foto credit Fraport Skyliners

It was a untypical warm Sunday on October 30th as the Fraport Skyliners met the Basketball Lowen Braunschweig. You could have thought it was early May as it was mild and the 2000 BBL cup winner Skyliners were dueling in the playoffs. The sad reality is that the Fraport Skyliners have been as far away from the playoffs in the last few years as the New England Patriots are from winning a Super bowl this season. If one thought it couldn’t get any worse after last season well it has this season. After a 0-3 start, the Fraport Skyliners won their first game of the season in Weissenfels even if it was up to that point their worst performance of the season. But when your winless you will take anything. I have seen many games in the Fraport arena in the last 20 years, but the first half against Braunschweig last Sunday had to have been the worst I had ever seen. 7 points in the first quarter and only 22 at half-time. The shooting percentages were beyond frightful. It was scarier to digest than having Chuckie creep up behind you and try to strangle you. Frankfurt shot a pathetic 15% from the field at 5/33 and an unbelievable 7% from the parking lot at 1/14. You have to wonder what ex Fraport Skyliner and current German national team coach Gordon Herbert must have been thinking when he has to observe shooting like that. But as good hearted as Gordy is, he would just say ‘No worries, they will get out of it’. At the end of 40 minutes the club shot 27% from the field at 21-70 and 19,4% from outside at 6/31. It wasn’t like all were contested shots. They were missing open shots and semi-contested shots. Braunschweig didn’t have a good day either, but if you make 3-4 shots more, basketball life looks a lot different again. The most frightening aspect was that they did a pretty good job creating shots, but the execution rate wasn’t at the BBL level. One also noticed that the team doesn’t have that ruthless, consistent and confident scorer that will take over when ever needed. Currently the team only have 3 guys that could be that guy with JJ Frazier, Martinas Geben and Joshua Obiesie. But they aren’t consistent enough at the moment to be able to be that sure thing in crunch-time when the club needs a big spark. The Fraport Skyliners have to react now before it’s too late. The only logical choice now would be Matt Mobley (192-SG-1994, college: St.Bonaventure) to turn the season around.

It is early evening Tuesday night when I reach Fraport Skyliner legend Quantez Robertson. I tell him about the big BBL news of the day that ratiopharm Ulm had waived ex Fraport Skyliner guard Matt Mobley. Tez as how he is called by everyone tells me that athletic trainer Dennis Welm had told him the news already. Mobley was only averaging 8,8ppg, but was it not a little early to cut a prolific scorer like that who has shown at many different levels that he is a walking bucket. I wasn’t the only one who was surprised about the cutting of Mobley. ‘I was very surprised that Matt was cut. For him to only be averaging 8,8ppg after 5 games is very surprising. He is a 3 level scorer that can go off at anytime’, stressed ex Auburn (NCAA) defensive specialist Quantez Robertson. It isn’t hard not to dream for a guy like Matt Mobley to return to his old stomping ground Frankfurt. ‘It’s only logical that Matt return. It would be awesome if he could return. I’m sure he could help us. With his outside shooting and knock down ability, he would be able to spread the floor and have additional attacking lanes’, commented Quantez Robertson. Everyone sees him as that incredible offensive player that will decide games anytime, but Tez actually appreciates another part of his game most. ‘He did so much on offense and when he was doubled teamed could facilitate, but what I appreciated most about his game was how much of an underrated defender he is. Of course he would get beat at times just like anyone else, but he had a knack of stepping up big when we needed it and be able to make big plays’, warned Quantez Robertson.

Miles Schmidt-Scheuber and Matt Mobley in the Fraport arena in 2021

Mobley is in his fifth professional season and has been a lethal scorer wherever he has played. In his last 2 years of NCAA ball at St Bonaventure, he played a total of 63 games and scored in double figures in 51 games and twice hit 9 three’s against Richmond and Virginia Commonwealth University. His scoring rampage continued at the pro level as he was the third best scorer in the Euromillions league in Belgium with Proximus Spirou Charleroi and the next season was the second top scorer in Turkey with Sigortam.net ITU Basket Istanbul. Last season he made the jump to the best team league ACB in Spain and suited up with Casademont Zaragoza averaging 10.3ppg, 3.0rpg, 2.5apg, FGP: 48.2%, 3PT: 32.8%, FT: 85.2%. He proved he could hold his own against the best in Europe. In his third season he came to Frankfurt and under head coach Sebastian Gleim had absolute freedom to just play his game. He was the second best scorer in the easyCredit BBL averaging (20.0ppg), 4.7rpg, 3.4apg, 1.3spg, FGP: 48.1%, 3PT: 42.1%, FT: 87.8%. He had many massive games hitting BG Goettingen for 30 and 29 points in wins, scored 31 points in a win against Braunschweig, 29 points in a victory over Chemnitz and 30 points over Vechta just to name a few. Even if Tez was a busy bee on the court, he was able to enjoy every game with Matt Mobley. ‘He had so many 28-30 point games. I just loved the way he could shoot the ball and make those long range three’s at any moment. He was always that spark that could give us 2-3 three’s to get us going’, remembered Quantez Robertson. The American who loves to play point guard and could have reached the NBA in his prime only on his defensive qualities has played with many gifted scorers in his 14 year career and ranks Matt up near the top. ‘He is definitely top 5. No you know what, he is #4. I have him behind Dashaun Wood, Jordan Theodore and Philipp Scrubb’, smiled Quantez Robertson. So how realistic would it be to get Matt Mobley right now? Unrealistic If you look at the clubs budget, but then again his market value might be a bit down because of the scoring stats that he had in Ulm. But in the situation that the Fraport Skyliners are in now where their offense isn’t BBL credible, you must go into your savings and sacrifice if you want to save the season. Could Matt Mobley be that savior? ‘That is tough to say. The season just started. That would be unfair to say after only 5 games’, stated Quantez Robertson. He may not be the savior, but the club would be a lot stronger with him. The turnaround has to come now. The team needs Matt Mobley.

Christopher Miller (192-G-1993, college: Salem) is a 29 year old 193cm guard from Brooklyn, New York who is playing his eighth professional season and first with GoldCoast Wallabies NLB (2nd League). He played 3 seasons with the Giessen Pointers (Germany-Regionalliga) and last season averaged 17.4ppg, 5.6rpg, 3.2apg, 2.0spg, FGP: 50.5%, 3PT: 17.5%, FT: 78.6%. This season for Bensheim he averaged 19,5ppg, 3,8rpg, 2,0apg and 1,5spg. He has had experience in countries like El Salvador and Bosnia. He recently played for the South Shore Monarchs (TBL) playing 8 games averaging 22.4ppg, 5.6rpg, 4.3apg, 1.6spg, FGP: 50.8%, 3PT: 35.0%, FT: 83.3%. He began his basketball career at Clinton Community College and also played two years at Salem University (NCAA2). This season he teams up with Miles Schmidt-Scheuber with weekly chats about his basketball season.

You had told me that you would play your last game against Saarlouis, but didn’t. Was there a reason why you didn’t?

The process of my license in Switzerland has already begun so I can be available there asap.

How disappointing was it not to battle MR Regionalliga and legend Ricky Easterling? He had another super game with 21 points, but couldn’t help his team on this night.

I was looking forward to the matchup against Ricky since the beginning of the season but we both know the situation we will have to settle this battle next summer.

What duel against Easterling will you always remember?

Maybe the first one of course . It was my first time playing against the person I have been compared to for years. It was a tough battle in Saarlouis and it came down to me hitting the game winner.

Bensheim played a great game beating Saarlouis 95-69. How proud are you of your teammates?

I am very proud of my teammates. Even though I couldn’t play I still came to show support. Everyone stepped up and came out with crazy energy and it was what seemed to be the perfect day for them.

Is it almost fair to say that they didn’t need you? 5 guys scored in double figures.

I guess today you can say that. These guys are very talented and I have always said if it’s put together they can be scary. In this game it seemed like everyone was clicking and all the shots were falling.

You have decided to leave Bensheim and play in Switzerland for second division team GoldCoast Wallabies NLB (2nd League). How did it come to this?

I’m blessed to be noticed after playing a couple games in Bensheim. They gave me a call and offered me a chance to play in a higher division.

Is it fair to say that you will get a pay raise there?

I think it’s safe to say I can support my coffee habits.

How excited are you for this opportunity to live on the Zurich lake? The team needs help is only 2-3 in the standings.

I am very excited to be living on the coast of Zurich lake. I really haven’t experienced much myself but I hear it is a beautiful place. I can’t wait to check it out. I think the team is very talented and I believe things will turn around for the wWllabies.

What memories will you always have with Bensheim? What did you enjoy most there?

Bensheim will always be home for me. They gave me my first contract and treated me like family. I respect them as a club because most clubs would try to hold you back in a situation like this but they understood this was a greater opportunity and they allowed me to leave the club. They are great people and really know how to run an organization while making you feel important.

Thanks Chris for the chat.

Tags : CHRISTOPHER MILLER, VFL BENSHEIM, GERMAN BASKETBALL

How often did John Murry (192-G-1995, college: Austin Peay) think about being able to make more money and playing in a higher league in the last 3 years? It must have been countless. Thoughts and thoughts. 1000 or 10,000 who knows. Not really any different then as many free throws Steph Curry has practiced in the last years. All those nights after he had given his all and put up allstar stats scoring 30-40 points and still losing games. How difficult must it have been to endure all these annoying mind games that he was playing with in Germany? John Murry is a hell of a player, but honestly when you’re a talented guard overseas, you can look left and right and see just as many talented guys. It just isn’t always easy to find the right situation where organization and money cater to the expectations of the player. After finishing at Austin Peay (NCAA) where he averaged 16,7ppg, he set on a professional career, but instead of going the usual route of playing somewhere in the vicinity of 80-100 games, all he had on his resume after 4 years was 11 games. Injuries, business decisions and Covid all made basketball life for the Indianapolis native very unbearable. Things finally turned around in 2021-2022 as he played a full season and rocked the German Regionalliga with the NEW Elephants Grevenbroich being the second best scorer in the league averaging 28.2ppg, 5.2rpg, 4.6apg, 1.8spg, FGP: 59.8%, 3PT: 38.4%, FT: 82.2% and picking up Eurobasket.com All-German Regionalliga South East North Player of the Year -2022 and Eurobasket.com All-German Regionalliga South East North First Team. Things then really looked up for him as the Basketball God finally noticed him and he was rewarded with a contract with German pro A team Art Giants Duesseldorf moving up 2 leagues to the second. He finally got a pay raise and was playing at a high level. But this didn’t last as the club decided to release him, because it was simply a numbers game something that often is seen in the basketball world. He never gave up and took a step back and signed with Regionalliga team Hamm Stars in order to rack up great stats and search for that next opportunity. The basketball God didn’t hibernate on him, but was lurking in the shadow and hooked him up again. His nonstop love, dedication and grind has rewarded him with that next opportunity in Morocco where he will earn even better money than in Duesseldorf.

After his short stint in the Pro A with the Art Giants Duesseldorf, the American guard who believes despite a good start by the Boston Celtics into the season, they will never get by the Golden State Warriors signed with the Hamm Stars. The team began with a bang beating Munster and Leverkusen, but then suffered a 3 game losing streak to Hagen, Essen and BG TVO / Jahn. A big problem was keeping points off the board as they allowed 97 points per game. Rebounding has also been a problem for Hamm as in their loss against BG TVO / Jahn were outrebounded 46-36 and watched them scrape 13 offensive boards. The American and other guard Mateo Zovko are 1 and 3 in rebounding and it’s apparent that the club needs an additional big man. ‘That could be the case or just us coming to together more as a unit to box our man out and not watch as the shot goes up. That’s mainly the key to rebounding, it’s just a job of who wants the ball more’, stressed John Murry. One of the great things to observe in the German Regionalliga are the guard battles on a nightly basis. It is usually the American guards that are the best players on the floor. In this game Murry tangled with Shawn Scott who flirted with a triple double just missing having 36/10/8 stats. He is another guy like Murry that must have a massive chip on his shoulder as he played in the NAIA before turning professional. Murry wasn’t to shabby himself equalizing his career high from last season against Hamm with 42 points. It isn’t hard to understand that battling tough and real talent pushes a guy to even greater heights. ‘It’s always good to see someone else be able to battle with you and hold their own. That game definitely brought the best out of me, it was a tough call at the end for me but we live to fight another game. The crowd was a key factor for them in that game also, very loud and into the game, I loved that environment’, remembered John Murry. But at the end of the daythese dudes are having fun at the same time. ‘I love it, I absolutely love it, I’m the type to feed off the energy of the crowd in away games and use it to motivate my focus and performance level. Also, guys who can play at a high level makes the game fun while we battle’, commented Joun Murry.

The explosive guard who hopes Rusell Westbrook is ok mentally after his 0/11 performance recently from the field and hopes he can perform at the level again that we have seen in his career came back after the loss to Scott and co and helped Hamm defeat Koln DTV 93-86 to snap their losing streak. ‘It was big for us to get this win especially coming into a week of playing one of the better teams in the league. This will definitely give us momentum moving forward. It definitely gives us positive hope and we are excited yet focused on the journey ahead of us’, expressed John Murry. He had another great game in the victory with 36 points shooting over 70% from the field and 62% from the parking lot while hauling down 11 boards and dishing out 5 dimes. He nailed a huge three to send the game into overtime in which Hamm then sealed the game in the extra time. ‘It felt good, one of the biggest shots I’ve hit in the clutch when we really needed a 3. I just try to stay focused and give it all I got and let God take care of the rest’, warned John Murry. In 6 games with Hamm, he averaged 27.8ppg, 8,7rpg, 3,0apg and 2,0spg while shooting 42,9% from outside. A stat that really has stood out has been his rebounding as he has never averaged that much before in his career. The most had been 5,6rpg in the 2014-2015 seasons at Owens Community College. ‘I really wanted to challenge myself defensively upon returning back to reg 1 to be a playmaker on both ends of the floor. Everyone knows I can score but I want to bring the same energy on the defensive end to make it a complete game’, said John Murry. One thing that stays the same no matter where you play is taking care of the ball. In 6 games with Hamm he was coughing up the ball at 4 times a game something he will continue to work on on cutting down. ‘Maybe that’s just it, maintaining possession of the ball more and value the possession to get us a good shot in the end when the shot clock is running down’, stated John Murry. Even if his stay in Hamm was short, he will never forget that head coach Ivan Rosic was instrumental in him being able to play his game and keep his name out there while putting up impressive stats when no one else did in this time. ‘Coach Ivan is a great person and even better coach. He has been coaching for a long time and his words of advice are gold. He has helped me in more ways then one and I will always value our friendship’, stressed John Murry. Now he embarks on a new chapter in his career in Morocco. Recently the easyCredit BBL saw some not so positive vibes in Weissenfels as American Lamont Jones staged his own battle with the team fans during a game against the Fraport Skyliners on the floor directing the F word towards them in many cases as well as giving them the finger. This is definitely something that isn’t seen very often, but it does happen. ‘As a overseas pro, I understand from all angles, frustration and positive vibes. I also understand how to carry yourself in a professional manner certain things can, and cannot happen, just hate to see unfortunate events like that. You see it from all angles and you just hope from the outside looking in that whatever that person is going through on the inside there able to deal with’, warned John Murry. It is no secret that fan behavior is better in some places and worse in other places. Even if Murry should experience some hostile fan interaction in his new basketball home, I’m sure that he will be professional enough to ignore it. This guy has overcome so much adversary in the last years, that he will play his game as usual and shine. He is playing the game he loves and finally earning better money. Basketball life is finally really good and something he has been grinding years to attain.

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Tags : JOHN MURRY, ART GIANTS DUESSELDORF, GERMAN BASKETBALL

After 2 brutal loses on the last play, three would be a charm for the Fraport Skyliners as they finally pulled out their first victory of the season on the road in Weissenfels last weekend. They didn’t play their best basketball and are still far from it, but getting that first win was extremely vital for their mental health as they welcomed the next opponent with the Basketball Lowen Braunschweig. Despite Braunschweig being 0-4, like the Fraport Skyliners are a better team than their record shows. They also had some tough close losses and were close in many games. This was a must win for the Basketball Lowen Braunschweig as they weren’t just in quick sand, but already sinking deeper and deeper. The Fraport Skyliners were sprouting with self-confidence and wanted to keep their winning streak alive, but witnessed a day where they couldn’t hit the side of the barn as they heaved up enough bricks that could have lasted for a new American style Fire House across the street form the Fraport arena. Frankfurt had a must win situation against Braunschweig as they came with only 2 imports as they had injury woes, but they even managed to be in the game on the last possession, but in the end it was failed execution something that plagued them all day long. ‘We didn’t play a good game. We played good defense allowing only 30 point at the break. We were second guessing too much and weren’t aggressive enough on offense. We were worrying too much about missing shots than winning. We have to play with confidence. There were 3-4 minutes in the game where we allowed 6-7 offensive rebounds. We lost this game today in spurts’, stressed Fraport Skyliner guard JJ Frazier. The Basketball Lowen didn’t play a great game either as their shooting percentages were almost as bad as Frankfurt, but in the last minute they were able to stick together and make a huge play and sink free throws. ‘This was an ugly win. We played great defense. Anytime you allow 59 points in professional basketball, you will have good chances to win. We didn’t execute well on offense, but we got good support from our German players. These guys will become great players as their careers progress’, warned Basketball Lowen Braunschweig guard Braydon Hobbs.

JJ Frazier at the FT line

If the first few minutes were any indication on how the Fraport Skyliners were going to play, I would have predicted a plus 10 win as they led 5-0 quickly With 3 Frazier free throws and a Lorenz Brenneke lay in, but then as if the day suddenly turned dark, the Fraport Skyliners just stopped playing with that high energy they started with. Then the guests went on a seemingly unexplainable 15-0 run as the Fraport Skyliners machine just shut down and watched. Braunschweig got 1 three pointer from Luc Von Slooten, but other than that attacked the rim with authority and were rewarded. Talented Angolian player Jilson Bango scored twice in the paint while Kramer used his quickness and athleticism to score as did ex Bamberg guard Nicolas Tischler. The Skyliners communication on defense was lax in this Braunschweig onslaught and 1-1 defense non existent. The Frankfurt offense did a good job creating shots, but their execution was just horrible. They attacked the paint but were blocked an unacceptable 6 times in the first quarter. It also didn’t help Frankfurt’s cause that they missed open shot after open shot. Frankfurt went more than 5 minutes without a bucket until Joshua Obiesie scored with 3.06 to play. Ex FC Bayern Munich forward Robin Amaize made an incredible reverse lay up as the Basketball Lowen Braunschweig led 17-7 after 10 minutes. Frankfurt shot a pathetic 2/20 from the field while Braunschweig was at 50%. ‘We came out a bit lack luster, but we then got stops on our big run and got out on transition and got easy baskets’, said ex Giessen guard Braydon Hobbs. ‘We just missed shots during their 15-0 run. It was nothing more. It was a shame we couldn’t execute, because we created good shots’, stated JJ Frazier.

David Kramer with the jumper

In the second quarter the Fraport Skyliners were able to up their game a bit mainly thanks to the vital spark that Quantez Robertson gave the team. Before Robertson entered Braydon Hobbs nailed a deep three giving Braunschweig the 20-9 lead. This season must be like a nightmare for Skyliner legend Quantez Robertson whose minutes have been shaved in half something he never witnessed in his first 13 seasons. But instead of moping around, the guy stays a true professional and just comes on the floor and does his job. He was aggressive getting to the line twice and also made 2 steals helping Frankfurt get into rhythm. Frankfurt upped their intensity on defense and only allowed a lay in by Kramer and a three by Amaize giving the guests the 30-13 advantage. Frankfurt closed out the second quarter strong with a 9-0 run as Robertson dropped a huge trey and Obiesie scored on a jumper as Von Slooten was in his face to cut the guests lead down to 30-18. Frankfurt also got support from Brenneke who scored in the paint and Obiesie made free throws as Frankfurt trailed only 30-22. ‘Tez is always in the right spot. He knows the game so well and has been in the BBL for a long time. We know that when he is on the court, he will bring us positive energy’, expressed JJ Frazier. ‘Tez got them going with 7 points in 3 minutes. He still has his motor and when his team needs him he steps up. He changed the game’, commented Braydon Hobbs. The Fraport Skyliners continued to shoot miserably at 15% from the field and 1/14 from outside. Braunschweig had solid stat with 42% shooting form the field.

Martinas Geben with the hook shot

The Fraport Skyliners played their best quarter in the third scoring 19 points and cutting the lead down to 40 -38 at one point Both teams found an offensive rhythm quickly as Frankfurt got baskets from Frazier and Lithuanian sniper Laurynas Beliauskas while Braunschwieg got key support from Germans Brandon Tischler and David Kramer (198-SG-1997). After having a first half to forget, ex Bamberg big Martinas Geben finally got on the board after going 0/5 from the field, but Frankfurt still trailed 34-29. Braunschweig could keep a little more ground as Braunschweig guards Kramer and Hobbs scored, but Frankfurt was in comeback mode. Geben had caught fire scoring twice while Frazier also was on hitting a trey and other Lithuanian big Einaras Tubutis made an offensive rebound and put back and suddenly Frankfurt was in striking range trailing only 40-38. But Frankfurt was unable to keep the momentum as Braunschweig closed out the third quarter with a 6-1 run to lead 46-41 after 30 minutes. Bango continued to be a monster in the paint with 2 tip in dunks while Von Slooten made a lay in. The Fraport Skyliners shot better landing at 25% from the field, but still had a horrible three point percentage at 9% with 2/23. Frankfurt had more offensive rebounds and 6 turnovers less, but that didn’t give them the lead. ‘Frankfurt picked up their offense and their physical defense changed the game. But this season the third quarter has been our worst quarter. We have to improve on that’, warned Braydon Hobbs. ‘Confidence played a big role in this quarter for us. We didn’t second guess and just played our game’, stressed JJ Frazier.

Robin Amaize at the FT line

The Basketball Lowen Braunschweig upped their game in the fourth quarter and were more than ready to slam the door shut on the Fraport Skyliners, but Frankfurt didn’t give up, but made one last comeback. Frankfurt came out flat to begin the fourth quarter allowing back to back offensive rebounds and put backs from Jilson Bango as Braunschwieg led 50-41. The athletic African finished the game with a double double of 13/10 and continues to make strides in his game. ‘He is getting better each week and everything is new to him. Coach speaks Spanish with him. He just does his job cleaning off the offensive rebounds and scoring in the paint’, said Braydon Hobbs. Offensive rebounds hurt Frankfurt a lot in the fourth quarter that gave the guests added extra chances that they capitalized on. Braunschweig continued to execute very well getting into the paint as Kramer scored twice. Frankfurt got some key buckets from Geben and Frazier, but the guests still led comfortably 58-45 with crunch-time approaching. But the Fraport Skyliners now began a come back that got them very close. They finally hit three’s as Geben and Lukas Wank scored back to back to trail only 58-51. Frankfurt played their best defense in this phase forcing back to back turnovers which led to a Frazier catch and pop trey from the corner and a Tubutis lay in as Geben supplied the perfect shovel pass as suddenly Frankfurt trailed only 58-56 with 1.01 to play. ‘I’m starting to find my rhythm. I felt great in this game’, said JJ Frazier. After a Frazier miss, Kramer made 2 free throws and the win seemed sealed, but Frazier connected on a pretty trey form the corner as Frankfurt trailed 60-59 with 5,9 seconds to go. Kramer then made 1 of 2 free throws to lead 61-59. But Frankfurt couldn’t capitalize on the last shot as Frazier missed on the drive with contact as no foul was called. ‘We wanted to force a call. They played honest. I drove to the rim and didn’t get the call and missed. You have to live with it’, stressed JJ Frazier. The Basketball Lowen Braunschweig were led by David Kramer with 17 points while Jilson Bango added 13 points while the Fraport Skyliners were led by JJ Frazier with 17 points while Martinas Geben scored 12 points. The Basketball Lowen Braunschwieg shot 38% from the field and 13%from outside and had 46 rebounds and 18 turnovers while the Fraport Skyliners shot 29% from the field and 19% from outside and had 42 rebounds and 1 2 turnovers.

Tags : DAVID KRAMER, BASKETBALL LOEWEN BRAUNSCHWEIG, GERMAN BASKETBALL

Foto credit soul clap media

Braydon Hobbs (196-PG-1989, college: Bellarmine) is a 33 year old 196cm guard from New Albany, Indiana playing his 11th professional season and first with the Basketball Lowen Braunschweig. He has played most of his career in Germany for teams like Nurnberg, Giessen, Ulm, FC Bayern Munich and the EWE Baskets Oldenburg. He also has played in Australia and Hungary. Last season he played for Monbus Obradoiro CAB Santiago de Compostela (Spain-ACB) averaging 7.2ppg, 3.1rpg, 4.4apg, 1.0spg, FGP: 57.1%, 3PT: 39.6%. He began his basketball career at New Albany high school and then played at Bellarmine (NCAA2) from 2008-2012 winning the division 2 title in 2011. He spoke to germanhoops.com before a easyCredit BBL game against the Fraport Skyliners.

Welcome back to Frankfurt Braydon. You have played in Frankfurt numerous times with Giessen, Oldenburg, Ulm and Munich. If you had to chose one game that was most memorable in Frankfurt what would it be?

I have definitely played in Frankfurt several times. The one game that sticks out the most is a playoff game when I was with Munich. We were down 1-2 in the series and we had to win that game or be eliminated. I think we won by 30 that game.

Your in your 11th season and still going strong, but at the same time a family guy with kids. When you see ex teammates like Guenther and Paulding a opponent like Quantez Robertson who is turning 38 in December, do you feel like you could go into your late 30’s playing?

I hope to play as long as I can. I am definitely a family man first, so I will do whatever is best for the family. If they continue to support me then I’ll play a little while longer.

Do you feel for a competitor like Quantez Robertson who is hardly playing after giving his all to the Fraport Skyliners for 13 seasons. Does that show that not only the NBA can be harsh but basketball is a business world wide?

Basketball is definitely a business worldwide. He has given his all but he is still important for Frankfurt. He still moves great and is a competitor so they will need him a lot.

After playing most of your career in Germany, you played in the top league in Europe the ACB with Monbus Obradoiro CAB Santiago de Compostela (ACB) averaging 7.2ppg, 3.1rpg, 4.4apg, 1.0spg, FGP: 57.1%, 3PT: 39.6%. What kind of an experience was it showcasing your skills there?

It was a great experience in Spain. It’s the best national league in Europe so every game was a battle. It is an extremely tactical game there and I enjoyed that part of it.

Can a league like the easyCredit BBL ever reach the level of the ACB in skill and play or do the teams simply have to much money there?

I am not sure if Germany or other leagues will reach that level. It’s hard to say but basketball in Spain is definitely different than other places I have played.

You almost had one of your finest moments beating Real Madrid but lost a heart breaker 89-88 but was one of the best on the court that day with 17 points. What memories will you always have of that game?

Playing Real Madrid and Barcelona were great basketball experiences for me. I came to Europe watching those teams play, so it was fun to compete and show my best against them. The biggest memory I will have is them hitting the last second shot on us. It was a great memory but that is what I remember most.

Did you learn anything special about the country Canada playing with the Scrubb boys that season? Lol

I didn’t learn too much about Canada but I learned that Canada produces some great basketball players. It was awesome competing with those guys. Kassius Robertson, was from Canada as well, and he’s another great player I got to play with.

Your playing your first season with the Basketball Lowen Braunschweig. The team has began very slow and like Frankfurt need to win games. How much of a challenge has it been for you coming into this situation?

It’s definitely been a tough situation to start the season here. We have had a couple tough losses in overtime. That is always rough on teams. The challenging part is trying to keep the guys positive and moving in the right direction. I think we are getting better game by game and eventually we could start winning some games.

You are one of the older guys on the team. Do you have that normal veteran, leader mentor role or do you have other duties?

I’m the grandpa on this team. I think we are the second youngest team in the league, so my role is to lead the team and be an extension of the coach.

The easyCredit BBL is showing again that the league is great top to bottom and anyone can beat anyone. What type of team are you now and what type of team do you have to become to start winning consistently?

It’s another great year to be in Germany playing. It’s a competitive league and that’s what makes it exciting. We are a team that is developing young German talent. We need to start showcasing that talent and try to play smarter basketball. We are improving each week so I hope that continues.

Miles Schmidt-Scheuber and Braydon Hobbs in the Fraport arena in 2015

What has it been like playing with David Kramer? You battled against him since years and have seen him develop? Into what kind of player has he matured into? Is sky still the limit for him?

Playing with David has been great. He’s extremely talented and still has a great career in front of him. I last played with him in Ulm, and he has improved tremendously. Hopefully this can be a big year for him as he continues to move up in his career.

The team has very talented German players with the Tischler brothers, Sanada Fu or Luc Von Slooten. They will be very vital in the success for the team and need to step up more. Is this a challenge that they will grow into in the next weeks?

Yes, we have some very talented young guys. They will continue to work hard and develop over this season. Hopefully I can help them make the next step in their careers.

What has it been like playing for Jesus Ramirez? He is another one of those talented Spanish coaches in the BBL. What have you appreciated most about his philosophy?

It’s been a great couple months so far. Obviously losing hasn’t helped much but I think we are still on the right track to develop these young guys and get the most out of them. What I have appreciated the most is the amount of effort he puts into helping his players and the team.

You have never been that high scoring guard but you can be that player. You showed in Australia that you can be that lethal scorer back in the day. It seems like the team needs more scoring. Isn’t that a role you have to take in now with the team having problems winning?

I have never scored a lot in my whole career. My main strength is leading the team and passing the ball. There is certain games when the scoring will come but I am not the player to force it.

Your averaging almost 7 assists a game. How have you seen the BBL change in the last 7 years? Is it easier to function as a playmaker in 2022 than say in 2015? Has the BBL become more physical and better defensively since your Giessen days?

The game has definitely changed a bit since I first played in Giessen. I would say it’s a faster pace game now. I wouldn’t say it’s easier or harder it’s just faster now.

After starting 3-0, the Boston Celtics lost their first game of the season to the Bulls. Is this team to weak with only Tatum and Brown to win it all?

The NBA is a tough league to win. Boston has a great team but they can lose to anyone in the NBA. I wouldn’t say they are too weak to win it all but it will be difficult for them.

As a point guard what is your opinion of Russell Westbrook saying he had a solid game after going 0/11 from the field?

I don’t have to much to say about Russell Westbrook. It’s a tough situation for him in LA but those guys will figure it out.

Did you see the sequel to the classic Coming to America in 2021? Shouldn’t they have left it alone?

I did not watch the sequel to that. Sorry about that

Thnks Braydon for the chat.

Tags : BRAYDON HOBBS, BASKETBALL LOEWEN BRAUNSCHWEIG, GERMAN BASKETBALL

The Fraport Skyliners Juniors season in a way has been similar to the easyCredit BBL team Juniors as they also started out the season 0-3. After playing the EPG Baskets Koblenz tough, they went on the road and lost 2 classic nail bitters to Speyer and Leitershofen losing only by a combined score of 8 points. Their next opponent was Porsche BBA Ludwigsburg, the famr team of easyCredit BBL team MHP Riesen Ludwigsburg who came to Frankfurt with a 1-3 record. The Ludwigsburg team is a very young team that won a thriller over the AC Wizards, but in the last 2 games had enormous defensive problems as they allowed 90 plus points to Orange Academy and Oberaching. The Fraport Skyliners Juniors wanted to do like the senior team and win their first game of the season on their fourth try under the usual watchful eyes of Skyliner legend Quantez Robertson and did 77-56 over the offensive weak Porsche BBA Ludwigsburg. The Fraport Skyliners Juniors came out strong defensively carried the intensity for 40 minutes as the guests had enormous shooting difficulty never establishing an offensive rhythm. ‘We had high energy right from the start something we didn’t have in the other games. We wanted it more than they did. We communicated well on defense and took away their back screens and pin downs. On offense we moved the ball well, attacked and rebounded well’, stressed Fraport Skyliner Junior Justin Onyejiaka . Porsche BBA Ludwigsburg got off on the wrong side of the bed and were never fully awake as they could never find a rhythm and had to play catch up all night long. ‘We didn’t play aggressive from the start. Frankfurt played very well and are a very disciplined team. It was tough for us when our main players couldn’t take responsibility. They reacted in the second half and we played better, but the game had 2 different faces in the two halves’, stated Porsche BBA Ludwigsburg head coach Khee Rhee.

Jordan Samare at the FT line

The Fraport Skyliners Juniors were without veteran Marco Voeller and scorer Felix Hecker, but with all respect didn’t need them on this evening. The Fraport Skyliners Juniors rushed out to a rapid 4-0 lead as ex U-20 German national player Philipp Hadenfeldt (189-PG-1999) scored in the lane and big man Jordan Samare scored on transition hauling in a touch down pass from Hadenfeldt. Frankfurt found their rhythm quickly while the guests had problems getting in their sets. After Onyejiaka made it 6-2 with a lay in, the guests found some daylight and before one could blink had tied the game with Sebastian Hartmann and Esli Edgin baskets who came from the Dragons Rhondorf. But little spurts of good offense was something that Porsche BBA Ludwigsburg would have to deal with all night long as they couldn’t muster more. It didn’t help the guests cause either that their playmaker Mikey De Sousa had to leave after 4,39 minutes because of injury. The offense never got started after his departure. Frankfurt then had a potent phase again cruising out on a 10-3 run to lead 16-9. In the run the Fraport Skyliners Juniors got super energy from ex Alba Berlin forward Nolan Adenkunle who scored twice on the drive his biggest strength as he can match athleticism with anyone. Big Man Alexander Richardson was also active showing his wide array of shooting arsenal making a hook shot and mid distance shot. Jordan Samare anticipated well catching a Hadenfeld air ball and layed it in. Frankfurt was in control of the game playing their game and getting everyone involved while the guests couldn’t settle down as missed shots and turnovers were the norm. Frankfurt closed out the quarter strong with Samare free throws and Onyejiaka ended it with a bang as with 6,7 seconds remaining went from center court and stuffed home the ball for the 20-10 advantage. ‘Jordan Samare gave me a back screen and winked at me to go. I had space and went to the rim. I would give my dunk a good 8’, smiled Justin Onyejiaka (195-F-2004). ‘I could tell by his speed that Justin would go to the rim. He finished with authority and that carried over in the second quarter. We played good defense. They rushed their shots and didn’t make the easy plays’, stated Quantez Robertson. The guests couldn’t hit the ocean as they shot 19% from the field and 14% from outside.

George Cotoara at the FT line

The Fraport Skyliners Juniors continued their solid play at both ends of the court in the second quarter extending their lead to 21 points and the guests continued not to get into the game and play their game. Frankfurt got off to a quick start again totally opening up the game with a 13-2 run to extend their lead to 33-12. Frankfurt couldn’t hit from outside, so they had no other choice than to attack the rim as their athletic players Onyejiaka, Adenkunle and Nils Leonhardt all scored. Richardson also added a tip in in the run. Adenkunle continued to be a huge spark plug scoring in the lane and transition as Frankfurt had everyone involved. Hadenfeldt continued to execute his playmaking well and on defense Frankfurt got into passing lanes well and got out on the Ludwigsburg shooters. Diminutive 178cm guard Edonis Paqarada was inserted and gave the club instant energy as his aggressive on ball defense annoyed Frankfurt and he scored a lay in as his quick first step couldn’t be stopped. But Ludwigsburg couldn’t start a string of stops as Frankfurt was able to execute at a good rate getting more production from Onyejiaka with a big dunk and a lay in from German 3 and D player Bennet Schubert. Ludwigsburg got buckets from George Cotoara and Edigin, but Frankfurt still led 40-19 at the break. ‘We rebounded well and had good help defense. We made it tough on their shooters and limited them to one shot and forced turnovers’, said Quantez Robertson. The guests continued to shoot terrible at 21% from the field and 7% from outside while Frankfurt shot 48% from the field and had the 27-20 rebound edge. But the combined 1/24 shooting from outside form both teams was shocking. ‘Just one made shot is hard to believe. You have to take open shots and not tough shots’, stated Quantez Robertson.

Nolan Adekunle with the lay up

The Fraport Skyliners Juniors were able to keep their big lead while Porsche BBA Ludwigsburg got their offense running better but couldn’t make any ground on Frankfurt. Hadenfeldt got Frankfurt on the board first after the break with a pretty left handed lay in and Richardson made 2 free throws for the 44-19 lead. But Porsche BBA Ludwigsburg didn’t give up going on a mini 5-0 run as Cotoara and Hartmann made lay ins. The guests stepped up their defense and got into passing lanes better. Frankfurt got a bit cute in this phase instead of keeping their game simple. Both teams had offensive rhythm and began trading baskets as Frankfurt got buckets from Richardson, a trey from Hadenfeldt and Onyejiaka lay in while the guests got support from Hartmann with a beautiful off balance shot and lay in’s from German Marco Santana and Abdulkay Koemuerkara, but Frankfurt still had the comfortable 51-30 lead. After a tough first half shooting wise, Sebastian Hartmann found his touch in the second half making a trey and Emmanuel Ugbo showed his athleticism making a lay in. Onyejiaka remained aggressive and got to the free throw line twice while Bennet Schubert made a pretty runner as the Fraport Skyliners Juniors led 56-35 after 30 minutes. ‘We went into the third quarter with the mind set that the score was 0-0 and not that we were up by 20 points. We continued to play with high energy and kept the lead’, stated Justin Onyejiaka. ‘We defended with more aggressiveness. We played better offense, but overall had to much respect for their defense. We should of attacked more, but it isn’t easy for the youngsters because the Pro B is a lot more physical then the Regionalliga from last year’, stated Khee Rhee. The Fraport Skyliners continued to shoot better from the field, but both teams were still a huge liability from outside as they were combined 3/34. Frankfurt had the rebound edge 37-25 and both teams had 13 turnovers a piece.

Emmanuel Ugo with the lay in

Both teams executed well in the fourth quarter as both teams scored 21 points which didn’t help Porsche BBA Ludwigsburg to get over the hump. The Fraport Skyliners Juniors continued to get super support from Bennet Schubert who made a lay in getting by the athletic Ugbo. Hadenfeldt hit a trey and Onyejiaka made a lay in while the guests got buckets from Paqarada, a trey from Hartmann and a dunk from Ugbo, but Ludwigsburg still trailed 62-42. After a tough first half, Emmanuel Ugbo finally got his offense going scoring 2 lay ups and made a three pointer. Captain Aeneas Jung who missed almost 2 years because of 2 ACL injuries hit a trey and Cotoara made another hook shot, but Ludwigsburg just couldn’t make any ground. Frankfurt still had some fascinating shots to come as Hadenfeldt made a neat 3 point bank shot and Schubert made a pretty runner with a few Eurosteps that nobody noticed. It was the first win of the season for the Fraport Skyliners Juniors who really needed it. ‘They got a little tired. We let up a bit, but didn’t have any long negative lapses. We kept control’, warned Justin Onyejiaka. The Fraport Skyliners Juniors were led by Justin Onyejiaka with 19 points while Philipp Hadenfeldt added 14 points and 7 assists while Porsche BBA Ludwigsburg were led by Sebastian Hartmann with 15 points while Emmanuel Ugbo supplied 11 points. The Fraport Skyliners Juniors shot 51% from the field and 13% from outside and had 42 rebounds and 17 turnovers while Porsche BBA Ludwigsburg shot 34% from the field and 18% from outside and had 32 rebounds and 19 turnovers.

Tags : PHILIPP HADENFELDT, FRAPORT SKYLINERS FRANKFURT JUNIOR TEAM, GERMAN BASKETBALL

Christopher Miller (192-G-1993, college: Salem) is a 29 year old 193cm guard from Brooklyn, New York who is playing his eighth professional season and first with VFL Bensheim. He played 3 seasons with the Giessen Pointers (Germany-Regionalliga) and last season averaged 17.4ppg, 5.6rpg, 3.2apg, 2.0spg, FGP: 50.5%, 3PT: 17.5%, FT: 78.6%. He has had experience in countries like El Salvador and Bosnia. He recently played for the South Shore Monarchs (TBL) playing 8 games averaging 22.4ppg, 5.6rpg, 4.3apg, 1.6spg, FGP: 50.8%, 3PT: 35.0%, FT: 83.3%. He began his basketball career at Clinton Community College and also played two years at Salem University (NCAA2). This season he teams up with Miles Schmidt-Scheuber with weekly chats about his basketball season.

Bensheim suffered a tough loss to Tuebingen with 104-73. How tough is it for you personally to digest this loss after having a 2 game winning streak?

This loss was tough. It happens. Most importantly we can not get down on our selves. I’ts a long season.

Talk a little about the 40 minutes. At what moment do you feel was the game lost? Did you as a team not go in with the right mind set?

I think they came out more aggressive and played with energy from the start. They trapped and ran every chance they got. They just wanted it more.

Blow out loses are always tough to digest. What bothered you the most about the team performance


Bad games happen sometimes I just think it wasn’t our day. I think the team will be fine . If anything I should of been more aggressive I can put the blame on myself.

What went wrong on the defensive end? The team gave up 20 points more than in the last 2 games. Did the team get back to defending the way they did against Lich?


The game was faster , they forced us to turn the ball over resulting in fast break finishes for them. It was a fast pace game.

Rebounding was a huge problem. Was it more the technical aspect with boxing out or the mental side and effort?

We just got out rebounded it was a result of not focusing on it not getting back and just not having that toughness last week.

What was your impression of Bakary Dibba? He is a talented guy that should be playing in higher leagues?

He is for sure a talented guy. I am proud of him over the years I have seen his progression. I also see he gets good minutes with the Pro A team. I believe he will be a special player for years to come.

You had a tough game with only 13 points. Did Tuebingen scout you correctly? Was aggressiveness missing in your game?

This game I was not there. I could of been more aggressive. The press forced me to set up other guys to score. I had a lot of assists but of course the stats didn’t show. Over all I should of found a way to be more aggressive.

The next game is against 5-1 team Saarlouis. This might be the last season you play against legend Rickey Easterling. How much of a challenge is it guarding his mid distance shot?

This match up is a great one between me and Rick . He is a legend for sure his midrange is automatic but I enjoy the challenge. He has to guard me and my midrange also so itll be fun.

Bensheim needs a win badly. What will be key to getting the win?


Our key to win is always our game play focusing on transition defense , team play and our aggressiveness. I think if we do that we will have a chance in this game .

What was your favorite costume as a kid for Halloween and if you were a kid in 2022 what costume would you wear?


Every Halloween I would either be some kind of ninja or Jason. Last year I really wanted to be a character from the netflix series Squid games maybe Ill do it this year.

Thanks Chris for the chat.

Tags : CHRISTOPHER MILLER, VFL BENSHEIM, GERMAN BASKETBALL

Emmanuel Ugbo (201-PF-2003) is a Dutch 19 year old 201cm forward playing his third season in the MHP Riesen Ludwigsburg organization. He began his career with CBV Binnenland and then played for BC Triple Threat in Haarlem. After 2 seasons there he played with the orange Lions academy. Last season he played 4 easyCredit BBL games and also gained experience with BSG Basket Ludwigsburg (Germany-Regionalliga) averaging 11.2ppg, 6.2rpg, 1.0apg, 1.0spg, FGP: 50.4%, 3PT: 28.8%, FT: 60.6%, and played also with Porsche BBA Ludwigsburg U19 team (Germany-NBBL) averaging 14.6ppg, 7.6rpg, 1.8apg, 1.1spg, FGP: 52.3%, 3PT: 22.0%, FT: 61.4%. He spoke to germanhoops.com about basketball.

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

I’m in Ludwigsburg and life is good as I have a double license to play for the MHP Riesen in the BBL and Pro B.

You were born in Italy and grew up in Holland. How was that early basketball development for you?

I played soccer for 7 years until I was 13 and then began to play basketball.

Who were your early basketball player role models?

Lebron James and Giannis Antetokounmpo.

You probably could have moved to many countries but you chose Germany and Ludwigsburg. Why did you choose this organization?

I was looking to make the next step and wanted to go abroad. I liked how in Germany the youth program goes to age 19. I wanted extra time to be able to grow in youth basketball and felt Germany was the best fit. I got a try out with Ludwigsburg. I didn’t know much about the club except that a young talent named Ariel Huckporti was there.

You came to Ludwigsburg in 20-21. How tough do you remember this year being? The NBBL season and Regionalliga seasons were cancelled. I guess you were forced to really work on your game. Did you take on the challenge?

I think I did take on the challenge. We had no season, but still practiced twice a day each day. On weekends we played scrimmages. It was very competitive and I always tried to get in extra work. A year later the organization named me most improved.

Last season you played Regionalliga, NBBL and easyCredit BBL. How important was it for your basketball development for playing in 3 competitions? How did your game grow?

I feel like my game grew a lot. I finally could play at competitive levels. I saw how good other players and programs were. I played against really good players my age as well as against ex NBA players.

What was the most important thing that you learned from David Mccray and what kind of an impact did John Patrick make on you?

David Mccray played under John Patrick and learned from him. The most important thing I got from both was ‘Playing defense will always get you on the floor.

Last season you played 4 BBL games and 12 minutes. Was there one distinct memory that you will always have from that early BBL experience?

I was in shock, because I got subbed in in the first quarter. I was very nervous. Even though I didn’t play much, it was a great experience being in a environment like that.

You are able to soak up so much in BBL practices. Is their one specific thing that you concentrated on most to possibly incorporate it into your game?

I think my offense can translate to anywhere. But I’m focusing most on communicating and defense.

The Pro B team this season has a lot of youth and talent. What is your role and do you see yourself being an impact player this season?

I think that I have to be an impact player this season. We are all young and hungry. The oldest player is 20. My role is to defend different positions and play 3-5 on offense. I think I can be an impact defender and run and play hard.

Let’s talk a bit about your game. You’re a 201cm forward. If you had to compare your game to an NBA player who would best ft the description?

I think the best comparison would be Jonathan Kuminga of the Golden State Warriors. He had a good jump shot, postgame, turn around shot, drive, catch and shoot and defend many positions.

Would it be fair to say you’re an allrounder? But what are your biggest strengths as a player?

My biggest strength is my defense and three point shot.

What kind of a defender would you call yourself today and what kind of defender do you want to become?

Now I can guard 3-5, but I would like to be able to guard 1-5. I can do that now, but I would like to do that consistently at higher levels.

On what area’s of your game are you working on most?

My decision making and post game.

What are your biggest goals this season? I can imagine you want to make the next step, but this season’s BBL roster is strong once again and won’t be easy to crack?

Yes that is true. My main focus is the Pro B. We want to sneak into the playoffs this season. We still need to improve, but I believe that we can. I feel we can take on any team in the Pro B. I want to improve as a player and person and be a better role model and leader for the younger players on the team.

What kind of steps are you confident that you will be able to take under head coach Khee Ree? How has he helped you best this season?

He has helped me a lot boost my self-confidence. He also has allowed me to defend many positions and give me space to make mistakes. He also has given me the freedom to play inside/out.

You’re a Dutch U-20 national player. How is the state of Dutch basketball in the youth sector? At the last U-20 EM, Holland did ok and would have done better had it not lost a few close games.

Our problem was losing too many close games. It was more in our hands than our opponents. I think that we have a good generation coming up.

Last summer you played at the NBA Academy Games. What kind of an experience was this for you? Did you meet any interesting well known people?

It was an incredible experience. It was my first time being in the States. It was wild because everyone was there. Coach John Calipari was sitting first row as well as Duke, Kentucky, Ohio State and representatives of other big schools. NBA scouts were also there. It was all new to be. Some Dutch players were there that I knew as well as Joshua Bonga of Zalgiris.

You are very good friends with Mikey De Sousa. How much potential does he have? He wants to become a BBL player.

Mikey has all the talent in the world. He has improved a lot under coach Khee Ree. He has great size and works very hard. He can become a great player.

Who was the toughest player that you ever faced in your career so far that reached the NBA?

Yannik Kraag and Jeremy Sochan.

Please name your 5 best teammates of all-time?

Yannik Kraag, Ralph Hounnou, Yulian Ramirez Montero, Tyrese Blount, Nico Santana Mojica.

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

Kevin Durant, Lebron, Giannis, Jayson Tatum, Ja Morant

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

Lebron. He is my era. I didn’t see Jordan play.

Who wins a 1-1 in practice you Mikey De Sousa?

I win.

Thanks Emmanuel for the chat.

Tags : EMMANUEL UGBO, MHP RIESEN LUDWIGSBURG, GERMAN BASKETBALL

It really doesn’t matter what sport it is in Germany, but if that city is at one end of Germany, then that team will have some grueling long road trips during the season. It hasn’t been any different for German easyCredit BBL team Rostock Seawolves that are situated on the north eastern corner of Germany on the east sea and driving from one end of the country to the other is nothing unusual. In the last years when they were in the Pro A, they had some long long road trips to south Germany to places like Kirchheim and with the longest being to Schwenningen which consists of 923 kilometers. It won’t be any different this season as they have 3 very far destinations of Munich (775 km), Ulm (802km) and Ludwigsburg (804km). 20 years ago, people read more on seemingly endless bus rides, but in 2022 you have Netflix and can easily survive the torture. But one can only get so much of movies and sometimes you just want to bond with teammates. Over the years, Rostock have had some talented guys running up and down the court, but if they all had amazing stories to tell is difficult to know. The closest that the SeaWolves have had to the NBA was a few years ago with Zach Lofton who played 1 NBA game with the Detroit Pistons and this season is earning the big bucks in Lebanon. But this season the club has a new link to the NBA with Derrick Alston Jr. (206-SF-1997, college: Boise St.). He hasn’t played an NBA game yet, but his dad Derrick played in the NBA and 8 years in Spain in the best league in Europe ACB with FC Barcelona and Real Madrid. He himself played at 2 NBA Summer Leagues and played a season in the G-League as well as making the tough grind through the NCAA. He met so much NBA talent and personal in the last years, but it all started when he was a ball boy with the Houston Rockets. The team is very experienced and the youngest is 16 year German phenom Roy Krupnikas who would never be bored during road trips. There are 2 vivid memories he has of when he was shagging rebounds from future NBA legends. ‘I would always rebound for the opposing teams. Here and there I would talk to players and savior special moments. I remember having a cool interaction with Giannis Antetokounmpo of the Milwauke Bucks. He told me I looked like him at his age. I also remember talking with Damian Lillard. Years later he played open gym at Boise State and actually remembered me from my ball boy days. He was the first guy that told me I could become a professional player. I will always cherish these kind of moments where some of the greatest players in the world who told me these things’, remembered Derrick Alston Jr..

Derrick Alston Jr. who lists Kobe, Lebron, Kareem, Jordan and Steph Curry on his own NBA Mount Rushmore was born on September 17th, 1997 in Houston, Texas. He lived 2 years in Spain when his dad was playing in the ACB. Late in his dads career, he spent a few seasons in Argentina and he visited him there and saw him play against one of the top teams Boca Juniors, the club where soccer legend Diego Maradona played before going to Europe in the early 80’s. He attended Strake Jesuit College Preparatory in Houston. In his senior year he averaged 14,6ppg and 5,1rpg. He received First Team All-District 19-6A honors. He had interest from division1 schools, but no offer. He went to Boise State (NCAA) in 2016 as a walk on and was focused to work hard for the scholarship. He arrived on campus standing 6’9 and weighing only 148 pounds. He redshirted the first season, but worked hard eating 6-7 meals a day and before going to sleep ate a peanut Butter and Jelly sandwich with a glass of milk. 5 years later and 190 pounds, eating a peanut butter and jelly sandwich isn’t something on his menu anymore. ‘Eating crustables (The sandwich without the crust) was a main staple of my diet at Boise State. But I haven’t ate one in a while’, said Derrick Alston Jr.. In his first season he played only 11 games and 26 minutes and suffered real growing pains. ‘The first 2 years were tough. I had to put on so much weight in such a short time. The program always supported me and I was always treated as one of the guys despite being a walk on. Having the feeling of belonging really helped me later in life. Having a guy like Christian Sengfelder kicking my butt in my second year also helped me mature. This set a great foundation of the player and person I am today’, stressed Derrick Alston Jr.. The German national player and him are still in contact today and he is looking forward to meeting on the floor soon. ‘He told me a big thing in Germany are the bakeries. I found a nice Bakery in Rostock that I’m hooked on. Christian has turned me into a bakery guy’, laughed Derrick Alston Jr.. In his last 3 years in school, he averaged 15,0ppg, 5,0rpg and 2,0apg. He played 93 NCAA games and scored in double figures in 72 games. He made a massive development in these 3 years and it was obvious he was a different player in 2021 then he was in 2018. ‘The summer of 2018 was huge for me. Coach Rice had told me that I would have a bigger role. So I worked off my butt. I feel like I came into the season prepared and had an impact. I found my groove in my second year and found out I belonged. All gave me confidence and helped me put me on the map. It was a surreal feeling when I left, because nobody thought that my career would end up in that capacity’, expressed Derrick Alston Jr..

The versatile forward who admits he lost to NBA player and Boise State teammate Chandler Hutchinson in 1-1 games back in the day, but now has caught up with him and it would be competitive had many great games including hitting San Jose and Portland for 30 plus points a piece in wins, but it was actually another game that he will never forget. ‘I came of age when I scored 30 points off the bench against San Diego State. We got the win against a team that was always a top 3 team in our conference. It was crazy’, remembered Derrick Alston Jr.. One teammate that he will never forget is Justinian Jessup who was his teammate for 3 years at Boise State and briefly in the NBA Summer League with the Golden State Warriors. Now the tall 201cm guard is playing his first season in the ACB with Zaragoza. ‘We are brothers for life. We were roommates at Boise State. We had our ups and downs, but we had a great relationship and still keep in touch today. We support each other. It is amazing to see that we began as roommates and went to playing at top leagues. That was always a dream of ours at Boise State’, stated Derrick Alston Jr.. One guy that was instrumental in his development at Boise State was head coach Leon Rice. It is fair to say that he wouldn’t be the player he is today without having his guidance and support through his stay at Boise State. ‘He always had a lot of confidence in me and just put me in situations to succeed. He put me in situations to be allowed to fail early, but gave me confidence to be the player I want to be. He let me live and die with my mistakes. That is a luxury that not many can have early in their development. The support that I got from him from day 1 was amazing. Boise State will always be like a second home for me. I played with his son Max and now his other son Kay is on the team. I will always be so thankful for his support’, warned Derrick Alston Jr..

The Texas native who lists the Martin twins Coby and Caleb of the NBA and Nevada (NCAA) as his toughest opponents in the NCAA went undrafted in 2021, but was invited to play at the 2021 NBA Summer League with the Golden State Warriors where in 4 games he averaged 5.8ppg, 4.0rpg, FGP: 45.5%, 3PT: 33.3%, FT: 50.0%. ‘I remember thinking about draft day when the Warriors drafted Kuminga and Moody and now they were my teammates. Playing at Thomas Mack was nothing new for me as I had played there before, but seeing Steph Curry and Draymond Green courtside was great. It was an eye opening experience. It was a great experience playing at that speed and playing under NBA rules’, remembers Derrick Alston Jr.. He then joined the Utah Jazz for his rookie season, but landed on their G-League team Salt Lake Stars where in 29 games, he averaged 16.6ppg, 5.4rpg, 2.1apg, FGP: 52.2%, 3PT: 28.4%, FT: 81.4%. He played incredibly solid and consistently in his last 3 months there scoring in double figures in 25 games in a row. He more than deserved a NBA call up. ‘I felt like I was close. I had a rough start and needed a short adjustment period. Once I found my game I was on the run for a NBA call up, but it didn’t happen. I got a lot of confidence and felt like I belonged and can play at that level. It is all about timing and keep working hard which will help elevate me to bigger heights’, stressed Derrick Alston Jr.. He saw so much in that season with guys always coming and going that the NBA will always be a business first. Despite being in Germany now, the NBA is still a big goal of his. He played in the NBA Summer League one more time last summer with the Dallas Mavericks and got the right kind of feedback to be able to keep the dream alive. ‘My goal will always be to play at the highest level if it is in Europe or the NBA. I want to continue to establish myself as the best player possible at my position. I feel like I got good feedback from the Mavericks. The most important thing is to become a better shooter. That is a premium everywhere nowadays. As well as continuing to work on my ball handling, finishing inside and being able to make plays for my teammates’, commented Derrick Alston Jr..

The big Kobe fan who lists James Reid (life long friend and mentor from day 1), Chandler Hutchison (put him under his wing early), Christian Sengfelder (put up big numbers at Fordham but didn’t win, but wanted to win with us), Justinian Jessup (Great teammate and one of hardest workers) and Marquise Bolden (incredible teammate and selfless from whom I learned a lot) as his greatest teammates of all-time is playing his second professional season for the Rostock Seawolves in Germany. Rostock is an organization that only 9 seasons ago was toiling in the Regionalliga (4th division) and have had an incredible rise in the last years. That the team began 4-0 in the easyCredit BBL is something that is very difficult to believe. Is it the ultimate Cinderella story? ‘It kind of looks like it is doesn’t it? We have a special group of guys that have come together early. We fit well together and are allowed to play to our strengths. We have found ways to remain in games and win them. That is a very special ability to have. We will continue to go day by day’, stressed Derrick Alston Jr.. The club is on a role now and that feeling of being unstoppable continues to grow with every new victory. Winning continues to build their self-confidence. For those that are close to the organization knows that the winning doesn’t only have to do with the coaching staff and players, but the club simply is special from the owner all the way down to the janitor. ‘I began to feel this special collective synergy very early on. The organization is run very well. The fan support is amazing as well. Everything is top in this organization. I wasn’t expecting this. But when an organization is run as well as this, then you are set up for success’, warned Derrick Alston Jr.. The club kept a good mix of players, but also added new pieces that have fit superbly early on showing an early chemistry. ‘I think key for that early chemistry was having a long pre-season. We had something like 11 games which isn’t super common. Having so many games early on helped us. Coach let us play to our strengths and we capitalized on it. We have established ourselves offensively and we will get better defensively with more time together’, expressed Derrick Alston Jr.. Another big reason for the success of the Seawolves has been the coaching duo of Christian Held as head coach and dad Ralph as assistant a constellation not seen often. ‘It’s very rare, but I also had it with my dad who coached me. They work so well together and makes every player’s job easier. It is very special and a great dynamic to see each day’, said Derrick Alston Jr..

The ex G-League player who like so many other players believes they should of left the classic Coming To America alone and not made a sequel has been very fortunate to not only have overall great teammates, but also very experienced Americans who have helped him getter better adjusted to the game overseas. Jaquan Lewis, Tyler Nelson and Nijal Pearson have been massive parts to the success and keeping the team together and Alston knows the team can’t do without them. ‘I was fortunate to play with a great point guard in Carson Edwards last season who taught me to pick my places and this year with Jaquan Lewis have a pass first guard who loves to play transition. He is also a great defender. It has been amazing being his teammate. Nijal Pearson is our Swiss army knife. Whatever we need he will give us. He is so important for us. Tyler Nelson flat out can shoot the ball and is always ready to shoot and will hit the tough ones as well. He is also alert on defense always sliding his feet’, stated Derrick Alston Jr.. He also has been very fortunate being teammates again with Selom Mawugbe, a guy he was teammates with in the G-League. ‘It’s a cool revelation having been teammates as a rookie and now again overseas. He is a great inside player and I believe the best above the rim player in the BBL’, warned Derrick Alston. One player who is making waves for the Rostock Seawolves is 16 year old German phenom Roy Krupnikas who recently played his first BBL game and recently won the U-16 European Championships in Bulgaria. He is a guy that needs to eat eat as he is still so slim. Alston Jr is the perfect food mentor for him. ‘Roy is like a little brother for me. Our paths at 16 are similar with being skinny and having to put on weight. But he has accomplished already so much at his age. We talk a lot. I keep him hungry and push him to keep working hard. I lay down as much nuggets as possible. The kid is very special’, warned Derick Alston Jr.

Miles Schmidt-Scheuber interviewing Rostock phenom Roy Krupnikas at the 2022 JBBL(U-16) German championship in Frankfurt

When you watch the versatile game of Derrick Alston JR, a few NBA guys come to mind when trying to compare games. His game is similar to guys like Jayson Tatum, Gordon Hayward and Kevin Durant in that he knows when to shoot and when to drive. It is easy to observe that he is a modern day forward. He can play the 3/4 positions and displays many skills on a nightly basis like shooting, passing, and dribbling as his size is a huge luxury as he is able to put together his game. Despite being 206cm, his rebounding average could be higher and he believes that that will rise with time. ‘I had good rebounding stats in the G-League. But you can’t forget that the game is more physical in Europe. Here it is more about me boxing out my man and letting others get the rebound. I will improve on it. I want to focus on being able to get key rebounds late in the game’, warned Derrick Alston Jr.. At the moment he is tearing up the easyCredit BBL leading the league in scoring at 24,5ppg, 3,8rpg and 1,5apg while shooting 47% from outside. There have been some factors why he has needed no adjustment period in the season. ‘We had a super long pre-season and I was allowed to make mistakes behind closed doors. I also was allowed to try things. Coach Held also gave me a lot of freedom and put me great position to be able to score and my teammates around me also made it easier. I haven’t had to force much, but just play my game’, stressed Derrick Alston Jr.. But he knows that he still needs to grind many more hours in the weight room and reading the game is also on the top of his menu for continuing to improve his game. He wouldn’t have got this far without his dad who taught him 2 very important things with how he handles himself and just how long he grinds in the lab that have made him the player and person he is today. ‘My dad has been huge in my transition overseas. He has taught me to be a pro on and off the court. He has taught me to be a hard worker as well. Him and also seeing early growing up and the summers at Boise State that I had to work hard to get somewhere in my career. I saw so many guys from an early age having to work hard that it stuck with me. My dad gave me advice on the little nuances of the game. I also credit him for me having a high IQ. We always watched college games’, remembered Derrick Alston Jr.. It seems like every season there is a team that surprises all as last season it was the Telekom Baskets Bonn and Hakro Merlins Crailsheim and this season so far it’s the Rostock Seawolves who are living a Cinderella story at the moment. It will be interesting to see how the club grows in the next months and where a Derrick Alston Jr. can take his game this season. One thing is for sure, this guy’s life stories will always fill a room. He is every basketball journalist’s dream. He is a great player that is a true professional off the court.

Tags : DERRICK ALSTON JR., ROSTOCK SEAWOLVES, GERMAN BASKETBALL

Photo credit Gerd Kaeser

Mikey De Sousa is a 19 year old 198cm point guard that is playing his first season for the Pro B farm team easyCredit BBL team MHP Riesen Ludwigsburg. He began his career in Kaiserslautern and has the dream of one day playing in the easyCredit. He spoke to germanhoops.com about basketball.

Thanks Mikey for talking to germanhoops.com. Before we start, I just had to add this video, because I think it´s very funny. Mikey is simply a rare name. Mike is common, but Mikey isn´t. This is a famous commercial from the United States. Were you a picky eater as a child?

That is a cool video. If Mikey likes something then it must be good. I was a picky eater as a child, but since I´m 12 or 13 I eat everything.

If your parents had named you Miles would you have changed the name?

I don’t think so. Miles is a cool name.

Your name is Manuel and had it changed to Mikey which can be seen in your passport. Why did you chose Mikey?

Mikey was a nickname since I was small that my mom gave me. I had always been called Mikey by everyone. One day I decided it would be nice to change my name from Manuel to Mikey. It isn’t so easy to change a name officially. You need to have a good reason. I’m happy that I was able to change my name.

Your playing your first season for the MKP Riesen Pro B team after coming from Kaiserslautern. How much of a challenge has it been playing for an organization with so many incredible young talents

At the beginning it was tough and I needed some adjustment time. The practices were at another level then in the Regionalliga. But I think a reason, I could adjust well was because I see myself as a good player. I grew up being a street baller. It took time, but I had many talks with the coaching staff and we worked on little things. I see myself as one of the best players for my age. I’m very competitive in practice.

The Pro B team had a tough start at 1-3. Usually Pro B teams have some more experienced imports like Americans and in general older German players. How much of that experience factor is missing as the average age is 18 years.

Experience is a huge factor at this level. But I think as young players, we are all hungry and that balences it out a bit. We like to play fast, play good defense and are athletic. I’m confident we will have good chances to win games.

There are so many talented young guys on the squad. What kind a bond could you describe it within the team with the young kids? Is there one player that you have been able to bond with the most?

I feel like I have a good relationship with everyone. I have a really good relationship with Abdulay Koemverhara and Emmanuel Ugbo with whom I have been friends for some years now.

Let’s talk about your game. You’re a 198cm point guard. Who were your role models growing up and to what professional player would you compare your game to?

I play the 1-3. When I was growing up I was more in the NBA scene. I really enjoyed watching guys like Kyrie Irving, James Harden (196-SG-1989, college: Arizona St.) and Kevin Durant. When I was 15 or 16, I began to focus more on myselfI began to watch Malcom Delaney more because coaches said I had similarities to his game.

Describe your game a bit. It seems like your the classic allrounder?

I see myself as an allrounder. In Kaiserslautern, I played more the 1 mainly because they had no one who could facilitate. I’m by nature a pass first guard. But I can also score when I need to, but also make the pass when needed. As a defender, I can jump, block and I like to communicate. I need to improve my on ball defense. In the Regionalliga I was never challenged, but now in the Pro B, I have noticed that the jump is a lot bigger at this level. I’m confident I will get better at that.

You show that you’re a player that can fill the stat sheet well. Do you feel like over time you could become more of a consistent scorer?

I think so. I feel like there hasn’t been a game in the Pro B yet where I couldn’t score. I’m used to being a pass first guard, so I obviously need to get more aggressive. I also need to shoot more off the dribble or on the pick and roll when they go under.

Do you feel like being able to play Regionalliga in Kaiserslautern at a young age made you more mature?

Yes it did. I think that playing in the Regionalliga at such a young age helped my IQ a lot. I played against a lot of ex BBL players and guys that played in college.

How much did you miss not being able to play NBBL or JBBL in Kaiserslautern? What do you remember being your wake up call to being a boy and playing with men?

My wake up call came during Corona. I already wanted to go to Ludwigsburg before Covid came. But Covid stopped it and then the year after, I could of gone, but remained in Kasierslautern because they were going to start up a NBBL program, but that then didn’t happen so I was stuck in Regio again. Another wake up call was playing against Ricky Easterling. I saw him taking shots that I never would have taken. I tried to soak up as much as possible from his game. I saw the way he scanned the game and was always calm and under control. It was then that I realized that I was at a different level. Aaron Ellis was my mentor in Kaiserslautern.

On what areas of your game are you working on most now as you continue to move up the basketball ladder?

On ball defense and shooting.

You have a very big upside and some see you as having BBL potential. Is becoming a BBL player like a dream for you?

It is a dream and goal of mine. I have a BBL license with the MHP Riesen and am practicing with the team. Being able to make these steps make me very happy.

What has it been like playing for head coach Khee Rhee. How would you describe him as a coach and what have you learned to appreciate the most about him?

I have a good relationship with him. He is still young and you can talk to him like a friend. H eis still young but already has a lot of experience. I have learned so many things in a short time that I would never have thought that I could. The biggest thing that I have learned form him is being able to read the game better especially on the pick and roll. It was the right step coming to Ludwigsburg.

Who was the toughest player that you ever faced in your life in the German Regionalliga?

Ricky Easterling and Jeremy Ingram.

Please name your 5 best teammates of all-time?

Aaron Ellis, Gergeley Hossuz, Oly Royzin, Aaron Reams, Kevin Croom

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

Kobe, Kyrie Irving, James Harden, Ben Wallace , Shaq

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

Michael Jordan

Who wins a 1-1 in practice you or Edonis Paqarada?

I win.

Thanks MIkey for the chat.

Tags : JAMES HARDEN, PHILADELPHIA 76ERS, GERMAN BASKETBALL