Scoring 100 points in a basketball game is no easy feat and something that is about as difficult to do as score 10 goals in a Ice Hockey game, score 8 touchdowns in a game or hit 6 home runs in a game. All these feats are very hard to do and scoring 100 points is just so unusual, but it has been done. The most famous 100 point game is the Wilt Chamberlain one from 1962, but there have also been other well known guys who have accomplished it like Croatian legend Drazen Petrovic who scored 112 points in his homeland in 1985 while in the last decade Jack Taylor who played at Grinnell College scored 138 points in 2012 and 109 points in 2013 against Faith Baptist and Crossroads College. It has been done even in Germany as last season American Jonathan Braeger scored 100 points in a Regionalliga game. This season the last American with the name of JJ Culver (193-G-1997, college: WBU) to score 100 points in the United States is balling his first season in Germany with Rasta Vechta 2. The American did it in 2019 with NAIA team Wayland Baptist University against Southwestern Adventist University. That historic event may have been more than 3 years ago, but he still has fond memories to this day. He also knows it couldn’t have been accomplished without his special basketball family. ‘When you have great teammates anything is possible including scoring 100 points. And I’d say during half time was the point my team wanted to see how many points I could score’, remembered JJ Culver. The ex 100 point man has come to Germany and currently is conquering the Pro B this season.

JJ Culver who lists Ruben Lopez, Maurice, Josh Throns, Jack Nobles, and Sammy as his best teammates of all-time was born on December 14th, 1997 in Lubbock, Texas and attended Coronado high school. That the Culver family stand for excellence in sports is an understatement. JJ’s older brother Trey was a stellar athlete at Texas Tech for track and field and tied the fourth best mark in collegiate history in the high jump. His younger brother Jarrett reached the NCAA final with Texas Tech and was a #6 draft pick in 2019 and played with Minnesota, Memphis and is currently with the Atlanta Hawks. It is only normal that JJ developed a chip on his shoulder having such a competitive relationship with NBA brother Jarrett. ‘It does give me a chip on my shoulder! He’s an amazing player and he gives me great advice. I also give him advice on things that I see. We have a close bond’, warned JJ Culver. The American played at Wayland Baptist University (NAIA) from 2016-2020 playing a total of 126 games. In his freshman year he averaged 9.8ppg, 3.9rpg, 1.4apg, 1.7spg, FGP: 56.0%, 3PT: 30.7%, FT: 67.4%. He might have only scored in double figures in 13 of 29 games, but showed his explosiveness hitting Oklahoma S for 36 points in a big 113-107 victory. In his second season he averaged 10.7ppg, 5.4rpg, 2.2apg, 1.6spg, FGP: 39.3%, 3PT: 29.1%, FT: 67.2%. He scored in double figures in 12 of 34 games including scoring 32 points against Jarvis Christian in a 97-82 win. His game really took off in his junior season as he gave consistency a new meaning as he averaged 17.6ppg, 6.6rpg, 3.0apg, 1.8spg, FGP: 51.6%, 3PT: 37.6%, FT: 77.8%. He scored in double figures in 24 of 32 games including 35 points in a 106-74 crushing win over Langston. He took another massive step in his senior year as he averaged 23.1ppg, 6.4rpg, 3.2apg, 2.7spg, FGP: 46.2%, 3PT: 34.3%, FT: 76.8%. He scored in double figures in 32 of 33 games and scored 30 points or more 7 times including his 100 point game and hit Bellevue for 40 points in a tough 79-78 loss. ‘The best achievement besides the 100 points would be winning the regular season and getting a ring. I was so proud of the players and staff and everyone who supported us. And that elite 8 team was very special’, stated JJ Culver. He racked up many achievements in his 4 year NAIA career with SAC Tournament Finalist -2018, NAIA D1 Elite Eight -2018, SAC Regular Season Champion -2019, All-SAC Player of the Year -2019, All-SAC First Team -2019, NABC All-NAIA D1 First Team -2019, and NAIA All-Star Game -2020. It is only logical that he is extremely blessed for having gotten the total trust from head coach Ty Harrelson in his 4 year career. ‘He coached me hard, told me to keep working, he supports me, tells me about his experience, and much more. I could go on forever’, warned JJ Culver.

JJ Culver and Ty Harrelson

The Texas native who lists NBA player Malik Beasley as his toughest foe on the court when he was on the NBA Summer League squad of the Minnesota Timberwolves began his rookie season in Lithuania and split time with 2 teams with Ereliai Mazeikiai (Lithuania-NKL) playing 3 games averaging 1.7ppg, 2.3rpg, 2.3apg,and then in Nov.’21 moved to BC Silute (Lithuania-NKL) playing 24 games averaging 7.1ppg, 2.5rpg, 1.1apg, 1.2spg, FGP: 60.7%, 3PT: 29.1%, FT: 71.4%. That first station overseas is never easy for an American and he remembers hard times when his stomach was growling for some fine American food. ‘I knew I was very far away from home when I didn’t see as many fast food restaurants in Lithuania’, smiled JJ Culver. His minutes at BC Silute were unstable as one game he played 32 minutes and the next only 8 minutes, but he did show some of his unique skills scoring 26 points against Delikatesas and 22 points against Telsiai. Even if he had serious battles against American teammate Delante Jones in practice, it proved more than worthwhile. ‘Our battles were amazing!! He’s one of the best teammates I’ve ever had! He’s like a brother to me. We both helped each other grow so much! I literally can’t say enough about how great a teammate he was’, commented JJ Culver. He closed out his rookie season with a tough 5 game playoff loss to LSU-Atletas. ‘I’ll never forget how close we were to winning that series. Just got to keep learning and keep moving forward’, expressed JJ Culver.

The explosive scorer who lists Michael Jordan, Kobe Bryant, Lebron James, Steph Curry, and Larry Bird on his personal NBA Mount Rushmore is playing his second professional season in Germany. When he first heard about the offer, he didn’t know much about the country, but knew how competitive the leagues were. He decided to join Rasta Vechta 2 who compete in the third division. It was a no brainer to come to Vechta, because his ex coach Ty Harrelson was coach of Rasta Vechta of the second division. ‘I love Coach Harrelson and he’s helped me with many things throughout my life. He’s the best coach I’ve ever had’, warned JJ Culver. He was able to play once for Harrelson scoring 3 points in 11 minutes against PS Karlsruhe, but this season he is primarily playing for ambitious and up and coming German head coach Hendrik Gruehn who led Rasta Vechta 2 last season from the Regionalliga up to the Pro B and helped the Vechta U-19 team reach the top 4 in Frankfurt. After sitting out the 20-21 season and having growing pains in Lithuania last season, he has come in very hungry this season. ‘I’m very confident! I just trust the work that I’ve put in and I just got to continue to work and get better’, warned JJ Culver. He has been rewarded averaging 16,7ppg, 6,6rpg, 3,6apg and 2,6 spg. He scored 30 points in a 89-81 win over Schwelm and 28 points in a tough 102-91 loss to Rhondorf. The team is only 5-7 and still searching for a defensive identity. This weekend Culver and co will be seeking revenge and first win of 2023 in Rhondorf. Coach Gruhn is ecstatic that he made the right choice with Culver. ‘I saw him coming in as being a great defender that always plays with intensity and aggressiveness for the team. And that is exactly what he has given us this season. He sets the tone on defense and is a huge role model for the young kids. He understood right away that he is playing for a farm team where the first priority is to develop the young players. He is a guy that can come through in tough situations and even win a game. He has a great character and is always smiling. He is a gym rat. We sometimes have to throw him out of the gym’, smiled Hendrik Gruhn.

JJ and brother Jarrett

The guard who has Jordan as his GOAT and Steph Curry as the greatest point guard of all time is a 193cm guard that compares his game to Curry. He continues to watch a lot of film on the Golden State Warrior and already did this in school with Ty Harrelson seeing how he read screens and got open. He has always been a scorer and it continues in Germany. ‘It’s always been in my genes. I love to score and I also love winning’, warned JJ Culver. Offense has always been what he is known for, but he also has proved to be a 2 way player. ‘One of my main strengths is defense. Defense is very important and that’s what wins championships. I see myself as a great defender now and I want to become the best defender I can be’, stressed JJ Culver. His chip continues to be heavy as this phenomenal talent is only at the beginning of his career. He knows what has to be done in order for his chances to move up the basketball ladder to improve. ‘I’ve been working on my mid range, one and two dribble pull ups, and fade aways. I’m also keeping my strengths sharp, which include 3’s, layups, driving, and more’, added JJ Culver. It will be interesting to follow where the journey of JJ Culver will go in the next years. It is also interesting to know what he gets asked more on a regular basis, about his 100 point game or that he is the brother of NBA player Jarrett Culver. ‘I get asked how it feels to have scored 100 points a lot. I tell everyone it was an amazing feeling and a special day’, stressed JJ Culver. There is the answer. But the love for each other will always be there even when each guy would say they would win in a 1-1 battle on the court. After his 100 point feat Jarrett tweeted with ‘JJ you a legend brother’. That is exactly how brotherly love should be. Always there for one another no matter what.

Tags : JJ CULVER, RASTA VECHTA, GERMAN BASKETBALL

James Palmer Jr. (196-G/F-1996, college: Nebraska) is a 26 year old 196cm forward from Washington DC playing his fourth professional season and first with JL Bourg Basket (France-Betclic ELITE ProA). Last season he played with Arged BM Stal Ostrow Wielkopolski (Poland-EBL) averaging 15.3ppg, 4.0rpg, 3.4apg, 1.3spg, FGP: 62.2%, 3PT: 41.7%, FT: 77.5%; and played 6 BCL games averaging 15.2ppg, 6.3rpg, 3.0apg, FGP: 41.5%, 3PT: 47.8%. He played his first 2 pro seasons with Agua Caliente Clippers of Ontario (NBA G League) averaging 19.1ppg, 4.1rpg, 2.8apg, 1.2spg, FGP: 51.3%, 3PT: 29.8%, FT: 77.5% and in his second season averaged 16.1ppg, 4.7rpg, 2.7apg, FGP: 45.3%, 3PT: 25.4%, FT: 78.3%. He began his basketball career with St. John’s College High School and then played 2 seasons and 71 NCAA games with the University of Miami (NCAA) averaging 3.7ppg, 1.4rpg and 3.5ppg, 1.2rpg. He then finished at the University of Nebraska (NCAA) averaging 17.2ppg, 4.4rpg, 3.0apg, FGP: 51.3%, 3PT: 30.9%, FT: 73.8% as a junior and 19.7ppg, 4.2rpg, 3.0apg, 1.4spg, FGP: 40.1%, 3PT: 31.3%, FT: 76.2% as a senior. Before turning pro he played at the well known Portsmouth Invitational Tournament (Pre-NBA Draft) averaging 18.3ppg, 3.3rpg, 3.3apg, Steals-3 (2.0spg). He spoke recently to germanhoops.com before a Eurocup game against ratiopharm Ulm

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

my experience in Bourg is great. I’m thankful for this opportunity.

Your playing your second pro season overseas and first with JL Bourg Basket (France-Betclic ELITE ProA). You already played in Poland last year, but as a kid form Washington DC, what kind of an experience has it been experiencing the culture of old town Bourg? It has less than 3,000 people. Is it like a culture shock?

No it’s not a culture shock at all. I’m able to adjust to just about anywhere so it’s pretty cool being in a small town.

You played in the NCAA and then the G-League that is totally different basketball compared to Europe. You had a solid season in Poland and have heightened your game in France. How do you explain being able to be consistent since coming from the States?

Just trusting all the hard work I put into this game I think is the reason I’m able to stay consistent at a high level. Focus and being coachable is key.

Since your days in Nebraska you have not only been a scorer but a stat filler. How do you feel has your game grown the last 2 years since coming from the G-League?

In the last two years I think my game has grown tremendously. In the summer I work on weaknesses so that I don’t have any weaknesses. Also keep my strengths sharp at the same time. Breaking down what I didn’t and do during the past season has helped me grow a lot. Each year I aim to be great in all aspects.

On what area’s of your game do you feel do you still need to work on to make the next step to the Euroleague? Possibly upping your assists more and three point percentage?

The areas of my game to make it to euroleague would be just reading the game and learning when to attack and when to play time clock management

Last season you played with BM Stal Ostrow Wielkopolski (Poland-EBL) averaging 15.3ppg, 4.0rpg, 3.4apg, 1.3spg, FGP: 62.2%, 3PT: 41.7%, FT: 77.5%; and in the BCL averaged 15.2ppg, 6.3rpg, 3.0apg, FGP: 41.5%, 3PT: 47.8%. What do you remember being your wake up call to being overseas where you knew that you were far away from home?

I can’t really say I had a wake up call honestly at the end of the day I’m doing what I love.

What memories do you have from your first playoff series as a professional getting swept by Legia? You lost all 3 games by not more than 11 points combined?

My first playoff series didn’t go as planned but it was learning experience.

In Poland you were teammates with ex NBA player Kobi Simmons. What kind of a relationship did you have with him? You must have had NBA stories to tell each other?

Yea Kobi is a great guy and teammate. Very fun to be around

After your NCAA career, you had a good NBA Summer League with Phoenix and then was in training camp with the Los Angeles Clippers. What memories do you have from that first breath of the NBA? What kind of feedback do you remember getting from the coaching staff about reaching the NBA?

My first years coming out of college were great I learned a lot from NBA veterans. Just how they go about everyday life on and off the court. Their work ethic and just realizing and taking it in all in

You played your first 2 pro seasons with the Agua Caliente Clippers of Ontario (NBA G League) averaging 19.1ppg, 4.1rpg, 2.8apg, 1.2spg, FGP: 51.3%, 3PT: 29.8%, FT: 77.5% and in your second season averaged 16.1ppg, 4.7rpg, 2.7apg, FGP: 45.3%, 3PT: 25.4%, FT: 78.3%. There are guys with lesser stats in the G-League that reached the NBA. How disappointing was not reaching the big show?

It wasn’t really disappointing because you can’t worry about anything else when it comes to things like that. Can’t compare to the next man. Also I was hurt when I was in consideration to be called up so I just go with Gods plan and execute.

What memories do you have from your first G-League game where you exploded for 40 points in a 121-120 win over the Suns. There were countless NBA guys on the floor and you were the best on the court.

My first game ever game as a pro was definitely nerve wrecking but fun at the same time. It was a great game that went all the way down to the last few seconds. Definitely something I will not forget.

After 2 years in the G-League what was the best example for you that the NBA will always be a business first before anything else?

Yea the NBA is definitely a business just based off how they operate things there and what goes on behind closed doors.

Is the NBA still an option for you or are you concentrating 100% on a career overseas now?

The NBA will always be my dream but my head is where my feet are currently.

You began your NCAA career at Miami. In your first 2 seasons you never averaged more than 13 minutes and 3,0ppg. How disappointing was this time? What do you remember being the most challenging thing?

It was a little disappointing but I always stayed in the gym and always stayed positive through the ups and downs. I knew my time would come sooner or later.

You beat Duke twice in 2 different seasons. There aren’t many guys that can say they did that. That Duke team your freshman season was crazy stocked with future NBA talent. Was that one of the best if not best team you played against in the NCAA?

Yea that Duke team was definitely one of the top teams I played in my college career.

You then finished at the University of Nebraska (NCAA) where you totally took off averaging 17.2ppg, 4.4rpg, 3.0apg, FGP: 51.3%, 3PT: 30.9%, FT: 73.8% as a senior averaging 19.7ppg, 4.2rpg, 3.0apg, 1.4spg, FGP: 40.1%, 3PT: 31.3%, FT: 76.2%. How do you feel did your game grow in those 2 years?

My game grew tremendously and my confidence is what ultimately took over in order for me to be successful. Great 2 years at Nebraska

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

He prepared me well because he wasn’t afraid to coach me or light a fire under me. He knew that I was always able of giving just a little more. Also gave me the confidence so I love him for that.

Who won a 1-1 in practice you or Anton Gill?

I’m not sure if we actually played 1v1 against each other

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

I faced a lot of guys that made the NBA. Miles Bridges, Jahlil Okafor, Grayson Allen, Carsen Edwards, just to name a few

Please name your 5 best teammates of all-time?

I had a lot of great teammates so it’s hard to just point out a specific group of teammate that were my best

Please name your personal NBA Mount Rushmore?

Michael Jordan, Kobe Bryant, Kevin Durant, lebron James

What is your personal opinion of the neverending debate of who is the greatest of all-time Jordan or Lebron?

I think Jordan is the greatest to ever touch a basketball honestly

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

Yes I seen it and I think it was a good movie just like the first one.

Thanks James for the chat.

Tags : JAMES PALMER JR., JL BOURG BASKET, GERMAN BASKETBALL

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. In his rookie season 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 germanhoops.com after the 99-74 win over the Fraport Skyliners.

Thanks Jaleen for talking to germanhoops.com. Congrats on the 99-74 win over the Fraport Skyliners. You didn’t play tonight. The team didn’t need you on this night.

We have 9 import players and tonight it was my turn to sit. It was good to get rest. It really doesn’t matter who plays for us, because everyone gets the job done.

Alba Berlin came out firing and won the first quarter 28-17. Was that typical Alba Berlin basketball?

We played with more rhythm. We did a good job coming out and playing our game. It was typical Alba Berlin game.

Alba Berlin began with a 10-4 run to start the second quarter, but the Fraport Skyliners came back going on a 19-8 run to trail 46-36. What did Alba Berlin get away from?

We had a lot of turnovers and lost our focus. Frankfurt had a lot of young guys and we thought the game would be easy. But give Frankfurt credit because they kept fighting and kept game close.

The Fraport Skyliners got 6 lay ups and a mid distance shot. How can a top defensive team like Alba Berlin give up easy buckets?

We just weren’t focused on defense.

51 points were scored in the third quarter as Alba Berlin won the quarter 27-24. Frankfurt kept fighting but couldn’t get over the hump. Ben Lammers showed he can score in bunches.

The third quarter was tight. They started to make shots and then missed, because they were getting fatigued. Ben is really tough to guard. The mid distance shot for him is an easy shot whereas for other bigs a tough shot.

Alba Berlin closed out the game well. What is your summary of the game and what positives can you take form the win?

We won by the margin of what we expected to. You have to win these games. It is still a long season and we have a lot of work to do.

You haven’t seen too many of the lower teams except Bayreuth but what does your gut feeling say about the Fraport Skyliners?

Frankfurt was missing guys. They are still really a good team. They were missing Marcus Lewis and didn’t have fire power. Despite that I still think that they will stay in the league.

Quantez Robertson has taken a very much reduced role this season in his 14th year. How much of an annoying player is he still at age 38?

Tez was playing the 4 and 5 tonight and our big men had trouble scoring against him. He is still strong and one of the best defenders in the league. He is still a pesky player. You see guys like him, Darden and Polas still proving that they can compete against the younger guys.

The team is playing great in the easyCredit BBL, but struggling in the Euroleague. Is the record in the Euroleague deceiving because you lost 5 games by 5 or less points and some real heart breakers to FC Barcelona, Monaco and FC Bayern Munich?

I also think that our record is deceiving. The games in the Euroleague come down to the end. 3 or 4 mistakes have cost us a few games. All games are tough in Euroleague.

The team is averaging 13 points more per game, but allowing 6 points more. How is the offense better than last season and on what area’s do you need to clean up the defense?

We have to keep working on defense and I feel like we will continue to get better. I think we also need to practice more. Our offense is well oiled. We know how to play well with each other.

Alba Berlin has 8 guys averaging between 8-12 points per game in the easyCredit BBL. Has the team gotten a tad more unselfish this season?

We all enjoy anyone scoring. It doesn’t matter if it’s Luke Sikma or a guy coming off an injury, we cheer for everyone. We are genuinely happy for the success of each other. It doesn’t matter if it’s the top or last player on the squad, we want to see everyone do well.

Alba Berlin is allowing 79 points per game. 7 years ago the Fraport Skyliners and Gordon Herbert averaged allowing under 70 points for the season. It seems like the competition has gotten better in the easyCredit BBL?

I think that the game is more fast paced now with more possessions and points. I think that if you see a team holding another team under 70 points, it is more old school basketball. Our style is fast paced so we will always score points.

The roster is almost identical. You lost Oscar Da Silva and gained Yannick Wetzell and Gabriele Procida. Talk a little about the new guys and what you appreciate most about their game?

Their both great guys. Gabriel is an excellent athletic shooter at the 2-3 position. Yannick play like a seasoned post player even if he is still young. He has the chance to model his game after Luke Sikma.

Your playing another very solid season with Alba Berlin doing the most you can in the minutes you get. You playing 2 more Euroleague minutes and 2 minutes less in the easyCredit BBL. But your stats are better. How vital was that first season of grooming with Alba Berlin?

My first season helped me play more off the ball. I feel like I’m as comfortable playing off the ball as on the ball this season.

You have shaved your turnovers down. Do you credit that to knowing your teammates better and heightening your IQ in the last season?

I think like you said it’s a combination of knowing my teammates and being smart when and where to pass the ball. Plus being aggressive and finding my spots.

Your shooting the ball a lot better from outside at the moment in the easyCredit BBL. What has been bigger the self-confidence or shot selection?

My teammates are as usual doing a great job finding me. Now it’s not step backs or shooting with movement, but getting more spot up shots which has helped my percentage.

You have had some really good games in the Euroleague. Do you sense like your getting even more respect this season in comparison to last season?

I don’t care what other’s think. I just hoop how I hoop. If I get more respect now then great.

You recently led all scorers in a win over Asvel where you battled ex Bonn guard Parker Jackson-Cartwright. What was your overall impression of him in the Euroleague?

I know he started off different, but has gotten better. I think that with his confidence and that of his team for him will help him find his form from last season in the BBL.

Luka Doncic’s game has exploded in the last week with 3 50 points games out of 5. Do you still hope that you will be able to battle him one day on the court?

I actually played against him last summer in a friendly game. His IQ is simply different from everyone else. Giannis and Luka are on another level in comparison to other NBA players. It was amazing to witness him in person.

We are in 2023 now. Did you make any new years resolutions?

No I didn’t. I just hope for another title with Alba Berlin.

Thanks Jaleen for the chat.

Tags : JALEEN SMITH, ALBA BERLIN, GERMAN BASKETBALL

It isn’t often that you will come across American players balling overseas that played at St Vincent-St Mary high school in Akron, Ohio. The school probably wouldn’t stand out as much as it has in the last 20 years had it not produced a famous alumni. He isn’t just famous, but currently the greatest basketball player and for many the GOAT the same way Tom Brady is in the NFL. The question is who is the GOAT of all sports, but that’s for another article. I’m talking about The King Lebron James. Over the last 20 years there haven’t been too many guys go pro from St Vincent-St Mary’s. Some notable guys have been Jakarr Sampson, Jerome Lane and Jalen Hudson just to name a few. There actually are 2 more guys with Dru Joyce and Romeo Travis who had the distinction of being Lebron’s teammates at St Vincent and helping win 3 state titles from 2000-2003. These are 2 guys that could probably write a book about their experiences with Lebron James and have enough stories to fill the time for the next 30 Thanksgivings and are brothers for life. But every now and then there will be an exceptional talent that played at St Vincent-St Mary and then made it to the pro ranks. The newest is Jayvon Graves (190-G-1998, college: Buffalo) who is balling this season with for Limoges CSP Elite (France-Betclic ELITE ProA). It can be imaginable having to hold up the torch for excellence and success at St Vincent-St Mary’s wasn’t always easy. ‘I never felt pressure playing at St. V but the pressure can come from when teams always target your team because of LeBron’s name and the program that has been built there. He’s a legend and has done so much there for myself and others so you are always honored to have him mentioned’, stressed Jayvon Graves. He is one of the few lucky professional players that was able to breathe the exceptional Lebron Mystique on a daily basis.

Miles Schmidt-Scheuber interviewing Dru Joyce in Frankfurt in his rookie season in Germany in 2007 when he played for ratiopharm Ulm

Miles Schmidt-Scheuber and Romeo Travis in Ulm in 2008

The guard who remembers going back and forth with Ronaldo Segu in daily 1-1 battles at Buffalo was born on December 29, 1998 in Malvern, Ohio and grew up there. He not only excelled at basketball at a young age starting at age 6, but also was a talented baseball and football player. He helped lead the well known high school St Vincent-St Mary’s to it’s first high school title and first since 2011 helping it to a 25-5 record and averaged 21,5ppg, 4,9rpg and 2,5apg and produced a fine double double of 22p/10r in the title game. Being able to win a title there is something he will never forget. ‘This meant everything to me because it capped off my high school career the perfect way. I made it to state 3 of my 4 years but I finally was able to win it my last year after having a really good individual season and I was able to play with some of my best friends and make memories. I was also able to play under great coaches who taught me a lot, especially assistant coach Illya McGee who I developed a great relationship with on and off the court’, said Jayvon Graves. He was named All-Ohio player of the year and Ceveland.com Boys Basketball Player of the Year as well. Having been able to play for Dru Joyce Sr was vital in his early development and just having the Joyce family present in his life then was massive. ‘Coach Dru has played a major role for my career, he trusted me to be the player I eventually became. He lets your role grow each year as long as you put in the work. He is a great coach but even a better person. Little Dru gave me some good lessons and even offered me some advice before I came to Limoges because he also played here before’, stressed Jayvon Graves. He also played AAU for the King James shooting stars.

Jayvon Graves and St Vincent St Mary´s head coach Dru Joyce Sr

Despite having NCAA offers from 13 schools, The Ohio native who lists Shai Gilgeous-Alexander and Markus Howard as his toughest foes in the NCAA opted to attend the University of Buffalo which was a great choice as he reached 2 NCAA tournaments and won the MAC title twice beating Toledo and Bowling Green. ‘ For me personally winning the MAC championship my sophomore year against Bowling Green was sweeter because I contributed a lot in that game and our team was really rolling as we were ranked 14th in the country so it was a great moment’, remembered Jayvon Graves. As a freshman he averaged only 16 minutes averaging 5,3ppg, 2,2rpg and 1,0apg. One of his first big moments was reaching the NCAA tournament and battling against an always tough Kentucky team losing 95-75 and had to duel against future NBA player Shai Gilgeous-Alexander. ‘Playing against Kentucky was a good experience. We had just beat a really good Arizona team the game before and played Kentucky tough all game. They had over 5 NBA pros that year. Shai was a tough match up because he controlled the pace of the whole game’, stated Jayson Graves. He made another jump in his sophomore season averaging 24 minutes and averaging 9.8ppg, 4.2rpg, 1.9apg, FGP: 55.4%, 3PT: 37.6%, FT: 62.5%. He reached the NCAA tournament again helping beat Arizona State, but then losing to Texas Tech. He had his best season as a junior as the school lost 3 key players to graduation and averaged 17.1 ppg, 5,4rpg and 2,5apg. He had a 33 point explosion in a double OT win over Kent State. ‘This game was my most memorable for sure because I had only 3 points in the first half. All of my family was in the stands because Kent State is only 20 minutes from where I live. Also they were a really good team’, added Jayvon Graves. In his senior year he put up solid stats again despite Covid being a pest for everyone averaging 14.2ppg, 6.1rpg, 3.8apg, 1.4spg, FGP: 48.8%, 3PT: 28.1%, FT: 57.5%. ‘The biggest challenge of my senior year was trying to get a rhythm. We never knew when a game would get cancelled or if some places would have fans in the stands. For school it was easier for me because every class was online so I had more time’, expressed Jayvon Graves. He played 56 NCAA games in his last 2 seasons and had 50 games where he scored in double figures. Another memorable game was beating Dru Joyce’s old school Akron 80-78 and registering a rare triple double of 13/10/11. He couldn’t of had all this success without the superior guidance of head coach Nate Oates who was also a big reason why he chose to play at Buffalo and Jim Whitesell. ‘Coach Oats and Whitesell have prepared me a lot for the next level. They made sure I focused on the details, always played hard, and held me accountable. To get on the floor a lot as a freshman and then start as a sophomore under Oats I had to play good defense. And under coach Whitesell he trusted me to make plays and he also put me in the position to develop into a point guard my senior year’, warned Jayvon Graves.

The ex Buffalo (NCAA) player who lists Michael Jordan, Lebron , Kobe, and Magic Johnson on his personal NBA Mount Rushmore began his professional career in 2021 and played a season with the Austin Spurs in the G-League. Often guys will choose the G-League first to get a taste of how brutal that first season can be and then head overseas. ‘The G League experience for me was good.In fact I was able to learn from good vets, play a key role at most parts of the season, and play against guys with a lot NBA experience and a lot of talent. We had eyes on us a lot of times in the year based off of San Antonio not being far away as well as the Covid outbreaks allowed for many call ups for guys throughout the season’, remembered Jayvon Graves. The G-League is a very tough league, because everyone wants to reach the NBA. Sometimes guys get lost in the shuffle. He did the most out of his situation. ‘When some guys were playing with us that the NBA team drafted a lot of times my minutes would drop as well as guys that had bigger names based off of already spending time in the NBA it could be tough but mentaly I stayed positive and was able to put up good numbers for many games throughout the season and showed what I can do with the minutes I got’, commented Jayvon Graves. He played 40 games with Austin averaging 7.4ppg, 3.0rpg, 2.4apg, FGP: 45.9%, 3PT: 36.7%, FT: 77.3%. He scored in double figures in 15 games. He had some good spurts like hitting Texas back to back with 20 and 18 points and later in his last game against them scored 16 points, but to keep consistency is just very difficult and getting that fair chance to be able to become a player that can score and get a good amount of shots because of all the players coming and going. ‘I think it all depends on the situation and organization you are in. You just have to control what you can control’, warned Jayvon Graves. He had a great game against Iowa with 16/8/8/4 stats showing what he can do when given the opportunity. ‘I think this game was in my top 2 or 3 games that year. I felt like I showcased my abilities all over the stat sheet and also that game I forced one of their players into many turnovers which is big for me because I pride myself on being a good defender’, remembered Jayvon Graves.

This season the guard who can’t mention just 5 great teammates of all-time simply because he has played with so many is playing his first season overseas with Limoges CSP Elite (France-Betclic ELITE ProA). ‘ This experience has been a pretty quick adjustment for me. I came into a situation with good teammates that have welcomed me and I have a good role on the team. I learned to appreciate the wins of each game no matter how they come by. Also the fans out here, the games are very intense and the crowd always shows their excitement at home games and on the road’, stressed Jayvon Graves. Despite putting up solid stats in the France Pro A with 8/2/2/1 stats and in the Basketball Champions league with 9/3/2/1 stats, he did have a wake up call to being overseas for the first time and also still getting adjusted to certain rules on the court. ‘The wake up call for me was Thanksgiving and Christmas being away from home from family seeing them all together and enjoying the good meals. I would say the biggest adjustment has been that there is no three seconds on defense so it’s more of a crowded paint when attacking but I think I have adjusted well’, said Jayvon Graves. Being overseas for the first time is never easy for an American and despite having missed the last few games because of a minor back problem, he is 100% again, it is having strong ties to other American vets like teammates Bryce Jones and Jovontae Hawkins that makes the whole overseas experience a lot easier. ‘ Bryce has been a great presence for me with him being a veteran overseas he’s told me good advice on and off the court. When he was hurt I had to step up into a larger role to begin the season and now that he’s back we’ve been battling and making each other better in practice. Javontae was my host when I took a visit to Fordham University and ever since then we kept in touch so whenever I got this opportunity to play with him, I was excited to be with someone familiar. He plays hard and is versatile he can do a lot of different things on the floor’, warned Jayvon Graves.

The ex high school state champion of Ohio who has Jordan and Lebron 1-2 on his GOAT list is a 190cm guard that compares his game to a trio of fine NBA players with Jrue Holiday, Donovan Mitchell, and Jamal Murray. ‘I watch a lot of different guys so not just one specific’, said Jayvon Graves. If you watch his game, it becomes apparent that he can do so much for the success of a team and not just one or two things. ‘I would describe myself as a versatile player that can do whatever the team needs to get the win’, stressed Jayvon Graves. His three point shooting is still a work in progress, but going in a positive direction as his goal is too hit that shot consistently and hold the 40% or better mark. ‘I work on my shot a lot, I think with the right shot selection that will hit the 40% mark very soon. I am in different roles and positions often so my shots come from many different spots. So I just have to keep trying to be consistent’, added Jayvon Graves. He is just at the start of his professional career and knows improving will be the key to reaching the highest level one day. ‘I’ve been studying film with someone after every game so there are a few specific things we’ve talked about trying to improve in the off season but in general right now I just want to stay consistent and aggressive’, warned Jayvon Graves. Lebron James is still going strong at age 38 and whenever he does retire, will without a doubt go out as the greatest skilled player of all-time. Getting asked about Lebron James must be a daily thing for him even overseas. One has to wonder how often he had the pleasure of shaking Lebron James’s hand and just indulging in small talk? ‘I have encountered him multiple times but it has always been positive. My freshman year he came and talked to us at practice and every year while I was there he came to at least one game a year just supporting us and telling us to keep winning and doing our thing’, remembered Jayvon Graves. It will be interesting how far a guy like Jayvon Graves will go in the next years in his quest to become the best player he can. One thing is for sure, Jayvon Graves will always have A few mindboggling stories to tell anywhere he is in his life about having special experiences with Lebron James.

Tags : JAYVON GRAVES, LIMOGES CSP ELITE, GERMAN BASKETBALL

You have to wonder how much American players suffered overseas before facetime. Back in the day not seeing your loved ones sometimes for up to 8-9 months was a tough pill to swallow especially for rookies. Sometimes guys weren’t even going home for Christmas and were lucky to get a Mcdonalds X-mas dinner considering in some countries like Romania didn’t necessarily have one on every corner like in cities in Detroit or Atlanta. So going home for the holiday season for at least a few days or even a week was a massive luxury. It isn’t any different in 2022. Granted having Facetime is an incredible invention, because you can see your loved ones on your phone, but it isn’t anything like the real thing coming off that plane and being able to hug your mom at the airport and begin discussing when your going to get your favorite home cooked meal. So it was a no brainer for American baller Jeremy Ingram (183-G-1991, college: AAMU) to return home to Texas to celebrate Christmas with his mom. But when your playing in the Regionalliga (4th division Germany) and the league is on a 2 week break, you want to get as much of time with your loved ones as possible. But sometimes that big heart and unending love for basketball will make you make decisions that others probably wouldn’t make. A few days after Christmas, he went from San Antonio, Texas to Bremerhaven on instant request to play in an exhibition game. ‘Basketball has been my safe place my whole life. It has gotten me through high school, college, and some of my best moments in life has been revolved around basketball. Crazy thing is , I still get the same feeling when I’m hooping now as I did when I was very young just falling in love with the game’, warned Jeremy Ingram.

But before we go to Bremerhaven, let me rewind back to the first half of the season of Ingram’s team Bargteheide. The season began with a brutal 77-76 loss where he contributed 27 points, but got injured. The explosive guard who is playing his seventh professional season had to sit and watch for almost 2 months and saw his team go 3-5. Despite having a losing record, he was extremely proud of their effort. ‘My team fought and worked everyday in practice. Even though they lost a few games when I was gone, they got better and improved as a team so when I did get back we were all ready to turn our season around’, stated Jeremy Ingram. He had never had a serious injury in his pro career until now and had to do a lot of soul searching, but his hard work in rehab rewarded him and his team. ‘I learned that at any moment the game can be taken from me so I should enjoy every single moment and never take playing basketball professionally for granted. I also learned that I am relentless and tough as nails because I was supposed to be sitting out until February but I came back early and have been playing on a slightly fractured left foot’, stressed Jeremy Ingram. The American finally return to action on November 19th leading his team to a thrilling 112-111 win over Westerstede where he exploded for 35 points. Big wins followed against Aschersleben and Rendsburg. He is putting up insane MVP type of stats of 28/5/2/6 in this period despite not being 100%. ‘I think I am a very important piece for my team and hopefully they feel the same. Everybody on our team is an important piece though and we going to need everybody to finish this season even stronger. I was actually playing those games on 1 good foot so I wasn’t even close to 100%, maybe like 70%. My foot is actually still slightly fractured. Hopefully its fully healed in the next 2 months’, added Jeremy Ingram. When you inspect his game, there isn’t much he can improve on except cutting down on turnovers, but he isn’t too worried about that area of his game. ‘I have the ball in my hands a lot and I am a very creative player with the ball so I will have a few turnovers. Turnovers is not a big concern for me because I actually do not turn the ball over a lot so I think I’m ok in that area. Since my injury I have been a step slow so I’m working on getting that back’, commented Jeremy Ingram. Winning is always his biggest priority, but also growth within the team is a big factor on his menu. ‘I would say our biggest goals is to finish the season very strong and have fun doing it as a family’, expressed Jeremy Ingram.

Miles Schmidt-Scheuber and Chris Cumings in Limburg in 2022

The guard who played at Alabama A&M went into the break averaging 26,3ppg, 5,0rpg, 2,0apg and 5,0spg. Even if he has many concerns about the state of his home country and is more than blessed to be overseas there is nothing like being at home. ‘I just think America is not really a safe place to raise a family right now. I love America but I think it’s just not right for me at the moment. Too many random mass killings, politically unstable and simply too much going on right now. So I think being overseas is what’s best for me. It was very important for me to go see my family for the holidays which was the main reason I went back for a week. And it was a good break to give my fractured foot more time to heal. I also love going back so I can eat a lot of American food’, warned Jeremy Ingram. Just being able to be able to go home from time to time and spend precious time with his mom is something that he wouldn’t trade in for anything. Just being able to sit down in the living room and remember the good old days when she would shoot out the lights on him in the front yard until a few years later he began blocking her shots is something that he doesn’t want to miss. ‘My mom pretty much raised me on her own, took me to all my games, supported me and stood by me when nobody else did so she deserves a lot of the credit to where I am today. She was always my biggest fan’, said Jeremy Ingram.

Jeremy Ingram and Miles Schmidt-Scheuber in Idstein in 2020

The ex TV Idstein guard who recently proclaimed that Luka Doncic is the oldest 23 year old player he has ever seen because of his smartness was home fueling up on his favorite food suddenly got a call from his old coach Chris Cummings from SG Mannheim if it was possible to come to Germany during the break to play in an exhibition game in Bremerhaven organized by Walter Kruso. When your able to play for your old coach, it is obviously a no brainer and combined having that special love for the game you can make the jump from San Antonio to Bremerhaven on instant request. ‘I’ve learned a lot from Chris. I learned a lot about basketball and about life in general. I also had my best season ever playing for him so he is not just a coach to me but a friend also’, warned Jeremy Ingram. One can say that he came and he conquered scoring 50 points in the game. He had to showcase his magnificent talent against various players from different leagues. ‘I would compare the level of play to the level of the league I’m playing in now. The other teams coach actually coaches in my league now. There were Reg players, a few former top league players on my team, and Pro A players. The other team played good but it’s hard to win when you let 1 person score 50 from the other team but they definitely were a decent team’, stated Jeremy Ingram. After the game, he took a lot of time posing for pictures and just enjoyed the moment. ‘I had so much fun performing in front of A big crowd like that. I enjoyed putting on a show for all those people and the atmosphere was electric. It was also nice playing with my homeboy D. McGee who is playing for Mannheim this season. We had fun out there together’, added Jeremy Ingram. It isn’t easy to score 50 points in a career except maybe when your Luka Doncic who hit 50 in 3 of the last 5 games, but he is in his own galaxy, but for the American he had been so close before, he finally got that 50 point chip off his shoulder. ‘I mean when I’m having these high scoring games I’m not really starting the game thinking to score 50 , I’m just trying to do everything I can to win. But this is my first 50 point game and I’ve had 49, 48, 47 so it felt good to finally get 50’, said Jeremy Ingram. There are so many talented guys in the Regionalliga looking to move up the basketball ladder, but there are few as humble as Jeremy Ingram. His chip is massive, but he knows he will get to a higher place. ‘There were some important people at the game definitely. I met a lot of important people, even top league coaches from other countries so I say it was a very successful event for me personally. I should have been playing in 1 of the top leagues by now but its ok I’m thankful for where I’m at now and I will just keep working even harder to get where I deserve to be’, warned Jeremy Ingram. He doesn’t have much time to reflect on his 50 point game as the season resumes next weekend against Wusterhausen. He knows exactly what his goals are for 2023. ‘I don’t usually make resolutions, but I’m declaring more success, better health for me and my family, and knowing this year is going to be the biggest and most successful year for my basketball career’, stressed Jeremy Ingram. If he keeps playing the way he is like a real MVP, then only good things will come his way.

Tags : JEREMY INGRAM, TSV BARGTEHEIDE, GERMAN BASKETBALL

Sometimes expectations of a player can be so massive especially when they begin to talk about themselves. Ego’s are everywhere and not only in the NBA. That Dirty Harry aka Clint Eastwood was very confident in his abilities was a given, but supposedly also captain Briggs played by versatile actor Bradford Dillman liked talking about himself as Eastwood calls him a legend in his own mind. But let me stick to basketball players. That NBA players have ego’s is a common thing and the higher you go on up the totem pole to the greatest of all-time the more inflated Ego’s go. Back in 2012 Bleacher report came up with a list of the most egotistical NBA players of all-time and I was surprised to see which guys were named at both ends of the list. First of all at #10 Shaq who I would of thought would be near the top of the list while at #1 was the great Rick Barry. As a kid in 1980, the only thing I can remember about him was being an almost flawless free throw shooter. Other guys on that list are legends like Jordan, Lebron, Wilt and Oscar Robertson. It is no secret that NBA players in general think very highly of themselves. It is simply a component that is needed for them to be successful on the court. But it isn’t only NBA players, but also guys who never made the NBA. It is often even those guys with chips larger than Mount Everest that think the world of themselves simply because they have been doubted their whole careers. Guys that did well in the NCAA and have to begin in some town in Germany with a meager population of 15,000 that play in the third or the fourth division. There have been many guys I have covered over the years that never had an ego problem. One guy that comes to mind is ex St Johns forward Ron Mvouika who played for the legendary Chris Mullin. This dude had a lot of talent, but never reached high levels in Europe. I can remember him telling me this in an interview. ‘A lot of people see some Paul George in my game. I take it as a compliment since he is one of my favorite players in the game actually but there are similarities in my game and his game. I don’t jump as high as him though and can’t absolutely not dunk the ball the way he does but outside of that, we have similarities. I probably pass the ball better than him though so Paul if you ever read this interview one day, know that’, said Ron Mvouika. Another guy who has sprouted big words has been rookie Isiah Small (202-SF-1998, college: Texas St.), but he even went a step further in mentioning an even more greater NBA player and a guy who is stated often in NBA Mount Rushmores With Magic Johnson. ‘My passing ability is way better than Magic Johnson, I believe I’m one of the best passers in the world The type of defender I am now is one of a kind, probably one of the best one on one defenders out in Europe & over the next years during my professional career I want to be known as one but yet the best defender that came across Europe’, warned Isiah Small who never saw the classic movie Coming To America.. Those are some gigantic words, but so far he has had a very potent rookie season in Germany with Pro B team Lok Bernau. It was only common that my expectations were huge when I saw Isiah Small play for first time in Rhondorf. He finished the game with 14 points, 8 boards, 4 assists, 2 steals and a block. I didn’t see the total Magic Johnson passing package, but he did unleash one no look pass that was sweet. I was very impressed by his versatile play as he made a big impact for his team at both ends of the floor.

Isiah Small who lists Quentin Grimes of the New York Knicks as his toughest cover in school was born on September 15th, 1998 in Jersey City, New Jersey and attended Henry Snyder High School. He then had to pay his dues and played at Seward County Community college and showed there what consistency is all about averaging 14.8ppg, 6.9rpg, 1.8apg, 1.3spg, FGP: 59.2%, 3PT: 28.1%, FT: 61.0% as a freshman and 15.0ppg, 6.6rpg, 2.2apg, 1.3spg, 1.8bpg, FGP: 62.5%, 3PT: 23.7%, FT: 56.7%in his second season. JUCO is for most guys a blessing in disguise, because it can be a torture for some, a roller coaster ride for others or a brutal time, but after it, players will never argue that is was a bad experience despite the growing pains. ‘For me it was probably one of the best experiences of my life. Because one that was my only offer and school that I had, they took a chance on me and I ran with it and never looked back. Basketball made the journey more fun because juco is a struggle mentally and physically even emotionally, you’ll go nights without eating or barely eating but with the teammates I had, we made sure we found a way that we all eat, being all alone away from your family sleepless nights. If you made it out of JUCO you’ll make it through anything in life! LITERALLY’, warned Isiah Small. He was an instrumental factor in helping the school reach the Sweet 16 and they definitely could have gone further had certain factors gone their way. ‘Nevertheless if we were fully healthy I truly believed that we would’ve won that whole thing, throughout the whole year we knew that we would be in that position but in our heads the outcome was different from what happened. I would never forget just being down at halftime and we all looking at each other knowing we were not at our full best but we didn’t come this far to lose by so much, so just try not to look at the clock and just cut each run short. From the start we weren’t playing at our best but in the second half we gave it all we got even though we lost, we created a bond that’s gone land will last forever, and how I went viral from stealing the ball off an inbound play and dunking on dude man. That was the best part of the game’, remembered Isiah Small. He then transferred to Texas State at San Marcos and played 3 years there playing a total of 84 NCAA games. In his last 2 years he averaged 10.9ppg, 5.7rpg, 1.6apg, 1.2bpg, FGP: 58.8%, 3PT: 42.1%, FT: 70.7% and as a senior 10.8ppg, 7.2rpg, 1.5apg, 1.1spg, FGP: 50.5%, 3PT: 28.0%, FT: 70.0% Despite putting up consistent stats in his last 2 years, he remembered his stay there as an up and down period. ‘My three years playing at Texas Sate, each year was a learning process for myself and my game, from my first year was just learning and trying to see where I can fit in at and try not to do much because we had one of the best players in the sunbelt with Nijal Pearson, everything ran through him. So I just stood back and watched the type of player he became and tried to install that into my second year, where things were kind of tricky and tough because of the coaching change, but we figured things out. I believe that was my breakout year & my final year was probably my toughest year, because everything just felt like things were falling apart, I wasn’t myself anymore, dealing with school, basketball and my mental health. I just had a love and hate relationship with myself and basketball that year but overall we won back to back conferences and went to the NIT. I believe each year put me in a position to understand that there’s different ways to develop your game, from watching and studying film, never losing confidence in yourself and just staying consistent and being fully committed’, stressed Isiah Small. He scored in double figures in 35 of 84 games including 24 points against La-Lafayette and 21 points against UT Arlington. Head coach Terrence Johnson played an important role for him becoming the player that he is today. ‘He prepared me to be mentally tough for any obstacle that can be thrown my way, from being on me every day in practice, not caring if I had a great or terrible game, he wouldn’t let me get too high or low. He always stayed consistent with being who he is and installed that confidence and consistency will get you through everything in life. He knew the type of player that I can be, always told me to turn the corner. He installed quotes in my head that I’ll never forget, but most importantly he made me embrace everything that’s difficult and not run from it. The things he used to say to me, I pass it along to my teammates and keep it with me forever’, warned Isiah Small who beat teammate Nighael Ceasar on a regular basis at 1-1 in practice.

Miles Schmidt-Scheuber and Isiah Small in Rhondorf, Germany after he dropped 14/8/4/2/1stats in a 77-69 win with his team Lok Bernau

The New Jersey native who lists Devin Bentley, Reggie Miller, Caleb Asberry, Nighael Ceasar and Tyrique Gordon as his 5 best teammates of all-time began his rookie season in Germany with Pro B team Lok Bernau that is also the farm team of Euroleague team Alba Berlin. One thing definitely hasn’t changed for him coming from Texas where eating steak belongs to the norm is that the food overseas and game continues to tickle his fancy. ‘The coolest thing about this experience on the court is that I get to play with lots of freedom and off the court experience is just enjoying my time being across the water. Eating different kinds of foods and visiting different restaurants’, expressed Isiah Small. He is playing on a very young squad that has some of Germany’s biggest talents with guys like Ellias Rapique, Rikus Schulte and Nils Machowski. He doesn’t take the opportunity for granted being able to challenge himself every day with highly talented guys. ‘ I just cherish everyday as a blessings to be a part of this program and just try my best to turn it around. I would say I have profited most becoming more of a vocal leader’, warned Isiah Small. It isn’t always easy for guys coming from the NCAA to get adjusted to European ball, but so far the American has shown that he can adapt quickly averaging 16,6ppg, 7,2rpg, 1,8apg and 1,3spg. Having had that NCAA experience also has helped the Swiss Army knife get the respect form the young Germans. ‘The skill level overall is completely different from playing with German’s & NCAA players. NCAA players are more one on one style of play and with Lok Bernau Germans are more team playing style. I believe that overall they all accepted the type of person I am. I won’t say role model but some players had questioned on what was college basketball like and the atmosphere’, warned Isiah Small. The 203cm forward who compares his game to NBA player Jerami Grant is a player that is flashy and that can do so much. He is sneaky, but at times also position-less, can hit the three, create for others and play great defense. ‘Put me on the court and no matter what position it is, I will find a way to make nothing turn into something’, warned Isiah Small. Even if he has a very healthy self-confidence, he is realistic enough to know that he still needs more work to do to get better. ‘I believe I’m still trying to adjust to overseas basketball, just with the footwork and pace being so different, I still don’t believe I’m playing to my best ability just yet. But once everything clicks it’s going to get scary, but my secret is telling myself everyday that I belong and to never take this opportunity for granted’, warned Isiah Small who has Kobe, Jordan, Lebron and Kevin Durant on his personal NBA Mount Rushmore. It will be interesting to watch where his journey will continue to go. He definitely has the skill level to compete against higher level players at higher levels. But the physicality gets even tougher the higher you go, so getting stronger should be a focus of his in the years to come. I definitely will be on the watch for some future fancy Magic like passes. But one thing I don’t understand is how you put a Kevin Durant over Magic Johnson on the NBA Mount Rushmore?.

Tags : ISIAH SMALL, SSV LOKOMOTIVE BERNAU, GERMAN BASKETBALL

If you’re a basketball fanatic living in Koblenz, the domination of the EPG Baskets has been refreshing and enjoyable this season. The club led by new coach Pat Elzie keep blowing away team by team week by week. Last week they destroyed the mighty FC Bayern Munich by 45 points, before that Erfurt actually only lost by 20 and before that Ludwigsburg were crushed by 56 points. There are seemingly no more close game in Koblenz. But the EPG Baskets Koblenz aren’t the only team making waves in the Pro B south, but if you have been in a closet then you may not have noticed that White Wings Hanau was actually sporting the best record in all of Pro B with an incredible 11-0 record. They also had been blowing out opponents at an alarming rate, but not as badly as Koblenz had. They are without a doubt the surprise team of the season as they are wining with a team that on paper couldn’t match the talent that Koblenz had. Hanau averaged 90 points per game and gave up only 73 points and were led by a trio of Furlong, Albrecht and Martinez who aren’t necessarily house hold names. On a very warm late December evening, the EPG Baskets Koblenz met the undefeated Hanau club and for a big change had to play catch up for 40 minutes something they weren’t used to and almost made it over the hump in the last minute but lost a heartbreaker 86-83 to the White Wings Hanau. After the tough loss, EPG Baskets Koblenz head coach Pat Elzie was very disappointed that his club couldn’t show a better performance. ‘Hanau played a good game and were prepared for us. We weren’t present in the first half. We had too many unneeded turnovers and missed so many easy shots. We played better defense in the second half, but it was too late. We had a lot of difficulty stopping the drives’, stressed Pat Elzie. The White Wings Hanau demonstrated from the get go that they were ready to play and just played consistent team basketball for 40 minutes. ‘It was a real dog fight. It came down to a couple of seconds at the end and we did all we could to get the win. We knew that they had never had to come back this season, but they played with a lot of heart. Bruno Albrecht (189-SG-2001) shot well as usual. We played well inside and our guards played well at both ends.Everyone contributed tonight’, smiled Bubba Furlong. ‘I’m at a loss of words. It was so nice playing in front of a full house. It was more sad that we lost’, added Brian Butler.

Bruno Albrecht from outside

Before the EPG Baskets Koblenz had even blinked, the guests already led 7-0. Koblenz looked like they crawled out of the wrong end of the bed. Big rugged center Bubba Furlong began with a hook shot over Butler and ex Rhondorf sniper Bruno Albrecht added 5 points. Hanau played smart finding their spots while Koblenz had little intensity. The EPG Baskets finally got on the scoreboard at the 7,14 minute mark as ex easyCredit BBL player Dominque Johnson dropped a trey. Koblenz slowly began to find their game while Hanau had a lapse which allowed the home team to crawl back. Butler was really key in this phase as he made a dunk and a heads up play catching an airball for the lay in and Koblenz trailed 9-7. Butler had a great game with 17 points and 14 boards and won the duel against Furlong in the paint as he only had 10 points and 3 rebounds, but the American had his moments against Butler. Butler was disappointed after the loss and wasn’t impressed by the battle with the best center in the Pro B. ‘It was a normal match up for me. Our game plan was to get him in foul trouble and we did. We had a lot of trash talk, but it was nothing special’, said Brian Butler. But Hanau found back to their game and went on a 8-3 run to lead 17-11. In the run they got key free throws from Bruno Albrecht, Philipp Hecker and Philipp Walz as well as an old school hook shot from big Soren Urbansky. After 10 minutes the White Wings Hanau led 19-14. ‘Hanau played very clever and executed their set play. We weren’t attacking the rim aggressively and couldn’t execute the easy things’, stated EPG Baskets Koblenz manager Thomas Klein.

Marvin Heckel at the FT line

In the second quarter the White Wings Hanau continued to keep the lead and led by as much as 9 points, but couldn’t completely shake the EPG Baskets. Even if Koblenz was inconsistent, they would have some positive spurts here and there as American Alani Moore contributed a trey and German forward Moritz Huebner supplied a 20 footer as they trailed only 20-19. But the White Wings Hanau continued to execute at a good rate while defending well and went on a 10-3 run to extend their lead to 30-22. In the run, the guests recieved solid support from German Sebastian Brach who scored twice inside while Bubba Furlong made a tip in and ex Pro A player Tim Martinez also scored with a lay in. The White Wings Hanau were seeking the 1-1 play and executed with this annoying self-confidence and high rate of execution that must of given Pat Elzie severe head aches. The EPG Baskets continued to fight and on offense searched for better shots. They retaliated going on a 6-2 run to Trail Hanau only 32-28 as Brian Butler scored in traffic, Johnson made free throws and Niclas Sperber scored on transition something Hanau did well taking away in the first half. Koblenz wasn’t able to hold this momentum as Hanau closed out the second quarter going on a lethal 9-1 run to lead 41-29 at the break. Hanau continued to play smart getting a lay in from Urbansky against the zone, a catch and pop jumper from Sebastian Brach and 4 of 5 free throws from Bruno Albrecht who was tearing apart the EPG Baskets Koblenz. ‘Albrecht was so calm and nothing rattled him. He always made the big plays. We had no rhythm. This was our worst half of the season. Hanau played at a high level on offense and were physical on defense. We took way to many unqualified shots and were starting to force things’, expressed Thomas Klein.

Bruno Albrecht at the FT line

In the third quarter both teams combined for 51 points, but Hanu still kept their nose in front and the EPG Baskets Koblenz couldn’t get over the hump. Pat Elzie must of told his boys something right, because they came back on the court reborn and rattled off a rapid 9-0 run in only 1,22 minutes to cut Hanau’s lead down to 41-38. In the run, Koblenz got support from Leon Friederici who supplied 5 points while Johnson made a lay in and Moritz Huebner scored on transition. ‘We were more physical and were able to play transition. We also went to get the rebound. We showed what is possible in a minute of play. The arena got warm’, said Thomas Klein. But the guests showed how quickly basketball can be a game of runs as they slapped Koblenz back with a 8-0 run to lead 49-38. In the run the guests got back to back three’s from Bruno Albrecht and Philipp Hecker while Walz made a big dunk. The EPG Baskets Koblenz did a better job taking away the drive, but couldn’t stop the three. Now the game really turned into a game of runs as the EPG Baskets countered with a quick 8-2 run to be back in the game. In the run, Koblenz got continued good play from Brian Butler who scored 2 baskets while Johnson made a catch and pop shot and Alani Moore connected on a runner as Hanau led only 51-46. But once again as Koblenz had the momentum on their side, it was ripped away again as the guests had a good offensive phase scoring 10 points leading 61-52. They hit 2 more three’s as Albrecht and Walz connected and also got 2 clutch buckets from Urbansky who was the beast and gave excellent support for Furlong who was in foul trouble. Butler continued to be hot scoring twice including a monster tip in dunk. ‘Soren had a big night. I knew he would get the job done when I was in foul trouble. He took over the game’, commented Bubba Furlong. In the last minute, Sebastian Brach made a trey while Moore made a step back jumper and Friederici a three pointer to trail only 64-57. ‘We executed well on offense and continued to battle on the defensive end. I think that we defended so well because we followed the scouting report and knew their plays’, stated Bubba Furlong. ‘We took away their drive and what do they do? They hit unbelievable deep three’s. We gave up easy baskets and couldn’t control Bruno Albrecht‘, stated Thomas Klein.

Brian Butler driving to the hole

The EPG Baskets Koblenz never gave up and just continued to chip away at the Hanau lead in the fourth quarter and it came down to a last second shot for overtime that didn’t want to fall. The EPG Baskets Koblenz began well going on a 4-0 run to trail only 64-61 as Heckel made a runner and little used Leo Saffer a dunk and suddenly the arena was boiling. But as so often happened in the game, the EPG Baskets once again were so close, but couldn’t get over the hump as the guests strolled out on a 9-3 run to lead 73-64. After another deep trey from Albrecht, the White Wings Hanau showed again why they are such a great paint team as Urbansky scored twice and Furlong once. Again it was time for Koblenz to rally and they went on a 6-0 run to trail only 73-70. Leon Friederici supplied 4 points as he found his spots and Heckel remained aggressive and made 2 free throws. But Koblenz had mental lapses and allowed a 7-0 run. Two baskets from Hanau led to 2 forced shots that were missed. Hanau got continued big support from Albrecht with 5 points and lay in’s from Walz and Urbansky as Hanau led comfortable 82-70 with 3,18 to play. Koblenz never gave up and smacked Hanau with a brutal 8-0 run as they stepped up their defense got steals that led to easy baskets. Friederici once again had the hot hand supplying 6 points while Johnson made a lay in as Koblenz trailed only 82-78. Furlong stopped the run with a bucket as Hanau led 84-78. With a minute to go, Koblenz got back to back baskets from Johnson and Friederici as Hanau led only 84-82 with 33 seconds remaining. With 9 seconds remaining, Brian Buttler made only 1 of 2 free throws. Walz made 2 free throws for the 86-83 lead. The EPG Baskets Koblenz had one more attempt for OT, but missed. ‘We took the mistakes off the table in crunch-time. We cut down on the easy mistakes in the third quarter. Walz made a big rebound to help secure the win’, stressed Bubba Furlong. ‘I give a lot of respect to Hanau. We had an uncontrollable fight. We had too many passive plays which allowed easy baskets. The game was lost in the first 3 quarters’, stressed Thomas Klein. The White Wings Hanau were led by Bruno Albrecht with 29 points. Soren Urbansky added 14 points and Phillipp Walz and Philipp Hecker had 11 points a piece while the EPG Baskets Koblenz were led by Leon Friederici with 20 points while Brian Butler added 17 points and 143 boards. The White Wings Hanau shot 48% from the field and 31% from outside and had 40 rebounds and 17 turnovers while the EPG Baskets Koblenz shot 46% from the field and 21% from outside and had 37 rebounds and 14 turnovers

Tags : BRUNO ALBRECHT, EBBECKE WHITE WINGS HANAU, GERMAN BASKETBALL

photo credit White Wings Hanau

I have to be honest when you watch an incredible team like the EPG Baskets Koblenz on a regular basis this season, it can be difficult to keep certain other factors in perspective in the Pro B south. The 9-0 EPG Baskets have been blowing away opponents this season at ease the same way Luka Doncic does his defenders this season. They have without a doubt the best team on paper and this season with the help of new head coach Pat Elzie have put it all together and most likely if nothing goes completely wrong will move up to the Pro A. But wait a minute the EPG Baskets Koblenz aren’t the best team in the Pro B. It is actually the White Wings Hanau who have an unbelievable 11-0 record. Yes 11-0. The White Wings Hanau are 11-0. No disrespect to the organization, but if someone had told me in August 2022 that this team would be 11-0 shortly before 2023, I would of laughed and said that’s like believing now that the Detroit Pistons will turn it around in the second half of the season. Bubba Furlong (206-C-1999, college: NWOSU) actually had a good feeling about the team in late summer and would have had his thumbs up if someone had predicted a 11-0 start. ‘I would’ve believed them, even though we’re young we have a lot of great talent and we play well together’, smiled Bubba Furlong. The big man also has a simple recipe that has made the success become a reality. ‘We come to work everyday and try to get better. We believe we can win then it’s just up to making the right plays and paying attention to scouting reports’, warned Bubba Furlong. If one looks at the roster and compares it too many other rosters in the Pro B south, one recognizes that the club lacks experience and well known players. What does Bubba Furlong say to those haters that say his team is a group of no names that are overachieving? ‘I would say if we’re a team of no names, maybe our names should be known and the others whose names are known should be the no names. We’ve had to work hard for the success we’ve had this year. We have a great roster’, warned Bubba Furlong.

photo credit White Wings Hanau

I reach Bubba Furlong who played 2 seasons at Sam Houston State University (NCAA) on a mild late December morning as he is basking in the 11-0 success of his team. Life is very good as he was able to welcome his mother and sister who came from the States to spend time with him in Hanau for the holidays. Basketball life is obviously a lot more enjoyable when your winning and so far this season everything has come together nicely. The club racks up 90 points per contest and on defense found an identity quickly and allows only 73 points per game. They had a few lax defensive games, but fortunately for them, they scored over 100 points per game. They have kept teams to under 70 points 6 times. ‘I would say we’re defensively aggressive all the time. We like to constantly change things on defense to keep teams guessing’, stressed Bubba Furlong. The guy who deserves a lot of credit is Spanish head coach Marti Zamora-Mas who already did a fine job leading Hanau into the playoffs last season, but couldn’t get by a strong Munster team. This season the team has made huge steps and the chemistry was developed rapidly as the club came together on and off the court. ‘Coach deserves a lot of credit and puts us in the position to be great on the court and our scouts are on point to where we can be better prepared in game. We do team stuff outside of basketball, like dinner, or going to the Christmas market all together. Little things like that help, but we also hangout by ourselves some which definitely helps’, expressed Bubba Furlong.

photo credit White Wings Hanau

The ex Northwestern Oklahoma State University (NCAA2) center who is totally flashed by Luka Doncic’s 60 point game and is one of his favorite players has had a great supporting cast this season. One of the main scoring options has been young German guard Bruno Albrecht who is averaging 20,3ppg and already showed signs of his talent in Ehingen and Rhondorf keeps being consistent. It will be interesting to see if his game can translate to the Pro A in the future. ‘Bruno can shoot it lights out! And his ability to create his own shot in the one on one has really been successful’, said Bubba Furlong. Two other key supporters have been German Sebastian Brach who is averaging 11,6ppg, 5,8rpg and 4,3apg and ex pro A player Tim Martinez who is averaging 11,0ppg, 3,0rpg and 1,9 apg. ‘Tim & Manny (Sebastian) have been key because they bring great offense and defense every night! Really need guys like that to make a team great’, expressed Bubba Furlong. And where would the White Wings Hanau be now without Bubba Furlong? That is a good question. He never got a chance in the NCAA and then moved to the NCAA 2 where he proved he could be a big time player. Now in the Pro B he is proving that he be a lethal contributor and hardly needed any adjustment time. ‘ I just had to let the game come to me. European basketball is very different than American basketball. Once I let it come to me it was just about putting the ball in the basket’, stated Bubba Furlong. So where does he rank the Pro B in comparison to the NCAA 2 in terms of skill level and the competitive level among teams? ‘ Pro B is a higher level, there’s differences though. In the states it’s about athleticism. Athleticism only gets you so far here. You have to have a high basketball IQ and talent. Athleticism here is just a plus’, added Bubba Furlong. He had a slow start, but then started scoring consistently in game 3 until now. He has understood how he can be successful on a regular basis in the Pro B. ‘I’ve used my size and my mobility to my advantage. Most bigs can’t move, but I’ve never been just a big man. I can dribble, pass, shoot. And I’m not afraid to guard your best players’, warned Bubba Furlong. Currently he is averaging 14,5ppg, 9,5ppg, 2,4apg, 1,7spg and 1,4bpg. He scored 21 points against the Wizards and Leitershofen and has registered 5 double doubles. He is confident he can average a double double this season. ‘I always say it’s hard to find rebounds when there’s a lot of makes. But definitely just got to keep chasing the ball’, stressed Bubba Furlong. Before the season he stated that he wants to become the defensive superior threat to all offensive players, but so far his shot blocking hasn’t been as dominant as it was in school. But he is confident that he will grow in the second half of the season. ‘Shot blocking here is different from in the states just continuing to learn and get better’, commented Bubba Furlong.

photo credit White Wings Hanau

The EPG Baskets Koblenz has been advertising the big showdown of the season weeks ago for the FC Bayern Munich game on December 17th which was nice as they crushed Germany’s most famous club, but really the real showdown of the season is today against the White Wings Hanau. Combined both teams are 20-0, but tonight after 40 minutes, there will only be one winner and one undefeated team. ‘It will be a dog fight. And it will come down to which team makes less mistakes, and who wants it more. We’re sticking to our game plan. We will be ready’, warned Bubba Furlong. The big man is a rim protector and will have his hands full with the talented and quick Koblenz guards like Alani Moore and Marvin Heckel. Did he do anything special when scouting against these skilled players? ‘I scout them like any other players. They’re great players, but I’ve been playing against great players my entire life. They lace their shoes just like I lace mine’, stressed Bubba Furlong. One great match up will be 2017 easyCredit BBL slam dunk champion Brian Butler who is the man with the fancy moves against the Athletic big Bubba Furlong. He definitely knows who Butler is and knows that he will have to sparkle and be ready. ‘I’ve seen his film. Just will come down who wants to win more’, warned Brian Butler. It will definitely be a battle and the EPG Baskets Koblenz will have their hands full. Obviously Bubba Furlong would love to go in 2023 with a big road win and 12-0 record, but does he have any New Year resolutions? ‘Cherish the little things and be better next year than I was this year’, warned Bubba Furlong. If Bubba Furlong is better in 2023 than 2022, then look out, because all Pro B teams will have to do extra in the second half of the season as both he and the White Wings Hanau will continue to want to prove all doubters wrong.

Tags : BUBBA FURLONG, EBBECKE WHITE WINGS HANAU, GERMAN BASKETBALL

Xavier Munford (193-G-1992, college: URI) is a 30 year old 193cm guard from Newark, New Jersey playing his 9th professional season and first with Hapoel SP Tel-Aviv (Israel-Winner League). He began his basketball career at St Benedict’s Preparatory school and then played at Iowa Western Community College (JUCO): He then played 2 seasons and 61 NCAA games for the University of Rhode Island. He turned professional in 2015 and spent parts of 6 seasons in the G-League and NBA. He played a total of 24 NBA games for Memphis and Milwaukee. He also played in Turkey, Spain with FC Barcelona and in Australia. He spoke to germanhoops.com about basketball.

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

Thanks for having me. I am currently in Tel Aviv, Israel playing with Hapoel Tel Aviv in the Israeli league and Eurocup. Basketball life is treating me well right now. I am healthy, we have a good group and I love playing in front of the fans and the crowd we have here.

Your playing your first season with Hapoel SP Tel-Aviv (Israel-Winner League) which is your 5th team overseas. What kind of an experience has it been playing for this organization?

It’s been a great experience playing here so far. This is my first time playing in Israel in my career. The organization has been very welcoming since day 1 from the front office, to the coaching staff, to the amazing fans. This has made my transition here very easy. The coaching staff believes in me, which gives me the confidence to go out there and play my game.

Your still seeking your first pro title. Is the hunger to win that first chip as big as the chip on your shoulder something you must have had since playing JUCO back in the day?

I would definitely say the hunger is there to win my first title. It’s a huge goal of mine. Even throughout the summer I was speaking with my agent and one of our main focuses was to get somewhere wherel I have a real chance of winning a title. I believe that we can do that here.

Last season you played with South East Melbourne Phoenix (Australia-NBL) averaging 16.6ppg, 4.1rpg, 4.2apg, 1.2spg, FGP: 49.8%, 3PT: 33.0%, FT: 81.1%. What kind of an experience was it playing and living in Australia? The NBL is a league on the rise isn’t it?

Australia was a great experience. I’ve always heard about Australia and how for many people it’s a dream destination of theirs. It was an amazing quality to living. The weather, food, and people were amazing. As far as basketball and the NBL, it is very much still on the rise. It’s a face pace league and you have to come there ready to play every night. It’s a short season and only a few teams make the playoffs making every game very competitive.

2 years ago you played with Frutti Extra Bursaspor (Turkey-BSL) averaging 13.4ppg, 2.6rpg, 3.4apg, 1.0spg, FGP: 54.1%, 3PT: 35.3%, FT: 85.9%; and in the Eurocup averaged 13.4ppg, 3.1rpg, 3.3apg, FGP: 56.0%, 3PT: 34.1%, FT: 90.0%. That was your first full season in Europe after a short stint with FC Barcelona. What do you remember having been your wake up call then to being a professional in Turkey?

Although I had played in Barcelona, playing in Turkey was my first true experience playing overseas. I got to Barcelona in the middle of the season and didn’t play much minutes then that next season I signed with the Milwaukee Bucks. So playing in Turkey I really had to still learn and understand the overseas style of play and what’s expected from a coaching standpoint. We struggled that season, but I gained a lot of experience, really worked on my game, and adapted to the style of play.

I can imagine one of your memorable wins that season was near the end against Fenerbahce and current top guard Lorenzo brown where you scored 16 points. Is that a game that you have fond memories of?

Yes this was a great game for our group. We were really starting to gel as a team but unfortunately it was toward the end of the season. But it’s always good to go out there and get a win against that caliber of an opponent.

In 2016-2017 you had a short stay with top team FC Barcelona in the second half of the season. You had seen a lot in the NBA but coming to one of the world’s greatest organizations must have been an amazing experience. What did you cherish most from that experience?

Barcelona was great. Being that it was my first overseas stint, I didn’t know what to expect. The city was amazing. One of my favorites. But on the court I had a lot to learn about the game. I hadn’t watched many Euroleague games at the time and it was a big transition for me coming from the NBA. What I cherished during that time was the learning and understanding of a different culture, expanding my basketball game competing against up in coming stars such as Luka Doncic, and soaking up the basketball knowledge of my teammates.

Did you feel that incredible vibe that Juan Carlos-Navarro had within the FC Barcelona organization. He was a living legend that had played in the NBA. How was that whole experience with him?

Juan Carlos is truly a legend and you can feel it with his presence and just being around him. Extremely skilled and confident player. He really understands the game. Amazing player and amazing person. I am grateful to having the chance to play on the team with him.

You played your rookie season with the Bakersfield Jam (D-League) averaging 11.5ppg, 3.4rpg, 2.8apg, 1.0spg, FGP: 52.3%, 3PT: 32.1%, FT: 77.9%. What do you remember being your wake up call to being a rookie in the D-League?

So my in my first season in Bakersfield I started the season very well. I think I may of had two really strong games. Coming into the next game the Phoenix Suns had sent down some players on Assignment and I may of played 2 minutes total. And this really had me frustrated but my teammate at the time who had been around for a while just told me to control what I can control. I feel like that was my wake up call to being a pro. It stuck with me ever since.

In your second season with Bakersfield you averaged 11 minutes more and obviously your stats rose. You reached the NBA in March. How do you remember getting the news?

At the time of my call up I was taking a nap because I had a game later that night in the g league. I woke up to some missed calls and text messages. Called my agent back and he tells me that I’m heading to Memphis and how fast could I get to the airport. I didn’t have time to pack much things or say bye to me team. I was on the next flight.

You scored 2 points in your debut against the Milwaukee Bucks. What memories do you have when you checked in? Was Giannis on the court?

I hadn’t spent much time with team so at the time I didn’t really know any plays or the system, but the coach threw me right in the fire. I believe Giannis was on the court but when I checked in I had the assignment of guarding Kris Middleton. I was a little nervous when I got in. Once I ran up and down a couple of times and felt the ball, the nerves calmed down. But it was a surreal moment that I will never forget.

Not many guys who played only 24 NBA games can say they played 6 times against the big 3 of Tim Duncan, Manu Ginobolli and Tony Parker. Is there a vivid memory that you will always have playing against these legends?

I am grateful to being able to say I was able to do that. They were like a well oiled machine working together, like they have been playing with each other forever. These are guys that I used to watch as kid. Just an amazing experience to play in a playoff series against them.

In your third professional season you played with the Greensboro Swarm (D-League) averaging 18/4/5 stats. Did you ever feel like you were close to a NBA call up?

During the time in Greensboro I was close to a call up. There were a couple of teams that were showing strong interest or it was between me and another guy. But there was some hood traction. At the time I couldn’t pass up on the opportunity to go to Barcelona because it was a guaranteed deal.

In your fourth professional season you played mostly with the Wisconsin Herd (NBA G League) averaging 24.4ppg, 5.0rpg, 5.2apg, 1.7spg, FGP: 53.8%, 3PT: 44.4%, FT: 74.7% and also played 6 NBA games with Milwaukee. How did you experience your second NBA gig. You were up and down in a span of a few months. What stood out during these games?

At this time I was still trying to break through. Playing with Milwaukee was tough at the time. Like you said I was up and down. There was also a coaching change. But any chance that I got I wanted to make the most out of the opportunity. But what stood out most was my teammates, especially Giannis. Being around him and seeing his work ethic was amazing. He really works hard. Any time I came in the gym no matter the time or day he was in there working on something. It was very motivating for me.

You were teammates with Jason Terry. It seems like those old vets are dying out in the NBA because the league is always getting younger. Did a guy like that take time for the younger guys and guys like you that were up and down between leagues?

JT was great and was a big staple in the locker room for the Bucks. But yes unfortunately that does happen. Especially going through a coaching change. For example the coach may just have more confidence in him because he’s been around and he understands the game. It’s tough sometimes to carve out minutes.

You played from 2017-2019 for the Wisconsin Herd (NBA G League) averaging 17.8ppg, 4.5rpg, 5.2apg, 1.7spg, FGP: 51.5%, 3PT: 36.4%, FT: 78.0% and for the Delaware Blue Coats (NBA G League) averaging 17.9ppg, 5.3rpg, 5.6apg, 1.0spg, FGP: 48.9%, 3PT: 37.0%, FT: 78.6%. You put up consistent stats for future call ups, but nothing came. Did you lose faith in the NBA process?

Not that I lost faith, but I just felt it was time to move on. I wanted to make a name for myself in Europe and other overseas leagues. I’m glad I was able to make my dream come true and experience the NBA.

What was the best example that you saw in 6 years in the NBA/G-League where you saw that the NBA will always be a business first before anything else?

Well in the G league I realized first that it’s a business when a player is sent down from the NBA that they will play over the G league guy no matter what because of the contract. And in the NBA I realized it was a business with the coaching changes. When I was in Memphis the coach left and took another job and when I was in Milwuakee there was another coaching change. So this really showed me the business aspect of the NBA.

You played JUCO for Iowa Western Community College (JUCO). Every American that I have spoken to has said that JUCO was very tough but an experience they would never have traded in for anything. How was it for you?

It was definitely tough. But like you said I wouldn’t trade it. It’s part of my story and it made me more hungry in achieving my goals. I embraced my JUCO journey for sure.

You then played at the University of Rhode Island (NCAA) from 2012-2014 averaging 17.4ppg, 2.8rpg, 1.9apg, 1.0spg, FGP: 43.9%, 3PT: 34.3%, FT: 71.4% and 16.9ppg, 4.0rpg, 2.4apg, 1.1spg, FGP: 45.5%, 3PT: 32.6%, FT: 70.7%. You had many great games, but was the exciting 71-69 over George Mason (NCAA) where you had 28 points one of your most fondest games in the NCAA?

That was a good game. But my biggest memory of a game at URI was a home game against Dayton, which was a big rival of ours at the time because we always had close games against them. But I hit a game winning three and my teammates rushed the floor. The shot made SportCenter Top 10. It was an amazing feeling.

How did head coach Dan Hurley groom and prepare you best for a professional career?

I think coach Hurley prepared me best mostly with off the court stuff. That the type of person you are matters most. Being a high character guy. But on the court, he prepared me with the intensity of the work, letting me be creative offensively, and understanding that I have to be already ready when stepping into that professional atmosphere.

Who won a 1-1 in practice you or EC Matthews

We would go to the gym late night and play one on one, he won sometimes, but majority of the time I was winning.

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

I would say Aaron Gordon, he was a tough cover for us at the time.

Who are the 5 best teammates of all-time for you?

In no order: Vince Carter, Zach Randolph, Tyrese Rice, Giannis Antetokounmpo Mike Conley

Please name your personal NBA Mount Rushmore?

Allen Iverson, Michael Jordan, Kobe Bryant, Lebron James, Shaq

What is your personal opinion of the neverending debate of who is the greatest of all-time Jordan or Lebron?

We just need to accept eras of greatness rather than debating who is better. It was different times. The game is always evolving.

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

Hahaha I have to agree

Thanks Xavier for the chat.

Tags : XAVIER MUNFORD, HAPOEL SP TEL-AVIV, GERMAN BASKETBALL

It’s hard to believe how time flies as it seems like Covid occurred yesterday, but in reality it’s been almost 3 years while remembering the world wide craze of Linsanity is already more than 10 years ago. Who can forget a 191 cm Taiwanese-American come on the scene in 2012 with the New York Knicks and turn a struggling team into a winning team as he led them instantly on a 7 game winning streak and into the playoffs. That incredible run led to the covers of Sports Illustrated and Time and one can say the rest is history. After being doubted in high school, he went from Harvard to being an NBA champion in 2019 with the Toronto Raptors and along the way always put up consistent stats in the NBA. In the last years he has made a few more big bucks in China for his retirement life. Imagine what it is like for a guy who played in the NCAA 2 to come into the G-League and have a guy like Jeremy Linn as a teammate. 10 years ago one saw many more older guys in the G-League, but in 2022, the NBA has gotten so young and older guys are dying out. In his rookie season American Selom Mawugbe (208-C-1998, college: Azusa Pacific) had the privilege to play 11 G-League games with the first Asian American to ever win a NBA championship Jeremy Lin. It is only logical that Jeremy Lin was number #1 on his list of most influential guys he played with in the G-League. ‘Santa Cruz is a great organization along with Golden state also so I was able to make quite a few meaningful relationships while there. While in the bubble Jeremy Lin really helped me understand how to be a better pro with how to approach different things and forms of adversity. Shared a couple dinners and got to chop it up quite a bit so very grateful for that. Also Jordan Bell my second season. We played the same position and yet he still was always very encouraging and helpful in terms of advice and pointers. I wish we got to share the court more in Santa Cruz. We played in the Drew league together last season and very few teams could hang with us’, remembered Selom Mawugbe.

Selom Mawugbe who lists Montrezl Harrell as the toughest player that he has ever faced was born on July 20, 1998 in Lancaster, California. His parents are from Ghana and moved to Santa Clarita, California when he was 8 years old. He grew up playing soccer and first began to play basketball at age 14 at Canyon high school. He attended Azusa Pacific University (NCAA2) and studied biochemistry. He wasn’t much of an offensive player in his first two NCAA 2 seasons as he averaged 1.5ppg, 2.9rpg, 1.5bpg as a freshman and 6.0ppg, 6.8rpg, 2.8bpg, FGP: 62.6%, FT: 63.3% as a sophomore, but he quickly made a name for himself displaying his defensive abilities. He already swiped away 40 shots as a freshman and set a school block average in his second season blocking almost 3 balls per contest. That season he finished 5th in blocks in the nation with 89. Here and there he showed signs of breaking through with his offense as he hit Fresno Pacific with 15 points while staying true to his defensive colors blocking 4 shots and getting 3 steals. That season he had a wild triple double of 10 points, 13 boards and 11 blocks in a tough loss to Chaminade? ‘I truly forgot about that stat line but, I’ll always remember the losing aspect. While definitely something cool to achieve, I play to win’, stated Selom Mawugbe. He continued to grow as a defender as in his junior year he made another step leading the Pac West again in blocks with 107 and finished second in the nation with 3,45 per game. He was named Pac West defender of the year and also made another step in his offensive game averaging 11.8ppg, 8.0rpg, 1.0spg, 3.5bpg, FGP: 63.1%, FT: 66.1%.He hit the Academy of Art for 25 points and Hawaii-Hilo for 21 points. Everything came together on the court his senior year as he exploded as a player averaging 16.9ppg, 10.4rpg, 2.0apg, 1.1spg, 3.1bpg, FGP: 71.8%, FT: 69.8%. He led the nation in shooting percentage and was second in blocks with 3,1 per game. As a result of his excellent performance, he was named Pac West player of the year. ‘I think my game grew very well there. It’s a testament to work ethic and coaches who enjoy helping to aid players in what they need to be successful and improve. I couldn’t have done it on my own. Lots of individual film sessions and court work’, remembered Selom Mawugbe. He scored in double figures of 28 of 29 games and registered 16 double doubles. He had monster games against Dominican with 22 points and 18 boards and hit Biola with 20 points and 19 boards. He could never have achieved his success in the NCAA 2 without the guidance of 2 special men. ‘Coaches Peter Bond and Justin Leslie helped me improve being able to contest and change shots without fouling as well as my overall offensive acumen. Like I said before lots of extra reps, film and honest communication between us helped me get there. I think they still might say I passed too much when I got it in the post’, remembered Selom Mawugbe who will never forget one of his best friends teammate Gerrit Beetsra who he beat at 1-1 games but will always remember him as a phenomenal shooter and a great person also.

The California native who has Kobe, MJ, Shaq, and Lebron on his personal NBA Mount Rushmore began his professional basketball career in 2020 with the Santa Cruz Warriors (NBA G League) playing 13 games and averaging 5.1ppg, 4.3rpg, Blocks-3 (2.5bpg), FGP-1 (83.3%), FT: 50.0%. Usually guys will have a wake up call when they go from school to the G-League, but he had already experienced so much in his young career that he could deal with anything that was thrown his way. ‘I have had the benefit of getting to play against NBA players and NBA talent since I was in college both through the Drew league but also open runs. While admittedly those arenas are different than the more organized and tactic basketball in the association and even overseas it allowed me to have those experiences of ooo and awe early so by the time I was in the G it was regular. I knew I could hang with these guys and help my team win so it was just about being ready for my opportunity and making the most of the time I got’, commented Selom Mawugbe. He scored 12 points against Erie and 10 points against Austin. In his second season in the G-League with Santa Cruz, he averaged 6.8ppg, 7.9rpg, 1.7bpg, FGP: 65.4%, FT: 60.9%. Despite coming onto the scene, he was able to adjust well to the Covid drama and was simply well prepared having seen it already prior to being a professional. ‘I’ll say total of 3 seasons because my senior year in college was stopped short due to covid. Before stoppage my college team was ranked 6th in the nation and preparing to start playoff tournament play. My first two pro seasons were a unique experience but I was mostly just grateful to be able to play in the midst of a worldwide pandemic. Swab tests and quarantine are two things I’ll never forget that will always connect me to covid. The swab tests that go 6 inches into your nose never got easier and the quarantine was challenging mentally’, expressed Selom Mawugbe. In this time, he also played NBA Summer League with the Golden State Warriors in 2021 and 2022 and hardly played a role, but in 2021 was the second best shot blocker. Sometimes special players get a NBA shot just being able to do one thing really well. He knows what is missing for him to get a shot one day. ‘I think in the past it was simply a matter of timing and health. I was injured our second to last game in the G league bubble and then I was injured again in the middle of the season my second year in the G. The best ability is availability. Consistent rebounding, defending without fouling and better overall shooting ability are things I think will get me there’, warned Selom Mawugbe. In his second G-League season he had some fine games against South Bay having 19 points, 17 points against Birmingham and hit Salt Lake City and Agua Caliente with 14 points a piece. He also remembered what was the best example for him why the NBA will always be a business first before anything else. ‘The player addition and waiving process was the best example of that. When the team isn’t doing what we need to in terms of wins then something usually changes and that’s the nature of the business’, added Selom Mawugbe.

The Shot block monster who likes the J’s as first names in his top 5 favorite teammates of all-time with Jeremy Lin, Jordan Poole, Jordan Bell, Jerome Robinson, and Jeff Dowtin made the trek overseas this season and is playing with new easyCredit BBL team Rostock SeaWolves and embracing the new experience. A very important aspect for being a professional player for him is also taking full advantage to the off court life. ‘It’s been a fun experience and also challenging. Every season has its share of ups and downs and so my constant challenge to myself is to learn from them and improve. I have cherished most getting to form new relationships with my teammates and getting to know them more on a personal level.’ Said Selom Mawugbe. He also has seen firsthand what kind of an incredible atmosphere there is the Stadthalle. There is a reason why their fans belong to the most passionate in the league. ‘The passion and excitement from the fans is definitely something that I appreciate and makes the experience that much more fun. I’ve played in big arenas and packed out stadiums before but the amazing thing is in Germany the gym could be half filled and you wouldn’t be able to audibly tell a difference between sold out because they are so loud and engaged’, stressed Selom Mawugbe. There was instant excitement in the season as the team surprised everyone with a lightening 4 -0 start, but then lost 5 games in a row and came back down to earth. They finally halted the losing streak with a massive win against Eurocup team Hamburg and win in Crailsheim. It would be unfair to say that their winning streak was a fluke. ‘The team and I really don’t pay attention to what people say about us or what their opinion is because it typically serves as a distraction. We know the level of effort, competitiveness and preparation we bring to every practice and game. We know the players we have and what we are capable of. Our goal is to perform that capability and be consistent in how we approach the game while striving to be better every day. When we do that, we’ll look back and be happy with the results of our season looking back’, warned Selom Mawugbe. He has high level American teammates on the squad like Tyler Nelson who hit the shot of the century last season helping the team move up to the BBL, or other talented guards like Jordan Roland and Jequan Lewis or forward Nijal Pearson, but one guy who he has a very special relationship with is inspiring NBA player want to be Derrick Alston who he played against in the G-League and was teammates with in the NBA Summer League. ‘It’s always great to play with high level players and DA is undoubtedly one of them. We have quite a few on our team I must say. I think the biggest thing about DA and I is we both understand the G league struggle in a sense, sometimes having to fight for reps and looks on the court and just other aspects that can make it difficult. Similarly we both made the choice to head overseas not giving up on NBA hoop aspirations but simply a different approach to progress in our game’s and career. He’s a player who shoot’s extremely well while also having the ability to create his own shot and get to the rack or get great looks in the midrange’, said Selom Mawugbe. Not to forget the ultimate teammate Chris Carter who recently acquired the German citizenship and is one of the few guys in Germany that has the distinction of having help lead 3 different organizations from the Pro A to easyCredit BBL. He was huge in helping him adjust to overseas ball. ‘It’s something that truly is invaluable and makes players like that extremely important for the success and cohesiveness of the team. He’s a genuine and stand up guy who always offers help and has your back. He’s been a pro in Germany for many years and has a lot of experience he’s willing to share. I as well as the other guys are very grateful to have him here’, added Selom Mawugbe.

Miles Schmidt-Scheuber and Selom Mawugbe in Frankfurt, Germany on December 26th, 2022

The ex NCAA 2 player who doesn’t take sides in the famous who’s the goat between Jordan and Lebron compares his game to NBA player Clint Capela. Shot blocking is obviously a massive strength, but he has other facets to his game. ‘I think my work ethic is my biggest strength, and something I try my best to model after Kobe. Every time I step on the court I compete and play hard. It may not always show on the stats but the film doesn’t lie. I also think I’m a great teammate and I strive to be a better one everyday’, stressed Selom Mawugbe. Currently he is averaging 8,8ppg and 6,5rpg while shooting a potent 74% from the field and is leading the league in blocks with 1,9. The question now is what does he still need to do to become a top notch defender overseas in higher leagues? ‘I need to be able to decrease my fouling. It sometimes limits my aggressiveness and also defensive strategies but I think that is the main thing I can improve on’, stated Selom Mawugbe. But he is also working on other area’s of his game to become even more versatile. ‘Shooting is something I’m always working on. This year I haven’t been shooting well at the free throw line so that’s my immediate priority. But being able to stretch the floor and keep defenders honest is something that will always be incredibly valuable as well as being able to handle the rock in driving situations whether for my own buckets or to force a rotation and get someone open’, warned Selom Mawugbe. His senior year is always on his mind because he put up huge stats of 16/10. He hasn’t reached that plateau since playing at Azusa. The question now is who will give him that chance to be that ultimate work horse? ‘I’m very confident I can produce stats similar in a high league as a professional. It’s largely a matter of continuing to work on and improve my game while also being in the right situation. A coach that trusts you and places and emphasis on what you being to the table and the need to use that’, stressed Selom Mawugbe. It will be interesting to see where his game will take him in the next years as well as that of Derrick Alston. Both guys are great players and have immaculate characters. Who knows maybe one will see them back in the States one day, but not in the G-League, but a step above. One thing is for sure, if that ever happens, there will be no one more proud of him then his number one J on his all-time favorite teammates of all-time list with Jeremy Lin.

Tags : SELOM MAWUGBE, ROSTOCK SEAWOLVES, GERMAN BASKETBALL