Josh King is head coach of the MHP Riesen Ludwigsburg. He played college ball at Eckerd (NCAA2) and began his coaching career in 2008 with Vassar College (NCAA3). He got vast experience in the NCAA coaching at the University of Massachusetts – Lowell (NCAA2), 4 years at Marshall and 2 years at the University of New Hampshire (NCAA). He then was 3 years with the MHP Riesen as an assistant and last season got the head coaching gig with USK Praha (Czech Republic-NBL). He spoke to germanhoops.com about his first season in the easyCredit BBL.

Thanks Josh for talking to germanhoops.com. Where are you at the moment and how is basketball life treating you at the moment?

Hi Miles, right now I am in My office in Ludwigsburg watching gottingen and Heidelberg play. Right now basketball is life is good and we are just trying to get our team better everyday.

Your coaching your first season in a top 5 league in Europe in the BBL. What kind of an experience has it been for you and what have you enjoyed most from the opportunity?

This has been a great experience and opportunity this season. I have really enjoyed being around the team and watching the development from the preseason to the present moment.

What has been the biggest adjustment coming back to an old club where you were a former assistant coach and now a head coach? What has been the biggest challenge for you?

Obviously just being the head coach now has been the biggest adjustment but I have a great staff and support that have helped me in this process. I can’t pinpoint the biggest challenge but meeting expectations that club like Ludwigsburg has is a challenge in itself.

The best phrase to describe the MHP Riesen is ‘you never know what you will get’. One week you beat top team Bonn and the next lose to the hapless Fraport Skyliners. Why is this team a mystery this season?

Well I think that’s the Beauty of this league there are no easy games and anybody can beat anybody on any given night and we are not immune from this. I think our team has handled the adversity of injuries and sickness very well and we are just going to keep on going.

You kept some of the principles of John Patrick, but also made changes playing more in the post. But the club isn’t defending as well as last season?. What have been the biggest deficiencies on defense and how can the team do a better job allowing less points?

Well we are really trying to focus on being a good defensive team. I would say the biggest difference between this team and teams of the past is that this is a brand new team with a bunch of new faces (A lot of young players) we just have to keep working hard on helping each other staying focused on that side of the ball that’s the key!

What has it been like having ex NBA player Will Cherry? He stated to me that Jhonathan Dunn will reach higher levels in Europe. What have you appreciated most about his leadership and advice?

Will has been a great addition to our team. He has a lot of experience playing on high level teams. He brings it everyday and he is a real competitor.

What has it been like coaching rookie Prentiss Hubb? How raw is he and what have you appreciated most about his game?

Prentiss came here on a tryout and quickly established himself as one of our go to players. He doesn’t back down from competition, He still has a lot to learn but if he stays humble and keeps working hard he can have a high level European career.

The MHP Riesen lost a tough game to Limoges to end their BCL season. Was this one of the tougher loses in your young career?

I take losses really hard as do most coaches, that one really stung but we had our chances and hopefully we learn from that experience.

Was this loss possibly a blessing in disguise for the team quest to win the BBL cup in Oldenburg? The club has more time to concentrate on the BBL and cup.

I’m not sure about blessing but it does gives us more time to prepare for the league and for the cup.

How excited are you to be coaching in the 2023 Cup top 4? What does the format of back to back games on consecutive days mean for you personally?

We are very excited to be competing in the top 4 this season. It’s an opportunity for Ludwigsburg to win the first title in club history. The back to back will be tough but if we are fortunate to advance I’m sure we will find the energy to play for 40 more minutes.

Are the MHP Riesen really the underdog? Alba and Munich have better records and Oldenburg home court. Isn’t an advantage to be able to go in and have that nothing to lose mentality?

I would say we are probably not the favorites to win the cup. In terms of it being advantage I’m sure it could be, I guess we will see very soon.

You play the EWE Baskets Oldenburg in the semi-final. Is the will to win greater because of the 75-71 loss recently?

I mean that was a very tough loss in which we’re up by 17 in the second half. We should use the loss as motivation in the cup.

What memories do you have of that game? Oldenburg had 6 turnovers more and Oldenburg had 11 more free throws. Where was this game lost?

I would say the game was lost in the fourth quarter where we gave them open looks and didn’t get to their shooters.

Will it be paying half the rent if you can somehow slow down Dwayne Russell?

Russell is a great player but they have several guys that can make you pay if we aren’t ready to defend.

The EWE Baskets Oldenburg have a very strong roster but aren’t that deep. Could that be an advantage in crunch-time despite them being a team that has won many close games this season?

Like I said they have several players that can make you pay. They just signed a new player so we are going to have to put together a full 40 mins if we want to win this game.

There have been rumors that John Patrick might take over the Hamburg Towers. Could he turn around that sinking ship?


John is one of the best teachers and coaches this game has to offer. I’m sure he could help any team become better.

Is Lebron James now the GOAT over Jordan since he owns the NBA scoring record?

Lebron is a great player but to me the GOAT is and will always be FROM NORTH CAROLINA.. MJ!!!

Thanks Josh For The Chat

Trey Drechsel (198-SG-1996, college: GCU) is a 26 year old 198cm guard from Bothel, Washington playing his fourth professional season and first in Germany with easyCredit BBL team EWE Baskets Oldenburg. Last season he played with BM Stal Ostrow Wielkopolski (Poland-EBL) averaging 10.5ppg, 4.9rpg, 1.7apg, Steals-5 (1.5spg), FGP: 49.6%, 3PT: 42.1%, FT: 75.5%. He played his first 2 professional seasons with KK Mladost Z Admiral Zemun (Serbia-KLS) averaging 18.0pp), Reb-4 (7.6rpg), 3.2apg, Steals-4 (1.7spg), FGP: 57.2%, 3PT: 33.6%, FT: 84.9% and in his second season averaged 22.6ppg, 6.7rpg, 4.9apg, 2.0spg, 2FGP: 56.2%, 3FGP: 44.9%, FT: 78.7%. He began his basketball career at Cedar Park Christian High School and then played at Western Washington University (NCAA 2) playing a total of 59 games. He played his senior year at Grand Canyon State University (NCAA) averaging 8.1ppg, 5.7rpg, 2.4apg, FGP: 51.4%, 3PT: 29.2%, FT: 68.6%. He spoke to germanhoops.com after the 87-79 win over the Fraport Skyliners.

Congrats Trey on the 87-79 win against the Fraport Skyliners. Was this a good warm up game for the cup weekend?

We take each game to get better. The game against Frankfurt was important for us to get the 2 new guys better integrated into our system. We are really looking forward to the cup weekend. We are very focused.

The EWE Baskets Oldenburg seemed in control in the first quarter but the Fraport Skyliners closed out the first quarter with a lightening 9-2 run led by Quantez Robertson. You probably heart stories about Rickey Paulding and his 15 years of service while Robertson is in his 14th season. Is it hard for you to understand how it is possible to remain with one club so long with the temptation of money?

I think that it is hard to imagine anyone being in one place for 15 years. Making one place your home for so long is a strange concept. I’m not opposed to doing that. It is incredible to see the impact that Rickey Paulding has in Oldenburg. When I walk into a coffee shop and people see the EWE logo, they don’t ask about the club, but about Rickey.

In the second quarter the EWE Baskets Oldenburg got easy basket after easy basket in the paint. Did the scouting report have Frankfurt as a weak 1-1 defensive team?

Not necessarily. We try to make quick decisions. Dewayne Russell did a good job finding guys and attacking long close outs. I think we used good 1-1 situations and attacked it.

The third quarter ended very tight despite Oldenburg leading by as much as 10 points. How frustrating was it letting Frankfurt hang around?

It is tough. Part of us are locked in and we re trying to grow as a team. We need to develop that killer instinct. When we are playing against a team like Frankfurt, we have to be able to extend our lead to 20 points. We can’t give a team like them hope to be able to come back into the game.

At 68-68 the EWE Baskets Oldenburg took the lead and never gave it up again. It seemed like the team got support from everyone in securing the win?

We have a team that when we are all on the same page and have the momentum, then it is contagious. We also have great emotional leaders with Dewayne Russell and Max DiLeo. We all play off each other.

The EWE Baskets Oldenburg started off really well in to the season at 8-2, but since been up and down and are 7-6. How do you summarize the last few months?

I think that it has been a long grueling season. We have had many injuries and the most that I have ever seen in my career. It has been hard finding a rhythm. It has been tough preparing for games when we have only 8 guys in practice. I think that we have held adversary well and have won most of the games against teams we have to beat. We have to learn to beat the better teams in the league and establish ourselves at a higher level. I think that we are on a good way to doing that.

What kind of an experience has it been for you playing for head coach Pedro Calles. Where ever he has coached in Germany, good things have happened. How has he helped your game most?

Pedro is such a high level person. There is never a let down in understanding details and the process matters. I like how he evaluates discipline and his attention to detail. He demands a lot from us and shows up every day fully locked in and committed to excellence. He is the favorite coach that I have had so far.

The club has signed 2 new players with Hassani Gravett and Shakur Juiston. How have you experienced their play and what have you appreciated most from their games in the early going?

It is really tough to join a team in the middle of the season and be thrown into games. I think that both have been adjusting well and learning each day. Both are very versatile. Shakur can defend multiple positions and Hassani has good physical tools. I think that both will help us a lot.

How excited are to be going for your second professional title in Oldenburg this weekend? You won your first title last season in Poland which was also a cup.

I think that titles are great, but for me it’s more about playing against high level teams and keep working on things. It is really cool that it is in Oldenburg. We want to make the city proud.

You won a nail bitter against Ludwigsburg recently by 4 points. What kind of game can we await this time and what will key to winning the cup?

The first half in Ludwigsburg was the worst we had this season. We gutted out the win. Ludwigsburg has a dynamic offense and have many guys that can attack. We have to constantly be alert on defense. It will be a physical game. They will want revenge.

You have put up solid stats of 14/4/2 stats in the EasyCredit BBL a league above Serbia and Poland where you played recently. How content have you been with your game

I think that content isn’t a good word. I’m really proud that I have found my love for the game again after the last year didn’t go the way I thought it would. I think that my attention to details has shown in my game, but I have so much more to offer. I know results will follow as I want to take my game to a high level.

You have always been a good three point shooter but in Germany your percentages are a bit down. On what are you focusing on most at the moment with your outside shooting?

Shooting percentages can be deceiving. I have taken more shots at the end of the shot clock which are tougher to make. I had two really bad shooting games against Ludwigsburg and Rostock. I’m sure my percentages will creep up again soon. I can’t overthink. I just will continue to do what I do and things will fall in place.

You played last season with BM Stal Ostrow Wielkopolski (Poland-EBL) averaging 10.5ppg, 4.9rpg, 1.7apg, Steals-5 (1.5spg), FGP: 49.6%, 3PT: 42.1%, FT: 75.5%. You lost a tough playoff series against Legia losing by a combined point total in 3 games by only 11 points. Is this one of those series that you will always remember?

It was a weird situation. We came into that series on a wining streak, but guys were exhausted and worn out. It was a competitive series, but not one I want to remember having been swept.

You played your first 2 professional seasons with KK Mladost Z Admiral Zemun (Serbia-KLS) putting up great stats. 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 tore my MCL because I slipped on water. Coach gave the warning but in Serbish. Going through an injury and not knowing the language was very difficult. I was scared to leave the apartment. The whole experience made me stronger and I’m very thankful for it.

How tough was it ending the season with top team Partizan and then having to play your ex team and beat them in the playoffs?

It was super weird. I had to switch jerseys in warm ups to accept the MVP trophy. I broke my hand in the second game and the bones broke in 6 different pieces. It was a gruesome injury. There were a lot of emotions involved.

You played at Western Washington for 3 years. You missed a lot of games in your first 2 seasons but won the GNAC title. In your last season you put up great numbers and played 34 games. How did you benefit most from these 3 years?

I had foot problems there which led to injuries. I played many different positions there. My freshman year I played the 4 and a little of the 5 because we had many injuries. My second year I played mainly the 2-3 positions. In my third year I played the point guard position. I learn to lead a team, was able to play different roles and took on responsibility. Being able to play so many different positions really paid off for me. Versatility is valued so much in Europe. It was also the first time that I played with high level guys.

You finished at Grand Canyon (NCAA). What was it like going there coming from the NCAA 2?

I went there with the impression that I would play a big role the way Dewayne Russell did, but it didn’t turn out like that for me. I think I wasn’t ready for division 1 yet as it is a lot different than division 2. I think going there was really important for me because it was a good transition being away from my family. This helped me grow and transition well to overseas.

How did Dan Majerle groom and prepare you best for a professional basketball career?

He taught me how to be mentally tough. He was a ruthless coach. I didn’t handle it well, but he prepared me for Serbia. Dan was like an angel compared to what I saw in Serbia. He helped me to handle intense coaching and still be able to perform at a high level.

Who was the best player that you faced in the NCAA that reached the NBA?

Markelle Fultz and Myles Powell.

Is Lebron James now the GOAT over Michael Jordan because he became the NBA’s all-time leading scorer?

For Sure Lebron. He has been my GOAT for sometime.

Thanks Trey for the chat.

Tags : TREY DRECHSEL, EWE BASKETS OLDENBURG, GERMAN BASKETBALL

Miles Schmidt-Scheuber and Selom Mawugbe in Frankfurt in 2022

Selom Mawugbe (208-C-1998, college: Azusa Pacific) is a 24 year old 208 cm center from Canyon Country, California playing his third professional season and first in Germany with the Rostock SeaWolves currently averaging 7,8ppg, 6,7rpg, 1,0spg and 2,0bs. He played his first 2 professional season in the G-League with the Santa Cruz Warriors playing a total of 45 games and in his second season averaged 6.8ppg, 7.9rpg, 1.7bpg, FGP: 65.4%, FT: 60.9%. he began his basketball career at Canyon high school and then played at Azusa Pacific University (NCAA2 ( from 2016-2020 playing a total of 114 games and as a senior averaged 16.9ppg, 10.4rpg, 2.0apg, 1.1spg, 3.1bpg, FGP: 71.8%, FT: 69.8%. He spoke to eurobasket 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?

No unfortunately I didn’t watch it. But I saw a lot of the highlights and the shot.

How does one put this record into perspective best? It stood almost 40 years?

For a record to stand so long shows how good the players were 40 years ago and how high the skill level was. Kareem was a hall of famer. For Lebron to be able to get the record and continue to push forward is very special. He has had a hall mark career.

He scored 38 points in 26 minutes. Was it another normal day at the office?

No it wasn’t. He was very focused and came to the game prepared. He knew that he had opportunity to get the record and he gave his best effort. He came on a mission and accomplished it.

How much is that ball going to be worth?

It will be worth a lot of money. Millions in the future for sure. With time it will go up in value and reach it’s height when he is retired.

Russell Westbrook made the pass. Do you think that in 20 years the pass could be remembered more than his triple doubles?

I think when all is said and done he will have had an amazing career. His ability to get triple doubles shows what kind of player he was. His triple doubles was a big highlight in his career among some other things. People will remember his triple doubles more. The shot was an isolation play.

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?

He wanted to give the fans a show and I did expect a more flashy play for the record. He is the type of player that takes what is given to him. His shot was still pretty special.

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 that a sky hook would of amused Kareem. When a record is broken, there are always a lot of comparisons made, but at the end of the day, it is cool to see how one great player gave appreciation to another great player.

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?

It’s hard unless you go through history. Kareem played in an era when a lot of social issues were trying to be improved. He was a huge pioneer in bridging connections between social issues that were going on at the time.

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 is a hard question to answer. It will take another great player that dominates over a long period to break it. It will take a long time for the record to be broken.

If Luka Doncic continues to play to 40 stays fit and becomes a physical specimen like Lebron, could he dethrone him?

It is theoretically possible, but in the nature of the game there are a lot of intangibles. Injuries and personal issues can come in the way. Many players just don’t want to play that long. To play that long just isn’t as appealing for all. I think Doncic has a legitimate chance.

Does this record finally give Lebron the GOAT status over Michael Jordan?

No I don’t. I think that you can make the argument for and against it. The best label that I have heard is that Lebron had the best career while Jordan is still the best player.

What is your favorite Lebron moment that you witnessed live or on TV?

My favorite Lebron moment was when he led the Cavs from 3-1 down to beat Golden State in the final. The way he was able to help the team and rally them to the title was very special. He played at such a high level. He made a lot of crucial baskets. It was monumental.

Thanks Selom for the chat.

Tags : SELOM MAWUGBE, ROSTOCK SEAWOLVES, GERMAN BASKETBALL

For the first time this season Eintracht Frankfurt-Fraport Skyliners didn’t return back home winless. It has been an incredible tough and long season for Eintracht Frankfurt-Fraport Skyliners as loses have been on the menu for the most part of the season. They finally won their first game of the season on the road in Nurnberg against the Tornado’s, but couldn’t keep up the momentum on the road a week later getting wiped out in Bavaria against FC Bayern Munich 89-48. Eintracht Frankfurt-Fraport Skyliners met the 5-7 Science City Jena team who have had an up and down season in 22-23. They came to Frankfurt having lost 3 of 4 games including their last challenge on the road against the Tornados by 31 points. Knowing this must of given Eintracht Frankfurt-Fraport Skyliners a little more self-confidence having beat them. Eintracht Frankfurt-Fraport Skyliners wanted to close out the season at home with a win, but had to accept the fact that it wouldn’t become a reality. As usual Eintracht Frankfurt-Fraport Skyliners dug a hole for themselves early and had to play catch up basketball all afternoon long. Their will and heart and fighting qualities were there, but their inability to slow down Raphael Falkenstein hurt them as he exploded for 37 points. ‘It was a tough game. Frankfurt never gave up. We had a cool head at the end and smart enough to pull out the win. We didn’t have our best game offensively. We are a shooting team and when our shot didn’t fall, we had to adjust and find other ways to score with the penetration. Our physicality and defense won us the game’, stated Raphael Falkenthal (191-PG-2005)

Hector Izquierdo

Eintracht Frankfurt-Fraport Skyliners began the contest as if they really wanted to win that first and last home game of the season leading 7-1. Dusan Nikolic began with a lay in which was followed by a lay in on transition by Hector Izquierdo who had a huge game on defense getting 3 steals and swatting away 6 balls and Alexander Lageman scored on transition getting the touch down pass from Izquierdo. But as so often is the case, basketball is a game of runs and Medipolis SC Jena struck back in a rude way going on a 15-1 run to lead 15-8. The duo of Falkenthal and Ben Koehler were instrumental. Koehler set the tone on defense with his aggressiveness as he would get 4 steals in the first quarter while also being fierce and getting to the free throw line while Falkenthal used his quickness to get easy baskets on the drive with 6 points. The guests didn’t let up and kept up the pressure and closed out the first quarter with a 12-7 run to have the comfortable 27-15 advantage. Falkenthal continued to be a force on offense adding 5 points while Koehler added 6 points with a lay in and free throws. Eintracht Frankfurt-Fraport Skyliners couldn’t muster much offense as they had 9 turnovers. They did get a lay in from Lagermann and three pointer from Joscha Zentgraf. ‘We are a shooting team and our plan was to shoot but when shots didn’t fall, we attacked and got to the free throw line with success’, stated Raphael Fallkenthal. Jena shot 45% from the field and 20% from outside and had 9 rebounds and 3 turnovers while Eintracht Frankfurt-Fraport Skyliners shot 43% from the field and 20% from outside and had 9 rebounds and 9 turnovers.

Lukas Passarge

In the second quarter Eintracht Frankfurt-Fraport Skyliners picked up their game and fought their way back into the game trailing only by 2 points at half-time. German Finn Schwaiger got Jena on the board first with a floater, but Eintracht Frankfurt-Fraport Skyliners then got some energy from their bench going on a mini 4-0 run to trail 31-19 as Viktor Malinowsky and diminutive guard Kenny Wefing scored. Medipolis SC Jena then got some support from Bench player Julian Rothamel who scored twice and Max Nwokedi also scored as the guests had the comfortable 37-22 lead. But the tide then changed as Eintracht Frankfurt-Fraport Skyliners closed out the second quarter strong cruising on a 18-5 run to trail only 42-40 at the break. In the run Eintracht Frankfurt-Fraport Skyliners. Lagemann was instrumental in the run doing everything possible scoring 11 points. He punished Jena with 2 three pointers, 2 lay ins and a free throw. His athleticism, quickness, smartness and offensive execution rate was a big help this season for Eintracht Frankfurt-Fraport Skyliners even if the club didn’t have success. Eintracht Frankfurt-Fraport Skyliners also played more aggressive defense and all in all played with a high intensity and were able to control Falkenthal better in this phase as he scored only once. ‘We didn’t attack as much on offense and were less physical on defense. We knew that Lagerman is a good player and we tried to pressure him, but we let up’, stated Raphael Falkenthal. Medipolis SC Jena shot 38% from the field and 10% from the three point line and had 20 rebounds and 7 turnovers while Eintracht Frankfurt-Fraport Skyliners shot 52% from the field and 40% from the three point line and had 19 rebounds and 13 turnovers.

Alexander Lagemann from outside

Eintracht Frankfurt-Fraport Skyliners continued to fight, but couldn’t stay with Jena as the guests pull away in the second part of the third quarter and would never look back. Medipolis SC Jena began with a basket from Passarge as Falkenthal made the steal, fed Koehler who gave the shovel pass for the dime on the basket for the 44-40 lead. But Eintracht Frankfurt-Fraport Skyliners continued to remain aggressive and went on a 7-0 run to retake the lead at 47-44. Frankfurt remained in attack mode and got a transition bucket from Nikolic and lay ins from Lagerman and Izquierdo. Eintracht Frankfurt-Fraport Skyliners continued to play with a high intensity and profited from the superb 1-1 skills of Lagerman as he scored 2 more baskets to keep Jena at bay and lead 53-50. But Medipolis SC Jena found a groove to close out the fourth quarter after 6 lead changes on a 16-6 run to lead 67-56 after 30 minutes. Jena shared the ball well and got good support from many as Ben Rothamel, Ben Kohler and Ludwig Bueschel scored. At the end of the run, Falkenthal found his touch from down town dropping 2 shots and Ben Kohler made a lay in at the buzzer. Eintracht Frankfurt-Fraport Skyliners once again didn’t come to terms with the aggressive Jena defense as they coughed up the ball 11 times. ‘When Frankfurt’s coach got kicked out of game, that gave us an emotional push and made us stronger. I hit some shots at the end having extra self-confidence and extending our lead’, stated Raphael Falkenthal. Medipolis SC Jena shot 37% from the field and 20% from the parking lot and had 28 rebounds and 11 turnovers while Eintracht Frankfurt-Fraport Skyliners shot 49% from the field and 28% from outside and had 32 rebounds and 24 turnovers.

Raphael Falkenthal

Eintracht Frankfurt-Fraport Skyliners upped their intensity again in the first minutes of the fourth quarter and crawled back into the game, but Raphael Falkenthal then took over and put the game out of reach for Eintracht Frankfurt-Fraport Skyliners. Eintracht Frankfurt-Fraport Skyliners may have felt an extra need to perform well for the departed coach Miran Cumurija who had been ejected after getting his second technical as they rushed out on a 8-0 run to trail only 67-64. In the run they got a clutch three pointer from Lagerman and Nikolic added 5 points as his drive rewarded him with points. But Medipolis put the dagger in the heart of Eintracht Frankfurt-Fraport Skyliners going on a 12-2 run to lead 79-66 and put the game out of reach. In the run Medipolis SC Jena got 8 points form Falkenthal as his drive got him to the free throw line 3 times and he once executed with the lay in. ‘I had a good day. I just kept attacking and getting to the free throw line. This was one of my top games in my career’, stressed Raphael Falkenthal. The guests also received 2 offensive rebounds and put backs from Bueschel and Lukas Passarge. Eintracht Frankfurt-Fraport Skyliners just couldn’t match Jena’s intensity in this phase and couldn’t tame the cleverness of Raphael Falkenthal. Time began to run low as Eintracht Frankfurt-Fraport Skyliners got some added support from Nikolic with a lay in and free throws to cut Jena’s lead to 83-74, but that was as close as Eintracht Frankfurt-Fraport Skyliners would get. Koehler and Falkenthal scored baskets and then the buzzer sounded. ‘Frankfurt still played physical, but we had good spacing and got easy baskets. They were in foul trouble and we continued to attack against their small rotation’, stated Raphael Falkenthal. Medipolis SC Jena was led by Raphael Falkenthal with 37 points, 9 rebounds, 5 assists and 7 steals while Ben Koehler had 16 points and v was led by Alexander Lagerman with 30 points and Dusan Nikolic added 22 points. Medipolis SC Jena shot 37% from the field and 14% from outside and had 38 rebounds and 14 turnovers while Eintracht Frankfurt-Fraport Skyliners shot 48% from the field and 29% from outside and had 42 rebounds and 28 turnovers.
T

Tags : RAPHAEL FALKENTHAL, MEDIPOLIS SCIENCE CITY JENA, GERMAN BASKETBALL

10 years ago a Fraport Skyliners-Brose Bamberg contest was awaited with excitement and a real twist of rivalry, but in 2023 the game seems to be just like another normal game with little significance. Well there is significance now, but a different one. It is difficult to admit it, but both teams now are not top clubs anymore. Ok so it isn’t as bad in freak city as Brose Bamberg came to Frankfurt with 7 wins in their baggage, but for the Fraport Skyliners every game is a must win. The Fraport Skyliners once again couldn’t put together a game for 40 minutes as they once again fell apart in the second half in Ludwigsburg, while Bamberg celebrated a massive nail bitter beating 2010 Eurochallenge winner BG Goettingen in overtime. On a unusually mild Feb afternoon, the Fraport Skyliners welcomed Brose Bamberg who didn’t waste anytime coming out and dictating the game and getting a big lead which they managed very well until the siren sounded after 40 minutes. Some years ago the Fraport Skyliners prided their game on defense something brought to life by then head coach Gordon Herbert, but those days are long gone. In 2023 Frankfurt play defense not showing the needed effort and aggressiveness as they have allowed 88 + points in the last 6 games. Brose Bamberg destroyed the Fraport Skyliners 100-83 as the suffering continues in Frankfurt. ‘We didn’t play together enough and couldn’t hit open shots. Our biggest problem on defense at the moment isn’t being physical enough. We aren’t talking, rotating or helping the way we should. When our help is there, we solve many things’, warned Fraport Skyliner Quantez Robertson. Defense continues to be a work in progress for Brose Bamberg, but it was enough to win as their offense was cooking as they averaged 25 points per quarter. ‘We were definitely better in the first half. We are stressing defense more than anything now. Basketball is a game of runs. That is just how it is. I’m happy we pulled out the win’, stated Brose Bamberg guard Spencer Reaves.

JJ Frazier

Brose Bamberg was able to garner a big lead half way through the first quarter and would never look back again. The Fraport Skyliners began well getting their outside game established as ex Auburn guard Quantez Robertson and American JJ Frazier connected with three’s for the 8-5 advantage. Brose Bamberg then jumped all over Frankfurt’s defense connecting on a brutal 11-0 run to lead 16-8 as they let it rain three’s from German national player Christian Sengfelder, Czech national player Jaromir Bohacik and ex Leverkusen guard Spencer Reaves. Bamberg continued to work their offense to their favor as it was a well oiled machine as they added three’s from ex Boston College German German Patrick Heckmann and ex Iowa State center Solomon Young. Bamberg outworked Frankfurt on the boards and got good looks and punished Frankfurt every time that they were out of position. Frankfurt couldn’t muster much positive offense, but did get Einaras Tubutis going feeding him for 2 crushing dunks, but Brose Bamberg had the overwhelming 28-15 advantage after 10 minutes. ‘We didn’t begin being aggressive. We didn’t rotate well on defense and had difficulty moving the ball and securing the rebound’, stressed Quantez Robertson. Brose Bamberg shot 56% from the two point range and 60% from outside and had 11 rebounds and 2 turnovers while the Fraport Skyliners shot 50% from the two point range and 40% form outside and had 5 rebounds and 21 turnovers.

Solomon Young

In the second quarter Brose Bamberg continued to execute on offense with ease as the Fraport Skyliners put themselves more and more into the hole trailing by as much as 22 points at one point. Frankfurt got going rapidly getting a trey from Tubutis and lay in from ex Purdue (NCAA) center Matt Haarms to cut Freak City’s lead to only 30-19. But Brose Bamberg just continued to run their offense and execute especially on 1-1 play as ex ratiopharm Ulm guard Patrick Miller (185-G-1992, college: Tennessee St., agency: Slash Sports) was unstoppable. He scored 3 buckets in a matter of a few minutes as he always stifled the Frankfurt defense as Frankfurt trailed 42-24. ‘He is tough to stop especially on transition. He is strong and physical and has no problem absorbing contact. He is always aggressive and knows how to make shots’, stressed Quantez Robertson. Comparing the 2 team’s offenses was like night and day. Bamberg had great ball movement while knowing when to use the 1-1, while Frankfurt’s offense was static as they just couldn’t get over the hump. Frankfurt had little bright spots, but one was JJ Frazier who scored 21 points and added 6 assists. Down the stretch of the second quarter, he added a step back jumper and three pointer to cut Bamberg’s lead to 49-32. But Bamberg simply was too consistent on offense getting 2 baskets from Young and free throws from Sengfelder to lead 54-35 at half-time. ‘We had big problems rebounding the ball. We weren’t physical or aggressive to the ball. We have to want to rebound the ball, but our effort wasn’t there’, stated Quantez Robertson. Brose Bamberg continued to shoot very well at 54% from the 2 point range and 54% from the three point line and had 23 rebounds and 5 turnovers while the Fraport Skyliners shot 48% from the 2 point range and 46% from the three point line and had 10 rebounds and 6 turnovers.

Quantez Robertson

The Fraport Skyliners played their best basketball in the third quarter netting 28 points to cut into the big lead, but couldn’t generate more stops and still trailed by 12 points after 30 minutes. The Fraport Skyliners began well going on a 5-0 run as German national player Joshua Obiesie made a lay in and Frazier nailed a trey as Frankfurt trailed 54-40. But Frankfurt just couldn’t carve the lead down more at this point as Bamberg got consistent offensive support as Miller scored twice, Sengfelder made a turn around shot and ex Nymburk guard Gerel Simmons hit a three pointer for the 67-48 advantage. ‘Miller is our go to guy. He is strong and physical and will bump to get the basket. He has been huge for us since he arrived recently. When we need a basket, we go to him’, stated Spencer Reaves. Frankfurt didn’t let up, but continued to chip away and then got 2 vital three’s from German national player Lukas Wank and suddenly only trailed 69-58. Frankfurt stepped up their defensive aggression as Bamberg couldn’t exchange baskets. Simmons and Lithuanian guard Laurynas Beliauskas exchanged three’s in the last minute as the Fraport Skyliners remained at the back door trailing only 75-63. ‘We started off slow as our second unit had a lull, but later on they had a good run’, said Spencer Reaves. ‘We got stops and made shots. But we could of made more open shots’, stated Quantez Robertson. Both teams continued to shoot very well and brose Bamberg had the 27-20 rebound edge and had 7 turnovers and Frankfurt 9 turnovers.

Christian Sengfelder

The Fraport Skyliners were unable to keep the offensive momentum from the third quarter as a big run to begin the fourth quarter sealed the victory early for Brose Bamberg. The guests started with a lethal 12-2 run to extend their lead to 87-65 slamming the door in the face of Frankfurt deciding the win. Instrumental in the run was a Simmons lay in and three pointers by Heckmann and ex Princeton (NCAA) guard Amir Bell. Bamberg continued to show their well oiled offensive machine sharing the ball and showing unselfishness while the Fraport Skyliners got miffed by Bamberg’s tricky defense and as a result had tough looks. The Fraport Skyliners then got some timely three’s from Frazier and Wank to cut Bamberg’s lead to 90-71, but with time running down, the most damage had been made. Bamberg added some Bell free throws and a Kevin Wohlrath trey for the 95-75 lead. Frankfurt got another trey by Frazier, While Bamberg sealed the 100 points with a three pointer by Patrick Heckmann. Joshua Obiesie closed out the game with a lay in. ‘We did a good job of letting our defense dictate getting easy points. We had good ball movement and were unselfish. We also got a lot of support by our untypical bigs who passed very well out of the post’, stated Spencer Reaves. ‘We had no communication on defense. We have to trust each other. When we do that we will be better’, stressed Quantez Robertson. The schedule doesn’t get any easier as their next tests are against top teams Oldenburg and Bonn. ‘We know that they are good offensive teams. We have to slow them down and play at our pace, and play better defense and rebound better’, warned Quantez Robertson. Brose Bamberg were led by Patrick Miller with 19 points. Amir Bella and Christian Sengfelder added 12 points a piece while the Fraport Skyliners were led by JJ Frazier with 21 points. Lukas Wank added 16 points and Lauryas Belliauskas had 14 points. Brose Bamberg shot 52% from the field and 45% from outside and had 36 rebounds and 8 turnovers while the Fraport Skyliners shot 48% from the field and 60% from outside and had 32 rebounds and 11 turnovers.

Tags : PATRICK MILLER, BROSE BAMBERG, GERMAN BASKETBALL

After a week off it was time for the Fraport Skyliners Juniors to get back to work. They had some extra time to digest their pathetic 20 point loss to the White Wings Hanau. 2023 hasn’t been good to the Frankfurt club as after starting the year with a big victory over the Wizards, they lost 3 in a row including 2 blow out loses at home against the top teams Koblenz and Hanau. They wanted to get back on track, but it didn’t get any easier with 11-5 Bavarian club BBC Coburg. The club has some experienced players, but are also stacked with young talented players from the easyCredit BBL Bamberg organization. Coburg arrived in Frankfurt having won 3 of the last 4, but last lost at home having a slip up against Ehingen. Both teams wanted to find a win again and help enhance the home court advantage for the playoffs and the Fraport Skyliners had to buckle down on defense in the second half in order to silence BBC Coburg 79-64. Frankfurt gave up only 8 points in the third quarter which sparked their offense to go on a big run to open the game and they never looked back. ‘Our plan was to control the game with our defense. We knew that they were a very good offensive team. In the second half our defense read them very well and our switches were very good. They couldn’t move the ball well and we controlled the rebound. We shot well and played free through the pick and roll and knew how to find the right guys’, stated game top scorer Nolan Adekunle (200-PF-2002). BBC Coburg never gave up fighting in the second half, but the big Frankfurt run in the third quarter hurt their self-confidence. They had many open looks, but it was just one of those nights where the ball didn’t want to fall. ‘Frankfurt had a lot of open shots. They also managed a lot of back door cuts. Our rotations weren’t good and our 1-1 defense wasn’t good either. We have showed this season that we know how to play. We have to find on track again’, warned BBC Coburg center Leon Bulic.

Jordan Samare from outside

The Fraport Skyliners Juniors were without Philipp Hadenfeld and Justin Onyejiaka while BBC Coburg was without John Saigge. Both teams had problems finding their rhythm in the first few minutes as both teams got 3 consecutive stops. The Fraport Skyliners Juniors understood to use their length and physical advantage and attacked the zone as German center Alexander Richardson scored twice. BBC Coburg played solid team basketball playing small ball and sharing the ball getting baskets from Bulic, and ex top NBBL player of Paderborn Adrian Petkovic. Athletic big man Jordan Samare and ex Breitenguss guard Sven Lorber traded baskets twice, but no team could flee the other as the game was tied at 11-11. But the Fraport Skyliners Juniors then showed how quickly they can take off when their three begins to heat up as they went on a 9-3 run to lead 20-14. Nolan Adekunle nailed back to back three’s and ex Hanau guard Felix Hecker also scored. But BBC Coburg took a page from Frankfurt’s book also showing they can make it rain three’s as 2019 NBBL finalist Jannis Sonnefeld scored twice and Adrian Worthy also scored to lead 22-20 after 10 minutes. ‘We began well, but showed early on that we let them come back through being sloppy. This was a trend that would continue during the game. We always gave them an open window to come back’, stressed Nolan Adekunle. Both teams shot 40% or better from the field and from outside while Frankfurt had the slight 12-10 rebound edge.

Jannis Sonnefeld at the FT line

In the second quarter the Fraport Skyliners Juniors set the tone, but couldn’t keep the consistent lead allowing BBC Coburg to hang around. The Fraport Skyliners Juniors found their groove rapidly soaring out on a massive 12-1 run to lead 32-23. In the run it was the Samare and Hecker show as Samare added 7 points and Hecker 5. Hecker made a steal and made a quick TD pass ala Tom Brady for Samare for the big dunk. Samare would add another dunk and lay in while Hecker made a trey and lay in. The Fraport Skyliners Juniors were very aggressive and BBC Coburg weren’t able to match Frankfurt’s intensity and forced to much on offense. But BBC Coburg didn’t let down, but just fought going on a 7-2 run to trail only 34-30. The guests did a good job getting to the free throw line and making smart decisions and were calm on their execution. The Fraport Skyliners Juniors always made a punch, but couldn’t add consecutive punches as they were punished for their mistakes. Milan Suput the son of Brose Bamberg legend Predrag Suput made a turn around shot, Tyrese Blunt hit a 20 footer, Bulic a trey and Petkovic a lay in as the Fraport Skyliners Juniors slipped into half-time with the slim 41-39 advantage. ‘We made dumb mistakes to let them stay in the game. We can’t be that unconcentrated when we have the lead. We have to learn to be more consistent’, warned Nolan Adekunle. Both teams continue to shoot over 40% from the field, while BBC Coburg’s three point shooting dipped to 33% while Frankfurt’s was at 43%. Frankfurt had the 20-16 rebound edge, but had 8 turnovers and the guests 7 turnovers.

Nolan Adekunle at the FT line

The turning point came in the third quarter as the Fraport Skyliners Juniors upped their defensive pressure and execution and on offense they were able to execute at a better consistent rate. The Fraport Skyliners Juniors got quick energy from Nolan Adekunle to begin the third quarter getting back to back buckets from him for the 45-41 lead. Both teams then got some needed production inside as Alexander Richardson who retuned after a long injury scored twice while Sonnefeld also added 2 baskets including and old school hook shot, but Frankfurt still led 49-45. Then came the turning point of the game as the Fraport Skyliners Juniors exploded on a brutal 12-0 run to lead 61-45. In the run, Jordan Samare continued to be aggressive and owned the paint scoring 3 times while three’s from Adekunle and Hecker rounded out the run as the club showed fine inside out basketball. Blunt stopped the run with a pull up jumper as BBC Coburg were held to 8 points trailing 61-47 after 30 minutes. ‘Coach told us in the break that the game was 0-0 in the third quarter. We wanted to stay aggressive and when we had the lead build on it. We attacked well and found the open man. Our good defense led to transition baskets’, said Nolan Adekunle. ‘The third quarter has been a problem for us this season. We weren’t ready to paly from the start. They played good help side defense and their zone worked well. We had good looks, but were unlucky as our shots just didn’t fall’, stated Leon Bulic. The Fraport Skyliners Juniors shot 49% from the field and 36% from the parking lot and had 32 rebounds and 13 turnovers while BBC Coburg shot 37% from the field and 22% from the parking lot and had 23 rebounds and 12 turnovers.

Milan Suput from downtown

In the fourth quarter the Fraport Skyliners Juniors did a fine job managing their big lead and never trailed by less than 9 points. BBC Coburg got some early baskets from Petkovic and Blunt, but they couldn’t make any ground as Frankfurt got buckets from Adekunle in form of a three pointer and 7 year man Alvin Onyia made a lay in as the Fraport Skyliners Juniors led 68-51. BBC Coburg attempted to play team basketball and refrained form 1-1 play, but their good looks continued not to reward them. BBC Coburg had one last gasp of energy surprising Frankfurt with a 10-2 run to trail 70-61. In the run the Bavarian club got a needed spark from Suput who scored 8 points. He made 3 free throws, a trey and a lay in after he made a block on Onyia and then went coast to coast for the 2 points and Bulic added a hook shot. Frankfurt was overflowing with turnovers with real bad text book mistakes which the guests took to their advantage. But that was as close as BBC Coburg would get as then came the nail on the coffin from Frankfurt. The Fraport Skyliners Juniors received back to back three’s from Onyia who tested his 20% three point % and Adekunle continued to have the hot hand as Frankfurt led 76-61. With the game decided with a minute to go, Bulic added a 20 footer and Adekunle closed out the contest with a trey. ‘Despite Coburg fighting, we never thought we could lose. Our self confidence was high. We remained cool and calm in crunch-time to help us win’, stressed Nolan Adekunle. ‘We did all we could to come back. We cut the lead down to 9 points, but then they made 2 three’s in a row and were back to where we were most of the game down by a lot of points. They were always ready for us and had an answer for everything. We couldn’t set the tone’, warned Leon Bulic. The Fraport Skyliners Juniors were led by Nolan Adekunle with 25 points. Jordan samara added 21 points and Felix Hecker 14 points while BBC Coburg were led by Leon Bulic with 14 points and 12 rebounds while Jannis Sonnefeld contributed 13 points and Milan Suput 12 points. The Fraport Skyliners Juniors shot 48% from the field and 38% from outside and had 43 rebounds and 19 turnovers while BBC Coburg shot 35% from the field and 21% from outside and had 36 rebounds and 14 turnovers.

Tags : NOLAN ADEKUNLE, FRAPORT SKYLINERS FRANKFURT, GERMAN BASKETBALL

Miles Schmidt-Scheuber interviewing Jaleen Smith in Frankfurt in 2022

Jaleen Smith (190-SG-1994, college: UNH, agency: BeoBasket) is a 28 year old 193cm guard from Freeport, Texas that is playing his sixth professional season and second with Alba Berlin . He played two seasons with the MHP Riesen Ludwigsburg averaging 15.2ppg, 5.0rpg, Assists-3 (5.3apg), Steals-2 (1.8spg), FGP: 49.2%, 3PT: 32.7%, FT: 87.5%; and 10.7ppg, 3.6rpg, 2.4apg, 1.6spg, FGP: 53.1%, 3PT: 33.6%, FT: 82,8% the season before. In 2018-2019 he played with the MLP Academics Heidelberg (Germany-ProA) averaging 12,7ppg, 3,9rpg and 2,7apg. He played with New Hampshire (NCAA) from 2013-2017 where he played a total of 120 NCAA games. He improved his scoring, rebounding and assists average each season and as a senior he played 32 games averaging 15.8ppg, 6.4rpg, 4.3apg, FGP: 52.4%, 3PT: 35.8%, FT: 78.1%. He spoke to eurobasket.com about his thoughts about Lebron James beating the NBA all-time scoring title of Kareem Abdul Jabbar.

Lebron James has beaten Kareem Abdul Jabbar’s NBA all-time scoring record. Did you stay up to watch history?

No I didn’t stay up. We had practice the next day in preparation for a Euroleague game against Olympiakos. I went to sleep, but saw the highlights the next morning with his shot and celebration.

How does one put this record into perspective best? It stood almost 40 years?

I’ts absolutely crazy. I grew up watching him play since 2003. I witnessed him not really being considered a scorer. It is crazy to see this milestone by him.

He scored 38 points in 26 minutes. Was it another normal day at the office?

You could see that he wanted the title so bad. 38 in 26 minutes is crazy. He is so efficient. Being able to score so much in so little time for his age is amazing.

How much is that ball going to be worth?

It might be worth millions. I won’t say billions. The record stood almost 40 years and Lebron being Lebron will make the ball worth very much.

Russell Westbrook made the pass. Do you think that in 20 years the pass could be remembered more than his triple doubles?

The record is all about Lebron. The pass won’t be remembered as much as Westbrook’s triple doubles. He had the most triple doubles in a single season. The greatest passer to the greatest scorer of all-time.

Magic Johnson may have a say with the greatest passer phrase.

hahaha

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?

I was expecting a dunk. But you just go with the course of the game. A dunk could of happened, but the way it was set up, it was just a typical play for him to make his fade away.

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?

Every person’s timeline would have exploded if he had made the record with a sky hook.

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?

I don’t understand it. Kareem was a little before my time. I really know him more from 2K. But I know that he was one of the most dominant big men of all-time. When he came into the league with the Bucks, there wasn’t much film on him. More clips of him surfaced when he played with the Lakers and Magic. I knew his game off a video game. That just tells you how great he was.

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 can. The game has changed. There are more possessions now and more scoring. I don’t think that it will be broken in the near future. I think that there could be a couple guys that could break it. The game is so much more fast paced now.

If Luka Doncic continues to play to 40 stays fit and becomes a physical specimen like Lebron, could he dethrone him?

If he gets as fit as Lebron he could. Lebron and Luka are alike. Lebron is more athletic and Luka the better shooter.

Does this record finally give Lebron the GOAT status over Michael Jordan?

That is tough. Jordan changed the game. You can watch all clips of him. You understand why he plays the way he did. He never wanted to lose. Lebron has the competitive edge, but it isn’t at the same level of Jordan. That is what gives Jordan the edge in the GOAT debate for me.

What is your favorite Lebron moment that you witnessed live or on TV?

I never saw him play live. Lebron and Anthony Davis watched a NBA Summer League game when I played. My favorite highlight of him when he played Detroit and the Cavs were on the verge of elimination early in his career at the old palace. He scored the last 25 points in the game. When I saw that I thought wow this kid is really good. I really began to follow his career after that. He went crazy in that game.

Thanks Jaleen for the chat.

Tags : JALEEN SMITH, ALBA BERLIN, GERMAN BASKETBALL

James Batemon (185-G-1997, college: LMU) is a 25 year old 185cm guard that recently moved from As Karditsas (Greece-GBL) to the Hakro Merlins Crailsheim currently averaging 14,0ppg, 1,5rpg and 5,0apg. He played the last 2 years in France with Jean D’Arc Vichy Clermont Metropole (France-ProB) averaging 17.2ppg, 2.8rpg, 4.3apg, 1.7spg, FGP: 46.2%, 3PT: 53.7%, FT: 83.7% and with Union Tours Metropole Basket (France-ProB) averaging 15.1ppg, 3.5rpg, 3.7apg, FGP: 49.1%, 3PT: 39.5%, FT: 83.4%. he played his rookie season with BK Ogre (Latvia-LBL, starting five): LatEstBL) averaging 17.6ppg), 3.9rpg, 3.4apg, FGP: 57.7%, 3PT: 45.7%, FT: 77.4%. before University he played AAU ball with the Milwaukee Bulldogs and at Riverside University high school. He then played 2 years with North Dakota State College of Science (JUCO) averaging 20.0ppg, 5.1rpg, 2.8apg, 1.4spg, FGP: 56.5%, 3PT: 34.3%, FT: 79.1% and in his second season averaged 20.8ppg, 5.6rpg, 5.7apg, 1.4spg, FGP: 53.2%, 3PT: 37.8%, FT: 81.4%. He then played at Loyola Marymount University (NCAA) from 2017-2019 averaging 17.4ppg, 3.7rpg, 4.6apg, 1.2spg, FGP: 50.4%, 3PT: 39.0%, FT: 79.7% and as a senior averaged 16.4ppg, 3.1rpg, 3.6apg, 1.6spg, FGP: 50.0%, 3PT: 28.5%, FT: 82.2%. He spoke togermanhoops.com about basketball

Thanks James for talking togermanhoops.com. Congrats on signing with the Hakro Merlins Crailsheim. What do you know about the country Germany and it’s basketball? Have you had guys play here that you know?

Thank you about the opportunity. I don’t know much about Germany. I didn’t think I would end up here. I watched the national team and have known guys that have played here. I have only heard good things about the BBL-

What convinced most to come and play for the Hakro Merlin Crailsheim

Coming to Crailsheim was almost a no brainer. They play in heavy competition in the BBL and Fiba Europe Cup.

You will be playing in a top 5 league in Europe with the easyCredit BBL. What do you feel will be the biggest challenge for you on the court?

The biggest challenge will be adapting to a new team and building chemistry. I hope to find my spots as I jump in in mid season.

You began the season with AS Karditsas (Greece-GBL). You put up really impressive stats there. Why did it end after only 7 games?

My time ended earlier there because I had a better opportunity with the Merlins.I couldn’t pass up the chance to play in the BBL. My goal is the Euroleague and NBA. I’m just trying to get a step closer to my dream.,

What kind of an experience was it like playing in Greece? What did you appreciate most about the opportunity?

Playing in Greece was a great experience. I appreciated the people most. They were really nice. The food was awesome. They spoke good English. Greece was the best country so far in terms of how well people spoke English. The domestic players were very nice as well. I had a fun time playing there.

You were the top scorer in the win over Euroleague team Panathinaikos with 22 points. How good did it feel showing you could hold your own against some of the best?

It felt good playing against a Euroleague team. I wish we could have been more competitive and made the game closer because we beat them in the pre -season. But pre season is always hit or miss. Some guys are out of shape or just coasting. I wish we could of upset them, but it is what it is. I will have another opportunity to play against a Euroleague team so I’m not worried about that.

What was it like playing against Derrick Williams. You were in high school when he was in the NBA? Did you have any small talk with him?

It was a great experience playing against him. No there wasn’t really any small talk. I was more communicating with the point guard. It was great seeing a guy that was drafted second overall and matching up against him. He is a great player and showed that against us.

Let’s talk about your game. You’re a 185cm guard. If you had to compare your game to an NBA player who would bets fit the description?

I would compare my game to Donovan Mitchell a guy that is athletic, can shoot the three, drive and get teammates involved. But a guy that also plays good defense. I get this comparison a lot.

Your a combo guard. Do you feel most comfortable at the 1 or 2?

I play comfortable at both positions. Playing the 1 and setting up my teammates. But I also love to score. If my team needs that then I feel capable of being able to do that It is really whatever the team needs me to do at that moment. I like the combo guard title.

You’re a guy that can fill the stat sheet. What do you feel is your biggest strength on the court?

My biggest strength is to be able to create shots for my teammates and myself.

You have made a big jump since school with your outside shooting. What has been the biggest reason for your success?

When I was in school, my main focus was to improve my shot. The reason for my success is simply putting in the work and having confidence. As more shots began to fall, the more confidence I got. My teammates and coaches also gave me the confidence to shoot the ball.

What kind of defender would you call yourself and what kind of defender do you want to be in the next years?

I would call myself a pretty good defender, but I want to become a great defender. I want guys to be able to call me a two way player all the time. I haven’t got that title yet, but I will continue to work hard. I want to become an elite defender. I have been able to hold a team’s best player at the end of the game, but I want to do that for the whole game and still be effective on the offensive end. That is my goal in the next few years.

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

I’m working most on my playmaking and certain tactics on defense. Trying to find slick ways to get over screens.

How big is your chip on your shoulder? You began at Juco and had to pay your dues for 2 years? Then you led Loyola Marymount to the NCAA tournament and was it’s best player, but still landed in Latvia as a rookie

I have a big chip on my shoulder. Starting at Juco and then transferring to Loyola and being able to perform has given me that chip on my shoulder.

Last season you played with Union Tours Metropole Basket (France-ProB) averaging 15.1ppg, 3.5rpg, 3.7apg, FGP: 49.1%, 3PT: 39.5%, FT: 83.4%. You were teammates with Jayson Tchicamboud the son of French legend Steed. How much potential does he have and do you remember hearing stories about his dad?

It was a down year for us as a team, but I thought that I had a good year. Jayson has a ton of potential. They didn’t really tell me any stories about his dad. He is athletic, tall and is a good playmaker. If he can improve his outside shot then sky is the limit. He is also a good defender.

In 2020-2921 you played your first season in France with Jean D’Arc Vichy Clermont Metropole (France-ProB) averaging 17.2ppg, 2.8rpg, 4.3apg, 1.7spg, FGP: 46.2%, 3PT: 53.7%, FT: 83.7%. It was a short season for you. What do you remember being your biggest challenge on a daily basis during Covid?

The biggest challenge was the stopping and going in the season with Covid. I got injured that season. I believe that if I had finished the season, I could of ended up in a better league.

You played your rookie season with BK Ogre (Latvia-LBL, starting five): LatEstBL) averaging 17.6ppg), 3.9rpg, 3.4apg, FGP: 57.7%, 3PT: 45.7%, FT: 77.4%. What do you remember being your wake up call to being a rookie in Latvia where you knew that you were far away from home?

My biggest wake up call was when the holidays came about and I couldn’t go home for Christmas. I thought that was crazy. I realized that I was in a small country. It was tough being in Latvia and all my family at home posting pics.

You began your career at North Dakota State College of Science (JUCO) averaging 20.0ppg, 5.1rpg, 2.8apg, 1.4spg, FGP: 56.5%, 3PT: 34.3%, FT: 79.1% and in your second season averaged : 20.8ppg, 5.6rpg, 5.7apg, 1.4spg, FGP: 53.2%, 3PT: 37.8%, FT: 81.4%. Almost every guy I have interviewed that played JUCO says JUCO was very tough but an experience they are so glad they had. How was it for you?

It was a great experience, but it was really tough. It was a real grind and a juggle. If you come out of JUCO, you can survive anywhere. Only the strong survive. You have to have been there to understand.

How did JUCO help you most become the type of player you are today?

It helped me work harder as everytime it was all or nothing. It helped me play with a chip knowing that if I didn’t perform, I wouldn’t get that division 1 offer.

You finished at Loyola Marymount University (NCAA) averaging 17.4ppg, 3.7rpg, 4.6apg, 1.2spg, FGP: 50.4%, 3PT: 39.0%, FT: 79.7% and as a senior averaged 16.4ppg, 3.1rpg, 3.6apg, 1.6spg, FGP: 50.0%, 3PT: 28.5%, FT: 82.2%. What did you cherish most about your NCAA run in 2019?

I cherished most coming in and winning 11 games and then winning 21 in my second season. Building something special and enjoying every moment with my teammates. I built memorable bonds with my teammates.

You had so many big games in the NCAA especially against major basketball programs like Gonzaga, UCLA and Washington. What was your personal best and most memorable game?

My most memorable game was my scoring outburst against Gonzaga in conference play and having a big game at Washington where I had a put back dunk.

How did head coach Mike Dunlap groom and prepare you for a professional career best?

Coach helped me become mentally stronger and gave me confidence in my shooting. He also helped me see the game differently.

Who won a 1-1 in practice you or Cam Allen?

He was very talented, but I have to be honest, he got me more than I got him.

Who is the toughest player that you ever faced in the NCAA that reached the NBA?

Frankie Ferrari was tough as was Jaylen Hands from UCLA.

Please name your 5 best teammates of all-time?

Cam Allen, Elijah Scott, Julian Walters, Nicolas Collins, Melvin Newborn

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

Jordan, Kobe, Lebron, Steph and Shaq

What is your personal opinion of the neverending debate of who is the greatest of all-time Jordan or Lebron and why isn’t Kobe mentioned more?

I say Jordan, but Lebron is right there. Lebron is about to become the all-time leading scorer. I think that by the time he retires he will be the GOAT. Kobe was more like Jordan and Jordan got more rings.

Did you see the sequel to the classic Coming To America? Shouldn’t they have left it alone?

No I haven’t, but I will. I’m so late. Yes they probably should of left it alone. That is why I probably haven’t seen it yet.

Thanks James for the chat.

Tags : JAMES BATEMON, HAKRO MERLINS CRAILSHEIM, GERMAN BASKETBALL

It is hard to believe but the miraculous 100 point game by American Jonathan Paul Braeger (178-G) was more than 10 months ago. Doing something like that is like if a baseball player clubbed 10 home runs in a game or a ice hockey player scored 10 goals in a game or if a quarterback threw 15 touch down passes in a game. 100 points in a 40 minute game is something one has to grasp. Luka Doncic recently scored 60 points and that was difficult , but 100 points. You could use the word Wow over and over and nobody would get annoyed by the overzealous behavior. You would think that if a guy did something like that then it would be cult non stop news and that he would be remined about it at the local 7-11 to Sunday church, but surprisingly for the explosive scoring guard the hype died down and hasn’t caught fire again since that memorable March day in Wurzburg in 2022. ‘ I wouldn’t say I get reminded of it daily but it’s been brought up in some casual conversations with friends and family’, said Jonathan Paul Braeger. If I had scored 100 points, I would of watched the game more than a few times and put the best clips on You Tube, but every person is different. For some life goes on and the 100 points remains a beautiful memory, but not more. ‘Truthfully I haven’t watched the game or highlights since it happened’, stressed Jonathan Paul Braeger. Scoring 100 points was real sweet, but the icing on the cake and best thing about that unforgettable day was that his team got the win. Staying humble is something that Jonathan Paul Braeger has remained. The 100 point game is for sure an experience he will never forget, but at the same time his life in the small town of Vilsbiburg will also be a life long memory that he will cherish. ‘I will never forget my teammates. I made some lifelong friendships! The coaching staff too! They taught me many things on being a professional player’, commented Jonathan Paul Braeger.

It is the goal of every professional player to move up the basketball ladder. For some it takes longer than others as Limoges CSP Elite guard Bryce Jones had to toil 4 years in Serbia and Montenegro before reaching the France Pro A or a Stanley Whitaker finally reaching the easyCredit BBL after paying his dues in countries like Lithuania, Austria and Pro A Germany. Some guys reach the next level a lot easier with massive stats or perhaps an incredible achievement, but surprisingly for the American who played with the Chicago Fury (ABA) before coming overseas his 100 point game didn’t help him last summer getting a new job. One has to wonder why he didn’t land at least with another German Regionalliga club. ‘I didn’t have any interest from any German Regionalliga teams after last season. I had some teams reaching out to me surprised I wasn’t going back for another year at Vilsbiburg but no one offered anything. It was tough because I reached out to basically all Regionalliga teams in Germany but every team seemed like they were looking for a Bbg man and not a guard or just had a full roster already’, said Jonathan Paul Braeger. That heavy rejection didn’t hurt his mental state as he always has one goal of just grinding and grinding until that next opportunity comes no matter what. ‘This past summer was a struggle with getting no offers. Mentally it was tough but with the constant support of my girlfriend and family and friends it helped me a ton! Just because I didn’t get an offer doesn’t mean that I didn’t continue to improve my game. Not getting an offer motivated me to work harder than ever before to be ready for the next opportunity! I feel like the 100 point game didn’t help me as much as people thought it would have. Just needed to stay ready’, remembered Jonathan Paul Braeger.

The American scorer who believes that Steph Curry is already the best shooting guard of all-time never lost faith in the tough overseas basketball process. His secret to being able to overcome the mental lapses that arose simply have to do with his love for the game and never losing faith. ‘The love and passion I have for basketball will never go away. And when things seem like they aren’t working then that means you just need to stay focused and keep improving. I trust in the player and teammate I am that when the next opportunity would come knocking that I would be ready! Love of the game doesn’t stop which means the faith doesn’t stop either’, warned Jonathan Paul Braeger. I see how players lives are going on social media and one guy I had my eyes especially on was Jonathan Paul Braeger. I thought that his Cinderella story in Vilsbiburg was a very special one and was always waiting for the day where I would learn of his new destination. I saw many pictures being posted in the autumn and was wondering and hoping that he would get a deal sooner or later. Then shortly after 2023 had arrived came that announcement I was waiting for. He had signed in Iceland. ‘The transfer came out of nowhere! I woke up Friday (06.01.23) with a message from my agency Dagger Basket with the offer at hand!! I’ve always dreamed of coming to Iceland and what better opportunity to come visit this beautiful country and yet alone be able to play professional basketball here! It was a quick process with getting the offer (06.01.23) and then accepting the offer and then leaving that following Wednesday (11.01.23). This is what I train and prepare for! You never know when the time will come but when it does you need to be mentally and physically prepared’, warned Jonathan Paul Braeger. Even if being able to live in a very exotic country could have been enough reason to come, his new organization obviously also played a part. ‘The President and Coach here were a big reason for me coming here. They were very welcoming from the start and have great plans for the rest of this season along with future seasons. Coach here has many years of experience playing but also coaching in the top league and for Iceland’s national U-20 team! He has a lot of knowledge of the game and I’m always willing and wanting to learn! As my dad always told me there’s endless opportunities to continue your knowledge! This isn’t just through basketball but life as well’, added Jonathan Paul Braeger.

The guard who hails from Wisconsin and believes that Luka Doncic is currently together with Giannis 1 and 2 in the NBA is aware that he is playing in the third division in Iceland which should be comparable to 2 Regionalliga-Oberliga Germany in skill level. Knowing this would put most Americans in stat building mode, but he has the ultimate goal that every player should always have first as his main focus. ‘Personaly stats aren’t the most important thing here. I’m a winner with a winning attitude and winning work ethic! They brought me here to win! If that means averaging high numbers then that’s what I’ll do but the main focus every season anywhere I go is to WIN’, warned Jonathan Paul Braeger. He had extra time to grind in the lab this past autumn and winter as well as learning extra through coaching and will be ready for the new challenge. ‘I always work on every part of my game during the off season! Ball handling, shooting and passing! With getting no offers I was able to coach some high level high school basketball back in my home state which has helped me learn a lot about the game. So overall I think my knowledge of the game has improved tremendously! You learn a lot as a player but being able to coach can teach you more then you know’, warned Jonathan Paul Braeger. It is also no secret that he will be exploring Iceland every free moment that he has and knows exactly what he is looking most forward to witnessing. This kind of opportunity is once in a lifetime. ‘The landscapes! I love nature and love the mountains!! Which country could be better for that! And of course the northern lights and natural hot springs!!! I have a huge list of places and things I would love to see and visit while I’m here’, expressed Jonathan Paul Braeger. He doesn’t take anything for granted as he is grateful and thankful each day for being able to play the game he loves for a living. ‘The most special thing about this journey is just believing in my talents and not losing faith. I’ve worked my entire life to get in the spot I’m in and if you know me the work never stopped even when the offers weren’t there. You must fully believe in yourself if you expect someone else to believe in you just as much’, warned Jonathan Paul Braeger. The Cinderella story continues for Jonathan Paul Braeger as he moves from Vilsbiburg to Iceland. It will continue to be exciting to see what he does this season and where his career will continue to go in the future.

Christopher Miller (192-G-1993, college: Salem) is a 29 year old 193cm guard from Brooklyn, New York who is playing his eighth professional season and first with GoldCoast Wallabies NLB (2nd League). He played 3 seasons with the Giessen Pointers (Germany-RegionalligaThis season for Bensheim he averaged 19,5ppg, 3,8rpg, 2,0apg and 1,5spg. He has had experience in countries like El Salvador and Bosnia. He recently played for the South Shore Monarchs (TBL) playing 8 games averaging 22.4ppg, 5.6rpg, 4.3apg, 1.6spg, FGP: 50.8%, 3PT: 35.0%, FT: 83.3%. He began his basketball career at Clinton Community College and also played two years at Salem University (NCAA2). This season he teams up with Miles Schmidt-Scheuber with weekly chats about his basketball season.

Congrats on the big 92-71 win over Levaux. The wins keep coming. Your still perfect in 2023. Is the self-confidence climbing day by day?

We are very happy that the work is showing. Our coaches have been pushing us to stay focused and take it one step at a time. We don’t want to celebrate now just looking forward.

The first 2 wins of 2023 were close ones, but how good did it feel winning by 20 plus points?

It did feel good to win by a bigger margin. We didn’t play a perfect game but I think we handled our business. The ball was moving and everyone was happy with the win.

Talk a little about the 40 minutes. Was this as easy looking as the score implies or were there closer stretches in score?

We started off hot. We were in a good groove but they came back in the game and really gave us a run in the second and third. Ultimately we ran off with the game in the fourth quarter by sticking to our game plan.

You guys defended very well. What adjustments has the team been making the last weeks to find more consistency?

That credit is to our practice. Coach Tresor and Lionel have been pushing us to lock in on defense. They stress about our defense we know we have guys who can score but the key for us winning is focusing on that end of the floor and everyone has a focus on that.

How key were the 11 more free throws made by Wallabies? Were you happy with the team aggressiveness?

We were aggressive. I’m happy we are making free throws. Especially in this league when you get free throws you have to make them. We just want to control what we can and making free throws is on us.

The only guy that really gave you problems was Davie Champagnie. What made so difficult to control him?

He is a very talented player . He can score in multiple ways and is a savvy player. He took advantage of matchups and is also strong. He gave us a great game.

Wallabies had 6 guy s scoring in double figures. Was that one of the best teams scoring efforts since you have been there?


We have a lot of guys who can score any time we have that many guys in double digits I think it’s a great thing. That means the ball is moving, and we are looking for the best possible outcome unselfishly.

You had a very solid game with 21 points, 6 rebounds, 7 assists and 2 steals. Do your expectations of your game continue to grow?

I’m happy that what I brought today resulted in the win . I’m happy with the rebounds and assists . I felt the last 2 games I didn’t get to help out in those categories. I really wanted to play an all around game so I’m happy with that.

You next play Morges Saint-Prex who are 10-5. What will be key for getting the win?

I think if we continue to focus on our selves play together work hard we can have a chance.

Thanks Chris for the chat.

Tags : CHRISTOPHER MILLER, GOLDCOAST WALLABIES, GERMAN BASKETBALL