Eric Washington (183-PG-1993, college: Miami, OH) is a 29 year old 182cm guard from Columbia, South Carolina playing his seventh professional season and second in Germany with the MLP Academics Heidelberg. Last season he played with the Niners Chemnitz averaging 7.8ppg, 1.7rpg, 2.8apg, FGP: 52.0%, 3PT: 21.7%, FT: 78.0%. He began his basketball career with W.J. Keenan High School. He then played in the NCAA playing 115 games for two schools with Presbyterian College (NCAA) and then finished at Miami University (NCAA). Before coming to Germany he played in countries like Cyprus and Bosnia and three seasons in Hungary. He spoke to germanhoops.com about the incredidle buzzer beater 93-90 win over the Fraport Skyliners

Thanks Eric for talking to germanhoops.com. Congrats on the amazing 93-90 win over the Fraport Skyliners. Did you get a good dose of the Heidelberg night life after that?

Not really. I was tired. We only get 1 day to recover. I have to take advantage of recovery days. Tomorrow we get back to work and begin to prepare for the cup game against Braunschweig. I didn’t do too much last night. I just saw some teammates.

You have had some big wins in your career but where does this rank considering you hit 2 late three’s for the win?

I think this performance is top 5 in my career. I have had some great moments very similar to this.

The Fraport Skyliners were up 88-81 with 1,26 minutes to go. How confident were you there that the MLP Academics could pull out the win?

To be honest I wasn’t really aware of the score or time in the moment. I knew that we had to be in attack mode at all times to give ourselves a chance. I knew that any opening I got, I had to take because time was against us. Whenever we had that open look, we had to take it. I just thought that we had to keep doing that and make the game as long as possible.

Let’s go back to the start of the game. Frankfurt exploded for 33 points in the first quarter. Did Heidelberg miss something on the scouting report? Were you surprised about how Frankfurt came out?

We had to do a better job being aggressive. We weren’t being the aggressor. People weren’t filling us out. It started with me. I had to be at the top of the snake and I had to do a better job of setting the tone. We got in foul trouble and we became less aggressive. We have to learn to be aggressive and not get fouls. We also have to make it more uncomfortable for the opponent. We let Frankfurt be too comfortable.

You had a lot of difficulty controlling Martinas Geben. How difficult was it trying to make defensive adjustments on him?

He is really a load. He is a lot bigger than what you see on film. He was big, but he could move well. We knew he had a left shoulder, but he was also patient in the post. He reminds me a bit of Jokic in Denver as a guy who is poised, patient and has a soft touch. When good offensive players see the ball go in a lot then all hell breaks loose. He is a very good player.

The Fraport Skyliners kept the lead in the second quarter and led 54-43 at the break. Why was it so difficult for the MLP Academics to get over the hump?

Our defense was there, but we had problems getting consecutive stops. It is really back breaking when you give so much energy on a possession which then ends with a foul. That hurts you mentally. We didn’t get enough stops.

After a few minutes of the third quarter the game seemed over as Frankfurt went on a 10-2 run to lead by 20 points. But you never gave back. Talk a little about how fellow American Dejon Davis was in your shadow this game?

He carried us at the start. It really hurt when he got his last foul. He continues to make strides and looks really good. I always tell him to remain being aggressive. It is really exciting watching him grow. He is new in the BBL and still getting adjusted. But coache’s system is working for him. He gives us great minutes and production.

In the fourth quarter the MLP Academics never gave up and kept chipping away. What key words did coach Jonas Iisalo give the team leading up to crunch-time?

Coach gave us a lot of confidence and kept telling us to be aggressive. He didn’t really tell us anything too crazy except for staying aggressive. I took The Attack Attitude and ran with it

Crunch-time belonged to you. You scored 16 points in a row including 4 three’s in a row and the buzzer beater. That was a sheer masterpiece. Was that a once in a life time achievement?

I don’t know. I was just being aggressive. I wanted to give my team and myself a chance to win. I never stopped attacking and am excited that we won. That is why we put in the work so shots like that fall in and we can have moments like that.

Did you sense that your teammates not only had 100% confidence in you but wanted you to be the hero?

My teammates have given me the ultimate confidence since pre-season. There are times where I hesitate, but they just tell me to keep shooting. I have played for so long, but sometimes you just need to be reminded. I appreciate my teammates so much

Talk about your last 2 three’s to tie and win?

The tying one at 90 was an interesting one. I was driving right for most of the night. I felt like on that shot the big had an arms length on me. I knew that if I would drive, he would be on me. I felt like I could of driven, but then I did take the three because we needed it. I gave him right to left and had him leaning. I saw the rim and shot it. That is a shot I work on each day. I feel comfortable with it. On the game winner there were 3 seconds left and knew that I could get up court. I knew that I couldn’t take 3 dribbles and knew I could take 2 dribbles and reach half court. I threw it it out and ran after it. I saw the clock at 0,9 seconds and shot it. I saw the rim before the contest, but didn’t see the shot go in, but I heard the roar of the crowd.

You always had great stats in different countries until last season in Chemnitz. How happy are you that you are a major contributor with the MLP Academics?

It’s part of the game. I’m just really thankful to be able to play the game. If you come to Europe and are away from your family, at least you can play. I wanted to play for a club in Germany that believed in me. I’m so thankful that I can play for the MLP Academics. I want to help them be a better organization. I don’t take anything for granted and always leave it out on the court. Chemnitz had a certain role for me and that’s ok. I just feel like I can play for a club and help them role with having more of a role. The MLP Academics trust me and believe that I can be a leader. I give my heart to the game. It doesn’t matter if I play 10 or 30 minutes. I always play hard. My goal is for me to help Heidelberg have the kind of season In year 2 that Chemnitz had.

A game can change a whole season around. Do you feel like this incredible finish could spark the team on a major win streak?

We have to take it 1 game at a time. We can’t look to much ahead, but just stay in the moment. The next 8 games are very tough. Every away game in the BBL is tough. But the win against Frankfurt gave us confidence. I think that once we get our defense down, we will give teams trouble. If we get confident, we could make the playoffs. Once we get it, we will be scary.

What was your impression of the Fraport Skyliners? I don’t want to take anything away from your incredible performance, but did Frankfurt in a way give this one away? They lost 2 of 3 games this season on the last play. Will they rebound from this set back?

Yes I can understand that. They were up 20 points. You have to finish the team off, but it is tough playing a team that is always attacking. We never gave up. I don’t know if they can rebound. It will be interesting to see how the coach and players respond. Now you see how their character is. If you don’t have a good locker room and leader, it could all spiral down.

Did ex coach Rodrigo Pastore send you congrats?

No he hasn’t. He probably won’t. But then again, I don’t think that my coach in Hungary will either. We had a normal player/coach relationship. We are both competitors. If he does send congrats, I will say thank you.

Thanks Eric for the chat.

Tags : ERIC WASHINGTON, MLP ACADEMICS HEIDELBERG, GERMAN BASKETBALL

DJ Woodmore (190-SG-1992, college: VWU) is a 30 year old 190cm point guard that is playing his eight professional season and sixth with the Ahorn Basket Bis Baskets Speyer. Last season with Speyer he averaged 15.5ppg, 6.3rpg, 3.0apg, 1.3spg, FGP: 55.8%, 3PT: 43.3%, FT: 81.0%. In the 2020-2021 season with the EPG Baskets Koblenz he averaged 13,3ppg, 6,0rpg, 4,3apf and 1,3spg. In 2019-2020 with the Morgenstern BIS Basket Speyer (Germany-ProB) he played 21 games averaging 15.1ppg, 4.4rpg, 2.3apg, 1.0spg, FGP: 60.0%, 3PT-2 (50.0%), FT: 87.3%. In 2018-2019 13.8ppg, 4.5rpg, 2.8apg, 1.3spg, FGP: 60.2%, 3PT: 36.5%, FT: 71.6%. In his first two seasons with Speyer he averaged 14.5ppg, 5.2rpg, 2.3apg, FGP: 44.6%, 3PT: 40.1%, FT: 72.1% and 17.5ppg, 7.0rpg, 3.4apg, 1.3spg, FGP: 47.5%, 3PT: 33.0%, FT: 76.4%. he played at Virginia Wesleyan College (NCAA3): from 2010-2014 and as a senior played 31 games averaging 20.1ppg, 5.9rpg, 2.4apg, 1.5spg, FGP: 50.3% (219/435), 3Pts: 46.0% (91/198), FT: 76.9% (93/121). He spoke to germanhoops.com before the Pro B game against the Fraport Skyliners Juniors.

Thanks DJ for talking to germanhoops.com. Welcome back to Speyer. How confident are you that you will end your career there?


I appreciate it!! Glad to be back. Haven’t really thought about the end of my career too much. I’m just going with the flow. But it’s obvious that I enjoy being here. Would be fitting to start and end my career with the same club.

This is your sixth season in Speyer. What do you appreciate most about the organization now and then when you landed there in 2014?


I’ve basically spent most of my adult life here in the city. I came here when I was 22 and it’s crazy to think that now I’m 30. I think I’ve grown, just as much as the club has grown. We’ve both learned from the ups and downs and ended up in a better position than 8 years ago.

Let’s talk a little about the team. The first thing that really stands out is that the club got very young. Do you feel like having less experience could have an effect of how well the team will perform?

Absolutely. This team is a lot different than last season. Going to take us a little more time to gel together compared to last year. But I think the talent is still there. Once we figure it out, I think we’ll be competing at a high level consistently.

The team had problems scoring against Erfurt and had problems keeping points off the score board. What kind of style can we await from the Ahorn Baskets this season?

We’ve already made some adjustments since the first game, offensively and defensively. I believe it’ll be a better showing on Sunday. Erfurt is a tough team. But they have a returning core that’s been together for multiple years. Definitely a tough opponent when opening the season. We’ll be fine though.

I was a little surprised to see a young guy like Valentin Rappold go to Regionalliga team TV Langen. How much will the team miss his defensive qualities?

Yes that was a surprising off-season move. We’ll definitely miss his energy he brings on defense and ability to get people shots. But I think we have some young guys ready to step into that role. Nick is playing with a lot of confidence right now, and I think he’s capable of being an impact player for us.

The team picked up Quadre Lollis JR. How valuable is he to the team and did you know his dad played for Alba Berlin before you were even in high school?

Yea, I had a lot of talks with Q even before he landed in Speyer. I know his dad is a legend around the basketball world here. But Q’s going to be huge for us this season. His ability to get to the basket and finish is one of the best in the league, easily. He puts so much pressure on the defense and is a match up nightmare for teams.

One player that is a big talent is Samauel Schally. How have you observed his early progression this season and what do you appreciate most about his game?

His confidence! From the first day of practice, he never questions his ability. He’s a shooter and he knows that. Even at his age he knows what he has to offer. I don’t worry about Sam. Look for him to have a few BIG games for us this year.

Your turning 31 in January 2022. You have been consistent your whole career. What has been your secret to being able to achieve that?

Just being available. I think I’ve been lucky enough to not have to deal with any major injuries. Just putting the work in during the off-season. Getting a little bit better each summer. And playing with confidence every night.

The team seems not to have as many scoring options like last season and have lost scoring machine Darrian Cardenas. Could this be the season where you could have your best scoring season?

If that’s what the team needs me to do. If it calls for me to be more aggressive, I don’t have a Problem with that. And same if I need to get more players more shots. Whatever translates to getting back to the playoffs.

What are your biggest personal goals as a player besides winning? Is there anything about your game that you want to showcase more this season?

I honestly don’t have one. As cliche as it sounds. I just want to make a deep playoff run. I’ve already scored a lot of points, grabbed a lot of rebounds, Shot crazy percentages. But honestly I just want to compete for championships. Not just play to save the league.

You have mostly had good games in Frankfurt. But I can imagine the 2 games last season are ones you won’t forget. In one you were very close to a triple double?

Yea I think we lost both of those games though!! I think overtime in one of them. I always enjoy playing in Frankfurt. But I’ve actually never won game in the Frankfurt gym. Don’t know why that is, but I’m 0-4 in that gym. Hoping to change that this year.

The Fraport Skyliners Juniors are very young this season. What kind of game can we await? IT looks like Speyer will be the favorite?

This it will be a really fast pace game. We know they’ll run each chance they get and we’ll have to be good in translation on defense. But we’re young too, so I can imagine it will be a tough outing.

Quantez Robertson is turning 38 in December and this might be his last year. Your turning 31. How much longer do you feel will you still play? Are you the type of guy that won’t stop until your motor totally turns off?

I think so. I don’t have an age when I want to stop playing. I’m still enjoying it and just as (if not more) passionate about putting the time and energy in each week as I was when I started in 2014. The game has taken me around the world and back, and I’ll keep riding until the wheels fall off !

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


I Think he’s got to be up there as 1 or 1b. You can argue Magic Johnson but Steph has completely changed the game.

Thanks DJ for the chat.

Tags : DJ WOODMORE, AHORN CAMP BIS BASKETS SPEYER, GERMAN BASKETBALL

Sometimes it’s like a little kid being in a candy store and not knowing if that piece of candy your eying is all that just because you can’t identify it or have heard of it. I felt like this last year after a G-League game. It was a very warm mid November day as I exited a G-League game in Portland Maine between the Maine Celtics and Capital City Go Gos. After having watched a high scoring fest with little defense, my basketball evening wasn’t finished yet. Meeting guys and getting selfies is always on the agenda, but when you have been around the game for 2 decades and seemingly interviewed almost everyone, there always seems to be a guy or two I have had dealings with. It wasn’t any different in Maine. On this night there were quite a few people I wanted to say hello to. It began with catching up with ex NBA player and Maine assistant coach Awvee Storey who I had met back in 2007 in Germany, meeting a few guys from capital City who I had interviewed the season before in Germany and saying high to Eric Demers and reminding him if he could please complete my Interview that I had sent to him. In between, I had to keep an eye on all the massive talent that was coming out the arena door like Greg Monroe or guys like Chris Clemons, Luke Kornet or Ryan Arcidiacono who I all got selfies with, but I couldn’t get everyone. It was really hectic with so many guys coming out as well as having to deal with a annoying security man that I missed getting a selfie with a tall looking guy that had an unforgettable wide smile. I remember asking someone who that was and was told that is Deng Adel (201-F-1997, college: Louisville, agency: Verus Management). With all the NBA talent on the floor, his 10 points in 14 minutes remained off my radar that night. I honestly had never heard of him and just let him slip away. When I got home and did research, I found out that he had indeed played 18 NBA games for the Cleveland Cavs. I figured I would never see him again, but if a guy decides to come overseas, there is always a chance I might interview him. Fast forward 10 months later to October 3 on the national reunification day of Germany, I had a 10am telephone conference call with him. Sometimes the basketball world can be so small. I may not have seen him through the phone, but his warm personality felt like we were really face to face. He has seen a lot in the NBA and now is ready to take charge overseas, but the NBA is still on his mind in the future.

Deng Adel who lists current Boston Celtics Malcolm Brogdon and Jayson Tatum as his toughest opponents in the NCAA was born on February 7th, 1998 in Juba in Sudan, Africa. He and his family escaped Sudan and fled to Uganda and at the age of 8 and moved to Australia settling in Melbourne. He grew up playing soccer and track and wasn’t introduced to basketball until he was 14 and the Sunshine Longhorns was the first team he ever played for. He then played high school basketball for the Waverly Falcons and in his last year averaged 26.2ppg, 9.6rpg, 3.7apg, 1.3spg, FGP: 46.2%, 3PT: 35.5%, FT: 75.4%. Not everyone is so lucky, but in 2013, he landed a rare scholarship and played basketball at Victory Rock in Bradenton, Florida. In his 2 years there he averaged 22/8 and 19/8 and earned all-state. He had NCAA offers from schools like Florida, Virginia Tech and UConn, but ultimately chose to attend Louisville and play for coaching legend Rick Pitino. He played at Louisville from 2015-2018 playing a total of 89 games. He had some misfortune getting injured in his freshman year after becoming a starter and came back 5 weeks later. He scored in double figures in 4 games averaging 4,0ppg and 2,1rpg and his biggest highlight in his freshman year was helping defeat powerhouse Duke 71-64 contributing 12 points and dueling against many future NBA players like Jayson Tatum and Brandon Ingram. ‘I remember that game being at home. I was hurt half the season and I began to play toward the end of the season. That game was a serious confidence booster for me. It showed me that I belonged. Grayson Allen later was a top NBA draft pick. I kept working on my game’, stressed Deng Adel. In his junior year he made a massive jump in his game playing 33 games averaging 12.1ppg, 4.5rpg, 2.1apg, FGP: 46.9%, 3PT: 34.9%, FT: 77.1%. He scored in double figures in 22 games. Not many guys can say they beat Duke twice in a career, but he did it again 81-77 steering 22 points and belonged to the best on the court that day with Tatum and Luke Kennard and left teammate Donovan Mitchell in the shadow who only produced 8 points. Rick Pitino played a huge role for him being able to develop so rapidly in his first 2 years. ‘I appreciated his work ethic the most. I also enjoyed seeing him every day in his office and him always working out. He was a very intense coach. I believe that it helped me that I had had an intense high school coach. That prepared me to play for Pitino. It wasn’t always easy for guys to adjust to his style, because he was always yelling so much. I think I was able to. Some guys shut off and couldn’t focus because of his yelling. He is a defensive coach and you always had to be locked in’, remembered Deng Adel. He made another big jump in his last season leading the team in scoring averaging 14.9ppg, 5.2rpg, 2.8apg, FGP: 50.2%, 3PT: 35.0%, FT: 78.6%. He had to end his NCAA career in the NIT against Mississippi State and won’t forget it. ‘That was a tough loss especially because it was my last game. We had a special group of guys that were close. Losing like that wasn’t easy, but there was a lot going on that season’, said Deng Adel. He scored in double figures in 31 games including hitting Virginia Tech for 27 points, and 20 points a piece against North Carolina and North Carolina State. In his last season he learned from new head coach David Padgett who helped him raise his game once again. ‘Coach Padgett did a great job. He came in when coach Pitino left. He had been an assistant coach and this was his first head coaching job. We nominated him for head coach. He had a similar style to Pitino. He was very encouraging and kept the group close. It was a tough time because so much was going on off the court’, stated Deng Adel. He also will never forget the daily battles in practice with future NBA player Jordan Nwora. ‘I won the 1-1 battles then. I’m so happy for how his career has gone. I spoke to him only a week ago. He was very talented then and could score. He was young then and still trying to figure out his role. He should of left after his sophomore season, but respect to him for coming back and getting better. He is an NBA champion now’, stated Deng Adel.

The small forward who lists Donovan Mitchell, Raymond Spaulding, Chris Boucher, Quinton Synder, and Mangok, Mathiang as his 5 best teammates of all-time turned professional in 2018 and began to play NBA Summer League for the Houston Rockets averaging 8.3ppg, 1.8rpg, 1.3apg, 1.3spg, FGP: 57.9%. He then signed a training camp contract with the Toronto Raptors and then landed with the Raptors 905 (G League) and played 24 games averaging 12.5ppg, 5.5rpg, 2.5apg, FGP: 47.5%, 3PT: 30.0%, FT: 76.9%. He had some super games in his first months in the G-League scoring 25 points against Texas and 22 points against Ft Wayne. On January 15th 2016 he signed a 2 way deal with the Cavs. He would play his first NBA game 4 days later against Denver scoring a three pointer and hauling down 2 rebounds. That season he didn’t have one wake up call to being in the NBA, but almost daily as he was always active off the court something you don’t see overseas. ‘I remember playing at the G League showcase in Las Vegas. It is a 2 game showcase with no fans, but only scouts and teams watching. I played very well in those 2 games averaging something like 25,0ppg. Coming in I had had no work out with the Cavs, but the next morning had breakfast with them after my first game performance. They wanted to get to know me. After me second game, the Mavericks, the Spurs and Clippers wanted to talk to me. Then I flew to Toronto and my agent told me to stay ready, because I had offers. I may have to pack and be gone. I was back at 5 Am in Toronto and the next day was on my way to Cleveland. Then I flew to Utah where my ex Louisville teammate Donovan Mitchell played and met up with my team the Cavs. I didn’t suit up that game, but I was in the NBA. Suddenly I was in a NBA locker room. It was crazy. I was a 2 way player and in the NBA. I was traveling so much and living out of a suitcase’, remembered Deng Adel. The Cavs team was very young in his time there and he did the best he could to get minutes. He was very fortunate to call ultimate NBA veteran Channing Frye a teammate and obviously tried to soak up as much as possible from him. ‘We had 100% meaningful conversations. Channing was one of the cooler teammates that I have been around. He loves gaming and has that childish personality. He was always positive and had been in the NBA for a while. I think that that was his last season. I could approach him about anything. Another guy that was important with the Cavs for me was fellow Australian Matt Dellavedova. I had known him a bit from home. He was also very cool and helped a lot off the court’, smiled Deng Adel. His minutes were up and down, but that is normal in the NBA. In his time there he only helped win 4 of 18 games, but there is one game he will remember. ‘I played sporadic minutes. It was difficult and hard to adjust to. I tried to find a flow. I think the funnest game for me in the NBA was playing against the Chicago Bulls. I got in around the 15 minute mark. We didn’t win much, but we won that game. I was happy that my family was at that game and were able to watch me play long minutes. I also remember how tough the travel was for my body. I remember playing a very physical 76ers team and then getting into Orlando at 3 am and having top play the next day. I really felt my body the next day. The travel was tough as you played every other day’, added Deng Adel. In his time with the Cavs he also played with the Canton Charge (NBA G League) averaging 12.1ppg, 6.1rpg, 2.2apg, FGP: 49.0%, 3PT: 32.3%, FT: 77.8. He scored 22 points against Erie and 20 points against his ex team Raptors 905. In the summer of 2019 he played NBA Summer League again for the Houston Rockets averaging 8.8ppg, 2.8rpg, 2.4apg, FGP: 47.1%, 3PT: 50.0%, FT: 80.0%. In his second professional season he was cut by the Brooklyn Nets and played the season with their farm team Long Island Nets (NBA G League) playing 29 games averaging 11.1ppg, 4.3rpg, 2.7apg, FGP: 53.7%, 3PT: 30.8%, FT: 78.7%. He had massive games against the Raptors 905 netting 29 points and hit College Park for 27 points. Getting a NBA call up is never easy especially when you aren’t scoring 30 points every night. ‘I think not having consistency played a part in me not getting a NBA call up. I feel like I had a different role than usual there. I had different type of shots in that offense. But I still think that I had a solid season’, expressed Deng Adel.

In the 2020-2021 season, the African forward that lists Kobe, Jordan, Durnat, Lebron, and Curry on his personal NBA Mount Rushmore decided to take a break from finding his NBA dream and returned home to Australia to suit up for the Illawarra Hawks (Australia-NBL) playing 23 games averaging 5.9ppg, 3.6rpg, 2.0apg, FGP: 38.0%, 3PT: 20.3%, FT: 79.3%. He had some solid games against SE Melbourne scoring 17 points and netted 19 points against Adelaide, but overal this was a season to forget. ‘That was a difficult situation. I had a different role than usual and I also was going through some personal issues and wasn’t locked in the way I should have been. It was a very tough year for me mentally. I would love to play in Australia again. I haven’t been able to play in front of family and friends so often’, commented Deng Adel. After a year down under, he had the itch again to go back to the States and try his luck at the NBA and played with the Maine Celtics (G-League) averaging 6.6ppg, 3.7rpg, 1.8apg, FGP: 63.5%, 3PT: 21.6%, FT: 80.0%. After a rough season down under, he didn’t fair that much better with Maine. He had his moment scoring in double figures in 9 games including 18 points and 13 rebounds against Canton and 17 points against Windy City. As usual not getting consistent minutes was the main problem. In a 4 game span in February he almost averaged 40 minutes per game while other times he hardly got minutes including 6 games where he had under 10 minutes. ‘It is definitely tough in the G-League with minutes. You have to find a way to stay engaged mentally. There is so much movement in the G-League. Teams have pressure to play the NBA guys. You may play 35 minutes one game and only 10 minutes the next. You have to find out your role quickly. Sometimes it just takes longer. You just have to continue to work, be positive and stay ready. It is the same in the NBA. You may not play 10 games and then start a game. You have to stay locked in mentally’, warned Deng Adel. Despite having ups and downs, he will always cherish special moments with teammates and assistant coach Awvee Storey. ‘He was awesome. He works very well as a primary with players on and off the court. I remember doing extra work with him and grabbing food afterwards’, said Deng Adel. After 3 years of being in the NBA business, he agrees with just about every other guy that played there that the NBA will always be a business first before anything else. ‘I think that the best example is simply all the movement that happens. My rookie season with Toronto, I played a lot in the G-League. I was a 2 way player. They always want to see the young guys and NBA guys that are sent down first. Every player goes through this’, commented Deng Adel. He finally had a positive experience after 2 tough seasons last summer playing in the up and coming CEBL league in Canada for the Ottawa Blackjacks. He totally exploded averaging 16.1ppg, 6.0rpg, 4.5apg, FGP: 51.3%, 3PT: 38.8%, FT: 81.6%. It was his best scoring season since high school in Australia. ‘Playing for Ottawa was very special. My season with Maine was up and down and I was also hurt. I felt last summer that it was most important for me to focus on game experience instead of just working out all summer. I watched a lot of film as well. Coming to play with Ottawa was one of my best decisions. They let me do my thing’, remembered Deng Adel. He wasted no time showing his worth exploding for 37 points and 7 three’s against Fraser Valley and his zeal to play was huge. ‘It was the first game and I was very excited to play. Sometimes excitement can go left or right. I came out excited and they were backing off me. I had worked on my shot a lot at that time and it was just a matter of confidence. Some guys see shots going in and then you get that feeling that you can’t miss’, stressed Deng Adel. He also scored 30 points against Edmonton and 27 points apiece against Niagara and Fraser Valley.

The talented player who believes Jordan is the Goat and thinks the sequel to the classic movie Coming to America should have been left alone has started a new basketball chapter in Denmark with top Danish team Bakken Bears that also duel in the Basketball Champions League. He got a rude welcome to Germany a few days ago losing 99-58 to the MHP Riesen in a Basketball Champions Leavue game where he scored 5 points in 14 minutes. ‘I have began to follow the BBL more. My friend Justin Simon played in Germany and told me that the league is amazing. He told me that a lot of guys from the G-League play there, and that my style fits it’, said Deng Adel. It surprised me that a player with his back-round landed in Denmark as I would expected the ACB or Italy, but he is pleased about his new team. ‘I think that coming to Bakken was the best situation for me. Being able to play for their coaches and the role I was getting fit my style. It is a smaller market but Bakken a lot of talented players. Denmark has been great. Something like 80% speak English. It has been easy to settle in and I’m able to focus well on my career’, stated Deng Adel. He is 100% confident that he will be able to play his game to the satisfaction of the coaching staff and himself. ‘We have experienced guys as well as younger guys who have energy and push the pace. My role will be being a primary initiator being able to show my scoring qualities, defense and getting out on transition. I think that my game will translate well. I have to make sure to make the right reads and finding my shots as well as making the right decisions and pushing the ball. I need to get used to the traveling call. We have a G League feel on the team. We play at a high pace and we are allowed to make decisions based on our skills’, expressed Deng Adel. The athletic high flyer who appreciates the strong leadership skills and easygoing manner of teammate Skyler Bowlin believes he can take some of that scoring power from Canada to Denmark and make an impact. ‘I definitely I feel like I can score at a high rate. It is still early and we have to get used to each other. We are still figuring things out on when to shoot and when to be aggressive. It will only be a matter of time before I get used to the style. Of course his main focus are the Bakken Bears but he would be lying if his NBA dream was over now. ‘My ultimate goal remains the NBA. I’m just taking a different route now. My focus is to continue to get better each year. I feel like I’m still young enough to get back. It always depends on the best situation. Each season is different. I have to take it a year at a time’, warned Deng Adel. One thing is for sure no matter wherever the place will be that I finally meet Deng Adel again, I will definitely not be a little kid in a candy store, but moreover like a veteran wine connoisseur and know exactly who he is.

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Tags : DENG ADEL, BAKKEN BEARS AARHUS, GERMAN BASKETBALL

Foto Credit: Fraport Skyliners

Even if the Fraport Skyliners lost a hard fought battle against the mighty FC Bayern Munich where they really gave the Euroleague team a scare in crunch time cutting their lead down to 77-72 with a few minutes to play, there were 2 plays that stood out from the 2000 BBL cup team. It doesn’t always have to be the spectacular dunks or passes that can really make fans get the electrifying goose bumps, but it can also be pinpoint shooting. If legend Chris Mullin could shoot 14/15 from the parking lot at the Sacramento Kings training camp when he was 50 years old, then a 37 year old Quantez Robertson can still make three’s as well. Ok so Tez may not have the same shooting qualities of a Mullin, but he has had his moments in his illustrious career from the parking lot. It is no secret that the Skyliner legend has had to take on a lesser role under new coach Dutch man Geert Hammink, but yesterday against FC Bayern Munich, he definitely rebounded from his poor showing in Bayreuth scoring 8 points, hauling down 5 boards and dishing out 3 dimes. Near the end of the first quarter, he hit a massive trey to give the Fraport Skyliners the 13-12 advantage and the living room of Tez was buzzing. The cheers were enormous as one could easily comprehend how much the fans still love him. The second play that was monumental was in crunch-time as young German Joshua Obiesie (198-PG-2000) dropped a deep three from near the Hoechst train station cutting the FC Munich lead down to 77-72. The cheers were loud, but it was apparent that it didn’t reach the heights of what the easyCredit BBL legend Tez got in the first quarter. ‘My cheers were probably a bit louder, but his cheers will get louder as time goes on. The fans expect a lot from him. I feel that Josh belongs up with the top young Germans for his age’, warned Quantez Robertson.

I reach the Cincinnati native Quantez Robertson on a late Tuesday afternoon as the balmy weather is shouting for playground as he is on his way out with his family for some relaxing dowqn time. It has almost been 24 hours since the tough loss to FC Bayern Munich, but basketball life goes on. The Fraport Skyliners have to get back to the drawing board and analyze what went wrong against FC Bayern Munich and get back on the court highly spirited and focused for the next games as they will tell where their journey will go this season. The next 4 games starting with the MLP Academics next weekend are all must wins. But for once the Fraport Skyliners as a team isn’t on the menu for Quantez Robertson, but only teammate Joshua Obiesie. The first thing that Tez thinks about when he hears the name Joshua Obieise is big combo guard saw a fine performance by the ex FC Bayern Munich guard. After a tough Skyliner debut in Bayreuth where he shot 1/7, but overall filled the stat sheet well, he wanted to show the home crowd in his first game in his new living room that he could make a difference against his ex team and did. It isn’t always just motivation that can bring a player to perform at a high level. ‘Of course Josh wanted to play well against his old team, but I think key for him was just being aggressive and just having fun. He really enjoys basketball’, stressed Quantez Robertson. The ex Wurzburg guard played 21 solid minutes ending up being the team’s top scorer with 15 points and also dished out 6 assists. He did a fine job taking responsibility and picking his spots well. ‘He has showed that all pre season long. He is always hungry and aggressive and took full advantage of his playing time’, stated Quantez Robertson.

He had a lot better shooting night at home then in Bayreuth shooting 5/8 (63%) and really mixed it up being able to use his quickness and athleticism to getting some easy lay ups, while also taking responsibility and having the courage to attempt tough outside shots that fell at a clip of 67%. ‘He took some easy shots and we expect him to make them and also took tough shots. He won’t always make them, but more will fall as the season goes on’, warned Quantez Robertson. It was no surprise that he was keen on being audacious and seeking to take on responsibility in crunch time as he nailed that ridiculous trey from way down town. It is still too early to know if he could become that primary go to guy in crunch-time like say a Matt Mobley a few years ago. ‘I don’t know if he can become that guy. He had the ball in his hands at the end and had to take the shot. He did a good job keeping poised and making it. Anytime he has the ball with a few seconds on the shot clock, we expect him to take it’, warned Quantez Robertson. Especially in crunch-time, FC Bayern Munich was playing aggressive defense, but he was able to find solutions and react well. ‘He was very aggressive on offense, but also did a good job on the defensive end’, added Quantez Robertson.

The 22 year old who played 1 NBA Summer League game in 2021 with the Sacramento Kings and had played 81 easyCredit BBL games prior before coming to the Fraport Skyliners also did a fine job as a facilitator with 6 assists. One can see that his decision making isn’t totally there yet, but that will also get better with experience and continuing to get to know his teammates tendencies and reading the game better. ‘I thought he did a pretty good job with taking his time and trying to make good decisions. He does tend to overthink at times, but that will also get better with experience’, warned Quantez Robertson. He coughed up the ball 3 times, but taking care of the ball is an area where Tez sees his teammate making strides in the next months. ‘Basketball is a game of mistakes. He will make mistakes here and there, but he has to remain aggressive when feeding the big men the ball inside. As soon as he gets more polished, he will cut down on mistakes when playmaking’, added Quantez Robertson. The Fraport Skyliners, Quantez Robertson and Joshua Obiesie next battle the MLP Academics Heidelberg on the road and desperately have to celebrate their first victory there. It will be interesting to see how Joshua Obiesie plays in the next challenging and so vital weeks where the Fraport Skyliners have to win as much as possible. It is always a joy to watch Quantez Robertson battle and everyone needs to be aware that it won’t be so many more games for him. But for Joshua Obiesie, he is just at the start of his career. He loves the game very much and the fans will feel that more and more as he performs well as the love and cheers will surely get louder with time just as his game continues to always get better.

Tags : JOSHUA OBIESIE, FRAPORT SKYLINERS FRANKFURT, GERMAN BASKETBALL

Shaun Willett (193-G/F-1996, college: Queens, NC) is a 25 193cm forward from Palm Bay, Florida that is playing his fourth professional season and first with Club Ourense Baloncesto (Spain-LEB Gold). Last season he split time with U.D. Oliveirense (Portugal-LPB) averaging 17.2ppg), Reb-1 (9.7rpg), 2.3apg, 1.4spg, FGP: 48.2%, 3PT: 35.1%, FT: 65.8% and then played with Taranaki Airs (New Zealand-NBL) averaging 17.3ppg, 8.6rpg, 4.0apg, 1.4spg, FGP: 51.2%, 3PT: 25.0%, FT: 69.6%. In 20-21 he began with the wiha Panthers Schwenningen (Germany-Pro A) averaging 17.6ppg, 9.3rpg, 2.7apg, 1.6spg, 2FGP: 62.7%, 3FGP: 42.9%, FT: 83.7%, and finished with the MLP Academics Heidelberg (Germany-ProA) averaging 9.8ppg, 6.0rpg, 1.3spg, FGP: 57.6%, 3PT: 21.2%, FT: 76.1%. In his rookie he played with BBC Arantia Larochette (Luxembourg-Total League) playing 12 games: Score-1 (29.8ppg), Reb-4 (13.6rpg), 2.6apg, 1.8spg, FGP-3 (62.8%), 3PT: 35.1%, FT: 71.1%. He began his basketball career with Heritage High School and then played with Indian River State College (JUCO) playing 25 games averaging 13.5ppg, 6.2rpg, 3.0apg, 1.7spg, FGP: 50.2%, 3PT: 20.0%, FT: 65.1%. In 2017-2018 he moved to Queens University (NCAA2) playing 36 games averaging 9.3ppg, 4.9rpg, FGP: 59.3%, 3PT: 43.8%, FT: 63.0%. In his senior year at Queens University (NCAA2) he played 36 games averaging 19.9ppg, 11.6rpg, 2.2apg, 1.2spg, FGP: 52.6%, 3PT: 33.0%, FT: 71.4%. He spoke to germanhoops.com about his basketball career.

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


Haha no problem! I love speaking with germanhoops whenever I can. I am currently in Spain Leb Oro but I was just recently in Portugal 1st division and in the summer, I was in New Zealand.

We last spoke when you were balling in Germany. Since you have played in Portugal and New Zealand. Has time flown since your days in Germany?

Yes time stops for nobody! So it has definitely been quite a while since my Germany days.

Is Germany a destination you might return to one day?

Uhh well, I don’t think Germany is a place I would be going back at this moment. I love the league and style of play, but I just don’t think we have the same understandings in what I want and need as a player to play there as of this moment.

You keep putting up excellent stats. Do you feel like your ready soon for the easyCredit BBL in Germany?

Oh absolutely! I feel that I can play in any league and be a great player and teammate at this point in my career for sure. The BBL is a tough league, but I believe I could play and excel in it.

Your ex team MLP Academics are in the easyCredit BBL. Is this a team you would like to go back to?

I would love to play with MLP Academics again. It was a great organization with great staff members, a great GM, great coach, with amazing players. Not to mention the amazing city of Heidelberg. It would be a place I would love to return to if having the chance.

Last season you put up fantastic stats in Portugal with U.D. Oliveirense (Portugal-LPB) averaging 17.2ppg), Reb-1 (9.7rpg), 2.3apg, 1.4spg, FGP: 48.2%, 3PT: 35.1%, FT: 65.8%. What did you appreciate most about the league?

I would say I appreciated the competition of the league. I know that In this day of age that Portugal is become more recognized as a better league with each year in the making, there were some players and teams there that really pushed me to work harder over the summer!

How would you compare the Portugal LPB in comparison to the German Pro A in style and competitiveness?

I would say Portugal is more competitive in my opinion because it was a 1st division. Pro A was a great league, but with Portugal’s budget and with teams like Benfica, Sporting, and Porto, I believe Portugal for sure has the edge over Pro A Germany no question.

You were really consistent in the LPB league. How do you feel did your game progress further there?

I think my game really got to evolve more in the LPB. I was in a tougher league, and got the opportunity to be one of the main players on my team. It gave me room to fail and there’s always growth in failure when you don’t give up and keep working!

You continue to be a fierce and potent rebounder for your height. Where do you want to take your rebounding game now at this stage of your career?

Well as I stated before in other interviews, rebounding isn’t just something that’s always come natural to me. It’s just effort and of course it helps with good timing and jumping abilities haha, but it really is just something you can’t practice. It’s more of a want and I believe I will have that mentality in any league I play in.

You were swept by Benfica in the playoffs. What will you always remember form these series and why couldn’t you get over the hump?

Losing to Benfica was tough. I think what most I got from that series was that I just have to work more and more to become better and better and give myself the best chance to compete. They had a little more depth then us with the budget of their team being bigger and them also being in Champions league now, that just showed they’re a great team, and the difference in levels.

How much easier did Derrick Colter make your game with his fine playmaking? Is he a guy that you would always wish to have in your team?

Derrick was a great teammate. He was a guy that came to work everyday and had heart over height. He made my job much easier with taking the pressure of me handling the ball so much and making plays for not just me but for everyone. I think any team would always be lucky to have him.

There are some very good players playing in Portugal as well as ex NBA guys. Who was your toughest opponent that season on the floor?

Ouu, this is a tough one. There were many great guys as you stated before but the one that stood out most to me was Travante Williams. He was a guy that you knew when he was on the court with his energy and presence. A tough match up for anyone!

Recently you played for Taranaki Airs (New Zealand-NBL). I guess you can’t get enough of basketball. Do you feel the extra competition is better now for your career then just grinding in the gym at home?

Going to the Airs was a decision I felt was best for me because it was a chance to see what the competition was like on the other side of the world besides Europe. It was a chance to work on my game, but also get real game experiences at the same time. I was still grinding in the gym of course as well. That doesn’t change if I’m playing or not!

What kind of an experience has it been playing in New Zealand? The NBL is an up and coming league with very good players. What has been your impression of the league and how strong is it in comparison of other leagues that you have played in?

The NBL was a tough league! I didn’t know what to expect. The tempo and style of play was similar to that of the NBA, not the level wise of course, but with how freely they play and the spacing of the court. It was for sure an experience I was grateful for. It’s up there with a league like Pro A Germany I would say.

You continue to dominate in your play. What is your secret to being able to adapt anywhere that you have played?

I think it’s just mentality and work ethic honestly. I’ve always been told that ‘I can’t do this in this league’ and ‘I can’t do that in another league’ and that drives me to show that I can be me and succeed in any league I play in!

What has it been like playing with veteran Anthony Hilliard? He has really been around for more than a decade. Can a guy like you still learn something from him?

Oh of course! I can always learn no matter what age I am! But playing with Ant? whew! That was nothing more than amazing honestly! A guy that can really go! 3 level scorer and unselfish to the last drop. It was one of my best experiences getting to learn from him and Javonte Douglas, another guy that can go! They were like my two older brothers, I got to learn so much from them in such a short time. I loved every minute of it honestly.

How did you explore New Zealand? How exotic was it?

New Zealand was a cool place to be and see. The mountains and the way the land structure was. It was surreal. I don’t think I took more pictures than in any other countries I have been in. Just ask my teammates!

You have signed with Club Ourense Baloncesto (Leb Gold Spain). What kind of an experience has it been in the early going playing in Spain? How does the style and level compare and adjust to your game?

Spain as people have mentioned before is a tough league. It is by far the most tactical league I have played in so far in my career. I think however this style will be in my favor. It will allow me to slow my game down more and learn how to be more dominant in ball screen pick n rolls and also in playing off the ball. I feel that my quickness and athleticism will thrive here and it will give me an edge on players as well.

What kind of a role do you have? Will you be that scorer and rebound monster that you have always been?

Well my role coming here is to defend, and score, and rebounds just come with it regardless. I think I will play a big part on this team and I’m ready for the challenge. I always look to come into a team and be a monster on both defense and offense and do whatever it takes to win with my team. As stated before, some speculators think I can’t consistently be the player I was in the league prior and I LOVE to prove them wrong!

There are quite a lot of different nationalities on the team. How vital will the various player types be for the success of your game?

Well for a team to be successful, it needs different players to do different things. As long as we all are on the same mindset to win at whatever cost, and to play the role we are given to a T, I believe that every player on the team is vital in their own way. They just have to know how to execute it and give the most of what the team needs from them.

You averaged 4 assists in New Zealand. How proud are you of showing this part of your game and do you feel like you could be that facilitator for your new team?

That was biggest personal achievement in my eyes there in the NBL. Not being known as a guy who gets assists, it felt good to show that part of my game. I’ve always had it, but I couldn’t show it with the position that I normally played. Getting to go there and playing the Point Guard, got to give me the chance I need to show that I can not only score and rebound, but I can also get guys involved and really be a facilitator and playmaker when needed. It just got to show how diverse I really am in my opinion. As far as in Spain? I guess you’ll just have to wait and see!

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

I think as far as just point guards, Steph is number 1 honestly. I don’t think I can think of one that’s better than him in every aspect and as far as what he bring to a team and how he effects the whole organization, he is for-sure number 1 in this day and age.

When you return home what is always the first restaurant you check out?

Haha if you know me, you know Chick-fil-A is definitely the place I will be eating at no questions about it! It’s my favorite fast food change ever.

Thanks Shaun for the chat.

Tags : SHAUN WILLETT, CLUB OURENSE BALONCESTO, 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 101-95 loss to Lich. What was it like playing a team that you have battled so much over the last years in a Giessen uniform and now playing against them with Bensheim?

I honestly feel like every other day I wake up I play against Lich. We have had so many battles over the years . I always look forward to compete against that club.

Talk a little about the 40 minutes. Was this a game that quickly crystallized into a shoot out?

This game was very fast paced with a lot of 3s resulting in a high score. We enjoy pushing the tempo and Lich seemed to like to do the same.

Were there any moments in crunch-time where you could have won the game? What was key in crunch-time for not getting over the hump?

I think for us anytime when making a major comeback it’s the little things that you need to get over that hump. For us it was a few miscommunications on defense that resulted in a open shot or a missed rebound here or there. I think the team showed toughness being short handed and still competing and almost pulled off a major comeback.

Could one go as far as that the game was lost at the free throw line? They made an incredible 23/24 shots while Bensheim missed 10 free throws.

I think this could be a part of the loss of course. We have to do a better job at free throws. They are free points we are leaving on the floor. When you look at the fact we only lost by 6 it makes those free-throw misses hurt more.

What was it like playing against ex German national player Johanes Lischka? He had his typical strong game showing his inside out skills, but also sparkled as a facilitator with 6 dimes.

Lischka had a strong game he played a big role for his team. Scoring inside and out and when we doubled him he made the correct plays. It was fun competing against him and looking forward to the next match.

You played only 16 minutes. Did early foul trouble hamper your minutes?

I fouled out of the game in the second quarter unfortunately due to technical fouls. It was embarrassing on my part . I feel as if I let my team down this game and that won’t happen again. They played a great game and showed character and I applaud then for that.

You only scored 8 points. Was it difficult finding a groove?

I had 8 points in 1 and a half quarters before fouling out. I was getting into a groove and got too over excited and made some mistakes. Credit to lich for the defense they played. I feel they got the best of me and I am looking forward to hearing the next match up .

Felix Becker really picked up the slack scoring 29 points. What has it been like playing with him who showed last season that he can be a valuable scorer?

I have always been a fan of Felix. I believe he is a valuable piece of this team. He is a gifted scorer and I always knew he could perform like this. I hope this sparks a flame in him to continue to be aggressive in our future games. With him doing this I think we will be hard to beat.

You next battle Kronberg who are 0-3. This is a must win. What will be key for getting the win?

The key is us. We feel like all 3 games we played were winnable games. However we made mistakes causing us to lose. We have yet to put a full game together. I believe the keys to our success is a bit more focus on the little things while decreasing our unforced errors.

What kind of a role do you see Dennis Schroeder having with the Lakers this time around?

I think Dennis will have the same role he has had in past years. I would like for him to be aggressive and show why he is a top player in the league. If he does that he has 6th man of the year potential for sure.

Thanks Chris for the chat.

Tags : CHRISTOPHER MILLER, VFL BENSHEIM, GERMAN BASKETBALL

Jeremy Ingram (183-G-1991, college: AAMU) is a 191 cm guard that was born in Alabama and has played his entire professional career in Germany for teams like Speyer, Idstein, Bensheim and recently SG Mannheim.This season he is playing for Regionalliga team Bargteheide. Last season with SG Mannheim he picked up South West Regionalliga player of the year while averaging (32.1ppg), 5.7rpg, 4.2apg, Steals-4 (2.6spg), FGP: 55.4%, 3PT: 35.4%, 9%. He began his career with Enterprise State Community College (JUCO) and then finished with Alabama A&M University (NCAA). He spoke will team up with Miles Schmidt-Scheuber on a weekly basis this season to talk basketball.

Thanks Jeremy for talking to eurobasket.com. You are rehabbing your injury. How tough was the last week seeing your teammates prepare for Neustadt and not be able to join them?

Well its been tough every game that ive had to watch from the sidelines. I know my team needs me and I can’t get out there right now and help them bothers me the most. But playing against the #1 team in our league would have been very fun for me.

How did the last week go with the begin of your rehabbing? Talk a little about how a day looks like?

My days now are super boring because when you can’t really walk you can’t really do anything. So I’ve been home watching a lot of movies and enjoying the time with my family for the few weeks away from basketball.

Since you can’t be on the court grinding, do you tend to watch more video and try to make further strides learning even more about the game?

Yes I’m always watching all our game film, even though I’m not playing but I still like to see all areas we could get better at as a team so when I’m back I won’t have too much adjusting to do.

Bargteheide suffered a tough 97-66 loss to Neustadt to fall to 0-3. The first thing that I noticed were an unbelievable 33 turnovers. That shows that your scoring wasn’t only missed but your taking care of the ball. How do you react mentally knowing your team relies so much on your services?

I know my team needs me back and they know how much I want to be back. And it’s no problem because whatever it is my team needs me to do I’m capable of getting the job done so when I’m back I will handle the ball most of the time and that’s perfectly fine and I will just help and give the guys that are handling the ball right now my point of view And advice.

How tough was it watching this game? Could you evolve into an assistant coach in the time your out to try to help your teammates?

Yes I will offer as much advice as I can to my teammates but I’m not perfect neither so we will all learn and grow together. Win or lose we learn from our mistakes. I will leave the coaching up to the coach though, respectfully.

Bargteheide won the rebounding duel and had 14 offensive rebounds on the night. Was that the best part of the Bargteheide game on this night?

The best part of the game was nobody got hurt and everyone remained healthy. But, rebounding is an important part of our team because we have some big guys who give it their all every play and are very active on the glass.

How does Marcel Hoppe’s role change with you being out. Does this prolific scorer have even more weight on his shoulders?

I mean of course his scoring role increases when I’m not there but I believe players will start to step up and become more confident so Marcel won’t need to feel like he has to score every play.

Is taking care of the ball the main focus in practice this week?

Well i mean that’s the coach’s decision but I’m sure turnovers will be a big part of the planning.

Bargteheide next play Braunschweig. What will be key in getting the win?

Playing hard and playing confident. And of course cutting back on turnovers.

What kind of a role do you see Dennis Schroeder having with the Lakers this time around?

I think he will actually help them out a lot and I feel like his confidence is very high from these Euro games so maybe he will have a big year for the Lakers.

Thanks Jeremy for the chat.

Tags : JEREMY INGRAM, TSV BARGTEHEIDE, GERMAN BASKETBALL

Florian Wedell is a German basketball coach working for Danish Basketball Champions League team Bakken Bears as an assistant coach. He coached the last 10 seasons in the FC Bayern Munich organization. He helped build up the youth system and last season was an assistant coach for the easyCredit BBL team. He also recently was head coach of the German U-20 team. He spoke to germanhoops.com before a Basketball champions League game in Ludwigsburg.

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

Hey Miles. Thanks for having me. I am in Aarhus, Denmark – my new home in the north. Things are going great, very happy to be here. We just came back from a successful BCL qualification tournament in Belgrade and are now preparing for the upcoming tasks in the Danish Basketligaen and our first BCL game in Ludwigsburg next week.

After 10 years in the FC Bayern Munich organization, you moved to well known Danish team Bakken Bears last summer. How difficult is it to leave a famous organization like FC Bayern Munich? You get into a comfort zone after a while and get used to doing your duties.

I would say no matter the standing of the organization you are leaving, after 10 years in one organization it’s definitely not easy to leave. For me personally, I had a wonderful and intense time in Bayern and I am keeping tons of great memories that will surely last forever. I don’t think comfort zone is necessarily the right term because Bayern has given me so many opportunities to learn and grow over the last years. They allowed me to evolve and get better and constantly gave me new challenges, starting out as under-12 coach in my first year and finishing my last season as an assistant to the first team. For me it was more about wanting to take the next step in professional basketball and to take on a role with more responsibility.

There are so many great organizations in Europe. Why did you chose Bakken? You had spent summers in Denmark. So I guess you already had a connection to the country, but not necessarily the club Bakken Bears?

I’m originally from Hannover. As a family we used to spend most of our summers in Denmark when I was a kid – mostly sailing. In that sense I did have a connection to the country a very positive feeling about the Danish culture. I had never been to Aarhus though. The Bakken Bears are already a powerhouse in Scandinavian Basketball with a lot of good seasons in European FIBA competitions over the last years. Talking to their Headcoach Anders Sommer, I could sense that despite their success in what they have been doing well already, the Bears are a very modern and hungry organization that constantly want to evolve. Right now, the next goal is to establish ourselves as a regular participant in the FIBA Champions League and we just made a big step in that direction with the successful qualification. I can totally identify myself with the Bears mentality and am looking forward to playing my part in their development.

One could say that the Bakken Bears are the FC Bayern Munich of Danish basketball. They have won 29 titles. How big is the challenge for you coming to a club that is used to winning? Do you see similarities to FC Bayern Munich?

There are similarities. In both places, everyday you go to work, and you see people that want to take their club to the next level. I love this kind of ambition and dedication in both organizations. I don’t think people in either club feel like they are used to it though – for me that would mean that you are kind of fed up with winning, which is definitely not the case. I think no matter the number of titles that you’ve won, you always have to strive for more – that’s one of the most beautiful things about working in competitive sports in my opinion.

You don’t see many young German coaches going outside Germany to coach and it is a unique thing that you are doing. Has there been any adjustment you have had to make coming from Germany and working with Danish coaches? I guess coaching is always a universal language?

Yes, its universal – I think no matter where you go there are always new people or things to adjust to. It has been challenging because of the increase in responsibility, working with the team but that was exactly the kind of challenge I was looking for. On a personal level I have to admit there are days where I realize how much Munich has become home to me during those 10 years – not easy for sure but would have been the same no matter where you go, I believe. And the next challenge coming up: Maria (my fiancee) and I just started Danish lessons.

Your strengths is developing young players the last years and with the Munich BBL team did scouting and player work outs. What exactly are your duties with the Bakken Bears?

I am the lead assistant coach to the team. Main duties are: scouting & gameplan for BCL opponents, video sessions with the team, individual workouts and helping our younger players to make the next step.

Having experience with players is nothing new for you as with FC Bayern Munich you worked with veterans and with the Bears have 5 guys 30 or older. How can it still be a challenge working with many experienced players?

I think it’s great, especially when you have such unselfish guys like we do that want nothing more than to see our organization succeed. For a young and rather unexperienced coach like me it’s a great opportunity to learn from them as well.

You have a couple experienced 19 year old kids with Gustav Knudsen and Noah Sorenson. Especially Sorenson seems to be a guy who will get his minutes in the Danish league. Can you talk a little about them as players and your relationships with them and their development?

Still getting to know each other of course but I believe that both have a bright future ahead if they keep working hard. They both are good kids that want to develop and make a career in this game. I think the best thing I can do is just to be there for them both on and off the court. Bakken has a good setup for guys like them: individual workouts, physical programs, competitive practices and games in two competitions. Looking forward to watching them grow.

What is your biggest goal that you want to accomplish in your development this season with the Bakken Bears?

Mainly I would love for us to reach our goal as an organization to establish ourselves in the BCL for the years to come. I want to be able to say that I did everything in my power to help reach that goal. Along the way, there will be tons of experiences for me to make and things to learn – and that is why I came here.

Welcome back to Germany. How excited are you be coaching against the MHP Riesen Ludwigsburg in the Basketball Champions League. How much more difficult is it to prepare for this game with a new coach Josh King and players then it would have been had John Patrick still been there?

Very excited! Some friends and family will be there to watch the game and I have a very good relationship to many people working for Ludwigsburg. It’ll be great to see them and compete against each other on that level. In Basti Hartmann, one of the kids that I coached for many years at Bayern just signed his first pro contract with them – a very special thing for me to see him again under these circumstances. I believe Ludwigsburg has formed a DNA as a club that will last at least in some aspects of the game even with John not being there anymore – they will still be a hardworking and physical team like we are used to seeing in Ludwigsburg. I am very excited though to see Coach King bringing some new influences to the club.

Let’s talk a little about your time with FC Bayern Munich. You were there 10 years. What did you cherish the most about being part of this organization?

On a personal level: the good friends that I made over these years. On a professional: the sheer endless learning opportunities and the ambitions that the club helped me to develop.

Last season you worked together with Andrea Trinchieri. That he isn’t always an easy coach to work for is no secret. What was it like working with him on a daily basis and what do you feel did you get most out of the experience?

Being around him and the staff was like a clinic – everyday there was something new to learn, some small detail to pick up for me. Working with them was very challenging – in a good way. He creates an environment in which every member of the staff gives everything he has – every single day.

It is no secret that young German players have difficulty getting minutes and often move on. Trying to answer this question is easier said than done. Why don’t players get more of a chance with FC Bayern Munich? Even a guy like Sasha Grant had to be loaned out. I always saw him as being possibly that player that could make it

And he still might some day. Lets see what the future holds for Sasha. I think it has something to do with the high ambitions that this organization has. For a young player it’s difficult to make the step from NBBL, Pro B or even Pro A to a team that wants to win the BBL and reach the Euroleague playoffs every year. You can see similar situations in many other European top clubs though of course it would be nice to see some more talented, young players making that step.

Jason George is a guy that seems to be the first player in a long time that made the jump? What is so special about him and why has he been able to make the jump and so many others not?

His work ethic. Last year I was assigned to help him, so he could work extra on his Jump shot. We built a good relationship and he always reached out, whenever he wanted to get some extra work done. The first couple months of the season, he did not take one day off. Whenever the team had an off day, he called me and asked if we could spend some time to work on his shot.

Is Joshua Obiesie ready for his real break through season in the easyCredit BBL with the Fraport Skyliners? He seems to have already taken responsibility in the pre season.

I believe he can and I am really looking forward to watching him develop. He definitely has what it takes to make the next step and establish himself as a good player in this league.

What was your biggest project with FC Bayern Munich over the years and what player did you enjoy working together with the most?

Hard to choose one person or one particular project after such a long time there. But I would say that the most rewarding things where, to see how some of the kids I’ve worked with over the years reach their goals or take the next step. All the guys that played for the youth national teams, Luis Wulff and Ivan Kharchenkov signing with the first team at Bayern, Basti Hartmann in Ludwigsburg, Mike Rataj and Benjamin Schroeder going to college now. And those won’t be the last ones as there are still some very talented kids in the organization that I believe can make the next step soon.

How did you follow the whole magical run of the German 2022 EM run? How do you see the state of German basketball in the youth sector? As U-20 coach how do you see the future?

I watched all the games of course and was lucky enough to have an off day on semi-finals day so I could see the game vs. Spain live in the gym. It was a lot of fun to watch the guys play – you could sense how much they enjoyed playing together and how desperately they wanted to succeed – together. I think that a lot of people could sense this positive energy. Would be great if we could carry this into the next tournaments and keep showing people what a wonderful sport this is.
In general I can see very positive things happening in German youth development. A lot of clubs have built very professional setups for players to develop over the last years, the number of full-time coaches seems to increase constantly and both DBB and BBL are investing lots of time, money and energy in coaches development. Many interesting, talented kids have already grown in these structures over the last years and I can only see things getting even better the next years. Will be exciting to follow for sure.

You saw so many famous sports figures in Munich over the years. What was your coolest experience that you had with sports figures that you won’t forget?

Tough to choose one in particular. Probably to have seen the development of some European top talents. Like Juan Nunez who I saw as an 11-year old in a Spanish youth tournament that our u-12 participated in back then. Saw him in multiple European youth championships and now he just played his first BBL game for Ulm vs Bayern. Exciting to witness that kind of development over the years.

Thanks Florian for the chat.

Skyler Bowlin (190-G-1989, college: MSSU) is a 33 year old 190cm guard that is playing his 12th season as a professional season and first with the Bakken Bears. Last season he played with the Telekom Baskets Bonn averaging 9.2ppg, 1.9rpg, 3.5apg, FGP: 36.2%, 3PT: 37.8%, FT: 76.3%. In 2020-2021 he split time with GS Iraklis Thessaloniki (Greece-A1) averaging 8.0ppg, 2.4rpg, 4.4apg, 1.3spg, 2FGP: 47.1%, 3FGP: 30.8%, FT: 70.6% and also played with Enea Zastal BC Zielona Gora (Poland-EBl) averaging 9.7ppg, 2.7rpg, 4.1apg, 1.2spg, FGP: 42.9%, 3PT: 36.8%, FT: 78.3%. In the 2019-2020 season he played with s.Oliver Wurzburg averaging 11.2ppg, 2.1rpg, 3.8apg, 1.5spg, FGP: 49.1%, 3PT: 44.8%, FT: 87.2%. and the season before averaged 9.3ppg, 2.0rpg, 4.0apg, 1.3spg, FGP: 46.9%, 3PT: 38.3%, FT: 70.7% in the BBL and in the Fiba Europe Cup averaged 8.4ppg, 1.9rpg, 5.6apg, 1.3spg, FGP: 51.5%, 3PT: 37.2%, FT: 72.2%. The ex Missouri So (NCAA2) began his professional basketball career with BG Topstar Leitershofen/Stadtbergen (Germany-ProA) and then played three seasons in Denmark with Horsens IC and a year in Sweden with the Sodertalje Kings (Sweden-Basketligan). He played two seasons in Germany with the Giessen 46ers and with Science City Jena (Germany-BBL) playing 32 games averaging 11.7ppg, 2.9rpg, 5.1apg, Steals-5 (1.6spg), FGP: 38.1%, 3PT: 40.9%, FT: 80.9%. He has returned back to Germany to play a Basketball Champions League game against the MHP Riesen.

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

Life is good! I’m in Aarhus, denmark at the moment living with my family.

You played the majority of your career in Germany which has totaled 6 years, but also have spent time in Denmark and are playing your ‘fourth season there and first with top team Bakken Bears. How special is it to play there? You won your first two pro titles there.

It’s really special to be able to come back to Denmark and play. My wife is from here and we have family so it’s really nice to be able to have them around.

The Bakken Bears have won 29 titles in their career and are always a good bet to win hardware as they won the double the last 2 seasons. What does it mean for you to play for this very traditional and historic Danish team?

Bakken is a very ambitious club so it’s a great opportunity to be able to come here and compete at a high level.

After winning the double the last 2 years, the goal can only be repeat. How excited are you to add to the hardware?

Nothing is ever guaranteed. We have to work hard if we want to win a championship.

You join a team where you aren’t the most experienced. There are 4 other players aged 32 or older. How do you feel will this experience help you perform on a daily basis where you know that you have so much veteran support around you?

It’s nice having a good mix of young guys and older guys here. Experience is great to have, but it’s also nice to have young fellas that mix things up.

Talk a little about what veterans Ryan Evans and Michel Diouf mean to the club? Combined they are in their 13th season with the organization and have won combined have won 14 titles for the Bakken Bears. How have you gotten to appreciate them most?

Mich and Ryan are competitors. We have all gotten close since I’ve been here and it’s great to be able to share the court with them.

What kind of an experience has it been playing together with ex NBA Daft pick Tony Carr? How do feel do you guys compliment each other best?

Tony is so talented. It’s been great getting to watch him and be in the backcourt together. He’s more of a downhill, get in the paint guy to where my style is more slow it down and shoot. We compliment each other well.

You have put up consistent stats each season. What kind of role do you have this season on such an experienced team?

My role will be similar as every year. I just need to be solid and lead as well as I can.

On a team that has so much experience and fire power, do you feel like you could be an even more of a playmaker than in previous seasons?

We have so many guys that can score the ball so my role will be more of a game manager. Of course when I need to score I have to get the job done, but we have a lot of weapons

Congrats on qualifying for the Basketball Champions League. What was your first reaction when you learned that you would play against easyCredit BBL team MHP Riesen Ludwigsburg?

It’s exciting to be able to already get back and play in Germany. It’ll be a great test for us.

If you had to guess what your career record against Ludwigsburg is what do you think it is?

It’s exciting to be able to already get back and play in Germany. It’ll be a great test for us.

It is actually 3-5. I can imagine the last encounter is still present in your mind as you scored 13 points with the Telekom Baskets Bonn. One season you swept them with Wurzburg. Is there a particular game that will always be in your memory?

Man, I can’t actually remember a specific game against them. They are always tough to go against though.

The Bakken Bears have lucked out a bit in which they have caught the MHP Riesen in a massive rebuilding phase as legend John Patrick is gone and so are many players that gave the team the success the last years. How big of an advantage will this be for the Bears?

I know that Josh King will have them ready. I’m sure they will play a similar style and be ready to play hard.

What kind of game can we await in Ludwigsburg in the first BCL game? The Bears will already have played 2 BCL games and 2 Danish league games while Ludwigsburg only 2 BBL games.

I’m sure it’ll be fast paced and physical.

Giannis recently said that Steph Curry is the best player in the world? As a guard do you share that opinion?

I don’t really like to argue who the best in the world is. There are a lot of great players

Germany got a big Bronze Medal at the 2022 European Championships. You played against so many of those guys when you were in Germany. Is there a player from the German squad that you remember having a special memory competing against?

Man, it was incredible to watch the German team. I felt a big connection since I know a lot of them. My best memory would be with Andi Obst since we played together in Giessen my first year in Germany. One game Andi was 0-7 from three but at the end he hit a game winning three at the buzzer for us. He’s a sharpshooter!

What is your opinion of the current Boston Celtics drama and 1 year suspension of head coach Ime Udoka? Do you feel like this could affect how the team plays?

Man, that’s a weird situation they are in. Hopefully the Celtics can move past it and focus on the things on the court.

Thanks Skyler for the chat.

Tags : SKYLER BOWLIN, BAKKEN BEARS AARHUS, GERMAN BASKETBALL

The Fraport Skyliners organization have stood for excellence for more than 20 years, but in the last few years, the club have taken a tough hit with less success as they have missed the playoffs. After the consistent success of Gordon Herbert, the club changed coaches a bit more regularly with guys like Sebastian Gleim and Diego Ocampo and hope that this season three will be a charm with Dutch giant Geert Hammink. Last season the club was bombarded right off the bat with a string of tough games against top teams, but this season, they play against teams up their ally and will need to win games in the next weeks. In their first try on the road against medi Bayreuth, they had a lot of misfortune as in OT on the last play a slip up by American JJ Frazier cost them the game. They hoped the floor would be drier in the Fraport arena, but they had to take a break with the easier opponents as they had a real barrel of problems with the mighty FC Bayern Munich. The Fraport Skyliners were hoping for some success and possibly some underestimation by the Euroleague team. FC Munich began their season with a high scoring win over always tough ratiopharm Ulm and entered the Skyliners living room wanting to go 2-0 and did needing to halt a late Frankfurt run to win 83-74. FC Bayern Munich played a solid game, but nothing great considering they were only up by 5 points with a few minutes to play, but in the end their skill was enough to get the win against a very pesky Frankfurt club. ‘We played well for 35 minutes. We had a few slip ups, but we got the needed defensive stops at the end, made the important hustle plays and had the good spirit’, stressed German national player Nick Weiler-Babb. The Fraport Skyliners played a solid game and really gave FC Bayern Munich a run for the money in the fourth quarter not lying down and displayed real fighter qualities, but a few plays and shots were missing from getting over the hump. ‘I thought that we played a solid game. We played a lot better defense in the second half. We were aggressive at both ends of the court and wanted to give a good outing for the fans. I felt we fought well and to the end’, stressed Quantez Robertson.

The first quarter was a tight affair as no club was able to get away form the other. Both teams had difficulty finding a rhythm as FC Bayern Munich relied on outside shooting as ex NBA player Paul Zipser connected as did German national player Andreas Obst. FC Bayern Munich was really shaky and Frankfurt was unable to take advantage of it. A big goal of the Fraport Skyliners this season is trying to play as fast as possible and trying to execute before 8 seconds, but Frankfurt was unable to do that against Munich’s aggressive defense that forced 5 turnovers. One player everyone is rooting for is Skyliner legend Quantez Robertson who could be playing his last season and definitely is playing the least in his career. He entered the season with a trendy short haircut, but still very motivated and really got his living room cooking when he fired away nailing a trey for the 13-12 Frankfurt advantage. ‘Hitting that shot felt good. The shot clock was down, but Josh made a great play. But honestly making that shot felt like any other shot’, stated Quantez Robertson. Even if Tez is turning 38 a day before Christmas, you can’t say he is over the hill as so many still believe in his abilities. ‘Tez is still the best 1-1 defender for the Skyliners’, stressed Igor Starcevic. Frankfurt was unable to keep the lead down the stretch as FC Bayern Munich got a massive trey from Serbian national player and 2017 NBA Draft Pick of the New York Knicks Ognjen Jaramaz and a lay in from ex Bamberg forward Augustine Rubit. ‘I thought Frankfurt played pretty well and had energy, but it was against Munich’s second 5 who started the game’, commented Igor Starcevic.

In the second quarter FC Bayern Munich was able to get away from the Fraport Skyliners and began with a lethal 20-4 run to extend their lead to 37-19. In the run, FC Bayern Munich got first class guard support as ex NBA player Cassius Winston (185-PG-1997, college: Michigan St.) steered 8 points with 2 three’s and a breathtaking floater, ex Eastern Kentucky University guard Corey Walden dropped a trey and Jaramaz contributed 4 points. Frankfurt got an easy bucket from young German Joshua Obiesie who was fed by a bullet pass from Tez. One could almost say that his biggest strength besides his defense now is his passing game. ‘I love to pass the ball. I played the point for 4 years before Frankfurt. I’m happy that I can still find open guys’, said Quantez Robertson. In this phase the Fraport Skyliners couldn’t hit the ocean as their three point shooting landed at 3/14 at the break. The Fraport Skyliners misery on the court was on account of countless missed shots and 5 turnovers. Munich also switched a lot which hampered Frankfurt’s offense. The only positive thing was that they showed will to get 5 offensive rebounds, but couldn’t take advantage of it. Frankfurt didn’t totally stink up the second quarter as they closed out the second quarter with a nifty 6-0 run to trail only 37-26 and get the Fraport arena alive again. In the run they got a 25 footer from ex Bamberg big Martinas Geben who has to be kept until the end of the season, a trey by Lithuanian sniper Laurynas Beliauskas and an off balance shot by American JJ Frazier. ‘We were careless with the ball and couldn’t make open shots. Trying to execute in the 8 seconds is always tough. Munich was pressuring us very well on defense’, expressed Quantez Robertson.

FC Bayern Munich really took control of the game in the third quarter as they were able to lead by as much as 25 points and let it rain three’s nailing 6. FC Bayern Munich came out on fire going on a 18-7 run to extend their lead to 55-35. Frankfurt really had no clue how to control the guard play of Winston and Walden as they did an excellent job of picking their spots. In the run, FC Bayern Munich spread the ball around nicely getting two parking lot shots from Walden, and also three’s from Rubit, young German Jason George and sharp shooter Andreas Obst. Frankfurt’s 1-1 defense was unsatisfactory as they were making it a lot too simple for the guests. The Fraport Skyliners continued to fight and as a reward got their offense better into rhythm. They worked harder for good shots and got some added three’s from German Lukas Wank who executed twice as well as Geben and Obiesie to trail 66-49. There was an interesting scene near the end of the third quarter as the ever so eccentric Andrea Trinchieri chewed out Casius Winston after not covering Geben who hit a trey. Once the Italian coach gets going, it can take a while for him to calm down. Winston took it in stride and on the next offensive play hit a three making amends for his defensive lapse. He then made free throws as FC Bayern Munich still had the comfortable lead 68-51. ‘We lost our assignments, didn’t get over screens and weren’t aggressive enough on the pick and roll’, warned Quantez Robertson.

The Fraport Skyliners made one last push in the fourth quarter, but couldn’t get totally over the hump after Rubit began giving FC Bayern Munich the 70-51 advantage, the Fraport Skyliners really stepped up their game powering a 15-2 run to trail only 72-66. In the run Frankfurt began to move the ball very well and had good looks and nailed three’s. They received 3 three’s in total as Beliauskas connected twice and Robertson also hit. Frankfurt also got in the paint as Tez’s confidence grew with his three’s in that he scored posting up and using the mismatch to his advantage and Obiesie also scored inside. Frankfurt really fought hard and didn’t shy away from FC Bayern Munich, but really wanted the win at the end. But mediocre 1-1 defense and bad shot selection cost them the game. Whenever FC Bayern Munich needed a bucket, they gave the ball to Cassius Winston who supplied support. Despite Frankfurt getting a key three from Lithuanian Einaras Tubutis, it was Winston that scored inside and made a step back keeping Frankfurt at bay trailing 79-69. ‘He is really crafty with the ball. He made really good decisions. He saw the ball go in a lot and when you see that happen a lot, it makes everything a lot easier’, warned Quantez Robertson. Obiesie who played all of crunch-time as head coach Geert Hammink rewarded good play keeping Frazier on the bench hit a deep three and made free throws to cut Munich’s lead only to 79-74, but that was as close as Frankfurt would get. ‘We played more aggressive defense and talked more, but when we were down by 5, I made 2 bad fouls. We fought hard, but it just wasn’t enough’, added Quantez Robertson. Winston and Jaramaz closed out the game with free throws. ‘We rebounded well at the end and made the needed stops’, stated Nick Weiler-Babb. FC Bayern Munich was led by Cassius Winston with 23 points. Corey Walden added 17 points and Ognjen Jaramaz contributed 12 points while the Fraport Skyliners were led by Joshua Obiesie with 15 points. Lauryas Beliauskas had 13 points and Martinas Geben 11 points. FC Bayern Munich shot 40% form the field and 41% from outside and had 38 rebounds and 13 turnovers while the Fraport Skyliners shot 44% from the field and 42% from outside and had 34 rebounds and 15 turnovers.

Tags : CASSIUS WINSTON, FC BAYERN MUENCHEN, GERMAN BASKETBALL