teammate Aiden Warnholtz had the last laugh having 23 points and 11 dimes and winning the U title. He can obviously dominate the paint on offense, but what kind of a defender is he? ‘At the moment, he is a solid defender. He has the ability switch 1-5. When he becomes more seasoned he will be able to demand all 5’, expressed Tyrell Vernon. He made big strides in his senior year, but not only on offense, but also through his leadership. ‘He found his voice. In his first year he found his athleticism and played away from the basket, but in his second year he led the team to wins. He isn’t shy. He will be the voice in the locker room. He is socially prepared for what is to come’, commented Tyrell Vernon. Like many Canadians that turn professional, he has been able to get added pro experience in the CEBL where he played 2 seasons with the Scarborough Shooting Stars averaging 5.3ppg, 3.5rpg, FGP: 52.4%, 3PT-2 (50.0%), FT: 58.1%. He scored in double figures 3 times and had a solid 18/8 game against Hamilton. This summer he upped his game averaging 8,2ppg and 5,9rpg and scored in double figures in 4 games including netting 21 points against Niagara and scooped down 14 rebounds including 7 offensive rebounds against Montreal. Having this added experience in the CEBL will be vital for him adjusting easier and quicker to the Pro A. ‘He continues to work on his catch and shooting. On defense he has all the physical tools. Now it’s all about being a step ahead of everyone else and knowing where everyone has to be’, added Tyrell Vernon.
It is obvious that when you have such a special player like David Muenkat, your going to have very fond memories in the 2 year working relationship. There wasn’t a single game he could pick out that he will remember the most, but moreover the whole time. ‘The biggest story with David is the enormous jump he made after coming from the NCAA. He is a totally different player and person to 2 years ago. 2 years ago he was undersized and now is a player that can do so much more. He made such a huge transformation in a short time, but he still has so much room to grow’, warned Tyrell Vernon. Of course Tyrell Vernon also had a special experience with him off the court. ‘We were close. He was very personal. He is one of those guys that will talk to you. I remember at the start of the season, we were at a team dinner. I told the guys, in order for us to have success, I have to coach you hard. Some guys can’t come to terms with that, but David said with no hesitation that he would do what was needed, because he wanted to be the best. And if that meant getting on him, it wasn’t a problem. His main focus is always winning and getting better’, stressed Tyrell Vernon. Leadership and that kind of diehard focus is something the Fraport Skyliners will dearly need in the 2023-2024 season. The first 3 imports may all be rookies. The more leadership they have the better. Who can’t say a rookie like David Muenkat can’t be a leader as a rookie? This team is on a mission and don’t want to solidify a spot in the Pro A as a regular team, but return back to where they came from. They will need all the added help possible even from rookies.
Julian Scott (203-F/C-1990, college: ASU) is a 32 year old 203cm forward from Sacramento that has played 9 professional seasons and last with Hoops Club (Lebanon-LBL) his 11th professional team. He began his basketball career with Yuba College (NJCAA), and then also gained experience with Southern Utah University (NCAA) and Adams State University (NCAA2, starting five): 27 games: 10.8ppg, 4.0rpg, FGP: 58.5%, 3PT: 50.0%, FT: 70.2%. He began his career with TSV Quakenbrueck (Germany-2.Regionalliga) and also played for teams like Uni Riesen Leipzig (Germany-ProB), Team Ehingen Urspring (Germany-ProA), Gries/Oberhoffen BC (France-NM1), Residence Walferdange (Luxembourg-Total League), Iserlohn Kangaroos (Germany-ProB), BC Prievidza (Slovakia-SBL), Dresden Titans (Germany-ProB) and Pays de Fougeres Basket (France-NM2). He spoke togermanhoops.com about Lebron James becoming the NBA’s all-time leading scorer.
Lebron James has beaten Kareem Abdul Jabbar’s NBA all-time scoring record. Did you stay up to watch history? Yes of course I had to watch it. I was super tired for practice the next day lol but that’s okay.
How does one put this record into perspective best? It stood almost 40 years? It solidifies him in my opinion as the best overall player in NBA. GOAT!
He scored 38 points in 26 minutes. Was it another normal day at the office? Yes the game is easy for Lebron I don’t see him slowing down he is that special.
How much is that ball going to be worth? I believe 5 million or more for sure.
Russell Westbrook made the pass. Do you think that in 20 years the pass could be remembered more than his triple doubles? No I think his triple doubles is more memorable for him personally.
His record breaking basket was a step back over Kenrich Williams. Is that the kind of shot you expected knowing the kind of player he is? Or would you have expected a dunk for the spectacular finish? You can’t really plan that out. So I didn’t expect anything crazy. The shot he made was his signature shot so it’s good.
There obviously is a lot of respect for Kareem, by the basketball world, but what would have happened on social media if Lebron had gotten the record with a sky hook shot? It would have been a memorable moment but the game as moved past this type of shot which I don’t know why but it just has.
Kareem is such a gentleman. You didn’t grow up with him, but what does his legacy mean to younger guys? Can they even understand what that guy did?
Him alongside others did many things off the court that impacted the African American community and we are grateful there were those kind of leaders who stepped up outside of there own world to help others in this ugly world we live in today.
Lebron will have more than 40,000 points when it’s all over. Back in 1984 people said it would never be broken? Will this record be broken? I don’t think so rumors are that the league game will be shorter you need those games plus health and longevity is important. So no I think that’s it.
If Luka Doncic continues to play to 40 stays fit and becomes a physical specimen like Lebron, could he dethrone him? I don’t think Luka is motivated like Lebron is in that regard to be great like him. So no I don’t think so.
Does this record finally give Lebron the GOAT status over Michael Jordan? My opinion Yes
What is your favorite Lebron moment that you witnessed live or on TV? Winning a championship in our laker uniform. During Covid!!
4 years ago as I heard that an American guy by the name of Sam Griesel that had German roots was going to play on the German U-20 national team. I rapidly got on the ball and interviewed the 19 year old kid and banged out a portrait about him. In the last years, I continued following his progress in the NCAA and once again was impressed when I heard he was signed by the Telekom Baskets Bonn and would play for the Boston Celtics at the 2023 NBA Summer League. 4 years after our first interview he is part of the Boston Celtics and in one of the world’s flashiest cities and seeing basketball legends on a daily basis there. The American who has a German father and German mother is a country boy who grew up in the cornfields of Nebraska and was born in the state capital Lincoln, so it was no surprise that the glitz in Las Vegas off the court wasn’t necessarily his cup of tea. ‘I honestly didn’t like Vegas off the court. It is very overwhelming with all the people. I’m really not intrigued by it. I’m more of a calm person. But don’t get me wrong, I loved the basketball and am really grateful that I had this experience’, warned Sam Griesel (198-G-2000, college: Nebraska) 4 years ago he was a member of the German U-20 national team and was teammates with up and coming players like 2023 BBL champion Philipp Herkenhoff, multiple BBL champion Jonas Mattisseck and Fraport Skyliners Bruno Vrcic and Joshua Obiesie just to name a few, but in 2023 he was teammates with NBA players and rising young players like a Jordan Walsh or Jay Scrubb and had wow moments seemingly every few minutes. ‘I didn’t see Victor Wembanyama, but Carmelo Anthony was at one of our games and Jayson Tatum was on the flight to Las Vegas. He gave brotherly Nuck greetings to all the players. I also saw Paul Pierce. It was also cool talking to a guy like Brad Stevens. He is such a normal dude. I could have normal conversations with him. I’m so grateful to the Boston Celtics organization for giving me this opportunity’, stressed Sam Griesel
But before we get into the meat of the basketball Las Vegas, one has to understand that he had a long road to get to the NBA Summer League and the Telekom Baskets Bonn. He began his basketball career at Lincoln East High school in Lincoln, Nebraska and in his career over 50 games averaged 15,2ppg, 5,3rpg, and 1,8apg. In his senior year he averaged 17/6/2 stats and received Super-State honors from the Lincoln Journal Star. He then went on to have a stellar career at North Dakota State University where he played 99 NCAA games. In his first 2 seasons he didn’t become that scorer yet averaging 6.1ppg, 3.8rpg, 1.5apg, FGP: 53.8%, 3PT: 25.0%, FT: 58.1% and 6.6ppg, 5.5rpg, FGP: 47.4%, 3PT: 27.3%, FT: 67.5%. But he did show spurts of scoring talent scoring in double figures in 9 games and scored 20 points in a 76-73 win over Western Illinois. He helped win the Summit League title in both years. The first win was by 10 points over Omaha and the second one by 36 points over rival North Dakota. He didn’t have a sweeter one. ‘Both were different. We weren’t expected to win the first one and we won the second one in a dominant way’, remembered Sam Griesel He also got a taste of March Madness losing to Duke by 23 points. He broke out in his junior year averaging 14.3ppg, 6.6rpg, 3.4apg, FGP: 51.3%, 3PT: 37.9%, FT: 75.6% and in his senior year averaged 12.0ppg, 5.8rpg, 3.8apg, 1.1spg, FGP: 48.3%, 3PT: 32.3%, FT: 68.3%. Head coach David Richman played a massive role in him becoming the player he is today. ‘He is still a big part of my life today. He helped me grow from a boy to a man. He is a huge role model for me and we still speak on a regular basis’, said Sam Griesel In his last 2 seasons he played 53 games and scored in double figures in 31 games. Some of his best scoring games included 26 points apiece against ORU and South Dakota, and 25 points against South Dakota State and Indiana State. He reached the Summit League final’s in his last 2 years. Instead of turning pro, he was able to play a fifth year at the University of Nebraska averaging 12.0ppg, 5.8rpg, 3.8apg, 1.1spg, FGP: 48.3%, 3PT: 32.3%, FT: 68.3%. Here he played in a higher conference against better competition and totally proved he could be a potent player. ‘It was great having that feeling of being at home. It was very important playing in a system where we were treated like pro’s. That helped my development a lot and me moving ahead playing against top competition’, added Sam Griesel He scored in double figures in 19 of 30 games including netting 22 points against Maine and 21 points against Illinois. His game grew immensely in 5 years. He will be more than ready to test the easyCredit BBL.’The biggest thing that grew was my confidence. I also became stronger and just learned to slow down the game. I also learned you don’t have to always take the game so serious. The game is supposed to be fun. You should never lose the joy’, warned Sam Griesel He also had well known head coach Fred Hoiberg at the helm giving him the last needed spices for a professional career. ‘He really helped me a lot with my shot. I was in the gym a lot getting up many reps and just adding confidence. He also had me watching film. I really learned a lot from him’, remembered Sam Griesel
The 23 year old 198cm guard who remembers beating Cale Jacobsen at 1-1 at Nebraska just finished playing for the Boston Celtics at the NBA Summer League. The funny thing is I had thought that the NBA Summer league ended Friday, but it didn’t. I had wanted to interview him and figured it might take days for him to answer as is sometimes the case with ballers. I was amazed how quickly he replied back and said hey I’m free in an hour. It had been 4 years since we last spoke, but his voice and the way he spoke quickly got me very comfortable. I asked him if he was still in Vegas thinking the Summer League was over, and he replied yes I am. I actually have a game in 2 hours. Despite that he still took 30 minutes of his time to talk basketball. ‘Time really has flown by since we last talked. There has been a lot of change for me and much has happened in my life. All is good. I have had ups and downs, but cool life experiences. I look forward to the future’, stated Sam Griesel So many guys dream to play NBA Summer League and for him, he was lucky that he didn’t just land in Las Vegas and went on the floor, but had a little introduction to the Boston Celtics. ‘I was in Boston for a 5-6 day training camp so that was really good for me. It was good being a sponge and being around the Celtics culture. I was able to learn from pro’s and just playing my role and getting better each day. These days helped me get comfortable. I came to Vegas not expecting to play, but then did. I think I surprised some people in my first 2 games getting good10-15 minutes per game. I had mistakes, but also made good plays. For me the most important thing was learning’, warned Sam Griesel Playing that first season overseas always Americans a wake up call, but what about guys playing in the NBA? It’s the same. ‘My wake up call was the physicality and athleticism. There were some dudes who have played in the NBA for 4-5 years. It’s not all rookies. It was a real adjustment. You have to do the little things to help you stay on the floor’, stressed Sam Griesel But he already had his WOW moment before coming to Las Vegas. ‘I had workouts with Utah, Boston and Chicago. Each was a wow moment. I went into the summer not expecting that. It was the greatest thing to have this opportunity’, said Sam Griesel
The ex German U-20 national player who averaged 5.9ppg, 5.3rpg, FGP: 55.6%, 3PT: 22.2%, FT: 62.5% at the European Championships in 2019 winning a Bronze medal would play 4 of 5 Celtics Summer League games having a 2-2 record. He averaged 3/3/1 stats in 13 minutes per game. He had his best game in game 5 having 8/3/2/2 stats in 21 minutes in a 94-77 victory over the Miami Heat. ‘I wasn’t phenomenal, but I wasn’t bad either. I’m happy I could play. I just tried to control what I could control being a good teammate. I think it was a success, because I didn’t expect to play’, commented Sam Griesel So how did he like the playing style of the NBA Summer League? It is no secret that guys mostly play for their stats to impress the NBA teams. ‘This isn’t necessarily my style and I didn’t feel comfortable. I’m always a team guy that wants to win. It does feel like a showcase. I just tried to make plays and do the little things necessary to win. I think people appreciated my work. I try to help support those #1 draft pics and be the best teammate possible. What matters most for me is how you treat the person’, expressed Sam Griesel One guy he really tried to support was highly touted rookie Jordan Walsh out of the University of Arkansas. ‘He is really talented and a good kid. I can’t imagine what he went through as a 19 year old. When I was 19, I was in Germany playing with the U-20 national team. He did a good job and I think surprised many with his offensive abilities. He is a good wing defender and has insanely long arms’, stressed Sam Griesel One sees so many incredible dunks and that sems to be really what all want to see on the highlight video’s, but he had a different kind of favorite play. ‘I just love assisting guys and setting them up for success. I think my first assist to Davidson in the first game was my favorite’, remembered Sam Griesel
Tyson Ward who was college teammates with Sam Griesel will be teammates again with the Telekom Baskets Bonn
The German/American who is excited to follow Germany at the 2023 World Cup and believes USA have a chance to win the Gold Medal will commence his rookie season in Germany with the Telekom Baskets Bonn. The decision on signing on the dotted line was like a no brainer. How can you go wrong coming to the new sexy of the easyCredit BBL the Telkom Baskets Bonn, having ex NCAA teammate Tyson Ward on board, playing for one of the BBL’s top coaches Roel Moors and getting added positive words from Kamar Baldwin who was his Celtics teammate and played for Moers in Goettingen 2 years ago. ‘I talked a lot to Tyson Ward about the city. I really like the coach. It is a unique situation for me. I’m coming to a successful new team. I picked Tyson’s brain a lot. It is really good that I will be playing in the Basketball Champions League. Tyson and I aren’t super close, but he is a good dude. I really look up to him and we won titles together’, warned Sam Griesel He and Moors hit it off instantly. ‘We speak the same language. I appreciate his honesty most. He doesn´t beat around the bush. We have a good connection”, stated Sam Griesel. He has constructed an incredible roster and he really implemented the team very well with strong Germans. They could have a better mix this season of Germans and the question will be how good the imports will produce and mesh with the Germans. There can only be one TJ Shorts and to replace him won’t be easy.
Miles Schmidt-Scheuber and TJ Shorts in Bonn in 2022
I know Sam Griesel won’t just be a role player, but an impact player. ‘I will do what I have to do to help win games. I totally trust coach and will be the best teammate’, added Sam Griesel I have no doubt that he will shine on the court, but fans will also get to know a young man who isn’t just a baller, but a very special guy that simply is unique. ‘Basketball is important, but not most important. I want to be around good people. Basketball isn’t who I am’, warned Sam Griesel He is simply a guy who combines his basketball skill set and character to the fullest with the best not necessarily coming in that order.
When I hear the name Keith Hornsby (192-SG-1992, college: LSU), the first thing that comes to mind is his dad Bruce who dazzled the music world with some sweet tunes like Mandolin Rain and the Valley Road, but he will most likely be most remembered with his Billboard chart topping smash ‘The Way it is’ in 1986. But if one does his basketball homework wisely when concerning one’s self with Keith, then one will come across something totally new that amazed the sports world recently where he has a link even if it is marginal, it is a link and a historical record. This year Lebron James replaced NBA hall of famer Kareem Abdul Jabbar as the all-time NBA leading scorer. So how does Keith Hornsby come into the equation with King Lebron’s record? The 4 time NBA champion passed Abdul Jabbar making a fade away jumper over current Oklahoma Thunder forward Kenrich Williams. And this is where Hornsby comes into the equation. He will forever be linked to Lebron and the record even if it’s very minor because of the player Kenrich Williams. ‘Fun fact, I played two games with Kenrich Williams in the G-League. That’s my connection to the record’, smiled Keith Hornsby. Hornsby played his first 3 seasons in the G-League with Texas and never played a single NBA game, but will be forever be linked to Lebron James via Kenrich Williams.
Hornsby who lists current NBA player and ex Texas A& M guard Alex Caruso as his toughest cover when he was balling at Louisiana State (NCAA) is played his seventh professional season and second season in France and first with Nanterre 92 averaging 14.0ppg, 2.1rpg, 2.2apg, FGP: 49.0%, 3PT: 45.0%, FT-8 (93.3%) after playing the season before with Boulogne-Levallois Metropolitans (France-Betclic ELITE ProA). His first 2 seasons overseas were in Poland with Polski Cukier Torun (Poland-EBL) and the season after in Germany with the EWE Baskets Oldenburg. The build up to Lebron James breaking the record was enormous and one could calculate somewhat when he could break the record. Ballers overseas were speculating Monday evening Feb 7th about staying up or not or waiting until the next game. Lebron had to score 36 points against the Thunder to beat the record. Some guys stayed up against Oklahoma and witnessed history while others fell asleep. ‘I didn’t stay up to watch it. I need my good night’s sleep, and I caught endless replays in the morning when I woke up’, said Keith Hornsby. Lebron could of gotten the record on so many kinds of shots with the three, mid range, lay up or dunk. One could say take your pick. A dunk could have been that extra icing on the cake, but instead it was a mid range shot, one he can make in his sleep. ‘Lebron has proven himself capable of scoring from all over the court. Although his amazing dunks will probably remain his most memorable highlights, I like that the shot ended up being what it was. A little fade away mid ranger. Just one shot of many that Lebron keeps in his bag’, stressed Keith Hornsby. It was only fitting that one legend in the making with Russell Westbrook make the pass for Lebron’s record breaking feat, but it was just a normal pass and nothing spectacular about it. One has to wonder what will be remembered most in 20 years the pass for the record or his incredible amount of triple doubles he has amassed. ‘Ever since Russ became a Laker, people already seemed to forget about his triple doubles and were unfortunately committed to giving him endless hate for his shooting and overall sloppy play. I doubt the pass will be remembered because it ended up being an iso bucket for Lebron anyways’, stated Keith Hornsby. One has to also wonder what would have happened on social media had Lebron pulled a sky hook out of his arsenal on the record shot? ‘I think social media would’ve been an absolute frenzy. Now I wish the bucket was a sky hook. That would’ve been even more historic’, expressed Keith Hornsby. After 48 minutes he had scored 38 points in 26 minutes. Nobody will remember that the Lakers lost 133-130. Was his 38 points another normal day at the office? ’38 points in 26 minutes at 38 years old!! Another day at the office. I’d say that’s not a normal day though. That game is in the upper echelon of what you can expect from him these days, especially in the limited number of minutes. Just add it to the ever increasing points total’, said Keith Hornsby. One has to wonder how much the ball will be worth? ‘ There’s going to be some mega rich knucklehead who will probably pay millions for the ball, although I hope Lebron holds on to it as a keepsake’, smiled Keith Hornsby.
The sniper who lists Josh Gray (LSU) Chris Wright (Toru) Jameel Warney (Legends) JJ Avila (Legends) and Aaron Cel (Toru) as his 5 best teammates of all-time goes into deep thought when asked the question how one can put Lebron James NBA all-time scoring record into perspective when it lasted almost 40 years. ‘To imagine the reality of scoring that many points seems almost impossible (which it isalmost). One bucket at a time reaching almost 40,000 points. Only someone who is lucky enough to have a near twenty year career and enjoy consistent, never ending success could sniff at such a number. I just reached 2k points in Europe and I thought that was an accomplishment. To see Lebron surpass 38,387 is otherworldly’, commented Keith Hornsby. It is always interesting to see how well the younger generation is basketball educated about the greats from back in the day when listing guys like Russell, Chamberlain, Robertson or Havlicek. Some did their home work while others are clueless. There are still way too many of the younger generation that don’t know how influential Kareem Abdul Jabbar was on and off the court. ‘. Some of these youngsters out here playing today didn’t even grow up with Jordan. Shoot, I came up at the tail end of his career. With Kareem, that’s a tough one. You’ve heard about his greatness as that becomes general knowledge to any basketball fan, but I don’t think the gravity of his legacy holds enough weight nowadays. Time moves on. He will never and should never be forgotten or ignored, but his greatness may be a bit out of sight out of mind’, added Keith Hornsby.
The ex teammate of EWE Baskets legend Rickey Paulding who lists LeBron James – George Washington Michael Jordan – Thomas Jefferson JJ Redick – Teddy Roosevelt and Steph Curry – Abe Lincoln on his personal NBA Mount Rushmore isn’t sure if this record will ever be broken? ‘I don’t know who could possibly break it. I don’t think there will ever be someone like Lebron again. At least in the foreseeable future’, warned Keith Hornsby. But what about the NBA’s little darling Luka Doncic? He is a versatile player like Lebron James and one has to consider him more of a scorer at heart than Lebron. But will Doncic play that long? He already played at a very high level with Real Madrid at a very young age. ‘I LOVE Luka, but I still don’t think it’s possible. I don’t think Luka will be able to sustain such a level into his mid to late thirties. Lebron as a whole package is simply a unique almost immortal specimen. Luka will probably get on the lists, but I don’t see him overtaking this ‘untouchable’ record’, stressed Keith Hornsby. Back in 2020 when he arrived in Oldenburg, I had to ask him the standard question of who his GOAT is Jordan or Lebron? ‘Although everybody’s opinion seemed to shift towards MJ during the airing of the Last Dance, I’m still going to go with Lebron James. It’ll forever be a difficult debate, but I just think what LeBron has done on and off the court is unrivaled’, stated Keith Hornsby. Nothing has changed in 2023 with his opinion as it seems to have been strengthened with the NBA scoring record. ‘I love Jordan. I love Lebron. Jordan has more championships, yes, but I think Lebron is undeniably the GOAT’, warned Keith Hornsby. If he ever gets bored on a future road trip on the bus through some countryside in Europe, he could visit every player on the bus and trade favorite Lebron moments. He has one moment he will never forget. ‘His championship with Cleveland. He wasn’t even human it seemed that series’, remembered Keith Hornsby. But if he ever does tire about talking about incredible Lebron moments, he could always tell his link to Lebron’s scoring record with Kenrich Williams. That will definitely get some of those young kids wide awake in the wee mornings when traveling back home.
Thanks Tajuan for talking to germanhoops.com. Congrats on winning your first pro title as a rookie with Rasta Vechta. If someone had told you in September you will be Pro A champ what would you have thought?
Honestly, from the jump that was the goal for us all. Coach Ty and the staff did a great job of making sure that we understood the goal. And I think we as the players did a great job of buying in to that as well.
How rapidly did you notice in the fall that there was a winning culture in Vechta? What is so special about the organization Rasta Vechta that you won’t see in other places in the last 2 years?
Rasta has always been a top Pro A organization. And played really well in the BBL as well. So that energy of winning and the high expectation of the fans for us to compete and put all on the line every night makes it hard not to win honestly.
The club went into the season with high expectations and rolled over the competition. How important was it for your game coming into this winning culture and performing well at a high level?
The organization believed in me as far as my ability but also to be our heart and soul. I wasn’t a captain but they allowed me to be our energy giver and I think that helped some guys stay motivated.
The Pro A finals are always 2 games with the winner having the best scores in the 2 games. How strange was that 78-78 score in game 1? Were you still waiting for the OT period to come?
Really strange, I don’t think in my whole career of being a student of the game and playing that I’ve ever seen that. But it was cool I guess we believed in ourselves at home.
Was the 78-78 more an advantage or disadvantage from your perspective for Rasta Vechta or for the Tigers? You as a team must of felt very confident with the incredible fans going into the second game?
We were undefeated at home until that point so we were reasonably confident also understanding that Tubigen is a dangerous squad.
Vechta had the 8 point lead in the fourth quarter but the guests made a furious comeback and trailed only 63-61. What do you remember going through your head at that time?
They went zone for a while, so we just needed to make some adjustments to our offense to score some easy buckets to deter them from the zone.
How was the celebration night? When did you finally go to sleep and what will you never forget from the party night?
It was fun just hanging with those guys, I’ve made like brothers like real family on this team who I’ll talk to forever. I think that’s more important than any championship, we came together as a unit and got it done! We genuinely enjoyed being around each other.
Rasta Vechta reminded me a lot of top Pro B EPG Baskets Koblenz who won the pro B title. They like you had a very deep and talented roster. They had an incredible chemistry. What was your team’s biggest strength?
Our competitive nature, we competed in absolutely everything. And sometimes practices were more competive than games. We competed healthily though and we weren’t between them lines we were family again, it was a true joy to be a part of.
Two of the team’s main components were Joel Aminu and Ryan Schwieger. Talk a little about what you appreciated most from them on the court?
Joel and Ryan are two of the guys I became really close with on the team. Two of the most talented guys in the league. We just believed in each other though and if it was another guys night I think we did a pretty good job of continuously finding him.
Who was the team unsung hero and who improved the most from the young Americans?
I think the guy who doesn’t get a lot of the credit he deserves is Naz Bohannon. Just does the dirty work guards 1-4, rebounds, pushes the break, dives on loose balls. Just a great guy to have on a team and for sure changed our culture for the good as well. That was our Dennis Rodman essentially.
Let’s talk about your game. You averaged 14/7/3 stats and shot 38% form outside. How would you summarize your season from your perspective?
Just doing whatever we needed when we needed it. Coach believed in me to do that as well which made it a lot easier. But sometimes Joel, Ryan, or Joschka was hot so I was just needed to rebound and defend. That’s the good part of being a part of such a deep team is that your role changes and sometimes that can be within a game. My goal is always to be able to affect the game in many different ways.
You easily played your best and most efficient season in your career dating back past your Iona days. How vital was having the whole Vechta culture and talent there to allow you to perform so well?
Vechta allowed me to mature here, from last year to this year I feel I’ve gotten better. And that’s a credit to the organization that Vechta is!
You played in the highest league so far in your career. Speak a little how vital head coach Ty Harrellson was for your further development as a player?
Ty was essential, he’s a players dream. Allows guys to be themselves within the realms of the offense of course. But he does a great job of not putting cuffs on guys if you’re putting in the work.
Are you ready to play in the easyCredit BBL? On what area’s of your game do you need to work hardest on this summer so you will be best prepared for the next step?
Taking care of the ball is essential next year. At higher levels 2 or 3 turnovers could be the difference in a game. Although I saw ALOT of double teams that’s something I definitely have to watch film on make the adjustments. But also my jumpshot, over the years I’ve locked in on getting it more consistent. Showed a little bit of progression this year but I think there’s still space to improve there.
You had many great games this season but where do you rank your 26 points against Tubeingen in the thrilling 79-77 win in January? I was hyped for that game with them being right behind us at the number 2 spot. I would put that up there with one of my best games this year.
Who was the toughest player that you faced in the German pro A this season?
Jordan Barnes easily, small guard who shoots it with the best of them. Was always entertaining playing against them because I know him and we chirp back and forth a little bit.
You played 2 seasons of JUCO at Tyler Junior College (JUCO) averaging 6.0ppg, 4.3rpg, 1.6apg, FGP: 40.5%, 3PT: 31.6%, FT: 67.7% and 10.1ppg, 6.2rpg, 1.7apg, FGP: 45.5%, 3PT: 22.2%, FT: 72.6%. Every JUCO player I have interviewed said it was a tough experience but one that they would never have traded the world for. How was it for you?
Amazing, some of my best friends in the world are Juco teammates.
How instrumental was Mike Marquis in your early development as a player? How did he make you NCAA ready? He prepared me for the business aspect of basketball. I credit a lot of my success to being at Tyler.
How did coaches Tim Cluess and Tra Arnold groom and prepare you best for a professional career?
Tim Cluess is my favorite coach EVER, but those two guys were key pieces to me being success both in college and as a pro! If it wasn’t for those two I don’t if I would be a pro. They were the first coaches to allow me to show my full arsenal of skills.
Who won a 1-1 in practice you or EJ Crawford?
Me of course, Ej is my brother and we always competed but I’m going to go with me.
Who was your toughest player you face din the NCAA that reached the NBA?
Cam Young is in the G league, he was a super tough bucket at Quinnipiac
Please name your 5 best teammates of all-time?
Rickey McGill Joel Aminu EJ Crawford Eden Ewing
Please name your NBA Mount Rushmore? MJ Lebron Kobe Shaq
Who is your basketball GOAT? Lebron hope I can move like him at 40.
Ricky Easterling (189-G-1983, college: Bridgewater) is a 39 year old 189cm guard that has played 17 professional seasons and 15 for Sunkings Saarlouis (Germany-Regionalliga). He has earned the nickname Mr Regionalliga as he has played 350 + games for Saarlouis. He also played a season for BG Karlsruhe and TSG Reutlingen and Bergheim. He began his with Bridgewater State College. He averaged 20 plus points in a season 13 times and 30 plus points 3 times. He spoke to germanhoops.com about Lebron James becoming the NBA all-time leading scorer.
Lebron James has beaten Kareem Abdul Jabbar’s NBA all-time scoring record. Did you stay up to watch history? I tried to stay up but I ended up falling asleep. So I caught the highlights in the morning.
How does one put this record into perspective best? It stood almost 40 years? *
The record being held for so long shows you without saying how difficult something like this is to accomplish. So whether you like Lebron or not you have to give him his respect and credit for accomplishing something of this magnitude! He has that from me for sure.
He scored 36 points in 26 minutes. Was it another normal day at the office? Just another day in the office. He has games like this all time. The only difference between this game and the others is that he broke the record on this day.
How much is that ball going to be worth? * I have no idea but I’m sure it will be worth big money.
Russell Westbrook made the pass. Do you think that in 20 years the pass could be remembered more than his triple doubles? Not at all! This pass was a basic entry pass not a slick pass for an assist. So I don’t think anyone will even care about that.
His record breaking basket was a step back over Kenrich Williams. Is that the kind of shot you expected knowing the kind of player he is? Or would you have expected a dunk for the spectacular finish?
Lebron is getting older so he is taking more jump shots. So I’m not surprised he scored a basket like this, but if you asked me before the moment what shot I thought would be the record breaking shot. I would have never guessed a step back or something like this.
There obviously is a lot of respect for Kareem, by the basketball world, but what would have happened on social media if Lebron had gotten the record with a sky hook shot? That would have went viral and been all over Social media and would have also been the hot topic of the week on every sports channel on TV
Kareem is such a gentleman. You didn’t grow up with him, but what does his legacy mean to younger guys? Can they even understand what that guy did?
If you have any connection to basketball and don’t know how much Kareem means to the game you should be banned from the game completely. And if you are one of those people that don’t know about him I suggest you do your research and find out!
Lebron will have more than 40,000 points when it’s all over. Back in 1984 people said it would never be broken? Will this record be broken? I can’t see it being broken but all records are meant to be broken. So it will happen at some point. Not sure if it will happen in my lifetime though
If Luka Doncic continues to play to 40 stays fit and becomes a physical specimen like Lebron, could he dethrone him?
He could because his talent is good enough to accomplish something like this. but all that is a big if! He is obviously not taking care of his body like Lebron does. Luka comes to training camp out of shape and for me that shows signs of weakness. And weak ones don’t accomplish milestones like this in their career. So if he gets more serious about his health and body then I can see him passing Lebron one day.
Does this record finally give Lebron the GOAT status over Michael Jordan? * No! not yet in my opinion. And this is a biggggg lebron fan talking here.
What is your favorite Lebron moment that you witnessed live or on TV? Cavs Vs GSW Game 7 2016 NBA finals.
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