Bryan Johnson is a guard from Bogalusa, Louisiana that played high school ball at Bogalusa and Bensford academy. He then played at William Carey University. He played at the 2021 Howard Hoops Combine in Germany. He continues to strive for new basketball opportunities overseas.

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

Hey, thank you for the opportunity it’s always a pleasure to speak with you guys. I am currently in Baton Rouge, Louisiana enjoying the summer weather.

A year ago you played at the Howard Hoops combine. What kind of an experience was that for you? What did you enjoy most from the experience?

I really enjoyed my experience with the Howard combine it taught me a lot about how to market myself and developing social skills. The guys I met where great teammates as well.

You went into the tour wanting to help your team win, have fun, bring confidence and positive energy to the team. Do you feel like you did that?

I most certainly did. We ended up winning the three on three tournament. I enjoyed being a part of a great group of guys with positive energy.

Did you stay in contact with the other guys from the tour? Did you feel like there was that positive connection between everyone or was there fierce competitiveness during the days there?

I definitely keep in contact with most of them. The competitiveness made it even better. It made everyone start producing and wanting to win.

What positives could you get from Ronald Howard (181-PG-1984, college: Mayville St.) and the Howard Hoops combine? How do you feel did your game prosper from the few days that you were able to showcase your skills?

I would say the positives I learned from the tour was to just stay positive and consistent at all times. You never know who is watching or what connections you can make.

How was the job market after the Howard Hoops tour? Was there any interest? You did play at another Euro camp averaging 7,5ppg.

I had interest just not the situation I was looking for. The euro camp was great. I should of shot the ball better other then that the performance was solid.

Do you feel like your hunger to be a pro overseas continues to grow despite having some hard ships? What keeps your dream alive?


Yes, my hunger is going to continue to grow know matter the results. I just have to stay consistent and motivated. What keeps my dream alive is me proving to myself that I am him.

You will be playing at the Eurobasket summer league from September 18th to 24th? With what kind of expectations are you going into this event?

I am super excited to showcase my talent. My expectations going into the summer league is to just play my game and help my team win.

A year ago you stated that your focusing most on your ball handling and IQ. Do you feel like you made strides in those areas in the last year?

I have definitely improved in those areas. This has been a remarkable journey. I’m very proud of myself on staying disciplined.

On what area’s of your game are you focusing on most now as you continue to improve your game?

I’m more focused on changing my paste and getting to my spots now. Also, becoming a better three level scorer.

Please explain in a few sentences why you could help any team right now?

I could help any team right now by being a spark they need. The high level shooting and hard nose defense with communication skills. I feel like every team needs that type of player to be successful.

Thanks Bryan for the chat.

Alejandro Rubiera (190-G-1998, agency: Interperformances) is a 24 year old 190cm guard from Spain playing his third season abroad in Germany for the EPG Baskets Koblenz. Last season he played for Vestri (Iceland-Subway League) averaging 12.5ppg, 3.4rpg, 3.7apg. He played the rest of his career in his home land Spain for teams like Gijon Basket 2015 (EBA), Aquimisa Carbajosa (LEB Silver) and BVM 2012 Mieres (EBA). He spoke to germanhoops.com about the Euro 2022 and Spain.

Thanks Alex for talking to germanhoops.com. Where are you and how is basketball life treating you?

Good evening Miles, currently I’m in Koblenz, Germany. I’ve been here for a little over a month already.

Your playing your first season for German pro B team EPG Baskets. Last weekend you beat Pro A team Romerstrom Gladiators. How good did it feel beating a higher level team?

It always feel good to beat a team from a higher league, I think we played a solid game and got the win at home, which is what we all were looking for

You had a solid game with 9 points. How have you been adjusting to the Pro B level?

New team, new role, new city, new goals, new country, new expectations… a lot of changes have been going on for me in the last month, but all I think about, is achieving the team’s goal, which is moving to Pro A. I’m confident in myself, I know the potential I have as player, what I can do and what I’ve done in my career. As of now I’m focused on making an impact and help the team in whatever is needed.

Today we aren’t talking solely about your new season in Germany but the Euro 2022. How have you experienced it in Germany? Did you and some teammates see some games in Cologne or follow them on TV?

No, we didn’t go to Cologne to watch the games, even though I would have loved to. I’ve been watching and following this Eurobasket intensely. It has been very fun to watch and interesting to see how every country is doing. As a team we watched some Germany games together on TV and I watched all the Spain games on my laptop, while texting and talking to my family and friends about it.

It has been a great Euro that showcased great teams, great players and exciting games. What do you feel has been the reason for this Euro being so entertaining?

This Eurobasket has been outstanding mainly because many NBA and Euroleague stars decided to play this year. Jokic, Doncic, Giannis. Big names that bring a lot of value to the competition.

How have you experienced the play of Germany. They had a great 4-1 record in group play and had difficult opponents while other teams didn’t have tough groups. How vital was it for Germany beating countries like France, Lithuania and Bosnia for getting into the tournament well?

I am very surprised with Germany’s performance in this Eurobasket. They are looking very good. Quick guards, shooters, top level bigs… a lot of talent overall. They were in the toughest group of the Eurobasket and they proved a lot of people wrong.

Is there a German player that you have followed more closely? Like maybe a Maodo Lo or Nick Weiler Babb that play the guard position like you? Which German player has impressed you most?

The German player that has impressed me the most is Franz Wagner. I love his game, he basically can do anything at a high level in both ends of the floor. He is a killer.

Team Spain is a rebuild phase. What has been your impression of Team Spain in this Euro? Are they a medal team?

Team Spain is in rebuild phase but yet we are about to play our 11th Eurobasket semifinal in a row. Last time Spain missed the final four was in 1997, I wasn’t even born. It has been very special to watch and support this Spain team. Everybody has been writing them off, yet they keep winning and advancing. Young players with a lot of hunger guided by an amazing coach, Sergio Scariolo. It has been amazing to watch them. This year we are not the favorites to win a medal as past years, this year we are the underdogs, a team that can compete and surprise anybody. I believe in them.

There is still one player left from the golden generation of Pao Gasol with Rudy Fernandez. He is a player that influenced you over the last years. How important is having his presence on the court?

Rudy Fernandez is insane. He is 37 years old but he is diving for balls like a 19 year old would do, hitting clutch threes, getting steals. He is the captain of the team, and a great leader for the new generation of players that are playing their first Eurobasket. This team would be different without him. He has been an inspiration. A true competitor.

There was a lot of back lash in Spain about naturalizing Lorenzo Brown who has no connection to Spain. How did you take this decision?

I have to admit, that I didn’t like the decision at the beginning. We have a lot of Spanish talented players, but then, I realized that Spain needed an elite point guard since players like Rubio, Llull, Alocen are injured and unavailable to play for Spain. Also, as we have seen in the Eurobasket, a lot of countries have had amazing nationalized players over the years. As long as there is a possibility to improve the team, I don’t have a problem with it. Lorenzo Brown has been playing great representing my country and I support him and the team.

Talk a little about huge talent Usman Garuba. He is a player that is slowly starting his way in the NBA. Where do you see his journey going in the next years?

I really like Usman Garuba. He played against my little brother many years ago when he was in Real Madrid, a memory that my little brother will never forget. Usman is a rising star, very young and a lot of potential. I watched him grow as a player in Real Madrid, and I hope he finds his spot in the NBA. He has been very important for team Spain and Scariolo sees him as a leader.

What player from the Spanish team has impressed you most from team Spain at this Euro?

Dario Brizuela. I love his game, and he is making an impact from the bench in this Eurobasket. He is very talented. Spain needs his points.

Spain battle Germany in the semi finals. What kind of game can we await?

It’s going to be a great game of basketball. I think the pressure is on Germany, they have home court advantage, and in my opinion, one of the best teams they have had in the last 15 years. They are the favorites to win this game but even though Spain is not as strong as past years, they should never be underestimated or doubted. I’m really proud of this Spain team and I believe they can upset Germany on Friday, it would be amazing. It’s going to be a very entertaining game and I can’t wait to watch it.

Germany did a super job inside against Greece with Theis and Voigtmann. Where do you see how both countries match up inside and could this game be decided by the guard play of Germany?

Germany are very strong in every position, tough match ups for Spain, so I feel like if Spain wants to win this game we need to do something different on defense. After all these years following Spain and coach Scariolo, I think Spain will use different zones, box and 1, traps… different types of coverages to make Germany uncomfortable but we will see.

Please give your prediction of Germany-Spain?

My prediction is 88-82 for Spain.

Luka Doncic has dominated this tournament. Did he make some ground on Giannis in the best ranking of Euro players or is Giannis still #1 over him?

Luka Doncic will go down as the best player in European history. This guy dominates everywhere he goes. He doesn’t have the gifted athleticism that Giannis has but he still dominates with ease. Pure talent. I love that.

Thanks Alex for the chat.

Donnell Cegers (197-PF-1993, college: NMU) is a 29 year old 197cm forward playing his second professional season and first with BC Raiffeisen Flyers Wels (Austria-BSL). He played his rookie season with BC Zestaponi 2020 (Georgia-A League) averaging 20.1ppg, 8.3rpg, 2.2apg, 1.6spg, FGP: 59.4%, 3PT: 14.3%, FT: 78.7%. Last season he split time with Delikatesas Joniskis (Lithuania-NKL) averaging 19.6ppg, 7.8rpg, 2.6apg, 1.6spg, 2FGP: 62.1%, 3FGP: 28.3%, FT: 76.1%, in Feb.’22 moved to BC Telsiai (Lithuania-NKL) averaging 12.7ppg, 4.3rpg, 1.7apg, FGP: 62.5%, 3PT: 31.6%, FT: 76.0%. He began his basketball career at Marquette University High School and then proceeded to play at 3 schools starting with Kishwaukee College (JUCO) averaging 16.4ppg, 8.5rpg, 2.2apg, FGP: 54.0%, 3PT: 28.6%, FT: 67.5%, St. Cloud State University (NCAA2) averaging 9.2ppg, 4.0rpg, FGP: 56.5%, 3PT: 41.7%, FT: 68.2% and Northern Michigan University (NCAA2) averaging 10.0ppg, 4.3rpg, FGP: 51.0%, 3PT: 23.3%, FT: 67.3%. He spoke to eurobasket before a test game in Frankfurt against the Fraport Skyliners.

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

I am currently in Wels, Austria. Playing for the Wels Flyers. Basketball here is treating me well. A great group of hard working guys and when the work ethic is there success is bound to follow

Your playing your first season with BC Raiffeisen Flyers Wels (Austria-BSL) and are playing a test game in Germany today against the Fraport Skyliners. What do you know in general about the country and it’s basketball?

I know Germany is a very well respected country for basketball and is recognized/watched throughout Europe. It will be a great experience to play against a team there.

The thing that stands out most in your Bio is the massive gap between 2016 to 2021 where you played no pro basketball. Why did you start your professional career so late?

After I finished playing college basketball in 2016 I finished school in 2017. From there went home and tried to continue my career through a few different outlets that didn’t work out. That’s the short answer, but eventually I was able to get an opportunity and kept it going from there.

What kind of life did you have the last 5 years. Were you 100% focused on a job or was basketball always in the back of your mind?

Basketball was always the goal but of course when you’re not getting paid you have to find another way to make a living. So I worked jobs but would stay active with basketball and working out.

Were you able to keep in shape regularly the last 5 years? How did your whole fitness and basketball skills training look like the last 5 years?

I was able to stay in shape. Probably not top basketball shape seeing as I wasn’t playing for a club where basketball and training was the focus every day. But I never let myself get out of shape in such a way where I wouldn’t be able to compete.

Wels has won 3 titles. How much of a joy has it been playing for the Flyers Wels? What have you learned to appreciate most about the organization?

The biggest joy I’ve had here so far is the focus on getting better. The coaches really stress the importance of improving every day and from a personal standpoint I like that. From a team standpoint I like it as well because it sets a level of accountability for everyone to keep progressing at the same rate as the rest of the team.

Let’s talk about your game. You’re a 197cm forward that can do it all. If you had to compare your game to an NBA player who would be the best match?

That’s a tough question because I don’t really try to model my game after any particular player. But I believe the player that my game resembles the most would be Charles Barkley. Slightly undersized forward that’s physical and has versatility.

You’re a guy that can fill the stat sheet with ease. Would you call yourself a modern day forward?

I believe I’m a modern day forward. But I also believe basketball has evolved to where the ‘modern day forward’ has become the norm and older styles of play for forwards is become obsolete. So it’s more so adjusting the game nowadays and what will make you an asset for a team.

How big is versatility in your game? You seem to be a guy that enjoys to facilitate’

Versatility is a very important aspect of my game because it allows me the ability to constantly have an impact no matter what may be going right or wrong any given night. If I were to just score, on an off night I wouldn’t be able to contribute much. But having the ability to do multiple things within the game allows me to remain a threat no matter how one aspect is going.

On what area’s of your game are you still working on to keep moving up the ladder?

Nobody is perfect so I don’t just work on improving one area of my game. I want to improve everything. Even Steph Curry works to improve his jump shot and he’s the best shooter in the world. I believe if you aren’t improving/getting better then you’re getting worse, so I want to improve on all aspects of my game. I may give more attention to certain aspects but I still work on my overall game constantly.

You put up great stats. How do you explain the consistency in stats for different teams after a very long absence from the game?

Like I said before basketball was always the goal so I never stopped playing. I stayed in shape, worked out, continued to play locally and most importantly still had the drive and love for the game. So the biggest adjustment getting into professional basketball after a few years was getting the rhythm for the game and timing back.

As a rookie you played for BC Zestaponi 2020 (Georgia-A League) averaging 20.1ppg), 8.3rpg, 2.2apg, 1.6spg, FGP: 59.4%, 3PT: 14.3%, FT: 78.7%. What do you remember being your wake up call to being a rookie oversas where you knew that you were very far away from home?

The biggest wake up call or difference was the expectations. It’s expected clubs want you to perform in games but there are also expectations in practice, conditioning, lifting, etc. Having eyes on me to perform well in everything we did as a team no matter what was one of the biggest wake up calls.

You were teammates with James Fleming who is playing in Germany this season with Paderborn. Have you been following his career and what did you learn to appreciate most bout him as a person and player?

Of course I’ve been keeping up with James and everything he has going on, on and off the court. We keep in touch with each other so it’s easier to know exactly what’s going on rather than having to search for news. But the things I learned to appreciate from him are 1: how genuine of a person he is. 2: his work ethic and dedication. His passion and never quit attitude pushed me to go harder. He’s very dedicated and hard working so I’m excited for his success to come this season.

You steadily moved up the basketball ladder playing JUCO, and NCAA 2. How vital was it for you personally being able to play at 3 schools instead of 1 school? What were the biggest things you learned at each institution?

I wouldn’t say it was vital. I would just say that was my path. I believe most things happen for a reason and whether that reason was good or bad I learned from each situation. The biggest lesson I learned at juco was that ‘killer’ mentality on the court and competitiveness. At St. Cloud I started to see a more business side to basketball. Coaches jobs are potentially on the line every year so they’re not going to coddle a player. It’s up to the player to perform and earn everything. At northern the biggest lesson I learned was the importance of maturity. I may not have realized its importance in the time I was there, but looking back later I was able to really learn from mistakes and certain situations.

You begam your career with Kishwaukee College (JUCO) averaging 16.4ppg, 8.5rpg, 2.2apg, FGP: 54.0%, 3PT: 28.6%, FT: 67.5%. ). Each guy I have interviewed that played JUCO has said it was a very tough experience but one they wouldn’t have traded in for the world? How was it for you?

I would describe it that same way. Everyone is working hard to get better, play more, play well, and get a scholarship. So it was very intense but taught me a lot of valuable lessons and introduced me to a lot of life long friends. Being young and on your own for the first time in college and sharing similar goals/interests with your teammates, along with working hard everyday together and supporting each other creates a lasting bond. Nothing compares

In your second season you played for St. Cloud State University (NCAA2) playing 21 games averaging 9.2ppg, 4.0rpg, FGP: 56.5%, 3PT: 41.7%, FT: 68.2%. You had good games with much minutes and other games where you played 4 ot 7 minutes in total?

To be completely honest, I really don’t remember much about the college games at St. Cloud and Northern. Other than a few memories here and there I can’t really recall everything.

You played your senior year at Northern Michigan University (NCAA2) averaging 10.0ppg, 4.3rpg, FGP: 51.0%, 3PT: 23.3%, FT: 67.3%. How did head coach Bill Sall groom and prepare you best for a professional career?

I wouldn’t say one coach in particular groomed me to be a professional. If anything I would attribute life lessons more to preparing me for a professional career. There a certain things you have to learn on your own that others can tell you but you won’t fully understand or listen to until you experience it.

Who won a 1-1 in practice you or Isaiah Johnson?

Isaiah Johnson is my little bro so of course I’d win. He’s also a very good player who has improved his game a lot and who I’m expecting big things from.

Who was the toughest player that you ever faced that reached the NBA?

The toughest player I played against was Joe Alexander by far. I think he played for the bucks if I’m not mistaken and also played in Israel a few seasons.

Please name your 5 best teammates of all-time?

With all due respect to the players I’ve played with it would be impossible to name only five. Some are the best teammates I’ve played with based on skill and other are the best teammate based on relationship. And to me those go hand in hand. This may sound funny but basketball isn’t always about basketball and some teammates understand that more and it shows. And I’ve honestly have never had a bad teammate. I’ve heard some horror stories from others about conflict with their teammates but fortunately for me I’ve never had to experience anything like that. And for that I am grateful for all of my past and current teammates.

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

Stephen Curry, Giannis, Kobe Bryant, Michael Jordan, Lebron James.

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

Jordan is the greatest. End of debate.

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

I actually haven’t seen the sequel. I heard mixed reviews about it which made me kind of nervous to watch it I guess. But it’s always hard to duplicate a classic so either way some people are naturally going to think the first movie is better.

Thanks Donnell for the chat.

Worthy de Jong (194-G-1988) is a 34 year old 194cm guard from Holland playing his 12th season for Zorg and Zekerheid Leiden (BNXT League). In between he played one season for SO Maritime Boulogne (France-ProB). He has won 8 titles in Holland and also been a member of the Dutch national team. He recently spoke to germanhoops.com about his experience playing at the 2022 European Championships.

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

I’m back home now, enjoying some time off with the family before I get on to the next chapter with 3×3.

You just completed your second Euro for Holland after playing in 2015. How would you compare this one overall to the 2015 one in terms of competition and player talent?

I think they were both packed full of great teams. 2015 we got the win, this time we came up short so many times. But we showed great heart!

The atmosphere in places like Cologne, Milan and Tiflis was immense. How was it in Prague?

Prague was amazing, great organisation. We had a great time! Much props to eurobasket !

Holland didn’t win a game but played some countries very close. What is your team summary of how the team performed?

I think we definitely showed we can compete but still need to learn how to finish games, get over the humps. We showed that we are supposed to perform at this level.

In the loss against Serbia, you were the best player on the court. What was it like seeing top NBA player Nikola Jokic up close? Was he as good as you expected?

I’m never star struck, he is a great player shows it every time and everywhere NBA or here at Eurobasket. I loved playing against him and being aggressive. He probably won’t remember my name. But I will remember the game.

Holland played Israel tough but lost. What was it like seeing NBA player Deni Avdija operate? Is he a player that you can imagine seeing longer in the NBA?

He probably will, he is a great talent. But I didn’t know him before I played against him. And that’s just who I am. Don’t really pay attention to names.

In the last game against Finland you once again belonged to the best players on the court together with Lauri Markkanen. What do you remember being his biggest weapon in this game?

Well he moves well for his size, he can shoot and put it on the floor. I think that is definitely one of his weapons. I think he will get better in time when experience catches up with his talent.

Team Holland was very experienced and there were few young guys on the squad. Talk a little about how you witnessed the development of Jessie Edwards and Keye Van Der Vuurst?

These guys are part of the future of our national team. Much to learn still but very talented.

How did you see the development of Fraport Skyliner Matt Haarms during the last weeks? He had a solid rookie season but more will be expected from him this season.

He is also a great talent for the future! He will be a big pillar for the foundation we are building.

You had a super tournament averaging 16/3/1/1 while shooting 44% from outside. What was your summary of how you played?

I think that what I left behind is that I’m not leaving because I can’t play at this level! Some will remember my name.

Was this some of the best basketball that you played in your career?

I for sure think so, and have no doubt I had more to give

Do you feel like your game was fully recognized on this big stage the way you wanted it to be?

I think it did and more.

What was your personal favorite play on the court that you made?

I don’t think I have one, but the first game just felt one that will last.

Luka Doncic tore up the competition. Where do you rank him right now with the best players on earth?

He is up there with the best, and he will get better! Scary

Where do you rank Steph Curry right now with the best points guards ever in the NBA?

Steph is 1. 2. And 3. Atm

Thanks Worthy for the chat.

T

Jaleen Smith (190-SG-1994, college: UNH) is a 27 year old 193cm guard from Freeport, Texas that is playing his sixth professional season and second with Alba Berlin averaging 10.9ppg, 2.8rpg, 3.5apg, FGP: 48.9%, 3PT: 38.7%, FT: 90.8%; Euroleague: 33 games: 8.3ppg, 2.2rpg, 2.3apg, FGP: 41.2%, 3PT: 31.7%, FT-2(93.3%). He played two seasons with the MHP Riesen Ludwigsburg averaging 15.2ppg, 5.0rpg, Assists-3 (5.3apg), Steals-2 (1.8spg), FGP: 49.2%, 3PT: 32.7%, FT: 87.5%; and 10.7ppg, 3.6rpg, 2.4apg, 1.6spg, FGP: 53.1%, 3PT: 33.6%, FT: 82,8% the season before. In 2018-2019 he played with the MLP Academics Heidelberg (Germany-ProA) averaging 12,7ppg, 3,9rpg and 2,7apg. In his rookie season with New Hampshire (NCAA) from 2013-2017 where he played a total of 120 NCAA games. He improved his scoring, rebounding and assists average each season and as a senior he played 32 games averaging 15.8ppg, 6.4rpg, 4.3apg, FGP: 52.4%, 3PT: 35.8%, FT: 78.1%. He spoke to germanhoops.com about his experience playing at the 2022 Euro with Croatia.

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

I’m still in Berlin about to have lunch with an old teammate from Heidelberg. Then we will watch the two quarterfinal games including Germany-Greece in the arena. I have a player pass that I can use.

The 2022 Euro is over for Croatia and you after losing to the Finland. How big was the disappointment for you personally going out in the round of 16?

To be honest I don’t know really what a disappointment is at the Euro? I thought that we played the best basketball that we could play. Markkanen got the best of us. It was a tough loss against Finland. I thought it was a good start for me playing on a big stage like the Euro.

What was it like playing at home in Berlin? Was there a moment where you got goose bumps during introductions?

It honestly felt like a home away feeling. It was a lot different than a normal Alba home game. It didn’t really look like the Alba arena. It all felt closer than what it normally is. I thought it had that NCAA feeling with all the media around.

You can only prepare so much for a tournament like this so all teams were in the same boat. Despite going 3-2 and losing in the round of 16, is it fair to say Croatia underachieved?

The competition was top notch. It felt like all the teams were the same. Finland had one really good NBA player and the rest were all good role players. They all knew how to play very well together. Italy beat Serbia powerhouse. Italy was another team that played really well together.

You lost a tough 93-86 game to Finland. I guess cutting Lauri Markkanen’s points in half would of got you the win?

Yes no question. Everything ran through him. It didn’t matter who was on the screen, but everything went to him. He is a big time player that made big plays.

Everyone always talks about Giannis, but how good is Markkanen really? Where do you see his game going in the future in the NBA?

If he can do what he did here in the NBA, then it will be crazy. He is a typical stretch 4/5 in NBA. When he gets his step back going, it’s crazy. He makes almost every shot. I definitely will follow him closer with the Utah Jazz.

You had to hold off a feisty Ukrainian team. What was it like playing against a country in mourning?

They were very tough. They beat Italy so we technically beat Italy. Mykhailiuk was a very good player. He had been cut from the NBA and is a free agent. He played really well. They also had Alex Len from the NBA and then like so many other teams very good role players that did their jobs. They played with that never back down mentality and were very physical. They really opened my eyes, because there are so many great players that you always have to be ready. There are so many guys trying to work up to my spot.

What was it like battling Sviatoslav Mykhailiuk? He has established himself in the NBA for some years now. You played in the NBA Summer League and could play in the NBA. Do you feel like there is much difference in talent level of you two?

I have always heard that the margin between Euroleague players and NBA role players is very minimal. The big difference is with the stars. With a guy like Giannis there isn’t much room for air. The stars go hard each game. If he tastes blood, he will keep going and not take any plays off. The only difference between the NBA role players and Euroleague players is opportunity.

What is your summary of the 2022 Euro of how Croatia played. What positives do you feel could the country take from this Euro?

We just have to keep building. Croatia hasn’t been successful in a while and just need to keep working and be scrappy. There were some games where we tried to protect ourselves too much. We have to go out and play better together.

Croatia had a lot of veterans, but also some young guys. How do you see the state of Croatian basketball? Where do you see the future going?

I feel like the state of basketball in Croatia is great. They love their basketball there. They pride themselves on their rich history. They need to keep having that hunger. I felt like we had that hunger, but just ran into tough competition. Croatia has talented young players and need to continue to develop it in the next years. They will be tough.

You played with 4 NBA guys Zubac, Bogdanovic, Saric and Henzonja. Please say a few words about each guy and what you appreciated most about them?

Zubac was a cool dude and not that typical Euro player. He lives in L.A and doesn’t have that Hollywood lifestyle, but knows how Americans are. I really appreciated him, because he helped me a lot with adjusting to the team. Bogdanovic helped me see the game differently and also helped me a lot. He has a lot different IQ then many and helped me how to run different plays and helped me tweak certain areas of my game. I feel like I really improved my game. Saric is a typical stretch 4/5 player and is a pick and pop player, but really can do a bit of all on the floor. He is very versatile and also had a great IQ. Hezonja is bucket. I can’t wait to play against him in the Euroleague. He always kept the mood light when it was serious. All these players made my job easier.

You had a solid Euro 2022 averaging 12,0ppg, 2,0rpg, 4,0apg and 1,0spg .How content were you with your game?

I felt like I played pretty well. There were some games where I didn’t perform as well. But everyone I spoke to said I played solid. I just have to run with what everyone said. I thought that I was solid for my first international tournament. I really enjoyed it.

Do you feel like your game was noticed on a very big stage? How did you experience how people took in your game?

Croatia let me play my game and how I wanted to play. I feel like my game was noticed. All I could do was play my game the way I know how.

Will you continue to play for team Croatia if asked? What was your biggest joy at the Euro 2022?

I would like to play for Croatia again if asked. It was a very fun experience. I feel like my most memorable experience was training camp in Croatia. The scenery there was amazing. Seeing the mountains and water was so lovely. The people there were so friendly. They treated me like a Croatian.

Please name the toughest player that you faced at the Euro 2022? I can imagine it Was Giannis. You both were the 2 best players on the court.

Giannis was the toughest. He is on another level. When you see that he won an NBA title and MVP and then see why he is at another level.

Please give your predictions for the quarterfinals: Germany-Greece, Spain-Finland, Slovenia-Poland and France-Italy?

I feel like Germany can get Greece. I feel like Spain got the size to slow down Markkanen to win. I think Slovenia will win and Italy also will win. Italy play so well together. It is like family. France is dysfunctional.

Who will the win the whole thing?

Slovenia will beat Germany in the final and Italy will take third.

Luka Doncic tore up the tournament like he did in the NBA. Where do you see him right now with the best in the world and in Europe?

Luka is top 5 in the NBA and second in Europe behind Giannis. Luka is still young and talks to much with the refs. Giannis takes care of business.

Thanks Jaleen for the chat.

Tags : JALEEN SMITH, 

It was a balmy late afternoon day in early September when I departed for Cologne. The Euro 2022 had been going on for some days and I wanted to see some high class players up close. For once not necessarily on the court but off the court. I guess I will always be a kid at heart. I was an avid autograph hound in the 80’s and there wasn’t a hotel in Boston that I didn’t know as I loved getting Baseball, basketball and Ice Hockey autographs of professional athletes. After a long retirement session, I continued again about a decade ago trying my luck in Boston when I was home for short winter vacations, but with less luck now because the NBA shields it’s players a lot more from the public now then 40 years ago. I had found out where all the 6 teams were staying in Cologne only a few 100 meters from the Rhein river in a nice but not necessarily posh hotel. I really didn’t care if a Dennis Schroeder or a Evan Fournier or a Domantas Sabonis declined me for an autograph. I was there for one man, the man Mr magic Luka Doncic. I arrived right before Team Germany left for their game against Hungry and saw some guys I had known since many years like Johannes Voigtmann and Niels Giffey and made a few selfies while the 2 stars Dennis Schroeder snuck onto the bus as Daniel Theis’s body was shielding the door and was signing autographs while new star Franz Wagner had his head phones on and had the typical NBA excuse for not hearing and getting on the bus. I even made contact with ex Georgetown big man Mikael Hopkins who played for Hungry and still owed me an interview. Around 10-15 people had waited for Germany and as Germany left, it got very quiet in front of the hotel. I got a selfie with Lithuanian NBA player Jonas Valanciunas while waiting. Now it was the calm before the storm. It was 7.00pm and in 2,15 hours, the biggest player on the planet Luka Doncic at least in my eyes would return back to the hotel. Doncic and Slovenia battled France and it was an epic game as Doncic went ballistic on France scoring 47 points which was the most points in Euro play 65 years. I had spoken to fans there who had reassured me that the Slovenian basketball God is very friendly and signs many autographs. Apparently early in his Dallas career, he wasn’t as friendly as he is now, but saw how legend Dirk Nowitzki handled the fan appreciation and took that kind of approach from him. After the game ended, fans began gathering in front of the hotel. Team France arrived first and I was able to get a selfie with NBA player Rudy Gobert. He gave me that angry pose possibly still unnerved by being beaten by Doncic on so many 1-1 plays in the game. Finally Slovenia arrived and it was a total zoo. I was positioned perfectly by the middle door on the bus. Many players popped out and near the end, magic came out and signed for many. I was lucky to get an autograph and even a semi selfie. It isn’t surprising that Robertson’s most prized autograph is of Germany’s greatest player ever. ‘I have a signed Dirk card. Our trainer then Dennis Welm had an extra card and gave me one. Luka is just a joy to be around. He is always smiling and making kids happy. Guys are gravitating to his style on the court’, said Quantez Robertson (188-SG-1984, college: Auburn, agency: Interperformances). I was also fortunate to get an autograph with NBA veteran Goran Dragic and a selfie. My 5 hour trip to Cologne had been more than worth it. I was in basketball heaven.

I reach Fraport Skyliner lifer and easyCredit BBL legend Quantez Robertson on a Monday afternoon as he is in the dog days of pre-season. After 2 tough loses to Bonn and Giessen, I wasn’t going to discuss the current state of the Fraport Skyliners, but moreover the Euro 2022. Even if he has been focused on preparing for the new season, he has been keeping tabs on the Euro 2022. He did watch the game against Lithuania on TV, but missed the game against Slovenia as some of his teammates saw it Live in Cologne. There have been quite a bunch of Americans over the years who have suited up for other countries and it isn’t any different this time as players like Mike Tobey, Mikael Hopkins, Kendrick Pery and Jalen Smith have strapped on the jersey for other countries. He would love to do the same if given the opportunity. ‘Guys getting the opportunity to play for other countries shows just how talented they are. It also shows how much talent there is in the world. I know those guys are honored to represent another country. If I ever had the choice, I would love to play for Germany’, smiled Quantez Robertson. Germany has had an incredible Euro 2022 going 4-1 in group play including upsets of France and Lithuania and beating a tough Bosnia squad. Tez also knows what his ex coach Gordon Herbert’s biggest strength is to attaining this success. ‘He did a great job with the ego’s of the NBA players who came back to play. That was a huge reason why the team could play the way it has’, stated Quantez Robertson. Back in the day Gorden Herbert had the support and expertise of assistant coach Klaus Perwas and has him by his side once again. They both do a super job to compliment each other in sharing the duties of running the team. ‘Klaus was always in charge of the defensive breakdowns while Gordie took care of the breakdown of the players and how we should guard them’, added Quantez Robertson.

Quantez Robertson has played with and against everyone on team Germany 2022 and also has his personal memories of each player over the years. He already played against NBA veteran Dennis Schroeder before he reached the NBA in 2011. He helped beat Schroeder’s former team Braunschweig in the 2011-2012 81-80 as Schroeder already rose eyebrows then scoring 12 points as a young prospect still relatively unknown and almost beating Frankfurt in the last seconds. A season later and 6 months before he was drafted, Schroeder helped his team defeat Tez and the Skyliners scoring 18 points and turning the game around scoring in bunches and securing the win on his own.’ I remember Schroeder being very fast with that quick first step and was also crafty. He also could create for others and himself. I remember not guarding him then as I had other assignments’, remembered Quantez Robertson. His ex teammate Johannes Voigtmann with whom he won the 2016 Fiba Europe Cup is a guy who took only 25 shots in the first 5 games and seems not to have a big role on offense. Germany have so many offensive weapons that they can allow not having to need that big offensive input from him. ‘He may not be one of the main options but he brings a lot to the table at both ends of the court. When he can get the rebound or play the pick and pop, he is very effective’, stated Quantez Robertson. Ex teammate Jonas Wolfahrt-Botterman may have a very minimal role on the team, but Tez is very proud that he is one of Germany’s 12 best players. ‘He is really a great guy to play with. He can be very emotional on the court. You don’t need much scoring from him to be effective. He is a defensive presence and does a lot of the dirty work’, warned Quantez Robertson. Two other players that he battled against the last years have been current NBA player Franz Wagner of the Orlando Magic and sharp shooter Andreas Obst of FC Bayern Munich. He remembers the latter better than the ex Alba Berlin German. ‘I honestly don’t remember playing against Wagner. I didn’t know much about him then. But he has shown how good he is in the last years. He is one of the best scorers on the German team. He has proven that he can hit the three pointer consistently. Obst is a heck of a shooter. He doesn’t need much room and has such a quick release. He plays very hard and when he is open, he doesn’t miss much’, expressed Quantez Robertson.

On Tuesday Germany clash against Greece which should be an epic battle of Giannis and his supporting cast against Dennis Schroeder and his special role players. Both teams didn’t reach the quarterfinals on a cake walk. Germany mostly dominated Montenegro and led by as much as 27 points, but let up in the fourth and allowed their opponent to cut the lead down to a few points, but in the end pulled it out. Greece had massive problems with the Czech Republic, but a late run secured the win as the starting 5 combined for 72 of the 94 points. The ex Auburn freak athlete is sure that Germany will win, if they can stick to a certain principle, but didn’t want to predict a score. ‘Gianis will surely have a big game. Germany has to concentrate on their role players and not allow them to make shots or plays. They have to make it tougher for them. Giannis will probably get his 30 points, so they can’t let the role players get 10-15 points, but play them very aggressive’, warned Quantez Robertson. He also needed a few seconds before giving the perfect advice for ex teammate Joe Voigtmann on how he should act with the unthankful task of having to stop Giannis should he get the assignment. ‘Joe has to keep Giannis in front of him and let him shoot over the top and just make everything tough for him’, smiled Quantez Robertson. The ex Cincinnati native who sees Germany playing Finland in the semi-finals and France battling Slovenia in the other semi-finals also has his 2 cents on Luka Donic. If he had to use one word to describe Luka Magic it would be incredible. Seeing incredible Doncic highlights at the 2022 Euro has been nothing new as he has been doing it since his Real Madrid days. Alone against Germany and Slovenia, he combined for 83 points doing whatever he wanted to with the ball. Everything looks so automatic and effortless when he plays. Why can’t opponents defenses find a way to stop him? ‘He is a great player. Great players take tough shots and make them. He is a big point guard that is strong and agile. He knows how to play to his abilities. He shoots over smaller guards and goes around bigger players. You just have to pick your poison with him and live with the shots he makes. Teams play tough defense on him and he just knows how to make tough shots’, warned Quantez Robertson. Tez never played Euroleague or NBA, but in his prime was a top defender in the easyCredit BBL. It would be interesting to see how Tez would do guarding a Doncic now if he was in his prime and not 37 years old. ‘I think Luka would score something like 12-14 points on me. I might not be totally happy with that, but at least I would know that I made it really tough for him to have to take long range shots. I would just have to live with it’, stated Quantez Robertson. In terms of where we both see Luka Doncic right now with the best in the NBA, we would not come together. For me Luka Doncic is the greatest thing since Michael Jordan with much respect to a Kobe or Lebron, but that is just my opinion. ‘For me Luka is 7th or 8th best in the NBA right now and second best in Europe behind Giannis’, added Quantez Robertson. But at least there is one thing that Tez and I agree on. The Fraport Skyliners definitely have to get going now in pre-season, if they don’t want to be near the cellar after 1 month in the easyCredit BBL.

Tags : QUANTEZ RO

With the dog days of summer in full swing, it is time again for German basketball and teams in various leagues around the country are preparing for the new season. One of those are the EPG Baskets Koblenz that play in the CGM arena without a doubt in the most beautiful gym in the league. The club is run with all the heart and energy of German Thomas Klein and that urge and need to reach the Pro A continues to grow. After last season’s unsatisfying playoff run, the team wants to finally get there in their third try. Sometimes 3 times a charm works and that could be with new coach Pat Elzie who is a coaching legend in Germany having brought success to so many teams including helping Vechta reach the BBL and Itzehoe the Pro A. He kept many key figures like Marvin heckle, Brian Butler and Dominique Johnson, but also brought in many new pieces like American guard Alani Moore who could be a big steal. On a cool Sunday, the EPG Baskets Koblenz welcomed the Romerstrom Gladiators who are also one of those teams that have talent, but can’t seem to put it together in the playoffs. On this day ambitious Pro B team EPG Baskets Koblenz came to play and for 3 quarters were clearly the better team while Pro A club Trier had to pay catch up basketball, but the guests were able to stage a comeback in the fourth quarter, but weren’t rewarded losing a tough nail bitter 91-89. After the win new coach Pat Elzie was all smiles. ‘I’m extremely happy that we were able to beat a Pro A team. It was good advertisement for basketball. We were very aggressive and played very physical. They made a comeback, but we held against it very well’, stressed ex Itzehoe coach Pat Elzie. The Romerstrom Gladiators are one of those talented pro A teams that had their hands full all afternoon long, but they did have respect for the Koblenz team. ‘It was a good test for us. We knew that Koblenz have high aspirations. They are well coached, athletic and disciplined. We did a good job finding ways to score. We have to do a better job of taking care of the ball. We can’t rely on Garai Zeeb to take all the responsibility’, stated Romerstrom Gladiators assistant coach Jermaine Bucknor.

The Romerstrom Gladiators had the better start in the first quarter jumping all over the EPG Baskets Koblenz taking the early 7-2 lead. Even if Koblenz got on the board first with a massive Brian Butler dunk, they had their defensive problems early as rookie and ex Villanova (NCAA) big Dylan Painter scored twice inside and ex Utah (NCAA) guard Parker Van Dyke hit a step back jumper. But the EPG Baskets Koblenz didn’t waste anytime and finally got their versatile offense going taking a 8-0 run to gain their first lead 10-7. In the run Koblenz got support from Marvin Heckel (190-PG-1997), Moses Poelking, Brian Butler and Dominique Johnson with baskets. Johnson who played in the easyCredit BBL got his offense going and the Koblenz offense got into a groove. They also upped their physicality something that Trier wouldn’t be able to match in the first 3 quarters. Before anyone noticed the EPG Baskets Koblenz led 20-12 as their many scoring options came to full sprout as Heckel scored with his left hand and ex Temple (NCAA) diminutive guard Alani Moore who played at the 2016 Albert Schweitzer tournament in Mannheim who stands at 178cm hit back to back three’s. Even when Trier found ways to score with a Jonathan Almstedt dunk and Zeeb lay in to cut the Koblenz lead to 20-16, they were never able to get over the hump because the EPG Baskets always found ways to score to keep the lead. Johnson hit a trey while new Spaniard Alex Rubiera scored in transition and made a runner to give Koblenz the lead 28-21 after 10 minutes. ‘Both teams played very aggressive and this was Pro A level basketball. Both teams were taking many shots and playing fast as well. I felt the only problems we really had was on the boards. It was just little things’, stressed EPG Baskets Koblenz manager Thomas Klein.

In the second quarter, the EPG Baskets Koblenz continued to control the game and began rapidly going on a 7-2 run to lead 35-24. The team’s two best and most experienced players Marvin Heckel and Dominique Johnson continued to be an instant threat dropping two three’s. German big man Moses Poelking continued to be aggressive scoring inside getting a bullet pass from Brian Butler. In the last 2 years fans usually saw the pretty spin moves and double and triple teams that Butler defeated, but this season he suddenly has a passing and mid range game. ‘In the past we saw him play 1-1 mostly, but under Pat Elzie he has been able to front and make that good pass. All our bigs can pass the ball well. Brian also has improved his mid range game. He worked hard on it this summer’, commented Thomas Klein. Basketball is always a game of runs which the Romerstrom Gladiators showed with a 13-2 run and microwave session cast by Parker Van Dyke. He really got going using his high energy play nailing two three’s and making a lay in to dead lock the contest at 39-39. ‘Parker can flat out shoot the ball. I have always said that if you can shoot the ball then sky is the limit. Plus he can also create his own shot which is special at this level. I expect him to have the ball more in his hands this season as well as also guarding the other team’s good player’, expressed Jermaine Bucknor. The game of runs continued as the EPG Baskets Koblenz didn’t panic, but instead shoved a 10-3 run in the face of Trier taking the 49-42 advantage into half-time. ‘It continued to be a high quality game. We stepped up our defense. We made it a lot more difficult for Trier on offense. They had to work hard for each shot. Van Dyke kept them in the game. Without him, they would have been down by 15 points’, said Thomas Klein.

The EPG Baskets Koblenz came out of half-time fresh and continued to control the game. Alani Moore continued to show his combo guard skills scoring and also driving and kicking out something Koblenz had problems with last season as Nicholas Sperber made a shot as did Brian Butler. For Trier it was as usual Parker Van Dyke who scored 9 points in the first few minutes including two three’s, but they couldn’t make any ground as Koblenz still led 62-52. The EPG Baskets Koblenz have so many guys that can carry the team at any moment as Moore continued to score and make Kyrie like moves. Butler also got back into the scoring stat sheet with two baskets as Koblenz led comfortably 71-56. Trier had no answer for the physicality of Koblenz, but continued to fight and get good production from their key players like Garai Zeeb who hit back to back three’s, but Koblenz still led 71-62. Trier couldn’t make any ground in the last minutes as Marvin Heckel used his experience and smarts making a step back and getting to the free throw line twice resulting in 4 points. Ex Ehingen sniper Daniel Monteroso hit a late three, but the EPG Baskets Koblenz still led 77-67 after three quarters. ‘We were able to keep the lead because we were more aggressive and physical at both ends of the court’, added Thomas Klein. ‘We couldn’t match their physicality or our effort at the 50/50 balls. It is hard to win on the road if you can’t get the 50/50 balls. We also gave up too many offensive rebounds and turnovers’, said Jermaine Bucknor.

In the fourth quarter the EPG Baskets Koblenz lost their rhythm on offense and also didn’t have that high intensity anymore and lost their aggressiveness allowing the game to get exciting as the guests staged a big comeback. The Romerstrom Gladiators Trier began with an annoying 9-2 run to cut Koblenz’s lead to only 79-76. Surprisingly Parker Van Dyke didn’t figure in the scoring in the run, but moreover ex Bayreuth guard Nico Wenzl who came off the bench and gave valuable support with a three and lay in while Dylan Painter was a brute inside with a dunk and tip in. But the EPG Baskets Koblenz have so many weapons and guys that can produce at any time that they got valuable support from Heckel and Johnson who led them on a 8-0 run to extend their lead to 87-79. It seemed like the game had been decided, but the Romerstrom Gladiators Trier still had some gas in their tanks as they struck back with a 7-2 run to trail only 89-86. The guests got buckets from ex wiha Panther Till Isemann, a step back from Van Dyke and a huge trey from Luxemburg forward Alex Laurent. ‘We made more of an effort to get the loose balls. We took better care of the ball and got the defensive rebounds’, stated Jermaine Bucknor. With 1,11 to play Johnson stepped up with a difficult turn around shot for the 91-86 lead. Trier just kept coming back at Koblenz and responded with a massive in your face three pointer from Garai Zeeb to cut the lead of Koblenz to 91-89. With the seconds ticking down the EPG Baskets Koblenz could take care of the ball and coughed it over giving the Romerstrom Gladiators one last play to send the game into overtime or win it with a trey. Van Dyke had the last shot, having a great uncontested look, but the shot fell short. ‘ Parker has to knock that shot down. He will make it the next time. He will make that shot 9/10 times’, warned Jermaine Bucknor. ‘We stayed together. Everyone scored. The role guys did their job and our most important players took on responsibility when they needed to’, stressed Thomas Klein. The EPG Baskets Koblenz were led by Marvin Heckel with 22 points. Alani Moore added 20 points and Dominique Johnson 16 points while the Romerstrom Gladiators Trier were led by Parker Van Dyke with 23 points and Garai Zeeb added 15 points. The EPG Baskets Koblenz shot 57% form the field and 46% from outside and had 29 rebounds and 12 turnovers while the Romerstrom Gladiators Trier shot 52% from the field and 45% from outside and had 28 rebounds and 16 turnovers.

Even if basketball Germany was hypnotized by the Euro 2022 the last week by the refreshing and brilliant play of Germany beating top nations like France and Lithuania, the normal daily business of the game continues. easyCredit BBL teams are in the dog days of the pre season getting ready for the new season. The Fraport Skyliners are one of those clubs that not only wants to get back to old winning ways, but needs to. The last years have been brutal and this season the organization hopes that new head coach Geert Hammink will bring fresh wind to the club. The 2004 BBL champion kept a handful of German players, but also did something more unusual bringing in 2 Lithuanians and only 1 new American with JJ Frazier. As usual the identity figure and Skyliner lifer Quantez Robertson is on board for a 14th season. In their second exhibition game of the season, the team met the ambitious and talented Telekom Baskets Bonn who will give control to TJ Shorts who helped lead the Hakro Merlins Crailsheim on their magical season last season. On a cool Saturday night as summer seemed on it’s way out, the Telekom Baskets Bonn came to play and demonstrated for 40 minutes that at this time of pre season that they were already at a different and higher level than the Fraport Skyliners tearing them apart 95-67. The guests ended the first quarter with a nasty 13-2 run and from there on, Frankfurt couldn’t turn the game around always having to play catch up ball. After the game ex Crailsheim diminutive guard TJ Shorts who had a quiet scoring night with only 10 points was content about how his new team played. ‘Overall it was a good game for us. We try to play a fluid offense. We want to just play and not think and let the ball pop. We also played fast tonight. Our defense is our D & A. We have many guys that can play multiple positions. We set the tone and kept the intensity high. We want to keep getting better each day’, warned TJ Shorts. Fraport Skyliner legend Quantez Robertson who sported a short haircut and will turn 38 this December played only 18 minutes and came from the bench something he may have to get used to this season under new coach Geert Hammink was still positive despite losing by 28 points. ‘I felt that we did some good things tonight. We worked hard and showed some good ball movement. I think that we need to get more vocal and physical. We also have to rebound better’, stressed ex Auburn (NCAA) defensive pest Quantez Robertson.

The Fraport Skyliners were without 221cm giant Matt Haarms who was with team Holland at the 2022 Euro and new American point guard JJ Frazier. The first 5 minutes of the contest was a back and forth affair as there were 4 lead changes. The Fraport Skyliners showed their zeal of getting the ball inside early and new Lithuanian combo guard Lauryas Beliauskas did a good job bringing energy and showed his sniper qualities early nailing a trey. Bonn showed their smooth ball movement early on and also destroyed Frankfurt inside with their great inside duo of Kessens and Kratzer who scored but also sparkled with their facilitating with 7 assists combined in the game. The easyCredit BBL was also introduced to New Zealand player Finn Delaney who was a menace on both ends of the court as he hit a trey and scored in the paint. The guests ran away with the game leading 13-12, they closed out the first quarter with a forceful 13-2 run to lead 26-14 after 10 minutes. In the run, Bonn was led by Sebastian Herrera who brought a lot of energy scoring key baskets as well as solid production from Delaney and ex Warner Pacific College (NAIA) great Collin Malcolm. TJ Shorts was the perfect conductor not having to finish himself as his teammates were adding all the production. ‘Frankfurt played hard on the hedge which made me have to get rid of the ball. I just do whatever my team needs me to do to be successful’, warned TJ Shorts. Frankfurt showed early that their communication will have to improve vastly. ‘We had a lack of concentration. We gave up too many offensive rebounds and weren’t helping the helpers on the help side’, stated Quantez Robertson.

In the second quarter the Telekom Baskets Bonn continued to dictate the game as the Fraport Skyliners continued to play catch up ball and just couldn’t find an identity on defense. The guests raced out on a 11-5 run to extend their lead to 37-19. In the run, the Telekom Baskets Bonn continued to move the ball very well and got a lay in and three from Delaney, Kessens free throws and even a bucket from Shorts. If there is one thing that is a beauty to watch then it is the floater from TJ Shorts as he presented a swish to perfection. Frankfurt’s biggest problem in this run and in most phases of the 40 minutes was that they simply couldn’t match Bonn’s intensity. The Fraport Skyliners then had a good few minutes as they went on a 6-0 run to trail only 37-27. The run was capped off by a Robertson runner from the wing, a giant trey from ex FC Bayern Munich guard Joshua Obiesie and a Jordan Samare basket. But Frankfurt just couldn’t find any consistency something that also plagued them last season. A few good minutes was followed by a 10-4 Bonn run to extend their lead to 47-31. UK and ex Augusta University (NCAA2) great Deane Williams (203-PF-1996, college: Augusta) then made his presence with a massive alley -oop dunk coming form the wing. He would have 2 more crushing dunks. He finished with 13 points and had a big smile on his face after the win enjoying every dunk. ‘Dunks are a part of the game. It gets everyone going. I always try to finish strong. A dunk can change the whole outcome of a game. I like all my dunks’, said Deane Williams. Jordan Samare gave Frankfurt a spark in the last minute halting the Bonn run with a lay in, tip in and free throw as Frankfurt trailed 47-34 at the break. ‘Jordan played well with the minutes he got. He took shots when he needed to and fought very hard’, stated Quantez Robertson. The Telekom Baskets Bonn 25-15 rebound dominance and 12-6 offensive rebound lead played a big role in Frankfurt trailing at the break.

In the third quarter, both teams found their rhythm early as both teams combined for 50 points, but the Fraport Skyliners couldn’t afford a shoot out as that didn’t help them gain ground on the guests. Ex Alba Berlin guard Nolan Adekunle who has a double license with the Fraport Skyliners gave Frankfurt some microwave like energy with 7 points early showing his athleticism with 2 lay ins and sniper like qualities draining a deep trey, but Bonn always had an answer. Bonn countered with a Tadda trey and 2 baskets from Delaney as Bonn still led easily 56-44. A big difference on this night between both teams was that Bonn showed that many guys could carry the load on their shoulders and produce with efficiency and accuracy. Herrera came in and sunk back too back three’s while Malcolm did the same with lay ins. TJ Shorts continued to be like a spectator watching his teammates do the scoring while he just continued to conduct. Once in a while, he also wanted to get into the action and made a lay in with his brutal quickness and another pretty floater. Frankfurt had their moments with buckets from Obiesie, Alex Richardson and Robertson, but they just couldn’t make ground on the guests trailing 74-57 after 3 quarters. ‘Bonn continued to execute very well. We gave up too many fast break points and gave them too many easy open looks. We had good perimeter defense but didn’t help the helpers’, stated Quantez Robertson. ‘We focused on ourselves. When we are locked in at both ends, then were successful. We did a good job limiting our own mistakes’, expressed Quantez Robertson.

The Telekom Baskets Bonn didn’t let up in the fourth quarter and easily won the last 10 minutes 21-10. The Telekom Baskets Bonn didn’t waste any time ultimately deciding the game with an annoying 14-3 run to lead 88-60. In the run the guests did what they love to do and that is running. American Tyson Ward who is playing his second season with the Baskets and made a good impression in the Munich playoff series last season scored 3 transition baskets while Kessens scored twice including delivering a hard 1 hand dunk. German big man Leon Kratzer added a pretty floater and Herrera made a lay in. Skyliner combo guard Lauryas Beliauskas who disappeared a bit during the game, woke up at the end with 5 points, but Bonn’s athletic gem Deane Williams put a hard exclamation mark on the game with 7 points making another thunderous dunk to end the game. ‘He will be huge for our success. He is a freak athlete that can guard multiple positions. He is very versatile and gives us another dynamic when he is on the court’, stressed TJ Shorts. ‘We didn’t get tired in the fourth quarter. We didn’t rebound the ball well or take care of the ball. We got a good taste of a BBL team. We have to be more physical and limit our turnovers’, said Quantez Robertson. The Telekom Baskets Bonn offered 6 guys in double figures as they were led by Finn Delaney with 15 points. Sebastian Herrera added 14 points and Deane Williams added 13 points while the Fraport Skyliners were led by Joshua Obiesie with 15 points while Jordan Samare had 12 points. The Telekom Baskets Bonn shot 56% from the field and 32% from outside and had 38 rebounds and 15 turnovers while the Fraport Skyliners shot 44% from the field and 30% from outside and had 23 rebounds and 21 turnovers.

Jehyve Floyd (203-C-1997, college: Holy Cross) is a 25 year old 203cm center that is playing his fourth professional season and first with Galatasaray NEF Istanbul (Turkey-BSL). Last season he split time with Panathinaikos OPAP Athens (Greece-GBL) and Fenerbahce Beko Istanbul (Turkey-BSL playing a total of 24 Euroleague games. Two seasons ago he played with Hapoel Galil Gilboa (Israel-Winner League) averaging 11.4ppg, 7.4rpg, 1.9apg, Blocks-2 (1.7bpg), FGP-1 (74.2%), FT: 59.3%; and averaged 11.3ppg, 5.3rpg, 1.4apg, FGP: 66.2%, FT: 51.6% in the Balkan league. He played his rookie season with Larissa BC (Greece-A1) averaging 5.1ppg, 5.0rpg, Blocks-1 (2.2bpg), FGP: 65.1%, FT: 55.9%. He began his career with Sayreville High School and then played at Holy Cross (NCAA) from 2015-2019 playing a total of 121 NCAA games and averaged 12.9ppg, 6.1rpg, 3.5apg, 2.4bpg, FGP: 67.4%, FT: 47.9% in his senior year. He recently played NBA Summer League with the Phoenix Suns. He spoke to germanhoops.com earlier in the summer about basketball.

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

Hello! In a couple weeks I will be heading to Istanbul to start my fourth professional season with Galatasaray. It’s been a great journey so far and I’m excited where basketball is taking me.

We spoke last when you were with your first pro team MHP Riesen where you didn’t stay long. Has time flown by since summer 2019?

It has been night and day. I’ve been able to reflect and see how far I’ve come since then and the progress I’ve been able to make throughout my career.

Congrats on reaching the NBA Summer League team with the Phoenix Suns. Was this something like a dream for you to reach in your career?

For sure! It was a great experience someone can only dream of to be able to put an NBA jersey. I embraced the moment and it gave me confidence that I belonged there.

It seems like getting a NBA Summer League spot has a lot to do with the connections. How instrumental was your agency You First in making this become possible?

Very instrumental. Ever since I signed with them they have put me in great positions for exposure. They have great connections and people trust their clients talent.

You have signed with Galatasaray NEF Istanbul (Turkey-BSL) for next season. Do you have an NBA buy out? Do you feel like with your Euroleague experience reaching the NBA being realistic?

I felt like the next step after reaching the EuroLeague was the NBA so I went for it. Playing summer league was my first experience with the NBA so now I’ll have more eyes looking at me during the season.

In the NBA Summer League guys are playing for stats. What was your biggest goal? How did you want to present your game in Las Vegas?

I presented my game as if I was overseas. I’m the energy guy and brought toughness to the team so that’s how I approached the summer league.

Many teams have mostly rookies and guys with 1-2 professional experience. But Phoenix is one of those teams that like to bring in all kinds of players including guys with experience from overseas. How interesting was it reading this roster from top to bottom?

It was interesting to see so many guys I play against overseas but it was easy to gel together early because of the play styles.

Last season you split time for Euroleague teams Panathinaikos OPAP Athens (Greece-GBL) and with Fenerbahce Beko Istanbul (Turkey-BSL) playing atotal of 24 Euroleague games. I know there haven’t been many guys form the Patriot League play in the Euroleague. What did you enjoy most from playing Euroleague.

I think the level of competition was the best part. Playing tough teams every night brings out the best in you and I learned a lot during this past EuroLeague season giving me confidence to continue my career.

Despite averaging only 12 minutes in the Euroleague, what part of your game do you feel benefited most from the battles in the paint?

I think from a mental aspect knowing that you can battle with the best of them gives you inspiration to keep going and working hard.

What are your memories from playing with ex NBA and veteran Okaro White in Greece? What do you remember appreciating most about his game?

I loved his energy and love for basketball. His competitiveness inspired me.

During the Covid season you played with Hapoel Galil Gilboa (Israel-Winner League) averaging 11.4ppg, 7.4rpg, 1.9apg, Blocks-2 (1.7bpg), FGP-1 (74.2%), FT: 59.3%. Most guys that I talk to who have balled in Israel say it is one of the best places they have lived and played in. How was it for you?

Israel was a beautiful place and a pivotal time in my career. I loved it and would always love to go back. It gave me a home feel.

You played 6 times against top Euroleague team Maccabi Tel Aviv and held your own against them. What do you remember from these games and was your success against them your prof that you had arrived on the basketball map in Europe?

I think it propelled my career playing well against them every game. Beating them in game 2 in the finals was probably the best feeling as a young player. It felt like I’ve arrived into that caliber of play.

You had growing pains your rookie season playing for Larissa BC (Greece-A1) averaging 5.1ppg, 5.0rpg, Blocks-1 (2.2bpg), FGP: 65.1%, FT: 55.9%. what do you remember being your wake up call in Greece where you knew that you were very far away from home?

I think just how long it took for me to adjust. I wasn’t the strongest or best player anymore and had to work to get there. I could of quit but I had a vision of becoming one of the top players and used that to keep me going.

Larissa BC had many Americans. Do you feel like you got lost a bit in the shuffle?

No, because I was one of the Americans who stayed during the shuffle.

What kind of an experience was it playing together with 2008 NCAA champion and ex NBA player Brandon Rush who retired after that season? Did he show not only on the court but also off the court why he had what it took to have survived so long in the NBA?

He showed me how to be a professional and what goes on in the culture of the NBA. He was a great example.

Where do you rank Steph Curry now after his fourth NBA chip with the best point guards of all-time?

I’m not big on rankings but after his 4th chip he is up there for sure.

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

Haha I actually enjoyed the sequel as well.

Thanks Jehyve for the chat.

It was November 2014 as I was sitting in my chair commentating a Pro B game between the Fraport Skyliners Juniors and Lich and enjoying a tight game. It had been a little more than 4 months since Germany had won their 4th Football World Cup, Luka Doncic was relatively unknown and Patriots corner back Malcolm Butler was a few months away from helping New England win another Super Bowl and giving Rusell Wilson long nightmares about making the worst decision of his career. In this game as usual, Frankfurt had many young German talents on the floor and Lich did as well, but also 2 Americans that I would begin to accompany in their illustrious careers. The one player was a energetic guard named Jermale Jones who I had actually interviewed for the first time a season before and had done it twice, while on this evening, I was introduced to Elijah Allen (194-PF-1989, college: NW Missouri St.) a player that was slowly beginning to make his trek up the basketball ladder having played previously in the Regionalliga for the Giessen Pointers. The two Americans had to pay their dues their whole careers having played JUCO and NCAA 2 and on his night demonstrated their unique skills combining for 30 points and helping squeak out a 63-59 win on the road. Almost 8 years later, both guys have had great careers proving that it never matters where you played in school, but only what you bring on the court. Jones last played in Libya while Elijah Allen played his last game in May 2021 with Bochum and now officially has announced his retirement at age 32 playing 10 years of professional ball. He was unable to come up with how many times I have interviewed him over the years, but in 10 years, it was 13 times. It seems like it was just yesterday when we sat down and talked about basketball for the first time. ‘Time did fly by. I made sure to embrace it all along the way’, stressed Elijah Allen. For some guys deciding to hang it up can be a very difficult decision, but he was at peace with not continuing to play the game he loves despite knowing he could of still played. ‘For me it wasn’t a hard decision to retire. My business is going well and it made sense to stop. I could have pushed it a few more years but ultimately I don’t think It would be worth it to me’, added Elijah Allen. He didn’t play last season and one could of thought that Covid might have played a role. ‘Covid didn’t have a role at all. I had a few pro A/B offers and offers outside the country but chose to go a different route’, said Elijah Allen who viewed the sequel to the classic Coming To America and actually liked it.

Elijah Allen who believes that Steph Curry is the greatest point guard of all-time was born on September 18th, 1989 in Columbus, Ohio began his career at St. Francis de Sales High School where he left as the all-time leading scorer. He then embarked on a career at Northwest Missouri State University (NCAA2) from 2007-2011 playing a total of 103 games and won the 2008 MIAA title. His best statistical season was his junior year where he averaged 17.6ppg, 6.2rpg, 1.2spg, FG: 54.2%, FT: 78.4%. In his last 3 years in school he averaged 15,2ppg and 5.8rpg. His coach in the NCAA 2 Ben Mccullum was instrumental in him leaving school and going into his overseas challenge with the right frame of mind. Of course that and his Columbus upbringing never losing that chip on his shoulder also helped. ‘That’s just how we are bred from where I’m from. If you make it out of Columbus, Ohio then you feel everything is achievable. Ben showed me how to have a good work ethic and how to handle myself off the court. The values that he put in me I’ll keep forever’, stressed Elijah Allen. He then chose to go overseas and start a professional career in Ireland. For some Americans that first year is so vital, because they learn if they are cut out to play overseas. Many guys can’t handle it and rapidly speed back home and never return. That rookie season wasn’t easy for him, but he stuck it out remembering what his wake up call was to being far away from home. ‘The culture is just different. The food, the people, the way people dress, the language. Also not getting paid what your worth. The list can go on for days’, said Elijah Allen. He then moved to Germany and played 2 seasons for 4th division team Giessen Pointers (Regionalliga)playing a total of 51 games. It is no secret that in lower leagues overseas you play for peanuts, but once again he didn’t complain, but just remembered where he came from and that he had always had to pay his dues so why not again. He quickly made a name for himself averaging 16.4ppg, 5.0rpg, 1.0apg, 1.1spg in his first season and made a jump in his second season averaging 20.0ppg, 6.4rpg, 1.3apg, 1.4spg, FGP: 58.7%, 3PT: 30.7%, FT: 68.4%. In these 2 years he played for head coach Dejan Kostic who had the biggest impact of all coaches he ever played for overseas.

The Ohio native who lists Rob Nortman, Viktor Zyring, Killian Dietz, Justin Headly, and Robert Franklin as his best teammates of all-time continued to climb up the basketball ladder, but it went at a snail pace. But once again he took a long breath and just trusted and accepted the process. He continued to grind and get better and showed again that he could be a good player at the next level Pro B. He put on the Lich jersey for 2 seasons playing a total of 55 games averaging 10.4ppg, 4.1rpg, 1.5apg, FGP: 54.9%, 3PT: 20.0%, FT: 72.2% in his first season and 13.0ppg, 5.0rpg, 1.9apg, 1.4spg, FGP: 49.5%, 3PT: 36.2%, FT: 69.3% in his second season. It was here that he became teammates with Jermale Jones. Despite playing together for only 2 seasons, he still has contact to him today. He will never forget how he could take over games at any time. ‘Jermale was a good player and stayed humble. He definitely could score on any level’, remembered Elijah Allen. Later he would play 2 more seasons in the Pro B with Iserlohn and Bochum. He played a total of 91 Pro B games. He scored in double figures 59 games including exploding for 34 points against Saarlouis in a 100-95 win. He won the duel against Mr regionalliga Ricky Easterling who had 32 points He had other great Pro B gams with 28 points against Bochum and 26 points against Bernau. After 5 years of paying his dues, he made the next step again and played 3 seasons in the German basketball second division called Pro A. He began with Gotha where he played for head coach Chris Ensminger. The ex BBL champion gave him his first opportunity to play in the Pro A. It is fair to say that he enjoyed this season very much. ‘Talent wise I knew I could play on any level but having the opportunity that he gave me changed everything. I would say moving Gotha to the BBL was my fondest moment. Many things happened off the court and that made everything bitter sweet’, remembered Elijah Allen. He was in his prime during his Pro A time, but he didn’t make the next step to the first league BBL. To be able to play so long not only requires determination, will and always grinding, but you also need self-confidence. Having that definatley allowed him to get as far as he did even if he never did get to the BBL. ‘I was missing nothing from reaching the BBL. Of course there was room to always get better but as far as missing definitely not. Could handle, shoot, guard different positions and was a good teammate. Everytime playing a higher level club I showed it also. I had my opportunities to go to the BBL but did not take them due to personal reasons’, warned Elijah Allen. In 100 Pro A games, he scored in double figures in 33 games and scored 18 points against Trier, Ehingen and Artland.

The forward who ranks Chris Hooper, Jaleen Smith, Rasheed More, Robert Ohle, and Ricky Easterling as his toughest opponents of all-time now is already in full swing with life after competing as a professional player. Currently he is in Amsterdam, Holland working a camp with DBX. In the last years he had already gotten a feel with what he would do with his life after playing, so the transition has been a smooth one. ‘I run @progressyourgame trainings for kids and pros and will start up another summer league next summer. I will not do it full time. I have a video business filming things and will continue to travel to different countries teaching basketball’, stated Elijah Allen. He never got anything given to him in his career, but he had to work hard every day for everything he got. It is no surprise that his attitude is one where he will never forget exactly how much sweat and pain he had to endure to reach his goals and attain such a long career. One can also see that he must of endured some painful hardships along the way as well with people. ‘I am a to myself kind of person so I would say I had the biggest influence on my career. No one had an influence on me staying. After every season you build relationships with people and they fall out because of distance. Keeping my head and focusing on my own goals kept me achieving my personal goals. For me I don’t really care what people think. Everyone will have their own opinion. I gave my all to the sport and I did that for me. I pushed my teammates to get better and left my all on the floor. I’m leaving the game with no regrets’, remembered Elijath Allen. I will always remember him as being a real fighter and warrior who had a huge heart and always left everything on the floor. We had a very professional working relationship. I was always content when he took the time and patience to answer all my question which were never short. The mutual respect will always be there. ‘Thanks for that Miles. I will remember you as someone who took his job seriously and gave people a voice to be able to tell their unique story’, commented Elijah Allen. All the best for you in the next chapter in your life. I hope that our paths cross again one day as usual probably in a gym.

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Tags : ELIJAH ALLEN, VFL SPARKASSENSTARS BOCHUM, GERMAN BASKETBALL